First-round NFL mock draft: Mendoza goes No.1, then who?

Mendoza’s draft preparation could include looking at real estate in the Las Vegas area because going first overall appears to be a foregone conclusion. The Heisman Trophy winner and National Champ finished last season completing 72% of his passes for 41 touchdowns, showing exemplary accuracy and touch, and he could be the perfect fit for new head coach Klint Kubiak‘s offense.

New York has already revamped its defense this offseason, but Reese gives the team even more upside. The All-American had 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season, and shows the versatility to play as a pass rusher or in coverage.

Arizona has made multiple offensive line additions already this offseason, but the rebuilding squad could still use another offensive tackle to pair with Paris Johnson. Mauigoa is a plug-and-play at right tackle, also showing the potential to move inside to guard.

Arguably the best running back prospect since Bijan Robinson, Love has the ability to help jumpstart the Titans’ offense alongside Cam Ward. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry at Notre Dame in each of the last two seasons and is a clear three-down back with great hands.

John Harbaugh is used to having a star safety from his days in Baltimore, and Downs could fit the bill in New York. The transfer from Alabama is great in coverage and has a nose for the ball, recording two picks in each of his three college seasons. He also has the versatility to play in the box like a linebacker.

As the whispers of a potential Myles Garrett trade get louder, Bailey makes more sense for Cleveland. He’s coming off a spectacular season after transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech, recording 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 14 games.

Styles has elite athleticism that allowed him to play safety, but the 6-foot-5 linebacker is a better fit at his current position. He has the upside to completely transform a run defense, recording 100 tackles and six sacks in 2024 and 82 tackles and one sack last season. Styles would be set to replace Bobby Wagner in Washington.

The Saints are in the market for more weapons to help young Tyler Shough, but they were quiet at wideout this offseason. Tate can be a great complementary receiver for fellow Ohio State alum Chris Olave, showing good size at 6-foot-2 and big-play ability, with 17.2 yards per reception last season.

A powerful defensive end, Bain would be a perfect fit in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo‘s 4-3 defense. He recorded 20.5 sacks in three seasons at Miami, and while slightly undersized at 6-foot-2, Bain takes up plenty of space. He’d be a breath of fresh air for a defense that had some struggles getting to the quarterback last season.

Cincinnati needs to continue rebuilding its defense, and adding a corner would be a nice start. Delane’s upside would be a nice start. He took his game to a new level after transferring from Virginia Tech to LSU, recording 45 tackles and two interceptions against elite SEC competition in 2025.

Miami needs to find weapons for new quarterback Malik Willis, and Tyson would be a key addition after the team lost Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. While Tyson has durability concerns, he might have the most polish of any wideout in the 2026 class.

Dallas has shored up their front seven since trading Micah Parsons, but the backend could still use some work. McCoy missed all of last season due to a torn ACL, but he still shows big upside and a nose for the ball, recording four interceptions for Tennessee in 2024.

Freeling is a Day 1 starter at right tackle, showing all the physical tools needed to succeed at the position. The Rams have the offensive line as a clear need heading into the draft as they try to keep Matthew Stafford off the turf.

Fano is a versatile tackle who could move inside at guard in the short-term, and is a good long-term option to replace veteran Ronnie Stanley at left tackle. As the Ravens offense tries to get back on track under new head coach Jesse Minter, Fano fills a critical need.

The Bucs front seven got old quickly, and could use a burst of energy like Faulk. He’s coming off a down year after receiving more attention from opposing offenses, but recorded seven sacks in 2024.

The Jets still have elite wideout Garrett Wilson, but could use any other help they can get on offense. Lemon profiles well in the slot at 5-foot-11, showing great hands and accumulating 1,156 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

Despite his massive size at 6-foot-7 and more than 350 pounds, Proctor is deceptively athletic. The Lions could potentially have a massive tackle duo by pairing Proctor with Penei Sewell.

Thieneman showed a nose for the ball while in college at Purdue and Oregon, including six interceptions in 2023 and two picks last season. He’d be a strong replacement to long-time Vikings safety Harrison Smith.

Ioane is an excellent fit for the run-heavy Panthers offense. He has the potential to make Carolina’s run game even more potent alongside Chuba Hubbard.

The Cowboys and Jerry Jones have never turned down a high upside offensive weapon, and Sadiq certainly qualifies. He’s a gifted pass catcher and threat in the Red Zone, scoring eight times last season.

The Steelers still have Cameron Heyward, but could be on the hunt for a long-term replacement on the defensive line. Woods shows pass-rushing upside, with five sacks over the last two years at Clemson.

Howell has been a sack machine at Bowling Green and Texas A&M, recording 27 sacks. The Chargers brought back Khalil Mack, but still have a need for pass-rushing help in the short and long-term.

Mesidor had a long and productive career at West Virginia and Miami, with 35.5 sacks in six seasons. His age is a concern, but the production is undeniable. He could add to a loaded Eagles front seven.

McNeil-Warren shows huge upside, measuring 6-foot-3 with good speed. The production at Toledo matches the measurables, and he would fill a position of need alongside Grant Delpit at safety.

Ben Johnson has welcomed wide receivers who can run after the catch, including the drafting of Luther Burden last year, and Cooper Jr. fits that description. He had a breakout 2025 season for the Hoosiers with 937 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns, and could make the Bears offense even more potent.

A strong, productive linebacker at Georgia, Allen was an All-American last season with 88 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He would fill a need for the Bills, who could lose Matt Milano in free agency.

The 49ers continue to rely on productive veteran left tackle Trent Williams, but the block is ticking for the 38-year-old. Lomu is still developing, but could sneak into the first round with high upside.

The Texans continue to attempt solutions for their offensive line, and could make further moves in the draft. Miller has been a durable right tackle and could be another answer to help protect C.J. Stroud.

NC State and Texas A&M manufactured ways to get the ball in Concepcion’s hands, and his ability to run after the catch could be a perfect fit for Andy Reid. With Rashee Rice’s disappointing production last season, Concepcion could play a big role early in his career.

The rebuilding Dolphins could be in a position to take the best player available at any position. They also have a major need in the secondary, and the athletic Hood shows intriguing upside after productive seasons at Colorado and Tennessee.

The Patriots have added Milton Williams and Dre’Mont Jones over the last year, but would likely welcome more help in the fronts even. Parker’s stock is down slightly after a disappointing year at Clemson, but he had 21.5 sacks in three seasons.

The younger brother of Falcons star A.J. Terrell, Avieon shows similar upside after three seasons at Clemson. He’s slightly undersized but has been able to handle taller receivers in college.