5th Annual Hops and Thoughts 2026 NFL Mock Draft

1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14) – Fernando Mendoza – QB – Indiana

Heisman Trophy Winner. National Champion. Looks like Fernando Mendoza gets to add #1 Overall Draft Pick to his resumé. Mendoza is the best QB in a bad class and the Las Vegas Raiders need a QB in a real bad way. His game is built on precision passing, toughness, and performing under pressure, and he looks to take big game experience to Sin City.

2. New York Jets (3-14) – Arvell Reese – LB/EDGE – Ohio St.

Arvell Reese is arguably the best prospect in this draft class with a high ceiling if he puts it all together. Reese played a hybrid OLB role in Ohio State’s defense that asked him to rush the passer and play off the ball. He has all the athletic tools to play at a very high level — but has yet to realize that potential — making this pick a bit of a gamble. I had David Bailey in this spot for quite a bit, given his proven production — but the Jets recently cancelled his pre-draft meeting. That could be very good or very bad for Bailey, and in this mock draft, Arvell Reese benefits.

3. TRADE – Kansas City Chiefs (via Arizona Cardinals) – David Bailey – EDGE – Texas Tech

Word on the streets is that the Chiefs want to trade up for a top edge rusher. They may be able to stand pat at #9 and get Rueben Bain Jr. — but he might be a target of the Saints at #8. The Arizona Cardinals also have limited draft assets and were a team that would potentially trade back into the second half of the 1st round for Ty Simpson at QB, and this trade does both as the Cardinals receive #29 in this trade. This trade could involve #9 and #29 to the Cardinals in exchange for #3 overall OR multiple 2nd-round/3rd-round picks that the Cardinals could use to move back into the 1st round.

In a pretty deep Edge class, David Bailey is maybe the most polished and pro-ready pass rusher. Bailey finished first in college football with 14.5 sacks and had a 21.3% pressure rate. The All-American may not have a higher ceiling than Arvell Reese — but I think he may have a higher floor. If the Chiefs trade up here, I think this is the pick, or Arvell Reese if the Jets choose Bailey.

4. Tennessee Titans (3-14) – Jeremiyah Love – RB – Notre Dame

It is up for debate if Jeremiyah Love is the best player in this draft class over Arvell Reese. Love’s numbers speak for themselves. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry in the past two years, and scored 40 TDs. Love is a threat to score on every play in the running or passing game with comparisons to Jahmyr Gibbs. Tennessee Coach Robert Saleh has seen first hand what a versatile RB can do in his years at San Francisco with Christian McCaffery and will hope to replicate that in Tennessee while giving Cam Ward more weapons. Depending on how the board looks at this point, the Titans may consider a pass rusher and there may be teams, like the Cowboys, hoping to trade up for Sonny Styles or Caleb Downs.

5. New York Giants (4-13) – Sonny Styles – LB – Ohio St.

The trade of Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for #10 overall changes this pick — giving the Giants an extra 1st-round pick to play with. I previously had Francis Mauigoa OT in this spot prior to the trade, but the information coming out of New York seems to point to a combination of Sonny Styles and a WR at #10 if the board works out in their favor. Sonny Styles blew the roof off of Lucas Oil Stadium at the NFL Combine with a 4.46-second 40-time at 6’5” 245 pounds. He was the shotcaller on a top-tier defense with an NFL-caliber Defensive Coordinator and will be the center piece of the Giants defense for years to come. This is a pretty high pick for an off-ball LB — but the consensus is that this kid is a Top 5 player in the class.

6. Cleveland Browns (5-12) – Monroe Freeling – OT – Georgia

Teams drafting this early in the draft order tend to have more than a few holes, and the Cleveland Browns are no exception to the rule. Wide Receiver and Offensive Line are both on the board here for the Cleveland Browns, but in favor of a deep WR class, I think the Browns use the first of their two 1st-round draft picks on the OL. Monroe Freeling is a mammoth of a human being that has Stretch Armstrong arms and quick feet that made him an All-SEC selection. Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa are options here as well — but of the two, Monroe Freeling is the one that the Browns had in for a pre-draft visit, so I gave him the edge.

