2026 NFL mock draft: Post-free agency projections
Go ahead and tear up all those pre-free agency mock drafts.
The amount of money thrown around over the first week of the offseason action is bound to have major implications on how things play out in April. Here are my updated first-round projections based on roster movement we've seen so far.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders started free agency with a big move to improve the supporting cast for this inevitable pick, stealing Tyler Linderbaum away from the Ravens. His monster contract, which resets the center market by a wide margin, will be worth every penny if he can help set Mendoza up for success.
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
As much as I loved the idea of the Jets taking Caleb Downs at No. 2, that ship sailed when the Jermaine Johnson trade left a clear opening on the edge. New York has since been focused on adding veterans to raise its floor in free agency. However, Bain's arrival marks the first step toward establishing a long-term ceiling. The Miami star is the cleanest evaluation among the top edge players in this class.
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Nothing the Cardinals have done in free agency impacts this pick, and Arizona should take the best player available at No. 3. Whether Reese transitions into a full-time role on the edge or continues as a hybrid linebacker, he should be a difference-maker at the next level.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Robert Saleh's revamped defensive line still has one spot open on the edge. Tennessee might be tempted to finish off that new-look group here, but the offense could use a little love, too (sorry). Love is the rare running back worth selecting this early. His addition, along with the signing of Wan'Dale Robinson at receiver, would represent a monumental boost to Cam Ward's cast of playmakers.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
I had the Giants taking Sonny Styles in my post-combine mock. While he could still slide in beside Tremaine Edmunds, the arrival of the veteran linebacker might prompt New York to fill other needs. Delane's shutdown potential would be an ideal way to round out a cornerback room that also added Greg Newsome on a one-year flier.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
I had the Browns targeting offensive linemen in each of my last few mock drafts. Although left tackle remains a clear need, Cleveland aggressively filled the other four starting spots early this offseason and might be able to wait until later in the round to address the hole. However, the eventual quarterback of the future will also need a No. 1 receiver. Tate has a chance to be that kind of player at the next level.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Commanders have done a nice job of adding young talent on defense in free agency. Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson bring some much-needed pass-rush juice off the edge, Leo Chenal is a versatile piece at linebacker, and Nick Cross is a proven starter on the back end. Downs, arguably the best player in the entire class, would be the cherry on top of a potentially transformative offseason for this unit.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Improving Tyler Shough's supporting cast was the early theme of New Orleans' free-agent deals. David Edwards stepping in at left guard completes a quietly stout offensive line, and Travis Etienne Jr. gives the Saints a new feature back. Next up: another weapon at receiver. Kellen Moore's offense could be set for years to come with Lemon lining up opposite Chris Olave.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Chiefs have a glaring need at corner after trading away Trent McDuffie and subsequently losing Jaylen Watson to free agency. But they could potentially address that spot with the pick acquired from the Rams at No. 29 overall. Bailey's explosiveness off the edge would go a long way toward alleviating Kansas City's pass-rush shortcomings.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Cincinnati is quietly putting in work to remodel the defense. Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen provide critical upgrades up front, while Bryan Cook should be a stabilizing presence on the back end. That veteran trio clears the way for the Bengals to add a potential game-changer in the middle. Styles' elite athleticism makes him a weapon in all phases of the defensive game.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
The Dolphins are confident the flashes Malik Willis showed in Green Bay were a sign of what's to come. While this team has needs all across the defense, the priority should be making the most of that new investment at quarterback. Adding Ioane, perhaps the best lineman in this draft, is a good first step to set Willis up for success.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary to fill a need on the edge and landed a solid starting safety in Jalen Thompson. Linebacker remains an issue after Dallas missed out on the top free agents at the position, but there's no need to force that pick here. Thieneman is a supremely gifted athlete who could either play alongside Thompson as a deep safety or take on a big nickel role in the slot.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Rams don't have many obvious needs after landing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to overhaul the cornerback room. Offensive tackle is a realistic option here, but don't overlook the possibility of another receiver. L.A. has to eventually plan for a future without Davante Adams. And in the short term, Tyson slotting in alongside Adams and Puka Nacua would give Sean McVay another personnel package that's nearly impossible to defend.
Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
Tyler Linderbaum's exit leaves a massive void in the middle of Baltimore's offensive line. Fano played tackle at Utah, and most teams will probably give him a chance to continue on the outside in the NFL. But it's worth noting that he was seen doing center drills at the combine. The Ravens may be one of the clubs that believe his athleticism could be best utilized on the interior.
