2026 NFL mock draft: Firstround predictions ahead of AFC, NFC title games Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAYJanuary 25, 2026 at 12:01 AM 4 After 20 weeks of NFL action, four teams are still alive in the hunt for Super Bowl 60. On Sunday, the AFC title will be decided by the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. The NFC comes down to divisional foes Los Angeles and Seattle to decide who will represent the conference in the Super Bowl.
- - 2026 NFL mock draft: First-round predictions ahead of AFC, NFC title games
Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAYJanuary 25, 2026 at 12:01 AM
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After 20 weeks of NFL action, four teams are still alive in the hunt for Super Bowl 60.
On Sunday, the AFC title will be decided by the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. The NFC comes down to divisional foes Los Angeles and Seattle to decide who will represent the conference in the Super Bowl.
The rest of the league is sitting at home with the rest of us watching this play out and working behind the scenes on coaching searches, free agent planning and draft scouting.
Teams across the league have needs heading into the 2026 season. One of the best ways to fill those needs is through the first round of the NFL draft. The best prospects in the top 32 picks can often be plug-and-play starters for teams as rookies.
This year's class is defined by depth on the defensive line, interior offensive line, wide receiver, tight end and an outstanding linebacker class.
Here's our latest predictions ahead of the conference championship games:
2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
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2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
">2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
" src=https://ift.tt/5F9pOzQ class=caas-img>3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
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3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
">3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
" src=https://ift.tt/eCMXDJj class=caas-img>4. Tennessee Titans – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
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4. Tennessee Titans – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
">4. Tennessee Titans – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
" src=https://ift.tt/QV8oWNg class=caas-img>5. New York Giants – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
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5. New York Giants – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
">5. New York Giants – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
" src=https://ift.tt/QUaEzc8 class=caas-img>6. Cleveland Browns – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
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6. Cleveland Browns – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
">6. Cleveland Browns – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
" src=https://ift.tt/9LvkhqI class=caas-img>7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
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7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
">7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
" src=https://ift.tt/6S0bu8N class=caas-img>8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
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8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
">8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
" src=https://ift.tt/MsmKy7L class=caas-img>9. Kansas City Chiefs – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
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9. Kansas City Chiefs – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
">9. Kansas City Chiefs – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
" src=https://ift.tt/laDG3Xq class=caas-img>10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
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10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
">10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
" src=https://ift.tt/8Dwouzj class=caas-img>11. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
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11. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
">11. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
" src=https://ift.tt/uvMH31h class=caas-img>12. Dallas Cowboys – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
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12. Dallas Cowboys – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
">12. Dallas Cowboys – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
" src=https://ift.tt/f3demO5 class=caas-img>13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
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13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
">13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
" src=https://ift.tt/tNWM1Iz class=caas-img>14. Baltimore Ravens – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
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14. Baltimore Ravens – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
">14. Baltimore Ravens – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
" src=https://ift.tt/BGakCom class=caas-img>15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
">15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
" src=https://ift.tt/iCJycas class=caas-img>16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
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16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
">16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
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18. Minnesota Vikings – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
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18. Minnesota Vikings – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
">18. Minnesota Vikings – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
" src=https://ift.tt/HSrfAad class=caas-img>19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
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19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
">19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
" src=https://ift.tt/sTPWS9k class=caas-img>20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
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20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
">20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
" src=https://ift.tt/gziSt0T class=caas-img>21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
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21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
">21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
" src=https://ift.tt/wZvlYkX class=caas-img>22. Los Angeles Chargers – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
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22. Los Angeles Chargers – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
">22. Los Angeles Chargers – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
" src=https://ift.tt/9HCIjFr class=caas-img>23. Philadelphia Eagles – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
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23. Philadelphia Eagles – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
">23. Philadelphia Eagles – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
" src=https://ift.tt/OGgBvM5 class=caas-img>24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
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24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
">24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
" src=https://ift.tt/J3oMGAS class=caas-img>25. Chicago Bears – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
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25. Chicago Bears – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
">25. Chicago Bears – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
" src=https://ift.tt/AGPkL0c class=caas-img>26. Buffalo Bills – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
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26. Buffalo Bills – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
">26. Buffalo Bills – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
" src=https://ift.tt/lOFUxsM class=caas-img>27. San Francisco 49ers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
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27. San Francisco 49ers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
">27. San Francisco 49ers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
" src=https://ift.tt/jERis74 class=caas-img>28. Houston Texans – Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
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28. Houston Texans – Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
">28. Houston Texans – Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
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31. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
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31. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
">31. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
" src=https://ift.tt/PzUnk0b class=caas-img>32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
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32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
">32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
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1 / 322026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?1. New York Jets - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana2026 NFL mock draft1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Mendoza led Indiana to the program's first national championship and showcased exactly why he'll be the No. 1 pick in the draft. Las Vegas has lots of needs all over the roster but can't pass up on a new franchise quarterback to start a new regime.