7. Washington Commanders (5-12) – Caleb Downs – S – Ohio St.

The Washington defense was atrocious last season, giving up an average of 6.0 yards per play. Prior to the Giants-Bengals trade, I expected that one way or another, this pick was an Ohio St.  Buckeye between LB Sonny Styles and S Caleb Downs. They are two of the best players on the board this year and both would help this defense. GM Adam Peters comes from San Francisco where Fred Warner made the defense what it was, so Sonny Styles would have been a top option — but I think Caleb Downs fits more of a need for the team. When both your best fits are the two best players on the board, I think the biggest need wins out. The Giants-Bengals trade makes this decision even simpler.

8. New Orleans Saints (6-11) – Rueben Bain Jr. – EDGE – Miami

I think the way this draft board has fallen to this point, the New Orleans Saints are pretty happy. Their biggest needs are Edge Rusher and Wide Receiver, and there are a pair of Top 10 players on the board that fit those needs in Rueben Bain Jr. and Carnell Tate. I think with the loss of Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis on the defensive side and the solid depth of this WR class, the Saints go with Rueben Bain Jr. — tiny T-Rex arms be damned. Despite some reservations about his arm length, Bain has the power to wreck offensive lines and it showed in Miami this past season where he totaled 9.5 sacks and led college football in QB pressures (83).

9. TRADE – Arizona Cardinals (via Kansas City Chiefs) – Francis Mauigoa – OT – Miami

The Arizona Cardinals trade back and still have a chance to draft a top-tier OT in this mock draft. Mauigoa was an Iron Man for Miami with 42 starts in the past three seasons and has freak athleticism. He plays strong in the run game and has great balance to mirror rushers in the pass game. Mauigoa’s fit at the next level may be at RT or Guard — which are both needs for the Cardinals — and they add additional picks to make moves and target additional players later in the round or early in the 2nd or 3rd.

10. New York Giants (via Cincinnati Bengals) – Jordyn Tyson – WR – Arizona St.

There is a lot of heat around Jordyn Tyson to the New York Giants as the experts like to say and I think that in this case, where there is smoke, there is fire. Prior to an injury this past season, Tyson was the top WR prospect in this draft on a lot of boards, and if not for the injury might still be. There are three players in college football in the last two seasons to total more than 1,800 receiving yards and 18 TDs — Tyson, Skyler Bell, and Jeremiah Smith. Giants GM flew out to see Tyson at his pro day this past week and took him out for a steak dinner. I’m not sure you do that if he is a guy you just kinda like a little bit.

11. Miami Dolphins (7-10) – Carnell Tate – WR – Ohio St.

The Miami Dolphins are in a rebuild and I expect them to try and build around free agent QB Malik Willis in this draft — but the defense still needs a lot of work as well. Carnell Tate is too good to pass up in my humble opinion. I know there are question marks about his speed — but his acceleration out of breaks and excellent route running still let him get open. Tate caught 77.3% of his targets this past season with a 12-yard average depth of target on his way to totaling 51 catches, 875 yards, and 9 TDs in nine games — with Jeremiah Smith on the opposite side of the field. Tate has pro bowl talent and with the recent success of Ohio St. WRs in the league, he is hard to pass up here for the rebuilding Dolphins.

12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1) – Mansoor Delane – CB – LSU

The Dallas Cowboys have needs at Safety, Cornerback, and Edge, and could target any of them at this position. I think that the Edge class has solid depth and the Cowboys can find a solid starter at #20 — making this decision between the top CB and top S on their draft board. Mansoor Delane is the top CB in this class that has excelled in man and zone coverage — allowing zero TDs and committing zero penalties last season. Delane will be a solid addition to this Cowboys defense that needs all the help it can get.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons) – Makai Lemon – WR – USC

I think this pick comes down to WR or OT for the Los Angeles Rams. Makai Lemon is the consensus next best WR on the board and Spencer Fano is a beast at OT — but I think Makai Lemon gets the nod. Davante Adams is on the last year of his contract and is toward the end of his career, and Puka Nacua is currently facing legal issues and in rehabilitation, which makes WR a massive need if the Rams want a shot at the Super Bowl this year. Lemon has question marks with his speed, but is a smooth route runner with a low 2.8% career drop rate and the skill to go up and get the ball.

