
Imago
September 27, 2025: Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese 8 ready for a play during the NCAA, College League, USA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Washington Huskies in Seattle, WA. Ohio State defeated Washington 24-6. / CSM Seattle United States – ZUMAc04_ 20250927_zma_c04_781 Copyright: xStevexFaberx

Imago
September 27, 2025: Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese 8 ready for a play during the NCAA, College League, USA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Washington Huskies in Seattle, WA. Ohio State defeated Washington 24-6. / CSM Seattle United States – ZUMAc04_ 20250927_zma_c04_781 Copyright: xStevexFaberx
Essentials Inside The Story
- Raiders all set to make a move for Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza
- Jeremiyah Love to land with the Tennessee Titans
- The Jets are eyeing defensive weapon Arvell Reese for Aaron Glenn’s scheme
NFL free agency officially started on Wednesday afternoon, but we’ve already seen pretty much all of the top players sign new deals during the legal tampering period, which began on Wednesday. There are still some good players out there, but the majority of them already have new homes.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Since free agency comes before the draft, it can have a massive impact on how the draft unfolds. With teams filling needs in free agency, we’re beginning to get a better idea of how the first round could look, so here’s my updated NFL mock draft.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza

Imago
January 1, 2026, Pasadena, California, USA: Indiana University DAngelo Ponds, left, and quarterback Fernando Mendoza celebrate on the victory podium after defeating Alabama during the CFP Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Thursday, Jan1, 2026. Pasadena USA – ZUMAr44_ 20260101_zsp_r44_014 Copyright: xThomasxJ.xRussox
No change here. The Las Vegas Raiders have loaded up on defense in free agency while adding a center and a wideout. They’re preparing to build around Fernando Mendoza.
2. New York Jets: LB Arvell Reese

Imago
Ohio State’s Arvell Reese speaks to the media during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
The New York Jets could go with any of the edge rushers or Arvell Reese here, and I have them taking the latter. They signed two edges in free agency, and Reese is an all-around weapon that Aaron Glenn can use in so many different ways.
3. Arizona Cardinals: DE David Bailey

Imago
December 06, 2025 Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey 31 during the 1st half of the NCAA, College League, USA Football game between BYU Cougars the and Texas Tech Red Raiders at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas. /CSM Arlington US – ZUMAc04_ 20251206_zma_c04_889 Copyright: xMatthewxLynchx
I still think OL is in play here, but Arizona needs help off the edge, and they haven’t addressed defense in free agency. Jeremiyah Love was a thought, but they have three solid running backs under contract, with Tyler Allgeier coming in.
4. Tennessee Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love

Imago
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 27: Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602275562
With the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs signing top running backs, it all but confirms Jeremiyah Love is going in the top seven. Rueben Bain is in play here as well, but the Titans signed so many defensive players in free agency, I think they could make a splash and bring in the most dynamic playmaker in the draft.
5. New York Giants: S Caleb Downs

Imago
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 26, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 26 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602262375
This was going to be Sonny Styles, but the New York Giants signed Tremaine Edmunds in free agency, so I think they could address linebacker later. Caleb Downs is a special talent at safety, and the Giants need in the secondary, so it makes sense.
6. Cleveland Browns: OT Francis Mauigoa

Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Football: North Carolina State at Miami Nov 15, 2025 Miami Gardens, Florida, USA Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa 61 looks on after the game against NC State Wolfpack at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami Gardens Hard Rock Stadium Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xSamxNavarrox 20251115_SNV_na2_00121
The Cleveland Browns have been busy revamping their offensive line in free agency, but they still need to invest more. Francis Mauigoa is the top tackle in the draft, and at pick six, it’s an easy selection. WR is certainly in play here, too.
7. Washington Commanders: WR Carnell Tate

Imago
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 27: Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602270841
With the Washington Commanders signing Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson, they no longer need to go with an edge rusher at seven. Instead, they get Jayden Daniels, a dynamic playmaker in Carnell Tate.
8. New Orleans Saints: DE Rueben Bain

Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Football: Miami at Southern Methodist Nov 1, 2025 Dallas, Texas, USA SMU Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. 4 warms up before the game against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Dallas Gerald J. Ford Stadium Texas USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJeromexMironx 20251101_jpm_an4_4345
It certainly feels like the Saints are going defense at eight after signing David Edwards and Travis Etienne in free agency. It could be Mansoor Delane or Sonny Styles here, but I think they take Rueben Bain to pair with Chase Young, giving them one of the best pass rush duos in the NFC.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Mansoor Delane

Imago
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 26: LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 26, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 26 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602260158
Once the Chiefs traded Trent McDuffie and signed Kenneth Walker, it became clear that cornerback was their target at No. 9. Mansoor Delane is the best corner in the draft, so it was an easy pick.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: LB Sonny Styles

Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Football: Big Ten Media Days Jul 22, 2025 Las Vegas, NV, USA Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Las Vegas Mandalay Bay Resort NV USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xLucasxPeltierx 20250722_kdn_kw0_011
Sonny Styles could go as high as four, but with how the board fell, I have him slipping to 10. I don’t know if there’s a more sure thing in this draft than Styles. Maybe Love or Downs, but Styles is going to be a really, really good player for a long time.
11. Miami Dolphins: CB Jermod McCoy

