2026 NFL Draft: Dane Brugler unveils 7-round mock with massive trade in Top 10, predictions from pick No. 1 to Mr. Irrelevant

The 2026 NFL Draft officially kicks off a week from Thursday in Pittsburgh, Pa., and excitement from NFL and college football fans is palpable. That’s evident in the multitude of mock drafts being consumed in the days and weeks leading up to April 23.

Finally, after releasing his annual “The Beast” draft guide last week, The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler joined the fray when he unveiled his full seven-round mock draft Wednesday morning. And Brugler certainly delivered the goods by proposing a monumental trade in which the Dallas Cowboys deal their two first-round picks to jump into the Top 10 and nab a highly-coveted defensive prospect.

Let’s check out the rest of Brugler’s full, 257-pick 2026 NFL Mock Draft 4.0, released Wednesday:

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

Don’t expect any surprises at No. 1 overall, where the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and reigning national champion QB has long been expected to be selected by the QB-needy Raiders. This selection has set in stone since Mendoza capped a magical 2025 season by leading Indiana to its first-ever national title in football in front of the Raiders brass, including minority owner Tom Brady.

Brugler: “The Heisman Trophy winner will be the first player drafted next Thursday and should immediately increase optimism around the Raiders’ organization.”

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

While there are some projecting the Jets will instead target Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey, Brugler sticks to his guns and slots the versatile Reese to Gotham. The 6-foot-4 and 243-pound Reese did it all for the Buckeyes’ FBS-leading defense with 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2025.

Brugler: “Reese isn’t a tweener — he is a ‘whatever you want him to be’ edge defender. He can set an edge, play off or be a full-time pass rusher. That type of hybrid skill set can be utilized.”

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

This is where things could get interesting if teams trade up and swipe one of the few remaining blue-chip prospects, including Bailey and Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. Instead, Brugler expects the Cardinals will hold pat and nab 6-foot-5 1/2 and 329-pound Mauigoa, the top offensive lineman in the draft.

Brugler: “It won’t be surprising if the Cardinals use this pick on a pass rusher such as Bailey, but the idea of securing their right tackle position for the foreseeable future will be an appealing option.”

4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

After selecting its franchise QB (Cam Ward) with the No. 1 overall pick last year, the rebuilding Titans hold steady and still land a player considered the draft’s top pass rusher in Bailey. The 6-foot-3 and 250-pound Bailey completely remade Texas Tech’s defense last season while leading the FBS with 14.5 sacks in 2025.

Brugler: “Head coach Robert Saleh wants to collect pass rushers and have a healthy defensive line rotation. … It’s not a hard sell on why Bailey makes sense for Tennessee.”

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

New Giants head coach John Harbaugh understands the inherent value of having an elite play-making safety in the middle of a defense after his many years in Baltimore. It’s why Brugler is confident the Giants pull the trigger and draft the 6-foot, 206-pound Downs, who contributed at all three levels for Ohio State.

Brugler: “Though using a top-five pick for (the safety) position is uncommon, Downs has rare football intelligence and (despite not testing in any drills) is above the line in terms of on-field athleticism.”

6. Dallas Cowboys (projected trade with CLE*): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

*Brugler projects the Cowboys will make use of their bevy of draft picks to jump into the Top 10 to land the highly-coveted Styles, who turned heads with a breakout performance at the NFL Combine in February. The deal would involve Dallas sending Cleveland their two first-round picks (No. 12 and 20) and a 2027 fourth-rounder for the Browns’ No. 6 overall pick and No. 39 near the top of the second round.

Brugler: “The Cowboys could sit at No. 12 and have an impact defender fall to them, but it won’t be surprising if the organization gets aggressive. Styles would not only be an immediate starter at a position of need, but also wear the green dot as a rookie.”

7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Washington overhauled both its defense and offense in free agency, including adding a pair of running backs. But Brugler sees Love’s elite three-down talent as too good to pass up for the Commanders, who add the Doak Walker Award winner to a backfield that also includes dual-threat QB Jayden Daniels.

Brugler: “Though the price tag is high for the position, Love has the talent to become a top-five running back before the end of his rookie contract.”

