2026 NFL Mock Draft: Trade Deadline Edition

The trade deadline always tells you who’s chasing rings and who’s chasing quarterbacks. Now that the dust has settled, the draft order — and team priorities — are starting to come into focus. Some front offices sold off veterans for future picks, others doubled down for a playoff run. Either way, the moves made this week will echo all the way to April.

So with half a season of tape and a new landscape across the league, here’s how the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft might look after the deadline reshuffle.

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1. New Orleans Saints — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

If the Saints decide the second-half audition at quarterback by rookie Tyler Shough isn’t worthy of a longer leash in 2026, the team will be wise to jump at the strong-armed, pocket presence of Mendoza to run Kellen Moore’s offense.

2. Tennessee Titans — Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami

The Titans are a prime trade down candidate as the team needs picks as much as it needs high-end prospects. Bain is a complete pass-rusher with the power to be a run-down asset, too. This isn’t a one-year rebuild in Tennessee, though, and help for quarterback Cam Ward is the biggest priority.

3. New York Jets — Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

It’s clear that Justin Fields is not the franchise quarterback for the Jets, and the team’s addition of three first-round draft picks via the trade deadline is proof of that. Moore, who might be a 2027 prospect, has a live arm and the mobility needed to make plays in the pros.

4. Miami Dolphins — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Simpson is a first-year starter at Alabama but he’s playing with timing and anticipation that no other quarterback in the country is showing. Should be decide to jump into the 2026 draft class, it’s likely he would be a very early pick. And in Miami, it’s clear that Tua Tagovailoa isn’t the answer.

5. New York Giants — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

A right tackle is a sure-fire way to boost this offense that was showing tons of promise before injury struck. Imagine a well-protected Jaxson Dart in 2026 with Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo healthy?