2026 NFL Mock Draft 6.0: The Trenches Came to Play

by Matty Kiwoom · Fantasy Football
2026 NFL Mock Draft 6.0

The fog of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is beginning to clear up. The class is defined by strong trench play, versatile defensive athletes, and a deep group of pass catchers. We aren’t going to hear a whole lot of quarterbacks’ names called, but we should still get the usual barrage of linemen and edge rushers. This 2026 NFL Mock Draft (version 6.0!) reflects how teams may balance long-term roster building with immediate impact players as the league moves closer to draft night.

Check out the PlayerProfiler Mock Draft Archive for previous iterations, but keep it right here for my most up-to-date movers & shakers!

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2026 NFL Mock Draft 6.0

1. Las Vegas Raiders | QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Raiders secure their quarterback of the future in a poised, confident passer who can elevate the entire offense. Fernando Mendoza brings stability to the position and gives the franchise a long-term centerpiece to build around. Kirk Cousins won’t hold him off for long.

2, New York Jets | Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

David Bailey adds immediate pass-rush juice to a defense that is desperate for some disruption. His ability to pressure the quarterback fits perfectly within an aggressive defensive philosophy.

3. Arizona Cardinals | LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

With range, physicality, and versatility in the middle of the defense, Arvell Reese can get after the quarterback. His skill set allows the Cardinals to deploy him in multiple roles across the front seven.

4. Tennessee Titans | RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Jeremiyah Love brings the Titans excitement as a dynamic offensive playmaker capable of impacting both the run and pass games. His explosiveness brings a much-needed spark to the offense and will become Cam Ward’s best friend.

5. New York Giants | OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

Big Francis Mauigoa (“Sisi”) strengthens the offensive line with a steady and dependable presence. His well-rounded game provides protection and helps establish balance up front. Keeping Jaxon Dart clean is priority No. 1.

6. Cleveland Browns | OL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Olaivavega Ioane gives Cleveland a physical interior presence that can anchor the line for years to come. His power and consistency provide a much-needed boost to a depleted offensive line.

7. Washington Commanders | S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

The Commanders get a player who was once considered the best in the class. Former Buckeye Caleb Downs is a versatile defensive back who can impact both the run and pass game. His instincts allow him to consistently be around the football.

8. New Orleans Saints | Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Rueben Bain Jr. brings strength and pass-rushing ability to a defensive front that values physicality. He projects as a tone-setting presence on the edge, and I mean, c’mon, doesn’t he remind you of Cameron Jordan?

9. Kansas City Chiefs | OL Spencer Fano, Utah

The lineman from Utah brings athleticism and reliability to the offensive line, protecting one of the league’s premier players. Spencer Fano‘s movement skills allow him to contribute to multiple blocking schemes, and his ability to move around the line will give the Chiefs what they need now and long term.

10. Cincinnati Bengals | LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Sonny Styles offers size and versatility that allow him to impact multiple levels of the defense. His range makes him an intriguing fit for the Bengals, who need to bolster their defense in the worst way.

11. Miami Dolphins | CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Mansoor Delane is widely considered the best cornerback in the draft and brings toughness to Miami’s secondary. His presence immediately strengthens the defensive backfield as the ‘Fins enter the next era.

12, Dallas Cowboys | CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Jermod McCoy gives Dallas another coverage option capable of matching up with a variety of receivers. After his pro day, the Tennessee Volunteer corner is not going to have to wait long to hear his name called.

***TRADE: Pittsburgh Steelers trade up from Pick 21 with the Los Angeles Rams (pick from Atlanta)***

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (via LAR) | QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

The Steelers move up to secure a quarterback with upside and developmental appeal. Ty Simpson‘s traits give Pittsburgh a player they can build around for the future, and we have seen what Mike McCarthy can do in developing a quarterback.

14. Baltimore Ravens | WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Carnell Tate being available here would be amazing for the Ravens because he adds a reliable receiving option who can carve out touches right away. His balanced skill set allows him to help out Lamar Jackson in multiple ways.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)

Akheem Mesidor strengthens Tampa Bay’s defensive front with his ability to pressure the pocket. His presence adds depth and energy to the Bucs’ pass rush rotation.

