The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several standout players from the Shrine and Senior Bowls ready to make an impact in the league. Here's a look at how the first round might play out, with a focus on some of the most intriguing prospects and their potential landing spots.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Mendoza had an outstanding season, earning a 90.7 PFF passing grade overall and a 70.6 PFF passing grade under pressure. His football IQ and ability to make plays under duress make him an attractive prospect for the Raiders, who are in need of a quarterback to build around.
2. New York Jets: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
Bain is an elite pass rusher with a 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade against true pass sets in 2025. He also chipped in an 86.2 PFF run-defense grade, making him a valuable asset for the Jets' defense.
3. Arizona Cardinals: T Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
The Cardinals need help on the offensive line, and Mauigoa could be the answer. He's a two-contract starting offensive tackle who was rock-solid this season, with an 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade and a 77.1 PFF run-blocking grade.
4. Tennessee Titans: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Bailey has been an elite pass rusher with PFF pass-rush grades above 90.0 in each of the past two seasons. The Titans need to get more juice on the outside, and Bailey could be the solution.
5. New York Giants: WR Makai Lemon, USC
Lemon is a talented wide receiver who earned a 91.4 PFF receiving grade overall and an 81.3 PFF receiving grade versus single coverage this past season. He could be a great addition to the Giants' offense.
6. Cleveland Browns: T Spencer Fano, Utah
The Browns could use a weapon at receiver, but their offensive line is a concern. Fano didn't have as strong a 2025 campaign, but he still recorded PFF run-blocking and pass-blocking grades above 80.0. Upgrading the interior of the line could be a priority for the new Cleveland head coach, Todd Monken.
7. Washington Commanders: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Reese is a heat-seeking missile type of second-level defender who can be a very impactful player. The Commanders need more off- and on-ball linebacker production, and Reese can help in both areas.
8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Love is one of the most talented players in the class, with an elite 93.7 PFF rushing grade and a 72.7 PFF receiving grade in 2025. He's the ideal blend of size, strength, balance, and explosiveness to impact the game on all three downs.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: DI Caleb Banks, Florida
The Chiefs could use help on the defensive line, and Banks could be a great addition. He didn't play much in 2025 due to a foot injury, but he reminded us why he was seen as a potential top-15 pick heading into the season during Senior Bowl practices.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: DI Peter Woods, Clemson
The Bengals need to get more stout up front, and Woods could be the answer. He wasn't as good in 2025 as he was in 2024 or 2023, but he's still a top all-around talent at 3-technique who can anchor the middle for a long time.
11. Miami Dolphins: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Delane is one of the best cornerbacks in college football, with a 90.7 PFF overall grade and an 89.1 PFF coverage grade in man coverage. He would be a great addition to the Dolphins' defense.
12. Dallas Cowboys: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Downs might seem like an outside pick, but he has a range that could see him go anywhere in the top 20. If he makes it to No. 12, the Cowboys would be interested. He earned PFF overall grades above 85.0 in each of the past three seasons as a do-it-all safety.
13. Los Angeles Rams: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
McCoy didn't play in 2025 while recovering from an ACL tear, but his 2024 tape was impressive. If his knee checks out, he could be the top cornerback off the board.
14. Baltimore Ravens: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The Ravens have trench needs, but they don't have to address them in Round 1. Tate improved his efficiency as a route runner and displayed reliable hands, making him an attractive option.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
The Buccaneers' lack of pass rush was a major reason for their defensive struggles. Howell has been an elite pass rusher with 90.0-plus PFF pass-rush grades in each of the past three seasons.
16. New York Jets: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Tyson is a talented wide receiver who could be a great addition to the Jets' offense. Pairing him with Garrett Wilson would create a nasty duo.
17. Detroit Lions: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)
Mesidor is a ready-made NFL pass rusher who earned a 94.2 PFF pass-rush grade versus true pass sets in 2025. Being ready to slot in immediately makes him a worthy first-round pick.
18. Minnesota Vikings: DI Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
The Vikings need to boost their interior defense, and McDonald could be the answer. He was one of the best run defenders in the country in 2025, earning a 91.2 PFF grade in that category.
19. Carolina Panthers: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
The Panthers need help at the second level of their defense, and Styles could be the solution. He earned an 87.4 PFF run-defense grade and an 86.9 PFF coverage grade in 2025.
20. Dallas Cowboys: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
Parker didn't have the year many expected, but he was a standout at the Senior Bowl. His violence as an edge defender in run and pass situations gives him first-round value.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Simpson is a talented quarterback who struggled down the stretch but was the best middle-of-the-field passer in the class. The NFL will value his football IQ, and the Steelers could be an option if they still need a top quarterback option by draft time.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
The Chargers' offensive line was an Achilles' heel in 2025. Ioane was one of the best pass-blocking guards in college football, with an 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade. Upgrading the interior of the line could be a priority.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Proctor is a behemoth of an offensive lineman who earned an 84.2 PFF pass-blocking grade and an 81.1 PFF run-blocking grade down the stretch of 2025. The Eagles could draft him as a guard and then move him to tackle when Lane Johnson retires.
24. Cleveland Browns: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
The Browns could use a reliable athleticism at wide receiver. Concepcion improved as a route runner and averaged 7.2 yards after catch per reception. He earned a 78.3 PFF receiving grade against man coverage.
25. Chicago Bears: DI Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Hunter had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl, showcasing his run-stopping and pass-rushing abilities. He earned an 84.5 PFF run-defense grade and a 75.0 PFF pass-rush grade against true pass sets.
26. Buffalo Bills: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Allen is a reliable run defender with an 88.6 PFF run-defense grade and a 7.8% missed tackle percentage. Although his PFF coverage grade was low, he showed potential and could be a true centerpiece player for the Bills' defense.
27. San Francisco 49ers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Boston is a smooth big man with the hands and route-running ability to win on the outside and in the slot. He earned an 89.7 PFF receiving grade against man coverage in 2025.
28. Houston Texans: T Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Iheanachor made a statement during Senior Bowl week, showcasing a ceiling of a first-round offensive tackle. His movement and body control made him a wall in pass protection.
29. Los Angeles Rams: CB Keionte Scott, Miami (FL)
Scott is a slot defender who earned a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade and an 87.1 PFF coverage grade. In an age where having an elite slot defender is key, Scott should get first-round consideration.
30. Denver Broncos: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Safety isn't a huge need for the Broncos, but McNeil-Warren could be an interesting option. He earned an 89.6 PFF overall grade with two interceptions and 17 coverage stops in 2025.
31. New England Patriots: EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
Young showcased power and explosiveness at the Senior Bowl. He has a defensive lineman's mindset and could get more first-round buzz after his performance.
32. Seattle Seahawks: G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
With the report that Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is set to become the Raiders' head coach, an upgrade to Seattle's interior offensive line could benefit any new coach. Pregnon was one of the best run-blocking guards in college football in 2025.
