Last week marked the start of the new league year in the NFL as free agency kicked off. Teams are reshaping their rosters, and prospects are starting to make waves ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt recently updated his mock draft, making significant changes following the NFL scouting combine and early free agency moves. His earlier mock draft came out right after the Super Bowl.
Notable prospects like Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey and Georgia OT Monroe Freeling have gained ground on Klatt’s big board. Let’s dive into his latest predictions, starting with the top spot claimed by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The frontrunner for the No. 1 pick remains Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. With the Raiders not making major quarterback moves—other than trading Geno Smith—Mendoza stands out. He had an impressive season, throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. His 72.0% completion rate speaks volumes about his accuracy.
Arvell Reese keeps his place as the second prospect in Klatt’s draft. He’s been a powerhouse for Ohio State, racking up 112 tackles since 2024. In 2025 alone, he achieved 69 combined tackles, 10 for loss, and 6.5 sacks, earning All-American recognition in the process.
David Bailey saw his stock rise eight spots after a stellar combine, where he clocked a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, pushed off with a 10-foot-9 broad jump, and showcased a 35-inch vertical leap. In his lone season with Texas Tech, he accumulated 14.5 sacks, equaling his entire career total at Stanford while propelling Texas Tech to the Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance.
Jeremiyah Love is being projected as a top-five pick, which would make him the first running back taken this high since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Last season, he rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on just 199 carries, along with being a reliable receiver with 27 catches for 280 yards.
The New York Giants now have a gap to fill after losing receiver Wan’Dale Robinson. They could fill it with Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, who has become a deep threat, averaging 17.2 yards per catch. In 2025, he recorded 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, making him a contender among several talented receivers entering the draft.
Monroe Freeling’s visibility has increased dramatically; he wasn’t on Klatt’s first draft list but is now projected to go sixth overall to the Cleveland Browns. His left tackle performance in 2025 was impressive, allowing just one sack with minimal penalties, making him one of the best in this draft class.
Sonny Styles from Ohio State made an impression during the combine with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and a remarkable 43.5-inch vertical. Last season, he logged 83 tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception. He was a key player during Ohio State’s championship win in 2024.
Jordyn Tyson, once considered a late first-round pick, has now climbed to the top of the receiver rankings. His season stats include 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns, totaling 2,282 career receiving yards. Many scouts see him as a valuable asset in the upcoming draft.
Statistics indicate that offensive tackles are often the most sought-after positions in the draft, with teams willing to invest heavily to secure top talent. The draft class of 2026 is noted for its depth in tackles, wide receivers, and edge rushers, making every pick pivotal for team success.
This year’s draft will be one to watch, with exciting talent ready to make their mark on the league. Klatt’s projections reveal an evolving landscape in college football talent, promising dynamic additions to NFL rosters this coming season.
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Akheem Mesidor (20 – Clearwater Academy International),Arvell Reese (23 – Glenville),Blake Miller (22 – Strongsville),Caleb Downs (23 – Mill Creek),Caleb Lomu (23 – Highland),Carnell Tate (23 – IMG Academy),Cashius Howell (21 – Rockhurst),David Bailey (22 – Mater Dei),Dillon Thieneman (23 – Westfield),Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (22 – Lakewood),Fernando Mendoza (22 – Columbus),Francis Mauigoa (23 – IMG Academy),Jeremiyah Love (23 – Christian Brothers College),Jermod McCoy (23 – Whitehouse),Jordyn Tyson (22 – Independence),Kadyn Proctor (23 – Southeast Polk),KC Concepcion (23 – Chambers),Keldric Faulk (23 – Highland Home),Kenyon Sadiq (23 – Skyline Senior),Lee Hunter (21 – Blount),Makai Lemon (23 – Los Alamitos),Mansoor Delane (22 – Archbishop Spalding),Max Iheanachor (22 – King Drew Medical Magnet),Monroe Freeling (23 – Oceanside Collegiate Academy),Omar Cooper (22 – Lawrence North),Peter Woods (23 – Thompson),Rueben Bain (23 – Miami Central),Sonny Styles (22 – Pickerington Central),Spencer Fano (23 – Timpview),T.J. Parker (23 – Central),Ty Simpson (22 – Westview),Vega Ioane (22 – Graham-Kapowsin)
