Final projections ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
theScore's David P. Woods ranks as one of the industry's most accurate mock drafters over the last five years, according to The Huddle Report. Below, he reveals his final projections for how this year's first round will unfold.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Obviously.
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
The Jets are not especially close to contending, and ultimately should select the better long-term, high-upside play. That's Reese, not David Bailey.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Cardinals tried to scare someone into trading up for Jeremiyah Love, but come up empty. They pass on taking the RB themselves in favor of filling a bigger need.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
New head coach Robert Saleh gets a player he can envision in the Fred Warner role.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Is the Giants' biggest need a running back? Probably not. But they can sell the value as them getting the most talented player in the draft, and they can sell Love as a "weapon" instead of a mere running back (eye roll...).
Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
The Browns need to reinforce their offensive line, and injury concerns around Francis Mauigoa could lead them in the direction of Fano.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
An Ohio State running mate for Terry McLaurin.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Saints need to put some weapons around Tyler Shough to find out if he's really a long-term answer.
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
The Chiefs must reinforce their pass-rushing group opposite George Karlaftis, and they aren't turned off by any potential character concerns.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
John Harbaugh puts an immediate stamp on this defense with another player the Giants can sell as one of the top talents in the draft and a slam dunk at this draft slot when positional value is disregarded.
Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
The Dolphins simply need to add good players, and the potential for Mauigoa to miss time due to back surgery isn't a pressing concern for a team that might prefer to tank in 2026.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Cowboys were rumored to be a potential trade-up team, but they stand pat here and scoop up some value.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Davante Adams will turn 34 this season, and Puka Nacua's NFL future is less of a sure thing than it appeared only a few months ago.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
A straightforward but entirely unsexy pick to bolster Lamar Jackson's interior protection.
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
Is it a reach? Probably. But the Bucs shoot for the moon with this pick.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
There was a time when the Jets may have imagined Jordan Tyson would fall to them here, but late steam pushed him into the Top 10.
Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
A natural replacement for Taylor Decker at left tackle.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
For the first time since 2012, Harrison Smith is not on the Vikings' roster.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
A wideout could be in play, but with the way this board has fallen it makes more sense for the Panthers to find an alternate path to boosting their passing attack.
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
A high-motor player who fits Dallas' multi-front defensive scheme.
Monroe Freeling, OL, Georgia
Wideout is possible, but the trade acquisition of Michael Pittman Jr. makes it less of a need. It's never a bad idea to add to the beef up front, instead.
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Chargers badly need a third edge rusher behind Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
It's more than obvious that A.J. Brown is gone. The additions of Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore won't be enough to fill that gap opposite DeVonta Smith.
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Browns add another offensive piece in advance of plans to find their QB of the future atop the 2027 draft.
Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
A player who can help take Dennis Allen's defense to the next level.
Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Bills will have tunnel vision on improving their atrocious run defense.
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Yes, he's 25 years old. But the 49ers are as "win-now" as any team in the league.
Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Woods is a player who can help free up the Texans' talented edge rushers to do even more damage.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Chiefs might prefer a wideout here, but a run at the position leads them to pivot to finding a direct Trent McDuffie replacement for the pick they got back in the McDuffie trade. A potential top-ten talent, McCoy falls due to medical concerns.
Blake Miller, OL, Clemson
The Dolphins double-dip at offensive tackle in what is a pure rebuilding year.
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Josh McDaniels adds a move tight end to Drake Maye's paltry weaponry.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
This feels like a Mike McDonald kind of pick.