The 2025 NFL regular season has reached the halfway point. Some teams are gearing up for playoff pushes while others can’t wait for the season to be over. Teams that have been underwhelming begin to turn their attention to the offseason, in particular, the 2026 NFL Draft. There’s still a lot of football left, but what do teams at the top of the draft board need to improve their rosters? We’ll take an early look at a top ten 2026 NFL mock draft and see how different teams go about improving for 2026.
Top Ten 2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. New Orleans Saints- Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
New Orleans has several needs to address this offseason, its biggest being under center. Spencer Rattler got benched, and Tyler Shough doesn’t appear to be the long-term answer. The Saints currently hold the first overall pick and use it to draft Heisman contender Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza has exceptional accuracy and the arm talent to attack defenses on all levels.
2. Tennessee Titans– Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
While Cam Ward has struggled immensely as a rookie, the Titans aren’t bailing on their first-overall pick. Tennessee ranks 27th in rushing yards allowed per game. The Titans improve their defensive front by taking Rueben Bain Jr. with the second pick. Bain displays elite burst and is an excellent run defender. His combination of speed and power gives him All-Pro upside at the next level.
3. New York Jets– Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The Jets are already looking towards the future, acquiring three first-round picks at the trade deadline. If this rebuild is going to work, they need a franchise quarterback. Dante Moore has emerged as one of the top signal-callers in this class, possessing an elite arm and athletic upside. Moore’s accuracy has drastically improved since his freshman year at UCLA, and he can give Jets fans their long-awaited answer under center.
4. Miami Dolphins- Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
A case can be made for Miami going quarterback here, but Tua Tagovailoa’s contract means he will likely stick around for 2026. Instead, the Dolphins fix their secondary and wait until 2027 to replace Tagovailoa. Caleb Downs is the best prospect in this class, and Miami desperately needs to improve its secondary. Downs has an incredible football IQ and is a player who provides value in both coverage and run defense.
5. New York Giants– Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Giants have a solid nucleus offensively, drafting Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Malik Nabers over the past two years. The next order of business is fortifying the offensive line. Spencer Fano is one of the top tackle prospects in this class and should easily slide into the right tackle spot across from Andrew Thomas.
6. Cleveland Browns– Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
While the Browns drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in 2025, they still appear to be in the market for a quarterback. Ty Simpson has shown tremendous poise in his first season as the starter. His accuracy, especially up the middle of the field, gives him a high floor as an NFL signal-caller.
7. Las Vegas Raiders- Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Raiders sent Jakobi Meyers to Jacksonville at the trade deadline, leaving a void in their wide receiver room. Las Vegas fills said void with Jordyn Tyson, who’s been one of the most productive wide receivers in college football. Tyson is a smooth route runner who is incredibly dangerous after the catch. Along with Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, the Raiders will have their skill positions set for the foreseeable future.
8. Cincinnati Bengals– Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
The Bengals’ defense is woeful, and star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is a free agent at the end of the year. Cincinnati bolsters its defensive front with Faulk, a quality run defender with tremendous upside as a pass rusher. If the Bengals are going to return to prominence in the AFC, they need a defense that can complement their high-powered offense.
9. Washington Commanders- T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
It’s been a disappointing 2025 campaign for the Commanders, sitting at 3-6 with Jayden Daniels out due to injury. There’s a strong chance Washington is picking high in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Commanders use this pick to upgrade their pass rush with T.J. Parker. Parker is a versatile player who can provide a much-needed boost to Washington’s defense.
10. Baltimore Ravens– Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
While it’s unlikely the Ravens will be picking in the top ten when it’s all said and done, they currently hold the 10th selection. Baltimore’s defense has been underwhelming, making Arvell Reese an ideal fit. Reese is a dynamic playmaker who possesses elite physical traits. The Ravens are thin at linebacker outside of Roquan Smith, so they take Reese to improve the middle of their defense.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
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