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2026 NFL Mock Draft: NFL Combine Flips Draft On Its Head - Sports Illustrated

The NFL Combine concluded on Sunday, and the results had a drastic impact on our latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, with several prospects improving their stock.

SportsBy Jennifer ReevesMarch 2, 20268 min read

Last updated: March 18, 2026, 3:36 AM

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: NFL Combine Flips Draft On Its Head - Sports Illustrated

The NFL Combine concluded on Sunday with offensive linemen workouts. As per usual, the annual showcase has had an impact on the 2026 NFL Draft. Some of the big winners established themselves as top-10 picks, whereas others tumbled down the board.

A bunch of prospects took advantage of an opportunity to improve their reputation in Indianapolis. With character checks and medicals also playing a key role, NFL teams are closer than ever before to finalizing their process. With the dust officially settled on the NFL Combine, we present our latest 2026 NFL mock draft.

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

The Las Vegas Raiders possessed an opportunity to formally meet with quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the NFL Combine. They took a big step towards confirming that Mendoza will be the No. 1 overall selection. The Raiders are legitimately excited about finding the next face of their franchise.

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

The New York Jets can take this decision in several directions. Sorting through the top defenders was a fun experience at the NFL Combine. There's still legitimate belief that Arvell Reese may manage to make a full-time transition to EDGE rusher after he ran a blazing-fast 4.46. That would make Reese the slight favorite over the alternative prospects who play non-premium positions.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

The Arizona Cardinals cannot afford to miss with this selection. Selecting a safe offensive lineman prospect is an excellent way for a new head coach to begin his tenure. Mike LaFleur could influence general manager Monti Ossenfort to go with Francis Mauigoa, who would quickly start at tackle or guard in his offense. Mauigoa's weigh-in at the NFL Combine indicated he can play tackle.

4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Tennessee Titans need more blue-chip talents. General manager Mike Borgonzi is attempting to surround franchise quarterback Cam Ward with more talent. While many assume that means a wide receiver, there's none worth taking at No. 4 overall. Jeremiyah Love is an elite prospect, proven by the 4.37 he ran, paired with his on-field combine workout on Saturday. Love has Hall of Fame character, and adding him to Brian Daboll's offense would take a lot of pressure off of Ward's shoulders.

5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Nobody won the NFL Combine quite like linebacker Sonny Styles did. Styles made history by leaping a 43.5 inch vertical and 11-foot-2 broad jump. He also ran the fastest 40 among linebackers at 4.46. The Ohio State standout confirmed he's a top-five prospect and rare athletic specimen. John Harbaugh and the New York Giants should draft him to play behind Abdul Carter, Dexter Lawrence, and Brian Burns. What an impactful front seven that would be.

6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling continued his ascension at the NFL Combine by running a 4.93 after measuring in with nearly 35-inch arms. The former Bulldogs blocker also leaped a 33.5 inch vertical and a 9-foot-7 broad jump. The Cleveland Browns are completely revamping their offensive line this offseason. Freeling is inexperienced with fewer than 20 career starts, but somebody is probably going to bet on his upside in the top 10.

7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs participated in just on-field drills at the NFL Combine. He should still be a top-10 lock as arguably the cleanest evaluation in the entire draft. Downs is a do-it-all safety who can thrive near the line of scrimmage, or in a ball-hawking role on the back end. The Washington Commanders need a physical tone setter on defense, because Dan Quinn's unit looked directionless in 2025.

8. New Orleans Saints: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

David Bailey ran a 4.50 in the 40-yard dash, the fastest recorded time of any pure pass rusher in this class. Bailey's on-field workout was a mixed bag, but he also leaped a 35 inch vertical and 10-foot-9 broad. The speedy EDGE wins with pure athleticism and explosion, and the New Orleans Saints are searching for a successor with Cameron Jordan being a pending free agent.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq was a top-three standout at the NFL Combine. Sadiq made modern-day combine history by leaping a 43.5 inch vertical, 11-foot-1 broad jump, and running an unfathomable 4.39 in the 40 at 241 pounds. Positional value be damned, the Kansas City Chiefs should be salivating at the thought of making him Travis Kelce's replacement.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

Rueben Bain Jr. did not participate in testing drills at the NFL Combine, and his oft-talked about arm length deficiencies were confirmed, with measurements of 30 ⅞”. The Cincinnati Bengals shouldn't overthink it. Bain is an excellent and productive pass rusher on tape, utilizing short-area explosion and elite power to overcome his physical shortcomings. The Bengals badly need pass rushers with Trey Hendrickson set to depart in free agency.

