NFL Mock Draft 2026: Jeremiyah Love lands with Commanders; Chiefs, Dolphins double up on needs after free agency
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NFL Mock Draft 2026: Jeremiyah Love lands with Commanders; Chiefs, Dolphins double up on needs after free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Scouting Combine is long finished and the NFL is also deep into free agency for the new league year. Whether teams spent money or cut personnel, all 32 saw their rosters change in different ways.
Based on veteran signings and trades, comings and goings, all the teams picking in the first round should have a better understanding of how to balance the filling of more personnel needs and stockpiling more talent across positions.
Here's an updated look at the first-round projections for April 23 in the 12th edition of Sporting News' 2026 mock draft:
NFL FREE AGENCY 2026:Team-by-team grades
NFL Mock Draft 2026, post-NFL free agency edition
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-5, 236 pounds)
This pick remains a lock as the Raiders' free agency focused on improving their offensive line (Tyler Linderbaum) and receiving corps (Jalen Nailor) in anticipation of Mendoza being their new franchise QB, replacing now traded Geno Smith.
2. New York Jets
- Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State (6-4, 241 pounds)
The Jets invested plenty on defensive upgrades for Aaron Glenn in free agency but they stlll should be in the market for the best player available to continue to raise potential impact. Reese can do everything to increase the playmaking quotient.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-5, 244 pounds)
The Cardinals also should be considering defense as they have committed to bridging at quarterback to Jacoby Brissett for Mike LaFleur. They could also use a rangy, active playmaker to help dominate on the second level for Nick Rallis.
MORE:NFL Combine measurements tracker
4. Tennessee Titans
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-2, 263 pounds)
The Titans should be weighing their pass-rush options early as that was the void with their defensive free-agent additions for Robert Saleh. Bain, with his potential upfield disruptive dominance, remains the preferred choice.
5. New York Giants
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 192 pounds)
The Giants added some tight end and receiver help in free agency (Isaiah Likely, Darnell Mooney) but also had to replace others (Daniel Bellinger, Wan'Dale Robinson). They didn't go out and get the vertical outside field-stretcher to pair with Malik Nabers. Tate would be the ideal aggressive draft pick to give Jaxson Dart another serious threat.
6. Cleveland Browns
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6-0, 206 pounds)
The Browns have a chance to catch this fourth former Buckeyes star in the top six and the third defensive prospect from Columbus. They lost Devin Bush in free agency and need someone to help middle linebacker Carson Schwesinger and the cornerbacks. Downs would be good to replace Ronnie Hickman next to Grant Delpit.
7. Washington Commanders
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 212 pounds)
The Commanders need a true workhorse power back given their constant shuffle the past few seasons with Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Getting only complementary receiving back Rachaad White in free agency suggests they are leaving the door wide open to draft Love to be the dynamic, explosive and versatile lead back to better supoort Jayden Daniels.
8. New Orleans Saints
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-4, 251 pounds)
The Saints worked on upgrading their running game with Travis Etienne Jr. and David Edwards in free agency and also were able to help replace Demario Davis with the return of Kaden Elliss. With Cameron Jordan needing to be replaced on the edge pass rush for Brandon Staley, Bailey's devastating speed and quickness would be a great get.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
- Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 315 pounds)
The Chiefs finally moved on from Jawaan Taylor but remain shaky at the tackles with Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore. Mauigoa can give them a sound option to play either side to shore up the long-term protection for Patrick Mahomes.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6-0, 187 pounds
The Bengals made some smart additions with edge rusher Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook, but they didn't fill the need for a top cover corner. Delane has emerged as the best shutdown potential option with his size and technique.
11. Miami Dolphins
- Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6-1, 188 pounds)
The Dolphins will be looking at Delane, too, as they try to land a top big corner who can make a lot of plays on the ball. McCoy would be their delayed replacement for Jalen Ramsey.
12. Dallas Cowboys
- Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6-3, 259 pounds)
The Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary to help address their post-Micah Parsons edge concerns but need to add a bigger impact pass rusher. Mesidor has done well to boost his stock, getting more attention right along with Bain.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons)
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-6, 302 pounds)
The Rams are in good shape at tackle with Rob Havenstein retiring, thanks to Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr. But they can consider Fano as a strong swing backup with the run-blocking pop to potentially take over at either guard.