2. New York Jets: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
With Dante Moore back in school, the Jets get the top prospect in the class. Reese is a modern linebacker who can truly do it all with elite athleticism in a 6-foot-4, 243-pound frame.
3. Arizona Cardinals: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
This is a bit of a reach and Arizona still hasn't settled on a new head coach but Fano could be an easy fit. He's the top offensive lineman prospect in the class and started the last two years at right tackle for the Utes. He could take over for pending free agent Jonah Williams at that spot or kick inside.
4. Tennessee Titans: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Tennessee hired Robert Saleh to take over as head coach after another year with the San Francisco 49ers. Saleh's defenses there put a priority on long, powerful, athletic defensive linemen. Faulk fits that bill and is one of the youngest prospects in the class.
5. New York Giants: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
It was between offensive line or wide receiver for New York here. Tate's skill set would fit well alongside returning starter Malik Nabers. His size (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) and contested catch abilities could be exciting for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart.
6. Cleveland Browns: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
Like New York, we're thinking either offensive line or skill position for the Browns. Given how many of the offensive line pieces are hitting free agency, we're going with Mauigoa here. The Hurricanes' right tackle has the size to stick there at the NFL with mauling power in the run game and a strong anchor in pass protection.
7. Washington Commanders: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
Bain makes it back-to-back Miami products off the board. Arm length is a concern but his power is undeniable. Dan Quinn's defense needs an influx of young talent and Bain should fit that bill.
8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
New Orleans' 2025 class played well and they get the most dynamic offensive weapon in the 2026 class in Love here. The Notre Dame product is the ideal modern back with receiving chops and home-run speed out the backfield. Kellen Moore could get creative using him all over the offense for Tyler Shough in year two.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Kansas City needs more weapons on offense for Patrick Mahomes and Tyson is arguably the top wide receiver in the class. He lacks elite speed but his precise route-running and separation abilities should earn him plenty of targets. His injury history may knock him down to the bottom of the top 10, like it does here.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
Cincinnati's defense needs pass rush help in a big way with Trey Hendrickson hitting free agency. You couldn't find a more productive pass rusher in the FBS than Bailey in 2025. There are some run defense concerns but he'd be a plug-and-play rusher off the edge.
11. Miami Dolphins: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Miami hired Jeff Hafley whose background is in defensive back coaching. Xavier McKinney flourished in Green Bay under Hafley and he could absolutely find the best way to maximize Downs. The Buckeyes safety is firmly one of the three best prospects in the class.
12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Dallas parted ways with Trevon Diggs after finishing as one of the worst pass defenses in the league in 2025. McCoy has some medical questions after tearing his ACL and missing the entire college season. But what he put on tape in 2024 shows an ideal outside cornerback for the NFL level.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Los Angeles should brace for losing defensive coordinator Chris Shula and this is one way to prepare for that. Delane fits the bill of a Rams player: not an outstanding athlete by testing numbers but a productive player in game situations. His technique is impressive for his age and he'd be an upgrade at the position.
14. Baltimore Ravens: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Jesse Minter is the newest Ravens head coach and his background on defense influences this pick. Woods has the talent to be a Pro Bowl player but needs to improve his consistency to maximize that. Minter showed he can do just that while with the Chargers.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Lavonte David is a franchise legend but will be one of the oldest players in the league in 2026. Allen is a tackling machine with sideline-to-sideline athleticism packaged in a 6-foot-1, 235-pound frame.
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis): WR Makai Lemon, USC
New York didn't get a quarterback at No. 2 but improves the offense here. Lemon thrived in the slot for the Trojans as a chain-moving merchant who can find holes in zone coverage and gain leverage against defenders. He'd be a nice complement for Garrett Wilson in the pass-catching corps.
