While the dust has barely begun to settle on another completed NFL season, the scouting community is already shifting its focus to the future. As such, we thought an immediate post-Super Bowl mock draft would be in order as early projections for the 2026 NFL Draft are already generating significant buzz.  Fantasy Alarm’s Dynasty Fantasy Football coverage has been rolling out with team-by team free agency previews, but understanding which players teams are most likely to draft will not only help with early dynasty and best ball drafts, but also provide key information for those who like to bet which players are going where. 

This 2026 NFL Mock Draft highlights a class defined by a clear-cut top quarterback and a surge of elite defensive talent that could reshape the league's landscape.

 

 

Top 10 Picks in the 2026 NFL Draft

Based on the latest post Super Bowl mock draft projections for 2026, here is how the top of the board is expected to fall:

  1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana) – The Heisman winner is widely viewed as the surefire No. 1 overall pick to solve the Raiders' quarterback woes.
  2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese (LB/Edge, Ohio State) – A versatile disruptor compared to Micah Parsons, filling a massive need for the Jets' pass rush.
  3. Arizona Cardinals: Rueben Bain Jr. (Edge, Miami) – A powerful force on the edge whose play strength offsets concerns about his arm length.
  4. Tennessee Titans:  Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) – An elite safety prospect described as a "force multiplier" on the back end.
  5. New York Giants: Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State) – A polished route runner who would perfectly complement Malik Nabers in the Giants' offense.
  6. Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami) – A physical brawler intended to keep whomever starts at quarterback for the Browns protected for the long term.
  7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey (Edge, Texas Tech) – The most productive edge rusher in college football during the 2025 season.
  8. New Orleans Saints: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame) – The most dynamic offensive weapon in the draft, offering Bijan Robinson-level potential.
  9. Kansas City Chiefs: Keldrick Faulk (Edge, Auburn) – Impressive size and strong versatility that can play in odd or even fronts. Strong upside despite a disappointing 2025 campaign.
  10. Cincinnati Bengals: Spencer Fano (OT, Utah) – Joe Burrow needs protection in a major way and he’s an athletic tackle with the versatility to anchor either side of a rebuilding line. 
 

 

Quarterbacks Projected to Go Early

In this way too early 2026 NFL mock draft, the class is currently seen as a "one-horse race" at the very top. Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) has distanced himself from the field following a 16-0 national championship run, displaying elite accuracy and poise.

However, other signal-callers are vying for the NFL mock draft 2026 first round:

  • Ty Simpson (Alabama): A high-upside prospect who flashed elite traits despite some late-season struggles.
  • Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): A pure pocket passer noted for his anticipation and touch.
  • Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss): A dual-threat riser whose off-script playmaking could push him into late Round 1.
  • Cade Klubnik (Clemson): An experienced starter whose mobility and senior-year development keep him in the conversation.
 

 

Surprise Risers After the College Season

The 2025 college season and subsequent Senior Bowl have seen several prospects skyrocket up boards. Arvell Reese (Ohio State) is the draft's biggest riser, transitioning from a hybrid linebacker to a potential top-three edge rusher.

Other notable climbers include:

  • Max Iheanachor (OT, Arizona State): A raw but physically gifted tackle who was the most impressive offensive prospect at the Senior Bowl.
  • Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo): A rangy safety whose elite ball skills (20% defensive completion rate allowed) have him pushing for the first round.
  • Denzel Boston (WR, Washington): A 6-foot-4 "TD merchant" who proved he is more than just a big frame during a dominant 2025 campaign.
 

 

Teams That Could Trade into the Top 5

While the Raiders currently hold the No. 1 pick, experts suggest they may listen to offers for a "huge haul" to address multiple roster holes.

  • New York Jets: Possessing three first-round picks in 2027 and two in 2026, the Jets have the ammunition to move up if they decide to land a franchise passer.
  • Cleveland Browns: Desperate for a long-term solution at QB, the Browns could use their pair of 2026 first-rounders to jump into the top three.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: With the draft being held in Pittsburgh, the local pressure to find a permanent successor to Ben Roethlisberger could force a bold move.
 

 

Fantasy Football Impact of Early Draft Slots

For dynasty managers, Jeremiyah Love is the consensus 1.01 in rookie drafts. His three-down versatility and explosive playmaking (39 runs of 10+ yards in 2025) make him an elite fantasy asset.

In the receiving corps, Carnell Tate (Ohio State) and Makai Lemon (USC) offer high-floor PPR potential. Lemon's elite hands (one drop on 110 targets) and Tate's precise route running project as immediate WR1/WR2 production in modern NFL offenses. At tight end, Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) is the top target for those seeking a vertical mismatch in the seams.

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