2026 NFL Mock Draft: Arvell Reese, Makai Lemon, and More Top Prospects (2026)

Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the world of NFL draft predictions! The 2026 NFL Mock Draft is here, and it's packed with surprises!

First up, the New York Jets make a bold move by selecting Arvell Reese, the top-ranked linebacker from Ohio State, with the second overall pick. This decision is a strategic one, as head coach Aaron Glenn aims to bolster his defense with a versatile chess piece. Reese's impressive stats, including eight sacks and an 86.5 PFF run-defense grade, make him a valuable asset.

But here's where it gets interesting... the Baltimore Ravens make a splash by drafting Makai Lemon, the star wide receiver from USC. Lamar Jackson, the Ravens' quarterback, could use some extra firepower, and Lemon fits the bill perfectly. With his impressive receiving skills and a 90.8 PFF overall grade, Lemon is set to become a key weapon for the Ravens.

As the 2026 NFL Draft season kicks off, you can explore the top prospects and simulate your own drafts using the PFF Mock Draft Simulator. It's an exciting time for NFL fans and teams alike!

Now, let's dive into the full mock draft and uncover more intriguing picks:

  1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
    Mendoza's dream season at Indiana, with a perfect 16-0 record and a Heisman Trophy, makes him an easy choice for the Raiders.

  2. New York Jets: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
    The Jets' defense gets a major upgrade with Reese's versatility and impressive sack numbers.

  3. Arizona Cardinals: T Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
    The Cardinals find their new right tackle in Mauigoa, who boasts an impressive 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade.

  4. Tennessee Titans: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
    With a need to surround quarterback Cam Ward with talent, the Titans draft Bain, who led college football with 83 pressures.

  5. New York Giants: T Spencer Fano, Utah
    Developing quarterback Jaxson Dart's protection is a priority, and Fano's 92.0 PFF overall grade makes him an ideal fit.

  6. Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
    The Browns address their receiving corps with Tate, who led all college wideouts with a 151.8 passer rating when targeted.

  7. Washington Commanders: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
    Washington aims to improve its defense by drafting Bailey, the highest-graded defender in college football this season.

  8. New Orleans Saints: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
    The Saints secure more talent for quarterback Tyler Shough with Tyson, who generated an impressive 89.5 PFF receiving grade.

  9. Kansas City Chiefs: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
    With Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco potentially leaving, the Chiefs turn to Love, who posted a nation-leading 93.1 PFF overall grade in 2025.

  10. Cincinnati Bengals: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
    The Bengals find their star safety in Downs, who boasts an elite 93.6 PFF overall grade for his college career.

  11. Miami Dolphins: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
    Delane brings much-needed youth and talent to the Dolphins' secondary, with a 31.3 passer rating surrendered in coverage.

  12. Dallas Cowboys: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
    Styles' impressive 88.6 PFF overall grade and tackling skills address the Cowboys' need for linebacker depth.

  13. Los Angeles Rams: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
    With MVP Matthew Stafford returning, the Rams draft McCoy to address their current need at cornerback.

  14. Baltimore Ravens: WR Makai Lemon, USC
    The Ravens surround Lamar Jackson with more wide receiver talent in Lemon, the Biletnikoff Award winner.

  15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
    The Buccaneers aim to improve their run defense with Faulk, who produced an outstanding 89.2 PFF run-defense grade.

  16. New York Jets: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
    Under pressure, head coach Aaron Glenn selects Simpson to provide hope for the Jets' future at quarterback.

  17. Detroit Lions: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
    Proctor steps up as the next blindside protector for quarterback Jared Goff, ranking fourth among FBS tackles.

  18. Minnesota Vikings: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
    The Vikings need help in their secondary, and Terrell's impressive 90.6 PFF overall grade over two seasons fits the bill.

  19. Carolina Panthers: DI Peter Woods, Clemson
    Woods strengthens the Panthers' defense, forming a powerful partnership with Derrick Brown.

  20. Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
    The Cowboys address their edge defender needs with Howell, who tied for fifth in the FBS with 12 sacks.

  21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
    New head coach Mike McCarthy aims to upgrade the receiving corps with Boston, who ranked ninth among wide receivers.

  22. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
    Ioane, with a perfect pass-blocking record in 2025, strengthens the Chargers' injury-plagued offensive line.

  23. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
    The Eagles find their replacement for Dallas Goedert in Sadiq, who led college football tight ends with eight receiving touchdowns.

  24. Cleveland Browns: T Caleb Lomu, Utah
    After drafting Tate, the Browns turn their attention to Lomu, who earned an impressive 82.1 PFF pass-blocking grade.

  25. Chicago Bears: DI Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
    McDonald's impressive 91.2 PFF run-defense grade addresses the Bears' defensive tackle woes.

  26. Buffalo Bills: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
    New head coach Joe Brady finds his true No. 1 weapon in Concepcion, who led the SEC in first-down receptions.

  27. San Francisco 49ers: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
    With both Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams coming off injuries, the 49ers upgrade their defensive line with Parker.

  28. Houston Texans: DI Caleb Banks, Florida
    The Texans look to improve their defensive tackle position with Banks, who boasts an impressive 12% pressure rate.

  29. Los Angeles Rams: T Monroe Freeling, Georgia
    Freeling's 85.7 PFF pass-blocking grade makes him a potential long-term answer for the Rams at right tackle.

  30. Denver Broncos: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
    The Broncos aim to improve their linebacker corps with Allen, who ranked ninth among Power Four linebackers in run defense.

  31. New England Patriots: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)
    The Patriots address their edge defender needs with Mesidor, who excelled in both run defense and pass rush.

  32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
    Despite Devon Witherspoon's impressive season, the Seahawks draft Hood to further strengthen their cornerback position.

And there you have it! A thrilling 2026 NFL Mock Draft with some exciting picks. What do you think of these predictions? Are there any teams you think made surprising choices? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss the draft in the comments!

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Arvell Reese, Makai Lemon, and More Top Prospects (2026)
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