🏈 Jordan Reid's seven-round NFL mock draft

21.04.2026, 08:37 espn.com

The 2026 NFL draft gets rolling Thursday from Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. ET (on ESPN/ABC/ESPN App), so it's time for me to unveil my last mock draft, and every selection is accounted for.

That's right, this seven-round mock draft features 257 prospects who I believe will be selected this week. I've compiled these projections based on my latest intel from conversations with sources throughout the league, months of scouting the entire class and examining each team's biggest positional needs. I didn't project any trades, but that doesn't mean there won't be surprises and intrigue.

So here it is: seven rounds, 257 picks and a lot of predictions for prospects' new homes. We'll start things off with the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1. Compensatory picks are marked with an asterisk.

See More:Reid's final rankings | QB hot board

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Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

You can write this pick in Sharpie. The Raiders have been searching for a franchise QB, and Mendoza has the size, arm strength and decision-making ability to be their long-term starter. Mendoza's resiliency helped him overcome several moments of adversity last season and position himself as the No. 1 pick. He finished with an FBS-high 41 touchdown passes to only six interceptions while leading the Hoosiers to a historic 16-0 record and a national championship.

Field Yates and Ben Solak discuss what makes Fernando Mendoza the top player in the 2026 NFL draft.

Arvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio State

The pick comes down to Reese vs. Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. I believe the Jets would prefer Reese's upside even though Bailey is a more polished pass rusher right now. Reese is an interchangeable player with explosive power who has the ability to be a high-caliber starter at either linebacker or edge rusher. The Jets are in the early stages of their rebuild and searching for foundational players. Reese fits that vision, as he's a defender they can build a scheme around.

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Protecting the quarterback has been a constant issue for the Cardinals, who allowed 59 sacks last season (fifth most in the NFL). The Cardinals' offensive tackles also finished with the lowest run block win rate at the position last season, and Mauigoa provides an immediate plug-and-play starter on the right side. Arizona signed Elijah Wilkinson this offseason, but that shouldn't prevent it from searching for a long-term fixture at right tackle.

David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

The Titans have to choose between finding explosive playmakers for second-year QB Cam Ward or continuing to revamp their defensive front. We're going with Option B and projecting them to take the best pass rusher in the draft. Bailey's first step is lethal, which helped him to an FBS-high 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss last season. Tennessee already has All-Pro Jeffery Simmons and brought in John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson II this offseason, so adding Bailey could give the team a ferocious front four.

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

John Harbaugh teams have historically had a commanding presence at middle linebacker. There hasn't been an off-ball linebacker drafted in the top five since 2019 (Devin White), but Styles is a rare linebacker prospect in a draft class that lacks true high-end options at high-leverage positions. Styles' size, instincts, movement ability and continued development make him an ideal fit in the middle of the Giants' defense.

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Wide receiver and offensive tackle are the two clear, major holes on Cleveland's roster, and the Browns' brass will have to determine which position has the most depth. That could have Cleveland going for a receiver first. Taking Tate would give the Browns a major target to add to veteran wideout Jerry Jeudy and tight end Harold Fannin Jr., last year's third-round revelation. Tate is a diverse route runner with excellent hands who could be an immediate starter in new coach Todd Monken's system.

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Commanders need help everywhere, so I have them taking the player I feel is the best in this year's class. Love is an explosive play waiting to happen and would unlock multiple layers of the playbook that Washington couldn't access last season. He rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025 and had 39 runs of 10 or more yards, fourth most in the FBS. Having quarterback Jayden Daniels and Love together would strike fear in NFL defenses.

Damien Woody and Dan Graziano talk about how Jeremiyah Love would fit on the Commanders.

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Delane shined in his only season at LSU after transferring from Virginia Tech and is the top-rated cornerback on my board. He is a polished technician who can play press-man while being equally good in zone coverage. The Saints can keep pouring resources into their cornerback room here, as Delane would be a true shutdown option on the outside.

Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

It has been nine years since the Chiefs have picked in the top 10. That draft netted them Patrick Mahomes, so Kansas City would love a similar home run with this pick. Bain is a rugged, high-effort edge rusher who brings an immediate identity to that position group. He checks every characteristic defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes on the edge as a densely built, heavy-handed playmaker with alignment versatility. Bain's short arms are a historical outlier, and teams are aware of the off-field issues that have surfaced, but I still believe he will go in the top half of Round 1.

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The Giants added another top-10 pick over the weekend in the Dexter Lawrence II trade, and they can use it to keep addressing the defense. It has been nearly a decade since a safety was picked in the top 10 (Jamal Adams, 2017), but Downs is fully worthy of breaking that streak. He is one of the smartest football players I've ever studied, and he has the versatility and sure tackling skills to complement that intelligence. He trusts his coverage instincts, allowing him to routinely make plays against the pass and in run support. Downs would be a perfect addition to John Harbaugh's defense.

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

A new regime typically likes to go QB with its first draft pick, but there isn't one who makes sense for the Dolphins here. So, offensive tackle is the play, and Fano makes way too much sense as Miami looks to bolster its trenches. With Austin Jackson entering the final year of his contract and having durability concerns, Fano would provide a clear long-term option at right tackle. If GM Jon-Eric Sullivan stays true to his Packers roots, he'll want a lineman with versatility. That's Fano, who is capable of playing any spot up front.

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The Cowboys need a ton of help on defense after giving up the most points in the NFL last season, and Thieneman is a safety who would be capable of cleaning up a lot of Dallas' issues on the back end. He's capable of playing on the roof of the defense at free safety while also being able to run the alley and be reliable in run support. Thieneman has continued to rise throughout each stage of the predraft process, so don't be surprised if he comes off the board this early.

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Rams' roster is pretty stout, but there is a need at receiver alongside Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Lemon is a reliable and competitive target who would be an ideal fit in Sean McVay's scheme. He had 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, but what was most impressive was his 21 forced missed tackles (14th among FBS receivers). Matthew Stafford would love Lemon's YAC ability and sure-handedness (one drop).

Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

The Ravens gave up 45 sacks in 2025 (12th most in the NFL) and are still in need of clear upgrades along the interior of their offensive line. Ioane was as steady as they come during his career at Penn State. He didn't allow a single sack over the past two seasons and is the definition of a tone-setter up front. Ioane's strong base, balanced feet and strength would provide a major boost in protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Tampa Bay has major question marks in its cornerbacks room. Jamel Dean signed with the Steelers this offseason, Zyon McCollum didn't play to his potential after signing a long-term extension, and Benjamin Morrison was highly inconsistent as a rookie. So, adding McCoy makes sense, especially with GM Jason Licht's penchant for taking the best player available even if it doesn't seem like the team's biggest need on the surface (see: Emeka Egbuka last year). McCoy missed last season with a torn ACL but has shown true shutdown ability when healthy.

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

A strong workout on Friday helped Tyson gain momentum after concerns loomed about his durability. The Jets desperately need a WR2 opposite Garrett Wilson. Tyson's versatility and strong hands complement Wilson well, as both are dependable route runners who can gain yards after the catch. There are scouts who believe that Tyson is the most talented receiver in this year's class and would be a top-10 pick if not for the injury concerns.

Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

All-Pro Penei Sewell's ability to play both tackle spots gives the Lions options on which offensive tackle they could take to replace released longtime starter Taylor Decker. Freeling isn't as polished as some of his counterparts in this class, but his upside is through the roof because of his balanced base, length and continued ascension. Freeling reminds me of Kolton Miller early in his career. There are rough stretches with Freeling's hand placement and strike timing, but his range in pass protection and ability to operate in space excite scouts.

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