Sonny Styles LB Ohio State #5 Pick in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

The 2026 NFL draft is set to begin on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET from Pittsburgh, broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and the ESPN App. This final mock draft projects all 257 selections, based on league intel, months of scouting, and team needs. No trades were included in these projections, but surprises are anticipated.

ROUND 1

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana. Mendoza is projected as the Raiders' franchise quarterback due to his size, arm strength, and decision-making. He had an FBS-high 41 touchdown passes and led Indiana to a 16-0 record and a national championship.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio State. Reese is favored over David Bailey for his upside. He is an interchangeable defender with explosive power, considered a foundational piece for the Jets' rebuild.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami. The Cardinals, who allowed 59 sacks last season, aim to protect their quarterback by selecting Mauigoa, a potential plug-and-play starter at right tackle.

4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech. The Titans are projected to take the best pass rusher in the draft, Bailey, who recorded an FBS-high 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss last season.

5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State. Styles is seen as an ideal fit for the middle of the Giants' defense, possessing the size, instincts, and movement ability characteristic of John Harbaugh's linebackers.

6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State. With needs at wide receiver and offensive tackle, the Browns select Tate, a diverse route runner with excellent hands, to complement their existing receiving corps.

7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame. The Commanders are projected to take Love, an explosive playmaker, to enhance their offensive capabilities. He rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025.

8. New Orleans Saints: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU. Delane, the top-rated cornerback on the board, is a polished technician who can play both press-man and zone coverage, offering a shutdown option.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami. Bain is a high-effort edge rusher expected to bring an immediate identity to the Chiefs' defensive front. Despite some concerns, he is projected to go in the top half of Round 1.

10. New York Giants (from CIN): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State. Downs is seen as worthy of breaking the streak of safeties not being picked in the top 10. His intelligence, versatility, and tackling skills make him a perfect addition to the Giants' defense.

11. Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah. With no clear quarterback prospect, the Dolphins address their trenches by selecting Fano, a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing multiple positions.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon. The Cowboys, needing significant defensive help, draft Thieneman, a safety capable of playing free safety and supporting the run game.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Makai Lemon, WR, USC. Lemon is a reliable and competitive receiver who would complement Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, adding YAC ability and sure-handedness.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State. The Ravens address their interior offensive line needs with Ioane, a steady and strong guard who did not allow a sack in the past two seasons.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee. McCoy is added to the Buccaneers' cornerback room, offering shutdown ability when healthy, despite missing last season with a torn ACL.

16. New York Jets (from IND): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State. Tyson, a versatile receiver with strong hands, is seen as a potential top-10 talent if not for durability concerns, filling a need at WR2.

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia. Freeling, with high upside due to his balanced base and length, is selected to potentially replace Taylor Decker at offensive tackle.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon. Sadiq, a speedy receiving tight end, is chosen to add versatility to the Vikings' offense, addressing needs at safety and defensive tackle indirectly.

19. Carolina Panthers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana. Cooper, an ascending receiver with smooth route-running skills, is selected to maximize Bryce Young's contract window.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State. Johnson, an ascending prospect, is projected as the third cornerback off the board, adding help to a secondary that allowed numerous big plays.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M. Concepcion is added to provide help for Aaron Rodgers and serve as a building block for the future, capable of taking advantage of space.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami. Mesidor is an excellent fit for the Chargers' pass-rush rotation, providing a relentless player with a repertoire of moves and reliability in run defense.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State. Iheanachor is drafted as a potential long-term replacement for veteran right tackle Lane Johnson, offering unlimited potential despite being new to the sport.

24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Blake Miller, OT, Clemson. Miller, a solid and experienced offensive tackle, is chosen to address the Browns' issues with quarterback pressure and sacks.

25. Chicago Bears: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson. Parker, a power rusher, is selected to provide complementary pass-rush help opposite Montez Sweat.

26. Buffalo Bills: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State. McDonald, a nose tackle willing to do the dirty work in run defense, is selected.