Yes, teams should invest in a running back high in the draft — if he’s an all-purpose difference maker and separates himself among his peers. That’s the conclusion Yahoo Sports draft analyst Nate Tice came to in a podcast episode of “Inside Coverage”when discussing Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, his top running back in this NFL Draft class.
“He can play all four downs,” Tice said. “He can do everything you need him to do, but also he can take the rock to the house. And that’s what the name of the game is. We think of passing explosives, but rushing explosives too.”
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As we enter the upcoming NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, here’s where we stand mock draft wise. In this mock draft, Tice makes the odd-numbered picks, and Charles McDonald makes the even.
More 2026 NFL mock drafts: 4.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.0
1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This pick feels like an intriguing pairing with new head coach Klint Kubiak. Mendoza is a clean operator whose sheer professionalism could lift the floor up for a franchise that’s been in the doldrums for oh so long. Mendoza is accurate, has good size, moves well in the pocket, and constantly finds the right answer from the pocket (he’s already a standout in situations like third down, the red zone and two-minute drives). He’s not an overwhelming athlete, but can create and scramble for yards when things go astray.
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The Raiders’ offensive line needs a lot of work, but Las Vegas has an interesting collection of young skill players (Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, I’d even include Tre Tucker here) that would give Mendoza immediate options as he starts in the NFL. Mendoza’s game, work ethic and intelligence should help make his transition to the NFL not quite as daunting (more under center work notwithstanding) when compared to others jumping from a shotgun-heavy college offense. He’s exactly what the silver and black need.
2. New York Jets — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
The Jets would love a quarterback good enough to take here, but there isn’t one. So this is a smart time to go best player available, which very well could be Bain. He doesn’t have prototypical build, but he has incredible athleticism and skill to be an impact defensive end in the NFL from Day 1.
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3. Arizona Cardinals — Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami
The Cardinals have question marks at quarterback under new head coach Mike LaFleur, and could feasibly draft just about any position here and it would make sense given the state of their roster. Other players in this class might rise as pure offensive tackles, but Mauigoa has earned the right for a chance at right tackle at the next level. Mauigoa is a mauling run blocker with clean technique who seldom gets caught out of position. Whether he ends up at right tackle or kicks inside to guard, he is a great fit for a Cardinals team that desperately needs more talent up front to complement left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., who has shown flashes of future stardom but got caught up in this franchise’s messiness.
4. Tennessee Titans — Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State
Another best player available move, this time with the Titans drafting someone who could be considered the best player in the draft. Reese is a disruptive, explosive player who has upside as a pass rusher and run defender. He would fit right in Robert Saleh’s defense off the edge and could create a wrecking duo with star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
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5. New York Giants — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Giants have oodles of talent on their defensive front and they could look to continue to boost their (underrated) offensive line, or even add another weapon to the passing game and build around Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers when he returns from injury. Instead, John Harbaugh and the Giants tab Downs as the highest-drafted safety since Jamal Adams in 2017. They’ve been leaky to explosive plays over the past couple of seasons, with their defensive backfield being constant culprits in allowing those big plays. Downs’ versatility, intelligence and soundness will help shore up those big plays and be the tip of the spear for however new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson wants to use him.
Cleveland has to rebuild its offensive line under new head coach Todd Monken. The Browns are getting a little old up front (and, frankly, bad) so it’s time to add talent at offensive tackle. Fano has the ability to start right away with long-term development upside that the Browns need.
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This one is a pretty easy pairing. The Commanders are starved for edge rushers, especially ones who can win one-on-one and get after the quarterback. That’s exactly what Bailey brings to the table. He’s a dynamo off the edge and brings the heat play after play. Bailey’s lack of size can give him issues against the run, but he improved in that area during his lone season in Lubbock. He’ll immediately inject some juice into a front that needs it under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
Tyler Shough did enough to get another year as the starting quarterback in New Orleans, but the Saints’ wide receiver room could use a bit of juice. Tate would make a lot of sense as a strong starting wide receiver across from Chris Olave, who isn’t always the most available player. The Saints could use another strong weapon on offense, and Tate might be the best wide receiver in this class.
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The Chiefs could use another impact defensive player. But Kansas City needs speed, and not just timed speed but real game speed, at its skill player positions. Love is one of the best overall players in this draft class who can take any touch to the house. He would raise the ceiling on Andy Reid’s screen plays and be a real weapon behind the Chiefs’ burly offensive line in the run game, easing some of the burden on Patrick Mahomes to constantly create big plays for this offense. I’m sure new/returning offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy would be thrilled to work with such a talented back.
