Dane Brugler’s Comprehensive 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round Predictions for All 257 Picks
Renowned NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic has unveiled his most detailed projection yet for the 2026 NFL Draft, a full seven-round mock covering all 257 picks. Released amid heightened anticipation following the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, this exhaustive forecast highlights a quarterback-rich class and rising stars across positions, offering teams early insights into potential roster boosts.[1][2][3][4]
A Loaded Quarterback Class Leads the Way
Brugler’s mock draft underscores the depth at quarterback, with five signal-callers projected in the first round alone. Texas redshirt sophomore Arch Manning tops the board at No. 1 to the New Orleans Saints, leveraging his NFL pedigree as the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning. Brugler notes the 2026 QB group as a stark contrast to the uncertainty of 2025, positioning Manning as the consensus leader.[3]
Other top quarterback selections include Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza at No. 3 overall—currently ranked as Brugler’s No. 3 prospect on his updated big board—and Alabama’s Ty Simpson to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21. Dante Moore’s return to Oregon adds intrigue to the position’s landscape.[1][5]
Round 1 Highlights: Defensive Stars and Offensive Linemen Dominate Mid-Rounds
Brugler’s No. 1 overall prospect, Ohio State EDGE/LB Arvell Reese, holds firm at the top of his big board, unchanged from pre-combine rankings. Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love rises to No. 2, signaling a strong backfield talent.[5]
Key first-round picks include:
- No. 2: New York Jets select LaNorris (full name not specified in previews).[3]
- No. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama.[1]
- No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina.[1]
- No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles – Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama.[1]
- No. 24: Cleveland Browns (from JAX) – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M.[1]
- No. 25: Chicago Bears – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State.[1]
- No. 31: Baltimore Ravens – Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon.[3]
- No. 32: Philadelphia Eagles – Jude Bowry, OT, Boston.[3]
The draft order is derived from flipped Super Bowl LX betting odds, reflecting current team standings and needs.[3]
New York Giants’ Haul in Brugler’s Projection
The New York Giants receive targeted attention in Brugler’s seven-round mock. In his two-round version, they land Ohio State’s Sonny Styles and Alabama’s Germie Bernard early. The full seven-round exercise assigns them prospects like Caleb Downs, Chase Bisontis, and Bryce Boettcher, with Brugler providing detailed commentary on each player’s fit and upside.[7][8]
Big Board Shifts Post-Combine
Brugler’s updated 2026 big board, part of his annual “The Beast” guide, ranks the top 100 prospects. Notable movements include Love’s jump from No. 3 to No. 2, while Mendoza slips slightly to No. 3. Reese remains the premier talent at No. 1. The board extends deep, influencing later mock picks.[5][6]
Reactions and Broader Implications
Draft enthusiasts and analysts have flocked to breakdowns on platforms like YouTube, dissecting Brugler’s picks post-combine. One reaction video hails it as a pivotal update, emphasizing edge rushers and wide receivers in the top tiers.[4] Another previews the full mock, spotlighting surprise returns like Moore’s.[1]
This mock arrives as teams finalize post-combine evaluations, with pro days and private workouts looming. Brugler’s precision—rooted in extensive scouting—positions it as a benchmark for front offices eyeing the April 2026 draft in a yet-to-be-announced host city.
Position Group Breakdown
| Position | Top Projected Picks | Notable Teams |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Arch Manning (1), Fernando Mendoza (3), Ty Simpson (21) | Saints, Colts/others, Steelers |
| EDGE/LB | Arvell Reese (1 overall prospect) | Top of board |
| RB | Jeremiyah Love (2 overall prospect) | Early rounds |
| WR | KC Concepcion (24), Evan Stewart (31) | Browns, Ravens |
| OL | Kadyn Proctor (23), Jude Bowry (32) | Eagles (x2) |
Brugler’s work, available in full via The Athletic, spans detailed player profiles and team needs analysis. As the draft cycle intensifies, expect iterations based on spring developments. For now, it paints a vivid picture of a talent-laden 2026 class poised to reshape rosters.[2]