2026 NFL Draft: first Round Mock Draft and Analysis

1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, 6’5”, 236lbs, Indiana, Jr.

02/25/26 – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

02/22/26 – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

02/13/26 – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Let’s face it, the 2025 season is one Raider fans want to forget ever happened. There was actually a sense of optimism in Vegas after bringing in Pete Carroll to steer the ship and Chip Kelly was tabbed to run the offense. However, Kelly’s offense was disappointing and after a 2-9 record, he was let go and has now returned to the college ranks. Carroll was also let go after the Silver and Black managed just one more win the entire season. While the defense finished in the middle of the pack in yards, the offense was last and Geno Smith could never return to the promise he showed in Seattle, finishing the year with a QBR of just 34.3 while throwing 17 Int. while also being sacked 55 times. Vegas is in need of a complete overhaul which will now be led by 38-year-old Klint Kubiak, fresh off a Super Bowl LX win as the Seahawks’ OC. The roster is thin when it comes to playmakers outside of Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty. The youth movement begins with the selection of Mendoza, the reigning National Champion QB and Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana. 

2. New York Jets – Arvel Reese, Edge/LB, 6’4”, 241lbs, Ohio State, Jr.

02/25/26 – Arvel Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State

02/22/26 – Arvel Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State

02/13/26 – Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State

Aaron Glenn is back for another year as the Jets HC, but he can’t afford another 3-14 season. The QB position is the biggest area of need as the trio of Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook wrapped up the year with the league’s fewest passing yards. However, with Dante Moore deciding to return to Oregon for his junior season, New York will have to wait until next year if there is a desire to bring in a rookie in Round One. That shifts the focus to the defensive side of the ball where, in 2025, the Jets finished at the bottom in rushing yards while managing just 26 sacks, good for 31st in the league. In fact, the Jets’ inability to put pressure on the QB led to the opposition racking up a league-high 36 passing TD and New York was unable to manage a single Int. Will McDonald IV followed up a double-digit campaign with 8.0 sacks to lead the team, but he didn’t get much help off the edge as he was the only edge rusher with more than 3.0 sacks. Plus, the trade of Jermaine Johnson to the Titans opens the door for another edge rusher to pair with McDonald. Then there’s the fact that DT Jowon Briggs (4.0) and LB Quincy Williams (3.5), who finished second and third on the team in sacks, are both free agents and it’s easy to see that Arvell Reese will be the pick here. Reese’s play reminds me of Micah Parsons, who was an All-Pro at both DE and LB. Reese is dynamic as an off-ball LB, showing off his sideline-to-sideline range while also triggering downhill to shoot gaps and is strong to set the edge against the run. However, what may be more enticing is Reese’s ability to bend the edge and get to the QB in a hurry as a pass rusher. That type of versatility makes him a no-brainer here at No. 2. That is unless Glenn looks for a difference maker on the back end and targets Caleb Downs to replace Andre Cisco at FS. Downs is an elite safety prospect who can impact the game in so many ways and would give the Jets’ defense a playmaker it is desperately in need of.

3. Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT, 6’5 1/2”, 329lbs, Miami, Fla., Jr.

02/25/26 – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami, Fla.

02/22/26 – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami. Fla.

02/13/26 – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami, Fla.

