The 2026 NFL Draft is two months away. Which players will go at the top?
Updated: Feb. 09, 2026, 5:03 a.m.Could USC wide receiver Makai Lemon make an elite tandem with Giants WR Malik Nabers?The 2025-2026 NFL season ended on Sunday night, with the Seahawks defeating the Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Both the Patriots and Seahawks have drafted well in recent years, and the 30 teams who didn’t make the Super Bowl this season will need to put together good draft classes in April if they hope to make next year’s Super Bowl.Mendoza proved this season he could become a franchise-caliber player. During his lone season with the Hoosiers, he amassed 3,349 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. He could shine in Klint Kubiak’s west coast system.Though many knock him for his short arms and unusual build , Bain is an extremely talented edge rusher, who drives offensive linemen back with powerful hands, moves quicker than most 270-pound defensive linemen and is always around the football. He would be a defensive weapon for New York.Arizona needs to pair another pass rusher with Josh Sweat to round out its defense — and Reese would be the perfect fit. In his lone season as a Buckeyes starter, Reese recorded 6.5 sacks and 69 tackles. The 6-4, 243-pound linebacker has the tools to develop into a star linebacker or edge rusher in the NFL.The Titans need to surround quarterback Cam Ward with better weapons to foster his development. At 6-2, 200 pounds, Tyson is an explosive target who consistently gets open. He recorded 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025.With Tyson off the board, the Giants seized an opportunity to trade down four spots for a third-round pick . To get back into Super Bowl contention, Kansas City needs to get more explosive on offense. Love could take KC’s run game to the next level. He has quick feet, strong contact balance and sharp vision. He is a dangerous pass catcher, too.The Browns have one of the league’s worst offenses, with every position being a weakness besides running back and tight end. There are no quarterbacks in this class worthy of a top-10 pick — except for Mendoza. The next best option for Cleveland? A wide receiver who can elevate whoever plays quarterback next season. Tate, a Buckeyes standout, would become Cleveland’s No. 1 wide receiver. He runs clean routes, has above-average speed, strong hands and excellent body control. This season, he amassed 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns.Washington must improve across its defense, from the defensive line to the secondary. As a rookie, Downs could become one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. He is highly instinctual and physical, excels in open-field tackling and possesses elite coverage skills. This season, he recorded 68 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.Bailey could help solve that issue. He was one of the nation’s most productive pass rushers this past season, recording 14.5 sacks and forcing three fumbles. He possesses a nasty spin move, turns the corner with great speed and has an advanced pass-rush plan.Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart could thrive with two elite weapons. Lemon would start across from wide receiver Malik Nabers and take some of the attention away from him. He wins over the middle with nimble route running and can make difficult catches. He also runs through tackles to extend plays. If he were bigger than 5-11, 195 pounds, Lemon may be considered the best wideout in the draft. This past season, he racked up 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.McCoy, who missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL, fills a major need for Cincinnati. The 6-0, 193-pound cornerback recorded four interceptions and seven pass break-ups in 2024. One of his best plays came against Alabama last season, when he locked up freshman sensation Ryan Williams in the back corner of the end zone and high-pointed the ball for an interception.Delane has top-notch movement skills, has a knack for breaking up passes and stays disciplined in coverage. He could become a building block on Jeff Hafley’s defense.Styles would shore up the middle of Dallas’ defense. He has the size , speed and range that teams covet. In his last season with the Buckeyes, he amassed 83 tackles and missed just one attempt.Head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey cap off their second offseason with a quarterback trade-up. New York could find a solid starter in Simpson, who threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns in his lone season as the Crimson Tide’s starter.Mauigoa could upgrade Baltimore’s weak offensive line. He uses his 6-5, 335-pound frame to push opponents around in the run game.Ioane could beef up the protection in front of quarterback Baker Mayfield and help the Bucs establish a dominant run game. He was a first-team All-American selection in 2025.Terrell could be the solution to Los Angeles’ secondary issues. He compensates for his lack of size with his toughness and playmaking ability. Over the last two years, he has forced eight fumbles.Parker’s sack total dropped from 11 last season to five this season, but he still projects as a solid NFL pass rusher and could form a strong edge-rush duo with Aidan Hutchinson. He’s got long arms and wins with a combination of speed and power.McNeil-Warren could become the NFL’s next superstar DB in Brian Flores’ system. The 6-2, 202-pound safety has exceptional speed for his size, covers up a ton of space with his length, has great coverage skills and is a physical tackler. He’s the complete package. Don’t be surprised if he goes higher in the draft.Next to Derrick Brown, Woods could become an NFL star, but he just needs to develop more consistency. He is a strong run defender who has top notch athleticism.Faulk could be a great run stopper for Dallas’ defensive line. The 6-6, 285-pound edge rusher is physical at the point of attack and consistently gets in the backfield to disrupt running plays.Boston, who is 6-4, 209 pounds, could become an impactful No. 2 wide receiver for the Steelers. He moves well for his size, recording 62 catches for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns this year.At 6-6, 330 pounds, Banks takes up a ton of space and is difficult to block. He destroys blocks with his strong hands and also gets up field quickly.Sadiq would replace free agent Dallas Goedert. He is a vertical threat, dominates in the red zone and blocks well in pass pro and the run game. Browns: Cleveland needs to create a strong foundation for its next franchise quarterback. Solidifying the tackle position with Fano would be an important step in that direction.Thieneman would fill a need in Chicago’s backend, with safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard expected to hit free agency. At 6-0, 205 pounds, he has good lateral range and deep speed, finishing the year with 92 tackles and two interceptions.Buffalo has to strengthen its defense this offseason, especially on the edge. Howell is an undersized pass rusher who wins with a nasty spin move and quick burst around the edge. He racked up 11.5 sacks this past season and 9.5 sacks two years ago.Concepcion, a 5-11, 190-pound speedster, could help remake San Francisco’s wide receiver room, which has dwindled in talent over the last few years. He is an explosive deep threat, makes plays after the catch and is a crisp route runner. He finished the season with 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns.Houston’s offense is in a tough spot because quarterback C.J. Stroud has regressed, but improving his protection could help him rebound next year. Proctor, a 6-7, 336-pound tackle, is a physical mauler who could play right tackle or guard. However, his lack of athleticism could cause him to struggle against quick pass rushers and when reaching the second level to make run blocks.Lomu may develop into a high-level starting tackle with a bit of seasoning. He could spend his rookie season as a backup, with the Rams already having starting tackles in place.Allen would increase the speed of Denver’s defense as an undersized linebacker . In his final season with the Bulldogs, he recorded 88 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.For the second straight offseason, the Patriots will prioritize protecting quarterback Drake Maye, bringing in Freeling to start opposite Will Campbell at right tackle. The 6-7, 315-pound tackles move extremely well for his size, showing flashes of elite potential as a run blocker. He could slide to left tackle if Campbell is forced to kick inside after an inconsistent rookie season.Mesidor could fall out of the first round if teams penalize him for being an older prospect at 25. For an organization in the middle of a Super Bowl window, however, Mesidor’s age should not be a concern. The 6-3, 280-pound defensive end could be a game-changer, entering the NFL as a ready-made pass rusher who wins with speed and a polished plan. In his final season with the Hurricanes, he recorded 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Cayden Steele covers the Philadelphia Eagles and sports commerce for NJ Advance Media. He joined NJ.com in 2023 after graduating from Temple University. In college, he interned at The Philadelphia Inquirer, the...
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