Carmi’s 2026 Final NFL Mock Draft: Go Hard or Go Home

In a year where almost every day brings a conflicting trend and whispers run free, it’s nearly impossible to produce a safe mock draft board. But sometimes you have to roll the dice and throw caution to the wind.

Very similar to Taylor Heinicke’s motto of “F*** it, Terry McLaurin is down there somewhere,” I am going to push the pedal to the metal on my posted Mock Draft. 

Every year, I enter exactly one mock draft into Robby Esch’s Huddle Report contest. This is the industry "Gold Standard"—an invitation-only platform for the top evaluators in the business. The scoring is simple but brutal: one point for a first-round hit, and a second point if you nail the player-to-team match.

This year, I’m going to trust my gut, follow what I’ve read and learned, and be aggressive with the board. There may be a little “wishful thinking” included when it comes to Washington. But sometimes, you gotta go hard or go home. Let’s have some fun and make some picks.

A win-win for Vegas. Mendoza is a high-floor, process-oriented QB who doesn't have to start Day 1. He lands in an insulated environment behind Kirk Cousins and under the tutelage of Tom Brady. Surrounded by weapons like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, he can grow into the position over time. The Raiders finally stop chasing quick fixes and build the right way.

Reese possesses arguably the highest athletic ceiling of any defender in this class. While the industry is screaming "David Bailey" here, I believe Aaron Glenn sees Reese as his personal project. A versatile weapon with 34-inch arms and a 1.55-second ten-yard split, Reese projects as an elite EDGE or an off-ball linebacker who is incredible in pursuit.

Jerry Jones makes his splash. Arizona trades back, and Dallas jumps up to snag a 6'4", 235-lb "RAS freak." Styles has been training with Cowboys consultant Brandon Jordan, and Dallas jumps the Titans and Giants to secure the heart of their defense.

Robert Saleh lands his defensive engine. In San Francisco, his defenses thrived with an elite pass rush, and Saleh gets his updated version of Nick Bosa in David Bailey. Bailey led college football with 14.5 sacks last season at Texas Tech. His 21.2% pressure rate makes him a Saleh favorite—a day-one identity creator for Nashville.

John Harbaugh makes a culture statement. Downs is a three-time All-American with a championship pedigree and a disciple of Nick Saban. Harbaugh understands the "force multiplier" value of an elite safety better than anyone. Just ask Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton.

The Buckeye standout stays in Ohio. Tate is a smooth, technically polished route runner who provides immediate reliability for a team that has lacked consistent "X" receiver play. It’s a massive win for the roster and marketing alike. Most importantly, Tate provides a sure-handed, zero-drop target to assist Shedeur Sanders as he looks to cement himself as the franchise leader.

This would be a dream scenario. Love is arguably the #1 overall player in this draft. Pairing his 4.3 speed with Jayden Daniels creates a "pick your poison" dilemma for coordinators. After 1,800 yards from scrimmage in 2025, he’s a foundational piece. Commanders OC David Blough knows the value of an elite RB, after experiencing one first-hand in Detroit with Jahmyr Gibbs.

A pure power-player for a Saints front that needs to get younger and meaner. Bain’s heavy hands and inside-out versatility make him a perfect fit for the traditional New Orleans defensive mold as the team transitions under new leadership.

After trading Trent McDuffie, KC needs a lockdown corner. Delane is "Best in Class"—a sticky man-coverage specialist targeted on less than 9% of his total snaps after proving he could handle elite SEC speed during his season at LSU.

The Giants fell in love with Tyson at his Pro Day. He gives Jaxson Dart an elite vertical threat and an "X" receiver who can win at all three levels. With recent reports that Malik Nabers may be out longer than expected, Tyson can come in and keep the offense afloat as the star returns.

The Dolphins would have preferred if Mansoor Delane was here, but he’s not. With Terron Armstead retired and Mike McDaniel now with the Chargers, new OC Bobby Slowik needs trench stability. Fano is a technical master who can stabilize the line for the long haul.

