2026 NFL Mock Draft: Way-too-early projections for 1st round

Draft season is almost here.

With college football wrapping up its regular-season action and the NFL a month away from doing the same, let's take an extremely early look ahead to the first round of next year's draft.

Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

The Titans will be hoping to trade down if they end up with the No. 1 overall pick. Whether it's here or a few picks later, they probably can't go wrong with a versatile defensive weapon like Reese.

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Giants have to protect Jaxson Dart if he's going to build on his exciting rookie year. Adding Fano opposite Pro Bowl left tackle Andrew Thomas would be a logical step in that direction.

Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

Tyler Shough has shown some encouraging flashes in his first few starts. A strong finish could influence the Saints to pass on a quarterback, instead making an important addition to the pass-rush.

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Raiders have to capitalize on a long-awaited opportunity to draft a quarterback. Mendoza's experience, accuracy, and ability to win from the pocket could really appeal to Tom Brady.

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Shedeur Sanders will get an extended look down the stretch, but it would be pretty surprising if the Browns didn't seriously consider taking another quarterback with one of their two first-round picks. Simpson's arm talent is worth a swing in this spot.

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The Commanders have needs all over the roster after a disappointing season with the oldest team in football. An explosive pass-rusher is always a good way to spend a top-10 pick.

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Although the Jets will do their homework on quarterbacks, they don't have to force it this year. A trio of 2027 first-rounders could allow them to make a run at someone like Arch Manning after taking a year to retool the roster. Downs might be the best overall player in this draft.

Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

After seeing the offense fare better with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, the Cardinals must be considering moving on from Kyler Murray. Moore could be a nice long-term fit with Marvin Harrison Jr. if he declares after a big season at Oregon.

LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

The Rams getting this pick from the Falcons to trade out of the first round last April is shaping up as an all-time steal. With a year or two to develop his unique skill set under Sean McVay, Sellers could be a fascinating succession plan for Matthew Stafford.

Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

The Bengals need all the defensive talent they can get. Woods and 2025 first-rounder Shemar Stewart could be long-term building blocks up front.

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Minnesota's trajectory is entirely dependent on J.J. McCarthy's development. A run game led by a superstar talent like Love could go a long way toward supporting the young quarterback.

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

McCoy remains a consensus top defensive back in this draft despite missing the entire 2025 season with a knee injury. The Dolphins could use that kind of cover talent on the back end.

David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

An underwhelming passing attack has been the primary source of frustration for the Chiefs, but the defensive front has been an issue, too. Bailey, who leads the nation with 12.5 sacks, would be a much-needed upgrade on the edge.

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Steelers have to do a better job of surrounding their next quarterback with playmakers. Tyson's ability to stretch the field could make him a nice fit opposite DK Metcalf.

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Tetairoa McMillan looks like a future star. The Panthers would be wise to keep adding to the position so the 2025 No. 8 overall pick isn't doing it all himself.

T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

The Cowboys should be focused on the defensive side of the ball with all these extra first-round picks. Parker joining Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Osa Odighizuwa, and Donovan Ezeiruaku could form a strong defensive front.

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Detroit has to find a long-term running mate for Aidan Hutchinson. Howell has taken his game to new heights in his fifth season at Texas A&M, tying for third in the nation with 11.5 sacks.

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Texans might have the best defense in football, and the skill-position talent is in good shape after a pair of Day 2 receiver picks in the 2025 draft. Finally solidifying the offensive line could make Houston a consistent contender.

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

It's been a strange season for the Ravens' offense. A big-bodied ball-winner like Boston could help the passing game get back on track.

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Bucs will likely have a glaring need at tight end with Cade Otton headed for free agency. Sadiq is an impact pass-catcher who also has the in-line blocking skills to be a plus contributor in the run game.

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

We can only hope the Bills finally show a little urgency when it comes to addressing the receiver position. Lemon's playmaking ability would be a welcome addition to this offense.

Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

The interior offensive line has been a major issue for the Eagles this season. Proctor could help solidify that spot before eventually kicking out to replace Lane Johnson at right tackle.

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Aaron Glenn presumably intends to build an elite defense in New York. Coming away from the first round with Delane and Downs could be an important step in that direction.

KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Concepcion's draft stock is rising after an outstanding junior year. The 49ers need a receiver with Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings potentially both on the way out, and Kyle Shanahan could make the most of the Texas A&M star's skill set.

Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State

The Chargers probably have the best offensive tackle duo in football when healthy, but the interior offensive line is still in rough shape. Ioane could fill the role Los Angeles had planned for Mekhi Becton.

Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

Offensive line would be a logical option here, but the Browns also need to target playmakers for their new quarterback. Bell's unique combination of physicality and athleticism offers plenty of upside.

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Add another another playmaker like this and the Cowboys might really have something cooking on defense. Styles and DeMarvion Overshown could combine to form one of the NFL's most talented young linebacker tandems.

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

Seattle's defense is already great. If there aren't any logical upgrades to the offensive line available here, why not make it even better? Mike Macdonald could do some great things with Allen joining Ernest Jones IV at linebacker.

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Rams' defense would likely reach yet another level with an upgrade or two at cornerback. Terrell's cover skills could make him the latest big draft hit for this unit.

R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

The Broncos' pass-rush is already the best in the business. But it can't hurt to add a little depth on the edge, potentially creating the type of rotation that elevates the group even more.

Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

The Bears' defense has to get better up front. Banks didn't make his season debut until late November, meaning the talented defensive tackle may remain available later in the draft than he should.

Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

The offensive line should remain a focal point of New England's roster building, as Drake Maye has taken 40 sacks so far in an incredible sophomore season. Tiernan can eventually take over for 34-year-old Morgan Moses opposite 2025 first-rounder Will Campbell.

Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.