2026 NFL mock draft has New York Jets selecting QB at No. 1 overall Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAYOctober 15, 2025 at 4:08 AM 0 We're nearing the halfway point of the NFL season. As Halloween approaches, teams are assessing their rosters for potential playoff runs or rebuilding efforts.
- - 2026 NFL mock draft has New York Jets selecting QB at No. 1 overall
Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAYOctober 15, 2025 at 4:08 AM
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We're nearing the halfway point of the NFL season. As Halloween approaches, teams are assessing their rosters for potential playoff runs or rebuilding efforts.
The 2026 NFL Draft outlook continues to change. We entered the 2025 college football season viewing it as a class defined by multiple quarterbacks with franchise-changing potential, as well as great depth on the offensive line. Texas' Arch Manning was a near-lock for the No. 1 overall pick as a franchise quarterback for a team needing a savior at the position.
Seven weeks into the season and things look very different. Manning may not declare for the draft after the season he's having at Texas as the Longhorns struggle up front due to talent lost to the 2025 NFL Draft. The offensive line depth is still there and now we're seeing more standout players emerge at other positions.
NFL draft QB rankings: Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore duel for top spot
Longhorn with a long shot: If Arch Manning can stop the flop, he'd make a great comeback story
The honor of top prospect in the class is between two players: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. They're both defenders who could be immediate contributors to their franchises. A wide receiver class that was thought to be a one-player position (Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson) now has multiple prospects vying for first-round consideration.
QBs going early: Fernado Mendoza, Dante Moore skyrocketing to top in mock drafts
The big board of the top players in the class continues to change, as does the order for the 2026 NFL Draft. As we approach Week 7 of the NFL season, here's our latest idea for how the first round will look come April:
their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/wSHfzxO class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
">Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
" src=https://ift.tt/wSHfzxO class=caas-img>
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/OFSh2Xi class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
">Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
" src=https://ift.tt/OFSh2Xi class=caas-img>
"Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/M7GmIWk class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
">Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
" src=https://ift.tt/M7GmIWk class=caas-img>a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
" data-src=https://ift.tt/5Kqd016 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
">Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
" src=https://ift.tt/5Kqd016 class=caas-img>the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/7NZIiQq class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
">Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
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Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/bsFMSpT class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
">Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
" src=https://ift.tt/bsFMSpT class=caas-img>Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/ri50Dt6 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
">Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
" src=https://ift.tt/ri50Dt6 class=caas-img>
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/KhjQfDp class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
">Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
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1 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL seasonWeek 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.2026 NFL mock draft1. New York Jets: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Mendoza played impressively well in a huge 30-20 win over Oregon on the road in Week 7 of the college football season. He extended plays with his legs, made the right throws when needed and overcame a costly interception to lead the Hoosiers to victory against a defense full of NFL talent.
New York is getting a quarterback with an NFL arm, quick release and solid processing to understand defenses in Mendoza. He isn't an elite athlete with a rocket arm but has a high floor as a prospect.
2. Cleveland Browns: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Yes, the Browns need help at multiple positions on offense. But let's not overthink this; the best thing the Browns can do is take the best player available.
Bain combines good size (6-foot-3, 275 pounds) with great power and length to attack blockers off the edge. His bull rush will likely hold up in the NFL and he has good enough bend to get to the quarterback. He needs to improve setting the edge to make it at the NFL level and lacks elite explosiveness but he's more than capable of being a double-digit sack player. He'd make an already dangerous Browns pass rush even more elite.
Bain's value is enough to keep from considering a quarterback here, for now.
3. Baltimore Ravens: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
It still feels weird to see the Ravens in the top five of the NFL Draft order. But that's what happens when a contender has an injury report longer than a CVS receipt. With Lamar Jackson out, the team is struggling and has the opportunity to take a high-value player like Faulk.
He's longer than Bain at 6-foot-6 with similar power and better explosiveness. His elite tools and movement skills can give a creative defensive coordinator a versatile piece to be moved around the defensive line. His size and physicality show shades of Calais Campbell in a slightly smaller package.
