While the 2025 college football season is still nearly two months away, it’s never too soon to look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. Based on extensive film analysis and ongoing discussions with scouts and talent evaluators across the league, here’s an initial projection of all 32 first-round picks for next year.
1. Cleveland Browns
- Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson’
Despite spending two picks on quarterbacks in the 2025 draft (Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Shedeur Sanders in the fifth), the Browns shouldn’t shy away from drafting a long-term passer here. Klubnik enters the season as my top quarterback. In 2024, he threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions, highlighted by a gutsy College Football Playoff performance against Texas (336 passing yards, three TDs, one INT). Klubnik’s arm strength, mobility, and playmaking awareness are reminiscent of Baker Mayfield, whom Cleveland selected with the No. 1 pick in 2018.
2. New York Giants
- Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*
Mauigoa is a rising player entering his third college season. After allowing five sacks as a true freshman in 2023, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound right tackle didn’t allow a single sack last season and committed only three penalties. Mauigoa excels as a run blocker in a zone scheme, demonstrating quick feet and the agility to reach the second level. He’d be a prime replacement for the disappointing 2022 first-rounder Evan Neal, joining a youthful offense that includes 2025 first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart, star second-year receiver Malik Nabers, and emerging running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.
3. Tennessee Titans
- T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson*
The Titans have long been in dire need of a premier edge rusher, and Parker certainly fits that description. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound junior not only racked up 11 sacks last season but also forced six fumbles. His ability to play in space and rush from multiple alignments makes him an ideal fit for Tennessee’s 3-4 base defense. His quickness off the edge, based on last season’s tape, is the best in this class. While the Titans could use offensive help, Parker provides the defensive menace they desire.
4. New York Jets
- Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas*
The Jets might consider a receiver to complement Garrett Wilson, but currently, there isn’t one projected to go this high. Instead, defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn would land a true, three-down difference-maker. Hill was a stat-sheet stuffer in 2024, recording 113 tackles, eight sacks, four forced fumbles, and a 32-yard pick-six. His range in coverage and blitzing ability draw comparisons to Fred Warner, but at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Hill could even see a “Micah Parsons” treatment and transition to an edge rusher role. This versatility makes him a rare linebacker worthy of a top-five pick.
5. New Orleans Saints
- Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
Safeties often slide down draft boards, but Downs is an exception. The 6-foot, 205-pounder is my current No. 1 overall player due to his exceptional range, versatility, and proven playmaking ability. Downs has four interceptions in his two college seasons, demonstrating the skills to play effectively in the box or patrol center field as a deep safety. He’s consistently utilized as an “eraser” against whatever offenses throw at him. The Saints need talented football players across their roster, and Downs is arguably the best in this class.
6. Carolina Panthers
- Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
The Panthers surprised many with their 2025 first-rounder, prioritizing wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8 despite having a defense that finished last in EPA. They did add edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2, so now it’s time to get defensive tackle Derrick Brown some much-needed help. That’s where the 6-foot-3, 315-pound Woods comes in. He posted three sacks and 17 pressures in 11 games last season, and his quickness and leverage would be a welcome addition to Carolina’s revamped defense.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
- Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*
Seven of the Raiders’ 11 picks in 2025 were on offense, including five of their first six. It’s time to bolster a defense that regularly faces Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix. Las Vegas needs to find a strong complement to Maxx Crosby on the edge, and Bain’s speed-to-power ability could provide just that. Bain has 11 sacks in his two college seasons, using his length to create space he can then burst through with his signature power. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Bain has the build and tools to make an immediate impact from the left edge.
8. New England Patriots
- Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
Upside is a key factor in early mock drafts, and Tyson possesses the potential to soar into the top 10. At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, he evokes comparisons to Jaxon Smith-Njigba with his refined route-running and composure in space, effortlessly navigating through a route tree. Tyson had a breakout 2024 season, catching 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, drops are a concern, with eight on 114 targets. If he can improve his hands, Tyson’s combination of speed and route technique makes him a potential top-10 pick and a prime target for young Patriots QB Drake Maye, who has shown franchise potential.
9. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
- Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*
With two first-round picks in the 2026 draft, the Rams have significant flexibility. Proctor would immediately be one of the NFL’s strongest players upon entering the league. The 6-foot-7, 370-pounder plays with a physicality and mean streak that can be overwhelming for defenders when he’s focused. However, Proctor isn’t always at his best and can be inconsistent. The Rams are looking for an eventual successor to Rob Havenstein at right tackle, and Proctor possesses more raw potential than any other lineman in this class – if he can improve his consistency.
10. Seattle Seahawks
- Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
It was surprising that the Seahawks waited until Round 7 to draft a tackle in 2025, especially considering Abraham Lucas’s injuries have created instability at right tackle. If those issues persist, Seattle could target a tackle very early in 2026. Fano has played both left and right tackle at Utah, though his size (6-foot-5, 304 pounds) leads some scouts to project him as an NFL guard. Fano enters 2025 as one of the nation’s best linemen after allowing only one sack in 2024, and his movement ability and understanding of angles and leverage make him an ideal NFL right tackle.
11. Indianapolis Colts
- Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Anthony Richardson’s injuries and lack of development led to the Colts signing Daniel Jones this offseason. Barring significant improvement from Richardson (or a breakthrough by Jones), Indianapolis will be in search of a new starting quarterback. Nussmeier showed flashes in his first season as a starter, throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, Garrett plays with passion and isn’t afraid to take chances. If he can cut down on his interceptions, Nussmeier’s velocity, accuracy, and playmaking ability could see him rise on draft boards.
12. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
- Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*
With right tackle Jack Conklin slowing down and unproven Dawand Jones set to start at left tackle, it was somewhat surprising that the Browns bypassed the tackle position in the 2025 draft. However, the 2026 class appears deeper in true left tackle prospects, and Lomu is a player with considerable growth potential. He performed well as a redshirt freshman, allowing three sacks and committing just one penalty. Lomu should have a breakout 2025 season, showcasing his easy movement ability in the run game and quick reaction time in pass protection. While not currently OT1, he has top-five potential if he builds on his strong performance last season.
13. Dallas Cowboys
- Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*
The Cowboys enter the season still needing to sign Micah Parsons to a long-term extension. While they signed Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason, Dallas needs more talent on the edge after passing on the position in the 2025 draft. At 6-foot-6, 288 pounds, Faulk is a versatile player who can line up anywhere along the defensive front, from 3-technique to a true outside edge. He can generate pressure from both inside and out, as evidenced by his 24 edge pressures and five interior pressures last season. Faulk’s size and strength would be a formidable pairing with Parsons’ speed.
14. Arizona Cardinals
- Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson*
The Cardinals secured excellent value early in the 2025 draft, landing defensive tackle Walter Nolen III and cornerback Will Johnson later than many expected. However, receiver remains an area of concern opposite 2024 first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr. Williams is currently my WR1 after a 75-catch, 11-touchdown season as a sophomore in 2024. At 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, Williams is a quick, shifty wideout capable of playing both outside and in the slot. This makes him an ideal complement to the bigger Harrison.
15. Miami Dolphins
- Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
There are some questions surrounding McCoy’s status to start the season after he tore an ACL in January during offseason training, but there’s no doubt about his talent on tape. The 6-foot, 193-pound corner has six career interceptions and emerged as a true No. 1 cornerback last season. He possesses the length, height, and speed to run with NFL-caliber wideouts and the ball skills to flip the field. He remains my CB1, provided he makes a full recovery and stays healthy. The Dolphins are in need of a capable outside cornerback, especially after trading Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers on Monday.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
- LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina*
While Aaron Rodgers eventually signed with the Steelers, all indications point to it being a one-year arrangement, making quarterback a primary focus for Pittsburgh in the 2026 offseason. Sellers is one of the nation’s most exciting prospects, throwing for 18 touchdowns to seven interceptions last season while rushing for 674 yards and seven scores. The 6-foot-3, 242-pounder is big, strong, and mobile, and could easily be picked much higher if he cleans up some decision-making errors. With two years of eligibility remaining after next season, Sellers isn’t a lock to declare, but his potential excites evaluators.
