2026 Draft: Way-too-early mock
Mock master Jeremy Bissett gets an early jump on the 2026 draft.
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It’s the middle of May, which means two things: baseball’s in full swing, and everyone who loves football is feeling that familiar gnawing void. Sure, the chalk on a diamond field, finding the surprise in a Cracker Jack box, and a good brewski are nice, but nothing quite fills the gap like peeking way too early into the NFL’s future. With the release of the 2025 schedule, fans finally have something to chew on — a map of the season ahead, long before the first snap.
So, what does it all mean for your team? Below, you’ll find a chart breaking down projected wins and losses for all 32 clubs, plus an early look at how the playoff picture might shake out. It’s way too soon for certainty, but that’s never stopped Bissett before. According to the numbers, the New Orleans Saints look poised to grab the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tough break, NOLA.
And at the other end of the spectrum? That shiny No. 32 selection, reserved for the Super Bowl 60 champs, is heading to Buffalo, where reigning MVP Josh Allen and the Bills are early favorites to take it all.
Let’s get into the numbers, the surprises, and what it could mean for next April. Here’s your first look at how the season—and the 2026 NFL Draft—might unfold.
*Chart below: Green Wins, Pink Losses. Click to expand for a closer look.
Way too early first-round mock:
1. New Orleans Saints (2-15): Garrett Nussmeier,LSU, QB, 6015, 200, 4.74, rSr
It may be enticing for Arch Manning to come out early with the Saints on the clock. However, if he doesn’t, staying in state and grabbing LSU’s Nussmeier will be the Saints’ best option. He’s shown flashes of No. 1 overall pick potential when he’s on, and his flexible arm and clean footwork should help jumpstart a Saints offense looking for a new face of the franchise.
2. Indianapolis Colts (3-14): Drew Allar, Penn State, QB, 6046, 235, 4.72, Sr
The Colts take Allar, a physically imposing quarterback with prototypical size (6-5, 235) and a cannon for an arm. Allar is a blue-chip prospect who fits well in a vertical passing system and, with proper development, could thrive as a franchise centerpiece.
3. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13): Francis Mauigoa, Miami, OT, 6056, 315, 4.94, Jr
Las Vegas addresses the trenches with Mauigoa, a tackle blessed with physical tools and loaded with potential. He’s shown dramatic development at Miami, excelling in pass protection and run-blocking, which fills a big need for the Raiders’ offensive line.
4. New York Jets (4-13): Harold Perkins Jr., LSU, ER, 6005, 225, 4.43, Sr
The Jets inject elite speed and versatility into their defense with Perkins Jr., an explosive edge rusher with an enticing blend of athleticism and range. He’s a bit undersized, but his ability to disrupt plays all over the field makes him a potential star in Aaron Glenn’s system.
5. Los Angeles Rams (Via ATL 5-12): Caleb Downs, Ohio State, FS, 5116, 205, 4.49, Jr
Downs, widely regarded as one of the best safeties in the nation, has no real weaknesses in his game. His elite instincts, coverage skills and ability to make plays all over the field give the Rams a versatile chess piece on the back end.
6. Chicago Bears (5-12): Tyreak Sapp, Florida, ER, 6025, 275, 4.79, rSr
Chicago keeps building its defensive front with Tyreak Sapp, a powerful edge rusher who excels against both the run and the pass. Sapp’s positional versatility and explosive first step make him a disruptive force, and he’s expected to lead Florida’s defense in 2025.
7. Minnesota Vikings (5-12): Nicholas Singleton, Penn State, RB, 6001, 226, 4.38, Sr
Singleton gives Minnesota a home run hitter in its backfield. The Nittany Lion has been clocked at a blazing 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. He is an explosive, three-down back with elite speed and receiving skills, giving the Vikings a dynamic weapon in both the run and pass game.
8. New York Giants (5-12): Mansoor Delane, LSU, CB, 6010, 187, 4.42, Sr
Delane is prized as a high-IQ, physical corner who brings smooth coverage skills and a calm presence to a secondary. Delane’s experience and ability to match up with any receiver should help stabilize Big Blue’s pass defense.
