NFL · 2 hours ago

Peter Schrager Reveals Final First-Round Mock Draft Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

32) Arizona Cardinals (via SEA): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Ty Simpson sneaking into the first round would be about a team betting on traits and securing the extra year of control. Arizona can afford to be patient as it develops him behind the scenes. This is a long-term play at quarterback.

“I think he will come off the board on Day 1.” – Peter Schrager
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza steps into Las Vegas as the clear long-term answer, and it feels like this has been trending for months. He’s a poised, championship-tested passer who fits what the Raiders want to do offensively and won’t be rushed with a veteran bridge already in place. This is about stability at the most important position.

“Frankly, this pick could have been made in January as soon as Mendoza won the national title and entered the draft.” – Peter Schrager
2) New York Jets: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey gives the Jets exactly what they’ve been missing off the edge, and it’s hard to overstate how badly they need that production. He brings proven sack numbers and a motor that should translate early, giving New York a much-needed jolt up front. The fit feels straightforward and necessary.

“New York needs his instant production (14.5 sacks last season) for its lackluster pass rush.” – Peter Schrager
3) Arizona Cardinals: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love landing in Arizona would signal a shift in thinking, but he’s the kind of talent that forces the issue. He’s explosive, dynamic, and capable of changing the complexion of an offense the moment he touches the ball. In a crowded division, that kind of juice matters.

“Most people see him as the top player in the draft, and he could be a jolt to the Cards’ offense.” – Peter Schrager
4) Tennessee Titans: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Sonny Styles feels like a tone setter pick for Tennessee, especially with a defensive-minded head coach who values versatility. He’s a rare athlete at the position with the ability to control the middle of the field and impact every level of the defense. This is the type of player you build around.

“Tennessee wants franchise cornerstones, and Styles can be just that.” – Peter Schrager
5) New York Giants: EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese slipping to five would be a gift for the Giants, and one they likely wouldn’t overthink. He’s a blue-chip defender with the versatility to disrupt from multiple alignments, giving New York another difference maker up front. Sometimes it’s as simple as taking the best player available.

“If the Giants can get Reese, I think they'd take him.” – Peter Schrager
6) Cleveland Browns: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Spencer Fano brings a level of consistency and toughness that Cleveland has been searching for along its offensive line. He’s dependable in pass protection and versatile enough to move around, which only adds to his value. This feels like a foundational piece for a unit in transition.

“Fano has allowed just one sack in the past two years.” – Peter Schrager
7) Washington Commanders: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Carnell Tate gives Washington a reliable weapon to pair with its young quarterback, and that matters more than anything else right now. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady, polished, and capable of becoming a go-to target in a developing offense. This is about raising the floor of the passing game.

“I think Washington could pair Tate with Terry McLaurin.” – Peter Schrager
8) New Orleans Saints: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs fits exactly what New Orleans needs on the back end, especially after losing key pieces on defense. He’s instinctive, physical, and plays with a level of awareness that stands out immediately. This is a player who can anchor a secondary from day one.

“Downs can be the face of a franchise and could immediately become the smartest player for an NFL defense.” – Peter Schrager
9) Dallas Cowboys (via KC): CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Mansoor Delane addresses a glaring need in Dallas, and it comes with urgency after last season’s defensive struggles. He’s a smooth cover corner who can help limit explosive plays, which has been a major issue for this unit. Moving up ensures they get their guy.

“Dallas has to get one of the top defensive prospects. It's a necessity.” – Peter Schrager
10) New York Giants (via CIN): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson gives the Giants another dynamic element in the passing game, and the value here makes far more sense than reaching earlier. When healthy, he’s a difference maker who can stretch the field and open things up for everyone else. This pick is about surrounding the quarterback with options.

“Taking him at the back end of the top 10… is a better value.” – Peter Schrager
11) Miami Dolphins: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Francis Mauigoa stepping in for Miami would have an immediate impact on a line that needs stability. He’s physical, experienced, and capable of locking down a starting role right away if healthy. The Dolphins need answers up front, and this is one of them.

“Mauigoa is an immediate starter.” – Peter Schrager
12) Kansas City Chiefs (via DAL): EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Rueben Bain Jr. falling into Kansas City’s lap after a trade back would feel like a win on every level. He’s productive, disruptive, and fits seamlessly into what the Chiefs want from their edge group. Adding him without sacrificing position is smart team building.

“Still getting a top-three edge rusher in the class… it'd be a huge win for Kansas City.” – Peter Schrager
13) Detroit Lions (via LAR): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor gives Detroit a massive presence at left tackle and helps solidify the offensive line's future. His size and physicality stand out immediately, and the Lions can plug him in while keeping their current structure intact. It’s a clean, logical fit.

“Proctor would be a huge presence at left tackle for Jared Goff and the Detroit offense.” – Peter Schrager
14) Baltimore Ravens: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane continues Baltimore’s tradition of building through the trenches with physical, reliable linemen. He brings power and consistency to a unit that just lost a key piece, and he fits the Ravens' identity perfectly. This is a plug-and-play addition.

“Ioane is a 6-foot-4, 320-pound mauler.” – Peter Schrager
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Akheem Mesidor might come with questions, but the production is hard to ignore for Tampa Bay. He’s disruptive and experienced, and he plays with a presence that shows up in big moments. For a defense that needs more impact, this is a calculated swing.

“Mesidor produces in a massive way (12.5 sacks last season).” – Peter Schrager
16) New York Jets (via IND): WR Makai Lemon, USC
Makai Lemon adds toughness and reliability to the Jets’ receiving corps, complementing what they already have in place. He’s the type of player who does the little things right and competes on every snap. This is about building a complete offense.