8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

After signing former Jaguars RB Travis Etienne in free agency, the Saints continue to build around second-year QB Tyler Shough by giving him a second elite Ohio State receiver to throw to, joining Chris Olave. The 6-foot-2 Tate is a big-play threat after ranking third in the Big Ten with 17.16 yards per catch in 2025.

Brugler: “The Saints urgently need to find upgrades at wide receiver — especially as they figure out if quarterback Tyler Shough is a short-term stopgap or a long-term answer.”

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

Like the Cowboys, the Chiefs also have two first-round picks and could be poised to make a move up the board. But in this scenario, Brugler expects Kansas City to sit pat and still land the elite pass rusher they covet in the 6-foot-2 and 263-pound Bain, who led national runner-up Miami with 9.5 sacks in 2025.

Brugler: “Bain is one of the more polarizing prospects in this draft. … But his profile fits Kansas City and would give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo an inside-outside disruptor on the defensive line.”

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

After Kansas City passes in favor of Bain, Brugler expects the defensive-bereft Bengals to jump at the chance to draft Delane, widely considered the most pro-ready cornerback in the draft. The 6-foot, 187-pound Delane finished second in the SEC with 11 passes broken up in 2025.

Brugler: “The Bengals have drafted several first-round cornerbacks over the years, but never in the top 15. … (But) with Styles and the top-tier pass rushers off the board … Delane would be one helluva consolation prize.”

The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler seven-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft, pick Nos. 11-32

11. Miami Dolphins: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
12. Cleveland Browns (projected trade with DAL*): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
14. Baltimore Ravens: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State
16. New York Jets (from IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
18. Minnesota Vikings: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
19. Carolina Panthers: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
20. Cleveland Browns (projected trade with DAL*): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT/OG, Alabama
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
25. Chicago Bears: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
26. Buffalo Bills: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
28. Houston Texans: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
31. New England Patriots: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Round 2

33. New York Jets: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
34. Arizona Cardinals: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
35. Tennessee Titans: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
36. Las Vegas Raiders: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
37. New York Giants: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
38. Houston Texans (from WAS): Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
39. Dallas Cowboys (projected trade with CLE): Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona
40. Kansas City Chiefs: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
41. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
42. New Orleans Saints: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
43. Miami Dolphins: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
44. New York Jets (from DAL): Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
45. Baltimore Ravens: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
47. Indianapolis Colts: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
48. Atlanta Falcons: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
49. Minnesota Vikings: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
50. Detroit Lions: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
51. Carolina Panthers: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
52. Green Bay Packers: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Gennings Dunker, G, Iowa
57. Chicago Bears: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
58. San Francisco 49ers: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
59. Houston Texans: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
60. Chicago Bears (from BUF): Jalen Kilgore, S, South Carolina
61. Los Angeles Rams: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
62. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
63. New England Patriots: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
64. Seattle Seahawks: Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn

Round 3

65. Arizona Cardinals: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
66. Tennessee Titans: Keionte Scott, DB, Miami
67. Las Vegas Raiders: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
68. Philadelphia Eagles (from NYJ): Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
69. Houston Texans (from NYG): Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M
70. Cleveland Browns: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
71. Washington Commanders: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
72. Cincinnati Bengals: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
73. New Orleans Saints: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
74. Kansas City Chiefs: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
75. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from DAL): Kyle Louis, LB/S, Pittsburgh
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State
78. Indianapolis Colts: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
79. Atlanta Falcons: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
80. Baltimore Ravens: Trey Zuhn, OL, Texas A&M
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET): Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan
82. Minnesota Vikings: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
83. Carolina Panthers: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis
84. Green Bay Packers: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
86. Los Angeles Chargers: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
87. Miami Dolphins (from PHI): Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Joly, TE, NC State
89. Chicago Bears: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
90. Miami Dolphins (from HOU): Bud Clark, S, TCU
91. Buffalo Bills: Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky
92. Dallas Cowboys (from SF): Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
93. Los Angeles Rams: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
94. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
95. New England Patriots: Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
96. Seattle Seahawks: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
97. Minnesota Vikings: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
98. Philadelphia Eagles: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
99. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
100. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