11. Miami Dolphins: Vega Ioane, IOL, Penn State

The Miami Dolphins have a huge need at guard after cutting James Daniels. Many scouts and analysts believe Vega Ioane is the best offensive lineman in this entire class. The Miami Dolphins are staring down the barrel of a multi-year rebuild, so they won't be too concerned with positional value. Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley need to reset the roster by drafting good players. Ioane is plug-and-play with a mean streak.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The dream of landing Styles at No. 12 is dead for the Dallas Cowboys. They could pivot to drafting the top cornerback in Mansoor Delane. The 2026 NFL Draft doesn't particularly feature a strong class of cornerback prospects, but Delane emerged from the NFL Combine as the consensus top-ranked player at the position. He's super instinctual in coverage and can play right away in any scheme.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Makai Lemon did not participate in testing drills at the NFL Combine. That's okay, because he's a better football player than athlete. His decision shouldn't deter Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams, who might be infatuated with Lemon's short-area quickness and route-running prowess. This pick would fill a future need before it comes one, with Davante Adams entering a contract year.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Baltimore Ravens are still sorting through how to handle Marlon Humphrey this offseason. Having him return at his currently scheduled cap number ($26.2 million) feels unlikely. Cornerback is a need either way, and Tennessee's Jermod McCoy is arguably a top-10 prospect despite not playing in 2025 due to a torn ACL suffered in January of the previous campaign. His 2024 tape was that impressive. McCoy did not participate at the NFL Combine, but expects to answer physical questions at Tennessee's pro day.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk is 6-foot-6 and 276 pounds with 34 ⅜” arms. That'll appeal to Todd Bowles. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to lose Haason Reddick and Logan Hall to free agency. Faulk is super versatile with the capability to move around Bowles' defense line. He's a 20 year old prospect with a super-high ceiling and untapped potential, and he's already a floor-raiser as a run defender. He's going early.

16. New York Jets (via IND): Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

After deciding on Reese at No. 2 overall, this scenario sees the Jets maintain focus on the defensive side with plans to draft Quinnen Williams' replacement. Caleb Banks was the big winner among the defensive tackles at the NFL Combine. Banks needs to be a more consistent player, but being 6-6 and 327 pounds with 35-inch arms excites defensive-minded coaches like Aaron Glenn. He's also a freak athlete at that size, having leaped a 32 inch vertical.

17. Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Taylor Decker announced he's returning for another season, but Brad Holmes is a smart general manager who addresses needs before they become glaring, especially at premium positions. Spencer Fano is an outstanding pass protector who also executed blocks in a variety of run-blocking concepts. Fano, an NFL Combine star, can play all five positions, which would give the Lions flexibility with Penei Sewell once Decker walks away.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Colton Hood arguably looked smoother than any other cornerback during on-field position drills. He also ran a 4.40 with a 1.58 ten-yard split, and leaped a 40.5 inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad jump. Hood pairs first-round athleticism with first-round tape. He's checked boxes all throughout the pre-draft process, his performance at the Senior Bowl included. The Minnesota Vikings could improve at the position and Brian Flores will be a fan of the player.

19. Carolina Panthers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

The Carolina Panthers should continue building their defensive line after spending two mid-round picks at EDGE last year. Akheem Mesidor would be a worthy selection at No. 19 overall. Mesidor enjoyed a breakout campaign at Miami in 2025, registering 12.5 sacks. He rushes the passer with power, speed, and a relentless motor.

JR
Jennifer Reeves

Sports Reporter

Jennifer Reeves covers college sports, the Olympics, and athletic culture across the nation. She has reported from three Olympic Games and specializes in Title IX issues, women's sports, and the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. She is a member of the Association for Women in Sports Media.

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