“He's a tough, smart receiver with a relentlessness to the way he plays.” – Peter Schrager
17) Los Angeles Rams (via DET): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq feels like a classic Rams chess piece, the kind Sean McVay will move all over the formation to manufacture touches. He brings real explosiveness as a pass catcher and gives Los Angeles another layer in an offense trying to squeeze everything out of a narrowing window. With long-term questions at tight end, this is both a now and a later move.

“There's a lot of Sadiq intrigue in the Rams' building.” – Peter Schrager
18) Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman to Minnesota has been one of those pairings that won’t go away, and it makes sense when you watch the tape. He’s instinctive, rangy, and fits the chaos Brian Flores likes to create on defense. This is about plugging in a playmaker on the back end.

“The whole industry has been putting Thieneman with Minnesota at No. 18 for weeks.” – Peter Schrager
19) Houston Texans (via CAR): OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Blake Miller gives Houston something it desperately needs up front: steadiness. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable in protection and brings experience to a unit that has been reworked multiple times. Keeping C.J. Stroud upright is the priority, and this helps.

“Miller is an immediate starter who can help open run lanes and keep C.J. Stroud clean.” – Peter Schrager
20) Kansas City Chiefs (via DAL): WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. adds a different dimension to Kansas City’s offense with his versatility and toughness after the catch. He’s the type of weapon who can be moved around and trusted in multiple roles, especially important with questions in the receiver room. This is about giving Patrick Mahomes options again.

“I've heard some comps to Deebo Samuel for his toughness and versatility.” – Peter Schrager
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Monroe Freeling feels like a necessary investment for Pittsburgh with an aging quarterback potentially under center. He’s still developing, but the traits are there to become a long-term answer at tackle. For now, it’s about protecting the present.

“Pittsburgh has to make sure the protection is right with a 42-year-old quarterback.” – Peter Schrager
22) Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Keldric Faulk is one of those players whose production doesn’t fully tell the story, but the traits jump off the screen. He’s long, powerful, and disruptive in ways that fit what the Chargers need off the edge. This is a bet on upside.

“Don't let the two sacks of last season fool you. Faulk can play.” – Peter Schrager
23) Philadelphia Eagles: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Max Iheanachor is exactly the kind of high-ceiling lineman Philadelphia loves to develop. He’s still raw, but the upside is obvious, and the Eagles have the infrastructure to bring it out. This is a long-term swing with serious payoff potential.

“He is one of the players with the biggest upside in the first round.” – Peter Schrager
24) Cleveland Browns (via JAX): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Denzel Boston gives Cleveland a much-needed presence in the passing game, especially in scoring situations. He’s big, physical, and offers a reliable target for a team that struggled to finish drives through the air. This fills a glaring hole.

“He can be a key red zone target for an offense that mustered just four TD catches from its receiver room last season.” – Peter Schrager
25) Chicago Bears: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
T.J. Parker addresses a clear need in Chicago as they look for someone to pressure the quarterback opposite Montez Sweat. When he’s right, the production is there, and the Bears are betting on that version showing up again. This is about adding juice to the front.

“Edge is a big need for Chicago.” – Peter Schrager
26) Buffalo Bills: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Peter Woods gives Buffalo a chance to fix one of its biggest issues from last season, which was stopping the run. He’s strong at the point of attack and has the tools to grow into more as a pass rusher. This is about getting tougher inside.

“Buffalo was 30th against the run last season.” – Peter Schrager
27) San Francisco 49ers: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Caleb Lomu fits what San Francisco values up front, especially with an eye toward the future. He’s steady, experienced, and capable of stepping into a larger role as the offensive line transitions. This is planning without sacrificing the present.

“Strengthening the offensive line in both the long and short term has to be a priority.” – Peter Schrager
28) Carolina Panthers (via HOU): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
KC Concepcion brings versatility and playmaking ability to a Carolina offense that is starting to find its identity. He can line up in multiple spots and produce, which makes him a valuable piece alongside a young core. This is about adding more weapons.

“Carolina's trade back would still land the Panthers a do-it-all receiver.” – Peter Schrager
29) Dallas Cowboys (via KC/LAR): EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Malachi Lawrence continues Dallas’ push to rebuild its defense with speed and disruption off the edge. He’s been rising late in the process and offers real pass-rush upside. The Cowboys double down on fixing what hurt them most.

“Lawrence has quietly risen on the board over the past two months.” – Peter Schrager
30) Miami Dolphins (via DEN): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy is a calculated risk for Miami, but the upside makes it worth it given their need at corner. When healthy, he has the traits to be a difference maker on the outside. This is a swing on talent despite the concerns.

“When healthy, McCoy can be a difference-maker.” – Peter Schrager
31) New England Patriots: EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
Zion Young gives New England another piece to help generate pressure, something they lacked consistently last season. He’s productive, active, and brings needed energy to the front. This is about improving the pass rush rotation.

“They had just 35 sacks last season.” – Peter Schrager
32) Arizona Cardinals (via SEA): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Ty Simpson sneaking into the first round would be about a team betting on traits and securing the extra year of control. Arizona can afford to be patient as it develops him behind the scenes. This is a long-term play at quarterback.

“I think he will come off the board on Day 1.” – Peter Schrager
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza steps into Las Vegas as the clear long-term answer, and it feels like this has been trending for months. He’s a poised, championship-tested passer who fits what the Raiders want to do offensively and won’t be rushed with a veteran bridge already in place. This is about stability at the most important position.

“Frankly, this pick could have been made in January as soon as Mendoza won the national title and entered the draft.” – Peter Schrager

Peter Schrager Reveals Final First-Round Mock Draft Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

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