INDIANAPOLIS – The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine concluded Friday, reshaping the landscape of the upcoming draft and solidifying some predictions while throwing others into question. Several prospects significantly improved their stock with standout performances at Lucas Oil Stadium, while others saw their draft positions potentially slip. The Las Vegas Raiders remain heavily favored to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, but the rest of the top 10 is far from settled.
Mendoza’s impressive 2025 season with Indiana, highlighted by his demonstrated potential as a franchise quarterback, has cemented his position at the top of most draft boards. The Raiders, seeking a long-term solution under center, appear poised to build their offense around him.
Behind Mendoza, the draft’s direction becomes less clear. The New York Jets, holding the second pick, are likely to target the best defensive player available, with edge rusher Dallas Bailey emerging as a strong contender. Bailey’s explosiveness off the line has drawn significant attention from scouts and analysts.
The Arizona Cardinals, at number three, are expected to address their needs on the defensive line. Defensive lineman Cooper Reese’s versatility – capable of playing both on the edge and off-ball – makes him a particularly attractive prospect. His rare combination of size and athleticism could allow him to become a disruptive force.
Tennessee Titans are projected to select wide receiver Jalen Love with the fourth pick. Love’s ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver, coupled with his explosive playmaking ability, would provide a significant boost to quarterback Cam Ward and the Titans’ offense.
A surprise riser at the combine was Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. His athletic display has propelled him into contention for a top-10 pick, with the New York Giants, possessing a significant need at linebacker, potentially selecting him at number five. Styles’ unique skillset for an off-ball linebacker is proving tricky to ignore.
The Cleveland Browns, facing potential overhaul of their offensive line, are likely to target offensive tackle Abraham Mauigoa at pick number six. Mauigoa is considered a plug-and-play right tackle with the power and polish to make an immediate impact.
The Washington Commanders, at seven, are expected to prioritize adding playmakers on both sides of the ball. Defensive tackle Brandon Bain has emerged as a top candidate, showcasing dominance in college football and possessing a three-down skillset despite some concerns regarding his arm length.
The New Orleans Saints, with the eighth pick, are looking to bolster their receiving corps. Wide receiver Kevin Tate is a well-rounded prospect who could challenge Chris Olave for the top spot on the depth chart, providing a reliable target for the Saints’ passing attack.
The Kansas City Chiefs, seeking to provide Patrick Mahomes with additional weapons, may target Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at number nine. Sadiq’s rare physical traits and sky-high ceiling make him an intriguing prospect to replace the recently departed Travis Kelce.
Rounding out the top ten, the Cincinnati Bengals could land a steal in safety Deuce Downs. Downs is considered by some to be the best player in the entire draft class, and if he slips due to positional value concerns, the Bengals could fill a critical need on defense with a top-10 selection.
Further down the draft board, several other prospects made notable impressions. Cornerback Jaron Delane’s shutdown ability has positioned him as a potential first-round pick for the Miami Dolphins at number eleven. Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, despite missing the 2025 season with a knee injury, has demonstrated elite physical traits and ball skills, making him a possible selection for the Dallas Cowboys at pick twelve.
The Los Angeles Rams, acquiring a pick from Atlanta, could address their need for a right tackle with Oklahoma’s Byron Fano. The Baltimore Ravens, at fourteen, might opt for wide receiver Malik Lemon, despite his smaller stature, due to his undeniable talent. Georgia linebacker CJ Allen could be the pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at fifteen, providing a high-floor defender to complement Lavonte David. Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is projected to the New York Jets at sixteen, offering a well-rounded skillset to bolster their passing game. Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling is a rising name for the Detroit Lions at seventeen, and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could fill a void for the Minnesota Vikings at eighteen.
The Carolina Panthers, at nineteen, may look to add another edge rusher, with Auburn’s Keldric Faulk possessing a rare blend of size, athleticism, and versatility. The Dallas Cowboys, with their second first-round pick at twenty, could target Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. Is a favorite to be selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers at twenty-one, while Penn State offensive lineman Vega Ioane could provide much-needed protection for Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers at twenty-two. Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood is a potential pick for the Philadelphia Eagles at twenty-three, and Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston could be an ideal fit for the Cleveland Browns at twenty-four.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods, with his elite upside, could be selected by the Chicago Bears at twenty-five. Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell could bolster the Buffalo Bills’ defense at twenty-six. Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu is a potential long-term solution for the San Francisco 49ers at twenty-seven, while Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor could protect C.J. Stroud for the Houston Texans at twenty-eight. Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell could be a fit for the Los Angeles Rams at twenty-nine, and Oregon wide receiver Bo Nix could provide a weapon for the Denver Broncos at thirty.
The New England Patriots, under new leadership, may target Miami defensive end Jaylen Mesidor at thirty-one, while the Seattle Seahawks could add Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter at thirty-two.