It’s finally time.
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night in Pittsburgh, where the Ohio State Buckeyes are expected to dominate the early part of Round 1. As many as 3 Buckeyes could come off the board in the first 5 picks. Four or 5 Ohio State players should go in Round 1 before all is said and done.
As for the SEC, this could be a down year. Most analysts have the SEC producing somewhere between 8 and 12 first-round picks.
We here at Saturday Down South fall right in the middle of that. Our Adam Spencer and Spenser Davis got together to build their Round 1 mock draft, which features 10 former SEC stars.
Let’s dive right in with the first pick:
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
I’ll take the easiest pick on the board. There have been rumors that teams are calling Vegas about trading the No. 1 pick. I don’t think the Raiders will (or should). Entering a full rebuild, the Raiders need to get their QB position settled first. Keep it simple. – Adam Spencer
2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, OLB, Ohio State
This is going to come down to Arvell Reese or David Bailey. I’ll give the nod to Reese, who was much less productive than Bailey in college but may have more pass rushing upside at 6-foot-4, 241 pounds. Reese won’t turn 21 years old until August and showed off more speed than Bailey at the combine. – Spenser Davis
Here’s what the market for this pick currently looks like on Kalshi:
Prediction Markets Who will be the No. 2 overall pick? Learn more about Prediction Markets Kalshi Arvell Reese 64% David Bailey 31% Predict3. Kansas City Chiefs (trade with Arizona) – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
We have our first trade of the day! I like the Chiefs to give up picks No. 9 and No. 29 in 2026 (and maybe a mid-round pick in 2027) to go get Love. They need to get ahead of the Titans, who are also rumored to have plenty of interest in the Notre Dame star. Love can make an impact right away for a Kansas City squad that is trying to reload for another run before TE Travis Kelce retires. – AS
Where will Love end up? Here’s what the current odds on Kalshi say:
Prediction Markets Players Drafted Top 5 in 2026? Learn more about Prediction Markets Kalshi Fernando Mendoza 99% Arvell Reese 95% Jeremiyah Love 81% Jordyn Tyson 20% Caleb Downs 19% Francis Mauigoa 10% Mansoor Delane 10% Carnell Tate 8% Spencer Fano 6% Trinidad Chambliss 1% Predict4. Tennessee Titans – David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
The Titans are disappointed to lose out on the opportunity to draft Love, but they’re still happy to sprint to the podium to take Bailey. One of the most disruptive forces in college football last season, Bailey totaled 19.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks. He also was impressive at the combine, boasting a 4.5 40-yard dash at 251 pounds. — SD
5. New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
John Harbaugh loves to have great middle linebackers. This is a very Harbaugh-ish and Giants-ish pick. New York also needs to improve up the middle after trading away DL Dexter Lawrence, who was a 1-man wrecking crew on the interior. I’ll go Styles here, assuming there will be an offensive playmaker available at No. 10. We’ll see if Spenser agrees… – AS
6. Dallas Cowboys (trade with Cleveland) – Rueben Bain, Edge, Miami
Another trade in the top 10! Details: Dallas gets the 6th pick while Cleveland receives pick No. 12, pick No. 112 and a 2nd-round pick in next year’s draft.
I’m giving Rueben Bain to the Cowboys here. Dallas needs an elite pass rusher to replace Micah Parsons and Bain might be the best in this class, small wingspan be damned. Bain was utterly dominant at the collegiate level, racking up 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks this past season. – SD
7. Washington Commanders – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Our first SEC player comes off the board at No. 7. Delane was electric at LSU this past season, a bright spot in a disappointing campaign in Baton Rouge. Delane only had 2 interceptions in 2025, but he had 11 pass breakups and teams stopped throwing his way pretty early on after learning their lesson. Corner is a position of need in Washington and Delane is best-in-class this year. – AS
8. New Orleans Saints – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The Saints could definitely choose to go defense with this pick, but I think they’ll be thrilled to take the best offensive lineman on the board. Mauigoa is a proven winner who made a massive impact during his time with the Canes. And while many experts have New Orleans going with a defensive player or a receiver, offensive line is certainly a short-term and long-term need for the Saints. Per ESPN, the Saints were 29th in the NFL in pass block win rate last season. – SD
9. Arizona Cardinals (trade with Kansas City) – Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
This is bad news for the Cardinals, who probably were hoping to get Mauigoa here. Instead, they’ll take the versatile Spencer Fano (who spells his first name the correct way). Fano is a guy who can play wherever the Cardinals need him along the line. Arizona just needs to draft good players. The roster needs a major overhaul, so getting Fano at 9 and then having another pick later in the first round is a good place to start. – AS