Round 4

101. Tennessee Titans: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
102. Las Vegas Raiders: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
103. New York Jets: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
104. Arizona Cardinals: LT Overton, DL, Alabama
105. New York Giants: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
106. Houston Texans (from WAS): Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
107. Cleveland Browns: Markell Bell, OT, Miami
108. Denver Broncos (from NO): Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
109. Kansas City Chiefs: Austin Barber, OT, Florida
110. Cincinnati Bengals: Joshua Josephs, Edge, Tennessee
111. Denver Broncos (from MIA): Logan Taylor, OT/G, Boston College
112. Dallas Cowboys: Chris McClellan, DL, Missouri
113. Indianapolis Colts: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
114. Philadelphia Eagles (from ATL): Logan Jones, C, Iowa
115. Baltimore Ravens: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
116. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
117. Las Vegas Raiders (from MIN): Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
118. Detroit Lions: Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami
119. Carolina Panthers: Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina
120. Green Bay Packers: Febechi Nwaiwu, G/C, Oklahoma
121. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
122. Atlanta Falcons (from PHI): Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
123. Los Angeles Chargers: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
124. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
125. New England Patriots (from KC): Max Llewellyn, Edge, Iowa
126. Buffalo Bills: Malik Benson, WR, Oregon
127. San Francisco 49ers: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
128. Detroit Lions (from HOU): Caden Curry, Edge, Ohio State
129. Chicago Bears (from LAR): Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
130. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas
131. New England Patriots: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M
132. New Orleans Saints (from SEA): Brian Parker, OL, Duke
133. San Francisco 49ers: Beau Stephens, G, Iowa
134. Las Vegas Raiders: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
135. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jack Kelly, LB, BYU
136. New Orleans Saints: Kaleb Proctor, DT, SE Louisiana
137. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Beck, QB, Miami
138. San Francisco 49ers: George Gumbs Jr., EDGE, Florida
139. San Francisco 49ers: Jack Endries, TE, Texas
140. New York Jets: Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State

Round 5

141. Houston Texans (from CLE): Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor
142. Tennessee Titans (from BAL): VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
143. Arizona Cardinals: Latrell McCutchin Sr., CB, Houston
144. Tennessee Titans (from LAR): Billy Schrauth, G, Notre Dame
145. New York Giants: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
146. Cleveland Browns: Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
147. Washington Commanders: Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
148. Kansas City Chiefs: Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
149. Cleveland Browns (from CIN): Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
150. New Orleans Saints: Justin Jefferson, LB, Alabama
151. Miami Dolphins: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
152. Dallas Cowboys: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
153. Green Bay Packers (from PHI): Tim Keenan, DT, Alabama
154. Baltimore Ravens: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
155. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech
156. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC
157. Detroit Lions: Gracen Halton, TDT, Oklahoma
158. Carolina Panthers (from MIN): Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke
159. Carolina Panthers: Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri
160. Green Bay Packers: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
161. Pittsburgh Steelers: DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
162. Baltimore Ravens (from LAC): Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
163. Minnesota Vikings (from PHI): Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
164. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan
165. Buffalo Bills (from CHI): Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
166. Jacksonville Jaguars (from PHI): Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
167. Houston Texans (from PHI): Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
168. Buffalo Bills: Brandon Cleveland, DT, NC State
169. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Cameron Ball, DT, Arkansas
170. Denver Broncos: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
171. New England Patriots: Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona
172. New Orleans Saints (from SEA): Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati
173. Baltimore Ravens: Landon Robinson, DT, Navy
174. Baltimore Ravens: Avery Smith, CB, Toledo
175. Las Vegas Raiders: Keagen Trost, G, Missouri
176. Kansas City Chiefs: Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana
177. Dallas Cowboys: Alex Harkey, G, Oregon
178. Philadelphia Eagles: Logan Fano, EDGE, Utah
179. New York Jets: Kage Casey, G, Boise State
180. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
181. Detroit Lions: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

