NFL Mock Draft 2026 First Round: Players picked for Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Jets

The interesting part about draft picks is that the best team does not get to pick the best player in the first 1-20 slots. The worst [poorly performed] team gets another chance to improve by choosing the best players from the first 1 to 20 slots. Long story short, the New York Jets went 3-14 in 2025, but for their 2026 season? They get two first-round picks: one at No. 2 and another at No. 16 [acquired by the Sauce Gardner trade to the Indianapolis Colts]. This way, no team feels threatened, demotivated, or underwhelmed. Everyone is treated with equal respect and care for the next season.NFL Football Operations assigns playoff teams to draft slots 21-32. The four teams eliminated in the wild card round pick in slots 21-24. The two teams that lost conference championships pick in the 29th and 30th spots. The Los Angeles Rams hold two first-round picks: No. 29 and No. 13, which they acquired via trade with the Atlanta Falcons in 2025. The Vikings had a 9-8 record and hold pick No. 18 in the first round. The Arizona Cardinals went 3-14 and hold the No. 3 overall pick in Round 1.Round 1 is held on Thursday. It starts at 8 PM ET and each time gets 10 minutes to make its first pick. According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman is ideal for Minnesota because he is a clone of Harrison Smith. Thieneman is 6-foot [Smith is 6-foot-2], reads quarterbacks well, and is savvy. Smith may retire this offseason, leaving a gap at safety, so a Smith clone could help. Kiper Jr. also predicts Clemson Tigers offensive tackle Blake Miller for Los Angeles. There is a big hole at right tackle with Rob Havenstein retired and Warren McClendon Jr. entering the final chapter of his contract. Miller handles most pass-rush moves with ease. The ESPN analyst says Texas Tech Red Raiders outside linebacker David Bailey could be an ideal first-round pick for Arizona. Bailey recorded 14.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 71 pressures, 22 QB hits, and three forced fumbles in 2025. Lastly, the analyst predicts Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Peter Woods will be selected by New York. Three Jets defensive tackles are set to hit free agency, and Woods can be a force at 3-technique for the Jets. His tape looks good even though he didn't have elite production in 2025.Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love [NFL Network]Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell [ClutchPoints].Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Jermod McCoy [Sports Illustrated]Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson [PFF].Miami Hurricanes offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa [Yardbarker]Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese [Arizona Sports].Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson [FanSided]USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon [Sports Illustrated].