{"id":19922,"date":"2026-02-17T16:04:38","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:04:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/2026-nfl-mock-draft-jeremiah\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T16:04:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:04:38","slug":"2026-nfl-mock-draft-jeremiah","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/2026-nfl-mock-draft-jeremiah\/","title":{"rendered":"Daniel Jeremiah 2026 NFL mock draft 2.0: Giants one of six teams to pick WR; Chiefs go RB"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<h2>Lead<\/h2>\n<p>With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine imminent, Daniel Jeremiah released his second Round 1 projection, mapping how teams might address immediate needs and upside on the board. The mock \u2014 published on NFL.com ahead of Combine coverage that begins Feb. 26 \u2014 features only one quarterback in Round 1 but highlights a strong class of edge rushers and wide receivers. Jeremiah slots the Raiders at No. 1 with a quarterback and has the Giants taking a receiver at No. 5, one of six clubs he predicts will select a wideout in Round 1. The Chiefs are projected to select a running back at No. 9, answering a long\u2011standing offensive need.<\/p>\n<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Daniel Jeremiah&#8217;s Round 1 mock was released ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins Feb. 26 and receives live coverage on NFL Network and NFL+.<\/li>\n<li>Only one quarterback appears in Jeremiah&#8217;s mock Round 1; the Raiders take a QB at No. 1 to pair with their new coach.<\/li>\n<li>The Giants pick a wide receiver at No. 5 (Tate), and Jeremiah projects six teams in total to take a receiver in Round 1.<\/li>\n<li>The Chiefs address the backfield at No. 9, taking Love as an elite running back to support Patrick Mahomes.<\/li>\n<li>Early first\u2011round winners in the mock include edge rushers at Nos. 2 and 7 (Bailey, Reese), and multiple teams prioritizing offensive line help at Nos. 3, 6 and 24 (Mauigoa, Fano, Freeling).<\/li>\n<li>Several teams with impending free agents (e.g., Cowboys, Browns, Dolphins) are shown targeting positions where depth or starters could depart in free agency.<\/li>\n<li>Jeremiah flags players with multi\u2011role traits \u2014 for example, Reese has split time between edge and off\u2011ball linebacker \u2014 as higher upside but harder to project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Background<\/h2>\n<p>The NFL Scouting Combine and Senior Bowl together create a two\u2011week window each offseason where prospects rise and fall on draft boards. Evaluators use game tape, interviews and on\u2011field testing to reconcile medical checks, scheme fit and measurable traits. Jeremiah\u2019s mock arrives at the start of that process for 2026, offering a snapshot before the Combine\u2019s workout numbers and interviews can materially alter team boards.<\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s conversation has clustered around two positional groups: edge rushers and wide receivers. Teams facing salary, age or contractual decisions at cornerback, offensive line and running back are especially active in offseason planning, and those roster pressures shape early Round 1 thinking. Jeremiah\u2019s selections reflect a mix of best\u2011player\u2011available calls and clear need fills for teams with imminent roster gaps.<\/p>\n<h2>Main Event<\/h2>\n<p>Jeremiah opens his board by projecting the Raiders will take a quarterback at No. 1, matching a perceived scheme fit between the new coach and the player\u2019s skill set. The projection underscores the Raiders\u2019 priority to pair their coaching direction with an ascending passer. At No. 2 the Jets are shown choosing an explosive edge rusher, and at No. 3 a right tackle (Mauigoa) is slotted to immediately upgrade a struggling offensive line.<\/p>\n<p>At No. 4 Jeremiah pairs Bain with Tennessee\u2019s Jeffery Simmons as a complementary defensive piece, then places Tate at No. 5 for the Giants, giving the Jaxson Dart\u2011led offense another vertical option opposite Malik Nabers if Nabers is healthy. Cleveland is projected to use No. 6 on Spencer Fano to bolster the Browns\u2019 line early, while Washington\u2019s No. 7 pick (Reese) is presented as a high\u2011upside, multi\u2011position pass\u2011rusher\/linebacker hybrid.<\/p>\n<p>Of particular note is the Chiefs\u2019 No. 9 selection of Love at running back \u2014 a move Jeremiah frames as the long\u2011anticipated acquisition of an elite runner for Patrick Mahomes. Denver, Cincinnati and Miami are among other clubs in the mock that prioritize defensive stability and depth, with picks aimed at linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties through the middle of Round 1.<\/p>\n<h2>Analysis &#038; Implications<\/h2>\n<p>Jeremiah\u2019s board balances need and upside, but the Combine could reconfigure several outcomes. Teams without clear starters at certain positions often trade up or down depending on their read of a player\u2019s interview and testing profile; that fluidity makes mid\u2011round projections especially sensitive to pre\u2011draft movement. The single QB in Jeremiah\u2019s mock suggests he currently views the 2026 QB depth as thin for Round 1 worthiness outside his top choice.<\/p>\n<p>Positional clustering in Round 1 \u2014 multiple edge rushers and wide receivers \u2014 has roster\u2011level implications. If six teams select receivers early, other clubs may pivot to alternative investments in tight ends, running backs or offensive line help, shifting the market and contract leverage for those players. For the Chiefs, selecting a top back alters complementary roster planning: it could reduce immediate need for a receiving\u2011back or change passing game personnel decisions.<\/p>\n<p>Offensive line volatility is another theme. Jeremiah slots several tackles and interior linemen in the top 24 to address teams with aging starters or impending free agents. Those picks reflect the premium franchises place on protecting franchise quarterbacks and establishing a physical run game; successful early OL selections often have outsized influence on team performance over the following 2\u20133 seasons.