9. Tennessee Titans (5-12): Sonny Styles, Ohio State, ER, 6036, 235, 4.38, Sr
Styles brings exceptional size and freakish athleticism to the edge defender role. He has played both safety and linebacker at Ohio State, and his range and physicality will bolster an NFL team’s defense against both the run and pass.
10. Arizona Cardinals (6-11): Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State, WR, 6010, 195, 4.52, rJr
Arizona stays local by picking Tyson, a breakout star in 2024 who posted over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns, before an injury cut his year short. Tyson’s reliable hands and explosive production give the Cardinals a much-needed playmaker, though his durability will be something to keep an eye on.
11. Cleveland Browns (6-11): Kadyn Proctor, Alabama, OT, 6062, 369, 5.36, Jr
Proctor is expected to help fortify the Browns’ offensive line. He is a massive, physically dominant tackle, who’s been projected as a possible top-five pick. Proctor’s strength and run-blocking prowess make him a potential cornerstone on the edge.
12. New England Patriots (6-11): Peter Woods, Clemson, DT, 6026, 315, 4.97, Jr
At this point, Woods projects as one of the most adaptable and disruptive defensive linemen going into the 2026 Draft. His ability to play inside and out, combined with his elite strength and quickness, will give the Patriots a lineman who can cause havoc on all three downs.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-11): Cade Klubnik, Clemson, QB, 6022, 210, 4.74, Sr
Pittsburgh bets on Klubnik, a former five-star recruit and dual-threat quarterback who possesses potential as a long-time NFL starter. Klubnik’s athleticism, improved mechanics and playoff experience means the Steelers acquire a solid signal-caller with a high ceiling.
14. Carolina Panthers (7-10): CJ Allen, Georgia, OLB, 6013, 235, 4.67, Jr
Allen, one of college football’s most productive linebackers, brings sideline-to-sideline speed and terrific tackling ability. An outstanding athlete, Allen’s been a difference-maker for Georgia’s defense since his freshman year.
15. Cleveland Browns (Via Jax 7-10): Xavier Scott, Illinois, CB, 5111, 190, 4.52, Sr
Scott is an intelligent and competitive defensive back, able to play both outside and in the slot. His football IQ and positional flexibility should help him see the field early, even in Cleveland’s crowded DB room.
16. San Francisco 49ers (7-10): Sullivan Absher, Notre Dame, OT, 6056, 321, 5.26, rSo
Looking to reinforce the trenches, San Francisco takes Absher, a powerful, athletic lineman who excels in run-blocking and plays with great balance. His quick feet and ability to get to the second level make him a natural fit for San Francisco’s zone-heavy run scheme.
17. Dallas Cowboys (9-8): T.J. Parker, Clemson, DE, 6031, 265, 4.64, Jr
Parker hopes to build off a dominant 2024 season, when he posted 11 sacks and six forced fumbles. Parker moves smoothly for his size, and showcases active hands along with the ability to win both with speed and power. Dallas hopes Parker will be the perfect bookend opposite All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons.
18. Miami Dolphins (9-8): Carnell Tate, Ohio State, WR, 6021, 191, 4.48, Jr
Tate gives Miami’s already potent passing attack a power boost. A former five-star recruit, Tate can do a bit of everything: savvy route-running, strong hands and a willingness to block on the edge. At 6’3”, he brings a physical presence to what has been an undersized Miami receiving corps, and will give Tua another reliable weapon.
Playoff picture prediction: Allen vs. Hurts Super Bowl?
19. Denver Broncos (10-7): Spencer Fano, Utah, OT, 6045, 304, 4.97, Jr
Fano is an athletic, technically sharp tackle out of Utah who started as a freshman and held his own against Pac-12 pass rushers. Denver’s O-line has been shaky for years, so adding a young, nimble protector for Bo Nix is the logical move.
