Hold onto your helmets, NFL fans—Lance Zierlein just dropped a 2026 mock draft that’s pure CHAOS! A lightning-fast running back storms the top 10 in a league that swore RBs were dead. Only TWO quarterbacks go in the entire first round. Heartbreak in San Francisco forces a bold move. This projection is already sparking raging debates across the football world. Get ready for the hottest takes of the offseason!
The Biggest Jaw-Droppers
In an era where running backs get disrespected, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love EXPLODES to No. 8 overall. The Saints just landed a three-down home-run machine who can carry an entire offense. Is the RB revival officially HERE?
Quarterback apocalypse: After the Raiders take Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, the position vanishes until Ty Simpson at No. 29. Teams are passing on QBs like never before—are they geniuses or about to crash and burn?
With George Kittle battling a brutal Achilles injury, the 49ers snatch Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq at No. 27—a movable chess piece perfect for Kyle Shanahan’s wizardry. Can the rookie heal the heartbreak?
Full First-Round Firestorm
- 1. Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Ultra-accurate destroyer of defenses… when protected. Raiders crown their new franchise savior? - 2. Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio State
Highest upside in the entire class. Freakish traits and versatility—Jets just stole a defensive unicorn. - 3. Cardinals – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Elite pass-protection potential in a weak tackle class. Cardinals bet big on the future. - 4. Titans – David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
14.5 sacks in college. Explosive pocket slasher ready to hunt QBs from Day 1. - 5. Giants – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Smothering ball-hawk who erases receivers on all three levels. - 6. Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Makes any QB look elite. Instant offensive upgrade. - 7. Commanders – Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
Massive frame still growing. Upside trumps production—boom or bust? - 8. Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
BOOM! Electric three-down monster lifts the entire offense. RB revolution starts now! - 9. Chiefs – Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
Rugged QB hunter built for Veach and Reid’s defense. - 10. Bengals – Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Joe Burrow protection remains priority No. 1. Interior locked down. - 11. Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Big, talented corner falls due to ACL—steal alert! - 12. Cowboys – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Box menace and culture changer Dallas desperately needs. - 13. Rams (via ATL) – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Physical press corner who never quits. - 14. Ravens – Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
Mashing run blocker with tackle/guard flexibility. - 15. Buccaneers – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Fred Warner comp with elite coverage skills. - 16. Jets (via IND) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Pro-ready contested-catch king. - 17. Lions – Zion Young, Edge, Missouri
Bully with non-stop motor and rush upside. - 18. Vikings – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Sticky man-cover specialist inside or out. - 19. Panthers – Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
Most technically refined pass rusher in the class. - 20. Cowboys (via GB) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Plug-and-play Pickens replacement. - 21. Steelers – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Big-bodied red-zone nightmare. - 22. Chargers – Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Harbaugh dream—sprint this card to the podium! - 23. Eagles – Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
Splashy rusher to bring the heat. - 24. Browns (via JAC) – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Left tackle help with strong pass pro. - 25. Bears – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Size and length to clog the middle. - 26. Bills – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Physically imposing enforcer. - 27. 49ers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Flex weapon perfect for Shanahan amid Kittle injury pain. - 28. Texans – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Ascending disruptor with SWARM mentality. - 29. Rams – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Flashes too bright to ignore. - 30. Broncos – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Separation chef against man coverage. - 31. Patriots – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Long-limbed athlete needing polish. - 32. Seahawks – Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
Tough, versatile guard upgrade.
Which pick has you screaming? Drop your hottest take—this mock is built for debate!
