2026 NFL Draft: Pete Prisco releases mock draft 2.0 with wild outcomes for Cowboys, Ty Simpson

Key Points:

• CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco released his updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft 2.0, emphasizing team needs on the offensive and defensive lines and featuring several notable quarterback and pass rusher selections.
• Prisco projects Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders after leading Indiana to a national title, and predicts Alabama QB Ty Simpson will be selected by the Cleveland Browns at No. 24.
• The mock draft features an early run on edge rushers, including Ohio State’s Arvell Reese (No. 2), Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. (No. 3), and Texas Tech’s David Bailey (No. 4), highlighting teams’ focus on bolstering pass rush.
• Other notable picks include the New York Giants selecting linebacker Sonny Styles (No. 5), Washington Commanders taking running back Jeremiyah Love (No. 7), and Kansas City Chiefs addressing cornerback needs with Mansoor Delane (No. 9).
• Prisco also forecasts a surprise first-round pick with the Dallas Cowboys selecting Oklahoma pass rusher R Mason Thomas at No. 12, significantly earlier than most projections.