As the NFL Scouting Combine approaches, anticipation for the 2026 NFL Draft intensifies. NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah has unveiled his second mock draft of the year, Mock 2.0, offering a glimpse into how the first round might unfold. Published on February 17, 2026, this projection reveals significant trends, unexpected picks, and potential franchise-altering decisions for teams across the league. From the Las Vegas Raiders’ foundational quarterback choice to surprising selections for the Giants, Chiefs, Seahawks, and Lions, Jeremiah’s latest predictions highlight the rich talent pool and evolving team needs.
Unpacking Jeremiah’s Initial Insights for the 2026 NFL Draft
Jeremiah emphasizes that the draft board remains fluid, with the upcoming Combine in Indianapolis and the subsequent free agency period poised to dramatically shift prospect rankings and team strategies. However, early consensus points to considerable excitement surrounding the 2026 class of edge rushers and wide receivers. A lingering question among evaluators is the depth of the quarterback class. Jeremiah’s current mock projects only one signal-caller in the first round, singling out Alabama QB Ty Simpson as a prospect with the most to gain as the draft process progresses.
The Top 10 Picks: A Blend of Franchise Cornerstones and Impact Players
The initial selections in Jeremiah’s Mock Draft 2.0 lay the groundwork for a fascinating first round, addressing critical needs and injecting high-end talent.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
- New York Jets: David Bailey (Edge, Texas Tech)
- Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami)
- Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr. (Edge, Miami)
- New York Giants: Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
- Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano (OT, Utah)
- Washington Commanders: Arvell Reese (LB/Edge, Ohio State)
- New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
- Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
- Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
The Raiders kick off the draft by securing their future quarterback. Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and national championship quarterback for Indiana, is seen as a perfect fit for Klint Kubiak’s scheme, offering a potential franchise-changer.
With their choice of elite edge rushers, the Jets land Bailey. His explosive athleticism and consistent production make him the top defensive lineman in a highly touted class, bolstering the Jets’ defensive front.
The Cardinals prioritize their struggling offensive line, plugging in Mauigoa at right tackle. His imposing physical presence and role on Miami’s national title game-bound offensive line make him an ideal fit.
Miami’s other top edge rusher, Bain, joins the Titans. His fierce temperament and aggressive playing style are seen as a complementary force alongside Jeffery Simmons, promising a formidable defensive duo.
The Giants add a dynamic weapon for quarterback Jaxson Dart. Tate, a junior from Ohio State, brings a vertical threat to play opposite a hopefully healthy Malik Nabers, significantly upgrading the receiving corps. This pick makes the Giants one of six teams to target a wide receiver in this mock.
Hoping one of the top offensive tackles falls to them, the Browns snag Fano. Projected to start immediately, Fano’s versatility—having played both left and right tackle—makes him a valuable asset.
Washington opts for explosiveness and versatility in Reese. While his dual role for the Buckeyes might make his NFL projection tougher, Jeremiah highlights his immense upside as a pass rusher.
The Saints inject a major boost into Tyler Shough’s receiving corps with Lemon. Kellen Moore’s offensive scheme is expected to fully utilize Lemon’s “superstar” skills, adding significant playmaking ability.
In a move that could send shivers down AFC West spines, Patrick Mahomes finally gets an elite running back. Love, described as a “five-tool” playmaker, offers a punishing option against conservative shell defenses, a scenario described as a “nightmare” for divisional rivals like the Denver Broncos.
Cincinnati keeps it local, drafting Downs to bring consistency and structure to their defense. Downs, a star at both Alabama and Ohio State, is considered arguably the best defensive back in the class.
Diving Deeper: Key Positional Trends and Unexpected Picks
Jeremiah’s Mock 2.0 isn’t just about the top prospects; it reveals broader draft philosophies and potential strategic shifts for many NFL franchises. The emphasis on edge rushers and wide receivers is evident throughout, but offensive line and secondary talent also get significant attention.
The Rise of Wide Receivers: Giants Lead the Charge
The New York Giants selecting Carnell Tate is part of a larger trend in Jeremiah’s mock, with six teams drafting wideouts in the first round. Other teams adding pass-catching firepower include the Saints with Makai Lemon, the Ravens with Jordyn Tyson to complement Zay Flowers, the Steelers with Denzel Boston to pair with DK Metcalf, the Bills with Malachi Fields, and the Seahawks with KC Concepcion. This reflects the increasing premium placed on dynamic playmakers in the modern NFL.
Chiefs Fortify Backfield: A “Nightmare” for Rivals
The Kansas City Chiefs’ selection of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 9 is a standout pick. Love, identified as one of college football’s top playmakers, possesses a rare blend of physical attributes and intangible qualities. For the Denver Broncos, this move is described as a “complete disaster,” not due to their own pick, but because it further strengthens an already dominant Chiefs offense. Paired with the Los Angeles Chargers potentially landing Kenyon Sadiq, arguably the best tight end in the class, the AFC West appears set for even tougher defensive battles.
