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Browns trade up to No. 1, Raiders take Dante Moore in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

This post was originally published on this site.

The No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft rarely gets dealt. In fact, it has happened just twice in the past 20 years. One of those instances, though, came in 2016, when both the No. 1 and No. 2 picks were traded to quarterback-needy teams, who then selected Jared Goff (Rams) and Carson Wentz (Eagles), respectively.

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We could see history repeat itself in the 2026 NFL Draft.

I don’t like projecting trades in mock drafts, especially my first one of the cycle. But if the Titans and Giants finish with the top two picks, as it stands now, there will be movement early.

We are still six weeks away from the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft, so we’re left making educated guesses on which quarterbacks will be available. Some scouts believe Oregon’s Dante Moore will return to school, while others believe he won’t be able to pass up a potential top-five slot (especially now that Kentucky has hired Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein as its head coach). Other quarterbacks, including Texas’ Arch Manning and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, are expected to return to school and aren’t included in this mock.

(Notes: Asterisk designates a projected trade in this mock; draft order is based on current records; order for picks 19-32 will be determined by playoff finish.)

1. Cleveland Browns (from TEN)*: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Owning two first-rounders in April and having received marginal play under center this season, the Browns have the ammo and motivation to be aggressive quarterback hunters this offseason. Cleveland traded back in last year’s draft to be in position to get its guy in 2026, and neither Dillon Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders has done anything to change that plan.

In this scenario, the Browns package both of their 2026 first-rounders (and probably a 2027 Day 2 selection) to Tennessee for rights to the No. 1 pick.

Mendoza, whom NFL scouts compare to Goff or Kirk Cousins, won’t wow with his arm velocity or speed, but his football intelligence (both pre- and post-snap) separates him. He has an outstanding feel for playing on time and layering throws to attack vulnerable spots in the defense, with just enough mobility to avoid sacks at an encouraging rate. The Browns will like Mendoza for a lot of the same reasons they liked Gabriel — except Mendoza has better physical attributes and a higher upside.

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2. Las Vegas Raiders (from NYG)*: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

The Raiders’ acquisition of Geno Smith last offseason appeared sound at the time, but it hasn’t worked out. As with the Browns, it makes sense for the Raiders to be aggressive this offseason if they see a chance to land a long-term solution at the most important position on the roster.

In this mock, Las Vegas trades up two spots — and jumps the Saints — to secure its quarterback.

Moore is still just 20 years old and will have fewer than 20 career starts on his resume after this season. And, with Oregon’s NIL potential, he’ll also have plenty of reasons to stay in school. But could he pass up a potential spot in the top five? I continue to be impressed with the way Moore has responded to everything Oregon has put on his plate this season. His command of the offense and natural accuracy as a passer are strong selling points for the quarterback he will become in the NFL.

3. New Orleans Saints: Arvell Reese, edge/LB, Ohio State

The clear No. 1 player on my updated top 50, Reese can be whatever a defense needs him to be in the front seven. (OK, maybe not a nose tackle). He can play off the ball, spy, drop and cover, or mirror runs all the way to the sideline. As an edge rusher, Reese has burst, flexibility and speed, along with the violence in his hands to dispose of blocks on his way to the quarterback.

You will hear plenty of Micah Parsons comparisons for Reese throughout the process.

4. New York Giants (from LV)*: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

I didn’t expect Tate to be this high when I started this exercise, but it speaks to the unpredictability of this year’s top 10.

The Buckeyes pass catcher is impressively detailed as a route runner, especially on vertical patterns, and his length and focus make him a ball winner at the catch point. Tate would complement Malik Nabers really well and reflect the Giants’ desire to surround their young quarterback, Jaxson Dart, with more help.

5. Tennessee Titans (from CLE)*: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn

With substantial holes across their roster, the Titans are a near-lock to trade down if they end up with the No. 1 pick.

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One of the areas where they need reinforcements is on the edge, where Faulk shows a ton of promise. He is an impressive athlete, at 6-6 and 270 pounds, with the point-of-attack strength to create movement and shed blocks. Because of his young age, football character and sky-high tools, Faulk has a profile that is very similar to that of Mykel Williams from last year’s class.

6. Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami

The Commanders need to get younger and more talented on defense, and Bain would help in both areas. With a unique body type and relatively short arms, he isn’t universally loved by NFL teams, but you know Dan Quinn will be intrigued by his get-off quickness, powerful hands and relentless motor.

