My wife, stepdaughter and I alternate who gets to decorate the Christmas tree every year.

Two years ago it was a celebration of Taylor Swift and her many illustrious eras.

Last year, my wife created a shrine to the seminal 1990s movie “Clueless.”

This holiday season we’re going with a 7 1/2-foot animated Chewbacca in a Santa hat. Nothing roars Christmas cheer like Chewy holding a giant candy cane. If only ugly Christmas sweaters came in Wookiee sizes.

I imagine this year’s “airing of grievances” during Festivus will be Star Wars-themed as well.

Since I’m already in the holiday spirit, I’ve always been a fan of opening presents early. I mean who isn’t, right?

And if you check the NFL standings, it looks like there’s already a half dozen fan bases who have already received the equivalent of a lump of coal in their stockings. Or forced to endure canned cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving because it’s “tradition.”

Whichever holiday metaphor works for you, it’s time for those fans to get a jump start on the future, which means: It’s officially mock draft season!

When I first started analyzing the NFL draft professionally in 2012, there were a few trusted personalities on television, a handful of us writing for newspapers, and a few draft-focused websites who obsessed 24/7 on the “NFL Player Selection Meeting.”

Posting a mock draft before the college football or NFL season was even over, and updating it on a weekly basis (like I did), wasn’t the norm.

Now, analyzing the draft and it’s eligible prospects is a 24/7/365 business, much like the NFL itself. It’s clear April couldn’t come soon enough for fans of the Titans, Giants, Saints, Browns, Jets and Raiders.

I included 16 of these players in my way-too-early projections back in May, but a lot has changed in six months, and we still have a little more than five months before these picks are made for real.

Frankly, the world could be a vastly different place in late April, but I’ll be here to guide you through it.

Part of my usual mock-draft preamble explains it is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.

Last season, I was the second-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print, according to The Huddle Report. I tied for first overall (out of 172) covering a five-year period between 2019 and 2023.

Considering the NFL doesn’t have an offseason, the draft has become the Super Bowl of the league’s second season, and a mock version of said draft is meant to educate, perhaps even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.

Follow me on X (formerly known as Twitter) @UTEddieBrown so we can continue the conversation.

Here’s my first 2026 NFL mock draft (records through Week 10):

First round

1. Tennessee (1-8) — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami, Jr.

The Titans sticking with the No. 1 pick to select a standout from the Hurricanes is giving major déjà vu, but their trade deadline deal that sent Dre’Mont Jones to the Ravens makes the pass rush even more of a priority than it already was. The 6-foot-3, 275 pound Bain doesn’t have prototypical length, but he possesses raw power, first-step explosion and can anchor against the run when he’s not terrorizing quarterbacks. Obviously, general manager Mike Borgonzi could flip this pick for a king’s ransom if a team below falls in love with a quarterback. Top needs: Edge, WR, CB

2. N.Y. Giants (2-8) — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson, Jr.

Like the Titans, the Giants recently fired their head coach, and whoever GM Joe Schoen hires to replace Brian Daboll will give us more clues on how this organization plans to proceed. Building support around franchise QB Jaxson Dart makes the most sense, but a disappointing defense will have to be addressed as well. Pairing the disruptive Woods with All-Pro Dexter Lawrence on the interior would take inspiration from Eagles GM Howie Roseman’s well-established blue print, and help free up their talented edge rushers, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux to wreak even more havoc. Top needs: DL, G, CB

3. New Orleans (2-8) — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, Jr.

Tyler Shough looked better in a victory over the Panthers on Sunday, but there’s a long ways to go before the Saints GM Mickey Loomis anoints him franchise savior. Mendoza, like Shough, has the perquisite size (6-5, 225) and arm talent scouts salivate over, but he’s four years younger than last year’s second-round pick. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR

4. Cleveland (2-7) — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama, Jr.

I’m sure Shedeur Sanders will start at some point this season, but I can’t imagine what it would take for the Browns to commit to him going forward. Simpson only has nine collegiate starts to go off of, but the small sample size shows he has an advanced pocket presence, the ability to process defenses quickly, and is accurate under pressure. Three things Kevin Stefanski values in a QB, assuming Stefanski returns for a seventh season as Cleveland’s coach. Top needs: QB, T, CB

5. N.Y. Jets (2-7) — Dante Moore, QB, Oregon, So.

After a busy trade deadline, GM Darren Mougey has enough draft capital to call his shot with a QB. Like Simpson, Moore lacks starting experience, and he’s more likely to return for his junior year in Eugene, but the ceiling is Cheech & Chong high. Top needs: QB, CB, DL

