Fox Sports releases Top 10 2026 Mock Draft picks

The 2026 NFL Draft may feel distant, but in the scouting world, the cycle never truly stops. With the 2025 college football season in the rearview mirror, Fox Sports has rolled out its latest projections for the next wave of gridiron stars. From a quarterback class seeking its new face to a defensive group loaded with game-wreckers, here is a look at the names projected to dominate the top of the board next April.

10) Keldric Faulk

Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) runs drills during practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.

Projected Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Faulk lands in Cincinnati as a high-upside edge defender who brings length and power to the defensive front. The Bengals are looking to maintain their defensive identity, and Faulk offers the physical tools to develop into a premier pass rusher. His selection signals a commitment to keeping the AFC North quarterbacks uncomfortable.

9) Jeremiyah Love

Jeremiyah Love — Running Back, Notre Dame — Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Projected Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Fox Sports projects Love landing in Kansas City, giving Patrick Mahomes yet another explosive weapon to torment defenses. His “breakaway speed” and ability to line up as a receiver make him a perfect fit for Andy Reid’s creative scheme. Pairing his versatility with the Chiefs’ offense feels unfair, offering Love the chance to be an immediate star from day one.

8) Peter Woods

Projected Team: New Orleans Saints
Woods provides the Saints with a versatile defensive lineman who can disrupt plays from multiple alignments. Known for his power and agility at 315 pounds, he fits the mold of a franchise pillar who can anchor a run defense while collapsing the pocket. Fox Sports sees him as a key piece for a New Orleans defense in transition.

7) Rueben Bain Jr.

Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) looks on during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Projected Team: Washington Commanders
Bain is described as a “battering ram” off the edge, playing with a level of violence that translates immediately to the pro game. After dominating the ACC, he projects as a plug-and-play starter who can set the tone for the entire Washington defense. His motor and technical refinement make him one of the safest bets in the class.

6) Carnell Tate

Projected Team: Cleveland Browns
The Ohio State wide receiver pipeline continues to flow, with Tate emerging as the next elite pass-catcher to crack the top 10. He offers the size and route-running polish that NFL offenses covet, capable of stepping in as a WR1 from day one. In a league desperate for explosive playmakers, Tate gives Cleveland an actual perimeter threat.

5) Spencer Fano

Utah Utes offensive lineman Spencer Fano (55) and Utah Utes offensive lineman Michael Mokofisi (52) wait for the play during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Projected Team: New York Giants
Fano is a top-tier offensive tackle, bringing the athleticism and frame needed to protect the quarterback’s blind side. His rise into the top five reflects the premium the NFL places on elite pass protection. He is viewed as a cornerstone tackle who can stabilize the Giants’ offensive line for a decade.

4) Caleb Downs

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) high fives fans as he leaves the field following the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.

Projected Team: Tennessee Titans
Regarded as one of the best safety prospects in years, Downs is a chess piece who can impact the game from anywhere in the secondary. His instincts and closing speed make him a rare defensive back worthy of a top-five selection. He is the type of defender the Titans can build their entire scheme around.

3) Francis Mauigoa

Projected Team: Arizona Cardinals
Mauigoa is a physical marvel at tackle, combining massive size with the footwork to handle elite speed rushers. He gives the Cardinals a foundational piece to ensure their offensive identity is built on toughness. His tape at Miami has solidified his status as a blue-chip protector.

2) Arvell Reese

Projected Team: New York Jets
With a defensive pivot, the Jets select the dynamic Ohio State linebacker to anchor the middle of their unit. Reese is a modern hybrid defender who can blitz, cover, and patrol the middle of the field with sideline-to-sideline speed. He is the kind of explosive athlete who can instantly revitalize a linebacking corps.

1) Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana — Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) passes against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first quarter during the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Projected Team: Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders secure their quarterback of the future in Mendoza, the Indiana signal-caller who has skyrocketed up draft boards. Praised for his composure and accuracy, he offers Las Vegas a fresh start and a legitimate franchise cornerstone. In a draft needing a QB1, Mendoza has seized the mantle as the top passer available.

The class of 2026 takes shape

This mock draft highlights a shift toward defensive dominance and offensive line stability, with only one quarterback cracking the top tier. As the evaluation process heats up, expect these names to remain at the forefront of the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick.

The post Fox Sports releases Top 10 2026 Mock Draft picks appeared first on The Big Lead.

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