2026 NFL mock draft: Giants bypass wide receiver in Round 1, but two still taken in top 10

The 2026 NFL Draft is upon us and while it may lack the big names or the premium All-Pro-caliber talents, it offers a distinguishing trait that should excite fans: mystery. A year ago, it was known, within reason, that the first four picks were going to be Cam Ward, Travis Hunter Jr., Abdul Carter and Will Campbell. This year, the intrigue begins at No. 2 overall. Do the New York Jets take the polished performer or the prospect with more upside? 

Players who start for a long time and likely a few All-Pros will come out of this draft class; those scenarios just may not be as easily seen on the surface. As such, there may be more trades facilitated as teams maneuver up and down the board to achieve team goals, but one surprise could bring down the whole card house. 

Six teams will make two picks in the first round and the strategy deployed will allow the rest of the first round to take shape. Ear to the ground, sorting through rumors from all corners of the internet, I have settled on one final mock draft projection. 

Without further ado, let's kick this off!

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. You can find more draft coverage at CBSSports.com, including weekly mock drafts and regular evaluations of the top prospects.

Teams without a first-round pick 

No. 41: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

After trading its first-round pick to New York in exchange for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, Cincinnati sinks another resource into the defensive side of the ball. 

No. 47: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

Indianapolis has a need at the linebacker position and Allen may be available later than mock draft projections. 

No. 48: WR Germie Bernard, Alabama

Bernard is taking a pre-draft visit to Atlanta. He is a clean receiver prospect willing to do the dirty work in Kevin Stefanski's offense. The team is likely to lean into its run game and Bernard is a more than qualified blocker. 

No. 52: DL Domonique Orange, Iowa State

Orange is a bigger body who will upgrade the Packers' run defense. 

No. 56: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati

Jacksonville is tasked with replacing Devin Lloyd, who departed in free agency. Golday is a bigger linebacker prospect with the athleticism to play sideline to sideline.

No. 62: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Denver continues adding explosive playmakers to the offense even after picking up Jaylen Waddle. Stowers is an unrefined talent as a recent convert from quarterback, but Sean Payton will have no problem designing his role in the offense.