NFL MOCK DRAFT POST COMBINE

Fernando Mendoza is locked into pick 1, but how will the rest of the first-round shape up after a stellar NFL Combine?

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TST's Post-Combine NFL Mock Draft

(Kirby Lee)

Brandon Deutsch

Mon, March 2, 2026 at 5:27 AM UTC·
5 min read

The NFL Combine always reshapes the draft board. After standout 40-yard dashes, elite testing numbers, and on-field drills, here’s my updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft (Post-Combine Edition) with full first-round projections and team-by-team fits.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Mendoza solidified himself as QB1 at the NFL Combine (6-foot-4, 236 pounds). The Raiders need a franchise quarterback, and this pick feels locked in. The 2026 NFL Draft begins at No. 2.

2. New York Jets: Arvelle Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

The Jets could consider Caleb Downs or Sonny Styles, but premium pass-rushers win drafts. Reese has the highest upside of any EDGE in the 2026 class.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Arizona protects its future. Fano is a true franchise offensive tackle with minimal positional risk — a safe, high-impact NFL Draft pick for new coach Mike LaFleur.

4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Tennessee

After a blazing 4.36 40-yard dash, Love cemented himself as one of the biggest NFL Combine winners. Tennessee lands a game-breaking running back to support Cam Ward.

5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Downs might be the best overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft. Elite range, instincts, and versatility. Immediate defensive cornerstone for the Giants. Harbaugh gets his next Kyle Hamilton.

6. Cleveland Browns: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Biletnikoff winner brings elite YAC ability and toughness. Lemon profiles as a high-volume slot weapon with Pro Bowl upside. And no I do not care about his Combine interview at the podium that everyone is freaking out about for no reason. A+ pick by the Browns here.

7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Bailey ran a 4.51 at the Combine and remains the best pure pass-rusher in this draft class. The Commanders will have one of the premier pass rushers fall to them.

8. New Orleans Saints: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

One of the biggest risers after his historic Combine, where he ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at 6-5, 244. Styles offers rare coverage ability plus legitimate pass-rush juice. The Saints need a DeMario Davis replacement and Styles can come in and dominate right away.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami

High motor. Refined hand usage. Strong run defender. Bain fits perfectly in Kansas City’s defensive scheme.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Cincinnati needs a true CB1. Delane’s instincts and technique give him legitimate Pro Bowl upside.

11. Miami Dolphins: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Miami adds a true X receiver in Tate with size and red-zone value to complement Jaylen Waddle.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Dallas had one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses last season. McCoy offers elite upside and CB1 traits.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

A top offensive line prospect falls into the Rams and Sean McVay’s lap. Mauigoa is an immediate protection upgrade.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

85+ inch wingspan. Banks is an ATHLETIC FREAK. Rare traits. Baltimore bets on defensive upside in Round 1under new Head Coach Jesse Minter.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

4.39 speed. 43.5-inch vertical. Sadiq was one of the biggest Combine standouts and projects as a mismatch nightmare. Tampa Bay always picks offensive players in Round 1.

16. New York Jets (via IND): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Jets double up on upside. Simpson has prototypical size and one of the highest ceilings among 2026 NFL Draft quarterbacks.

17. Detroit Lions: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Ball skills and turnover production make Terrell a strong fit for Detroit’s secondary.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

After running a 4.37, Thieneman looks like a potential top-15 talent. Minnesota finds its Harrison Smith replacement.

19. Carolina Panthers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

High football IQ and leadership traits. Allen becomes the defensive quarterback Carolina needs.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Dallas continues rebuilding its secondary after finishing last in passing yards allowed with the ultra-athletic Mcneil-Warren.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

A 4.43 40 locked in his first-round status. Omar Cooper Jr. is a versatile weapon with Deebo Samuel-type usage potential for the Steelers.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

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