2026 NFL mock draft: Post-combine projections

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books.

While on-field production will always be the most important part of a prospect's resume, athletic testing matters too. And after a number of players put on a show in Indianapolis, plenty of names should move up and down draft boards.

Let's take another crack at mapping out the first round.

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Mendoza is saving his predraft workout for Indiana's pro day, but it's not going to matter what he does in that kind of setting. The Raiders should be laser-focused on the only great quarterback prospect in this class. The Heisman Trophy winner will be the team's first Day 1 draft pick used on a QB since JaMarcus Russell in 2007.

Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

Bain didn't take part in on-field drills in Indianapolis, but he remains a legitimate contender to be the Jets' top pick. And after a combine-week trade saw Jermaine Johnson II shipped to Tennessee for nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat, New York suddenly has an opening on the edge. Bain demonstrates the power and technique to overcome any concerns about his lack of length.

Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

Reese was one of several Ohio State stars to dazzle at the combine. While there are still questions about his ideal position fit at the next level, he said during the week that he sees himself as an edge player. Reese's explosiveness would make him an excellent addition opposite Josh Sweat.

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The Johnson trade was an important first step for Tennessee to improve its pass rush alongside Jeffery Simmons. The Titans may be inclined to double up with another edge rusher here, but the secondary could use some love too. Downs has a case as the best overall player in the entire draft, so let's not get too caught up in debates over position value.

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Styles should be flying up draft boards after the combine. Although this is another pick that might lead to a mini meltdown from the position-value purists, the Ohio State star isn't your average linebacker prospect. His absurd combine numbers, which include a 4.46 40 and a 43.5-inch vertical jump, make the 6-foot-5, 244-pound Styles one of the most athletic players we've ever seen at the position. He could be the perfect addition to roam the middle behind a loaded Giants defensive line.

Monroe Freeling, OL, Georgia

The Browns have five starting offensive linemen heading for free agency next week. It would be shocking if Cleveland didn't use at least one of its two first-round picks to start rebuilding that group. This may feel like an overreaction to combine numbers, but athleticism matters for big guys too. After a stellar workout that included a 4.93 40, Freeling is tracking for the second-best offensive line profile ever recorded by Relative Athletic Score.

David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Washington could justify adding an offensive playmaker in this spot, but it might be tough to pass up the opportunity to bolster a premium position on a middling defense. Bailey, who tied for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks in 2025, would provide some much-needed explosiveness off the edge.

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Let's shrug off the position-value gripes here, too, as the Saints may actually get a steal with Love at No. 8. The Notre Dame running back was already considered to be one of the best players in this class, and then he demonstrated elite speed at the combine with a 4.36 40. Adding a true home-run hitter to the backfield would help Kellen Moore's offense take a significant step forward in 2026.

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Chiefs will be sniffing around for offensive playmakers, but the defense needs help as well. With Jaylen Watson headed for free agency and Trent McDuffie considered to be a trade candidate, the cornerback position could soon be at the very top of Kansas City's shopping list. Delane is a potential shutdown player whose man coverage skills would fit nicely into Steve Spagnuolo's defense.

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

McCoy declining to participate in combine drills is a bit disappointing because it was a great opportunity to show teams that he's fully recovered from the torn ACL suffered last January. The missed time does present some risk, but the Bengals are no stranger to swinging big in the first round. McCoy recapturing the form he demonstrated in 2024 would go a long way toward pulling Cincinnati's defense out of the basement.

Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State

The top two corners already being off the board is a tough break for the Dolphins, but there are plenty of other glaring needs on this rebuilding roster. Adding Ioane at right guard would help shore up the offensive line and make life easier for whoever ends up as the long-term quarterback in Miami.

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The Cowboys have always loved physical traits, and Faulk provides exactly that on the edge. At 6-foot-6, 276 pounds, the Auburn defensive end represents an ideal fit as an every-down player opposite 2025 second-rounder Donovan Ezeiruaku. Still just 20 years old, Faulk could develop into an impact player who rounds out a new-look front four.

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Sadiq went to Los Angeles at No. 29 in my post-Super Bowl mock draft. An incredible combine workout - highlighted by a 4.39 40 and near-record jump scores - virtually guarantees he'll be long gone by that point. The Rams shouldn't hesitate to use their other first-round pick to get him. Defending Sean McVay's heavy personnel sets would become all the more difficult with a freak athlete such as Sadiq at tight end.

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Teams shouldn't overthink Tate's 4.53 40, as straight-line speed has never been a big selling point for his game. That's not to say it won't happen though. The Ravens would be thrilled to take advantage of a mini slide here. Tate's route-running skills and contested-catch ability can make him a strong complement to Zay Flowers.

