Renner's 2026 NFL mock draft 8.0: Jeremiyah Love completes NFL's most dynamic backfield, Buckeyes own top 10

Plus, a replacement for Aaron Rodgers in the Steel City.

Mike Renner

Mar 17, 2026

1:43 pm ET

•

1 min read

CBS Sports design

We're starting to get more clarity on how the top 10 will shake out after the NFL Scouting Combine and free agency. The lack of consensus at premium positions outside of quarterback still makes this one of the more difficult drafts to project in recent memory.

The biggest point of contention will easily be the offensive line. At least three of the top offensive tackles -- Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano and Kadyn Proctor -- could be viewed as guards instead, depending on who you ask. Predicting which NFL teams will feel that way will be difficult.

That said, I still see many of them landing in the first round, with seven tackles and eight total offensive linemen among the 32 picks below.

NFL Mock Draft

Round 1

Round 1 - Pick 1

Fernando Mendoza

Indiana

• Jr

• 6'5"

/ 236 lbs

Projected Team

Las Vegas

PROSPECT RNK

1st

POSITION RNK

1st

PAYDS

3535

RUYDS

276

INTS

TDS

Even after adding Tyler Linderbaum and Jalen Nailor early in free agency, don't expect the Raiders to be done adding offensive talent with this pick. The Fernando Mendoza-Klint Kubiak combination could be a special one in Las Vegas.

Round 1 - Pick 2

Arvell Reese

EDGE

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6'4"

/ 243 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Jets

PROSPECT RNK

3rd

POSITION RNK

2nd

The Jermaine Johnson II trade earlier this month paved the way for the Jets to go edge rusher at No. 2. Arvell Reese offers the highest theoretical ceiling of any rusher in this class with his high-end explosiveness and unique play strength for an undersized rusher. The only concern is his limited playing time off the edge.

Round 1 - Pick 3

Spencer Fano

Utah

• Jr

• 6'6"

/ 311 lbs

Projected Team

Arizona

PROSPECT RNK

5th

POSITION RNK

2nd

The Cardinals grab an athletic right tackle to round out their offensive line. Spencer Fano is already an elite zone run blocker with the athletic traits to become a plus pass protector in the NFL. It will make life easier for whoever plays quarterback in Arizona.

Round 1 - Pick 4

Rueben Bain Jr.

EDGE

Miami (Fla.)

• Jr

• 6'2"

/ 263 lbs

Projected Team

Tennessee

PROSPECT RNK

2nd

POSITION RNK

1st

Putting Rueben Bain Jr. on the same defensive line as Jeffery Simmons would give the Titans some serious attitude. Opposing offensive linemen wouldn't want to see them on the schedule.

Round 1 - Pick 5

Sonny Styles

Ohio State

• Sr

• 6'5"

/ 243 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Giants

PROSPECT RNK

10th

POSITION RNK

1st

Sonny Styles has the kind of athletic profile that can sneak into the top five even at a devalued position like linebacker. Put him next to Tremaine Edmunds, and you'll shut down passing lanes over the middle of the field.

Round 1 - Pick 6

Monroe Freeling

Georgia

• Jr

• 6'7"

/ 315 lbs

Projected Team

Cleveland

PROSPECT RNK

52nd

POSITION RNK

7th

Monroe Freeling has the most prototypical left tackle traits in this draft class, and his play has been ascending ever since he broke into the starting lineup. With how desperate the Browns are for offensive line help, they could reach here early.

Round 1 - Pick 7

Jeremiyah Love

Notre Dame

• Jr

• 6'0"

/ 214 lbs

Projected Team

Washington

PROSPECT RNK

16th

POSITION RNK

1st

RUYDS

1372

YDS/ATT

6.9

REYDS

280

TDS

Jeremiyah Love next to Jayden Daniels would create the most dynamic backfield in the NFL. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more dynamic backfield in league history. That will keep defenses out of two-high shells.

Round 1 - Pick 8

Carnell Tate

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6'2"

/ 192 lbs

Projected Team

New Orleans

PROSPECT RNK

8th

POSITION RNK

2nd

REC

REYDS

875

YDS/REC

17.2

TDS

Carnell Tate is the kind of big-bodied wideout the Saints desperately lacked last year. They gave Tyler Shough help along the offensive line and in the backfield during free agency; now they give him a downfield weapon in Tate.

Round 1 - Pick 9

David Bailey

EDGE

Texas Tech

• Sr

• 6'4"

/ 250 lbs

Projected Team

Kansas City

PROSPECT RNK

19th

POSITION RNK

3rd

The Chiefs abandon their usual "type" on the edge to add more speed to their front seven. They don't anticipate drafting in the top 10 again anytime soon and know certain positions, like edge rusher, are harder to find in the 20s.

Round 1 - Pick 10

Caleb Downs

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6'0"

/ 205 lbs

Projected Team

Cincinnati

PROSPECT RNK

7th

POSITION RNK

1st

Even after adding Bryan Cook in free agency, Caleb Downs would still be a welcome addition for Bengals fans. His ability to play in the slot or deep would give Al Golden more flexibility with his coverages.

Round 1 - Pick 11

Kenyon Sadiq

Oregon

• Jr

• 6'3"

/ 241 lbs

Projected Team

Miami

PROSPECT RNK

29th

POSITI