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Pre Combine Mock Draft 2026

Tuesday, February 24, 2026SAKFootball

First Round · 32 Picks

Pre Combine Mock Draft 2026

With the combine still ahead, here's a full first-round projection based on film, team needs, and pre-draft buzz. Expect plenty of movement once testing numbers are in.

1
Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza

IndianaQB

6'5" | 225 lbs

Fernando is by far the most polished quarterback in this class. The Raiders need a franchise quarterback and Mendoza is their guy.

2
New York Jets

New York Jets

Caleb Downs

Ohio StateS

6'0" | 205 lbs

The Jets have taken safeties high in the draft before and they strike again with Downs. He has been one of the best defenders in the country since he was a freshman playing for Nick Saban at Alabama. He's best playing in the box and is a tremendous leader and culture setter for a franchise.

3
Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals

Jeremiyah Love

Notre DameRB

6'0" | 214 lbs

Love is a super talented back that has great receiving upside as well. He can be a weapon out of the slot and provides a huge boost over an aging James Conner and Trey Benson. Insanely fast and can score on any play.

4
Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans

Rueben Bain Jr.

MiamiDL

6'3" | 275 lbs

Newly signed head coach Robert Salah chooses to upgrade the defense with Rueben Bain. He has inside-outside versatility and can create havoc on every down. Every down defender who can become a superstar.

5
New York Giants

New York Giants

Sonny Styles

Ohio StateLB

6'4" | 243 lbs

Sonny Styles is one of my favorite players in this class. He is a former safety who is now one of the best tacklers in the nation. He had one missed tackle all season and has the potential to be one of the best players in the league.

6
Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns

Jordyn Tyson

Arizona StateWR

6'2" | 200 lbs

The Browns make it two receivers in a row with Tyson out of Arizona State. For me, Tyson has the highest ceiling and will instantly help Shedeur elevate the offense. He is electrifying after the catch and makes spectacular catches weekly. He can score every play.

7
Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders

David Bailey

Texas TechDL

6'3" | 250 lbs

David Bailey has gotten a lot of hype as the offseason has gone on. He was tied for the lead in sacks this season and has insane burst off the edge. He can win very quickly however his size makes you question what kind of run defender he will be. Has high potential.

8
New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints

Carnell Tate

Ohio StateWR

6'3" | 195 lbs

Tate has the highest floor out of all the receivers in this class for me. He can run every route, wins contested catches and has over the top capabilities. He can be the next great Ohio State receiver.

9
Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs

Jermod McCoy

TennesseeCB

6'0" | 193 lbs

McCoy is the best corner in this class but he missed the entire season with an ACL tear. His 2024 tape was phenomenal however, and he has great potential.

10
Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals

Arvell Reese Jr.

Ohio StateLB

6'4" | 243 lbs

The Bengals take Reese and clearly believe in his pass rushing abilities. He started the season strong but fell off and didn't have any sacks in the last few games. This was his first season as a full time edge so his best football may be ahead of him.

11
Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins

Mansoor Delane

LSUCB

6'1" | 185 lbs

Great man corner who transferred from Virginia Tech. He has good technique and locked down SEC receivers all season. Dolphins fill their biggest need.

12
Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys

Caleb Banks

FloridaDL

6'6" | 325 lbs

Banks dominated in the Senior Bowl and has huge potential based on his size. He offers great pass rushing abilities for someone as big as him and is a monster in the run game.

13
Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams

Francis Mauigoa

MiamiOT

6'6" | 315 lbs

My OT1. He is a mauler in the run game and doesn't allow pressures. I think he'll have no problem staying out at tackle in the NFL. Will be essential in keeping Stafford healthy this season.

14
Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

Olaivavega Ioane

Penn StateOL

6'4" | 328 lbs

The best interior lineman in the class. He moves people at will and fills a huge need for the Ravens on the offensive line. He allowed 0 sacks this past season and is a day 1 starter.

15
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

T.J. Parker

ClemsonDL

6'3" | 260 lbs

Hoped to see a better season from Parker but I still believe in his potential as an every down player in the league. He is one of the few edges left with ability to impact run and pass.

