NFL Mock Draft: Makai Lemon To Jets In Round 1 Pick-By-Pick Mock

With the NFL Draft inching closer, markets are starting to shape up, providing a blueprint for how it may shake out. To help solidify where I believe a player will go, I use a wisdom of the crowds approach by pooling our brilliant minds at Fantasy Life, as well as use Grinding the Mocks to help create a range for each prospect.

Below is the most recent version of my 2026 NFL mock draft, including a breakdown of each selection. To clarify, I do not include trades, although I may note where a trade could take place and how it could affect the pick. For the rest of our draft coverage, check out our NFL Draft Guide for great insight and information.

First Round Pick-By-Pick NFL Mock Draft

1.01 Raiders - Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)

No need to overthink this one. Even after the recent signing of Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza is the Las Vegas Raiders' future. A sniper in the pocket, Mendoza is the clear-cut best player in the draft and the number one prospect on our NFL Draft Big Board.

1.02 Jets - Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State)

With each passing day, Arvell Reese’s odds to be the second overall pick continue to grow, listed as high as -300 at Caesars Sportsbook. Arguably the most talented non-QB in the draft, Reese would give the Jets an instant boost to their defense.

1.03 Cardinals - David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)

Rivaling Reese is David Bailey, a more prototypical EDGE with a higher ceiling than his counterpart. Markets still side with offensive tackle, yet 1.03 is a reach for this year’s class.

1.04 Titans - Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)

A dream landing spot for the star running back, Jeremiyah Love would instantly receive a heavy usage rate with the Tennessee Titans while running behind an offensive line that ranks above league average in Run Block Set Grade.

1.05 Giants - Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)

A freak athlete who can be utilized in multiple positions, Sonny Styles would mirror Kyle Hamilton in regards to how he can be rotated under John Harbaugh to fit various defensive schemes.

1.06 Browns - Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)

Like Freedman, I am also skeptical of Carnell Tate, yet he is still in a tier of his own when compared to the rest of his class per our Rookie Super Model.

1.07 Commanders - Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)

While I am aware safeties normally slide down the draft boards, it’s hard to ignore how talented and decorated Caleb Downs is, giving the Washington Commanders a ball hawk in the backfield who is just as effective at stopping the run.

1.08 Saints - Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)

Once regarded as one of the top picks in the draft, Rueben Bain Jr.’s short arms have raised some red flags, leading to a potential slide out of the top-10. Still, with the New Orleans Saints in need of an edge rusher, it’s hard to pass up on his talent.

1.09 Chiefs - Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami)

Like Bain, Francis Mauigoa’s short arms have also created some cause for concern. Luckily for Mauigoa, he’s still regarded as the top tackle in his class, stopping his slide in the top 10 with the Kansas City Chiefs looking to bolster their line.

1.10 Bengals - Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)

A team in desperate need of fixing a defense that ranked near the bottom of the board in Def DVOA, Mansoor Delane would give the Cincinnati Bengals a versatile cornerback who can be slotted at multiple positions.

1.11 Dolphins - Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia)

In my opinion, the Miami Dolphins at 1.11 are the biggest wildcard in the draft as they have glaring holes on both sides of the roster. For now, I have them taking Monroe Freeling, who can anchor either side of their offensive line.

1.12 Cowboys - Spencer Fano (OT, Utah)

After ranking 31st in True Pass Set Grade, Spencer Fano immediately stands out as the top option for the Dallas Cowboys, giving them a versatile tackle who can also be used in the interior.

1.13 Rams - Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)

With the Los Angeles Rams addressing their defense in free agency, they may use their first-round pick on Jordyn Tyson to give Matthew Stafford another weapon to help make a run at the Super Bowl. With Tyson constantly dealing with injuries, I would not be surprised if I swap him for Makai Lemon in my next edition.

1.14 Ravens - Olaivavega Ioane (OG, Penn State)

A boulder of a human being who can open up holes in a flash in the interior, Olaivavega Ioane would complement Derrick Henry, as well as reduce the amount of Havoc Lamar Jackson has to deal with in the pocket.