14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9) – Spencer Fano – OT – Utah

The biggest needs of the Baltimore Ravens are DT, OG, and OC. The Ravens could pull the trigger on a true OG here with Olaivavega Ioane still on the board and I think that #14 overall is too rich for any of the DTs on the board — but Spencer Fano is the best offensive lineman on many expert draft boards, and has the versatility to play at RT or RG and solidify the Baltimore OL. I think Spencer Fano is a slam dunk pick in this mock draft. TE Kenyon Sadiq is a potential option here as well if they want to spice up the pass game and add an heir apparent for Mark Andrews.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) – Kenyon Sadiq – TE – Oregon

Kenyon Sadiq turned in one of the best combine performances in the history of the TE position, measuring 6’3’ and 240 pounds with a 4.39-second 40-time, a 43.5-inch vertical, and an 11’1” broad jump — and yet I find myself struggling to see where he ends up in this draft. I think his big body and freak athleticism make him a top-tier red zone target, and with the departure of Mike Evans in Tampa Bay, Kenyon Sadiq will check a lot of boxes. Kenyon Sadiq had 51 receptions for 560 yards and 8 TDs last season at Oregon.

16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr. – WR – Indiana

Cooper Jr. is one half of a stellar WR tandem at Indiana that helped lead them to a national championship — and it shows on tape. Omar Cooper Jr. is built like a RB and delivers elite RAC abilities. His ability to find holes in the defense and turn short throws into explosive plays may be second to none in this draft class. Cooper Jr. totaled 91 targets, 69 receptions, and 937 receiving yards on the way to a national championship, and his ability to work underneath routes will pair well with Garrett Wilson in New York. And let’s not forget about his catch against Penn St.

17. Detroit Lions (9-8) – Olaivavega Ioane – OG – Penn St.

Tough and nasty are required traits for a player to suit up for Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions — Olaivavega Ioane (and yes I am copy/pasting his name each time) checks all the boxes. Ioane is the best true IOL in the draft class and he is a mauler in the run game with the quickness to excel in the pass game. The departure of Tayler Decker has made the embattled Lions OL a point of need — either at OT or at OG. Olaivavega Ioane is the best player available here and fits a real need for the Lions. There has been a lot of talk about the Lions loving OT Kadyn Proctor, and he could be the pick here as well.

18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8) – Dillon Thieneman – S – Oregon

Dillon Thieneman has skyrocketed up draft boards after an incredible Draft Combine with a 4.35 40-time, a 41-inch vertical, and a 10’5” broad jump at 6-foot and 200 pounds. Thieneman’s tape backs up his traits with more than 300 tackles in three seasons at Purdue and Oregon. Thieneman has the athleticism to play center field in a defense or can roll down in the box and lay some wood — if ya know what I mean. The player and the team feel fated at this spot. The Vikings have yet to resign maybe-Hall of Famer Harrison Smith to this point and Thieneman looks like he could step in and fill the role.

19. Carolina Panthers (8-9) – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren – S – Toledo

This pick is a toss up between Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and the best Offensive Tackle on the board. I lean toward Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The Panthers signed Rasheed Walker this offseason to improve the offensive line, making it a little easier to wait a round to target OL, and McNeil-Warren is a rangy, versatile safety that is a size-speed specimen that fills a larger need for the Carolina Panthers. A 3-year starter at Toledo, McNeil Warren has averaged 69 tackles and forced eight fumbles in the last three years with five interceptions.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers) – Akheem Mesidor – EDGE – Miami

I think Edge Defender is the right call for the Dallas Cowboys to pair with Rashan Gary on the other side. It just depends who they decide to go with. Akheem Mesidor and Keldric Faulk are the two best left on the board in this mock draft. Mesidor is the other half of Miami’s pass rush tandem across from Bain and plays with incredible explosiveness and athleticism that led to 12.5 sacks last year. Keldric Faulk may have a higher ceiling and be a younger prospect than Mesidor (who is 25) — but Dallas wants to win now, and Mesidor has the tools to contribute right now at a position of need.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) – Kadyn Proctor – OT – Alabama

Whoever plays Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season may want to live to see the playoffs, and Kadyn Proctor will help solidify this line. Proctor is an athletic Offensive Tackle that many project to be a Guard at the next level, and either position he sticks at would help improve this Offensive Line. Proctor has elite physical traits and has performed at a high level for multiple seasons, even if he can be inconsistent at times.

