2026 NFL Mock Draft: PFF Predicts Top Picks & Team Needs After Free Agency
The NFL landscape is shifting rapidly as teams navigate free agency and prepare for the . Pro Football Focus has released an updated three-round mock draft, reflecting the recent flurry of activity and accounting for a potentially significant development involving the Las Vegas Raiders and pass rusher Maxx Crosby. While the trade to the Baltimore Ravens ultimately fell through, the initial expectation of that deal significantly impacted PFF’s projections.
At the top of the draft, the consensus seems firm: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza capped off a remarkable season with a perfect 16-0 record, leading Indiana to its first national championship and securing the Heisman Trophy. His performance, highlighted by 41 touchdown passes and 3,535 yards on 72% completion, earned him a 91.6 PFF overall grade, ranking third among all quarterbacks. According to PFF, Mendoza’s season was a “dream season,” solidifying his position as the draft’s unquestioned number one pick, a selection seemingly cemented when he delivered that championship victory in front of Raiders minority owner Tom Brady.
The Recent York Jets, picking second, are projected to bolster their defense with Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese. With the recent trade of Jermaine Johnson II to the Tennessee Titans, the Jets have a clear need at edge rusher. Reese, despite being listed as an off-ball linebacker, possesses the versatility to transition to an edge role in the NFL, having tied for fourth among all college linebackers with eight sacks and earning an impressive 86.5 PFF run-defense grade in .
Further down the draft board, PFF anticipates the Arizona Cardinals addressing their offensive line needs with Miami’s Maurigoa, considered the top offensive lineman in the class. The Cardinals, following the release of Kyler Murray, may also consider a quarterback, but PFF believes securing protection for a future signal-caller is the priority. Maurigoa, a 6-foot-6, 335-pound tackle, started in that position for three seasons with Miami and posted a 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade last season, ranking sixth among FBS tackles.
The Tennessee Titans, at pick number four, are expected to add to their pass rush with Texas Tech and Stanford’s Jacob Bailey, who led the FBS with 14.5 sacks in . Even after attempting to acquire Jermaine Johnson II, the Titans clearly recognize the need to strengthen their edge defender room. Bailey’s dominance was reflected in his PFF pass-rush grade, which led college football for the past two seasons.
The New York Giants, selecting fifth, are projected to address their run defense issues by drafting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. New Giants coach John Harbaugh is tasked with rebuilding a run defense that ranked second-worst in the NFL in , and Styles, a versatile 6-foot-4, 240-pound athlete, could be a key piece. He led Ohio State with 82 total tackles and earned an 88.6 PFF overall grade.
Cleveland Browns, picking sixth, are expected to bolster their receiving corps with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. After a lackluster performance from their receiving group last season, the Browns are looking to provide their quarterback with more reliable targets. Lemon, the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner, averaged 98.3 receiving yards per game in and posted a 90.8 PFF overall grade.
The Washington Commanders, with the seventh overall pick, are projected to select Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., an edge rusher who can play multiple positions. After fielding the NFL’s worst defense in , the Commanders need to inject talent into their front seven. Bain led the nation with 83 pressures and earned a 92.3 PFF overall grade.
The New Orleans Saints, at pick number eight, are predicted to address their running back situation with Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, the Doak Walker Award winner. The Saints struggled to generate a consistent rushing attack last season, and Love, who rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on just 199 carries, could provide a significant boost. PFF notes the Saints generated the second-worst team PFF rushing grade in .
Rounding out the top ten, the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to add another weapon for Patrick Mahomes with USC’s Makai Lemon, a dynamic receiver who led the FBS with a 90.8 PFF overall grade in . Finally, the Cincinnati Bengals, picking tenth, are projected to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs to address their defensive issues, particularly a safety group that has consistently underperformed.
PFF’s mock draft extends through three rounds, offering further insights into potential team strategies and player selections. The draft promises to be a pivotal moment for many franchises as they look to build towards future success.