Well, now, listen up! I ain’t no expert or anything, but I been keepin’ an eye on them young fellers playin’ football, and I gotta say, the 2026 NFL Draft is gonna be somethin’ to watch, sure as shootin’. If you’re lookin’ for some inside info about the top picks, I got a few thoughts for ya. I ain’t gonna go into no fancy talk or highfalutin words, just plain ol’ football folks. So, here we go, the 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Round 1.

1. New Orleans Saints: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Now, first up, we got the Saints, and let me tell ya, they sure got themselves a good pick here with Arch Manning. This young boy outta Texas, he’s got somethin’ special. Folks talk about him like he’s the second comin’ of Joe Montana or somethin’. I don’t know about all that, but he’s got that arm, you know? He’s throwin’ the ball like it’s nothin’, and he’s got the head for it too. He’s gonna fit right in with the Saints, I reckon. They been searchin’ for a solid quarterback since Drew Brees hung up his cleats, and this boy might just be the one to take ’em back to the promised land.
2. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Now, the Cardinals ain’t gonna pass up Caleb Williams, that’s for sure. This fella’s a big deal in college football, and the Cardinals, well, they been needin’ a good quarterback for a while. Williams, he can throw, he can move, and he’s got a mind for the game that makes it look easy. The Cardinals could do worse, but I think they’ll get themselves a real gem here.
3. Chicago Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Next up, the Chicago Bears are gonna snatch up Marvin Harrison Jr., and they ain’t gonna regret it. This kid outta Ohio State, he’s quick as a whip, and that boy can catch a football like it’s his job—well, I reckon it is! The Bears need someone to help out their quarterback, and Harrison, he’s just the man for the job. He’ll make all those tough catches, and he’s got that speed that’s hard to keep up with. Look out for him, he’s gonna be a problem for defenses.
4. Denver Broncos: Olumide Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Now, don’t let the name fool ya, Olumide Fashanu is a big fella, and the Denver Broncos are gonna be real happy to have him protect their quarterback. A solid offensive tackle is like gold, I tell ya. Fashanu’s a mountain of a man, and he’s got them strong hands to keep defenders off their quarterback. If the Broncos want to get back to playoff football, they’re gonna need him to shore up that line.
5. Houston Texans: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Texans, now, they got themselves a pick here with Jared Verse. This young man outta Florida State is gonna be a nightmare for quarterbacks, mark my words. He’s quick, he’s strong, and he’s got that fire in his belly. The Texans been needin’ a real pass-rusher, and Verse, he’s just the one to give ‘em that. If they want to turn things around, Verse is a big piece of that puzzle.
6. Detroit Lions: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Don’t you forget about them Lions. They might surprise a few folks with a pick like Brock Bowers outta Georgia. He’s a tight end, but he plays like a wide receiver. Big, strong, and fast, Bowers is a matchup nightmare for defenses. If Detroit wants to make some noise in the NFC, they need weapons like him. He’s gonna be a key player, that’s for sure.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Lookin’ at the Raiders, they sure need some help at wide receiver, and Emeka Egbuka’s just the guy they’re lookin’ for. Egbuka’s got the hands, and he’s got the speed to make defenders miss. The Raiders need someone to take the top off the defense, and Egbuka is just the fella to do it. He’s gonna make some big plays, you wait and see.
8. New England Patriots: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Now, the Patriots always seem to find themselves a solid cornerback, and this year ain’t gonna be no different. Kool-Aid McKinstry outta Alabama is a cornerback that’s gonna give quarterbacks fits. He’s got the cover skills and the instincts to make big plays. If the Patriots want to stay competitive in the AFC East, they’ll need McKinstry to help shut down them pass-happy offenses.
9. Miami Dolphins: J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
Last but not least, the Dolphins are gonna be happy to take J.T. Tuimoloau from Ohio State. This young fella is built like a truck, and he’s gonna give opposing quarterbacks a real headache. Miami’s defense has been pretty solid, but Tuimoloau is gonna take ’em to the next level. He’s got the speed, the strength, and the drive to be a real difference-maker.
Well, there ya have it! A little preview of what we might see in the 2026 NFL Draft. Of course, a lot can change between now and then, but these kids, they’re all lookin’ like they could be real stars in the makin’. You keep an eye on ’em, and who knows, maybe your team’ll be lucky enough to snag one of ’em!
Tags:[2026 NFL Draft, NFL Mock Draft, Arch Manning, Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jared Verse, Brock Bowers, J.T. Tuimoloau, Kool-Aid McKinstry, NFL Draft Picks, NFL Prospect Rankings]
