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.
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.
While the Browns have some flexibility with two first-round selections in this year's draft, the late whispers strongly suggest offensive tackle will be the target here.
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.
A pure safety hasn't gone in the top 10 of the NFL Draft since 2016, but Downs in a special talent with incredible read-and-react capability. If he does make it to #11, Downs would be a good fit for the rebuilding Dolphins.
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.
Baltimore had been slated to send this pick to Las Vegas as part of the nixed Maxx Crosby trade. This is lower than where many recent projections have slated Mauigoa.
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.
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.
