NFL mock draft roundup: Experts predict first round mid-NFL free agency
NFL mock draft roundup: Experts predict first round mid-NFL free agency
Jacob Camenker, USA TODAYSat, March 14, 2026 at 12:02 PM UTC
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NFL free agency has moved at a furious pace in 2026, as many of the top talents on the market agreed to lucrative contracts during the league's "legal tampering" window.
With a good chunk of free agency now in the books, NFL fans can start turning their attention more toward the 2026 NFL Draft.
The moves that unfolded in free agency will surely have an impact on the draft. For example, two of the top projected teams for Jeremiyah Love – the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs – signed veteran running backs to big contracts during the offseason.
That, coupled with numerous players rising in the weeks after the NFL Scouting Combine, will certainly shake up the projected order of the draft's first 32 selections.
USA TODAY Sports compiled the latest projections for the first round with the first wave of free agency in the books. See what USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, CBS Sports' Josh Edwards and Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick have in their latest mocks:
2026 NFL mock draft roundup mid-free agency
Here's how NFL draft experts project the first round will play out with NFL free agency ongoing:
1. Las Vegas RaidersUSA TODAY Sports: QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaCBS Sports: QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaPro Football Focus: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
USA TODAY Sports: "Mendoza, a rhythmic and clean distributor, sizes up as a nearly ideal trigger man for new coach Klint Kubiak's system. The fallout from the Crosby trade's dissolution could be far-reaching, but Las Vegas still has ample resources with which to enact its offseason transformation."
Pro Football Focus: "You can just about write this one in pen. Mendoza enjoyed a dream season at Indiana, posting a perfect 16-0 record, helping the program claim its first national championship and becoming the school’s first Heisman Trophy winner."
2. New York JetsUSA TODAY Sports: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio StateCBS Sports: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio StatePro Football Focus: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State
USA TODAY Sports: "David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. each have solid cases for this spot, but Reese looks like the most explosive of the group. While it might take some time to put things together as a full-time edge rusher, the Ohio State standout could give Aaron Glenn the cornerstone talent the defense has lacked since sending off Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner at midseason."
CBS Sports: "Some of the signings in free agency take the pressure off Reese contributing immediately, which makes the upside play easier to justify."
3. Arizona CardinalsUSA TODAY Sports: Edge David Bailey, Texas TechCBS Sports: Edge David Bailey, Texas TechPro Football Focus: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
USA TODAY Sports: "A blur off the edge, Bailey would pair with Josh Sweat to give the Cardinals a fearsome tandem with which to throw off the NFC West's high-powered offenses."
Pro Football Focus: "Paris Johnson Jr. is entrenched as Arizona’s long-term answer at left tackle, but the Cardinals need to find a new right tackle."
4. Tennessee TitansUSA TODAY Sports: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre DameCBS Sports: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio StatePro Football Focus: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
USA TODAY Sports: "Perhaps some might see taking a running back this high as a dessert-first move for a franchise that still has plenty of work to do in other areas to enact a proper support system for 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward, but Love's explosiveness and aptitude for slipping would-be tacklers could change the complexion of the Titans' attack."
CBS Sports: "It's easy to envision Styles as Robert Saleh's Fred Warner."
5. New York GiantsUSA TODAY Sports: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio StateCBS Sports: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre DamePro Football Focus: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
USA TODAY Sports: "Styles' knack for getting in the right place to make plays against the run should be of immense interest to a defense that ranked last in yards allowed per carry (5.3)."
Pro Football Focus: "Styles just put together a historic combine performance, and he earned an 88.6 PFF overall grade in 2025, ranking third in the Power Four."
6. Cleveland BrownsUSA TODAY Sports: OT Monroe Freeling, GeorgiaCBS Sports: OT Monroe Freeling, GeorgiaPro Football Focus: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
USA TODAY Sports: "Surprised? Don't be. While Freeling hasn't been the same top-10 fixture of mock drafts that fellow offensive linemen Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano have, the towering tackle sets himself apart from his peers with the build and athleticism of a true blindside protector."
CBS Sports: "No. 6 overall is a little too rich for any offensive lineman in this class, but the Browns have an opportunity to add a young prospect with a supreme athletic skill set at a premium position."
7. Washington CommandersUSA TODAY Sports: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)CBS Sports: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)Pro Football Focus: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
USA TODAY Sports: "Dan Quinn might not have the kind of qualms with Bain's arm length that others possess, as he'll take a difference-maker off the edge in whatever form one might come in."
