2026 NFL mock draft: Trades galore as Patrick Mahomes gets a bodyguard, Cowboys find new face of their defense

Former NFL CB and two-time Super Bowl champion Bryant McFadden predicts all 32 first-round picks

Bryant McFadden

Apr 19, 2026

3:57 pm ET

•

1 min read

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What if I told you Round 1 would have four trades, six offensive linemen would come off the board and the Big 12 would produce the first defender selected?

Well, those things actually happened ... in my mock draft. Hopefully you're satisfied with who I have your favorite team selecting.

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.

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

This has been the worst-kept secret since December, and it makes perfect sense. Vegas is convinced he's the guy, so this is the right move.

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

The Jets defense recorded only 26 sacks (31st) last year. The best way to improve your entire defense is to add defenders who can pressure QBs. Bailey was one of the best rushers in college football, a tone-setter who fits Aaron Glenn's archetype and gives this defense the juice it desperately needs.

Round 1 - Pick 3

Arvell Reese

EDGE

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6'4"

/ 243 lbs

Projected Team

Arizona

PROSPECT RNK

3rd

POSITION RNK

2nd

The NFC West is a QB gauntlet, with two Super Bowl-winning signal-callers (one MVP) and a third (Brock Purdy) who has already made a Super Bowl with a 67.3% career winning percentage. Defense is a must, and Reese is a violent, rangy defender.

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

Arguably the best player in the draft, Love can have a three-down impact on every offensive possession. If Tennessee wants to see growth from second-year QB Cam Ward, adding the best offensive weapon in the draft will help his development and give this offense an identity piece.

Round 1 - Pick 5

Francis Mauigoa

Miami (Fla.)

• Jr

• 6'6"

/ 329 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Giants

PROSPECT RNK

16th

POSITION RNK

4th

A young QB's best friend is good protection. The Giants brought back Jermaine Eluemunor to protect the right side, but Mauigoa is too good to pass up here. If needed, he can become an All-Pro guard and turn what was once a weakness into a strength for the G-Men.

Round 1 - Pick 6

Spencer Fano

Utah

• Jr

• 6'6"

/ 311 lbs

Projected Team

Cleveland

PROSPECT RNK

5th

POSITION RNK

2nd

One of the more versatile offensive linemen in the draft with hot tape. Injuries and depth were issues for Cleveland last year on the O-line, and adding Fano helps erase those concerns. His versatility is the selling point.

Round 1 - Pick 7

Carnell Tate

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6'2"

/ 192 lbs

Projected Team

Washington

PROSPECT RNK

18th

POSITION RNK

3rd

REC

REYDS

875

YDS/REC

17.2

TDS

Washington needs a WR2 with real upside, and Tate gives them a long-term answer while helping stabilize the uncertainty at the position outside of Terry McLaurin.

Mock Trade from

New Orleans Saints

Round 1 - Pick 8

Sonny Styles

Ohio State

• Sr

• 6'5"

/ 243 lbs

Projected Team

Dallas

PROSPECT RNK

9th

POSITION RNK

1st

Dallas trades up four spots to select Sonny Styles, arguably the most athletic player in the draft, filling a major void in the middle of its defense.

Round 1 - Pick 9

Mansoor Delane

LSU

• Sr

• 6'0"

/ 187 lbs

Projected Team

Kansas City

PROSPECT RNK

14th

POSITION RNK

3rd

Cornerback is a huge need after losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Delane is plug-and-play with inside-outside versatility and gives Kansas City immediate help.

From

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1 - Pick 10

Jordyn Tyson

Arizona State

• Jr

• 6'2"

/ 203 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Giants

PROSPECT RNK

23rd

POSITION RNK

5th

REC

REYDS

711

YDS/REC

11.7

TDS

When healthy, Jordyn Tyson could be considered the best WR in this draft, and it sounds like he's healthy. Malik Nabers, Isaiah Likely and Tyson -- good luck slowing that trio down.

Round 1 - Pick 11

Jermod McCoy

Tennessee

• Jr

• 6'1"

/ 188 lbs

Projected Team

Miami

PROSPECT RNK

6th

POSITION RNK

1st

Even though McCoy didn't play a down in 2025, his 2024 tape was impressive. He's explosive, twitchy and knows how to take a No. 1 receiver away.

Mock Trade from

Dallas Cowboys

Round 1 - Pick 12

Rueben Bain Jr.

EDGE

Miami (Fla.)

• Jr

• 6'2"

/ 263 lbs

Projected Team

New Orleans

PROSPECT RNK