<\/p>\n<h2>Comparison &#038; Data<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Pick<\/th>\n<th>Team<\/th>\n<th>Player<\/th>\n<th>Primary role (per mock)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>Raiders<\/td>\n<td>Mendoza<\/td>\n<td>Quarterback \u2014 franchise starter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>Jets<\/td>\n<td>Bailey<\/td>\n<td>Explosive edge rusher<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>Mauigoa<\/td>\n<td>Right tackle \u2014 OL upgrade<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>Giants<\/td>\n<td>Tate<\/td>\n<td>Vertical wide receiver<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>Chiefs<\/td>\n<td>Love<\/td>\n<td>Elite running back<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><figcaption>Selected highlights from Jeremiah&#8217;s Round 1 projection; positions reflect how Jeremiah describes each pick.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This snapshot highlights how the mock mixes immediate need picks (QB, OL, RB) with high\u2011ceiling defensive players (edge rushers) and pass catchers. It also shows why Combine testing and interviews are so influential: measurable traits can validate or undermine projection certainty for early selections.<\/p>\n<h2>Reactions &#038; Quotes<\/h2>\n<p>Coverage around Jeremiah\u2019s mock has focused on the balance between scheme fits and upside bets. Observers note the mock\u2019s blend of projected need fills and best\u2011player\u2011available selections, especially in the trenches and at edge.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;Edge rushers and receivers are generating a lot of buzz entering the Combine.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite>Daniel Jeremiah, NFL analyst<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The Chiefs\u2011at\u2011No. 9 running back pick prompted discussion about how an elite back changes an AFC West offense; some analysts emphasized the strategic value of adding a three\u2011down back to pair with a generational passer.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;If the Chiefs add an elite runner, it forces defenses to respect the ground game and opens more in the passing attack.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite>League offensive analyst (paraphrased)<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>On social platforms, fans and local beat writers quickly debated the Giants\u2019 selection of Tate at No. 5, splitting opinion on whether the pick addresses the team&#8217;s most pressing needs.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;Giants fans are split on investing a top\u2011five pick in a vertical threat versus other roster holes.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite>Fan reaction, social media summary<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>\n<aside>\n<details>\n<summary>Explainer: How the Combine can change a mock<\/summary>\n<p>The Scouting Combine evaluates prospects on measurable athletic tests, on\u2011field drills and interviews with teams. A player\u2019s 40\u2011yard dash, shuttle, bench press and position drills offer measurable comparisons; interviews and medicals can move teams up or down the board. Teams often use the Combine to validate traits seen on tape or to discover red flags. Consequently, many mock drafts published before the Combine are intentionally fluid: a standout workout or positive interview can create a draft\u2011day rise, while a poor performance or medical concern can cause a fall.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/aside>\n<\/h2>\n<h2>Unconfirmed<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Whether two quarterbacks will be chosen in Round 1 remains unresolved; Jeremiah currently has only one QB in his mock.<\/li>\n<li>Trade scenarios mentioned in context (for example, a hypothetical Cowboys\u2011Chiefs swap around Trent McDuffie) are speculative and not confirmed by team sources.<\/li>\n<li>Individual teams&#8217; intentions (e.g., Lane Johnson\u2019s retirement timeline, exact free\u2011agency moves) are still fluid going into the Combine and free\u2011agency window.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>Jeremiah\u2019s 2.0 mock provides a considered baseline for Round 1 projections before the NFL Scouting Combine and the start of free agency. It emphasizes a deep edge and receiver class, a likely single QB in Round 1 as of this projection, and several teams prioritizing immediate roster fixes on the offensive line and in the secondary.<\/p>\n<p>Readers should treat the mock as a working roadmap: the Combine\u2019s measurable data, team meetings and ensuing free\u2011agency moves can\u2014and often do\u2014reshape boards materially. For fans and evaluators, the key takeaway is to watch which prospects validate their tape in Indianapolis, because those performances will determine how many of Jeremiah\u2019s projections hold up on draft night.<\/p>\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/news\/daniel-jeremiah-2026-nfl-mock-draft-2-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Daniel Jeremiah 2026 NFL mock draft 2.0<\/a> \u2014 NFL.com (media\/analyst piece; primary source for this analysis)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/news\/nfl-scouting-combine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NFL Scouting Combine coverage and schedule<\/a> \u2014 NFL (official event information; broadcast notice)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lead With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine imminent, Daniel Jeremiah released his second Round 1 projection, mapping how teams might address immediate needs and upside on the board. The mock \u2014 published on NFL.com ahead of Combine coverage that begins Feb. 26 \u2014 features only one quarterback in Round 1 but highlights a strong class &#8230; <a title=\"Daniel Jeremiah 2026 NFL mock draft 2.0: Giants one of six teams to pick WR; Chiefs go RB\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/2026-nfl-mock-draft-jeremiah\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Daniel Jeremiah 2026 NFL mock draft 2.0: Giants one of six teams to pick WR; Chiefs go RB\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_title":"Daniel Jeremiah 2026 mock draft \u2014 DraftBrief","rank_math_description":"Daniel Jeremiah's Round 1 projection ahead of the 2026 Combine highlights six teams taking WRs, the Chiefs adding a RB at No. 9 and only one QB in Round 1. Read our analysis.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"2026 NFL Draft, Daniel Jeremiah, mock draft, Giants, Chiefs","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19922","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-top-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19922","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19922"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19922\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19922"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19922"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19922"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}