The dust from the NFL Combine has barely settled, but a flurry of trades has already left most 2026 mock drafts obsolete. One blockbuster trade involving All-Pro Maxx Crosby has left everyone stunned, completely altering the draft plans for multiple franchises.

With the draft board in flux, our latest mock draft reflects the new reality. And before free agency on March 11 changes everything, let’s take a look at who might be available and fit the draft needs for a specific NFL team.

1- Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza/QB/Indiana –

This is a natural fit for a variety of reasons. The Raiders need a quarterback, Tom Brady will fall in love with Mendoza, and the Hoosiers’ underclassman can be a franchise signal caller in the future.

Regarded as the most reliable quarterback prospect in this class and the lone first-round QB in this mock draft, Mendoza stands out for his ability to remain steady regardless of the chaos around him.

That level-headed consistency could prove especially valuable as the Las Vegas Raiders intend to rebuild.

2- NY Jets: Arvell Reese/LB/Ohio State –

The Jets can’t miss on this selection, and Arvell Reese is safer than Caleb Downs, never mind being a three-down defender the Jets need in their new scheme. He’s more complete compared to David Bailey, who will also be a consideration here.

Reese continues to stand out as the most explosive playmaker among the front-seven defenders in this class. In terms of impact and versatility, he draws the nearest comparison to Micah Parsons.

3- Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love/RB/Notre Dame –

This could be a marketable pick for the Cardinals, as some teams may want to move ahead of Tennessee to ensure they get the pass rusher they want. Arizona has a lot of needs on offense, primarily right tackle. Yet running back is also a need, and Love is much higher-rated than any tackle available in the draft, besides being a dynamic talent.

He played a pivotal role in powering the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football offense. During the team’s 2025 push to the national championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes football, he served as the spark that fueled the attack, producing explosive rushing plays at one of the highest rates in college football.

His burst, ability to stay balanced through contact, and effectiveness as a receiver created matchup headaches for defenses on every snap.

4- Tennessee Titans: David Bailey/Edge/Texas Tech –

David Bailey is a dynamite prospect who jumps off the film with his ability to disrupt the action behind the line of scrimmage or play in space. The pairing with Oluwafemi Oladejo could be a lethal one for years to come, and Bailey is a perfect fit for the system employed by new head coach Robert Saleh. Think Will McDonald times 10.

Interestingly, he met the Titans during the 2026 NFL Combine.

Bailey is broadly expected to come off the board within the first five selections of the 2026 NFL Draft. Holding the No. 4 overall pick, the Tennessee Titans could realistically find him available when they make their first-round choice.

5- NY Giants: Caleb Downs/S/Ohio State –

Players in the Giants‘ defensive back seven are a need pre-free agency, and Downs is a tremendous safety with a complete game. The versatility to be used in a variety of schemes makes him all the more attractive.

Should the New York Giants take Downs with the fifth overall pick, he would become the highest-drafted safety since Eric Berry was chosen at No. 5 by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010.

6- Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson/QB/Alabama –

I had to hold my nose with this selection, as I think Simpson is not worth a top-20 pick, but considering what I reported on EssentiallySports from the combine, this pick makes sense.

The Cleveland Browns also hosted Ty Simpson on Thursday for an early visit. That development signals some level of interest from the team.

7- Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles/LB/Ohio State –

Bobby Wagner will soon be 36 years old. Frankie Luvu will be 30 years old this season, which is the final year of his deal with the Commanders. Edge rusher is a bigger need, but Styles is rated higher than Rueben Bain Jr. on my board.

At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Styles showcased elite athleticism at the combine, setting a new benchmark for what teams look for in a modern NFL inside linebacker. Yet despite those traits, he has only begun to tap into the full extent of the impact he could have once he translates that ability consistently onto the field.

8- New Orleans Saints: Kenyon Sadiq/TE/Oregon –

Edge rusher gets consideration at this spot, but tight end is a desperate need. And Sadiq is a good tight end with a developing game.

