Fernando Mendoza is the new No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports’ 2026 NFL mock draft, with the Indiana QB sizing up as a possible good fit for the Jets.
Oregon QB Dante Moore is building a case to be one of this draft class’ top prospects if he decides to declare.
Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami (Fla.) earns the title of first defensive player off the board at No. 3 to the Ravens.
With college football marching toward midseason, preseason narratives surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft have given way to actual on-field insights about the upcoming class.
A group of prospects light on stars – and any sense of certainty – has already seen quite the shake-up, with Texas quarterback Arch Manning now looking far more likely to be a 2027 entrant than the savior of this draft class some expected him to become. And while no passer has fully taken command of the top spot, there have been several promising performers who have helped their cause in the first handful of games.
With the October slate rolling, here’s USA TODAY Sports’ latest 2026 NFL mock draft projection, with the order estimated based on current records and opponent winning percentages:
2026 NFL mock draft
1. New York Jets – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey might not want to pull the trigger on a high-investment quarterback in a perceived down year at the position, but the NFL’s only winless franchise is coming up empty on providing any semblance of progress. Mendoza, the Cal transfer who has thrown for 16 touchdowns with just one interception, can offer just that. The 6-5, 225-pound signal-caller has drawn parallels to Jared Goff as a rhythmic distributor who excels within structure. The Jets might be a long way off from giving him any consistency on that front, but a staff largely imported from the Lions should find that package plenty appealing.
2. Cleveland Browns – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Maybe it’s foolish to plant your flag in an October mock draft, but here it goes. Moore hasn’t been the same fixture of these exercises that other quarterbacks have been, but he’s as promising as it gets when it comes to draft-eligible passers in this class. While the 6-3, 206-pounder only has five starts with the Ducks under his belt after an underwhelming freshman campaign at UCLA, he’s dazzled by balancing downfield strikes with layered passes all over the field. Perhaps most impressive, however, is the distinct sense of composure he’s radiated in piloting the Ducks’ high-powered offense. That quality might prove mighty enticing to the Browns, who likely will need more of a true catalyst behind center than Dillon Gabriel, Moore’s predecessor with the Ducks.
3. Baltimore Ravens – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
Hard to believe a franchise that has been knocking on the door of the Super Bowl the past two years could find itself this early in the draft order. But regardless of where Baltimore ends up, there’s little question that a unit surrendering a league-worst 35.4 points per game would relish bringing aboard college football’s most dominant defender. The 6-3, 275-pound Bain has answered every question about his letdown sophomore season with a junior campaign in which he’s repeatedly blown up plays before they got started. With Tuesday’s trading away of Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy on the final year of his contract, the Ravens’ underperforming pass rush looks ripe for a reset.
4. Miami Dolphins – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
A safety hasn’t gone in the top five of the draft since the Chiefs nabbed Eric Berry in 2010. Downs, however, amounts to far more than his listed position, as the Buckeyes’ do-it-all defender leaves his imprint all over the field. A Dolphins defense giving up 6.4 yards per play – the second-highest mark in the NFL – would stand to benefit greatly from the addition of a versatile coverage piece who also does some of his best work in stuffing the run.
5. New Orleans Saints – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Many early mock drafts have linked the Saints to several passers, which is only natural given the franchise’s ties to Manning and Garrett Nussmeier, whose father, Doug, is New Orleans’ offensive coordinator. But a franchise that hadn’t selected a quarterback in the first two rounds for more than 50 years before taking Tyler Shough on Day 2 this April might not be inclined to rush another sizable investment at the position. Woods hasn’t been the game-wrecking force many expected him to assert himself as this season, but the high-end flashes are enough to entice a team that’s woefully short on true difference-makers.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Preparing to jettison Geno Smith after a mere five-game sample sure seems hasty, especially given the rampant deficiencies elsewhere on a roster not ready to compete with the rest of the AFC West. Still, can the Raiders afford to ride things out with 74-year-old Pete Carroll and the NFL’s interception leader if things don’t drastically change down the stretch? Sellers’ development as a passer still leaves a good bit to be desired, and Las Vegas’ troubles up front make this a suboptimal setting to bring along a young signal-caller who holds onto the ball for too long and gets overconfident when he does pull the trigger. But his elite rushing ability and superlative arm strength make him a tantalizing project, and his improving precision suggests he might not be far off from taking the reins to an offense.
