Nfl Mock Draft 2026: Brooks' Round 1 projection lands as Combine opens in Indianapolis
The author released a second projection of the entire first round just as the league gathers in Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. The timing matters because the projection is offered the week before free agency and ahead of the April 23–25 draft in Pittsburgh.
Nfl Mock Draft 2026 and the Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine begins this week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with live coverage scheduled to begin on Feb. 26 on NFL Network and NFL+. That activity prompted the publication of a second Round 1 forecast, offered just before the free agency frenzy, and it will be interesting to see how on-field measurements change the prospect pecking order.
Raiders, Klint Kubiak and quarterback Mendoza
The projection opens with the Raiders starting the Klint Kubiak era by selecting a quarterback viewed as a near-perfect match. Mendoza's pinpoint passing skills and clutch playmaking ability are presented as reasons he should energize an offense that already has blue-chip talents at running back and tight end.
Jets, Aaron Glenn and edge rusher Bailey
With Aaron Glenn taking over defensive play-calling duties, the Jets are linked to a move for a pass rusher to generate more takeaway opportunities in 2026 and beyond. Bailey is described as a spectacular sack specialist whose explosiveness can wreak havoc on quarterbacks, a fit driven by the coaching change and the club’s stated need for more pressure.
Cardinals, Mauigoa and the right tackle vacancy
Whether Kyler Murray remains or not, the Cardinals are characterized as needing a tackle to man the right side opposite left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. Mauigoa is cast as a talented edge blocker with the size, strength and nastiness to bully opponents at the point of attack—an answer to the explicit need for right-side protection.
Titans, Robert Saleh and prospect Reese; Giants, John Harbaugh and Downs
Robert Saleh is portrayed as unable to resist the chance to build a defense around an explosive athlete who can play off-ball linebacker and rush the edge. Reese is noted to have only served as a full-time starter for one season at Ohio State, meaning his overall development could take time, but Saleh could unlock his potential.
John Harbaugh is highlighted for his success with All-Pro safeties Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton and could press for a multi-faceted defensive playmaker after a Giants unit that disappointed in 2025. Downs is singled out for his IQ, communication skills and playmaking potential as a booster for a talent-rich defense.
Browns, Fano and offensive-line urgency; Bain and Dan Quinn
The projection stresses that the Browns must revamp their offensive line to control the trenches, naming Fano as an athletic people mover with the quickness and agility to fit in zone-based or gap schemes. Bain is described as a high-motor, relentless pass rusher with a power-based game that could remind Dan Quinn of a young Dante Fowler Jr., and his disruptive potential is said to exceed his production, making him a complement to a more traditional edge rusher.
Saints, Love and Alvin Kamara; Chiefs, Tate and Xavier Worthy
Adding a dynamic playmaker is projected to aid Tyler Shough's Year 2 progression. Love is envisioned as spending a season apprenticing to Alvin Kamara, identified as a five-time Pro Bowler, or joining Kamara to form a 1-2 punch in the Saints' backfield.
For the Chiefs, the acrobatic pass catcher Tate is presented as a big-play threat whose speed and explosion would allow Kansas City to run combination routes with Xavier Worthy and another Ohio State standout to create perimeter mismatches.
Bengals, Faulk and Al Golden; Dolphins, Delane and Jeff Hafley
Faulk is noted as having an unrefined pass-rushing game but disruptive potential on the edge; as a rugged Auburn product with explosive strength and power, he could thrive as a base end in Al Golden's scheme. The Dolphins are linked to Delane, whose instincts, awareness and versatility are said to mesh with Jeff Hafley's vision-and-break scheme to help match high-powered offenses around the league.
Cowboys scheme change—new DC identity unclear in the provided context
The projection begins a line noting the Cowboys' installation of a Vic Fangio-like scheme under a new defensive coordinator identified only as "C" in the provided materials; the full identity and details are unclear in the provided context.
What makes this notable is how coaching shifts and scheme fits repeatedly drive the forecasted selections: quarterbacks, edge rushers, tackles and versatile defensive backs are proposed not in isolation but as responses to explicit team needs and recent staff changes. The full effect of combine testing and free agency on this Round 1 projection will be measurable in prospect movement leading up to the April 23–25 draft in Pittsburgh.
