Fresh off the 2026 NFL Combine and well into some trades, it’s time for my latest mock draft. The Brian Lamb 5.0 mock draft doesn’t feature any trades, but does reflect the latest trades that have occurred in the NFL.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
While Mendoza won’t be participating in the NFL Scouting Combine, nor should he, the Indiana QB remains atop the draft board. We’ll have to wait for Indiana’s Pro Day, however, to watch him throw. All in all, I think this pick isn’t just a lock in the Brian Lamb 5.0 mock draft, but is a lock for the 2026 NFL Draft, too.
2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Quincy Williams is set to hit free agency, as well as several depth pieces. While this draft class is loaded at linebacker, Arvell Reese is by far the best.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Fano spent the 2023 season at left tackle before moving to the right side for 2024 and 2025. His experience at right tackle would make him a suitable replacement for Jonah Williams. Yes, there are arm length concerns for him after he measured in at 32 1/8 inches at the 2026 NFL Combine. However, I believe that his film shows that he can win despite his arm length.
4. Tennessee Titans
Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (FL)
While I believe that arm length matters, I firmly believe that Bain’s ability to dominate on defense matters, too. I’d feel comfortable taking him here at 4th overall.
5. New York Giants
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
I don’t think the Giants can go wrong with a playmaker on offense, regardless of position. With that being said, I’ll take the top WR on the board.
6. Cleveland Browns
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
All five starters on the offensive line are set to hit unrestricted free agency. Offensive tackle is the play here.
7. Washington Commanders
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
I expect that Reuben Bain and David Bailey will come off the board in that order. However, if Bain falls, I don’t think Washington would balk at selecting him.
8. New Orleans Saints
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Finding a capable wide receiver to take pressure off of Chris Olave should be a priority for the Saints’ front office. Jordyn Tyson is a big-bodied playmaker who can be a productive weapon for QB Tyler Shough.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
As I mentioned on the Draft Countdown Show Mock Draft, I don’t think it’s inconceivable that Zion Young could sneak into the top ten. He performed well at the Panini Senior Bowl, and if he can impress scouts at the Combine and his Pro Day, that should be enough.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Bengals can’t go wrong by addressing their defense. Cakeb Downs is the best available defensive player on the board.
11. Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
More than anything else this offseason, the Miami Dolphins need to find depth across their roster. Their best move would be to trade out of this pick. However, in the interest of fairness, there are no trades in this Mock Draft. Therefore, I have the Dolphins addressing a need at starting cornerback.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Twelve might be a bit early for a pure off-ball linebacker. However, Dallas also has Green Bay’s pick (20th overall), but their next pick doesn’t come until the 4th round. They need to address two of their biggest needs here in the first, unless they plan to trade out for additional draft capital.
13. Los Angeles Rams
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Rams have this pick from the Falcons. They just traded for CB Trent McDuffie from the Rams, so they’re down to one pick in the first, and corner is no longer a pressing need for them. Therefore, I have them addressing the hole at right tackle, which I had them doing at 29 anyways. However, now that they don’t need a cornerback, there are several playmakers that they could target instead.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Woods is a versatile defensive tackle who can likely play across the defensive line. His play style, in my opinion, really fits what the Ravens look for in a cornerstone prospect.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Cade Otton is scheduled to hit free agency this offseason. Even if they believe in Payne Durham, Sadiq is an athletic weapon that can stretch the field.
16. New York Jets
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
It’s a very obvious reset time for the Jets. I don’t necessarily think Simpson is ready to start the season, but I do think they can develop him into an everyday starter.
17. Detroit Lions
Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Caleb Banks was one of the top performers at the 2026 NFL Combine, especially for someone his size. I think he has the athleticism and versatility necessary to play across the defensive line. I love this move, and I think Lions fans should, too.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
I’ll admit that I’ve struggled with where to mock Jeremiyah Love. While I think he’s likely one of the best prospects in this class, it’s difficult to find a landing spot. With that being said, I don’t think he gets past Minnesota at 18.
19. Carolina Panthers
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
CJ Allen is likely to play inside linebacker in the NFL, which is a need for the Panthers. It also gives them a little flexibility to move some guys around their front seven.
20. Dallas Cowboys
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
I’ve done several iterations of this mock draft, but I keep coming back to edge for the Cowboys. He fills a need and upgrades the talent.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
There was a lot of criticism of Makai Lemon for how he performed behind closed doors at the 2026 NFL Combine. I don’t know if it’s accurate or if it’s just smoke. Either way, I still think he’s a first-round WR.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
Offensive line help for QB Justin Herbert is a necessity.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Freeling played right tackle at Georgia, the same position he’ll play in the NFL. Offensive line isn’t a pressing need for the Eagles, but it does set them up for when Lane Johnson retires.
24. Cleveland Browns
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
I’m going back-to-back offensive line for the Cleveland Browns. They just traded for Tytus Howard, but I don’t think it’s a deal-breaker here. Miller or Howard could shift inside to guard, which is still a huge need for the Browns. At the end of the day, I think we’ll see the Cleveland front office spend multiple picks early on the offensive line.
25. Chicago Bears
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Drew Dalman, their Pro Bowl center, retiring obviously hurts. However, I don’t think this is the spot to address the need. Let’s target a cornerback, a higher priority, for them at 25.
26. Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Reloading on offense for an already stout Bills offense. This pick gives them some flexibility and versatility, too.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Jordan Elliott is a free agent this offseason. While they could look to replace him with a veteran, they have a really good defensive tackle on the board as the best available.
28. Houston Texans
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
I think Dillon Thieneman worked his way into the first round following his performance at the 2026 NFL Combine. While the Texans’ offensive line is still a mess, I don’t think they have to address it in the first.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
With the Chiefs trading back into the first round, I think a safety makes a lot of sense here. They’re likely to get sniped if they want Thieneman, although they do have some draft capital to move around now.
30. Denver Broncos
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Cashius Howell came in with undersized arms at the 2026 NFL Combine, which is likely to hurt his draft stock. At the end of the day, however, I still have him coming off the board on day one.
31. New England Patriots
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
The Patriots got close but couldn’t close the deal in the Super Bowl. Upgrading their pass rush is a need for them this offseason.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
In my opinion, Tennessee’s Colton Hood is the best available defensive back on the board. It makes sense to me, but it also feels like something the Seahawks would do.