7. Tennessee Titans – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
An across-the-board lack of support for Cam Ward has done severe damage to the No. 1 pick’s acclimation to the NFL. To stem the tide of mounting offensive mishaps, Tennessee would be wise to equip the quarterback with something more substantive in the receiving corps beyond the occasional bursts it has gotten from Cam Ridley and fourth-round rookie Elic Ayomanor. Tyson continues to stand above all other pass catchers in college football, and his knack for working deep and securing contested catches could help prevent Ward from pressing too often.
8. New York Giants – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Safe to say that little has gone to plan for the Giants, who ditched their plan to keep Jaxson Dart away from the starting role as long as possible and instead turned to the rookie in Week 4. A more comprehensive plan will be required to set up Dart for more success in Year 2, and that effort will have to start up front. Fano could slide into the right tackle spot and team with blindside protector Andrew Thomas to help prevent Dart from regularly reverting to scrambling in the face of pressure.
9. Cincinnati Bengals – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
No matter how a rapidly disintegrating season pans out, the Bengals will be under plenty of pressure to safeguard Joe Burrow in 2026 after the quarterback’s toe injury shelved him for the bulk of the current campaign. A pivot at left tackle could be ahead given that Orlando Brown Jr. turns 30 next May and hardly is on solid ground entering the final year of his contract. The Bengals have shown a fondness for jumbo-sized offensive tackles in recent years, and the 6-7, 366-pound Proctor more than fits the bill. After some struggles to start the season, he’s evened things out and put on several displays of his punishing power.
10. Kansas City Chiefs – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
The odds of Kansas City having the franchise’s first top-10 pick since trading up for Patrick Mahomes in 2017 are vanishingly small. In this exercise, however, the Chiefs add some serious heft to a front that has left George Karlaftis to do all of the heavy lifting off the edge. At 6-6 and 285 pounds, Faulk is capable of wreaking havoc along the line and opening plenty of possibilities for Steve Spagnuolo’s various blitz packages.
11. Carolina Panthers – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
This might seem high for a player who wasn’t on the first-round radar to begin the year – and one who operates at a position where many NFL teams have skimped in recent years. But Panthers general manager Dan Morgan was a standout linebacker himself, and Carolina has a rich history of defenders at the second level who made a massive difference. Reese has proven himself up to the task of handling almost any assignment, as the 6-4, 243-pounder has thrived whether chasing down ball carriers in the backfield, spying quarterbacks or even matching up with running backs and tight ends in coverage.
12. Houston Texans – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
Two games against languid pass rushes have eased the concerns facing the Texans’ offense after its early-season stumbles. Don’t be fooled, though: This offensive front remains as problematic as ever. Mauigoa has continued his steady ascent in his third season starting at right tackle, providing solid protection for Carson Beck while making his biggest mark paving lanes in the run game. His frame might prompt some teams to view him as a guard, though the 6-6, 335-pounder boasts more than enough overall athleticism to hang at tackle. Regardless of where he lands, Houston should covet a blocker with his steadiness given how pervasive its problems up front have been.
13. Arizona Cardinals – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Something is decidedly off with an attack that ranks 27th in yards per play, and it’s not just the absence of the team’s top two running backs. A larger reworking of the offense might be in store, but fortifying the front in the draft couldn’t hurt. Lomu’s run blocking still lags behind his pass protection, but pairing Paris Johnson Jr. with another fleet-footed blocker would serve this unit well.
