NFL Mock Draft 2026 First Round: Players picked for Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Jets (Image via Getty [clockwise]: Minnesota Vikings logo, Arizona Cardinals logo, New York Jets logo, Los Angeles Rams logo)

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.

Rams have two first round picks, Vikings gain 18th overall and Cardinals hold third overall

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.

Players paired with Rams, Jets, Cardinals, and Vikings

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.

Top draft picks for Minnesota Vikings

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love [NFL Network]Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell [ClutchPoints].

Round 1 picks for Los Angeles Rams

Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Jermod McCoy [Sports Illustrated]Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson [PFF].

Arizona Cardinals first round picks

Miami Hurricanes offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa [Yardbarker]Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese [Arizona Sports].

New York Jets first round picks

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson [FanSided]USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon [Sports Illustrated].