7. New York Jets: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Who will be quarterbacking the Jets in 2026? General manager Darren Mougey has plenty of draft capital to move up for a QB, but it also wouldn’t be surprising to see New York continue to build up its roster, go with a bridge option under center and target a 2027 prospect.

Durability concerns are a part of his evaluation, but Tyson reminds me of prime Stefon Diggs with his ability to create space and win at the catch point.

8. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech

Although slightly undersized, Bailey would give head coach Jonathan Gannon both length and juice screaming off the edge. He was a much-improved run defender this season, leading the FBS in pressures (70) and sacks (12.5) during the regular season.

9. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

With Rob Havenstein likely nearing the end of his career, the Rams might be in the right tackle market this offseason. The answer might already be on the roster should Warren McClendon finish this season strong, but if not, Fano would be a great fit. He is an athletic big man with an outstanding play demeanor.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Downs is one of the best players in this draft class, but a lot of teams — possibly including the Bengals — wouldn’t feel great drafting a safety in the top 10. That said, the Ohio State All-American would give Cincinnati a monumental talent upgrade on the back end and instantly help its defense develop a more disciplined culture. Don’t overthink this one, Bengals.

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11. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Like Downs, Love is one of the best players in the draft but positional value will limit his landing spots in the top half of Round 1. Here, that just means the Vikings get value by adding the draft’s most explosive offensive weapon — a versatile back who’d help both the run and pass games.

12. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Considered a Day 2 pick over the summer, Delane transferred to LSU and played like the best cornerback in the country this season, allowing only 13 completions and zero touchdowns during the regular season. He will get dinged for his average size (5-11, 191, 30-inch arms), but the tape says he belongs in the CB1 mix.

13. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Everyone knows what the Chiefs’ offense looks like with a mismatch tight end. Sadiq has wide receiver talent in a tight end body. He can win down the seam or be a threat after the catch. He’s no slouch as a blocker, either, which would free up Andy Reid to use him across the formation.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Another offseason in which the Steelers will find themselves at a quarterback crossroads …

Even if his inexperience is an understandable concern, Simpson processes quickly, negotiates pressure and gives his receivers chances to make plays. It wouldn’t be surprising if he returns to Tuscaloosa, but there will be several interested teams in the top half of Round 1 if he declares.

15. Carolina Panthers: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Panthers were ready to pounce on Mason Graham had he slid in last year’s draft, and they could look at defensive tackle again in this year’s first round.

Woods needs to turn the “almost” moments into more impact plays, but he is a nimble big man with a lot of promise to develop into a game-wrecker.

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16. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

With Trevon Diggs’ future in Dallas in doubt, the Cowboys might look to upgrade at cornerback.

Since he’s coming back from an ACL tear, McCoy hasn’t produced any 2025 tape to evaluate. However, his 2024 tape was outstanding, and he will be more than a year removed from his injury by the NFL Scouting Combine. Dallas has never been shy about taking chances on players coming off injury.

17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Proctor would be an easy sell in the Detroit war room — just show Dan Campbell clips of the 360-pounder catching screens and lining up in the backfield. I’m half-kidding, but Proctor would give the Lions a potential heir apparent at left tackle and immediate depth at guard.

18. Houston Texans: Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami

Teams are split on Mauigoa’s NFL position — some want to keep him at offensive tackle; others believe a move to guard is inevitable. With his body balance and vice grips for hands, Mauigoa could immediately upgrade Houston’s guard situation while giving the Texans depth at tackle in a pinch.

19. Baltimore Ravens: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Probably the most underrated Ohio State prospect in the 2026 class, McDonald is a dominant run defender who is just scratching the surface of his talent. He fires off the ball, resets the line of scrimmage and violently discards blockers, all of which the Ravens could use in the trenches.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Styles is the fifth Buckeye off the board in this mock, which would match the record for the most top-20 picks produced by one program in the same draft.

At 6-4 1/2, 237 with 4.5 speed, Styles, who just celebrated his 21st birthday last week, is a physical freak and immediately would provide Todd Bowles’ defense with improved size and range at the linebacker level.

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21. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Maybe my favorite fit in this mock. The Bills could use Boston on the roster right now as they gear up for a playoff run.