6. Las Vegas (2-7) — LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina, So.

Geno Smith isn’t the answer at QB, so barring Tom Brady coming out of retirement or cloning himself, the Raiders can’t afford to ignore the most important position in sports this offseason. It wouldn’t surprise me if Sellers stays in school, but decides to look for a change of scenery through the transfer portal. He has the size (6-3, 242) and elite physical tools NFL teams seek in a modern QB. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR

7. Washington (3-7) — Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State, Jr.

The Commanders biggest problem is they can’t keep Jayden Daniels healthy. Their second biggest problem is they can’t pressure opposing QBs. Reese has the talent to go first overall. He plays linebacker, but I could easily see him as a full-time edge rusher in the pros, very similar to Micah Parsons. Reese features a rare combination of size (6-4, 240) and athleticism, has sideline-to-sideline range and the natural instincts to make plays all over the field. Top needs: Edge, LB, CB

8. Miami (3-7) — Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn, Jr.

Cornerback may be the biggest position of need for the Dolphins, depending how you feel about Tua Tagovailoa, but I’m not seeing a corner in this draft worthy of a top-10 pick. At least until we find out more about the health of Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy, who suffered an ACL injury in January, and has yet to play a game this season. Faulk is a 6-foot-6, 285 pound edge who was the No. 9 player on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List”, reportedly squatting 700 pounds and benching 415. Top needs: CB, OL, Edge

9. Arizona (3-6) — Spencer Fano, T, Utah, Jr.

The Cardinals could be in the market for a QB if they decide to move on from Kyler Murray. The team would take a significant cap hit if Murray is cut before March. Regardless, right tackle Jonah Williams will be a free agent this offseason. There isn’t a Joe Alt or Penei Sewell in this draft class, but Fano is a powerful, athletic anchor in the run game, and his footwork has improved in pass protection this season. Top needs: OL, DL, WR

10. Cincinnati (3-6) — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State, Jr.

What part of the Bengals’ defense doesn’t need completely overhauled? Downs is a top-5 player for me in next year’s draft, but it’s unlikely he gets selected that high as a safety. He was recently named as a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He’s the heart and soul of a Buckeyes’ defense that leads the nation in points and yards allowed per game this season. Top needs: Edge, CB, G

11. L.A. Rams from Atlanta (3-6) — Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami, Jr.

GM Les Snead acquired this pick by trading out of the first round back in April. Snead has to plan for a future without Matthew Stafford at some point. The Rams are a true Super Bowl contender, so we’ll have to let the season play out before we have a better idea of what Stafford’s future plans are. Right tackle could be a top priority for Snead and whomever is under center next season if veteran Rob Havenstein bolts in free agency. Mauigoa, a former five-star recruit, was the only tackle in the FBS with two or fewer knockdowns allowed on 500-plus snaps as a pass-blocker for Cam Ward his sophomore season. He’s big (6-6, 325), powerful, athletic and plays with a mauling mentality at the tackle position. Top needs: T, DB, QB

12. Dallas (3-5-1) — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.

The Javonte Williams renaissance could end with Williams seeking millions elsewhere in free agency, especially if the Joneses have to pick between resigning him or George Pickens. In my initial 2025 mock draft, I had the Cowboys drafting Ashton Jeanty with the 12th overall pick. Jeanty ended up going six picks higher to the Raiders. Love could end up going higher as well. He features home run capabilities and is averaging 6.4 yards per carry, 12th in the nation. The favorite to win the Doak Walker Award is fifth in the country with 988 rushing yards, and tied for first in total touchdowns with 16. Top needs: Edge, S, LB

13. Minnesota (4-5) — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, Sr.

The Vikings need someone to pair with Isaiah Rodgers at cornerback as Byron Murphy continues to struggle mightily this season. Delane doesn’t have elite size (5-11, 191) or deep speed, but he’s sticky, instinctual and can play multiple positions in the secondary. Top needs: CB, DL, LB

14. Baltimore (4-5) — David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech, Sr.

The Ravens just traded for Dre’Mont Jones to bolster their pass rush, but Jones, Kyle Van Noy and David Ojabo are all set to be free agents in the spring. Bailey currently leads the FBS in sacks (11 1/2) and QB pressures (46). The Stanford transfer features a variety of pass-rush moves, excellent bend and an explosive first step. He’s also improved as a run defender during his time with the Red Raiders. Top needs: Edge, RB, C