The Cardinals started the season 2-0 but failed to gain any traction and finished the year with just one additional win, which was enough for the Birds to move on from Jonathan Gannon, who finished his three seasons in Arizona with a 15-36 record. In steps Mike LaFleur, who previously was the Rams OC from 2023-2025 and a key decision was made this offseason with the release of Kyler Murray. Moving on from the former No. 1 overall pick means the Cards have to decide whether they want to go the free agency route ad target a QB in next year’s draft or potentially target Ty Simpson at the top of Round 2. Despite losing Murray to a mid-foot sprain in Week 5, Arizona finished with the 7th-ranked passing offense thanks to solid play from Jacoby Brissett and breakout campaigns from TE Trey McBride and WR Michael Wilson. The running game, on the other hand, was a major disappointment, finishing 31st in the league as the Cards couldn’t gain their footing on the ground after James Conner suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 3 then Trey Benson went down with a knee injury in Week 4. Conner is entering the final year of his contract while Benson has missed half the games in his two seasons in Arizona, so there’s a chance the Cards could for an upgrade at RB to give whoever is under center some help. Keep an eye on Jeremiyah Love here as the addition of Tyler Allgeier shouldn’t preclude them from landing the All-American RB for the Irish. OL is a top priority as Jonah Williams is a UFA and even if he’s brought back, durability is a huge concern as he’s missed 19 of 34 games with Arizona due to shoulder and knee injuries. Arizona did add Elijah Wilkinson and Matt Pryor to the OL room, but neither should be considered a long-term answer. Francis Mauigoa emerged as the top OT in this year’s draft with his play down the stretch, especially during the College Football Playoff. Pairing Mauigoa with Paris Johnson Jr. would give Arizona bookend OTs for the foreseeable future. Defensively, adding another edge rusher to pair with Josh Sweat could be where GM Monty Ossenfort looks with this pick, especially with David Bailey on the board. The Cardinals have to face the Rams and Matthew Stafford, the 49ers and Brock Purdy and the Seahawks and Sam Darnold twice apiece, so getting after the QB is a must. Sweat posted 12.5 sacks in 2025, but adding the FBS sack leader would be a big step forward. However, let’s not overthink this pick. Arizona has been looking for a RT for quite some time and solidifying the OL is a must if the Cardinals plan to target a franchise QB in next year’s draft. Mauigoa was downright dominant down the stretch during the Hurricanes’ CFP run in 2025. He may look like an OG, but his athleticism pops as a pass protector with quick feet on the edge. However, it’s Mauigoa’s power and play strength that really stand out. He plays with a low pad level and has the contact balance and core strength to anchor quickly against the bull rush and has violent hands to strike and stun defenders. Mauigoa’s trap technique also overwhelms edge rushers at the point of attack. Mauigoa keeps his feet moving in the ground game to generate a ton of movement and has fluid hips that allow him to generate a ton of torque to clear out his man in the run game. Mauigoa’s a true junior but as a three-year starter he played a ton of football at Miami and has a high football IQ. 

4. Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, 6’0”, 212lbs, Notre Dame, Jr.

02/25/26 – David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

02/22/26 – David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

02/13/26 – Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami, Fla.

One year after selecting Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft the Titans find themselves once again selecting in the top five and we can expect the focus to be on one of two key needs – either getting Ward help in the passing game or finding a playmaker on defense. Calvin Ridley, who went down to a season-ending fibula injury this past season, is in the final year of his deal and is likely to be released, which would save Tennessee $13 million in the process. Rookies Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike played a pivotal role in the passing game and Wan’Dale Robinson will be a key contributor after coming off a 1,000-yard season with the Giants, but none of them would be considered a true No. 1 weapon. Carnell Tate would make a ton of sense here. At least that was before Tate ran a 4.54 40 at the Combine. That lack of ideal vertical speed may move is draft stock out of consideration for a top five pick. With the deep WR class, expect the Titans to target a WR on Day 2.  I’d expect Robet Saleh, a defensive-minded HC, to turn his attention to the defensive side of the ball. Saleh brought in Gus Bradley to run the defense and in his base 4-3 scheme he utilizes a LEO edge rush position, making David Bailey a perfect fit. That was until Tennessee traded T’Vondre Sweat to the Jets for Jermaine Johnson to team with Femi Oladejo. Bailey could still be the pick here, especially considering Johnson managed just 3.0 sacks a season ago. However, what if Tennessee looks to take pressure off Ward by addressing the 30th-ranked rushing offense? Tony Pollard was a 1,000-yard rusher last season, but both he and backup Tajae Sharpe are in the final year of their deals. Jeremiyah Love may be the best RB prospect since Bijan Robinson in 2023. Love is a dynamic three-down back who plays fast, shows off exceptional vision and tremendous lateral agility to fit through even the smallest of creases. Love has exceptional speed, as evidenced by his 4.36 40 speed at the Combine, which he uses to eliminate angles, outflank defenders to the perimeter and outrun the defense to the house. Love also has tremendous contact balance to bounce off defenders and is known to also use his tremendous leaping ability to hurdle defenders who would otherwise be in position to make a play. And then there’s Love’s receiving ability, where he showcases precise route running to present mismatches against LBs and has reliable hands that allow him to pluck the ball out of the air with ease then make a play after the catch. If Tennessee can land its franchise RB one year after securing Ward to line up under center, that really sets up the offense for the foreseeable future.

