Renner's three-round NFL mock draft: A wide-open top 10 becomes a case study in positional value

With as many as 20 players in play for the top 10, this class turns into a real-time test of how teams value positions at the top of the draft

Mike Renner

Apr 19, 2026

3:43 pm ET

•

5 min read

Michael Meredith, CBS Sports design

I can't remember a year with a more in-flux top 10. Arguably 20 players could realistically end up among the top-10 picks when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night.

While I didn't project trades in this mock, moving proven veterans will likely be one of the bigger stories of Days 1 and 2 of the draft. That's because many teams will look to land sure-fire talent in a class with so many question marks.

One thing is certain: this draft will be a fascinating case study in positional value, as some of the highest-graded players in the class -- Jeremiyah Love, Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs -- don't play positions historically drafted in the top 10.

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. You can find more draft coverage at CBSSports.com, including weekly mock drafts and regular evaluations of the top prospects.

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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

A no-brainer at this point. Mendoza is a perfect fit for Klint Kubiak's offense. Now they need to add more weapons for him in the coming rounds.

Round 1 - Pick 2

David Bailey

EDGE

Texas Tech

• Sr

• 6'4"

/ 250 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Jets

PROSPECT RNK

20th

POSITION RNK

3rd

Aaron Glenn needs a pass rusher right now, and Bailey fits the bill with an FBS-leading 14.5 sacks last year. He may not have Arvell Reese's ceiling, but he's far more technically advanced at the moment. He'll pair with Will McDonald IV to be a terror on third downs.

Round 1 - Pick 3

Arvell Reese

EDGE

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6'4"

/ 243 lbs

Projected Team

Arizona

PROSPECT RNK

3rd

POSITION RNK

2nd

Cardinals fans may have PTSD from the term "hybrid linebacker," but Reese is a distinctly different type of prospect than those who came before him with that moniker. He'll likely end up as a pass rusher, given his absurd ability to generate force on contact. The fact that his pass-rushing tape was so strong without formal training bodes well for his potential.

Round 1 - Pick 4

Jeremiyah Love

Notre Dame

• Jr

• 6'0"

/ 214 lbs

Projected Team

Tennessee

PROSPECT RNK

7th

POSITION RNK

1st

RUYDS

1372

YDS/ATT

6.9

REYDS

280

TDS

There may not be receivers worthy of the No. 4 pick, but there is a running back. Love is a difference-maker perfectly suited for the modern game. His ability as a receiver out of the backfield will help Cam Ward as well.

Round 1 - Pick 5

Francis Mauigoa

Miami (Fla.)

• Jr

• 6'6"

/ 329 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Giants

PROSPECT RNK

16th

POSITION RNK

4th

It's not technically an immediate need, but with Jaxson Dart's injury history, keeping him upright is a must. Mauigoa could start inside at guard and eventually take over for Jermaine Eluemunor.

Round 1 - Pick 6

Kadyn Proctor

Alabama

• Jr

• 6'7"

/ 352 lbs

Projected Team

Cleveland

PROSPECT RNK

4th

POSITION RNK

1st

The Browns' offensive line revamp continues. With their timeline, they have the luxury of taking a high-ceiling prospect who needs development. Still only 20 years old, Proctor has jaw-dropping traits for a player that young. His improvement over the course of last season makes him easy to buy into.

Round 1 - Pick 7

Sonny Styles

Ohio State

• Sr

• 6'5"

/ 243 lbs

Projected Team

Washington

PROSPECT RNK

9th

POSITION RNK

1st

The Commanders have already added multiple players to get more athletic in their front seven, and this would be the cherry on top. Styles is the freakiest linebacker to come out in some time -- maybe ever. His ability to do anything Dan Quinn asks would be a far cry from the limited athletes Washington had at the position last year.

Round 1 - Pick 8

Carnell Tate

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6'2"

/ 192 lbs

Projected Team

New Orleans

PROSPECT RNK

18th

POSITION RNK

3rd

REC

REYDS

875

YDS/REC

17.2

TDS

Tyler Shough's go balls were one of the most impressive parts of his rookie season, but he didn't have receivers outside of Chris Olave to haul them in. That's Tate's specialty, as he has the body control to consistently come down with passes in tight situations downfield.

Round 1 - Pick 9

Rueben Bain Jr.

EDGE

Miami (Fla.)

• Jr

• 6'2"

/ 263 lbs

Projected Team

Kansas City

PROSPECT RNK

2nd

POSITION RNK

1st

Two of Brett Veach's worst picks as Chiefs GM -- Breeland Speaks and Felix Anudike-Uzomah -- came at edge rusher. It's a difficult position to fi