2026 NFL Mock Draft: ESPN reveals way-too-early first round projections

It’s mock draft season once again as ESPN’s Matt Miller released his early 2026 NFL Mock Draft. It’s the summer time, so fans want to gear up for the actual season, but it’s never too early to take a peak into next spring.

We’ll start with some quarterback takes at the top of the draft. That’s always fun isn’t it? And it’ll be a familiar team!

Without further ado, let’s dive into Miller’s latest 2026 NFL Mock draft. We head to Ohio first.

1. Cleveland Browns: Cade Klubnik, QB – Clemson

The Browns go with a quarterback, again, and this time they’re sticking to it! Despite drafting Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in 2025, the mock draft projections have them landing a franchise QB.

Klubnik had the best season of his career in 2024 and is slated for another great campaign this fall. At his progression rate, Klubnik might be the best signal caller in the class next spring.

2. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT – Miami

Mauigoa didn’t allow a sack last season and is quickly rising up mock drafts as one of the best offensive linemen. The Giants drafted a potential franchise QB in Jaxson Dart this year and they’ll need a franchise tackle in 2026.

Mauigoa is at his best as a run blocker but his pass protection is quickly becoming a solid trait, judging by his performance last year. He’d be hard to pass up.

3. Tennessee Titans: TJ Parker, DE – Clemson

Parker is the premier edge rusher of the class and the Titans land him in this mock draft. He had 11 sacks last season and could be even better in 2025.

If Tennessee is in this position, it’s hard to say no to Parker if he’s on the board. Yes, offensive needs might be greater, but Parker looks like a can’t-miss prospect.

4. New York Jets: Anthony Hill Jr., LB – Texas

Head coach Aaron Glenn is likely to go defense with a pick this high next season. Miller’s mock draft has the Jets getting an elite linebacker next spring.

Hill had 113 tackles last season to go along with eight sacks. Miller pointed out Hill could get the Micah Parsons treatment, as in, he’ll go from a three-down linebacker to more of an edge rusher role.

5. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S – Ohio State

Downs was so darn good during his freshman year at Alabama. He got even better last year at Ohio State after his transfer, helping the Buckeyes win the national title.

Miller actually has Downs as his No. 1 overall player in his mock draft, but he’ll go in the top five. He can pretty much play any role you want in the secondary at the next level.

6. Carolina Panthers: Peter Woods, DT – Clemson

Woods is the second Clemson defensive lineman to go in the top 10 in this mock draft. Parker is the pass rusher but Woods will certainly plug it up in the middle and be a force.

Carolina added defensive help in this past draft, but if they can get Woods to pair alongside Derrick Brown, look out! He had three sacks and 17 pressures in 2024.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE – Miami

The Raiders went heavy on offense in 2025 with seven of 11 picks for that side of the ball. Now, Pete Carroll will have to revamp that defense for next year and Bain will help the pass rushing capabilities.

Maxx Crosby can’t do it by himself after all! Bain has 11 sacks over the last two years and has the size and tools to make an instant impact.

8. New England Patriots: Jordyn Tyson, WR – Arizona State

Weapons, weapons and more weapons. Tyson looks like the top wide receiver in next year’s class so he goes top 10 in this mock draft.

Drake Maye could use a guy like Tyson this year, but he’ll have to wait another season before getting a player of his caliber coming out of college. This seems like an easy pick.

9. Los Angeles Rams: Kadyn Proctor, OT – Alabama

Proctor has been one of the better offensive linemen in college football and the Rams should lock down a franchise blind side protector. He likely won’t get out of the top 10 in most mock drafts. 

This is one of two first round picks for LA in 2026 and with Proctor’s size at 6-foot-7 and 370 pounds and physicality, he’s a can’t-miss lineman. As long as he’s consistent, he’ll be one of the better overall players, per Miller.

10. Seattle Seahawks, Spencer Fano, OT – Utah

Another offensive lineman in the top 10 and the Seahawks could use some bolstering up front. Miller’s mock draft has Fano as the next man up.

Compared to 2025, Seattle will go early with a tackle per Miller. Fano played both right and left tackle and has tremendous ability to move. He’ll give the Seahawks versatility. 

2026 NFL Mock Draft from ESPN’s Matt Miller

11. Indianapolis Colts: Garrett Nussmeier, QB – LSU
12. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Lomu, OT – Utah
13. Dallas Cowboys: Keldric Faulk, EDGE – Auburn
14. Arizona Cardinals: Antonio Williams, WR – Clemson
15. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB – Tennessee
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: LaNorris Sellers, QB – South Carolina
17. Chicago Bears: Jeremiyah Love, RB – Notre Dame
18. Minnesota Vikings: Tim Keenen III, DT – Alabama
19. Green Bay Packers: LT Overton, EDGE – Alabama
20. Denver Broncos: Eli Stowers, TE – Vanderbilt
21. Houston Texans: Austin Barber, OT – Florida
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Patrick Payton, EDGE – LSU
23. San Francisco 49ers: Isaiah World, OT – Oregon
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Avieon Terrell, CB – Clemson
25. Washington Commanders: AJ Harris, CB – Penn State
26. Los Angeles Chargers: CJ Allen, LB – Georgia
27. Los Angeles Rams: Drew Allar, QB – Penn State
28. Baltimore Ravens: D’Angelo Ponds, CB – Indiana
29. Detroit Lions: Tyreak Sapp, EDGE – Florida
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Dillon Thieneman, S – Oregon
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Denzel Boston, WR – Washington
32. Buffalo Bills: Jake Slaughter, C – Florida