5. New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, 6’5”, 244lbs, Ohio State

02/25/26 – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

02/22/26 – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

02/13/26 – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Brian Daboll era is over in New York after the Giants failed to manage more than six wins in his final three seasons after a playoff berth in his first season in 2022. In steps John Harbaugh after 18 seasons in Baltimore and you can expect him to have full control of the decision making this offseason. So, with all the needs currently on the roster, in which direction will Harbaugh go here? In his 18 seasons, the Ravens had 1stround picks in 16 of those, 9 of which were used on 3 positions, all of which are needs for the Giants: LB – CJ Mosley (2014), Patrick Queen (2020); S – Matt Elam (2013), Kyle Hamilton (2022), Malaki Starks (2025); and WR – Breshad Perriman (2015), Hollywood Brown (2019), Rashad Bateman (2021), Zay Flowers (2023). During his time in Baltimore, Harbaugh has shown he’s not afraid to continue to target the WR position in search of an impact wideout. The G-men were expecting big things from Malik Nabers, but he suffered a season-ending ACL injury in week 4. In his absence, Wan’Dale Robinson stepped up in a big way and benefited from a career year by signing with Tennessee this offseason. Darius Slayton was the only other WR with more than 250 yards as Nabers finishing the year with the 3rdmost receiving yards (271) on the team despite only playing in four games. Carnell Tate would be the perfect complementary receiver to Nabers and would give Dart another key weapon in the passing attack. That said, Harbaugh knows the impact a high-level safety can have on a defense, especially having coached Ed Reed and Hamilton and Caleb Downs is considered potentially a generational player at his position. Jevon Holland was solid when healthy, but New York could look for an upgrade over Tyler Nubin, who has racked up the tackles but has proven to be a liability in coverage, with 0 Int. and just 3 PBU in his two seasons in the league. Now there are reports coming out of the Combine about his knee. Corey Kinnan of Daft on Draft reported that a NFC scout told him that Downs was not only found to have had a partially torn meniscus, but also a degenerative ACL. While many players have had successful careers despite being diagnosed with a degenerative ACL, would that be enough for the Giants to pass on him here, especially since Downs plays what’s considered to be a non-premium position? I think it’s just enough for New York to pass on him in favor of his Ohio State teammate. Harbaugh’s defense has always had a high performer at LB, whether it was Ray Lewis, Mosley, Queen or Roquan Smith. The Giants already made a splash in free agency with the signing of Tremaine Edmunds and re-signed Micah McFadden, who suffered a season-ending foot injury this past season after back-to-back 100-tackle seasons. Now adding Edmunds and McFadden should not preclude the G-men from targeting Sonny Styles, the premier LB in this draft, who put on an absolute show at the Combine to solidify his status as a top ten pick. At 6’5” and 244 pounds, Styles ran a 4.46 40, leaped 43.5 inches in the vertical jump and posted a broad jump of 11 feet, 2 inches with nearly 33-inch arms. The converted safety displayed tremendous instincts on the field which allowed him to play exceptionally fast, reading plays quickly, taking on blocks with well-timed hand strikes and power and was a sure tackler when arriving at the football. In fact, this past season Styles racked up 82 tackles while just missing a single tackle, which was in his final game as a Buckeye in the CFP against Mark Fletcher Jr. Styles would be an instant impact player and would fit in nicely in New York’s front seven.

6. Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, 6’2”, 192lbs, Ohio State, Jr.