Sadiq delivered a historic showing at the NFL Combine. While many already expected him to test well, his results far exceeded those projections. The standout moment came when he ran a blazing 4.39 in the 40-yard dash. That’s the fastest time ever recorded by a tight end in the event’s history.

9- Kansas City Chiefs: Francis Mauigoa/T/Miami –

I’m told the Chiefs will consider Sadiq if he falls to this spot, but they will hit the offensive line early in the draft.

Further, Mauigoa could be a strong candidate for the Kansas City Chiefs, given his experience as a three-year starter at right tackle. With Kansas City expected to be in the market for stability at that position, his background there makes him a logical fit.

Drafting him especially makes sense after the franchise released Jawaan Taylor.

10- Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr./DE/Miami –

Bain is a great fit for the Bengals and will fill in for the soon-to-be-departed Trey Hendrickson.

Teams selecting in the top five might approach Bain with a bit more caution, considering his arm length came under 31 inches, the Cincinnati Bengals could be in a position to take advantage, especially given the struggles of their defense.

11- Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano/T/Utah –

The Dolphins have needs all over the offensive line. Fano’s arm measurement at the combine raised red flags, but it will come in longer on pro day.

Sure, questions remain about his arm length. It was the same with Will Campbell last season, but Fano compensates with elite athleticism and exceptionally quick hands.

12- Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane/CB/LSU –

Delane is higher-rated than any edge rusher still on the board, and Dallas has a big need at cornerback.

He has great press-men ability, has accurate hands at the line and also disrupts releases and stays square through stems. That said, his slender build can make it difficult to finish tackles.

13- LA Rams (via Atlanta): Makai Lemon/WR/USC –

Lemon adds more speed and quickness to the Rams’ depth chart at receiver. Carnell Tate is higher rated on my board, but Lemon is the better fit at this spot.

The Rams and Lemon met during combine week, and with his talent and the type of offensive minds in that organization, this might be the best fit for the player.

14- Las Vegas Raiders (via Baltimore): Carnell Tate/WR/Ohio State –

Monroe Freeling will get consideration at this spot, but unless they sign an Alec Pierce or Mike Evans in free agency, the Raiders are desperate for receivers.

Tate offers the size and physical presence of a traditional big target, yet he moves with the flexibility and burst typically associated with smaller players.

15- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen/LB/Georgia –

Off-ball linebacker is a need even if Lavonte David returns. Allen is a natural for the Todd Bowles scheme.

At the combine, Allen pointed to David as “the blueprint” for playing the position. Within the Georgia Bulldogs football program, head coach Kirby Smart might say Allen represents that same standard.

16- NY Jets (via Indianapolis): T.J. Parker/Edge/Clemson –

The chatter is that the Jets will sign an edge rusher in free agency, then select one in the draft. Parker is a natural fit in the team’s new 3-4 alignment.

17- Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling/T/Georgia –

With Taylor Decker being released, this seems like a no-brainer.

Freeling has been steadily climbing scouting boards since early last fall. An enormous lineman, who also moves well, he possesses the traits teams covet at left tackle. While his rookie season could feature some inconsistency, his long-term ceiling at the position is exceptionally high.

18- Minnesota Vikings: Keldric Faulk/DL/Auburn –

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants more pass rushers and a better pass rush. Faulk will do that in the team’s three-man line.

As one of the youngest prospects in the class, Faulk offers the upside to develop into a versatile defensive piece capable of lining up anywhere from zero-technique to nine-technique along the front.

That kind of flexibility could be especially valuable for a team that recently traded Maxx Crosby.

19- Carolina Panthers: Cashius Howell/Edge/Texas A&M –

With Freeling gone and Kadyn Proctor likely to move to the right side on Sundays, Carolina takes the highest-rated pass rusher off the board.  If they believe Proctor can play left tackle on Sunday, that would be the pick.