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Bucs did nothing to address their biggest need in free agency, leaving them no choice but to target an edge rusher early in the draft. Fortunately for them, the depth of this position group provides plenty of options. Howell's ability to create chaos in the pass game makes up for anything he may lack as a run defender.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
What a first-round haul this would be for the Jets. Landing McCoy after taking Bain at No. 2 is the kind of double-dip that could finally set the defense up for sustained success. McCoy isn't your average first-round corner, considering he was looking more like a top-five talent before missing the 2025 campaign with a torn ACL. Assuming medicals check out, McCoy could end up being the best value of Day 1.
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
This pick has to be used on a left tackle. Finding a long-term answer at that spot was always going to be a priority for the future, but the Lions granting Taylor Decker his release request makes it an immediate need. Freeling's draft stock is soaring after he showed off his athleticism with an incredible combine performance.
Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Vikings brought in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in an effort to shore up the defensive front last offseason, but both are already out the door one year later. Woods is a potential long-term solution, giving Brian Flores an interior force capable of holding up against the run and getting after the quarterback.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
I love what the Panthers did in free agency. Spending big to sign Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd completely changes the makeup of this front seven. Might that aggressiveness clear the way for Carolina to use this pick on another weapon for Bryce Young? Sadiq, a truly elite athlete at tight end, would be an excellent running mate for 2025 first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan on the outside.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Patience pays off for Dallas. After using the No. 12 pick on a potential superstar at safety, the Cowboys still come away with the upgrade they so desperately needed at linebacker. Allen would slot in alongside DeMarvion Overshown to solidify that problem spot for the foreseeable future.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The Steelers might be satisfied with the state of their receiver room after trading for Michael Pittman Jr., but that can't be the team's only move to upgrade the group around DK Metcalf. Adding Cooper's do-it-all skill set and knack for making plays after the catch would be an outstanding fit in the slot.
Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Tyler Biadasz was an important addition to upgrade at center. Inking Cole Strange and re-signing Trevor Penning might help at guard, but Los Angeles should still be chasing potential difference-makers. Mauigoa has Pro Bowl upside on the interior, and his experience at tackle could provide key depth for Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater.
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
A.J. Brown hasn't been traded yet, but it may only be a matter of time. The Eagles will need a capable playmaker opposite DeVonta Smith if they plan on getting back into Super Bowl contention this year. Concepcion is an advanced route-runner who can also make plays after the catch.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Passing on a left tackle with the No. 6 pick may have been a little dangerous, but it worked out for the Browns here. Lomu was a two-year starter at that spot in college. The Utah product will round out an offensive line that locked in Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins, Teven Jenkins, and Tytus Howard in a busy start to the offseason.
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
It's a little disappointing that the Bears didn't make any aggressive moves to upgrade their pass rush early in free agency. There's an opportunity to make an impact addition here, though. Faulk, an impressive athlete for a 6-foot-6, 276-pound lineman, has all the physical traits teams are looking for in an every-down edge.
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Mesidor turns 25 in April, so he'll probably end up being a second-round prospect on most draft boards. The age shouldn't matter much to a Bills team looking to win it all while Josh Allen is still in his prime. Mesidor, who had 5.5 sacks in four College Football Playoff games, would join free-agent addition Bradley Chubb in giving Buffalo a little extra juice off the edge.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The 49ers trading for Osa Odighizuwa and reuniting with Dre Greenlaw have the front seven in good shape heading into the fall. McNeil-Warren could have a similar impact on the back end. The Toledo product is a tone-setter in the run game and will make his share of plays in coverage.
Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
Braden Smith was a nice value addition in free agency. The longtime Colts lineman should provide a meaningful upgrade at either left guard or right tackle. Proctor, an imposing presence at 6-foot-7, 352 pounds, takes care of the other spot.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Chiefs can't afford to wait any longer to find their Trent McDuffie replacement. Like the former All-Pro, Terrell boasts sticky coverage skills and the versatility to line up either on the boundary or in the slot.
Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Banks reportedly suffered a broken foot during the combine. Although he should be healthy for training camp, the perceived risk could easily push his stock down to where it was before a strong Senior Bowl performance. The Broncos, who lost John Franklin-Myers in free agency, would happily take advantage as they work to maintain the best pass rush in football.
R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
The Patriots signed Dre'Mont Jones to replace K'Lavon Chaisson, but that shouldn't stop them from continuing to bolster the pass rush. Thomas might be the perfect fit at the end of the first round. New England can afford to sacrifice a bit of run defense if it means getting this kind of speed off the edge.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Seattle will need to invest in the cornerback position after losing Riq Woolen to free agency. Hood is another elite athlete with the cover skills and physicality to shine in Mike Macdonald's defense.
Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.