14. Dallas Cowboys – T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
Jerry Jones refuses to admit defeat in the Micah Parsons trade, but Dallas’ dull pass rush warrants a substantial talent infusion this offseason. While no one will mistake Parker for Parsons, the 6-3, 265-pounder has a solid track record of jolting blockers to make plays in the backfield (18 ½ career sacks, 36 ½ career tackles for loss). And yes, Jerry, he can stop the run, too.
15. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons) – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Picking up an extra first-rounder via this spring’s deal with the Falcons put Los Angeles in prime position to find a successor for Matthew Stafford. While the Rams don’t have to force the issue if they choose to stay the course and lock in $40 million in guarantees by keeping Stafford on the roster in mid-March, there still could be options worth considering. A gunslinger whose hyperaggressive style might surprise those who judge him for his modest build (6-1, 205 pounds) and background as a coach’s son, Nussmeier has encountered some early turbulence this season while shouldering a disproportionate load for the LSU attack. But the Rams surely want to make the most of Puka Nacua after Stafford calls it quits, and Nussmeier could blossom under Sean McVay if he learns to become a bit more discerning.
16. Chicago Bears – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
When speculation swirled last spring about whether the Bears would use their top selection on a running back, it seemed like a potential case of a franchise getting ahead of itself with a luxury pick. But Ben Johnson’s offense is due for a dose of dynamism after the current collection of ball carriers has repeatedly failed to capitalize on the opportunities afforded to them in the ground game. Like the Raiders and Ashton Jeanty last year, expect this to be a popular pairing in the coming months given how Love’s electric style has helped position him as the top back in this class.
17. Washington Commanders – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Marshon Lattimore’s stay in D.C. so far has been trying for both him and the team, with a rough start to this season only exacerbating concerns stemming from his injury-marred 2024 campaign. The prospect of cutting him next offseason and saving $18.5 million against the cap could be alluring – so long as Washington can find another corner opposite promising rookie Trey Amos. Unlike many of his Clemson teammates, Terrell has met the lofty expectations set for him this season by consistently staying glued to opposing receivers and making a handful of big plays operating downhill in the run game and as a blitzer. The brother of Falcons standout cornerback A.J. Terrell could give Washington a reliable and physical presence on the back end.
18. Rams – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
With the second of their two first-round picks, the Rams can afford to take a gamble on a player who once appeared on track to be considered one of this class’ top overall talents. McCoy still has yet to make it back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in January, and his return timeline and medical exams will surely weigh heavily in his draft evaluation. Still, the appeal of a sticky 6-0, 193-pound cover corner who recorded four interceptions and nine pass breakups last year should be readily evident, especially for a Los Angeles secondary that’s been reeling since losing Ahkello Witherspoon to a broken clavicle.
19. New England Patriots – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Even after New England’s concerted offseason effort to surround Drake Maye with the proper level of support, the second-year quarterback too often has had to make magic on his own rather than simply let his skill-position players take over. A hybrid weapon at 6-3 and 245 pounds, Sadiq terrorizes defenses when he’s given the ball in space. But he’s not merely a jumbo wide receiver, as his run-blocking would be an immediate asset to a Patriots ground game that still hasn’t found its footing.
20. Denver Broncos – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Any notion of exponential progress for Bo Nix in Year 2 is at least on hold after some early misfires and setbacks. While Sean Payton has shrugged off any concerns about his signal-caller’s ability to work consistently downfield, he’d be doing Nix a major favor by grabbing Boston. A 6-4, 210-pound target who excels at plucking the ball when it’s thrown up high, Boston would make life a lot easier for Nix whenever the quarterback has to look beyond Courtland Sutton.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – Connor Lew, C, Auburn
Even though the collapse of the Chargers’ front began at tackle with injuries to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, there’s also noticeable rot inside. Savvy and strong, Lew could take over for oft-criticized veteran Bradley Bozeman and help keep Justin Herbert safe from a barrage of defenders barreling down on the quarterback.