Lions Make a “Surprising” Edge Selection
For the Detroit Lions, Jeremiah projects Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker at pick No. 17. This pick raised eyebrows given Parker’s lower ranking (No. 38 overall) in Jeremiah’s own Top 50 prospects. The analysis suggests Parker’s strong Senior Bowl performance offset an “underwhelming 2025 season,” leading to a significant climb on draft boards. Furthermore, this move highlights potential “positional dropoff” after the top two edge rushers and could indicate insights from “insider sources” that the Lions might favor Parker over other higher-ranked prospects like Keldric Faulk or Akheem Mesidor.
Seahawks’ “Shocking” Pick: Insurance Policy or Missed Opportunity?
The Seattle Seahawks, projected to pick 32nd, make a “surprise” move by drafting Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion. Jeremiah’s rationale is that Concepcion provides “insurance for Rashid Shaheed,” who could depart in free agency. However, external analysis suggests skepticism that the Seahawks would let Shaheed, a player with “massive impact” as a receiver and returner, hit the open market, especially with ample cap space. While Concepcion is recognized as an “electric prospect” and a potential “like-for-like replacement” for Shaheed, the prevailing sentiment leans towards Seattle re-signing Shaheed and using this pick for other pressing needs like cornerback or offensive line.
Other Strategic Draft Moves Across the League
Beyond the top ten and surprising picks, several teams make notable strategic decisions:
Dallas Cowboys: Double down on defense, taking cornerback Jermod McCoy at No. 12 and edge rusher Akheem Mesidor at No. 20. Mesidor’s age (25 as a rookie) is noted, but his dominant College Football Playoff performance shines through.
Cleveland Browns: A big success for the Browns, who land two starting offensive linemen: Spencer Fano at No. 6 and Monroe Freeling at No. 24. This move suggests Fano could potentially play inside if Dawand Jones remains healthy.
Los Angeles Rams: Also double down on the secondary, selecting safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at No. 13 and cornerback Colton Hood at No. 29, addressing potential depth issues with looming free agency.
New York Jets: After taking an edge rusher at No. 2, the Jets grab Olaivavega Ioane (IOL, Penn State) at No. 16, with Jeremiah viewing him as the draft’s best offensive lineman, filling a void on their injury-plagued line.
Philadelphia Eagles: Blake Miller (OT, Clemson) is drafted at No. 23, providing Lane Johnson’s eventual replacement, showcasing a proactive approach to offensive line succession.
Los Angeles Chargers: Acquire Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon) at No. 22, described as a “perfect weapon” for Mike McDaniel’s creative offense, adding to an already talented receiving corps.
The Quarterback Conundrum and Combine Impact
The singular quarterback in Jeremiah’s first-round mock underscores the perceived scarcity of elite talent at the position in this particular class, at least at this early stage. Alabama’s Ty Simpson is highlighted as having the most to gain from the pre-draft process, especially the Combine, where athletic testing and interviews can significantly boost a prospect’s stock.
The NFL Scouting Combine, beginning on February 26, 2026, will serve as a crucial crucible for many of these prospects. Performances in Indianapolis, followed by the frenetic activity of free agency, will undoubtedly reshuffle draft boards. Teams will gain valuable insights into physical attributes, mental acuity, and injury histories, refining their targets and potentially creating new opportunities for prospects to rise or fall. Jeremiah’s mock serves as an insightful baseline, but the journey to the 2026 NFL Draft remains dynamic and full of twists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest takeaways from Daniel Jeremiah’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft 2.0?
Daniel Jeremiah’s second 2026 mock draft highlights a strong class of edge rushers and wide receivers, with six teams selecting wideouts in the first round. A key takeaway is the scarcity of top-tier quarterbacks, with only one projected in Round 1 (Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders). The mock also reveals strategic team building, such as the Browns doubling down on offensive linemen and the Rams bolstering their secondary with two picks, alongside some “surprising” selections for teams like the Chiefs (elite RB) and Seahawks (WR as “insurance”).
Which teams had the most surprising or impactful picks in this mock draft?
The Kansas City Chiefs made a highly impactful pick, selecting elite running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 9, giving Patrick Mahomes a “five-tool” back capable of punishing defenses. This is seen as a major move that could make their division even tougher. The Detroit Lions had a surprising pick in T.J. Parker (Edge, Clemson) at No. 17, as he was ranked lower by Jeremiah himself, suggesting either a significant Senior Bowl rise or insider team preference. The Seattle Seahawks pick of WR KC Concepcion at No. 32 was also unexpected, presented as “insurance” for Rashid Shaheed, a move some analysts question given Shaheed’s impact and the team’s cap space to re-sign him.
How will the NFL Scouting Combine and free agency impact these 2026 draft predictions?
Daniel Jeremiah explicitly states that his mock draft is highly fluid, and both the NFL Scouting Combine and impending free agency are expected to cause significant shifts. The Combine, starting February 26, will offer teams critical physical and mental evaluations, potentially causing prospects like Alabama QB Ty Simpson to rise. Free agency will further define team needs, as veteran players sign elsewhere, creating new holes on rosters that teams will then look to fill through the draft. These events could dramatically alter team strategies and prospect valuations from this initial mock draft.