15. Houston (4-5) — Caleb Banks, DL, Florida, Sr.

Banks surprised every one by returning to Gainesville for his senior season. The Louisville transfer features the size (6-6, 325), length and explosive traits NFL defensive coordinators covet and QBs usually lose sleep over. He tends to rely on athleticism over technique, so coaching will be required to unlock his full potential in the pros. Banks was recently cleared from a foot injury that required surgery in September and is attempting to return and play before the end of the Gators’ season. Top needs: DL, RB, CB

16. Carolina (5-5) — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State, Sr.

The Panthers’ defense has improved from last season’s historically bad unit, but they’re still lacking a playmaker in the middle to bring it all together. Styles is the second freakishly athletic linebacker from the Buckeyes to appear in this mock. He’s No. 10 on Bruce Feldman’s list. The senior captain won’t turn 21 until Nov. 24. Styles is rangy with rare speed and explosiveness for his frame (6-4, 240), and showcases his safety background in coverage by locking down tight ends and running backs in space. Top needs: Edge, DB, LB

17. Kansas City (5-4) — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, Jr.

Future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce has a wedding to plan and an acting career beckoning. I doubt he’s back in pads next season. Sadiq isn’t in the same class as Brock Bowers or Tyler Warren as a prospect, but he’s an impressive athlete who has showcased downfield playmaking ability and has legit upside as a run-blocker in the pros. Top needs: RB, DL, TE

18. San Francisco (6-4) — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State, Jr.

Brandon Aiyuk still hasn’t played a down this season after suffering a knee injury last season, Ricky Pearsall has been hampered by injuries for most of the season, and Jauan Jennings will likely seek more money elsewhere in free agency. Tyson erupted in the second half of last year, producing 732 yards in the Sun Devils’ final six games of the regular season, which led the nation over that span. He’s dealing with a hamstring injury right now, but he pretty much picked up where he left off last year. Tyson is a route-technician with inside-out versatility, and the ability to make plays at all three levels. Top needs: OL, DB, WR

19. Cleveland from Jacksonville (5-4) — Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama, Jr.

The Browns will need to reinforce an aging offensive line if they have any hopes of their new franchise QB succeeding. Proctor took his lumps starting for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman in 2023, but he showed legit improvement down the stretch and that carried over to his sophomore year. His junior season has been a grab bag of inconsistency, but it’s nearly impossible to find 360-pound athletes who are powerful, explosive and surprisingly agile. Top needs: QB, T, CB

20. Pittsburgh (5-4) — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State, Jr.

Any QB worth taking in the first round will likely be long gone before this pick. DK Metcalf is the only offensive weapon in Pittsburgh who can threaten a defense. Tate would be a steal here. The 6-foot-3, 195 pound playmaker produced 733 yards and four TDs on 52 receptions while serving as the Buckeyes’ No. 3 receiver last season. He has 711 yards and seven TDs on 39 receptions in only eight games so far, and is half of the best receiver duo in the country, opposite Jeremiah Smith. The wide receiver factory in Columbus, Ohio, is tariff-proof. Top needs: QB, WR, CB

21. Dallas from Green Bay (5-3-1) — CJ Allen, LB, Georgia, Jr.

The Cowboys just traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson at the deadline. Both are solid additions to a terrible defense. There’s still work to do. It’s hard to not see former Bulldog and current Ravens’ All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith when watching Allen. Both are 6-1, 235 pounds and are elite processors. Both are strong finishers against the run, and both are capable pass-rushers when called upon. Top needs: Edge, S, LB

22. Chicago (6-3) — Caleb Lomu, T, Utah, So.

The Bears have a glaring weakness at left tackle, where Braxton Jones hasn’t panned out and Theo Benedet has fumbled an opportunity to replace him. If Lomu enters the draft, he could go much higher than this. He’s already a technically proficient pass blocker with prototypical size (6-6, 305), elite athleticism and solid footwork. He’ll need to add strength to improve as a run blocker. Top needs: T, Edge, S

23. Detroit (6-3) — Zion Young, Edge, Missouri, Sr.

The Lions probably noticed Young when they were scouting eventual second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. at Mizzou in 2023. The 6-foot-5, 255 pound edge rusher has done nothing but improve since then. He’s already set career highs in pressures (30), tackles for loss (11), sacks (five) and forced fumbles (two) this season. Young lacks elite get-off, but he’s relentless in pursuit of the ball, and can play multiple positions on the defensive line. Top needs: Edge, LB, G