The Bengals need defense, obviously. However, they’ve spent so many recent assets along the defensive line, maybe they try another position here and go cornerback, which they also need. Delane would immediately be their most talented cornerback and give them someone who can keep up with wide receivers in coverage.
11. Miami Dolphins — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy is still in the running to be the first cornerback selected despite not playing this season due to a knee injury. The Dolphins could draft any position and it would make sense, but they could use a young cornerback with some pedigree. While quarterback and other position groups (like non-Jaylen Waddle wide receivers) are still question marks, McCoy would help new head coach Jeff Hafley have a reasonable answer at every position on his defense that will be tasked with carrying games during his maiden season in Miami.
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12. Dallas Cowboys — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Dallas has an opportunity to really upgrade its defense here for new coordinator Christian Parker, and can shore up what has the potential to be a top front seven with the addition of Styles. He’s a fast, physical linebacker who has all the talent in the world to be an ace starter in short order in the NFL.
The Rams use the Falcons’ first-round pick to take the brother of a Falcon. Terrell is undersized, which might be something the Rams want to move away from in their cornerback room, but his awareness, twitch and ball skills more than make up for his lack of bulk. He would immediately be the Rams’ most talented back-seven player and his skill set would fit in Chris Shula’s defense perfectly.
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14. Baltimore Ravens — Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
Jesse Minter was hired to help Baltimore get back to having a stalwart defense, but the Ravens will need a bit more talent up front to make that an easier job. Faulk is a high-upside project who can affect the run game right now with his size and power. This is the realistic upside play that the Ravens have cashed in on for the past 30 years.
General manager Jason Licht has no qualms with taking a player who is not at a position of need, so anything is in play here. This is the year the Bucs finally draft the replacement for the unsinkable Lavonte David. Allen has been a steadying force for Georgia’s defense ever since he stepped on the field as a freshman. He has intangibles and a well-rounded game that would fit in Todd Bowles’ defense. And really any defense, to be fair.
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16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts) — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
This could be a steal here for the Jets and new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who get to add another high-upside, high-floor prospect here in Tyson. Figuring out who will be throwing them the ball next season is a different story, but Tyson and Garrett Wilson is a good one-two punch for somebody.
17. Detroit Lions — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
While the center position might be the most important area for the Lions’ offense to improve this season, a tackle succession plan might not be too far behind, especially now that Dan Skipper is retiring. Lomu plays calm with light feet, and he has a good frame but could stand to add strength to take his game to the next level. I’m bullish on Lomu and think he could end up as a good starter on the blindside as he matures. A timeline behind Taylor Decker with Hank Fraley coaching him would be an ideal situation.
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18. Minnesota Vikings — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Vikings’ defense was incredible last season, but Minnesota still could use another hoss in the middle of the field. McDonald would make a lot of sense as a true nose tackle talent in Brian Flores’ defense, creating even more opportunities for Flores to put his players in the best positions possible for them to break games.
Woods could go much higher than this, or much lower. His flashes are as good as any defensive player in this draft class, but he had a maddeningly inconsistent year on an underwhelming Clemson team. The Panthers need to continue to add needle-movers to their defense and if Woods reaches his ceiling, the Panthers could have a monster front with Woods and Derrick Brown. Carolina has also had recent success with another defensive draft faller coming off an inconsistent final collegiate season in 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton.
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20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers) — Brandon Cisse, DB, South Carolina
After spending their first pick on Sonny Styles, the Cowboys can add another piece here with Cisse. They desperately need help at cornerback, especially after cutting long-time starter Trevon Diggs, and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker cut his teeth in part by coaching the Eagles’ secondary into becoming one of the best in the league.
The Steelers might not traditionally take wide receivers in the first round, but after their 2025 passing attack faltered time and again outside of deep forays to DK Metcalf and a bevy of tight end targets, I think it’ll be OK for them to break tradition and add some juice to their pass-catching group. Lemon’s play style (he was primarily a slot player at USC) pairs nicely with Metcalf as well as Mike McCarthy’s quick-hitting scheme (regardless if Aaron Rodgers returns or not), and gives this offense an underneath weapon who can actually create something.
