WCG’s lead draft analyst shares his way-too-early Round 1 mock for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft has wrapped up and concluded. That means it’s officially time to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft!
For most, it’s far too early to start talking about next year’s draft. Honestly, I don’t blame you. Friend of Windy City Gridiron James Fox recently shared one of my old Round 1 mock drafts for the 2025 draft that I did in August of 2024. I got 15 names right before the start of the new regular season, with seven of my Round 1 players going in Round 2.
It also shows how much can change in a pre-draft cycle. Cam Ward, the top overall pick in the class, didn’t crack Round 1. Four players ended up returning to school for another year. Players like Deone Walker, Quinn Ewers and Denzel Burke all went on Day 3 of the 2025 draft.
That said, draft preparation is a year-round process for NFL teams, and it’s the approach I like to take for my preparation, as well. It helps me gain some more context surrounding prospects deeper into the process, and it gives me more time to add as many players to my big board as possible.
A lot will change between now and the 2026 NFL Draft, but I’ve decided to share my early first-round mock draft for next year’s class, regardless. I want to give all of you a quick rundown of certain prospects to keep an eye on going into next year, as well as showcase potential team needs across the league that still exist after this year’s draft.
I won’t be going in-depth with each of these prospects, as I’m still very early in my analysis periods for each of them. That said, I’ll provide a breakdown of my selection for Chicago, whom I’m sure Bears fans will enjoy. Without further ado, let’s begin.
The draft order is based off the Pro Football Network mock draft simulator. Picks are made by me. Hooray!
1. Browns: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
2. Jets: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
3. Saints: Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
4. Titans: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
5. Giants: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
6. Panthers: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
7. Colts: Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA
8. Browns: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
9. Raiders: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
10. Rams: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
11. Cardinals: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
12. Cowboys: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
13. Dolphins: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
14. Patriots: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
15. Seahawks: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
16. Bears: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Coming off a 1,125-yard season as a sophomore in 2024, Love enters the pre-draft process as my RB1 for the 2026 NFL Draft.
I came away impressed with Love’s athleticism, whether it’s his initial acceleration once he finds a gap in between the tackles, his agility out in the open field, or his breakaway speed once he breaks free from defenders. He’s a twitchy athlete who varies his tempo well out of the backfield while waiting for the play to develop in front of him. He is also a tough runner who battles for every yard he can get.
The Bears drafted Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. I certainly think he can be a strong contributor to a backfield committee in the NFL, but I wouldn’t put all my chips on him becoming a three-down starting back. His toughness would complement Love’s athleticism incredibly well, ideally giving Chicago and Ben Johnson a strong tandem at running back, should they move on from D’Andre Swift.
17. Texans: Cayden Green, OG, Missouri
18. Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
19. Steelers: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
20. Broncos: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
21. Buccaneers: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
22. Chargers: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
23. Packers: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
24. Rams: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
25. 49ers: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
26. Bengals: DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado
27. Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
28. Ravens: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
29. Lions: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
30. Bills: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
31. Chiefs: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
32. Eagles: Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon