Five-round 2026 NFL mock draft: Four trades, two QBs send jolt through Round 1

I think pairing Mendoza and Kirk Cousins in the same QB room will go swimmingly. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner's game features a mix of Cousins' personality and pocket poise, and the athleticism and intelligence of former No. 1 pick Alex Smith.

Reese's size and position versatility afford him an advantage over the Jets' other top option at this spot, David Bailey. The former Buckeye is a tough run defender and explosive pass rusher when given the opportunity.

The Cardinals solidify the right tackle position for the next decade with Mauigoa, whose combination of sturdy anchor and intense run blocking make him worthy of this selection.

In his first NFL head-coaching stint, with the Jets, Robert Saleh invested first-round picks on edge rushers in 2022 (Jermaine Johnson II) and 2023 (Will McDonald IV). Saleh traded for Johnson this offseason to be his strong-side end, and Bailey should man the opposite edge, able to attack quarterbacks whether standing or lining up with his hand in the dirt.

The thing about the Harbaughs is they want to run the ball. Last year, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh selected Omarion Hampton in Round 1, and who's to say John Harbaugh won't take the most talented ball-carrier this April? Jaxson Dart led the Giants with nine rushing TDs last season, but that can't happen again if the team wants to make a playoff push. Love's rushing and receiving abilities take the offense to the next level.

Freeling is one of the few true left tackles available in this draft. His length and athleticism should catch the attention of the Browns, who must find a blindside blocker for whoever is leading the offense going forward.

The Commanders have two short but tenacious corners in Amik Robertson and Mike Sainristil and hope to get a healthy Trey Amos back after he sustained a broken fibula in Week 10 last season. Delane, the class' top cover corner, gives Dan Quinn size outside and allows him to stick with man coverage more frequently.

Downs' talent and leadership make him one of the truly special safeties worthy of a top-10 selection. Downs possesses similar versatility as a playmaker in the box and in the secondary as veteran Derwin James, who worked with Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley during their time together with the Chargers.

The Chiefs, in desperate need of help off the edge, land a strong talent who should slide into the starting lineup from Day 1.

McCoy's excellent pro day shut down any questions about his health or athleticism. Dax Hill and DJ Turner II are free agents after this season, and McCoy's presence would allow Hill to play in the slot, creating a strong secondary able to give pass rushers more time to find quarterbacks in the backfield.

The Dolphins have revamped their receiver room this offseason, parting ways with Tyreek Hill (released) and Jaylen Waddle (traded to Denver) while signing Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert. Tate is the sort of polished pass catcher new quarterback Malik Willis needs to have in order to succeed in his first season in Miami.

Not every NFL Scouting Combine star ends up being a top-10 selection. Front seven defenders Jamin Davis, Odafe Oweh and Dallas Turner had similar workouts to Styles in Indy and and lasted until the second half of the first round. Just like when Micah Parsons fell to them at No. 12 in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cowboys luck out again this year, landing a much-needed run defender who can play in the box and track down ball carriers in space.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH RAMS (THIS PICK VIA FALCONS)

General manager Brad Holmes once again trades with his former boss, Les Snead, moving up four spots for a fifth-round pick this year and a 2027 third-rounder. Despite possessing below-average arm length for a tackle, Fano takes over the right bookend spot for departed longtime starter Taylor Decker.

Ioane's the sort of road grader the Ravens have desired in recent years. He starts at right guard in this scenario, with the team selecting a center on Day 3 to bolster the line in front of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

Mesidor stays in state to fill a pass-rushing void for the Bucs. His age (he will be 25 when the season begins) shouldn't concern general manager Jason Licht, because Tampa needs polished players to contend for a Super Bowl in 2026.

The Jets need a quarterback, and Simpson is still on the board. There is sufficient depth at receiver and cornerback in this class that the team could address both early in the second round while still securing the second-best passer in the draft in Simpson.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH LIONS

Cooper joins Davante Adams and Puka Nacua to give Matthew Stafford one of the best receiver trios in the league. The Indiana product will need to be a star in Year 2 if Adams moves on as a free agent after 2026.