10. New York Giants – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Giants acquired this pick from Cincinnati in the Dexter Lawrence trade earlier this week. Adam has the Giants taking a defensive player in Sonny Styles at No. 5 overall, so I’ll go offense with this selection. Tyson seems to be thought of as the top wide receiver in this draft, although it’s a bit of a polarizing group. He had an awesome 2024 season with the Sun Devils before injuries derailed his 2025 campaign. Still, he’d be an exciting addition to the Giants’ WR corps alongside Malik Nabers. – SD
11. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Another SEC defensive back comes off the board here. McCoy didn’t play a single snap for Tennessee in 2025 due to injury, but there’s no denying his talent. Miami needs a complete reset for its secondary, and McCoy is at a position that’s valued more than safety, where Caleb Downs would be another decent choice. – AS
12. Cleveland Browns (trade with Dallas) – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
With the top offensive tackle options off the board, I think Cleveland goes receiver. Carnell Tate certainly has his fans around the league and could prove to be the top wide receiver in this year’s class. There’s also the added benefit of Cleveland taking an Ohio State product that has spent the past 3 years in Columbus. More important, Tate has the profile of a potential future No. 1 wide out — something the Browns have been missing for years. – SD
13. LA Rams – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
And just like that, the top 3 receivers in the draft class are off the board in the span of 4 picks. The Rams will be ecstatic to get the Biletnikoff Award winner here. Lemon went to school right down the road, putting up 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also scored 2 touchdowns on 9 carries. With some of the offseason drama around Puka Nacua this offseason, the Rams will bolster their receiving corps with a home-run pick. – AS
14. Minnesota Vikings (trade with Baltimore Ravens) – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Trade details: Minnesota sends picks No. 18 and 82 for pick No. 14.
Caleb Downs has a case to be one of the top overall players in this class. The only reason he falls to No. 14 in this mock is because of positional value — NFL teams just haven’t valued safeties as much as other defensive positions in recent years. But the Vikings need to replace a franchise legend in Harrison Smith, who is set to depart the team this offseason after spending 14 years as a key piece in the Minnesota defense. I can’t think of a better successor than Downs, who is regarded as one of the best safety prospects in recent memory. – SD
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
The Bucs could also go tight end here, but it seems like a better value to snag Faulk, who put up big numbers at Auburn in 2024. Faulk regressed a bit in 2025, but the talent is still there. The Buccaneers were slightly below average in 2025, recording 37 sacks. Faulk helps them beef up their attack off the edge. – AS
16. New York Jets – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
I don’t love how this board fell for the Jets, who likely are hoping that one of the top 3 receivers in this class will get to them at No. 16. Rather than reach for someone like Denzel Boston, I’ll give the Jets one of the top cornerbacks in this class in Colton Hood. The Tennessee product should have a great chance to crack the Jets’ secondary as a rookie even though they signed signed Nahshon Wright in free agency this offseason. – SD
17. Detroit Lions – Monroe Freeling, OL, Georgia
Once a position of strength and luxury for the Lions, the offensive line needs some work in Detroit. Yes, the Lions still have Penei Sewell at left tackle, but bolstering the depth is a need heading into the 2026 draft. As things fall here, the Lions will be happy to see Georgia’s Monroe Freeling. He has been a top-10 pick in some mock drafts, so Detroit will scoop him up here with a smile. – AS
18. Baltimore Ravens (trade with Minnesota Vikings) – Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
The Ravens moved back a few picks and are thrilled to still get Olaivavega Ioane at this spot. Ioane is regarded as the top interior offensive lineman in this class and could end up going in the top half of the first round. Ioane would have a great chance to be a Day 1 starter for Baltimore. – SD
19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
The Panthers need to do all they can to protect the undersized Bryce Young. Why not pair him with an absolutely massive human being from his alma mater? Proctor could slot in at tackle for Carolina, but could also be a fit on the interior depending on where the Panthers’ biggest need is ahead of the 2026 season. – AS
20. Dallas Cowboys – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Cowboys need help on defense everywhere you look. Earlier in the draft, we have them taking a pass rusher in Rueben Bain. Now they get one of the best safeties in the draft to help shore up a secondary that gave up more 40+ yard completions (14) than any other team in the NFL in 2025. – SD
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Steelers don’t know whether Aaron Rodgers will play this year. He seems to enjoy dragging out his decision. The Steelers would be wise to avoid being held hostage by him. Yes, it’ll probably anger Rodgers if Pittsburgh uses its first-round pick on a QB, but the Steelers need to think about the future. Simpson is the second-best QB in this draft and Will Howard can’t be the long-term solution at the QB position. Take a flyer on the former Alabama standout here. – AS
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Blake Miller, OL, Clemson