Imago
November 30, 2024, Nashville, Tennessee, USA: Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy 3 reacts after intercepting the ball during his game against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Nashville USA – ZUMAh237 20241130_zsp_h237_050 Copyright: xCamdenxHallx
The Miami Dolphins swung big, signing Malik Willis to a three-year deal, so now it’s time to make Jeff Hafley happy and get a defensive star. Jermod McCoy didn’t play all of 2025, but he’s extremely talented and is exactly the kind of corner the Dolphins need.
12. Dallas Cowboys: DE Keldric Faulk

Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Football: SEC Media Day Jul 15, 2025 Atlanta, GA, USA Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Keldric Faulk answers questions from the media during SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Atlanta Omni Atlanta Hotel GA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJordanxGodfreex 20250715_jla_th5_049
With Delane, Downs, and McCoy gone, the Dallas Cowboys pivot to edge rusher. After Bain and Bailey, it’s a toss-up as to who the best one is, but Keldric Faulk seems to be the third guy on most boards, so he lands with America’s Team.
13. Los Angeles Rams: OT Monroe Freeling

Imago
Monroe Freeling
Rob Havenstein is likely leaving, so the Los Angeles Rams need to find his replacement at tackle. Enter Monroe Freeling, who had a standout combine performance, earning a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score. They shore up the offensive line to protect Matthew Stafford during the end of his career.
14. Baltimore Ravens: TE Kenyon Sadiq

Imago
November 29, 2025: Oregon Ducks Tight End Kenyon Sadiq 18 during warm ups before the NCAA, College League, USA Football game between the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies in Seattle WA. / CSM Seattle United States – ZUMAc04_ 20251129_zma_c04_043 Copyright: xStevexFaberx
This should be the Raiders’ pick, but the Ravens backed out of the Maxx Crosby trade. Now, after losing two of their three tight ends in free agency, they add some youth to the position alongside Mark Andrews and give Lamar Jackson a dynamic playmaker.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Makai Lemon

Imago
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 27: USC wide receiver Makai Lemon answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602272450
With Mike Evans gone and Chris Godwin’s health concerns, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to add another receiver. They haven’t done so in free agency, so bringing in someone like Makai Lemon to play the slot while Emeka Egbuka dominates the outside would be a lot of fun. Wouldn’t be surprised if they move back and take an edge rusher, though.
16. New York Jets: OG Olaivavega Ioane

Imago
Image Credits: Instagram @OlaivavegaIoane
I keep mocking Olaivavega Ioane to the New York Jets because it would because such a great move. They already have two young tackles, and with two firsts, why not add arguably the best lineman in the class to give you three star OL under 25 and on a rookie contract? Especially when you have a new, young QB likely coming next year.
17. Detroit Lions: OL Kadyn Proctor

Imago
December 30, 2025, Los Angeles, California, USA: 74 Kadyn Proctor, OL of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Media Day on Tuesday December 30, 2025 at the Sheraton Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The Indiana Hoosiers will play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Los Angeles USA – ZUMAp124 20251230_zaa_p124_056 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx
The Detroit Lions addressed some of their offensive line needs in free agency, but I still think they need to get younger there. With Taylor Decker leaving, they need a new tackle, and while Kadyn Proctor’s a bit of a project, he could be one of the best tackles in the league one day.
18. Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman

Imago
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 26, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 26 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602262571
The Minnesota Vikings have been very quiet in free agency, especially for a team that needs some secondary help. This was a deep CB and S free agent class, but they passed on all of them, so I have them landing Dillon Thieneman at 18.
19. Carolina Panthers: OT Caleb Lomu
Offensive line is a big need for the Carolina Panthers, especially after Ikem Ekwonu’s injury. I would like to see them address offensive tackle in the draft, and Caleb Lomu is an experienced player who produced throughout college. Could also see a cornerback here.
20. Dallas Cowboys: CB Avieon Terrell

Imago
November 18, 2023: Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell 20 celebrates after forcing a fourth down against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half of the ACC Football matchup at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC. /CSM Clemson United States – ZUMAc04_ 20231118_zma_c04_069 Copyright: xScottxKinserx
After addressing edge rusher at 12, the Cowboys come back and take a high upside corner in Avieon Terrell. The Clemson product is young, but he has a lot of good tape and is pretty athletic. He’d fit right in to their secondary.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: OL Spencer Fano

Imago
Eli Rehmer/Utah Athletics
The Pittsburgh Steelers no longer need wide receiver help – at least not bad enough to use a first-round pick on it. But they do need to bolster their offensive line, and Spencer Fano is an extremely talented player who can play almost every spot on the OL.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: DE Akheem Mesidor

Imago
November 1, 2025: Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor 3 rushes the quarterback during a game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. /CSM Dallas United States of America – ZUMAc04_ 20251101_zma_c04_853 Copyright: xFreddiexBeckwithx
The Los Angeles Chargers did a poor job of addressing their needs in the early part of free agency. I wanted a guard here, but none were worthy of the 22nd pick, so I moved to defensive end and grabbed Akheem Mesidor to beef up their pass rush.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: DE Zion Young

Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Football: SEC Media Day Jul 17, 2025 Atlanta, GA, USA Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young talks to the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Atlanta Omni Atlanta Hotel GA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJordanxGodfreex 20250717_jhp_th5_0212
Zion Young is being mentioned in a lot of first-round mock drafts right now, and after the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t re-sign Jaelan Phillips and missed out on Trey Hendrickson, they could really use the help off the edge.
24. Cleveland Browns: QB Ty Simpson

Imago
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 27: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602270757
The Browns have not made any quarterback moves in free agency, so that tells me they’re going to target one in the draft. And if the Jets and Steelers don’t take one at 16 or 21, they’re in a great spot to land Ty Simpson at the end of the first.
25. Chicago Bears: DT Peter Woods

Imago
October 11, 2025, Chestnutt Hill, Ma, USA: Clemson defensive tackle PETER WOODS 11 reacts after a turn over on down during the NCAA, College League, USA football game against Boston College at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Chestnutt Hill USA – ZUMAa232 20251011_zsp_a232_014 Copyright: xJamesxThomasx
The Chicago Bears have done a solid job beefing up their linebacker core and defensive back room in free agency, but they still need some help up front. Peter Woods is the most athletically gifted DT available, so they bet on his upside at pick 25.
26. Buffalo Bills: WR Jordyn Tyson

Imago
October 18, 2025: Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson 0 on the line during the game between Texas Tech University and the Arizona State University Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. . /CSM. Tempe United States of America – ZUMAc04_ 20251018_zma_c04_833 Copyright: xMichaelxCazaresx
Jordyn Tyson’s medical history is a massive red flag, but many forget he’s probably the most talented receiver in the draft. Buffalo traded for D.J. Moore, but they still need to add another wideout, and they couldn’t pass up on Tyson’s value here.
27. San Francisco 49ers: OT Max Iheanachor

Imago
September 20, 2025 Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor 58 blocks Baylor Bears defensive lineman Trent Thomas 92 during the 2nd half the NCAA, College League, USA Football game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas. /CSM Waco US – ZUMAc04_ 20250920_zma_c04_1235 Copyright: xMatthewxLynchx
With Trent Williams’ future in San Francisco uncertain, the 49ers need to find a new left tackle. Max Iheanachor has been rising up draft boards, and could find himself going in the end of the first round.
28. Houston Texans: DT Caleb Banks

Imago
Syndication: Ocala StarBanner Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks 88 hypes the crowd during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMattxPendleton/GainesvillexSunx USATSI_21596620
The Houston Texans need offensive line help, but with all the good ones gone, they pivot to their biggest area of weakness on defense and take DT Caleb Banks. He’s big and really athletic for his size, but he hasn’t played a ton of football. Definitely betting on upside here.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: DE Malachi Lawrence

Imago
October 18, 2025: West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. 15 is sacked by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence 51 in the first half during NCAA, College League, USA football at Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando, FL. Romeo T Guzman/CSM Orlando USA – ZUMAcg2_ 20251018_faf_cg2_002 Copyright: xRomeoxGuzmanx
With corner and running back addressed, the Kansas City Chiefs move to another pressing need: pass rush. Malachi Lawrence is another edge rusher who’s been flying up draft boards recently. He’s not a first-round talent, but need takes priority here.
30. Denver Broncos: LB Anthony Hill Jr.

Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Football: Kentucky at Texas Nov 23, 2024 Austin, Texas, USA Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. 0 celebrates after a stop against the Kentucky Wildcats on fourth down in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. Austin Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Texas USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRicardoxB.xBrazziellx 20241123_gma_usa_0626
CJ Allen is definitely in play here, but I just like Anthony Hill Jr. better. I think he’s a better overall linebacker; he’s 21 years old and very athletic. I know Denver re-signed Alex Singleton, but linebacker should still be a priority.
31. New England Patriots: WR KC Concepcion

Imago
October 11, 2025, College Station, Texas, USA: Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion 7 before the start of the college football game between Texas A&M and Florida on October 11, 2025 in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M won, 34-17. College Station USA – ZUMAc201 20251011_zap_c201_049 Copyright: xScottxColemanx
The New England Patriots could use help off the edge after losing K’Lavon Chaisson, but they also need receiver help. I like Romeo Doubs, but he’s not a true WR1, and he’s not the fastest guy in the world. KC Concepcion can step in and start right away while providing that game-breaking speed the Patriots need.
32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Colton Hood

Imago
August 30, 2025: Colton Hood 8 of the Tennessee Volunteers returns a fumble for.a touchdown during the NCAA, College League, USA football game between the University of Tennessee Volunteers and the Syracuse University Orange at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA /CSM Atlanta United States – ZUMAc04_ 20250830_zma_c04_019 Copyright: xTimxGangloffx
Seattle has lost a lot of members of their secondary this offseason, including Coby Bryant and Tariq Woolen, so it’s only logical they take a corner in the first round. Defense carried them to the Super Bowl this year, so they need to make sure they reload so they can do it again.
Written by
Edited by

Antra Koul
