2026 NFL Draft Buzz: Mock Drafts Already Pairing College Stars with NFL Teams
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23 to 25, but the speculation and predictions have already begun in earnest. The NFL Combine, set for February 22 to 27, will be a key event for evaluating talent, but experts and analysts are not waiting to start their mock draft roundups. These early projections pair potential college football players with NFL teams based on team needs, player skills, and strategic fits.
Early Mock Draft Picks for Key Teams
In these preliminary mock drafts, several standout college players have been linked to specific franchises. For instance, NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro has selected offensive tackle Caleb Lomu from the Utah Utes for the Philadelphia Eagles. Zangaro notes that the Eagles have not picked a first-round offensive lineman since Andre Dillard in 2019, making this a potential strategic move to bolster their front line.
PFF’s Dalton Wasserman projects offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa from the Miami Hurricanes to the New York Giants. Wasserman points out that New York needs young talent on the offensive line this offseason, with right guard Greg Van Roten and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor hitting free agency, creating gaps that Mauigoa could fill.
USA Today’s Jack McKessy has picked tight end Kenyon Sadiq of the Oregon Ducks for the Eagles. McKessy explains that while Philadelphia typically reserves its top picks for positions like the trenches, wide receiver, or secondary, Sadiq represents an exception as the top pass-catcher available, offering a unique skill set.
Additional Expert Predictions for Steelers and Bears
PFSN’s Cameron Sheath selects wide receiver Makai Lemon of the USC Trojans for the Pittsburgh Steelers at Pick No. 15. Sheath suggests that if Mike McCarthy is calling plays for Pittsburgh, Lemon could be an ideal fit as an NFL-ready playmaker with a solid floor and elite ceiling. His style is seen as complementary to veteran wideout DK Metcalf’s powerful and direct approach.
NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund projects safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren of the Toledo Rockets for the Chicago Bears at Pick No. 25. Frelund highlights that McNeil-Warren checks all the boxes in terms of size, burst, and athleticism. With safeties Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, and Chauncey “C. J.” Gardner-Johnson set to hit free agency in March, McNeil-Warren could be a perfect addition to Chicago’s defense.
Wider Range of Players in Mock Draft Discussions
Beyond these specific picks, mock drafts include a broader list of players linked to various teams. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, other prospects mentioned include Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate by USA Today, San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson by SB Nation, and USC Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey by Sports Illustrated.
For the New York Giants, predictions feature Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst from A to Z Sports, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs from Sports Illustrated, and Utah Utes offensive tackle Spencer Fano from Big Blue View.
The Chicago Bears have been connected to Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks by Bears Wire, Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman by Yardbarker, and Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald by NFL Network.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, additional mock draft selections include Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor from The Athletic, Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. from Bleeding Green Nation, and Clemson Tigers defensive end T.J. Parker from Eagles Wire.
Looking Ahead to the Draft Season
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, these mock drafts will continue to evolve based on player performances at the Combine, pro days, and other evaluations. The early buzz highlights the depth of talent in college football and the strategic considerations NFL teams must weigh. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these predictions align with the actual draft outcomes, making this a thrilling prelude to one of the biggest events in the football calendar.
