Get ready for some major NFL draft excitement! The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and CBS Sports has shaken things up with an updated mock draft following the Super Bowl. With the NFL officially in its offseason mode, all eyes are on the upcoming draft, and the predictions are sure to spark some heated debates.
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, taking place later this month in Indianapolis, will set the stage for the draft. Nearly 320 hopefuls will showcase their skills at Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts. This year's Combine kicks off on February 23rd, with on-field drills starting on February 26th and running through March 1st.
CBS Sports' Mike Renner has taken a bold approach to his projections for the opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Renner's latest mock draft features three stars from Ohio State in the Top 10 and an intriguing quarterback selection on Day 1. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is predicted to be the first overall pick, heading to the Las Vegas Raiders, while Alabama's Ty Simpson is projected to join the Pittsburgh Steelers at pick number 21.
Let's dive into CBS Sports' updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft and explore some of the key picks:
Las Vegas Raiders select Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana: This pick has been a hot topic since Mendoza led the unbeaten Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship. Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, dominated the FBS with 41 touchdowns and 3,535 passing yards last season. CBS Sports highlights the perfect match between Mendoza and Klint Kubiak, praising Mendoza's ability to attack the intermediate area of the field, a key aspect of Kubiak's offensive strategy.
New York Jets select Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State: Reese is an uber-talented linebacker with the physical attributes to excel in multiple positions. His impressive stats from last season, including 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, showcase his versatility. CBS Sports compares Reese to a lottery pick, emphasizing his potential to become an elite pass rusher, a role the Jets may be willing to bet on.
Arizona Cardinals select Spencer Fano, OT, Utah: Fano is a 6-foot-6, 308-pound offensive tackle with quick feet and exceptional nimbleness. He excelled in pass protection last season, not allowing a single sack or hit on his quarterback in over 800 snaps. CBS Sports praises Fano's mirroring ability, which makes up for his limited length, deeming him the cleanest offensive lineman in the class.
Tennessee Titans select David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech: In a draft filled with elite pass rushers, Bailey leads the pack with 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2025. CBS Sports highlights Bailey's explosiveness and versatility, noting that he provides a unique skill set that can't be found later in the draft.
New York Giants select Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State: Styles, a converted safety, brings natural athleticism to the Giants' already-loaded defense. His impressive stats, including 82 total tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss, make him a valuable addition. CBS Sports describes Styles as an off-ball linebacker with exceptional movement skills, akin to a cornerback.
Cleveland Browns select Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama: Proctor, a massive 6-foot-7, 366-pound offensive tackle, is a value-need pick for the Browns. CBS Sports believes Proctor can excel at tackle, praising his ability to maintain balance despite his size. This pick could stabilize the Browns' offensive line for years to come.
Washington Commanders select Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State: Tate, often overshadowed by other elite Buckeyes wideouts, proved his deep-threat capabilities last season. With 51 receptions, 875 yards, and nine touchdowns, Tate could become Jayden Daniels' top downfield target. CBS Sports emphasizes Tate's ball skills and his potential to be the best big-play threat in the class.
New Orleans Saints select Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame: Love is arguably the most talented player in this draft class. His homerun-threat ability and exceptional speed make him a favorite for Rookie of the Year under Saints coach Kellen Moore. CBS Sports compares Love to Saquon Barkley, praising his twitch and speed, and highlighting how his skills in the passing game would benefit Tyler Shough.
Kansas City Chiefs select Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami: After missing the NFL playoffs last season, the Chiefs would be thrilled to land Bain at pick number 9. Bain's versatility, with the ability to play inside or out, and his pass-rushing skills, make him an attractive prospect. CBS Sports predicts Bain would be a perfect fit for Steve Spagnuolo's defensive scheme, providing a much-needed boost to the Chiefs' pass rush.
Cincinnati Bengals select Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State: Downs is a highly regarded defender who has excelled for the Buckeyes' FBS-best defense. His versatility and reliability would be a welcome addition to the Bengals' secondary. CBS Sports notes that a safety hasn't gone in the Top 10 in nearly a decade, but Downs' talent makes him well worth the billing.
And there you have it! CBS Sports' updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft has certainly sparked some interesting conversations. Who do you think will make the biggest impact in the upcoming draft? Will any of these predictions come true? Let's discuss and share our thoughts in the comments!