1.15 Buccaneers - Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)

The widest range of any player in the draft, it would not surprise me if Kenyon Sadiq went as early as 1.09 to the Chiefs. With wide receiver speed, Sadiq can be lined up on the outside to help pull defensive attention away from Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka.

1.16 Jets - Makai Lemon (WR, UCS)

With the Jets selecting the most talented player with their first pick, they will then look to address their wide receiver room at 1.16, making Makai Lemon the clear choice as the next best available player at the position.

1.17 Lions - Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)

If Ioane is gone, expect the Detroit Lions to finally address the edge position. Even though Keldric Faulk still needs some work in pass sets, he is a brick wall against the run, leading the nation in Run Stops during his collegiate career.

1.18 Vikings - Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)

While I do agree with Thor Nystrom that the Minnesota Vikings need to address their secondary, I have them taking Jermod McCoy instead of Dillon Thieneman, whose talent is undeniable but was overshadowed by a season-ending injury.

1.19 Panthers - Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama)

With injuries looming over the Carolina Panthers offensive line, they would be wise to take Kadyn Proctor, giving them a massive presence on the outside who can also be utilized in the interior if needed.

1.20 Cowboys - Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)

In an attempt to recoup the loss of production from the Micah Parsons trade, the Cowboys can use their second pick on Akheem Mesidor, who was the other half of the Miami Hurricanes' dominant defensive line.

1.21 Steelers - Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)

Assuming Aaron Rodgers comes back for another year, the Pittsburgh Steelers will avoid using this pick on Ty Simpson and can target a different position of need. Enter Dillon Thieneman, who boasts elite athleticism and can be utilized at multiple positions in the back end.

1.22 Chargers - Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)

After Caleb Banks broke his foot, Peter Woods is now the new DT1 in this year’s class, giving the Los Angeles Chargers a disruptive body in the middle who will command double teams to help pull attention away from his teammates.

1.23 Eagles - Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah)

With no edge rusher fitting this range, the Philadelphia Eagles will turn their sights towards their offensive line, selecting Caleb Lomu, who checks all the boxes as a long-term option at the position.

1.24 Browns - Blake Miller (OT, Clemson)

One of the more popular trade targets for Ty Simpson (Over/Under 24.5), if the Browns keep their pick, then expect them to address their offensive line by selecting Blake Miller, who is skyrocketing up the boards after a stellar combine.

1.25 Bears - Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)

Like Miller, Kayden McDonald has also shot up the draft boards over the past month, giving the Chicago Bears the violent presence they need in the middle of the trenches to help turn around their defense.

1.26 Bills - Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)

After the trade for DJ Moore, the Buffalo Bills turn their sights towards Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, giving their defense a dynamic safety who excels in coverage.

1.27 49ers - Omar Cooper (WR, Indiana)

Even after signing Mike Evans, the San Francisco 49ers continue to add to the position, selecting Omar Cooper, who will thrive against single coverage when opposing defenses are forced to turn their attention elsewhere.

1.28 Texans - CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)

With no offensive lineman fitting this range, the Houston Texans may elect to trade this pick or use it on CJ Allen to help give them more depth at linebacker.

1.29 Chiefs - Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)

After their secondary was gutted in free agency, the Chiefs address the position with their second pick in the first round, using it on Avieon Terrell, who is capable of locking down his side of the field.

1.30 Dolphins - KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)

With the Dolphins' wide receiver room void of talent, they attempt to give Malik Willis the support he needs to succeed, selecting KC Concepcion to give them some firepower at the slot position.

1.31 Patriots - Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)

While Romeo Doubs is a talented receiver in his own right, the New England Patriots are still in need of another playmaker. If Concepcion is already gone, then Denzel Boston would be the next best option, as there is a sizable drop-off in production to the next tier of receivers.

1.32 Seahawks - Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)

With the departure of Tariq Woolen, I keep going back and forth between Colton Hood and Brandon Cisse to replace him. For now, I will side with Hood, who has the edge on our big board.

Players Mentioned in this Article