The Chargers need offensive line help in any way they can get it. Their strength up front is at tackle, having recently invested first-round picks into players like Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Miller is another tackle prospect, but he’s someone who could slide inside to guard or provide cover at tackle should Slater and Alt have any more injury-riddled seasons (both missed significant time in 2025). There aren’t many first-round guard prospects once Ioane goes off the board, so the Chargers may need to get creative in order to fill their interior O-Line needs. – SD
23. Philadelphia Eagles – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Eagles are expected to move on from AJ Brown in June when they’re able to trade him. This feels like a very Howie Roseman-esque move, drafting a guy who could slot in as the Eagles’ new X receiver immediately. Philadelphia can’t justify spending big-time money on Brown when they don’t use him all that much. However, they do need a guy who can replace some of Brown’s production. Boston fits that mold perfectly at a fraction of the cost. – AS
24. Cleveland Browns – Max Iheanaschor, OT, Arizona State
The Browns took receiver Carnell Tate earlier in this mock draft, so let’s go with an offensive tackle here. Max Iheanaschor is the best offensive tackle on the board and posted impressive athletic testing at the combine. He was a full-time starter in this last 2 years at Arizona State and did not allow a sack over his 484 pass-blocking snaps in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. – SD
25. Chicago Bears – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
There are 2 Clemson guys I debated taking here – Woods and TJ Parker. Ultimately, I’m going with Woods. I think he’s a slightly better player and I believe that getting pressure from the interior of the defensive line is even more valuable than getting pressure off the edge. Give me Woods in this spot to help a team with Super Bowl aspirations in 2026. – AS
26. Buffalo Bills – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Bills need to get Josh Allen some help. KC Concepcion would certainly qualify following a collegiate career that saw him haul in 25 touchdown passes across 3 years at NC State and Texas A&M. Concepcion could play outside or in the slot, giving the Bills plenty of versatility alongside the newly-acquired DJ Moore. This would be a great fit for sentimental reasons, too — Concepcion was born less than 100 miles from Buffalo in Rochester, New York. – SD
27. San Francisco 49ers – Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
Another Utah offensive lineman comes off the board here. Lomu is a guy who can learn behind Trent Williams for a year or 2 before taking over full-time. Williams is elite when he’s healthy, but he hasn’t been able to stay on the field much in the last couple of years. Building depth on the line is a key for San Francisco, so the Niners will scoop up Lomu here. – AS
28. Houston Texans – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Tight end isn’t necessarily a huge need for the Texans, but Kenyon Sadiq has fallen too far in this mock. CJ Stroud and the Texans love to throw the ball to their tight ends — Dalton Schultz had a 100+ target season in 2025. But Schultz will turn 30 years old this summer and only has a couple of years remaining on his contract. Sadiq would be an excellent long-term option for Stroud in the Texans offense. – SD
29. Arizona Cardinals (trade with Kansas City) – Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The Cardinals don’t get a QB with their second pick, as Ty Simpson is already off the board. But they do get an elite edge rusher to build around defensively. Howell was a beast for the Aggies in 2025, particularly early in the season. He doesn’t have the ideal size you see with some other elite edge rushers, but the tape is undeniable. The Cardinals scoop up the Texas A&M star here. – AS
30. Miami Dolphins – TJ Parker, edge, Clemson
Miami has to come out of this draft with a better pass rush. The Dolphins were 23rd in pass rush win rate last season, per ESPN. Parker was highly-productive in 3 years at Clemson, recording 21.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for loss. He would have opportunities to compete for early playing time off the edge in Miami. – SD
31. New England Patriots – Zion Young, Edge, Mizzou
Our 10th and final SEC player comes off the board at No. 31 in the form of Mizzou’s Zion Young. The Patriots need some help getting after opposing QBs, having finished in the bottom third of the league in sacks last year. I do expect the Patriots to entertain offers to move down here, but if they can’t do it, Young is a great pick in this spot. – AS
32. Seattle Seahawks – Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
It’s not often you see 2 running backs from the same college program go in the first round, but that’s definitely on the table for Notre Dame on Thursday night. Love looks like he’ll be a top pick and his teammate, Jadarian Price, would be a great fit to join the Super Bowl champs in Seattle. The Seahawks lost Kenneth Walker in free agency and Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in the playoffs, so they need another high-end running back. Price doesn’t have a lot of miles on him relative to other high-end prospects since he’s been splitting carries with Love (only 280 total carries in college) which is another thing that could make him an attractive Day 1 prospect. – SD
Saturday Down South’s 2026 Round 1 NFL Mock Draft Saturday Down South.
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