22. Minnesota Vikings – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Few players have done more to help their draft stock so far this fall than Delane, a Virginia Tech transfer who has ceded hardly anything in his initial reps with the Tigers. Bringing aboard the 6-0, 190-pound cover man would afford Brian Flores even more flexibility to present different looks and stump opposing quarterbacks.
23. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The outlook at cornerback in 2026 for Seattle is murky, with Devon Witherspoon the only regular contributor at the position signed beyond this year. Still only a redshirt sophomore, Hood has come on strong in McCoy’s stead, notching five pass breakups in his first two games after transferring from Colorado.
24. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The torpid pass rush and error-prone secondary receive plenty of blame for Dallas’ defensive deficiencies, but don’t let the lackluster linebackers off the hook. The latest in a long line of second-level standouts for Georgia, Allen keys in on run plays in an instant and rallies to the ball, though he could be exploited in coverage in the early going.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Finding a quarterback here would be an ideal outcome for Pittsburgh given the likelihood of Aaron Rodgers retiring after this season. While someone like Nussmeier, Oklahoma’s John Mateer or Alabama’s Ty Simpson could figure into the picture here, the Steelers know better than to take an unwarranted leap with an early draft pick at the position after having been through the Kenny Pickett saga. Lemon, who leads all Power Four players with 589 receiving yards, regularly frees himself from coverage in the underneath area and snags passes in traffic, making him a fitting option to work alongside DK Metcalf.
26. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
Even with several members of its rookie class stepping up as immediate contributors and potential building blocks for years to come, Cleveland needs some sizable payoffs in the upcoming draft to push this roster toward becoming even remotely competitive. Still very raw with only seven career starts to his name, Goosby is the kind of ascendant talent the Browns should be zeroing in on to boost an offensive line that has come undone.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
One year after hitting it big with a Buckeye great in Emeka Egbuka, the Buccaneers could find themselves drawn to another Ohio State standout. With optimal size (6-5, 243 pounds) and straight-line speed, Styles would solidify a linebacker group that has too long been reliant on the perpetually underrated Lavonte David, who turns 36 in January. The son of former NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles Sr. also has drawn rave reviews for his leadership, making him a particularly strong fit for a Tampa Bay front office that places a premium on character.
28. Detroit Lions – Matayo Uiagalelei, DE, Oregon
Aidan Hutchinson is all the way back, but the rest of the Lions’ defense isn’t. The gulf between Hutchinson and the rest of Detroit’s edge rushers remains as great as ever, and the unit is long overdue for a proper complementary piece. Solidly built at 6-5 and 272 pounds, Uiagalelei is the type of defensive end who should endear himself to Dan Campbell in a hurry thanks to his dogged pursuit as a rusher and technical refinement.
29. Buffalo Bills – Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
Safety play rapidly emerged as a sore spot for Buffalo’s defense, which encountered trouble at the spot starting in the season opener. Ramsey is adept at putting himself in the right position both in coverage and run support, though he is a work in progress when it comes to finishing plays as a tackler.
30. San Francisco 49ers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
It’s high time to find an eventual replacement for 11-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, but value points San Francisco to a different spot along the line here. Ioane pushes around defenders in the run game with ease, and he’s more than reliable enough as a pass protector to fill the void at left guard.
31. Indianapolis Colts – A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
One of the few problem areas for Indianapolis in an otherwise stellar season has been at the outside cornerback spot opposite Charvarius Ward. While third-round rookie Justin Walley could bounce back next year after suffering a torn ACL in training camp, the Colts can’t shortchange themselves by ignoring other options in the spring. At 6-1 and 184 pounds with ample speed to carry receivers downfield, Harris can dissuade opposing attacks from taking any deep shots.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
Replacing Josh Sweat and Milton Williams in the pass rush hasn’t been easy for Howie Roseman, who has thrown a variety of resources into the mix but hasn’t managed to make much stick. A lightning bolt off the edge, Bailey leads the Football Bowl Subdivision with 31 pressures. If Roseman can look past his 6-3, 250-pound frame, the Stanford transfer could be a key weapon as part of a deep rotation.
