It would be a colossal shock if it were anyone but Mendoza here at #1 overall. The Raiders aren't allowed to say ahead of time who they're going to pick, but it's been obvious for some time now.
Potential trade-back spot for a team wanting to move up for an EDGE rusher. Right offensive tackle is a spot that Mauigoa could fill right away for the Cardinals.
Styles had a tremendous showing at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and would be a great addition to the Giants on defense. He's a safety/linebacker hybrid who could be used in a variety of ways.
Lemon had a great 2025 season at Southern Cal. There are conflicting whispers about where certain teams value Lemon, but he would seem to fill a major need for the Saints.
McCoy missed the entire 2025 season with a knee injury, but he had an outstanding showing in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee's pro day and looks to be back to full health.
There are widespread rumors that the Cowboys are looking to trade up from here. Bain is a ferocious pass rusher who really shined in 2025 for the Miami Hurricanes. Arm length is a concern, but Bain has a tremendous motor and the size to be effective against the run.
There are some who believe Tyson's injury history will cause him to slide on night one. Others note that Tyson's tremendous playmaking ability will be tough for WR-needy teams to pass up.
Baltimore had been slated to send this pick to Las Vegas as part of the nixed Maxx Crosby trade. Many evaluators see Ioane as one of the safest prospects in the draft, offensive line or otherwise.
Sadiq had a very impressive showing at the NFL Combine, to the point that he could be gone well before this spot. Keep in mind that the Jets have three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Proctor is a massive prospect with overwhelming size and strength to go with the athleticism to play guard at the NFL level. If the Lions like Proctor as much as some believe, the expectation is that Detroit would want him to play tackle.
Thieneman ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. I knew he was fast from watching his game video from Purdue and Oregon, but even that surprised me. He'd be a perfect fit for Minnesota at a need position.
Carolina starting left offensive tackle Ickey Ekwonu suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee this past January. Fano has the flexibility to fill multiple offensive line roles, but it's easy to see where he'd be able to help the Panthers in 2026.
McDonald is a stout interior defender with natural leverage and the strength to occupy multiple blockers. His capacity to pressure quarterbacks as an interior defensive lineman makes him an intriguing prospect.
Still seen somewhat as a work in progress, Freeling had an outstanding showing at the NFL Combine. Cleveland is rumored to be particularly interested in Freeling.
While there are plenty of options for the Bears at offensive line and defensive line, McNeil-Warren is a tall safety (6'3 1/2") with a wide wingspan and the capacity to impact the game near the line of scrimmage.
Buffalo traded its 2026 second-round selection as part of the deal with Chicago to acquire WR DJ Moore. Mesidor is 25 years old and thus he'd seem to be the best fit for a team with a serious chance to contend for a championship in 2026.
This would likely be different if the Chiefs select an EDGE rusher at #9. Some have faded Howell due to arm length, but his strong production as a pass rusher for the Aggies in 2025 has kept Howell in first-round consideration.
I'm not fond of projecting trades in mocks, but some people in the know believe the Cardinals will look to trade up from #34 to get Simpson.
Part of the reason for trading up is because the fifth-year team option only applies to first-round selections. This would be similar to what the New York Giants did last year, trading with Houston for the #25 pick to select QB Jaxson Dart.