02/25/26 – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

02/22/26 – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

02/13/26 – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

The Browns have a decision to make with their first of two 1stRound picks. They could fill one of the team’s biggest needs either at OT with Spencer Fano the likely candidate or at WR if Carnell Tate is available. That said, there is the potential to land a generational-type player in safety Caleb Downs. Andrew Berry would be targeting a luxury pick at this point because Grant Delpit is solid at one safety spot while Ronnie Hickman had a productive season last year with 103 tackles and 2 Int and is a RFA this year. Downs is a difference maker and would provide a missing link to a defense that already has stars in Myles Garrett and Carson Schwesinger. However, selecting the best player available over drafting for need could set Cleveland back in the draft. If anything, Berry could opt to trade the pick in favor of gathering additional picks, similar to what he did last year when he traded out of the No. 2 spot and obtained Jacksonville’s 1st Round pick this year, No. 24 overall. I just think the Browns need to go offense with both of their 1st Round picks and adding starters at OT and WR would be the direction to go. QB play was underwhelming for most of the year, whether it was Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders under center, but not having a go-to wideout also handicapped the passing game. In fact, it was TE Harold Fannin who led the team in receiving, hauling in 72 passes for 731 yards and 6 TD. Jerry Jeudy should be seen as nothing more than a complementary piece at WR, finishing 2025 with just 50 catches for 602 yards and 2 TD. Isaiah Bond showed some promise down the stretch but is also considered a role player. Carnell Tate would be a natural pick here, but will they be scared away by that 4.54 40 time? Should Cleveland stay here, adding an OT to the mix makes a lot of sense. Dawand Jones went down to a low body injury early in 2025 and the team traded for Cam Robinson toward the end of September. Robinson struggled mightily in a Browns uniform as he racked up both sacks and penalties and as a UFA is likely not coming back. Tytus Howard played both RT and OG while at Houston so RT could still be on the table as Jack Conklin was released after missing 41 of 85 games since 2021. If the plan is to move Howard inside and keep Jones at LT, then adding the top OT in this draft in Francis Mauigoa could be exactly what the Browns need up front. With Jones at LT, free agent acquisition Zion Johnson at LG, Elgton Jenkings at C, Howard at RG and Mauigoa at RT the Browns would have completely revamped its OL this offseason in hopes of improving the 31st ranked OL per Pro Football Focus, which gae up a league-high 143 pressures and 21 sacks. With Mauigoa off the board, would the Browns take a chanc on Monroe Freeling, whose draft stock has seen a meteoric rise during the pre-draft process. Cleveland has to ensure they have a No. 1 WR and can still land a starting-caliber OT with their pick at No 24 overall. Tate emerged out of the shadow of talented sophomore Jeremiah Smith to be one of the premier WRs in all of college football. Tate has plenty of speed to stretch the defense vertically but is also sudden with his route running to separate with ease on the first two levels. He can track the football with the best of them and shows of an impressive catch radius to come down with the football.

7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, 6’0”, 206lbs, Ohio State, Jr.

02/25/26 – Rueben Bain, Edge, Miami, Fla.

02/22/26 – Rueben Bain, Edge, Miami, Fla.

02/13/26 – David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

2025 is a season the Commanders would like to forget as it saw any hopes of competing in the NFC East dashed when Jayden Daniels battled a slew of injuries, beginning with a sprained knee in Week 2, then a hamstring injury in Week 7 followed by the gruesome dislocated elbow two weeks later that ended his season. Danels must stay healthy if Washington looks to bounce back in 2026. He’s also going to need weapons in the passing game. Terry McLaurin racked up 1,000 yards receiving in five straight seasons, but a nagging quad injury kept him to just 10 games. While he was out, Deebo Samuel, for whom the Commanders traded with the 49ers, led the team in receiving with just 727 yards and is now a free agent after his contract was void, leaving $12 million in dead cap space. Washington could look to free agency to find a complementary receiver to Scary Terry, or they could target Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon or Jordyn Tyson. The ground game must also be addressed this offseason after finishing 30th in the league in yards. Austin Ekeler only played in two games due to injury, but Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a revelation leading the team with 805 yards. Jeremiyah Love would be the perfect RB to pair with Daniels. However, the Commanders likely will have to trade up to secure Love’s services. I have to imagine Washington’s focus early in the draft should be on upgrading a porous defense that finished dead last in yards given up. There’ a chance Caleb Downs could still be on the board with this pick, meaning the Commanders could take a potentially generational player at No. 7. Will Harris, Jeremy Reaves and Quan Martin were the starters on the back end of the defense, but Harris missed 8 games due to a fractured fibula and is now in the last year of his deal, much like Martin is, while Reaves is seen more as a Special Teams ace and backup option defensively. Downs has the versatility to play either safety spot but excels at FS. The last time Washington drafted a free safety in Round 1 was in 2004 when the team selected Sean Taylor with the 5th pick overall in 2004. Taylor was potentially a generational player at the position before his life was cut short and Downs could be that guy for Washington now. DE had been the top need on defense, but with the free agent signings of Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson, the Commanders can focus their attention elsewhere here and target a young edge rusher on Day 2. Caleb Downs was once thought of as a sure-fire top five pick but after the news of a degenerative ACL, his stock may fall, which would be to the Commanders’ absolute benefit. Downs would be a perfect fit in DC Daronte Jones’ defense playing either as a box safety or at nickel but would be used all over the field. Downs is a high-IQ player who rarely gets fooled on play action or misdirection, has sideline-to-sideline range and plays well both in man and zone coverage. The Commanders haven’t had an elite safety since Taylor and adding Downs would immediately strengthen the back end of their defense. 

8. New Orleans Saints – David Bailey, Edge, 6’4”, 251lbs, Texas Tech 

02/25/26 – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

02/22/26 – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

02/13/26 – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Normally, a 6-11 season is filled with disappointments. However, it’s the play down the stretch that should have Saints fans excited. New Orleans won four of their last five games and the play of Tyler Shough in those games should have Kellen Moore convinced he’s found his QB of the future. Now, the Saints need to provide Shough with some weapons. The Saints managed to put up just 94.3 yards per game on the ground which was good for 28th in the league. Alvin Kamara is now 30 years of age, battled injuries in 2025 and is now in the final year of his deal. Jeremiyah Love would provide the juice New Orleans is looking for in the backfield. However, the addition of Travis Etienne allows the Saints to turn their focus to the WR position. Chris Olave finished with 1,000 yards receiving for the third time in four seasons in the league, but there was little help at the WR position beyond him as it was TE Juwan Johnson who had a breakout season with 889 yards while Rashid Shaheed, who was traded to the Seahawks after playing 9 games in New Orleans, was still the No. 3 receiver on the team. Pairing Olave with Carnell Tate would give Shough a pair of stellar former Buckeye wideouts on the outside. New Orleans did rack p 45 sacks a season ago and the pairing of Chase Young and Cameron Jordan gave the Saints a pair of edge rushers with double-digit sacks. However, Cameron Jordan is still a UFA and the longer he’s on the market, the more it seems like the 36-year-old, who spent all 15 seasons and racked up 132.0 sacks in a Saints uniform, is moving on. Carl Granderson is under contract through the 2027 season and managed 6.0 sacks in more of a supporting role, but I just don’t see him being a full-time starter and if New Orleans can land Bailey, who elevated his status as a premier edge rusher by getting to the QB 14.5 times in 2025 after transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech for his final season, it seems like a no-brainer here. Bailey is incredibly explosive off the ball to beat OTs to the edge, but he also has an uncanny ability to bend and slip blocks to turn the corner to wreak havoc in opposing backfields. He can also convert speed to power and use the bull rush to get into the OT’s body and drive him back. Bailey does have to watch out for OTs getting hands on him early to stall out his run. However, he does such a good job of utilizing counters once his initial rush plan stalls out. Bailey’s athleticism is also evident in his pursuit of the football and you see his fluid hips and lateral agility to plant and drive on the ball carrier. Teams have to run at him and try to overpower him because if you run away from Bailey, he will find a way to chase down the ball carrier.