22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) – Keldric Faulk – EDGE – Texas A&M

The Chargers and The Other Harbaugh need to upgrade the pass rush this season and Keldric Faulk is the best option on the board. A masterpiece of a physical specimen at 6’6” and 275 pounds, Faulk is a big, strong, and smooth athlete that has still not realized his full potential. Faulk’s stats have not measured up to this point — but he will have the chance to learn from Khalil Mack in Los Angeles and reach his ceiling.

23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) – Caleb Lomu – OT – Utah

I feel like the Eagles like to build their team in the trenches — whether that is offense or defense — and Caleb Lomu fits the bill in this mock draft. A two-year starter at LT for Utah, Caleb Lomu allowed zero sacks in 2025. He possesses above-average physical traits and the experience to be successful at the next level with plus upside. Caleb Lomu can come in and compete right away for playing time at RG and work as the heir apparent for Lane Johnson.

24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars) – KC Concepcion – WR – Texas A&M

The pick here has always been WR for the Cleveland Browns. Their top options at the position are Jerry Jeudy who has not lived up to draft expectations and Cedric Tillman who has been meh at the best of times. This pick comes down to KC Concepcion and his quickness or Denzel Boston and his size and ball skills. With Jeudy and Tillman (or hopefully someone else), the Browns have size on the outside, allowing KC Concepcion to work underneath and make plays happen. Concepcion finished last season with 61 receptions, 919 yards, 9 TDs, and a 15.07-yard receiving average.

25. Chicago Bears (11-6) – Kayden McDonald – DT – Ohio St.

I think the Bears will go defense with this pick. With Kayden McDonald still on the board in this mock draft, he is hard to pass up at this point in the draft. The scheme fit is a key question with this pick. McDonal primarily played as a versatile Nose Tackle — but shifted from 0-technique to 3-technique in Matt Patricia’s defense. I think that versatility and his excellent run defense with a 13.8% run-stop rate and a 92.0 PFF score against the run. A top Edge defender may be an option at this pick as well.

26. Buffalo Bills (12-5) – Denzel Boston – WR – Washington

New Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard would love a pass rusher with this pick — but with many already off the board, I think the Bills upgrade the offense around Josh Allen. Keon Coleman has been a disappointment up to this point in his career and Denzel Boston is a top-3 WR in this class on many boards. Boston’s size, contested catch ability, and 3.1% drop rate will make him an instant red zone threat for Josh Allen and Company.

27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5) – Blake Miller – OT – Clemson

Prior to the Trent Williams contract extension (signed today) this pick was almost guaranteed to be an OT — and even with the contract extension, I think San Francisco still invests in the OL. Blake Miller is a four-year starter that has quick feet and has the ability to move bodies in the run fame with his massive frame. Miller can step in and contribute from day one at LG and improve his game as the heir apparent to Trent Williams at LT.

28. Houston Texans (12-5) – Peter Woods – DT – Clemson

A year ago, Peter Woods was a potential top-5 draft pick — but this past season was a struggle for the entire Clemson Tigers team. Woods can win trench battles in multiple ways and can fit a variety of defensive schemes. He has the talent to excel at the next level, is one of the best prospects left on the board, and fits a position of need for the Houston Texans. With this addition, the Houston Texans defense looks to get even better.

29. TRADE – Arizona Cardinals (via Kansas City Chiefs) – Ty Simpson – QB – Alabama 

Decision time. In this mock draft, the Arizona Cardinals received the #9 and #29 picks from Kansas City, and the big question is — do the Cardinals draft Ty Simpson? The Cardinals are the most logical choice to reach for Ty Simpson in this draft with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew as their two best options under center. There was a chance they traded back into the first round for Simpson already, but don’t have to with this trade already done if they decide to go QB.

With the #34 overall pick, the Cardinals have options here and there may or may not be concern that the Jets are interested in Simpson ahead of them at #33. I think if this scenario or something similar plays out the Cardinals pull the trigger on Simpson at #29. He has shown flashes of NFL traits with impressive accuracy and mobility — but his lack of experience hinders his draft stock. The Cardinals also benefit from an extra year of control by taking Simpson in the first round with minimal investment.

30. Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos) – Jermod McCoy – CB – Tennessee

This feels too good to be true (so it probably is). To be honest, I didn’t find a great landing spot where a team needed a CB in the back half of this round and I wonder if teams will be gun shy about his injury, so Jermod McCoy took a draft tumble. McCoy was a top-tier prospect prior to a torn ACL that ended his Junior season. When healthy, McCoy is a bonafide stud that had 44 tackles, 9 passes defended, and 4 interceptions in 2024. McCoy recently ran a 4.4-second 40-time at his pro day with a 38-inch vertical and 10’7” broad jump — and if he is all the way back, the Dolphins get a steal here.