Whether as an X on the outside or a “big” slot, Boston uses his 6-4 frame to win by using body position in coverage, tracking the football and finishing outside that frame with outstanding hand strength.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

One draft pick isn’t going to rectify the Eagles’ run-game woes, but adding an athletic mauler such as Ioane (pronounced “Yo-wahn-ay”) sure would help. Tyler Steen has been up and down in his first year as a starter, and the Eagles have to be concerned about Landon Dickerson’s long-term durability.

23. New York Jets (from IND): Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

An NC State transfer, Cisse has been a riser all season because of his drive burst and vertical speed. Scouts really like the way he easily transitions out of his pedal, which allows him to stay hip to hip in man coverage before getting his head turned to find the football. Cisse is an ascending prospect.

24. San Francisco 49ers: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

If Lemon is still on the board when the 49ers go on the clock, I don’t think Kyle Shanahan would be able to pass on him.

What Lemon (5-11, 195) lacks in size, he makes up for with his manipulative route running and competitive finishing skills at the catch point. Get ready for the Amon-Ra St. Brown comparisons.

25. Los Angeles Chargers: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M

Howell will be dinged throughout the process because of his lack of length and questions about his ability to be an every-down player. But his pass-rush juice is a difference-making quality that will focus teams on what he does best, not his potential limitations.

Tuli Tuipulotu has become a cornerstone defender for the Chargers, but the defense needs more pass-rush energy opposite him.

26. Tennessee Titans (from CLE via JAX)*: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Upgrading the offense around QB Cam Ward will be the Titans’ highest priority this offseason.

Whether lined up outside or in the slot, Concepcion is a dangerous snatch-and-go receiver who ranks top 10 in the FBS in yards after catch per reception (7.6). Adding a high-upside pass rusher and an electric pass catcher, as the Titans have done in this mock, would be a great step forward.

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27. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)*: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The linebacker play in Dallas has been abysmal all season, and Allen’s key-and-diagnose skills would be a welcome addition. He is quick to read and fly to the football, plays with the punch to work off blockers and rarely misses tackles. Scouts say Allen’s competitive energy is the lifeblood of Georgia’s defense.

28. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has separated himself as one of the NFL’s best players, but the long-term health of Seattle’s wide receiver depth chart is very unsettled.

At 6-2, 225 with 4.4 speed, Bell is a big-bodied target with exciting run-after-catch skills that will speak directly to general manager John Schneider. His best football is still ahead of him.

29. Los Angeles Rams: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Rams haven’t used a top-75 pick on a cornerback in a decade — and it shows.

Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell, loves to mix things up with receivers and be disruptive (eight forced fumbles in three seasons at Clemson). He has a “Honey Badger” aura to him.

30. Denver Broncos: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

NFL scouts had high expectations for Banks in 2025, but a foot injury sidelined him most of the season. Nonetheless, the intrigue and interest are still there for the 6-6, 330-pounder, who has 35-inch arms and can impact both the run game and passing game. Banks would give the Broncos important depth at multiple spots in their various fronts.

31. Chicago Bears: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson

After leaning offense early in last year’s draft, the Bears’ goal with the 2026 class should be building depth on the defensive side of the ball, including the pass rush off the edge.

Parker is at his best with a runway, where he can use his strong hands and long levers to break down the balance of blockers.

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32. New England Patriots: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Patriots’ new team motto: Protect Drake Maye at all costs. Morgan Moses has played well at right tackle this season, but he turns 35 in March. Freeling would be a great understudy who could provide short-term depth and a long-term answer on the outside.

Round 2 (for teams without a Round 1 pick)

Atlanta Falcons: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

We’ll see if the Falcons bring Kyle Pitts back in 2026. Regardless, Atlanta could use another pass-catching weapon to help take heat off Drake London. Because of his versatility across the formation and competitive mentality, Bernard will be a favorite among scouts and coaches.

Indianapolis Colts: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

A 6-4, 235-pound athlete who can really run, Golday is an ascending prospect who can cover ground and chase down ball carriers. He would also help address the Colts’ major holes in coverage at the linebacker level.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State

Abney was considered an “on the rise” prospect entering the season, and that rocket ship has yet to slow down. Of the 15 FBS cornerbacks with at least 430 coverage snaps in 2025, he’s the only one who did not allow a passing touchdown.

Green Bay Packers: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

A 6-2 corner with 33-inch arms and 4.4 speed? You bet the Packers will be interested. Teams will have to be OK with Igbinosun’s excessive physicality in coverage, including the flags that will inevitably follow. But you can’t coach his blend of size, speed and aggressiveness.