Get ready for some NFL draft excitement! We're diving into Daniel Jeremiah's 2026 mock draft, and it's a doozy. With the NFL Scouting Combine just around the corner, this is your second glimpse into Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The league is buzzing with anticipation, especially about the edge rusher and wide receiver prospects. But here's where it gets controversial: will we see two quarterbacks drafted in Round 1? Jeremiah's mock draft predicts only one, but the Alabama QB Ty Simpson is a hot topic, with many believing he has the most to gain leading up to the draft. Stay tuned, as the draft landscape is about to shift!
Pick 1:
The Raiders have found their quarterback, and they're pairing him with coach Klint Kubiak. It's a match made in heaven, considering Mendoza's skill set aligns perfectly with Kubiak's scheme.
Pick 2:
The Jets have the first pick of the draft's finest edge rushers. Bailey's explosive and productive combination is the best of the bunch, giving the Jets a much-needed boost.
Pick 3:
Mauigoa steps in at right tackle, upgrading an offensive line that desperately needed some help.
Pick 4:
Bain's temperament and playing style are a perfect fit alongside Jeffery Simmons. They share a similar approach to the game, creating a formidable duo.
Pick 5:
The Giants are adding another weapon for Jaxson Dart. Tate brings vertical receiving skills, providing a much-needed opposite to the hopefully-healthy Malik Nabers.
Pick 6:
The Browns are hoping one of the top offensive tackles is still available at pick 6. They snag Fano, who is ready to start from day one.
Pick 7:
Reese brings explosiveness and versatility to Washington. He might be a bit of a wildcard, having split time between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, but his upside is undeniable.
Pick 8:
The Saints are boosting Tyler Shough's receiving corps with the addition of Lemon. Kellen Moore will know exactly how to utilize Lemon's skills, creating an exciting offensive dynamic.
Pick 9:
Patrick Mahomes finally gets his elite running back in Love. If defenses continue to play conservatively against the Chiefs, Love will make them pay.
Pick 10:
Cincinnati stays local with this pick, adding consistency and structure to their defense with Downs.
Pick 11:
The Dolphins are retooling their defense, and with Rasul Douglas, Jack Jones, and Kader Kohou heading to free agency, they land the best cornerback in the draft.
Pick 12:
The Cowboys are addressing their pass rush and secondary issues. With a perceived drop-off at cornerback after McCoy, they go for the position here.
Pick 13:
The Rams are following the Seahawks' lead with Nick Emmanwori, who had a successful rookie year. McNeil-Warren brings playmaking abilities and range to boost the struggling pass defense. He joins Kamren Kinchens and Quentin Lake to form a solid safety trio.
Pick 14:
Baltimore is searching for a complement to Zay Flowers, and Tyson provides the new coaching staff with more offensive firepower.
Pick 15:
Styles is rated higher than 15th in Jeremiah's prospect rankings, but not all teams value off-ball linebackers equally. Styles can step in if Lavonte David doesn't return.
Pick 16:
Despite the Jets' need for a quarterback, Jeremiah doesn't see a QB worthy of the 16th pick. Instead, they take the best available player, Ioane, who is the top offensive lineman in the draft. Ioane can fill the void left by injury-prone Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson, who are headed to free agency.
Pick 17:
Parker had a disappointing 2025 season, but he bounced back at the Senior Bowl, climbing draft boards once again.
Pick 18:
Thieneman's impressive 2025 tape at Oregon caught Jeremiah's eye, and after revisiting his Purdue career, it's clear his range and playmaking skills were evident early on. He'd be an excellent replacement for Harrison Smith.
Pick 19:
Faulk's versatility allows him to rush from the inside and outside. Pairing him with Nic Scourton gives Carolina some fresh legs up front.
Pick 20:
The Cowboys draft a cornerback at 12, and now they nab an edge rusher. Mesidor's age might be a concern, but his dominance during Miami's College Football Playoff run can't be ignored. However, if the Chiefs offer a trade for Trent McDuffie, the Cowboys could solve their secondary issues instantly.
Pick 21:
Boston is a perfect fit for the Steelers, who would have two power forwards on the outside with the rookie playing opposite DK Metcalf.
Pick 23:
Even if Lane Johnson decides to delay retirement, the Eagles would still be happy to have his eventual replacement on the roster.
Pick 24:
This draft is a huge success for the Browns if they land two starting offensive linemen, as they do here with Freeling joining Spencer Fano. If Dawand Jones stays healthy, Fano could even play inside.
Pick 25:
Teams have varying opinions on this year's defensive tackles, but Woods is likely the most explosive of the bunch, bringing some much-needed juice to the interior.
Pick 27:
Hunter can hold his own against the run and showed glimpses of his pass-rushing potential at the Senior Bowl. Recent Super Bowl winners have utilized a rotation of defensive linemen, and Hunter joins 2025 draft picks Alfred Collins and CJ West to form a talented young trio.
Pick 28:
Lomu pairs with Aireontae Ersery to give the Texans young bookends to build their offensive line around.
Pick 29:
The Rams double down on the secondary in Round 1, as free agency threatens to deplete their DB depth. McNeil-Warren and Hood are both ballhawks, ready to make an impact.
Pick 30:
Denver finds a replacement for Alex Singleton, who is headed to free agency. Allen steps in as a steady and reliable player at the nerve center of their talented defense.
Pick 31:
Young is an excellent fit for Mike Vrabel's defense. He's a big, rugged edge rusher who dominated the Senior Bowl, winning Defensive MVP honors.
Pick 32:
Seattle drafts insurance for Rashid Shaheed, who could depart in free agency. Concepcion brings speed and dynamism to the offense, having returned two punts for touchdowns in 2025.
And there you have it! Jeremiah's mock draft has something for everyone, from quarterback debates to defensive line rotations. What do you think of these picks? Are there any teams you think could shake things up? Let's discuss in the comments!