4. Miami Dolphins: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
The Dolphins have plenty of needs across the roster but desperately need help on defense. Entering Week 6, the Dolphins ranked last in the league in expected points added (EPA) per play allowed on defense, per SumerSports, and last in EPA/play per rush.
Woods is a versatile defensive lineman who operates well on the outside or inside at an explosive 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds. He shows shades of Fletcher Cox in his play and could be a Pro Bowl-level player on his rookie contract. He's a three-down defender right away and can pair with Kenneth Grant to build the Dolphins' line out for the future.
Secondary was considered as well but it's too early for the cornerbacks on the board and too high a pick for a safety.
5. New Orleans Saints: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
New Orleans could go many ways on offense in Round 1 of this draft. We've opted for them to address wide receiver with their top pick, considering Rasheed Shaheed will hit free agency next summer and Chris Olave is entering the final year of his contract in 2026.
Tyson is the top wide receiver prospect in the class thanks to his outside-receiver size at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. He has a knack for finding spots in zone coverage to exploit thanks to his excellent route-running. He's not a burner but has good acceleration and speed to get off man coverage.
6. Tennessee Titans: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Tennessee is building around 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward at quarterback and he needs help up front in protection. It's hard to find a more outlier talent at the position in the class than Proctor. At 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, there are few humans on Earth who move like this Crimson Tide tackle.
Proctor had a slow start to the season before rebounding against Georgia. He's allowed just three pressures in his last three games of SEC competition. He could use some improvement in technique and consistency but he could be a left tackle of the future opposite JC Latham.
7. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
This may be a boring pick but boring is what Cincinnati needs to protect franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. They've invested in the tackle spot via the draft but Fano may be a better option at right tackle thanks to his mix of athleticism and polish.
Fano stands 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds and could either stay outside at tackle or move inside to guard, given some arm length concerns. In either case, the Bengals would welcome that up front. The team entered Week 6 with the last-ranked line by ESPN's pass block win rate (PBWR).
8. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Dante Moore, Oregon
The Raiders have plenty of needs on defense at pretty much every position besides Maxx Crosby. But with the way Geno Smith has been playing so far in 2025, they need to consider quarterback.
In this mock, we have them taking the Oregon passer who looked like a No. 1 pick after the first month of the season. Moore was rattled against Indiana by exotic pressures and that's an area to develop as the season goes on. He brings an impressive deep ball acumen and good mobility to make it as a scrambler at the next level.
9. New York Giants: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
New York may have a quarterback of the future in Jaxson Dart and now they need to protect him. Andrew Thomas has been one of the best left tackles in the league this season and could use a building block on the other side.
Mauigoa's a standout right tackle in Coral Gables. His NFL-caliber size (6-foot-6, 325 pounds), elite athleticism and powerful hands give him Pro Bowl-caliber potential sooner than later. Miami's scheme asked a lot of him in both run and pass blocking, and he should be a long-term starter on the right side for the Giants, either at tackle or inside at guard.
10. Arizona Cardinals: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
At this point, the best player in the draft cannot fall out of the top 10. Downs is a special talent at the position and is in the running with Bain to be the top talent in the entire class.
Arizona could use help along the offensive line, at wide receiver or other spots on defense. But Downs brings more value to the team than prospects at those positions would at this point. He's scheme versatile enough to be more than just a safety; he can line up at deep safety, box linebacker, or slot cornerback.
His mix of elite athleticism and ideal football I.Q. makes him a weapon for a creative defensive playcaller.
11. Houston Texans: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Houston has an extension for quarterback C.J. Stroud looming and, after investing in young wide receivers during the 2025 NFL Draft, needs to protect him more. Lomu started at left tackle for Utah opposite Fano and played exceptionally well. He's allowed just five pressures on 195 pass block reps through six games.
The 6-foot-6, 308-pound tackle has elite athletic tools and exceptional movement skills in space. He needs to develop more technically and consistency-wise but has the means to become a long-term starter along the offensive line.