Pro Football Focus: "Bain has short arms (30 7/8 inches), but he led the nation with 83 pressures this year and his 92.8 PFF overall grade ranked third."
8. New Orleans SaintsUSA TODAY Sports: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio StateCBS Sports: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio StatePro Football Focus: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
USA TODAY Sports: "Some had pegged the Saints as a leading candidate for Love, but his expected ascension into the top five – as well as the team's pivot to Travis Etienne in free agency – could have New Orleans instead considering a fitting complement for Chris Olave. Tate, a fellow former Buckeyes wideout, should slide in nicely to Moore's scheme thanks to his precision and penchant for working back to the ball.."
CBS Sports: "New Orleans is the latest team to use premium resources to support a young quarterback."
9. Kansas City ChiefsUSA TODAY Sports: WR Makai Lemon, USCCBS Sports: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)Pro Football Focus: WR Makai Lemon, USC
USA TODAY Sports: "Already an advanced and accomplished entity out of the slot, Lemon can immediately differentiate himself from the Chiefs' other receivers with his easy sense for separation and competitiveness at the catch point."
Pro Football Focus: "Lemon would help reset the room after winning the Biletnikoff Award — given to college football's most outstanding receiver — and leading the FBS with a 90.8 PFF overall grade in 2025."
10. Cincinnati BengalsUSA TODAY Sports: S Caleb Downs, Ohio StateCBS Sports: S Caleb Downs, Ohio StatePro Football Focus: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
USA TODAY Sports: "No defense was scorched by running games and tight ends alike as badly as the Bengals were, so there's plenty of incentive to import a player who was college football's pre-eminent force in the former category and has plenty of room for growth in the latter."
CBS Sports: "The Bengals signed Bryan Cook but still have a void at safety. They take the best player available as they continue to fill out their secondary."
1 / 0Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
11. Miami DolphinsUSA TODAY Sports: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)CBS Sports: CB Mansoor Delane, LSUPro Football Focus: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
USA TODAY Sports: " Whether at guard or as an eventual right tackle replacement for Austin Jackson, the punishing blocker could help first-year coach Jeff Hafley establish his vision of a forceful run game."
Pro Football Focus: "Delane would inject some much-needed youth and talent to Miami's secondary. He surrendered just a 31.3 passer rating in coverage in 2025 (first among Power Four cornerbacks)."
12. Dallas CowboysUSA TODAY Sports: CB Mansoor Delane, LSUCBS Sports: CB Jermod McCoy, TennesseePro Football Focus: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
USA TODAY Sports: "If Delane is still available when Dallas first comes on the clock, there shouldn't be too much of a debate within the Cowboys' draft room. The consensus All-American has developed a mastery of man coverage, which would open up plenty of possibilities for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker to mix and match his scheme to his available talent."
CBS Sports: "Jermod McCoy has the potential to be one of the best players to emerge from this draft class and certainly the top cornerback, but he was injured all season."
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta)USA TODAY Sports: TE Kenyon Sadiq, OregonCBS Sports: TE Kenyon Sadiq, OregonPro Football Focus: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
USA TODAY Sports: "Sean McVay and Les Snead were previously enamored a hybrid tight end in Brock Bowers, and Sadiq could feast in an offense that came to embrace using three tight ends."
Pro Football Talk: "His 92.0 PFF overall grade since 2024 led college football, and he can immediately compete with Warren McClendon Jr. for the starting right tackle spot, though his lack of length may push him inside long term."
14. Baltimore RavensUSA TODAY Sports: iOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn StateCBS Sports: iOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn StatePro Football Focus: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State (mocked to Raiders before Maxx Crosby trade fell through)
USA TODAY Sports: "The Ravens can now continue to fortify a front that has seen substantial shifts in free agency. Ioane would team with fellow guard John Simpson to provide outstanding protection for Lamar Jackson and a massive push in the run game."
CBS Sports: "The Ravens could move forward with recently signed John Simpson at right guard and returnee Andrew Vorhees at left guard, but Vega Ioane is a Raven if I've ever seen one. He brings stability for a head coach who wants to instill a physical brand of football."
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15. Tampa Bay BuccaneersUSA TODAY Sports: Edge Keldric Faulk, AuburnCBS Sports: Edge Keldric Faulk, AuburnPro Football Focus: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
USA TODAY Sports: "Jason Licht sure has a type, gravitating toward young prospects known for their character and work ethic. Though he's hardly a finished product as a pass rusher, the 20-year-old Faulk shouldn't have any trouble winning over the Buccaneers after drawing rave reviews for his leadership and persistence in college."
