2026 NFL Mock Draft: SB Nation’s Community Picks Revealed with Surprises and Trades

SB Nation’s 20th Annual NFL Community Mock Draft Unveiled

Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (15) smiles as he celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Welcome to SB Nation’s 20th annual NFL community mock draft. Each season, our NFL team communities gather for an engaging mock draft experience. This year’s edition includes a Dexter Lawrence trade and its ripple effects on the draft order, along with several surprises. The Raiders’ selection at No. 1 is a no-brainer, but who is it? Read on for the full analysis of every pick.

Do you agree with these selections? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Full Roundup of Community Picks

First Round Selections

• Los Angeles Chargers: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
• Dallas Cowboys: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
• Carolina Panthers: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
• Minnesota Vikings: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
• Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
• New York Jets: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
• Baltimore Ravens: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
• Los Angeles Rams: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
• Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
• Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
• Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
• Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
• New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
• Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
• Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
• New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
• Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
• Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech
• New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
• Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana

Key Takeaways from the 2026 Mock Draft

The 2026 mock draft features several notable trends and surprises:

• Dexter Lawrence Trade: The trade involving Dexter Lawrence significantly altered the draft order, creating unexpected opportunities for teams to select top-tier talent.
• Raiders’ Quarterback Selection: The Raiders’ pick at No. 1 is a clear choice—Fernando Mendoza, quarterback from Indiana. This selection reflects the Raiders’ need for a franchise signal-caller.
• Ohio State Dominance: Ohio State players feature prominently in this mock draft, with multiple selections including Kayden McDonald, Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and Carnell Tate.
• Offensive Line Focus: The draft highlights a strong emphasis on offensive line talent, with eight linemen selected across the first round.
• Defensive Playmakers: Edge rushers and cornerbacks are also in high demand, with multiple selections in these positions.

Community Reactions and Analysis

SB Nation’s NFL communities have provided detailed analysis for each pick. While some selections are widely expected, others have sparked debate among fans and analysts. Share your thoughts on these picks and let us know if you agree with the community’s choices.

"The Dexter Lawrence trade reshapes the draft order and creates opportunities for teams to address their most pressing needs."

Stay tuned for further updates and reactions as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. Will these mock draft selections hold up in the real event? Only time will tell.