April 22, 2026 — by James Fedewa

This is my fifth and final mock draft of the 2026 season, and it reflects a class that feels more steady and sturdy, versus spectacular. There are not too many true blue-chip prospects, and the ones that do stand out play positions that NFL teams don’t always prioritize early—one running back, two inside linebackers, and a safety—which makes projecting the board a bit more challenging. Because of that, this mock leans into safer, more foundational picks rather than big swings, with a few calculated reaches based on team needs and positional value. Compared to earlier versions, there are some late adjustments—especially along the defensive line, where the depth has thinned out—but overall this is a grounded, realistic projection built on months of trends, team behavior, and roster construction.

1. Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana) – Raiders
A bit of a “goofy nerd” at quarterback—in the best way. Mendoza processes quickly, sees everything, and just quietly picks defenses apart.

2. Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State) – Jets
An absolute strength freak and tone-setter. Reese plays like a heat-seeking missile and brings serious pop to every tackle.

3. Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami FL) – Cardinals
Once he gets his hands on you, it’s over—his grip just swallows defenders. Elite traits with the ability to completely control reps.

4. David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech) – Titans
“Dandy dippy” off the edge—pure juice as a pass rusher. He’s twitchy, explosive, and built to hunt quarterbacks.

5. Jeremiah Love (RB, Notre Dame) – Giants
A home run waiting to happen every time he touches the ball. One cut, gone—instant offense.

6. Spencer Fano (OT, Utah) – Browns
A true jack-of-all-trades on the line with fantastic feet. You can plug him anywhere on the O-Line and feel great about it.

7. Sonny Styles (ILB, Ohio State) – Commanders
Big, fast, and physical—right in the middle of everything. He’s the kind of defender offenses have to account for every snap. Green-Dotter

8. Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State) – Saints
An elite athlete with bounce, body control, and smooth route running. Only question is durability, but the talent is undeniable. The Saints focus on their offense a little bit more even though defensive line might be a bigger need.

9. Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU) – Chiefs
Another LSU DB who just feels like he’ll be a dude. Competitive, confident, and built for big moments. I feel that the Chiefs really need to focus on the right tackle or Edge but CB1 is the exception

10. Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) – Giants
Might be the best player in this entire draft. Standard size, sure—but he was the engine of a loaded defense and does everything at a high level.

11. Rueben Bain (EDGE, Miami FL) – Dolphins
Flat-out the most intimidating player in this class. Power, attitude, and presence—you feel him before you even see him.

12. Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama) – Cowboys
A massive human being who somehow moves like a much smaller athlete. Quick, powerful, and flashes real burst.

13. Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State) – Rams
Slides a bit here, but he’s a perfect high-end WR2. He’ll thrive alongside a guy like Puka Nacua in that offense.

14. Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon) – Ravens
Feels like Baltimore adds a pass catcher to mix things up. They can grab offensive guard later—this gives them a different offensive dimension.

15. Olaivavega Ioane (IOL, Penn State) – Buccaneers
Strong, nasty, and built for the trenches. He brings a tone-setting mentality inside.

16. Makai Lemon (WR, USC) – Jets
Quick, electric, and dangerous after the catch. He adds instant juice to the offense.

17. Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia) – Lions
Long, athletic, and fits exactly what Detroit wants up front. Another piece to keep that line elite.

18. Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn) – Vikings
Traits, traits, traits. The upside here is real if it all comes together.

19. Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon) – Panthers
A natural playmaker on the back end. Always around the ball and making things happen.

20. Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, UCF) – Cowboys
Kind of came out of nowhere, but the tools are legit. He’s explosive and a real threat off the edge.

21. Blake Miller (OT, Clemson) – Steelers
“Steady Eddie.” Doesn’t miss games, technically sound, and just gets the job done.

22. Peter Woods (DL, Clemson) – Chargers
A pass-rush/ run stuff combo who can line up anywhere. He’s got enough twitch to create pressure and fits perfectly into a rotation. During passing Downs he’s definitely the interior rusher they need

23. Max Iheanachor (OT, Arizona State) – Eagles
Big, powerful, and exactly the kind of mold Philly loves to develop. Tons of upside here.

24. Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana) – Browns  solid frame, strong hands, and wins in traffic. A nice complement piece with red-zone value.

25. T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson) – Bears
Productive and technically polished. He upgrades the pass rush right away.

26. Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami FL) – Bills
Versatile piece who can line up all over. Brings flexibility and disruption to the front.

27. Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah) – 49ers
Physical and built for the run game. Feels like a natural fit in that system.

28. Emmanuel Pregnon (IOL, Oregon) – Texans
Strong, athletic, and reliable inside. Helps solidify the core of that offensive line.

29. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo) – Chiefs
A versatile, do-it-all safety. He adds depth and flexibility to a smart defense.

30. Denzel Boston (WR, Washington) – Dolphins
Extremely underrated and about to get fed. In Miami, he could rack up targets and make a big impact.

31. Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri) – Patriots
Athletic and intriguing with upside to grow into more. Feels like a classic New England type of pick.

32. Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State) – Seahawks
Physical, competitive, and built for Seattle’s style. He fits what they want at corner.