2026 NFL mock draft: Two top-five curveballs, plus a team trades back into Round 1 for Ty Simpson

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A brand new mock draft that features several surprises in the top 10

Apr 11, 2026 at 9:58 am ET • 1 min read

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We are in the thick of "draft szn," and the mocks are flying fast and furious. It's expected that the Las Vegas Raiders will select former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall, but apart from that, no one knows what will happen.

Every year, there are prospects who go higher than we expect and fall further than anticipated. Could linebacker Sonny Styles or running back Jeremiyah Love really be a top-three pick? What about Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr.? Could he fall out of the top 10 due to his short arms?

I would also anticipate a race for offensive linemen in the first round, as more big men will be selected on opening night than any other position. That will cause some polarizing prospects to be pushed up the draft board.

Below, I will break down my first and only NFL mock draft for the first round. My goal is to be a bit different from other mock drafts you may have seen, but also still be logical. Let's jump in.

Overrated, underrated, overdrafted, underdrafted: Sorting 2026 NFL Draft prospects into the right buckets

Josh Edwards