#2026-nfl-draft

#2026-nfl-draft

The NFL calendar never sleeps, and the last two weeks have once again reshaped the first round of our 2026 NFL Mock Draft. With the NFL Scouting Combine now behind us and the first wave of free agency in the books, teams have already begun reshuffling priorities. Some needs have been filled. Others have been created.

Love has good size and terrific speed (4.36 40 yard dash) to go along with a three-down skill set. He led this class in both yards per carry (6.66) and yards after contact (4.16) while ranking second in forced-missed tackle rate (3.5) during his collegiate career. He's a capable receiver at all levels, a competent pass blocker and protects the ball well (one fumble on 496 career touches).

Until 40-yard dashes are clocked and arm lengths are measured, most teams are in information-gathering mode. Conversations are happening. Trade frameworks are being floated. But actual draft-board movement? That usually waits for test results and medical rechecks to be finalized.

I've spent the last few days digging through every major 2026 linebacker board I could find - Bucky Brooks, ESPN, NFL Draft Buzz - and one thing is clear. This linebacker class could be one of the strongest positions in the entire draft. If I'm the Dallas Cowboys and even thinking about addressing the position in the 2026 NFL Draft, there will be options. Not just depth pieces, but impact players.

No. 13 overall is the Rams' pick because of a trade with the Falcons. No. 16 overall is the Jets' pick because of a trade with the Colts. No. 20 overall is the Cowboys' pick because of a trade with the Packers. No. 24 overall is the Browns' pick because of a trade with the Jaguars. Teams Without a First-Round Pick There are four teams that do not have a first-round pick in 2026 thanks to trades.

In a league increasingly defined by turnovers and efficiency, linebackers who can process quickly, finish tackles, and take the football away carry premium value. That's precisely what the Washington Commanders should be looking for this offseason, especially with Bobby Wagner likely to retire or take his chances elsewhere in free agency. And that might just come at some stage during the 2026 NFL Draft.

Peters thought he'd found Ertz's heir with Ben Sinnott. Two years into his NFL career, the jury is still out. John Bates is a blocking specialist, and nobody else has the tools to move the needle. Simply put, the Commanders need to find someone who can make it easier for quarterback Jayden Daniels to throw across the middle, a criticism he faced when healthy in 2025.

The Dolphins, under the guidance of new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and new coach Jeff Hafley, have eight picks in the April 23-25 draft - one in the first round (No. 11), one in the second (43), three in the third (75, 87 and 90), one in the fourth (111), one in the fifth (149) and one in the seventh (227).

Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa on Thursday officially declared for the 2026 NFL draft, where he is expected to be among the first players selected. Mauigoa is ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. in this year's draft. In his latest mock draft, Kiper has Mauigoa being picked No. 3 overall by the Arizona Cardinals.

The NFC South hasn't had a Super Bowl contender since the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers made back-to-back appearances in the 2015-16 seasons. The division hasn't produced a double-digit regular-season winner in three of the past four seasons, with the Panthers limping to a wild-card berth after the Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 regular-season finale, eliminating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the playoffs.

Would the Raiders entertain a trade for the No. 1 pick? I doubt it. It's hard to imagine the Raiders passing on Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, especially after ownership, including Tom Brady, attended the College Football Playoff National Championship. After Geno Smith's rough 2025 season, the Raiders need to bring in a young signal-caller who can grow with running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers.