Future Stars: What the 2026 NFL Draft Could Look Like

The 2026 draft is almost here, and CBS Sports has flipped its mock to reflect new trends after the combine. The biggest change is a trade that would move the Buffalo Bills into the top ten to grab a new wide‑receiver. The Bills want more weapons for Josh Allen after criticism of their offense last season. Ohio State players keep appearing at the top. Six prospects from the school could be chosen in the first round, with four inside the top ten. Las Vegas hopes to pick a quarterback from Indiana. Fernando Mendoza had a championship season, throwing 3, 535 yards and 41 touchdowns with a top‑ranked QBR. New York might bring in Texas Tech’s edge defender, David Bailey. He led the country with 14. 5 sacks and was key to Tech’s playoff run. A mock trade could let Buffalo jump from pick 26 to pick 3 to select Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate. He caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns last year and could become a deep threat immediately. The Tennessee Titans may draft Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, who had 83 tackles and a sack in his final season. He also posted impressive combine numbers.New York could pick safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State, a top‑rated defensive back who limited opponents to 5. 9 yards per catch last season. The Cleveland Browns might select Miami’s offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, who blocked for a national‑championship team and allowed only two sacks in 826 snaps. Washington may draft Ohio State’s edge, Arvell Reese, who had 112 tackles over two years and earned All‑American honors. The Saints could take Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for 1, 372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 6. 9 yards per carry. Kansas City may choose Utah’s tackle Spencer Fano, who never allowed a sack in 822 snaps. He would line up for Patrick Mahomes. The Bengals might pick Miami’s edge specialist Rueben Bain Jr. , who finished his college career with 20. 5 sacks and led the nation in hurries. These picks show how teams are balancing talent, trade potential, and positional needs as the draft approaches. The mock gives a glimpse of how the NFL’s next generation could shape team futures.