31. New England Patriots (14-3) – T.J. Parker – EDGE – Clemson

The scuttle butt is that the New England Patriots are the premier landing spot for A.J. Brown after June 1 — which makes this feel like a defensive draft pick. Harold Landry was solid last year and the addition of Dre’Mont Jones adds a little spice to the pass rush, but they could still use some reinforcement. T.J. Parker — like the rest of Clemson — had a down year last year, but he has shown he has the ability to compete at a very high level with speed, explosiveness, and length. He used his tools to good effect with 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles in 2024, and he has more tackles for loss than games played, which is impressive because he played 39 games in his career.

32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3) – Jadarian Price – RB – Notre Dame

Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker went to Kansas City in free agency, leaving Zach Charbonnet as the lead back in Seattle. Charbonnet has had solid moments as a backup and scores a lot of TDs — but I’m not sure he is a true #1. The RB position group is cheeks in this draft with many draft experts pegging just Love and Price as potential starters, and I don’t think Seattle can afford to pass Price up at this point in the draft. Price averaged 6.2 yards per carry last season and only averaged 9.9 touches per game, so there is a lot of tread left on the tires, and after a solid combine, I think Price sneaks into the first round.

33. New York Jets – Chris Johnson – CB – San Diego State
34. Arizona Cardinals – Malachi Lawrence – EDGE – UCF
35. Tennessee Titans – Cashius Howell – EDGE – Texas A&M
36. Las Vegas Raiders – Chase Bisontis – OG – Texas A&M
37. New York Giants – Caleb Banks – DT – Florida
38. Houston Texans – Max Iheanachor – OT – Arizona State
39. Cleveland Browns – Germie Bernard – WR – Alabama
40. Kansas City Chiefs – Avieon Terrell – CB – Clemson
41. Cincinnati Bengals – Colton Hood – CB – Tennessee
42. New Orleans Saints – Chris Bell – WR – Louisville
43. Miami Dolphins – Zion Young – EDGE – Missouri
44. New York Jets – Keylan Rutledge – OG – Georgia Tech
45. Baltimore Ravens – Christen Miller – DT – Georgia
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gabe Jacas – EDGE – Illinois
47. Indianapolis Colts – R Mason Thomas – EDGE – Oklahoma
48. Atlanta Falcons – D’Angelo Ponds – CB – Indiana

49. Minnesota Vikings – Brandon Cisse – CB – South Carolina
50. Detroit Lions – Caleb Tiernan – OT – Northwestern
51. Carolina Panthers – Lee Hunter – DT – Texas Tech
52. Green Bay Packers – Treydan Stukes – CB – Arizona
53. Pittsburgh Steelers – CJ Allen – LB – Georgia
54. Philadelphia Eagles – Keyron Crawford – EDGE – Auburn
55. Los Angeles Chargers – Emmanuel Pregnon – OG – Oregon
56. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jacob Rodriguez – LB – Texas Tech
57. Chicago Bears – Keionte Scott – CB – Miami (FL)
58. San Francisco 49ers – Antonio Williams – WR – Clemson
59. Houston Texans – Anthony Hill Jr. – LB – Texas
60. Chicago Bears – Dani Dennis-Sutton – EDGE – Penn State
61. Los Angeles Rams – Jake Golday – LB – Cincinnati
62. Denver Broncos – Domonique Orange – DT – Iowa State
63. New England Patriots – Chris Brazzell II – WR – Tennessee
64. Seattle Seahawks – Gennings Dunker – OG – Iowa

Bourbon: Willett Family Estate Small Batch (Purple Top)
Distillery: Willett Distillery in Bardstown, KY
Proof: 126.4
Purchased At: Grainworks Old + New: Local Bourbon Market in Neenah, WI

There were many drinks consumed while writing this 5,300+ word mock draft — but this Willett Purple Top was the best. I got this bottle at Grainworks around the holidays this year, thanks to the kindness of an older woman in the store. It was the last one. I have found that I like some proof in my bourbon and this has plenty. I love the sweet brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon notes I get from this bottle and would definitely recommend it, if you can find it.

Cheers!