Way, WAY Too Early NFL Mock Draft (Part 1)
Steak breaks down his NFL Mock Draft for 2026... Part 1
Steak
NBA, CBB, NFL, CFB
I know we are all sad football season is over, and while I love college basketball and March Madness as much as the next person, there’s simply nothing that beats talking football. That is why I have decided to do a way, way too early 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
Let me start by saying I love the NFL Draft. I have attended every single one since 2017 in Philly and am going to the 2026 one in Pittsburgh at the end of April. So enjoy this mock from a draft lover, but NOT an expert.
1–10
#1 Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This one is a no-brainer. New coach Klint Kubiak and owner Tom Brady want to find their QB, and there’s no one better this year than the national championship and Heisman Trophy-winning signal caller.
#2 New York Jets: Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State
At first glance, you’ll see the Jets need a QB, but at second glance, you’ll see they need a whole lot of other things as well. That’s why I think they’ll take the best player in this draft and the most NFL-ready guy to lead a defense and pass rush that finished second to last in the NFL in sacks.
#3 Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
One thing is for sure: Arizona needs O-line help. And while a lot of people have them taking Francis Mauigoa from Miami here, I believe they will go with Fano because he is more experienced at right tackle — and Arizona already has a starting left tackle in Paris Johnson.
#4 Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
If Robert Saleh wasn’t hired as the head coach recently, I would probably have the Titans taking a wide receiver in this spot. But I do not think Saleh can pass up a NASTY edge rusher who led the nation in sacks last season.
#5 New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
I have seen some people mocking wide receiver Caleb Downs to the Giants in this spot, but Mauigoa is a special talent. The Giants have a bad O-line and a young QB to protect, and he will be too good to pass up here.
#6 Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
I think the Browns are going to be pretty unhappy with both of the big offensive linemen already off the board at No. 6. But since I do not see them reaching for Monroe Freeling out of Georgia, I believe the local stud Tate will be a nice consolation prize for a team that desperately needs a star receiver.
#7 Washington Commanders: Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The most explosive wideout in the draft class goes to a team that needs explosive playmakers for their young QB like oxygen.
#8 New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain, Edge, Miami
The Saints would’ve potentially gone wide receiver here, but with Tyson and Tate off the board, I think this pick becomes somewhat of a no-brainer. The team’s best edge rusher last year was Cam Jordan, who will be turning 37 this upcoming season. If you watched the College Football Playoff, you know Bain was a man amongst boys — and he compiled half of his sacks on the year in the CFP.
#9 Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Hey, listen, man — some of you aren’t going to like this. But if I was a Chiefs fan, I couldn’t spend another second watching Kareem Hunt or Isiah Pacheco be my team’s lead back. And don’t get me started on Carson Steele and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Love is SPECIAL, and this fit is PERFECT.
#10 Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
This very well may end up being the steal of the draft — adding a guy who simply does it all to a defense that simply needs everything. Downs, in my opinion, would be a Day 1 starter and the best defensive player on the Bengals the second he steps on the field.
