🏈 2026 NFL Mock Draft Consensus Picks: Expert Predictions for Every Pick in Round 1

Everybody knows the Las Vegas Raiders will take Fernando Mendoza with the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft tonight when the first round kicks off at 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN, NFL Network) from Pittsburgh. But do mock draft experts agree on anything else?

With the draft just hours away, I gathered the final NFL mock draft consensus picks from 10 of the best NFL draft experts across the industry to create a consensus mock draft for all 32 first-round picks tonight. I also broke down where the experts agree (and disagree) on each pick, where the strongest consensus is across Round 1, and how the expert consensus compares to the rest of our NFL draft predictions.

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🏈 Expert NFL mock draft consensus picks

With so much uncertainty heading into this year's draft, I surveyed the final mock drafts from 10 of the NFL draft experts that I personally trust most for their intel and projections heading into the first round tonight. Here are the mock drafts included below and a breakdown of how many mock drafts have the same player at that particular pick:

• Mel Kiper (ESPN)
• Peter Schrager (ESPN)
• Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com)
• Lance Zierlein (NFL.com)
• Todd McShay (The Ringer)
• Dane Brugler (The Athletic)
• Mike Renner (CBS Sports)
• Nate Tice & Charles McDonald (Yahoo Sports)
• Albert Breer (Sports Illustrated)
• Rob Paul (Sportsbook Review)

Expert consensus picks for Round 1

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🔍 Expert NFL mock draft consensus: Pick-by-pick analysis

Pick 1: Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

• Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (10)

All 10 experts agree: Mendoza is the obvious pick for the Raiders at No. 1. The Heisman winner and national champion is the only unanimous selection in the entire first round and the clear-cut best quarterback in an otherwise weak class. There won't be any surprises with the top pick, which is fittingly the only selection with a true consensus tonight.

➡️ Las Vegas Raiders draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 2: New York Jets - David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

• David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (7)
• Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State (3)

The biggest question heading into tonight is Arvell Reese vs. David Bailey, and the experts remain split even with Bailey gaining momentum as the draft nears - his seven picks are the most for any player besides Mendoza. The case for Bailey comes down to production after he led the FBS in sacks (14.5) and pressure rate (20.2%) last season, which is appealing for a Jets team that was 31st in sacks last season. Paul is among those who prefer Reese's higher ceiling and versatility long term.

➡️ New York Jets draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 3: Arizona Cardinals - TIE (Reese/Love)

• Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State (4)
• Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (4)
• David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (2)

This is the first true coin flip among draft experts with four mock drafts projecting Reese to the Cardinals and four others opting for Love, with Bailey getting the final two votes via projected trades. This is widely expected to be a trade-down spot for Arizona with multiple mocks projecting the Cardinals moving back to acquire future capital. Paul has the Commanders trading up here for Bailey, while the Cardinals slide to No. 7 for an offensive lineman in his final expert mock draft.

➡️ Arizona Cardinals draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 4: Tennessee Titans - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

• Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (5)
• Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (3)
• David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (1)
• Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (1)

Love was the clear consensus pick here just a few days ago, but five of the 10 experts we surveyed now have Styles to the Titans, where Robert Saleh would get his Fred Warner-type linebacker to build around. Three others have Love falling into the Titans' lap at No. 3, including our resident expert Paul, who has the Notre Dame star graded out as a top-three player in a weak class where positional value matters less than usual.

➡️ Tennessee Titans draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 5: New York Giants - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

• Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (5)
• Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (2)
• Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State (1)
• Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (1)
• Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (1)

Five of 10 experts have the Giants taking Downs, giving John Harbaugh a defensive leader to build around in his first draft. Harbaugh's Ravens drafted defensive backs in Round 1 six times, and that history points toward Downs here. Paul agrees with this projection, while two others have Love still available for the Giants and Breer goes with Downs' college teammate, Carnell Tate, to help young QB Jaxson Dart.

➡️ New York Giants draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 6: Cleveland Browns - Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

• Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (4)
• Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (2)
• Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State (1)
• Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (1)
• Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (1)
• Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (1)

Four experts have the Browns staying put and taking Fano, though this is one of the most likely trade-down spots in the draft. Multiple mocks project Cleveland trading back and still landing an offensive lineman later. Paul has the Cowboys trading up to this spot for Styles, with the Browns dropping to 12 and 20. Fano's versatility to play tackle or guard makes him a safe pick and an easy fallback option if the top defenders are off the board.

➡️ Cleveland Browns draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 7: Washington Commanders - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

• Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (4)
• Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (1)
• Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (1)
• Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (1)
• Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (1)
• Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (1)
• Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (1)

Seven different players are mocked to this pick, but Tate is the most popular choice with four mock drafts expecting the Commanders to pair him with Terry McLaurin to give Jayden Daniels more weapons next year. That said, Washington needs help on defense to help Dan Quinn's team return to the postseason. Paul has Washington trading up to No. 3 for Bailey instead with the Cardinals taking Francis Mauigoa at No. 7.

➡️ Washington Commanders draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 8: New Orleans Saints - Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

• Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (3)
• Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (2)
• Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (2)
• Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (1)
• Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (1)
• Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (1)

There's been a ton of smoke about the Saints trading up from this spot, but if they stick at No. 8, Bain is the most popular choice with three mocks projecting the Miami star here. Four mocks have New Orleans taking a receiver, split between Tate and Tyson, and Kellen Moore's priority of developing Tyler Shough could push them toward a wideout. Paul shifted from Bain in his earlier mock to Tate in his latest, citing Mickey Loomis' history of drafting Ohio State players in Round 1.

➡️ New Orleans Saints draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 9: Kansas City Chiefs - TIE (Tyson/Delane)

• Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (3)
• Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (3)
• Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (2)
• Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (1)
• Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (1)

This one is another dead-even split with three experts projecting Tyson and three projecting Delane for the Chiefs. Kansas City needs both a receiver for Mahomes' return from his torn ACL and a cornerback to replace Trent McDuffie, whom the team traded to the Rams this offseason. Paul has Bain landing here as a power rusher Steve Spagnuolo would love, while two others project the Chiefs to address the offensive line instead.

➡️ Kansas City Chiefs draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 10: New York Giants (via CIN) - Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

• Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (4)
• Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (2)
• Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (1)
• Keldric Faulk, DL/EDGE, Auburn (1)
• Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (1)
• Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State (1)

Four experts have the Giants using the Dexter Lawrence trade pick on Mauigoa, who could start at guard or right tackle from Day 1. Tyson gets two votes here, and Breer reported that Schoen had dinner with Tyson at the end of last week. Paul is the lone voice projecting Ioane at this spot, calling him the best offensive lineman in the class.

➡️ New York Giants draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 11: Miami Dolphins - TIE (Delane/Bain Jr.)

• Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (3)
• Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (3)
• Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (2)
• Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (1)
• Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (1)

Delane and Bain each draw three votes here from the experts with the Dolphins in desperate need of adding talent at cornerback and edge rusher. New head coach Jeff Hafley's background as a defensive backs coach could tip the scales toward Delane, which is where Paul lands. Two others project Mauigoa as the Dolphins address their offensive line.

➡️ Miami Dolphins draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 12: Dallas Cowboys - TIE (Proctor/Downs/Fano)

• Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (2)
• Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (2)
• Spencer Fano, OL, Utah (2)
• Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (1)
• Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (1)
• Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (1)
• Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon (1)

The most fragmented pick in the top half of the draft, seven different players are projected to the Cowboys at No. 12 - and most experts don't expect Dallas to even be making the pick. Paul has the Cowboys moving up to No. 6 for Styles, Kiper projects a similar trade-up, and Zierlein has them jumping to No. 6 for Reese. Whether they stay or move, defense is the likely direction in Big D with six of 10 mocks opting for that side.

➡️ Dallas Cowboys draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 13: Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) - Makai Lemon, WR, USC

• Makai Lemon, WR, USC (4)
• Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (2)
• Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (1)
• Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (1)
• Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (1)
• Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (1)

None of the 10 experts have Lemon going any higher than No. 13, but nearly half the field expects him to be the pick for the Rams, who need to add juice at receiver opposite Puka Nacua. While four experts opt for Lemon, Paul projects Tyson as the pick instead, while McShay is the wild card at this spot with Alabama QB Ty Simpson mocked in the top 13.

➡️ Los Angeles Rams draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 14: Baltimore Ravens - Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

• Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (4)
• Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (3)
• Spencer Fano, OL, Utah (2)
• Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (1)

The Ravens have a history of taking the best available player, and the experts mostly agree on that being either the bull-rushing guard Ioane or the uber-athletic tight end Sadiq. The more popular pick is Ioane, who would fill an immediate need on the interior offensive line with Tyler Linderbaum off to Las Vegas, though Paul is among those projecting Sadiq to fill the dynamic pass-catching role vacated by Isaiah Likely.

➡️ Baltimore Ravens draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

• Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (3)
• Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (2)
• Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (2)
• Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (1)
• Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State (1)
• Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn (1)

Three experts have the Bucs taking Mesidor despite his age (25) and injury history, banking on his 12.5 sacks and deep pass-rush toolbox with the premium defenders off the board. Two others project Sadiq as a weapon to replace Mike Evans' production, while Paul has Faulk here, believing Jason Licht can't resist his freakish size and athleticism. This is another pick where a trade-back is widely expected.

➡️ Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 16: New York Jets (via IND) - Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

• Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (4)
• Makai Lemon, WR, USC (3)
• Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (1)
• Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (1)
• Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (1)

Nine of 10 experts have the Jets taking a receiver with their second first-round pick - the only question is which one. Cooper leads with four votes as a tough, physical slot option to complement Garrett Wilson, while Lemon gets three votes here among the contingent who went elsewhere with the Rams' pick. Paul is among those opting for the Biletnikoff winner, whose reliable hands make him an ideal target from Day 1.

➡️ New York Jets draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 17: Detroit Lions - TIE (Freeling/Proctor)

• Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (3)
• Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (3)
• Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (1)
• Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (1)
• Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (1)
• Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (1)

This is another case where nine of the 10 experts agree on the position, but that's where the consensus ends for the Lions' pick. Freeling and Proctor could step in right away at offensive tackle for the Lions, and Paul projects Freeling as the better pick with freakish athleticism that could give Detroit a long-term answer opposite Penei Sewell.

➡️ Detroit Lions draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 18: Minnesota Vikings - Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

• Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon (6)
• Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (1)
• Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (1)
• Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State (1)
• Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (1)

This is the third-strongest consensus in the draft behind Mendoza and Bailey and the most obvious pairing outside of the top five. Six of 10 experts have Thieneman replacing Harrison Smith in Minnesota with Paul among the majority there. This is one of those cases where the smoke is filling the room and becoming tougher to ignore as draft nears.

➡️ Minnesota Vikings draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 19: Carolina Panthers - Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

• Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon (3)
• KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (2)
• Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (2)
• Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (1)
• Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (1)
• Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (1)

Ironically, Thieneman is the "consensus" pick here with three of the four mocks that didn't have him going at 18 now projecting him to the Panthers at 19. Paul expects the Oregon safety to be gone here and opts instead for Concepcion, whom he grades as the most dynamic route runner in the class and a strong fit opposite the big-bodied Tetairoa McMillan to help fast-track Bryce Young's development.

➡️ Carolina Panthers draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 20: Dallas Cowboys (via GB) - Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

• Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (3)
• Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (2)
• Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (2)
• Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (1)
• Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF (1)
• Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (1)

If Dallas doesn't trade up from this spot, the experts lean toward defense - six of 10 project a pass-rusher with Zierlein opting for cornerback Jermod McCoy. Faulk leads the group with three votes as a high-upside edge defender whose versatility fits new DC Christian Parker's scheme. Paul doesn't have the Cowboys picking here at all, projecting them to trade both first-rounders to Cleveland with Cooper heading to the Browns.

➡️ Dallas Cowboys draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 21: Pittsburgh Steelers - Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

• Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (3)
• Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (2)
• Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (1)
• Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (1)
• Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (1)
• Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (1)
• Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama (1)

Ioane leads the count here with three votes from the experts, which makes sense given the Steelers' need to replace Isaac Seumalo at left guard. Yet the greater "consensus" is around Pittsburgh drafting a tackle with five mock drafts picking that position at 21. Renner is the lone voice on Simpson, who headlines our NFL draft first-round predictions with his stock rising by the hour, while Paul is the only one projecting Proctor to Pittsburgh.

➡️ Pittsburgh Steelers draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 22: Los Angeles Chargers - Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

• Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (3)
• Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (1)
• Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (1)
• Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (1)
• Kayden McDonald, IDL, Ohio State (1)
• Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M (1)
• Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (1)
• Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (1)

Eight different players were mocked here - tied for the most fragmented pick in the draft. Woods leads with three votes as a high-upside interior defender, but the Chargers' needs are all over the map after giving up 60 sacks last season. Paul projects McCoy as a buy-low cornerback coming off a torn ACL who might have been a top-10 pick if healthy.

➡️ Los Angeles Chargers draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 23: Philadelphia Eagles - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

• Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (3)
• Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (2)
• Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (2)
• Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (2)
• Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (1)

Six of 10 mock drafts project an offensive lineman for the Eagles, but Sadiq sneaks in as the consensus pick with three votes from the experts. The tackle options are split three ways between Miller, Iheanachor, and Lomu. Paul has Miller here as a 54-game starter who checks every box for Howie Roseman's offensive line pipeline.

➡️ Philadelphia Eagles draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 24: Cleveland Browns (via JAX) - KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

• KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (4)
• Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (1)
• Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (1)
• Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (1)
• Makai Lemon, WR, USC (1)
• Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (1)
• Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (1)

Concepcion leads with four votes as the consensus pick for the Browns' second first-round selection. Cleveland needs a receiver - its wideouts caught just four touchdowns all of last season - and Concepcion's dynamic route-running and YAC ability make him a popular fit. Paul projects Cooper at 20 and McNeil-Warren here at 24 as the Browns use three first-rounders on offense, offense, and defense after a draft-day trade in his latest mock draft.

➡️ Cleveland Browns draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 25: Chicago Bears - TIE (Young/Parker/Faulk/Lomu)

• Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri (2)
• T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (2)
• Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (2)
• Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (2)
• Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (1)
• Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (1)

This is another pick with very little consensus, which tends to be the case once you get past the first 20-22 picks or so. The Bears' projected picks are split six ways with no more than two votes apiece for Young, Parker, Faulk, and Lomu - the first three would help Chicago's struggling pass rush, but Paul has Chicago going with Lomu to help protect Caleb Williams after his sensational sophomore season under Ben Johnson.

➡️ Chicago Bears draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 26: Buffalo Bills - Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

• Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF (2)
• Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (1)
• Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (1)
• Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (1)
• Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (1)
• Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (1)
• CJ Allen, LB, Georgia (1)
• Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (1)
• TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson (1)

Nine different players were mocked here - the most for any pick in the draft - but Lawrence edges out the field with two picks in his favor. Seven of 10 experts project a defensive player for the Bills, including Paul's projection of Parker to Buffalo as a powerful edge rusher to complement Bradley Chubb and Greg Rousseau.

➡️ Buffalo Bills draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 27: San Francisco 49ers - Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

• Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (3)
• Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (2)
• Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (1)
• Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (1)
• Makai Lemon, WR, USC (1)
• Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (1)
• Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF (1)

Six of 10 experts project an offensive tackle for the 49ers with Lomu leading the way as the featured pick in three mock drafts to be the long-term succession plan for Trent Williams. Paul goes with Iheanachor instead, praising his gifted movement skills and fit in Kyle Shanahan's zone scheme. Three others project a receiver, though San Francisco already added Mike Evans and Christian Kirk this offseason.

➡️ San Francisco 49ers draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 28: Houston Texans - TIE (Iheanachor/McDonald)

• Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (2)
• Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State (2)
• Christen Miller, DT, Georgia (1)
• KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (1)
• Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (1)
• T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (1)
• Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech (1)
• Chase Bisontis, OL, Texas A&M (1)

This is another splintered pick for a team without many glaring needs. Iheanachor and McDonald are tied at two votes each with the Texans liable to invest in either the offensive or defensive line. Paul is in the latter camp, projecting McDonald as a bowling ball run-stuffer to complement Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

➡️ Houston Texans draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 29: Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) - Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

• Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (3)
• Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF (2)
• Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona (1)
• Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (1)
• Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (1)
• KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (1)
• Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (1)

The Chiefs are rumored to be interested in trading up, which could cost them this pick late in the first round. If they stay, cornerback seems to be the move with five of 10 experts projecting Kansas City to replace McDuffie and three opting for Hood. Paul is going with Chris Johnson instead as the most pro-ready corner in the class.

➡️ Kansas City Chiefs draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 30: Miami Dolphins (via DEN) - TIE (Johnson/Boston)

• Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (3)
• Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (3)
• Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (1)
• Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (1)
• Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (1)
• Makai Lemon, WR, USC (1)

This is another pick where cornerback is the majority pick, this time with Johnson taking the lead in three of 10 mocks and McCoy showing up once. Three others (including Paul) have the Dolphins going with Boston as a big-bodied ball-winner to give new quarterback Malik Willis a go-to target, while Kiper expects Simpson to be the pick at 30.

➡️ Miami Dolphins draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 31: New England Patriots - TIE (Mesidor/Miller)

• Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (2)
• Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (2)
• Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri (1)
• Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (1)
• Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (1)
• KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (1)
• Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (1)
• T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (1)

Edge rusher is the most popular position here with Mesidor, Young, and Parker splitting four votes among them for a pick with eight projected players. Paul has Mesidor here as a ready-made contributor whose 12.5 sacks and violent hands would add immediate production to a New England pass rush that managed just 35 sacks last season.

➡️ New England Patriots draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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Pick 32: Seattle Seahawks - TIE (Price/Johnson/Hood)

• Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (2)
• Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (2)
• Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (2)
• Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (1)
• Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (1)
• Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State (1)
• Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (1)

The final pick of the round is a three-way tie across the expert mocks, which is fitting for a draft class with almost no consensus beyond the first two dozen picks. Five of 10 experts project a cornerback to replace Tariq Woolen, while two have the Super Bowl champions adding a running back to fill Kenneth Walker's shoes. Paul projects Hood as a physical, feisty man-coverage corner for Seattle - though don't be surprised if the Seahawks trade this pick to move back and add to its league-low four total selections.

➡️ Seattle Seahawks draft predictions: Team needs, best prospect fits & more

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🤝 NFL mock draft consensus picks: Where do the experts agree most?

Only three picks in the entire first round have a majority of experts agreeing on the same player - Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 (10 of 10), David Bailey at No. 2 (7 of 10), and Dillon Thieneman at No. 18 (6 of 10). After pick 18, no single player receives more than four votes at any pick. That should tell you everything you need to know about how unpredictable the first round could be tonight. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

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