Blockbuster Trade, Top 10 Swap Shake Up 2026 NFL Mock Draft

CBS Sports' latest mock draft projects a big move by the Washington Commanders and several top Ohio State prospects being selected in the first round.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:23pm

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According to CBS Sports' latest 2026 NFL mock draft, the Washington Commanders are projected to trade up from the No. 7 overall pick to select Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey at No. 3. The mock draft also has five Ohio State players being selected in the first round, including EDGE Arvell Reese, S Caleb Downs, and WR Carnell Tate.

Why it matters

This mock draft provides an early look at how the top prospects could be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, with several high-profile trades and top prospects from powerhouse college programs like Ohio State expected to be off the board early. The Commanders' reported move up the board to target a top defensive player is particularly noteworthy, as they look to build a championship-caliber roster.

The details

In CBS Sports' latest mock, the Commanders are projected to trade up from No. 7 to No. 3 overall to select Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey, who led Division I with 14.5 sacks in 2025. The mock also has five Ohio State players being selected in the first round, including EDGE Arvell Reese at No. 2, S Caleb Downs at No. 5, and WR Carnell Tate at No. 9. Other top prospects include Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall to the Raiders, and offensive tackles Monroe Freeling (Georgia), Francis Mauigoa (Miami), and Spencer Fano (Utah) all projected as top 10 picks.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Indiana quarterback is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Hoosiers to an undefeated national championship season in 2025.

Arvell Reese

The Ohio State EDGE defender is expected to be selected with the No. 2 overall pick by the New York Jets after recording 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks in 2025.

David Bailey

The Texas Tech EDGE is projected to be the target of a trade up by the Washington Commanders to the No. 3 overall pick after leading Division I with 14.5 sacks in 2025.

Caleb Downs

The Ohio State safety is expected to be the first defensive back off the board, going No. 5 overall to the New York Giants after recording 68 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 interceptions in 2025.

Carnell Tate

The Ohio State wide receiver is projected to be selected No. 9 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs after catching 51 passes for 875 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2025.

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What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The takeaway

This 2026 NFL mock draft from CBS Sports highlights the depth of talent at the top of the draft, with several elite prospects from powerhouse programs like Ohio State expected to be selected in the first round. The Commanders' reported trade up to target a top defensive player is also a significant development that could reshape the early part of the draft.