Round 6

182. Buffalo Bills (from CLE): Diego Pounds, OT, Ole Miss
183. Arizona Cardinals: Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
184. Tennessee Titans: Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky
185. Las Vegas Raiders: Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan
186. New York Giants: Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina
187. Washington Commanders: Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
188. Seattle Seahawks (from CLE): Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Oklahoma
189. Cincinnati Bengals: Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa
190. New Orleans Saints: Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU
191. New England Patriots (from KC): Jeremiah Wright, G, Auburn
192. New York Giants (from MIA): Anez Cooper, G, Miami
193. New York Giants (from DAL): Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech
194. Tennessee Titans (from NYJ): Jordan van den Berg, DT, Georgia Tech
195. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy
196. Minnesota Vikings (from IND): Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin
197. Philadelphia Eagles (from ATL): Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
198. New England Patriots (from HOU): Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo
199. Cincinnati Bengals (from CLE): Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC
200. Carolina Panthers: Fernando Carmona, G, Arkansas
201. Green Bay Packers: Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
202. New England Patriots (from PIT): Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati
203. Jacksonville Jaguars (from HOU): Hezekiah Masses, CB, California
204. Los Angeles Chargers: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
205. Detroit Lions (from JAX): Gary Smith III, DT, UCLA
206. Cleveland Browns (from CHI): David Gusta, DT, Kentucky
207. Los Angeles Rams (from TEN): Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
208. Las Vegas Raiders (from NYJ): Collin Wright, CB, Stanford
209. Washington Commanders (from SF): TJ Hall, CB, Iowa
210. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Louis Moore, S, Indiana
211. Baltimore Ravens (from NYJ): Evan Beernsten, G, Northwestern
212. New England Patriots: J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia
213. Detroit Lions (from JAX): Owen Heinicke, LB, Oklahoma
214. Indianapolis Colts (from PIT): Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
215. Atlanta Falcons (from PHI): Carver Willis, OL, Washington
216. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas

Round 7

217. Arizona Cardinals: Quintayvious Hutchins, EDGE, Boston College
218. Dallas Cowboys (from TEN): Rene Konga, DT, Louisville
219. Las Vegas Raiders: Trey Smack, K, Florida
220. Buffalo Bills (from NYJ): Toriano Pride, CB, Missouri
221. Cincinnati Bengals (from DAL): Adam Randall, RB, Clemson
222. Detroit Lions (from CLE): Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
223. Washington Commanders: Alan Herron, OL, Maryland
224. Pittsburgh Steelers (from NE): Enrique Cruz, OT, Kansas
225. Tennessee Titans (from DAL): Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
226. Cincinnati Bengals: Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, G, Texas A&M
227. Miami Dolphins: Matt Gulbin, G/C, Michigan State
228. New York Jets (from BUF): Tyre West, DL, Tennessee
229. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston
230. Pittsburgh Steelers (from IND): Emmanuel Henderson, WR, Kansas
231. Atlanta Falcons: Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana
232. Los Angeles Rams (from BAL): Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
233. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET): Colbie Young, WR, Georgia
234. Minnesota Vikings: J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois
235. Minnesota Vikings (from CAR): Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
236. Green Bay Packers: Jaden Dugger, LB, Louisiana
237. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Eckley, P, Michigan State
238. Miami Dolphins (from TEN): Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma
239. Chicago Bears (from JAX): Jager Burton, G/C, Kentucky
240. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame
241. Chicago Bears: Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington
242. New York Jets (from CLE): Jackson Kuwatch, LB, Miami (Ohio)
243. Houston Texans (from SF): Matthew Hibner, TE, SMU
244. Minnesota Vikings (from HOU): Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama
245. Jacksonville Jaguars (from HOU): Joe Fagnano, QB, UConn
246. Denver Broncos: Bryson Eason, DT, Tennessee
247. New England Patriots: Damonic Williams, DT, Oklahoma
248. Cleveland Browns (from SEA): Karson Sharar, LB, Iowa
249. Indianapolis Colts: Lorenzo Styles, CB/S, Ohio State
250. Baltimore Ravens: Brett Thorson, P, Georgia
251. Los Angeles Rams: J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida
252. Los Angeles Rams: Aidan Hubbard, EDGE, Northwestern
253. Baltimore Ravens: Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
254. Indianapolis Colts: Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M
255. Green Bay Packers: Michael Heldman, EDGE, Central Michigan
256. Denver Broncos: Jalen Huskey, S, Maryland
257. Denver Broncos: Caden Barnett, G, Wyoming