The Cardinals are a few years away from seriously competing, and the team needs to form a foundational base. They draft a bookend here to create an ideal situation for not only their run game, but whatever QB is leading them in 2027 and beyond. Mauigoa is a massive, powerful bookend who allows Jacoby Brissett the pocket integrity he needs to perform.

With an aging Davante Adams, the Rams need an offensive weapon to complement their star Puka Nacua. Coach Sean McVay will make Lemon a star and deploy him in a multitude of ways. Matthew Stafford gets a dynamic "separator" and a high-IQ route runner who wins with leverage.

A classic Baltimore pick. Ioane is a "mauler" with light feet, perfect for a team that wants to dictate terms at the point of attack. Some argue that he is the highest-rated and safest pick of all the offensive linemen in this cycle.

Todd Bowles loves defensive versatility. Mesidor can slide from 3-tech to 5-tech, providing a disruptive interior pass rush. While many fell in love with Reuben Bain during the playoffs, others fell in love with Mesidor, who has remained surprisingly productive through his final college season.

The Jets add a vertical threat to pair with Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell. Cooper Jr. stretches the field, ensuring defenses can’t simply bracket the veteran stars.

Dan Campbell keeps the "Big Men Lead" philosophy alive. Proctor adds a towering presence to create a formidable duo with Penei Sewell along one of the league's most physical fronts.

A high-floor safety with elite range. Brian Flores needs a "centerfielder" who can erase mistakes in his aggressive scheme. Thieneman, having spent his final year at Oregon, replaces the Vikings' stalwart Harrison Smith and continues the tradition of strong safety play in Minnesota.

Bryce Young needs a reliable safety valve. Sadiq is a modern "F" tight end—essentially a jumbo receiver who can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties alike.

Arizona takes a high-upside swing with their second first-rounder. Simpson offers elite mobility and a live arm to develop behind Jacoby Brissett as the team navigates its rebuild.

The Steelers continue their O-line rebuild. Freeling is a developmental freak with the reach and frame Pittsburgh scouts prioritize.

Jim Harbaugh wants "dirt-dog" interior defenders. McDonald is a gap-plugger who forces double teams and frees up the edge for a Chargers front that now features Mike McDaniel as the OC.

With AJ Brown likely on his way out, the Eagles add more firepower to their perimeter. Boston brings size and high-point ability to a room looking for a physical "X" presence to balance their speed.

Cleveland needs stability on the blindside. Iheanachor is a technician who rarely gets beaten by pure speed and provides immediate protection for their young quarterback room.

A ball-hawking safety to finalize the secondary. His ability to read the QB’s eyes and transition to the ball is top-tier for a Chicago defense that prides itself on turnovers.

Josh Allen gets a versatile weapon. In order for Buffalo to get over the top, they need to surround their franchise QB with weapons to outgun the best in the AFC. Concepcion can be used in the slot or on jet sweeps to keep the offense "multiple."

Bisontis can play four spots on the line, providing the versatility Kyle Shanahan values in his zone-heavy scheme.

Woods fits DeMeco Ryans' "attacking" style perfectly. He plays with a relentless motor and an explosive first step that disrupts the rhythm of opposing offenses.

Spagnuolo finds his next speed rusher. Howell brings elite bend to the front four to keep the pressure high in the postseason.

Despite medical questions following his time at Tennessee, McCoy’s ceiling is too high to ignore at the end of the round. If he returns to form, he gives Miami a true No. 1 corner to pair with their track-star offense.

New England takes their right tackle of the future. Miller is an absolute "Iron Man" who set school records at Clemson for consecutive starts and total snaps played.  He is a quintessential pick for a Patriots team that prioritizes protecting Drake Maye with dependable, high-IQ blockers on the edge

A physical corner who excels in off-zone coverage and is an elite run defender—traits that define the current Seahawks identity under Mike Macdonald.