17. Chicago Bears
- Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
The Bears were reportedly interested in Ashton Jeanty had he fallen to them in the 2025 draft, suggesting 2026 might be the year they address the running back position. Love was one of the nation’s top running backs last season as a sophomore, rushing for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s a bruising runner at 6-foot, 206 pounds but also possesses the ability to break off big plays – like his 98-yard touchdown against Indiana in the first round of the playoffs – and shake tacklers in space. This, combined with his receiving skills, makes him an ideal feature back for new coach Ben Johnson’s offense.
18. Minnesota Vikings
- Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama
While the Vikings bolstered their offensive line in Round 1 of the 2025 draft with guard Donovan Jackson, they were frequently linked to interior defenders during the pre-draft process and even made a run at Milton Williams in free agency. Therefore, defensive tackle remains a need. The 6-foot-2, 326-pound Keenan is a physical, tough-nosed anchor with the prototypical nose tackle build. He shows some pass-rush ability (2.5 sacks last season), but Keenan’s strength against the run and on-field leadership have scouts discussing him as a potential first-rounder.
19. Green Bay Packers
- LT Overton, Edge, Alabama
When the Packers ended their 20-plus-year first-round receiver drought by selecting Matthew Golden in 2025, they bypassed a need on the edge. So, edge rush help should be a priority for Green Bay in 2026, and Overton fits what Packers GM Brian Gutekunst typically looks for at the position. The 6-foot-5, 283-pounder is big, long, and versatile, and likely would have been a top-50 pick had he entered the 2025 draft. Instead, he returned to Alabama to further develop his game, refine his pass-rush moves to better match his speed-to-power flashes, and improve on the two sacks he had in 2024.
20. Denver Broncos
- Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Sean Payton has been vocal about his desire to diversify the Broncos’ passing game, notably by adding hybrid players he refers to as “jokers.” He signed one in veteran tight end Evan Engram and drafted another in running back RJ Harvey, but he’s looking for more. Stowers is currently my TE1 and is expected to have an even bigger breakout season after catching 49 passes for 638 yards and five touchdowns last season. He’s more of a slot tight end at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, resembling Engram. Stowers would serve as a younger version of Engram with even greater upside.
21. Houston Texans
- Austin Barber, OT, Florida
The Texans underwent a massive offensive line overhaul after surrendering 52 sacks in 2024, trading left tackle Laremy Tunsil, signing several free agents, and selecting tackle Aireontae Ersery in Round 2 of the past draft. However, the work of finding better protection for C.J. Stroud is far from over. The 6-foot-6, 314-pound Barber started 12 games at left tackle last season, demonstrating pro-level starting upside thanks to efficient hand placement in pass protection and ideal quickness for zone running schemes.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Patrick Payton, Edge, LSU
Payton has been on scouts’ radar since 2022, flashing as a freshman at Florida State before compiling seven sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore in 2023. He struggled along with the rest of the Seminoles in 2024, with his sack total falling to four. He’ll look to regain his first-round status at LSU in 2025. If he does, Payton would be an intriguing fit for the Buccaneers, as his quickness and speed off the edge would be an ideal complement to the power that defensive tackles Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey possess.
23. San Francisco 49ers
- Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Many expected the 49ers to draft an eventual successor to All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, who turns 37 in July. However, San Francisco passed on tackles in the 2025 draft, so that need still exists. World transferred to Oregon after dominating at Nevada, and the 6-foot-8, 310-pounder has all-world potential with his elite reach, elite agility, and valuable experience. The 49ers need to get younger at core positions, and left tackle should be at the top of their wish list.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
- Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Defensive line could become the No. 1 need for the Bengals if they can’t resolve the Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart contract situations. But assuming those issues are smoothed over, Cincinnati should focus on its secondary. The Bengals have several young cornerbacks in Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner II, and Dax Hill, but they’ve been held back by injuries and inconsistency. Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell, had two interceptions and broke up 13 passes last season. His versatility, speed, and production suggest he’d be a valuable addition late in Round 1.
