2026 NFL Mock Draft Predictions for Under-the-Radar 1st-Round Prospects

The 2026 NFL draft order hasn't been set just yet, but it's beginning to truly come into focus. Fans saw a huge development take place on Sunday when the New York Giants pummeled the Las Vegas Raiders.

The loss handed Las Vegas control of the No. 1 pick in April's draft.

The Raiders' path is now simple. If they lose to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18, they'll claim the top selection. Presumably, they'll use it on a quarterback prospect like Indiana's Fernando Mendoza or Oregon's Dante Moore.

While we know what teams like Las Vegas are likely to do on draft day, we don't know how the entire first round will unfold or which prospects will actually be in the first-round conversation.

Here, you'll find a look at a couple of under-the-radar prospects who could go in Round 1, along with a complete updated mock draft following the conclusion of Week 17.

Round 1 NFL Mock Draft

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

2. New York Giants: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

3. New York Jets: QB Dante Moore, Oregon

4. Tennessee Titans: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

5. Arizona Cardinals: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

6. Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

7. Washington Commanders: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

8. New Orleans Saints: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

9. Kansas City Chiefs: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

11. Miami Dolphins: WR Makai Lemon, USC

12. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

14. Dallas Cowboys: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

15. Detroit Lions: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

16. Baltimore Ravens: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

17. Minnesota Vikings: DL Peter Woods, Clemson

18. New York Jets (from Indianapolis): IOL Francis Mauigoa, Miami

19. Carolina Panthers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Kevin Concepcion, Texas A&M

21. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay): LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

22. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

23. Buffalo Bills: DL LT Overton, Alabama

24. Los Angeles Rams: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

25. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Malik Muhammad, Texas

26. Houston Texans: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

27. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

28. San Francisco 49ers: WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana

29. Chicago Bears: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

30. New England Patriots: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee

31. Denver Broncos: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

32. Seattle Seahawks: RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska

*Updated draft order via Tankathon

Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

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Duke might not be known as an NFL powerhouse, but at least one Blue Devil could hear his name called on April 23.

Cornerback Chandler Rivers is a borderline first-round prospect who impressed during Duke's run to an ACC championship this season. He logged 59 total tackles, including eight in the ACC title game, two interceptions, and eight passes defended.

Rivers recorded seven interceptions during his college career, including a pick-six in both 2023 and 2024. Though he's on the smaller side at 5'10" and 185 pounds, Rivers doesn't play small.

"Plays with an aggressive mindset when triggering on quick throws to the flat," Daniel Harms of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He doesn't avoid tackling despite his smaller stature at the position."

A team like the Los Angeles Rams could look to snag Rivers at the bottom of Round 1. L.A. has worked to improve its cornerback room during the season, trading for Roger McCreary at the deadline. However, McCreary, Cobie Durant, and Ahkello Witherspoon are all set to be free agents in 2026.

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

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The 2026 class isn't expected to be particularly deep at offensive tackle. In fact, Utah's Spencer Fano is the only tackle who has received a first-round grade from the Bleacher Report Scouting Department.

Fano will almost certainly be a first-round pick, and it wouldn't be a total shock to see teammate Caleb Lomu sneak into the opening round as well. He may not be ready to start right away, but Lomu has the tools and the traits to develop into a quality player.

"As a redshirt sophomore, Caleb Lomu is still in the early stages of his physical and technical development but displays very good movement skills with a keen natural feel as a pass protector that tracks toward becoming a quality NFL left tackle," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

While Lomu might not be a true first-round prospect, don't be surprised if a team snags him on Day 1 in order to secure the fifth-year option.

A team like the Cleveland Browns, who have lacked a reliable left tackle since Joe Thomas' retirement, would probably love that extra year to develop/evaluate Lomu before handing out a lucrative second contract.