Banks is a run stuffer with the ability to get in the face (and passing lanes) of opposing quarterbacks. Solid long-term investment for Minnesota's D-line.

Bryce Young will love seeing Sadiq running down the seam and setting up shop between zone defenders. The tight end's presence will open up space for former first-round receivers Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH COWBOYS (THIS PICK VIA PACKERS)

The Chiefs give Dallas a third-rounder and swap fifth-round picks to move up nine spots and in front of a few teams potentially interested in Proctor. His massive build is similar to other linemen the team has acquired over the past few years, and it's unclear whether Jaylon Moore is equipped to take over Jawaan Taylor's starting right tackle spot.

Although GM Omar Khan gave a rosier account of Broderick Jones' potential return from injury at the NFL Annual League Meeting than he did at the NFL Scouting Combine, it is unclear when Jones will be back at his left tackle spot, or if Khan will choose to exercise the player's fifth-year option. Troy Fautanu could return to left tackle with Miller starting on the right side if Jones is unavailable this season or down the road. Fautanu played some left guard in college, as well, so he could slide inside if Jones is ready to play in 2026.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH CHARGERS

Cleveland sends the Chargers the fifth-round pick they currently lack, as well as a sixth-round selection, to climb two spots for Tyson. The playmaker is worth a shot at this point in the first round, even with concerns about his lingering hamstring issue. Remember Jaxon Smith-Njigba dealt with a similar injury at Ohio State, which caused him to drop to 20th overall in 2023.

Regardless of whether or not A.J. Brown stays in Philadelphia, the Eagles must fortify their receiver room. Lemon fits nicely in the slot and can flip spots with DeVonta Smith to give defenses different looks.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH BROWNS (THIS PICK VIA JAGUARS)

Khalil Mack re-upped for one year in March, but the team must find a future starter. Howell might need some time to develop into an every-down player, but he should improve the Bolts' pass rush from the jump.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH BEARS

Acquiring DJ Moore from Chicago earlier this offseason was a good first step in building a strong receiver room, but the Bills deal with the Bears (again) to ensure Josh Allen has a full complement of targets. Buffalo sends the fifth-round pick it received in the Moore trade back to Chicago to stave off other interested trade partners. The Texas A&M wideout is considered a slot receiver by some, but he lined up outside more often than inside last season. He has the size (6-foot, 196 pounds) to challenge corners on the boundary.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH BILLS

General manager Ryan Poles should be happy to regain his fifth-round pick from Buffalo while moving down just one spot. The move ensures he can land the athletic Thieneman, who'll join Coby Bryant in replacing departed starting safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard.

Even if the 49ers and Trent Williams come to an agreement on a contract restructure for 2026, the veteran left tackle will be 38 when the season starts. Iheanachor played on the right side at Arizona State but lined up on both sides at East Los Angeles College. He possesses the athleticism to be an excellent pass protector on either end of San Francisco's O-line.

Signing Wyatt Teller to a relatively inexpensive deal does not prevent the Texans from finding a long-term answer at left guard. Bisontis possesses an excellent combination of short-area agility and blocking aggression that will make him a top-40 pick.

PROJECTED TRADE WITH CHIEFS (THIS PICK VIA RAMS)

Dallas acquires a second Day 2 pick and still lands a cornerback who displayed toughness in coverage and as a tackler, earning all-conference honors in his only season with the Vols.

Faulk perfectly fits the long, strong DE-type new head coach Jeff Hafley employs in his scheme.

The Patriots lock up a team leader in the middle of their defense. Allen's film shows he can reach ball carriers when they're in his sights.

Johnson's speed (4.4-second 40-yard dash) and electric footwork make him a perfect fit to join Devon Witherspoon in the Seahawks' starting lineup.