16
New York Jets

New York Jets

Makai Lemon

USCWR

5'11" | 195 lbs

Tremendous athleticism for his size. He knows how to read defenders blind spots and get himself wide open. Similar type receiver to JSN and Amon Ra. Has great potential.

17
Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions

Cashius Howell

Texas A&MDL

6'2" | 248 lbs

He is a great pass rusher but that may be all he is at the next level. His size may limit his every down potential but his pass rushing traits are elite.

18
Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings

Peter Woods

ClemsonDL

6'3" | 310 lbs

Woods has looked like a first rounder since he was a freshman. Has great potential but has slipped down boards after a down year. He can offer upside in both the pass and run game so the Vikings take a swing.

19
Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers

Spencer Fano

UtahOL

6'5" | 305 lbs

Panthers need offensive line help and Fano is great value here. He is an immediate starter on the line and can move inside to guard if need be.

20
Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys

Avieon Terrell

ClemsonCB

5'11" | 180 lbs

Undersized corner but plays super physical and great technique. Had five forced fumbles this season and it's no accident. He has mastered the peanut punch.

21
Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers

Kadyn Proctor

AlabamaOL

6'7" | 366 lbs

Proctor has huge upside if he can play true to his size. At 6'7 Proctor can really be a problem for defenders. I'd like to see him play stronger and set a strong base in pass pro.

22
Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers

Kayden McDonald

Ohio StateDL

6'3" | 326 lbs

McDonald offers help in the run department as he easily handles his gaps even on double teams. Needs to work on his pass rush ability but a good fit with the Chargers.

23
Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles

Kenyon Sadiq

OregonTE

6'3" | 245 lbs

The Eagles add another weapon to their offense and can have an heir to Dallas Goedert. Sadiq is a good route runner and can block at the second level. I'm not sure how much I believe in him as an in-line tight end but we will see.

24
Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns

Monroe Freeling

GeorgiaOL

6'7" | 315 lbs

Freeling has a limited sample size of starts in college but showed real promise this season. He has true tackle size and has been slowly creeping up boards all off-season. At 6'7 Freeling is a great start to rebuilding the Browns offensive line.

25
Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears

Keldric Faulk

AuburnDL

6'6" | 285 lbs

Faulk has the ideal frame you want in an NFL edge defender. The problem is he didn't produce sacks this season. He is strong in the run game and has the size + speed he needs to develop into a plus pass rusher.

26
Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills

Denzel Boston

WashingtonWR

6'4" | 210 lbs

The Bills add a much needed weapon for Josh Allen. Boston is a big body receiver who gives them a go up and get it element to the Bills offense.

27
San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

ToledoS

6'3" | 209 lbs

The Niners follow the new trend of big and versatile safeties. EMW plays all over the field and plays mean. He hits hard and causes turnovers all over the field. Played at Toledo so competition is questionable.

28
Houston Texans

Houston Texans

Caleb Lomu

UtahOL

6'6" | 308 lbs

The Texans need help on the offensive line and Lomu is the best guy on the board. He is great in pass pro and will be a huge help in protecting Stroud.

29
Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams

Brandon Cisse

South CarolinaCB

6'0" | 190 lbs

Cisse is expected to put up stud numbers at the combine. He is super fluid and can run with anybody. Big upgrade for the Rams.

30
Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins

CJ Allen

GeorgiaLB

6'1" | 235 lbs

Allen is a great tackler and led an NFL style defense at Georgia. Super run defender but could work on his coverage. Should have no problem transitioning to the league.

31
New England Patriots

New England Patriots

Omar Cooper Jr.

IndianaWR

6'0" | 204 lbs

Cooper was a stud at Indiana this year and instrumental to their success with 13 receiving touchdowns. He is super smooth in his routes and amazing after the catch. Gives Drake Maye a big time weapon.

32
Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks

Akheem Mesidor

MiamiDL

6'3" | 265 lbs

Mesidor has great tools and can play both run and pass. His issue is age. He will be a 25 year old rookie next season but will be an instant impact player and will help Seattle look to repeat.