24. Buffalo (6-3) — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Jr.

The Bills’ cornerback group has been mediocre at best this season. McCoy earned first-team All-SEC recognition last season with four interceptions for the Vols after transferring from Oregon State before tearing his ACL during an offseason training session in January. His 2024 tape showed elite ball skills with fluid athleticism and explosive closing speed. The type of talent who usually goes in the top half of the first round. Top needs: LB, WR, CB

25. Tampa Bay (6-3) — Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State, Jr.

The Buccaneers starting left guard Ben Bredeson is a free agent after this season. Ioane has been one of the few bright spots for the Nittany Lions. He features impressive movement skills for a man his size (6-4, 335), and is equally adept in pass protection or as a run blocker. Ioane played every position on offense except quarterback, running back and wide receiver as a sophomore, including all five spots on the offensive line, fullback and 14 snaps at tight end. He’s been utilized in a similar way this season. Top needs: LB, G, Edge

26. L.A. Chargers (7-3) — Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon, Jr.

Both Khalil Mack, and Odafe Oweh are free agents after this season, with Mack potentially starting his Hall of Fame clock if he’s had enough of the grind. Uiagalelei had 10 1/2 sacks his sophomore season, and he started strong this year with four sacks in the first five games, but he hasn’t taken down a quarterback since September. Still, his blend of size (6-5, 270), strength and athleticism is what gets a defensive coordinator out of bed in the morning. Top needs: OL, Edge, DL

27. Seattle (7-2) — Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina, Jr.

Cornerbacks Tariq Woolen, Josh Jobe and Derion Kendrick are all facing free agency after this season. Kendrick will be a restricted free agent. Cisse’s stock has risen after transferring from N.C. State and holding his own in the SEC. The former track athlete doesn’t have a hard time keeping pace with wide receivers downfield. While his speed is impressive — Cisse earned the nickname “Glitch” from his new teammates — it’s the 6-foot, 190 pound corner’s physicality and versatility that should set him apart during the draft process. Top needs: RB, CB, G

28. L.A. Rams (7-2) — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr.

The Rams’ secondary could look substantially different next year with three cornerbacks (Ahkello Witherspoon, Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary) and their starting strong safety (Quentin Lake), who also plays nickelback, all about to become free agents. Terrell could follow in his brother A.J.’s footsteps as a first-round cornerback from the Tigers. He’s a much better run defender than his brother, despite being a bit undersized (5-11, 180). His route-recognition and ball skills helped him earn second-team All-ACC honors as a sophomore, and he’s mastered the “Peanut Punch” with six forced fumbles the last two seasons. Top needs: T, DB, QB

29. Philadelphia (7-2) — TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson, Jr.

The Eagles are constantly replenishing their pass rush. Parker’s bull rush is devastating and he’s already a solid run defender. While this season hasn’t lived up to an eye-popping sophomore year where he had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, his size (6-3, 265), advanced pass-rush repertoire, and ability to convert speed to power places him firmly in the first-round discussion. Top needs: T, TE, Edge

30. New England (8-2) — Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas, Jr.

The Patriots need to continue adding juice to an improved pass rush, and also add a playmaker to pair with linebacker Robert Spillane. Hill could do both. He plays off-ball linebacker at a high level, and can generate a pass-rush off the edge or as a blitzer. He earned first-team All-American recognition after producing 113 total tackles (17 tackles for loss), eight sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception as a true sophomore. The Bednarik Award semifinalist is currently in the midst of another solid season for the Longhorns with 63 total tackles (seven tackles for loss), four sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception through nine games. Top needs: Edge, LB, S

31. Denver (8-2) — Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State, Jr.

The Broncos might have to address their stellar defensive line if John Franklin-Myers leaves in free agency. Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson continues to churn out NFL-ready prospects. McDonald has been a game-wrecker for one of the most dominant defenses in the country. Anchored by the 6-3, 330-pound devourer of double teams, Ohio State’s run defense is No. 4 in rushing yards allowed per game (81.5) and No. 6 in yards allowed per carry (2.8). Top needs: LB, DL, C

32. N.Y. Jets from Indianapolis (8-2) — Chris Bell, WR, Louisville, Sr.

If the Jets land their QB of the future with their first first-rounder, then they can focus on upgrading his weaponry with one of the picks they acquired from the Colts for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. Bell is an explosive playmaker with size (6-2, 227), elite ball skills and the ability to morph into a pinball after the catch. He reminds me of Eagles All-Pro receiver A.J. Brown. Top needs: QB, CB, DL

©2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.