2026 NFL Mock Draft: ESPN reveals new first-round mock after Week 8 of college football

by: Alex Byington 21 minutes ago _AlexByington

With the 2025 college football season already past the halfway point, and the current NFL season not that far behind, ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid took the opportunity to overhaul his projection of how the 2026 NFL Draft could play out next April.

Of course, with 11 weeks left in the NFL regular season, plenty of things can change, including the projected draft order, which is based on the league’s current standings. And since college football players have until mid-January to formally declare their intention to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, any inclusion of underclassmen in this mock is mere speculation at this point. But that’s what makes it fun, right?

In the meantime, check out ESPN’s updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft after Week 8 of the 2025 college football season:

Given the franchise’s decades-long issues at quarterback, this is a no-brainer, especially if the winless Jets ultimately secure the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s draft. And given what he’s already accomplished this season, including a FBS-best 21 passing touchdowns and 191.01 quarterback rating, Mendoza is making a strong case to be the top quarterback off the board in April.

ESPN: “Mendoza is a decisive pocket passer who has impressed this season after transferring to Indiana from Cal. … His ability to throw precise, on-time passes suits a Jets offense that is predicated on timing and accuracy.”

While it’s unlikely the Ravens will have this high of a pick, especially once star QB Lamar Jackson returns following the Week 7 bye, it’s clear they could use a pass rusher of Bain’s talent level. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Hurricanes EDGE currently ranks eighth in the FBS with 24 pressures and has the elite athleticism to play all along the defensive line at the next level.

ESPN: “Baltimore desperately needs someone who can generate pressure up front, and Bain has a strong argument for being the best defensive lineman in the country. … His hand power and knockback strength would immediately boost a Ravens defense that needs playmakers.”

Much like the Jets above, the Browns’ annual search for a franchise quarterback is expected to continue in 2026 after settling on rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel at QB. And while there’s no guarantee Moore, a redshirt sophomore, will leave after just one season as Oregon’s starter, he’s proven himself more than capable of making the jump with a 72.3 completion percentage that ranks seventh nationally.

ESPN: “Moore was surging up draft boards prior to an underwhelming performance against Indiana, but he is a calm distributor with the arm strength to get the ball to all three levels of the field. … The Browns have plenty of questions of their own under center, as rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders haven’t established themselves as long-term options.”

After selecting franchise QB Cam Ward at No. 1 overall in the 2025 draft, the Titans will likely be looking for his defensive counterpart with their first pick in 2026. And while the 6-foot-6, 270-pound Faulk has managed just two sacks through the first seven games this season, his talent off the edge — especially as a run-stuffer — is unmatched in this draft class.

ESPN: “The Titans took care of the quarterback need in the 2025 draft by picking Cam Ward, but they still have a ton of needs around him and on the other side of the ball in 2026. Edge rusher is near the top of the list, and the 6-6, 270-pound Faulk is an NFL-ready run defender who continues to show flashes as a pass rusher.”

(Barbara J. Perenic-Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

While the Dolphins face a potentially transformational offseason, especially if the team opts to move on from head coach Mike McDaniel and QB Tua Tagovailoa, it’s clear Miami has a serious deficit in the backend of its defensive secondary. Considered one of the best defensive players in college football, Downs would be a homerun selection for any team in the Top 5.

ESPN: “With Mendoza and Moore off the board here, we’ll take one of the top defensive players with this pick. The Dolphins desperately need secondary help, and Downs would provide a building block on the back end alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick.”

After selecting Tyler Shough in the second round last year, the Saints could look to the defensive side of the ball in 2026. And with linebacker a particular area of need, Reese would make a lot of sense in New Orleans. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Reese is currently tied for third in the Big Ten — and 14th nationally –with 5.5 sacks through seven games this season.

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