17. Detroit Lions: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Proctor is an outlier athlete at 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds. He has all of the tools to be a long-term tackle but might start out at guard to improve his consistency. Good luck getting Dan Campbell to pass on Proctor after seeing Alabama utilizing him as a receiver on screens.
18. Minnesota Vikings: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Minnesota crucially retained Brian Flores as defensive coordinator and gets him a young piece to develop in the secondary. Terrell may be slightly undersized but outplays his frame and causes turnovers in both coverage and run defense.
19. Carolina Panthers: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
Carolina could go plenty of directions with this pick. Ultimately, we went with more pass rush help. Parker has the tools to be a good rotational rusher sooner than later but, like much of the Clemson defense, underperformed in 2025.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay): LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
We expect the Cowboys to trade down if possible because they have just two picks in the first 100 selections. If they stay put, look for them to target linebacker in a loaded class. Styles was originally the top prospect before Reese overtook him. He offers similar size and athleticism for the Dallas defense.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Pittsburgh is still searching for a head coach at time of publishing but needs young talent in the secondary regardless of who is hired. This time around, we have them getting Hood, who took on a bigger role with Jermod McCoy's injury in 2025 and performed very well.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
The Chargers' interior offensive line was one of the worst in the league this past season. They have a new coordinator in the building but could use an upgrade in talent as well. Ioane is the top interior offensive lineman prospect in the class thanks to his athleticism and power at ideal size.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Dallas Goedert is hitting free agency and Sadiq could make sense as his heir in the Eagles offense. Sadiq is a vertical threat and a willing blocker with plenty of runway to improve. He'll be a 21-year-old rookie.
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Cleveland bolstered the offensive line with their first pick in the first round and upgrades the skill positions here. Boston's a big-bodied ball-winner who can be a piece to build around for the Browns passing game.
25. Chicago Bears: DT Caleb Banks, Florida
Chicago's secondary played extremely well in its final game of the year. The Bears opt to upgrade the front for coordinator Dennis Allen with their first-round pick. Banks missed time in 2025 with a foot injury but has the size and elite athleticism to be a building block for the front into the future.
26. Buffalo Bills: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Two of the three interior starters on Buffalo's offensive line are hitting free agency and the Bills don't have the money to retain them all. Lomu is raw but has great athleticism and spent the 2025 season at left tackle for Utah. In this scenario, he'd be plugged in at guard which might end up being a better spot for him due to his lean frame.
27. San Francisco 49ers: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
It looks like Brandon Aiyuk is heading to greener pastures and the 49ers lacked weapons outside of Christian McCaffrey down the stretch. Concepcion is a dynamic open-field threat for whom Kyle Shanahan could scheme up plenty of touches.
28. Houston Texans: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Houston's defense was one of the best in the league in 2025 but could use an upgrade on the interior line. McDonald isn't much of a pass rusher at this point but Houston wouldn't need him to be. Instead, he'd eat up blocks to free up the rest of the second-level defenders.
29. Los Angeles Rams: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Simpson is a curious case study. As a one-year starter in a shallow quarterback class, could he make the jump to the end of the first round a la Jaxson Dart? He could be an understudy to learn behind Matthew Stafford before taking over in later years.
30. New England Patriots: OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
New England has to put a premium on protecting Drake Maye. Morgan Moses will be 35 years old next season and it'd be tough to find a more reliable tackle starter than Tiernan. He hasn't missed a snap during the past four years and is a big-framed pass protector.
31. Denver Broncos: DT Christen Miller, Georgia
Denver could lose John Franklin-Myers in free agency this offseason so bolstering the defensive line even more should be a priority. Miller has great tools but needs time to develop them. In Denver, there'd be little pressure to produce immediately.
32. Seattle Seahawks: IOL Gennings Dunker, Iowa
Last year, Seattle went with a former college tackle in the first round and moved him inside to good results in Grey Zabel. They do that again with Dunker. The Seahawks' interior could use one more piece to protect Sam Darnold and Dunker's mentality and experience could pay off here.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL mock draft: Predictions ahead of conference championships
Source: "AOL Sports"
Source: Sports
Published: January 24, 2026 at 06:27PM on Source: OPERA MAG
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