Pro Football Focus: "While Faulk has room to improve as a pass rusher, he produced an outstanding 89.2 PFF run-defense grade over the past two years."
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis)USA TODAY Sports: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona StateCBS Sports: OT Spencer Fano, UtahPro Football Focus: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
USA TODAY Sports: "Though Tyson's extensive injury history could loom over him come April, the 6-2, 203-pounder clears the bar in a variety of categories for a top-flight wide receiver."
CBS Sports: "Fano is a high-quality offensive lineman, even if there are concerns about his length to play offensive tackle."
17. Detroit LionsUSA TODAY Sports: OT Spencer Fano, UtahCBS Sports: OT Blake Miller, ClemsonPro Football Focus: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
USA TODAY Sports: "Taylor Decker's surprising split with Detroit heightens the urgency of turning the page along the offensive line. Seen by some as a top-10 prospect, Fano slides a bit here but finds a team that should covet his smooth and polished approach."
Pro Football Focus: "Taylor Decker requested to be released following a decade as the Lions' left tackle. Detroit finds Penei Sewell’s next running-mate here in Freeling."
18. Minnesota VikingsUSA TODAY Sports: S Dillon Thieneman, OregonCBS Sports: S Dillon Thieneman, OregonPro Football Focus: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
USA TODAY Sports: "As an eventual successor to Harrison Smith, Thieneman would provide plenty of flexibility and versatility on the back end of Brian Flores' defense."
CBS Sports: "Dillon Thieneman tested off the charts from an athletic perspective and has also been incredibly productive."
19. Carolina PanthersUSA TODAY Sports: OT Kadyn Proctor, AlabamaCBS Sports: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, ToledoPro Football Focus: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
USA TODAY Sports: "With Bryce Young entering a critical year and left tackle Ikem Ekwonu's outlook uncertain after suffering a torn patellar tendon in the playoffs, Carolina is in a difficult spot. Enter Proctor, a massive protector who could step in on the blind side, replace Taylor Moton later on at right tackle or even kick to guard."
Pro Football Focus: "Woods would shore up a Panthers defense that placed in the bottom 10 in both team PFF run-defense grade and team PFF pass-rush grade in 2025."
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay)USA TODAY Sports: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)CBS Sports: WR Makai Lemon, USCPro Football Focus: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)
USA TODAY Sports: "Already armed with a deep bag of tricks as a pass rusher and self-labeled "seasoned rookie" – he'll be 25 next month – Mesidor should be an attractive instant-impact option thanks to his hustle and know-how."
CBS Sports: "Makai Lemon gives them another slot element and allows them to move some of the chess pieces around the board, but he also provides insurance and creates a potential off-ramp if CeeDee Lamb or George Pickens becomes too expensive."
21. Pittsburgh SteelersUSA TODAY Sports: DT Caleb Banks, FloridaCBS Sports: LB CJ Allen, GeorgiaPro Football Focus: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
USA TODAY Sports: "Banks isn't a finished product yet, but Heyward could mentor the 6-6, 327-pounder and help him make the most of his disruptiveness off the line of scrimmage."
Pro Football Focus: "Proctor's 86.1 PFF overall grade in 2025 ranked fourth in the country."
22. Los Angeles ChargersUSA TODAY Sports: CB Avieon Terrell, ClemsonCBS Sports: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio StatePro Football Focus: iOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
USA TODAY Sports: "The Chargers can give new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary a corner who's well-versed in press-man coverage in Terrell."
CBS Sports: "Kayden McDonald at this stage may feel a little rich to some people, but he's a perfect fit for Jim Harbaugh."
23. Philadelphia EaglesUSA TODAY Sports: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&MCBS Sports: OT Kadyn Proctor, AlabamaPro Football Focus: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
USA TODAY Sports: "The arm length debate didn't quite engulf Howell the same way it did Bain, but it could prove even more consequential to his draft slot. Still, the Eagles might be willing to look past that shortcoming and instead prize what the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year can do with his considerable burst and bend."
Pro Football Focus: "Dallas Goedert is coming off the lowest-graded season of his career (66.7) and is a free agent at 31 years old. The Eagles find his replacement here in Sadiq."