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The Chargers, again, need help up front after a brutal showing in the postseason that saw their Super Bowl hopes end after one game, and it cost offensive coordinator Greg Roman and O-line coach Mike Devlin their jobs. It’s impossible to predict losing so many offensive linemen to injury, but having more of them at least gives an opportunity to build some much-needed depth up front.
Freeling has been a big riser over the back half of the college season and might go even higher than this when this cycle is all said and done. He has good size with long arms and a frame that could add even more bulk. Freeling is an easy mover (his basketball background shows up constantly) whose technique and polish sharpened quickly after he got healthy this past season. He even showed improved strength and ability to anchor in the last month of the season, and that only adds to his appeal. Freeling might have played on the left side in college, but his athleticism should allow him to flip sides if needed. Howie Roseman loves investing in the trenches and this would give the Eagles a Lane Johnson succession plan, which is all the more important with master O-line coach Jeff Stoutland leaving the team.
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24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars) — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Browns become the Ty Simpson team. Simpson struggled over the back half of his final college season due to injuries, but Todd Monken and the Browns have nothing at quarterback in a tough division not to have one. Simpson is not the highest-upside guy out there, but he gives Cleveland a chance for some much needed, bare-minimum competency with upside to get better.
25. Chicago Bears — Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
The Bears’ defense had admirable late-season performances, notably against the Rams in the divisional round, but that group needs to become more stout against the run. Luckily, this is a good defensive tackle class, especially for run-first guys. Hunter is one of those talented interior defenders, and he would give the Bears a burly defender who can eat blocks but also get into the backfield. He even has upside as a pass rusher. Hunter has to work on down-to-down consistency, but there aren’t a lot of players with this size who can move as easily as Hunter does.
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26. Buffalo Bills — T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
Buffalo’s defense improved as the season hit the waning moments, but the Bills still need more talent at all three levels for new coordinator Jim Leonhard. That’s a tall ask, but they can dip their toes in the edge rusher market with the selection of Parker, an athletic defensive end.
Miller is a right tackle with good size, quickness and light feet as a pass protector. His agility would make him a great fit for a Shanahan offense that likes to have its linemen constantly on the move. Trent Williams keeps staving off any big drop in play but is getting up there in years, and while the 49ers extended right tackle Colton McKivitz recently, he is not a needle-moving player. Miller’s size and run-game blocking should help him fill any non-center spot on the offensive line until the 49ers figure out their long-term plan at both tackle spots.
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28. Houston Texans — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Texans’ offensive line is still a problem, so Houston can take a massive swing here to fix it with the 6-foot-7, 370-pound Proctor. He has to answer questions about his conditioning, but if he can stay in shape at the next level he has a chance to tap into the athleticism that has scouts and fans so excited about his upside.
29. Los Angeles Rams — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Rams have reportedly poked around about moving up in the draft and selecting a pass-catcher high in recent years (Tetairoa McMillan in 2025, Brock Bowers in 2024), and this time they stand pat with their original selection and get Boston at the tail end of the first round. Boston is a big wide receiver with the skill set of a true “X” wide receiver who can win in isolated situations. He would give the Rams a behemoth starting wide receiver trio with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to go along with their deep tight end room. A half-dozen power forwards with Matthew Stafford firing the football would be a dream, and give Nacua an ideal long-term running mate who would allow him to get moved around and used however Sean McVay wants.
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30. Denver Broncos — Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
A long-term linebacker prospect is exactly what the Broncos need and they get a talented one here in Hill. He was injured to close the season, but the Broncos can use his talents here to give them a more complete defense with young talent at all three levels.
A team picking in the top five the past two drafts suddenly made the Super Bowl. And while the Patriots nailed their recent free-agency class, they could stand to add some more building blocks, especially on offense around their star quarterback Drake Maye. While Sadiq is a tight end, the Patriots need pass catchers, especially ones who can create explosives with the ball in their hands. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels loves to use tight ends, and Maye has loved throwing the ball to Hunter Henry in his first two seasons. Sadiq would give them a weapon who can turn those screens and underneath routes into big plays. He has the speed and receiving ability to stretch the defense, and also some real grit as a blocker that Mike Vrabel would love.
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32. Seattle Seahawks — Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The Seahawks have hit the “no-clue-let’s-mock-them-a-pass-rusher” level in their roster building. They don’t have too many holes that can immediately be plugged here, so let’s just give them another front seven player to add to that defense.