Howell provides plenty of explosiveness as an edge rusher. His quick first step allows him to close the distance on offensive tackles rapidly, and he combines agility with forceful hand usage to disrupt blockers through a variety of pass-rush moves. But how far he can go at the pro level will largely depend on how much he improves as a run defender.

20- Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): Kadyn Proctor/T/Alabama –

Much depends on what the Cowboys do with Terence Steele over the next few days. Yet, even if they keep him, there are concerns at the offensive tackle spot for the team.

When he is in sync as a pass protector, his combination of size and mobility allows him to overwhelm defenders. The challenge, however, comes when he has to work in tighter spaces, where his awareness of leverage and positioning can falter.

21- Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordyn Tyson/WR/Arizona State –

Tyson would be the perfect complement to DK Metcalf, as he is a precise route runner and a great pass catcher.

That said, his track record with injuries is far from ideal. If he can stay healthy, he stands out as the most well-rounded and quarterback-friendly wide receiver available in the draft.

22- LA Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane/G/Penn State –

The expected release of Mekhi Becton, which we first reported on EssentiallySports from the Shrine Bowl, means the Chargers will have lost two starting interior offensive linemen from last year.

23- Philadelphia Eagles: Jermod McCoy/CB/Tennessee –

The Eagles can use an upgrade at cornerback despite a talented secondary, and Howie Roseman has been a master at drafting star players with injury red flags.

At the combine, the player told reporters he was healthy enough to participate in workouts but chose not to take part. That decision stands out, especially considering he hasn’t played a snap since 2024.

24- Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): Chris Brazzell II/WR/Tennessee –

The Browns need receivers almost as much as they need offensive linemen. Brazzell is getting a bad rap, and he’s underrated. But he was terrific last season, then had an outstanding combine.

25- Chicago Bears: Anthony Hill Jr./LB/Texas –

With the top edge rushers off the board and no dominant defensive tackle available, Chicago looks to the second level on defense. Hill is a fast, fierce linebacker who covers a ton of ground and makes plays all over the field. The receiver was also a consideration at this spot.

26- Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion/WR/Texas A&M –

Let’s face it, the Bills’ offense has not been the same since saying goodbye to Stefon Diggs, a dynamic receiver who takes the top of defenses. Concepcion brings many of those same traits and impacts games as a return specialist.

Interestingly, his father has always been a Bills fan and so, Concepcion grew up watching the team.

27- San Francisco 49ers: Peter Woods/DL/Clemson –

Starting defensive tackle Jordan Elliott is set to hit free agency, and the Niners need a playmaker on the inside.

28- Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald/DT/Ohio State –

McDonald did not have a good combine, yet he’s a defensive tackle with playmaking ability.

Last season, McDonald excelled at dismantling run blocks, consistently overpowering opponents at the point of attack. He also showed impressive hustle, frequently making plays well outside his immediate area.

29- Kansas City Chiefs (via LA Rams): Denzel Boston/WR/Washington –

Boston didn’t run well at the combine, but he is a sturdy wideout who can start immediately.

30- Denver Broncos: Omar Cooper Jr./WR/Indiana –

Cooper has terrific speed and can develop into a legitimate No. 2 receiver.

Following a standout year in Indiana, where he emerged as Mendoza’s top playmaker, Cooper backed it up with an impressive showing at the NFL Combine, running a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash and posting a 37-inch vertical. While his measurements (6-foot, 199-pounds) won’t wow everyone, his production and competitiveness speak for themselves.

31- New England Patriots: Max Iheanachor/T/Arizona State –

Morgan Moses was a great addition last year, but he is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. That’s where Iheanachor comes in.

32- Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood/CB/Tennessee –

The Super Bowl champions need to rebuild the cornerback room, and Colton Hood would fit right in.

Hood possesses the traits teams look for in terms of size, speed, toughness, and ability to compete at the catch point. While he is still working on improving how he reads routes when playing off coverage, he excels in tight man-to-man situations and is very active when it comes to defending the run.

Round Two