With the 2026 NFL Draft just a few weeks away on April 23-25, many fans are wondering which of their favorite athletes could get picked. Giving more clarity on what holes each team needs to fill on their roster long-term, here's an early look at how night one of the draft could shape out.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback
The Raiders hope Mendoza is the quarterback of the future under their new regime.
2. New York Jets: David Bailey, Defensive End
After a historically bad year on defense in 2025, the Jets add at a premier position in hopes to kick off their rebuild beyond 2026.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, Linebacker/Defensive End
Reese can play off-ball linebacker and develop into a pass-rusher as well. He upgrades a defense that needs more high-end talent.
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, Running Back
Love is arguably the best player in the draft. This feels like a luxury pick, but one that could change the trajectory of the Titans on offense significantly.
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, Linebacker
The Giants revamped their linebacker room this offseason to top it off with one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft.
6. Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Tackle
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Mauigoa could become a core piece in the Browns current rebuild. He could help build off a promising 2025 class for Cleveland.
7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, Wide Receiver
Washington needs more playmakers for Jayden Daniels. Tate provides versatility along the offense and would pair nicely with McLaurin.
8. New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon, Wide Receiver
Lemon is a YAC machine. He would thrive in Kellen Moore’s offense in the slot.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., Defensive End
It’s unlikely Bain falls this far, but if he does, it would be a no-brainer for Kansas City.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, Safety
Downs would become an immediate starter in a defense that needs more high-end talent.
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, Cornerback
Miami takes the best player available. Delane could be Miami’s long-term cornerback.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, Cornerback
Dallas needs help in the secondary. McCoy had a fantastic year in 2024 before his injury.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Spencer Fano, Offensive Tackle
Fano could serve as the Rams long-term answer at tackle with Warren McClendon Jr. hitting free agency next season.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Kenyon Sadiq, Tight End
A luxury pick for Baltimore as they try to maximize their Super Bowl window with Lamar Jackson.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, Defensive End
Faulk can develop into a versatile defender for the Bucs along the defensive line. He will be just 21 years old when the season starts.
16. New York Jets: Jordyn Tyson, Wide Receiver
If it weren’t for injuries, Tyson would go top 10. The upside is too much to pass up here.
17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, Offensive Tackle
Proctor could develop in year one and blossom into a starter by 2027.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, Safety
Minnesota has a glaring hole at safety. Thieneman could start day one.
19. Carolina Panthers: Avieon Terrell, Corner Back
Terrell would give Carolina a young and exciting cornerback duo with him and Jaycee Horn.
20. Dallas Cowboys: CJ Allen, Linebacker
Dallas needs a true mike linebacker on defense. CJ Allen could start day one and wear the green dot.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Olaivavega Loane, Interior Offensive Line
Loane is the best interior lineman in the draft. Pittsburgh continues to add to the trenches with uncertainty at quarterback.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Parker, Defensive End
With Khalil Mack on a one-year deal, Los Angeles needs another long-term pass-rusher alongside Tuli Tuipulotu.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Caleb Lomu, Offensive Tackle
Philadelphia gets ahead at left tackle with Lane Johnson nearing retirement.
24. Cleveland Browns: Denzel Boston, Wide Receiver
Boston would provide the Browns another core piece on offense alongside Harold Fannin Jr. and Quinshon Judkins.
25. Chicago Bears: Peter Woods, Defensive Line
The Bears need a more impactful interior player along their defensive line long-term.
26. Buffalo Bills: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety
Buffalo needs a long-term starter at safety. McNeil-Warren is a versatile piece with a high-ceiling.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Monroe Freeling, Offensive Tackle
San Francisco will need a new left tackle with Trent Williams’ future in question beyond 2026.
28. Houston Texans: Blake Miller, Offensive Tackle
Houston needs long-term starters along the offensive line. Miller would likely start in 2027.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Colton Hood, Corner Back
With Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson gone, KC has a need at corner, especially in a tough division.
30. Miami Dolphins: Omar Cooper Jr., Wide Receiver
Omar Cooper Jr. could immediately serve as a long-term option for the Dolphins’ offense after trading Jaylen Waddle.
31. New England Patriots: Akheem Mesidor, Defensive End
After finishing 26th in sacks last season, New England adds more juice to their pass-rush.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Cashius Howell, Defensive End
Seattle runs a deep rotation along the defensive line. Howell could replace and exceed Boye Mafe’s production.
Edge Garcia is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
