The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine just wrapped up, and now the spotlight is on Pro Days as we gear up for the NFL Draft in April. CBS Sports has released a fresh mock draft, showcasing some exciting changes and predictions.
A major highlight is the Buffalo Bills potentially trading up into the top 10 to secure a wide receiver. This move aims to provide a new target for quarterback Josh Allen, addressing criticisms that the Bills overly relied on him in their recent playoff exit.
This draft also features a strong Ohio State presence, with three players projected in the top five, four in the top ten, and six overall. Let’s dive into some of the standout prospects.
Fernando Mendoza, a quarterback from Indiana, is currently the favorite to be the top pick. His standout season included leading the Hoosiers to a national championship and snagging the Heisman Trophy. Mendoza threw for an impressive 3,535 yards, with 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions, earning a QBR of 90.3, the highest in the country.
Another name to watch is David Bailey from Texas Tech, ranked third among EDGE players. He was instrumental in his team’s success with 14.5 sacks, leading Division I. His stats also show 42 quarterback hurries and 73 pressures, which demonstrates his significant impact on the field.
As for the Bills, they might look to draft Carnell Tate from Ohio State. He caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns last season, averaging 17.2 yards per catch. His instant impact potential is drawing attention, similar to how the Atlanta Falcons traded up for Julio Jones in 2011.
Linebacker Sonny Styles, also from Ohio State, made waves at the combine with his eye-popping stats: 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, along with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash. Last season, he had 83 tackles and several notable plays, securing his place as a top prospect.
Caleb Downs is touted as the best safety in this draft. He’s the only defensive back expected in the top 10. His stats from last season include 68 tackles and two interceptions, showcasing his potential to dominate at the next level.
Francis Mauigoa could be the first offensive lineman drafted, having played pivotal roles for Miami’s offense in their championship run. He allowed only two sacks across 826 snaps, highlighting his strength and skill as an offensive tackle.
Arvell Reese from Ohio State earned All-American status with his performance last season, showing solid stats with 69 combined tackles and 6.5 sacks. His consistency has kept him among the top prospects since the draft season began.
Jeremiyah Love is expected to be the lone running back in the first round. He had an explosive season, finishing with 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns. His impressive 6.9 yards per carry emphasizes his agility and strength on the field.
For the complete mock draft, CBS Sports predicts the following picks from 11 to 32:
- 11. Miami Dolphins: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
- 12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
- 13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
- 14. Baltimore Ravens: DL Caleb Banks, Florida
- 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
- 16. New York Jets (via Colts): WR Makai Lemon, USC
- 17. Detroit Lions: EDGE TJ Parker, Clemson
- 18. Minnesota Vikings: DL Peter Woods, Clemson
- 19. Carolina Panthers: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
- 20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers): EDGE Keldrick Faulk, Auburn
- 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
- 22. Los Angeles Chargers: OL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
- 23. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
- 24. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
- 25. Chicago Bears: DL Akheem Mesidor, Miami
- 26. Arizona Cardinals (via Bills): OT Blake Miller, Clemson
- 27. San Francisco 49ers: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
- 28. Houston Texans: DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
- 29. Los Angeles Rams: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
- 30. Denver Broncos: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
- 31. New England Patriots: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
- 32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
This year’s draft promises to be exciting, filled with talent and potential that could reshape NFL teams for years to come.
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Akheem Mesidor (20 – Clearwater Academy International),Arvell Reese (23 – Glenville),Avieon Terrell (23 – Westlake),Blake Miller (22 – Strongsville),Caleb Banks (21 – Southfield),Caleb Downs (23 – Mill Creek),Caleb Lomu (23 – Highland),Carnell Tate (23 – IMG Academy),CJ Allen (23 – Lamar County Comprehensive),Colton Hood (23 – Eagles Landing Christian Academy),David Bailey (22 – Mater Dei),Denzel Boston (22 – Emerald Ridge),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),Kayden McDonald (23 – North Gwinnett),Keldric Faulk (23 – Highland Home),Kenyon Sadiq (23 – Skyline Senior),Mansoor Delane (22 – Archbishop Spalding),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)