20. Green Bay Packers (10-7): Avieon Terrell, Clemson, CB, 5112, 180, 4.49, Jr
Terrell, a sticky cover corner from Clemson, brings quick feet and aggressiveness in man coverage. Green Bay needs to shore up its secondary after injuries and free agent departures, and Terrell’s upside makes him an intriguing fit for their defense.
21. Houston Texans: (10-7): DJ Campbell, Texas, OG, 6025, 330, 5.16, Sr
Campbell is a powerful, experienced guard from Texas, who’s handled SEC-level competition. The Texans’ offensive line still needs more physicality inside to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud and to open up running lanes, so Campbell fills a real need.
22. Seattle Seahawks (11-6): Rueben Bain Jr., Miami, DE, 6025, 275, 4.72, Jr
Bain has been a breakout pass rusher at Miami, flashing relentless energy off the edge. Seattle’s defense is always looking for juice up front, and Bain’s knack for gumming up plays fits the Seahawks’ pressurized style.
23. Los Angeles Chargers (12-5): Bryce Lance, NDST, WR, 6022, 204, 4.54, rSr
Lance is a big, reliable target from North Dakota State who’s shown strong hands and good route running. With the Chargers retooling their receiver group, adding a dependable possession guy like Lance gives Justin Herbert another trustworthy option.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-5): Malachi Fields, Notre Dame, WR, 6035, 220, 4.49, rSr
Fields boasts NFL size and solid speed. The Bucs may be looking for a physical complement to their current receivers, and to groom the big-bodied Fields as Mike Evans’ replacement.
25. Los Angeles Rams (12-5): LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina, QB, 6023, 242, 4.60, rSo
Sellers is a toolsy, strong-armed quarterback who demonstrated big-play ability as a Gamecock. The Rams are planning for life after Stafford, and Sellers’ upside makes him a developmental pick with real intrigue.
26. Cincinnati Bengals (13-4): Christen Miller, Georgia, DT, 6036, 305, 5.12, rJr
Miller is a stout, gap-plugging defensive tackle who helps to anchor Georgia’s loaded defense. Cincinnati needs more beef and athleticism inside to help their run defense and keep pressure off their edge rushers, making Miller a sensible choice.
27. Baltimore Ravens (13-4): Parker Brailsford, Alabama, C, 6020, 290, 5.04, rJr
Brailsford, a tough, mobile center who transferred to Alabama, fits the Ravens’ physical, run-heavy identity. With questions at center, his quickness and intelligence would help Baltimore’s offense stay on schedule.
28. Detroit Lions (13-4): Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State, OG, 6031, 348, 5.48, rJr
Ioane is a massive, nasty guard with experience clearing lanes in the Big Ten. Detroit loves to build from the inside out, and can expect Ioane to help keep their powerful run game humming and protect Jared Goff.
29. Washington Commanders (14-3): David Bailey, Texas Tech, DE, 6026, 250, 4.73, Sr
Bailey is a high-motor edge rusher who has produced consistently at Texas Tech. He adds youth and explosiveness to a unit in transition.
30. Kansas City Chiefs (14-3): Anthony Hill Jr., Texas, ILB, 6025, 235, 4.52, Jr
Hill is a rangy, athletic linebacker from Texas who excels in space and can blitz or cover. The Chiefs’ defense could use more speed at the position, and Hill’s skill set should fit Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme.
31. Philadelphia Eagles (13-4): Bud Clark, Texas Christian, FS, 6016, 185, 4.50, rSr
Clark is a ball-hawking free safety with impressive instincts. The Eagles rebuilt their back end a season ago, taking two corners who contributed mightily to the charge to a Super Bowl title. With Clark, they plan to upgrade the middle of their secondary.
32. Buffalo Bills (12-5): Keon Sabb, Alabama, SS, 6010, 206, 4.56, rJr
Sabb is a big, physical safety who brings toughness in run support. The Bills lost veteran DBs, and Sabb’s physicality and SEC pedigree make sense at the end of the first round.