Nfl Mock Draft 2026: Brooks' Round 1 forecast maps fits for Mendoza, Bailey and others

Analyst Bucky Brooks released a second projection of how the entire first round will unfold, an Nfl Mock Draft 2026 that lands as the league gathers in Indianapolis for the Scouting Combine. The projection matters now because events at Lucas Oil Stadium this week and the impending free agency frenzy could reshape the prospect pecking order ahead of the draft in Pittsburgh on April 23-25.

Klint Kubiak era and Mendoza in Las Vegas

Brooks paints the Raiders as starting the Klint Kubiak era with what he calls a perfect quarterback match. He projects Mendoza as the signal-caller, citing Mendoza's pinpoint passing skills and clutch playmaking ability; those qualities are expected to energize a Raider offense that already has blue-chip talents at running back and tight end.

Aaron Glenn's Jets target Bailey as an edge solution

With Aaron Glenn taking over defensive play-calling duties, the forecast has the Jets prioritizing a pass rusher to generate more takeaway opportunities in 2026 and beyond. The mock pairs the Jets with Bailey, described as a spectacular sack specialist whose explosiveness can wreak havoc on quarterbacks — a cause-and-effect rationale in which the coaching change (cause) pushes the team toward performance traits that produce turnovers (effect).

Lucas Oil Stadium, beginning Feb. 26 coverage and scouting timing

The timing of the projection coincides with the league gathering in Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, where NFL Network and NFL+ will provide live coverage beginning Feb. 26. Brooks notes it will be interesting to see how this week’s events alter evaluations and the Round 1 forecast delivered just before the free agency frenzy.

Cardinals, Paris Johnson Jr. and Mauigoa at right tackle

Brooks stresses that the Cardinals, with or without Kyler Murray, need a right-side tackle opposite athletic left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. He identifies Mauigoa as a fit: a talented edge blocker with the size, strength and nastiness to bully opponents at the point of attack, addressing a clear roster need through personnel upgrade.

Titans, Ohio State's Reese and development questions

Robert Saleh figures into the projection for another defensive-minded team that could reach for upside. Brooks suggests Saleh would be tempted to build around an explosive athlete who can play off‑ball linebacker and edge rusher. Reese is singled out as that type of athlete, though Brooks flags that Reese only served as a full-time starter for one season at Ohio State, meaning his overall development could take time; Saleh’s coaching could unlock that potential.

Giants' safety search, Ed Reed, Kyle Hamilton and Downs

John Harbaugh’s history with All‑Pro safeties like Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton informs Brooks' view that the Giants could seek a multi‑faceted defensive playmaker after a defense that disappointed in 2025. The projection highlights Downs for his IQ, communication skills and playmaking potential, which could significantly boost a Giants unit that, Brooks suggests, already has underlying talent.

Browns, Fano and offensive-line rebuilding

Brooks argues the Browns must revamp their offensive line to better control the trenches. He projects Fano as a target, describing him as an athletic people mover whose quickness and agility fit both zone‑based and gap schemes — a specific personnel solution tied to an identified team weakness.

Bain, Dan Quinn comparisons and edge complementary fits

The mock labels Bain a high‑motor defender and a relentless pass rusher whose power-based game could remind Dan Quinn of a young Dante Fowler Jr. Brooks asserts Bain’s disruptive potential exceeds his production, making him an ideal complement to a more traditional edge rusher in schemes that value both power and chaos.

Saints' backfield, Tyler Shough and Love's apprentice timeline

Brooks projects the Saints adding a dynamic playmaker to help Tyler Shough make a leap in Year 2. He suggests Love could spend a season apprenticing to Alvin Kamara or team with the five-time Pro Bowler to form a formidable 1‑2 punch in New Orleans’ backfield, an expected developmental path tied to roster construction.

Chiefs' perimeter, Tate, Xavier Worthy and the Ohio State standout

For Kansas City, Brooks envisions an acrobatic pass catcher adding a big‑play element. Tate’s speed and explosion are cited as traits that would let the Chiefs run varied combination routes with Xavier Worthy and the Ohio State standout, creating and exploiting mismatches on the perimeter.

Bengals, Faulk and Al Golden's base end plan

Brooks acknowledges Faulk’s pass‑rushing game is unrefined but posits the Bengals could consider him for his disruptive edge potential. As a rugged run defender with explosive strength and power, the Auburn product could thrive as a base end in Al Golden’s scheme, matching player traits to schematic need.

Dolphins' Delane and Jeff Hafley's scheme fit

The projection describes Delane as a talented technician whose instincts, awareness and versatility would help the Dolphins match up with high‑powered offenses. Brooks connects those traits to Jeff Hafley’s vision‑and‑break scheme, an explicit cause (schematic demand) leading to effect (player fit).

Cowboys' new scheme under new DC C

The mock closes with a truncated note that "The Cowboys' installation of a Vic Fangio-like scheme under new DC C" — an incomplete fragment present in the projection that leaves the coordinator identification unclear in the provided context.

What makes this notable is the projection’s attempt to tie specific schematic shifts and coaching moves to discrete player traits across at least a dozen teams, mapping prospect evaluations to roster needs ahead of the Combine and the April 23-25 draft in Pittsburgh.