12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
McCoy is a bit of a question mark in the draft. He suffered an ACL tear in January and hasn't been on the field since. He may not see the field at all in 2025 which is a shame; he's one of the best cornerbacks in the class.
McCoy pairs ideal size at 6-foot and 195 pounds with elite athleticism and ball production. His anticipation sets him apart compared to the rest of the class. Dallas enters Week 7 last in the league in EPA per pass allowed.
13. Carolina Panthers: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
Carolina's offense has powered the Panthers to a 0.500 record through six games, especially in the running game. There's a solid argument to make about giving Carolina another difference-maker on offense but we're opting to address the other side instead.
Through six weeks, the Panthers rank last in ESPN's pass rush win rate. Derrick Brown can't do it all from the interior. Carolina spent resources in the draft and free agency at edge last year but you can never have too many pass rushers. Parker is the last of the all-around edges in the first round.
The Clemson standout has ideal NFL size at 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds with impressive explosiveness off the line and refined hand usage for his stage of development. He can line up at multiple spots which could allow the team's 2025 draft picks to develop.
14. Kansas City Chiefs: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Sadiq is far and away the top tight end prospect in this class and should be the first off the board at the position barring injury. He's got the size to be a factor as a blocker and the athleticism to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Chiefs' offense relied on tight end Travis Kelce for years as the lead receiving threat. Kansas City could maximize Sadiq's skillset and fit him in nicely alongside Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy as star quarterback Patrick Mahomes' weapons for the future. He's a vertical threat with excellent route-running skills at this stage of his development.
15. Washington Commanders: WR Makai Lemon, USC
Washington's offensive line seems set for the future in front of franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now it's time to upgrade the skill positions around him and we're going that route instead of upgrading the defense in Round 1.
Lemon isn't an elite athlete compared to others at the position but he has an incredible knack to find space against defenses and never lose yards after the catch. He is averaging more than nine targets per game and making the most of them. His average depth of target (ADOT) per Pro Football Focus is 9.9 yards this season, making him more than just a short-yardage possession type of receiver.
He's reminiscent of Emeka Egbuka with how pro-ready he is as a prospect. Unlike Egbuka, he's been deployed out wide for nearly a third of his snaps this season at USC, showing his versatility.
16. Chicago Bears: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Chicago could use some depth on the offensive line but Love is too good a value to pass up. The Notre Dame running back is one of the five best prospects in the class and by far the top running back. He's a true three-down running back at 6-foot and 214 pounds, with the receiving abilities to add another dimension to both Chicago's run and passing games.
Notre Dame's offense is deploying him in both gap and zone schemes, offering even more versatility to his profile. He's not lacking in speed, either; he won a Missouri state title in the 100 meters in high school. He's the ideal running back for the modern NFL game.
17. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
You could make an argument for other positions at this spot but the reality is Matthew Stafford will be 38 years old by the 2026 NFL Draft. It looked like he may not even start the year healthy with nagging back issues. The Rams need to plan ahead.
Simpson continues to climb up prospect rankings as the Tide rise up the national rankings. The former top recruit is finally getting his shot as the starter this season and impressing with his quick release, pocket mobility and processing abilities despite so few starts. Simpson could spend a year under Stafford and get up to speed at the NFL game before taking over in 2027.
18. Minnesota Vikings: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores' scheme works best with good play from the linebacker position. The only downside is that top linebacker Blake Cashman has missed all but one game this season so far due to a stint on injured reserve. It's not considered a premium position but the Vikings could use an upgrade at linebacker.
Reese is one of the best prospects at the position over the last few years. He's a near-freak athlete at 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds and not limited to his physical gifts. He understands the game well enough to fill multiple roles as a blitzer, spy, drop coverage guy or thumper in run defense. Flores' defense would be terrifying with Reese roaming around.
Arvell Reese vs. Illinois 😤Future high draft pick. Future NFL playmaker. pic.twitter.com/UM7zNxzL4R
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 12, 2025
Source: "AOL Sports"
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