2026 NFL mock draft: How Round 1 looks before top prospects take the field at the NFL combine
CBS Sports
by
Garrett Podell
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NFL Scouting Combine is set to begin in Indianapolis, marking the start of on-field workouts for top prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. This premier event of the draft cycle will see players like 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and other elite talent evaluated for teams. While Mendoza’s status as the first overall pick appears secure with the Las Vegas Raiders, the rest of the first round remains uncertain due to a lack of dominant prospects at premium positions like offensive tackle, edge rusher, and wide receiver.
The 2026 draft class is unique in that its top-tier talent is concentrated at non-premium positions such as running back (Jeremiyah Love), linebacker (Sonny Styles), and safety (Caleb Downs). This could lead to a more balanced first round, with teams potentially selecting players based on need rather than position value. The combine will be crucial in determining how these players’ stocks rise or fall, particularly at positions like offensive tackle and wide receiver, where no player stands out as a clear must-have pick.
With the combine set to kick off, the focus shifts to player performances that could alter draft predictions. Teams will be closely evaluating medical evaluations and on-field workouts to assess injury risks and physical capabilities. The outcomes of these evaluations could significantly impact the first round’s landscape, shaping which players become franchise cornerstones and which fall out of contention for top picks.
For fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike, the combine offers a chance to see how the draft class might evolve. With no can’t-miss player at the NFL’s highest-paid positions, this year’s draft could be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. The stakes are high as players and teams alike hope to make the right moves that will define their seasons and futures in the NFL.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026