The 2025 college football season is in full swing, conference rivalries are heating up, and we’ve officially crossed the one-third mark of the 2025 NFL season. With that milestone comes the perfect opportunity to gaze into the crystal ball and project the first 32 selections of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Before we dive in, a crucial disclaimer: the landscape between now and April 23rd in Pittsburgh, the draft’s host city, is bound to shift dramatically. Players will elevate their stock, others will falter, and some will opt to return to school, altering team needs and draft boards entirely. Events like all-star games and the NFL Combine will introduce further volatility. Remember, team needs are fluid, shaped by performance, injuries, and evolving strategic priorities.

This mock draft’s order is dictated by the current NFL standings. Several teams possess multiple first-round picks: the Los Angeles Rams (courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons), the Cleveland Browns (from the Jacksonville Jaguars), and the Dallas Cowboys (from the Green Bay Packers).

Without further ado, here are my projections for the entire first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, commencing with the New York Jets, who appear poised to once again seek their quarterback savior. (Underclassmen are denoted with an asterisk.)

1. New York Jets (0-6)

**Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana***

The Jets’ winless record and anemic offense scream for change. The Justin Fields experiment hasn’t ignited, and New York desperately needs a spark – not just a quarterback, but a beacon of hope. Mendoza, after transferring from Cal to Indiana, has been a revelation. His decisive pocket presence is complemented by impressive accuracy and timing. His 17 touchdowns to a mere two interceptions, coupled with a QBR of 84.2 (seventh in the FBS), speak volumes. Mendoza’s skill set aligns perfectly with a Jets offense built on precision and timely throws.

2. Baltimore Ravens (1-5)

**Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami***

Baltimore’s dismal start is arguably the season’s biggest shock, with a sputtering defense at the heart of their woes. The Ravens require immediate pressure off the edge. Bain, a versatile 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive lineman capable of multiple alignments, is a prime candidate. His 24 pressures rank eighth in the FBS, showcasing his disruptive potential. Bain’s raw power and ability to generate knockback would inject much-needed energy into the Ravens’ defensive front.

3. Cleveland Browns (1-5)

**Dante Moore, QB, Oregon***

Moore was rocketing up draft boards before a somewhat lackluster performance against Indiana. However, he remains a poised distributor with the arm strength to attack all areas of the field. His impressive 72% completion percentage places him among the FBS elite. While his career start count is relatively low (11), Moore is poised to contend for the top quarterback spot in a class riddled with uncertainty. Cleveland faces their own quarterback conundrums, as Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are not showing themselves as long-term solutions.

4. Tennessee Titans (1-5)

**Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn***

Having addressed their quarterback need in the 2025 draft with Cam Ward, the Titans must now bolster the roster around him. Edge rusher is a top priority. Faulk, standing at 6-6 and weighing 270 pounds, possesses an NFL-ready build and excels as a run defender, while displaying flashes as a pass rusher. His two sacks this season, coupled with seven as a sophomore in 2024, highlight his potential. With a coaching change looming, the Titans need to acquire impactful players.

5. Miami Dolphins (1-5)

**Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State***

The quarterback question looms large for the Dolphins. Will they move on from Tua Tagovailoa? Miami’s high interception count (tied for third-most with seven) suggests potential instability. With Mendoza and Moore off the board, addressing the defense becomes paramount. The Dolphins’ secondary requires reinforcement, and Downs would become an immediate building block alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick.

6. New Orleans Saints (1-5)

**Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State***

Saints GM Mickey Loomis is known to favor bolstering the trenches in the first round, especially with a top-10 pick. Reese is an exceptional prospect, regardless of position. Debate rages on whether his future lies as an edge rusher or an off-ball linebacker. The Saints need help in both areas, and Reese’s versatility makes him a game-changing addition.

7. New York Giants (2-4)

**Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State***

Jaxson Dart is showing promise as the Giants’ franchise quarterback, therefore surrounding him with offensive weapons is key. With Malik Nabers expected to fully recover from a torn ACL by the 2026 season, drafting Tyson would provide Dart with another reliable target, forming a dynamic duo at wide receiver.

8. Arizona Cardinals (2-4)

**Spencer Fano, OT, Utah***

With Jonah Williams’ contract expiring, the Cardinals must secure a young, long-term solution at right tackle. Fano is a punishing run blocker who generates easy movement. His pass protection skills are also notable, allowing only two pressures all season. Fano and Paris Johnson Jr. could establish a formidable pair of bookends for the Arizona offensive line.

9. Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)