14. Baltimore Ravens
- Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-11, 192 pounds)
The Ravens need to reload a little again for Lamar Jackson, with limited receiving pop behind Zay Flowers, with Likely gone at tight end. Lemon would make sense as a route-running slot star to give them more versatility in the new passing offense of Declan Doyle.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6-3, 241 pounds)
The Buccaneers re-signed Cade Otton but they need more field-stretching and red zone weaponry for Baker Mayfield and some 12 personnel flexibility for new coordinator Zac Robinson after losing wide receiver Mike Evans. Sadiq would be a
MORE: Complete 7-round draft order for 2026
16. New York Jets (from Colts)
- Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (6-6, 327 pounds)
The Jets could keep up the defensive theme with some pop up front and with their rebuilding process, they can be patient on Banks getting fully healthy from his foot injury. Before that, Banks was ripping it at the Combine with great quickness for his size.
17. Detroit Lions
- Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (6-4, 330 pounds)
The Lions are still in the process of resetting their line, with center Cade Mays being the notable free-agent addition to start with all-world tackle Penei Sewell. Newcomer Juice Scruggs is an option to boost guard, but getting Ioane
18. Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thienman, S, Oregon (6-0, 201 pounds)
The Vikings need to replenish safety fast, as it is a suddenly weak position without Harrison Smith and with Josh Metellus. Thieman blew up the Combine as a dynamic athlete who can give them a huge playmaking force in coverage.
MORE:Biggest, strongest, fastest from 2026 NFL Combine
19. Carolina Panthers
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-2, 203 pounds)
The Panthers worked on their offensive line (Rasheed Walker) and defensive front seven (Jaelan Phillips, Devin Lloyd) well in free agency to the point they have some best player available flexibility early in the draft. Tyson would be a nice big target to pair opposite reigning OROY Tetairoa McMillan.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (6-1, 230 pounds)
The Cowboys didn't go after Bush or Lloyd in free agency and they still need an active do-everything linebacker in the Nakobe Dean mold (from the same program, no less). Allen would be a great fit for Christian Parker, trying to re-create the Eagles' strength.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (6-7, 315 pounds)
The Steelers are still expecting that Aaron Rodgers returns at QB and they gave him some new skill support in wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and running back Rico Dowdle. That would leave working on a big, powerful upgrade to their offensive line, which Freeling can provide at either tackle.
MORE: What Mike McCarthy hire in Pittsburgh means for Aaron Rodgers
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 276 pounds)
The Chargers know that Khalil Mack is coming back but they lost Odafe Oweh in free agency. They need to boost their pass rush opposite Mack for new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary and Faulk is a solid big option for the job.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-7, 352 pounds)
The Eagles need to think about the near future of right tackle opposite Jordan Mailata, even with Lane Johnson returning for a 14th season. Proctor would be a massive rock to groom for the job ahead of 2027.
Rick Osentoski
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (6-4, 212 pounds)
The Browns need to work on getting wide receiver help, with second-year tight end Harold Fanning being the only dynamic target for Shedeur Sanders. Boston would provide some nice size and outside big-play punch.
25. Chicago Bears
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (6-3, 201 pounds)
The Bears need to do more at safety after getting Coby Bryant from the Seahawks to help replace departing free agents Kevin Byard and Jaquon Brisker. McNeil-Warren would be a solid, strong safety thumper to pair with the smooth-covering Bryant.
26. Buffalo Bills
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (6-0, 193 pounds)
The Bills need to get a complementary corner for Christian Benford and Hood would make sense as a physical coverage option who still can improve his technique to be more consistent.
27. San Francisco 49ers
- KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (6-0, 196 pounds)
The 49ers signed Mike Evans, but are bound to lose both Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk. Concepcion can continue their reboot at wide receiver with a quick open-field playmaker for Brock Purdy to play well off Evans' size and field-stretching outside. Christian Kirk was a good pickup for depth, but Concepcion can be more of a game-changer.
28. Houston Texans
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6-2, 298 pounds)
The Texans need to further bolster their defensive line rotation next to Sheldon Rankins and Woods can give them a little interior pass rush juice, too.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams)
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 186 pounds)
The Chiefs need to work on getting their cornerback group reloaded after trading McDuffie and seeing both Watson and Joshua Williams leave in free agency. They should like Terrell's size, pedigree and run-supporting asset.
30. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos)
Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana (6-0, 199 pounds)
The Dolphins could use another reliable and dynamic slot after trading Jaylen Waddle to fill the Broncos' need for that same type of player. Cooper is rising up the boards in his attempt to build on being the clutch go-to guy for Mendoza.
31. New England Patriots
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6-4, 265 pounds)
The Patriots should want to work on getting pass-rush reinforcements and Parker would have appeal for Mike Vrabel with the size and power he can also bring vs. the run.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-2, 253 pounds)
The Seahawks lost Mafe in free agency and need to get their outstanding versatile pass rush some more depth. Howell's speed and quickness to immediately contribute on passing down makes him intriguing for Mike Macdonald.