16. New York Jets (via IND) | WR Makai Lemon, USC

The Jets need a lot in this draft, and the SoCal receiver brings quickness and versatility to the New York offensive attack. Makai Lemon‘s ability to operate in space creates opportunities for explosive plays and should complement Garret Wilson’s game.

17. Detroit Lions | OL Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Detroit snatches up a long-term offensive line piece in Georgia Bulldog Monroe Freeling. He is capable of protecting the quarterback and supporting the run game. Freeling’s size and movement ability make him a solid fit and give the Lions a really strong tackle group.

18. Minnesota Vikings | S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Dillon Thieneman adds intelligence and consistency to the Vikings’ secondary. His awareness allows him to contribute quickly at the professional level, and his athleticism could make him a weapon in the Vikings’ secondary.

19. Carolina Panthers | TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The Panthers add an uber-athletic pass-catching tight end who can create mismatches. Kenyon Sadiq‘s versatility allows him to be used creatively within the offense, especially because he is a plus-blocker.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB) | DL Caleb Banks, Florida

Jerry Jones likes beef in the middle of his defense, and Caleb Banks adds exactly that. His ability to disrupt the pocket helps create opportunities for the rest of the defense.

21. Los Angeles Rams (via PIT) | WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

On the surface, the Rams don’t “need” a wideout, but adding a player like Jordyn Tyson is the perfect move for a team looking to go grocery shopping before they’re hungry.

22. Los Angeles Chargers | DL Peter Woods, Clemson

Peter Woods strengthens the defensive front with his ability to generate interior pressure. His presence adds toughness and depth to a defensive line that has been abused by opposing running games over the last couple of seasons.

23. Philadelphia Eagles | OL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Kadyn Proctor gives the Eagles another powerful offensive line piece to maintain their physical identity. His size and strength fit well within their scheme, and with the right development, he could become the steal of the draft.

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX) | OL Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

The Browns do the old offensive double-tap after taking Vega earlier in Round 1. Max Iheanachor will take some development, but his tools are undeniable. If you want to build a good offensive line quickly, this is what Cleveland will do.

25. Chicago Bears | Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

T.J. Parker adds speed and disruption to the Bears’ defensive front. His ability to pressure quarterbacks not only fills a key need for the defense but also adds some upside that Chicago would welcome late in round one.

26. Buffalo Bills | S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (EMW) has a build that NFL teams covet at the safety position, and he also brings range and versatility. He has the skill set to help replace some of the key players the Bills have lost recently in their defensive secondary.

27. San Francisco 49ers | OL Blake Miller, Clemson

Not many players have seen the kind of rise this fella has. Blake Miller gives the 49ers another dependable offensive line option. His experience and consistency align with the team’s emphasis on strong line play now and in the future.

28. Houston Texans | OL Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M

Houston has been on a mission to keep CJ Stroud upright, and Chase Bisontis strengthens the Texans’ interior line with his physical presence. His style and athleticism fit a team focused on improving its offensive line.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) | CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Kansas City traded its star cornerback, Trent McDuffie, for a first-round pick, and with that pick, it selected his replacement. Avieon Terrell has the NFL pedigree and talent to immediately help the Chiefs on their quest to return to the playoffs.

30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN) | WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Big Dawg Denzel Boston gives Miami someone for Malik Willis to throw the ball to. After losing Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, they desperately need to add at this position. His size and mobility add much-needed punch to their offense.

31. New England Patriots | OL Caleb Lomu, Utah

Caleb Lomu isn’t a natural fit for the current Patriots line, but they can’t afford to pass on a player with his kind of upside. Fano was considered the best tackle at Utah, but it was Lomu who anchored the QB’s blind side. New England can go a couple of different ways in Round 1 (including a trade for AJ Brown), but offensive line help must be on the short list.

32. Seattle Seahawks | Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Keldric Faulk closes the first round by giving Seattle a physical defender who can set the edge. His frame, motor, and strength provide developmental upside to the reigning defending Super Bowl champs.

More 2026 Draft Developments Coming

We are officially in the home stretch of the NFL Draft season. We have learned pretty much everything that we are going to know, but now is the time to start connecting dots and reading the tea leaves. Insider reporting, online rumors, and consent smoke screens make it pretty much impossible to know exactly how things will play out, but you can’t blame a man for trying. Enjoy mock 6.0 and be on the lookout for more mocks before we turn our sights to the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. 

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