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville)USA TODAY Sports: WR Denzel Boston, WashingtonCBS Sports: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona StatePro Football Focus: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
USA TODAY Sports: "With his go-get-it mindset frequently paying off on tight-window throws and even errant passes, Boston would make life a degree or two easier for the Browns' future quarterback."
CBS Sports: "Tyson wouldn't be available this late in the first round if not for his injury history, and that could present an opportunity for the Browns, depending on how one looks at it."
25. Chicago BearsUSA TODAY Sports: DT Peter Woods, ClemsonCBS Sports: WR Omar Cooper Jr., IndianaPro Football Focus: DT Caleb Banks, Florida
USA TODAY Sports: "Woods' high-end flashes separate him from all other interior defenders other than Banks, though his inconsistency could cost him a spot on Day 1."
Pro Football Focus: "Banks played in only three games in 2025 at Florida due to a foot injury, but his 12% pressure rate since 2023 still ranked sixth among Power Four interior defenders over that stretch."
26. Buffalo BillsUSA TODAY Sports: LB CJ Allen, GeorgiaCBS Sports: Edge T.J. Parker, ClemsonPro Football Focus: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
USA TODAY Sports: "The undersized Allen might not be a perfect fit for new coordinator Jim Leonhard's scheme, but the Bills likely would be quite fond of Allen's reliability against the run."
CBS Sports: "T.J. Parker has the profile they've been drawn to in the past. Perhaps he'll allow them to get off the carousel of acquiring a new 30-year-old every offseason."
27. San Francisco 49ersUSA TODAY Sports: OT Caleb Lomu, UtahCBS Sports: OT Caleb Lomu, UtahPro Football Focus: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
USA TODAY Sports: "Lomu could be in for a bit of a rough initial acclimation period when taking on pro defensive ends, but his upside as a pass protector is unmatched at this point in the draft."
Pro Football Focus: "Concepcion paced the SEC with 48 receptions that went for either a first down or a touchdown in 2025 and is a dangerous player with the ball in his hands."
28. Houston TexansUSA TODAY Sports: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona StateCBS Sports: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona StatePro Football Focus: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
USA TODAY Sports: "A late bloomer who never played football until reaching junior college, Iheanachor is the kind of project the Texans' staff needs to demonstrate it can cultivate. The 6-6, 321-pounder could sit and learn behind Braden Smith before taking over for him at right tackle."
CBS Sports: "Even if he holds off Max Iheanachor for a year, the time will eventually come when [Trent] Brown retires, and the Texans would have a replacement in the building."
29. Kansas City ChiefsUSA TODAY Sports: CB Jermod McCoy, TennesseeCBS Sports: CB Avieon Terrell, ClemsonPro Football Focus: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
USA TODAY Sports: "McCoy has legitimate top-10 talent, but his draft stock could be somewhat volatile after he missed all of last season following a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in January 2025."
Pro Football Focus: "Howell has the second-shortest arms ever recorded for an edge defender (30 1/4 inches), but he logged 90.0-plus PFF pass-rush grades in three consecutive seasons."
30. Denver BroncosUSA TODAY Sports: WR Omar Cooper Jr., IndianaCBS Sports: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&MPro Football Focus: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
USA TODAY Sports: "Cooper is one of college football's premier threats at racking up yards after the catch and making things happen with the ball in his hands. That sure sounds like the kind of threat that Sean Payton would relish being able to deploy."
CBS Sports: "Denver had been searching for help at wide receiver prior to last year's trade deadline. The Broncos fell short in their pursuit of Jaylen Waddle and others but now take matters into their own hands with the selection of KC Concepcion."
31. New England PatriotsUSA TODAY Sports: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&MCBS Sports: Edge Zion Young, MissouriPro Football Focus: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
USA TODAY Sports: "Concepcion can capitalize on Drake Maye's arm strength with his proven ability to separate."
Pro Football Focus: "Parker notched 85.0-plus career PFF grades as a pass rusher and a run defender and brings great power for the position."
32. Seattle SeahawksUSA TODAY Sports: CB Colton Hood, TennesseeCBS Sports: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)Pro Football Focus: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
USA TODAY Sports: "Hood's physical approach to coverage and run-stopping should make him a natural fit for Mike Macdonald's group."
CBS Sports: "Akheem Mesidor is an older prospect who'll be able to help the defending Super Bowl champions immediately."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL mock draft roundup: New predictions during NFL free agency
Source: “AOL Sports”