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Bucs need some pass rush juice if Todd Bowles' defense hopes to get back on track next season. With Haason Reddick heading back to free agency, Howell's speed off the edge would be a key addition opposite Yaya Diaby. He racked up 11.5 sacks for Texas A&M in 2025.

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

I've had the Jets doubling down on defensive players for a while now, but Lemon falling to No. 16 might be too enticing to pass up. New York has a solid offensive line in place, and Breece Hall is seemingly likely to return. The versatile USC star slotting in alongside Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell could be the final piece in establishing a suitable foundation for a high-end quarterback prospect in 2027.

Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

With the top edge rushers off the board, the Lions would be wise to solidify the future of their offensive line. Mauigoa can be a guard or tackle at the next level. Either way, the powerhouse Miami product can help Detroit's offense bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

Banks should be on the rise after flashing some impressive athletic traits to go with his 6-foot-6, 327-pound frame. The Vikings will once again need reinforcements on their interior defensive line, as Javon Hargrave is reportedly among those on the way out as the team clears cap space.

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Thieneman stuffed the stat sheet in college, racking up 306 tackles and eight interceptions across two seasons at Purdue and another at Oregon. As it turns out, he's also an elite athlete with 4.35 speed. Whether it's as a deep safety or a slot defender, Thieneman's presence can take an already-talented Panthers secondary to the next level.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

McNeil-Warren is another logical fit if the Cowboys are looking for size and physicality on defense. The Toledo safety could fill a need on the back end or be featured closer to the line of scrimmage as a big nickel working out of the slot.

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson being available here represents a dream opportunity for Pittsburgh to fill an obvious need opposite DK Metcalf. Not only is he one of the best playmakers in this class, but he was also developed by Steelers legend Hines Ward at Arizona State. A frustrated fan base would love this pick.

Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon

The Chargers will make the shift to a zone run game under incoming offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. A Jim Harbaugh team is never going to sacrifice physicality though. Pregnon, an impressive athlete who also moves people off the ball, can handle whatever's asked of him in solidifying the interior offensive line.

Spencer Fano, OL, Utah

Lane Johnson will be back for at least one more season, but the Eagles have to start planning for a future without their perennial All-Pro. Fano is an outstanding athlete who should be a seamless fit as the team pivots to a zone run game under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.

Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

The Browns secured their left tackle of the future with Freeling at No. 6, and Monday's trade for Tytus Howard adds a solid starter on the other side. Their efforts to overhaul the offensive line shouldn't stop there. Proctor may need some time to realize his potential, but he could offer Pro Bowl upside with a move inside to guard. His explosiveness scores at the combine were particularly impressive for a player who measured 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds.

T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Chicago should probably be dangling this pick - and potentially several other assets - to acquire a superstar on the edge (hello, Maxx Crosby). Parker is a logical fallback plan if there's no blockbuster deal to be made. The Clemson product could be a steal if his sophomore season (11 sacks, 19.5 TFLs, six forced fumbles) proves to be indicative of his upside at the next level.

Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Cooper should be firmly in the first-round conversation after running a 4.42 40 at the combine. While it's not the kind of time that steals the show in Indianapolis, it proves that the wideout has more than enough long speed to complement his physical and explosive play style. Cooper joining dynamic slot receiver Khalil Shakir would be a major upgrade to Josh Allen's group of playmakers.

Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

This is much later than most are projecting for Woods, but it wouldn't be the first time that teams opting to fill other needs results in a talented player falling further than he should. The 49ers would be thrilled with the value, as they could use an interior pass rush presence to round out their defensive line.

Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah

Upgrading the offensive line is a priority to help get C.J. Stroud's development back on track. The surprise trade that sent Tytus Howard to the Browns makes the Texans' need even more pressing. Lomu slides in as a long-term starting tackle opposite 2025 second-rounder Aireontae Ersery.

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Perhaps this pick could be shopped for an established corner who can help the Rams capitalize on a Super Bowl window that may close when Matthew Stafford eventually retires. Either way, the secondary has to be a focus. Terrell's ability to play zone coverage on the boundary or from the slot makes him a strong fit for Chris Shula's defense.

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

Alex Singleton is scheduled to become a free agent, and Dre Greenlaw could end up being a cap casualty after an injury-riddled debut season in Denver. That makes linebacker one of the few obvious needs on the Broncos' roster. Allen can step in as a Day 1 starter capable of impacting the game on all three downs.

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

A Boston in Boston. The Patriots could look to continue building out the offensive line here, but the receiver position should also be considered a critical need. Boston is a contested-catch machine who would fit in nicely alongside Kayshon Boutte and Kyle Williams as long-term weapons for Drake Maye.

Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Will the Seahawks be willing to match the kind of contract that Tariq Woolen figures to command on the open market? With big-money extensions on the way for both Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon, that might not be in the cards. Cisse is another athletic corner who provides the requisite physicality for Mike Macdonald's defense.

Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.