25. Washington Commanders
- A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
The Commanders traded for Marshon Lattimore last season and picked Trey Amos in Round 2 of the 2025 draft, but they still have a need at corner, especially considering Lattimore’s age and injury history. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Harris possesses the length that Dan Quinn favors in his corners. Harris has demonstrated ball-hawking skills and thrives at pressing and jamming receivers. He’s still a bit raw, having started only one season, but last season’s tape – combined with Penn State’s track record in developing defenders – makes Harris one of the most promising corners in the country.
26. Los Angeles Chargers
- CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Sometimes, when watching film, a player simply jumps out as a perfect fit for an NFL scheme or coach. That’s the case with Allen and Jim Harbaugh. The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder fits the mold of linebackers Harbaugh had with the 49ers and recruited at Michigan. Allen crashes rushing lanes with power while also displaying the agility to excel in pass coverage. While he’s somewhat protected by Georgia’s top-tier defensive line, Allen’s read-and-react ability makes him a strong bet to be an immediate NFL starter.
27. Los Angeles Rams
- Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
With Matthew Stafford entering his age-37 season, this would be a smart spot for the Rams to select his eventual successor. Allar is a big-armed quarterback with good mobility for his size (6-foot-5, 238 pounds), but he hasn’t quite put all the pieces together yet. He has the arm talent to make any throw and can escape crowded pockets, but he does go through cold stretches where his decision-making and accuracy can falter. His development in 2024, where he improved his completion percentage from 59.9% to 66.5%, is encouraging and suggests further improvement is on the horizon.
28. Baltimore Ravens
- D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
The Ravens added two short-term cornerback options in veterans Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, but they need a long-term solution. Ponds projects as a slot corner due to his 5-foot-9, 170-pound frame, but he’s a feisty cover man with excellent ball skills (five career interceptions) and the quickness to match up with inside receivers. Adding him to a pair of young safeties in 24-year-old All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and 2025 first-rounder Malaki Starks would give Baltimore a formidable group of youthful playmakers.
29. Detroit Lions
- Tyreak Sapp, Edge, Florida
Surprisingly, the Lions chose not to draft an edge rusher to help Aidan Hutchinson – especially considering their star pass rusher is returning from a season-ending leg injury. Sapp is coming off a career-best seven sacks last season and possesses ideal strength at 6-foot-3, 272 pounds to hold up against the run, while also showing the quickness to win with his first step. Adding Sapp to Hutchinson, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, and 2025 first-round defensive tackle Tyleik Williams would give Detroit a truly formidable defensive front.
30. Kansas City Chiefs
- Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The upcoming season will be crucial for young Chiefs safeties Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner, who have each shown promise but haven’t emerged as consistent starters. This could open the door for Kansas City to select Thieneman, who intercepted six passes at Purdue in 2023 and racked up 104 tackles last season. He transferred to Oregon, where he’ll be able to play both deep and box safety in Dan Lanning’s pro-style defense. His size (6-foot, 207 pounds) and playmaking instincts should allow him to thrive with the Ducks.
31. Philadelphia Eagles
- Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Eagles have a history of finding top-20 players who unexpectedly slip through the cracks, and Boston could fit that mold. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder had 63 catches, 834 yards, and nine touchdowns last season. His physical, above-the-rim style is quite similar to Tetairoa McMillan’s. Philadelphia boasts two bona fide star receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but there isn’t much depth behind them. With Brown entering his age-28 season, investing in a young receiver like Boston for three-wide sets now, and as a potential future replacement for Brown, makes a lot of sense.
32. Buffalo Bills
- Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Buffalo has enjoyed solid interior offensive line play during Josh Allen’s tenure as starting quarterback, but this would be a smart spot for the Bills to replenish with a starting-caliber player. Slaughter didn’t allow a single sack last season and was penalized only twice. He’s already pro-sized at 6-foot-5, 308 pounds and is a clean pass protector with strength, quickness, and excellent awareness. Slaughter possesses the athletic profile to play either guard or center in the NFL at a high level.