9. Kansas City Chiefs – Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, 6’3”, 275lbs, Miami, Fla.

02/25/26 – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

02/22/26 – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

02/13/26 – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

It’s odd seeing the Chiefs with a top 10 pick in the draft, but 2025 was a real struggle with a roster that was decimated by injuries. KC finished the season 6-11, which was the worst record since the 2012 Chiefs went 2-14, which also was the year prior to Andy Reid taking over as HC. The final blow was Patrick Mahomes suffering a torn ACL in Week 15. Down the stretch, Kansas City turned into a one-dimensional offense as the league’s 25th-ranked running attack sputtered. That’s why the Chiefs targeted Kenneth Walker III in free agency. Adding weapons in the passing game is another key need for Mahomes, especially with Travis Kelce on what appears to be a year-by-year basis. Injuries and suspensions hampered the unit, with Rashee Rice sitting the first six games of the season due to a violation of while Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy played hurt during the year. Brown is gone now and fellow veteran Juju Smith-Schuster is still a  UFA, so you can expect the WR position to be a target this offseason, either in free agency or through the draft. One obvious addition could be Tyreek Hill, who was let go this offseason by the Dolphins. If the Chiefs opt to address the position here, then Jordyn Tyson would be a dynamic weapon for Mahomes on the outside. And let’s not forget the performance of TE Kenyon Sadiq at the Combine, where the 6’3” 241-pounder ran a blistering 4.39 40 with a 43.5-ich vertical leap and could prove to be a dynamic weapon who would eventually replace Kelce. I think the Chiefs could look to prioritize protecting Mahomes, even after taking LT Josh Simmons in the 1stRound of last year’s draft. The OL failed to hold up throughout the season, giving up 47 sacks on the year. RT Jawaan Taylor has been a penalty machine in his three seasons in a Chief uniform, racking up 46 penalties during that time according to nflpenalties.com. KC has finally decided to move on from the much-maligned OT, releasing Taylor this offseason. Pairing Francis Mauigoa with Simmons would be a big deal for Mahomes. Defensively, Chris Jones needs to get help up front. He continued to be a productive pass rusher, leading KC in sacks with 7.0, but his effectiveness against the run dipped. If Brett Veach expects Jones to return to form in 2026, he has to get him help up front. George Karlaftis was a productive edge rusher, posting 6.0 sacks, but Charles Omenihu (3.0) was the only other DE with multiple sacks on the year and he’s now in Washington. Rueben Bain Jr.’s physicality would be a welcome addition alongside Jones. Then there’s the CB position where KC seems to be hitting the reset button. First, Trent McDuffie was traded to the Rams for a package of picks including the 29th overall pick in this year’s draft. Then, Jaylen Watson followed McDuffie to LA in free agency while Joshua Williams signed with the Titans. If the Chiefs expect to contend in the AFC, they’ll have to deal wit the likes of Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Bo Nix and Joe Burrow, so targeting a lockdown corner like Mansoor Delane with this pick makes a ton of sense. I just think KC is so thin at the DE position, even with Karlaftis holding down one side while Ashton Gillotte is expected to take a step forward, there is little depth beyond those two and Bain Jr. could make an instant impact at the next level. There’s been a lot of talk about Bain Jr.’s short arms after they were measured at just 30 7/8 inches. However, all you have to do is put the tape on and you’ll just see him win again and again and again. Don’t think too hard about this one, trust what you see on film. Bain Jr.’s relentless violent nature as a pass rusher was consistently on display. Keep in mind, Bain Jr. has had to deal with the lack of ideal arm length his entire playing career, so what you see is his ability to strike first, strike quickly and strike with bad intentions. He has the flexibility to bend off the edge, flip his hips while attacking the OT’s hands with well-timed clubs or swipes and will flatten out in a hurry to get to the QB. His ability to convert speed to power also makes him a tremendous bull rusher. And Bain Jr. uses his play strength in the run game as well where he can quickly disengage and chase down the ball carrier. What I love most is the nonstop motor as he’s always working to get to the football. The power and violence with which he plays reminds me of Jared Verse and would bring much-needed attitude to the defense in KC.

10. Cincinnati Bengals – Mansoor Delane, CB, 6’0”, 187lbs, LSU 

02/25/26 – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

02/22/26 – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

02/13/26 – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

2025 was a season of disappointments in Cincinnati, starting with the nagging turf toe Joe Burrow sustained in Week 2 that forced him to miss nine games. The Bengals were 5-3 with Burrow under center and 1-8 without him. The defense was arguably the league’s worst, giving up nearly 31 points a game while also finishing last in yards allowed. The organization also mishandled the Trey Hendrickson situation as the All-Pro DE sat out amid a contract dispute before finally signing. Unfortunately for all parties involved, Hendrickson played in just seven games having battled a core muscle injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Now the Bengals have a decision to make, which is likely to move on from a franchise player who led the league in sacks in back-to-back seasons in 2023 and 2024. Then there’s the Shemar Stewart contract dispute. Stewart, the team’s 1st Round pick last year, held out due to a change in Cincy’s contract language from years past. A deal was eventually done, but Stewart failed to live up to lofty expectations and ended up going down with a PCL tear in his left knee in Week 9. The Bengals also haven’t gotten much production from Myles Murphy, whom Cincy used a 2023 1st Round pick on. Murphy did lead the team 5.5 sacks, but there hasn’t been any consistency to his game over his first three seasons in the league. Would Cincinnati go back to the well and draft a DE for the third time in four seasons? At some point they have to get it right, right? Rueben Bain Jr. would be the obvious pick, and I wouldn’t rule out Keldric Faulk, but with a deep DE class, the Bengals could opt to address the secondary. There’s the possibility that Caleb Downs falls all the way to No. 10. Would the league really allow a potentially generational player fall this far? It’s entirely possible and Downs would fill an immediate need as FS Geno Stone left for Buffalo after a high missed tackle rate in a Bengals uniform last year. I think that in the end Cincy opts for the top CB in this year’s draft class. Why CB? There hasn’t been any consistency outside of DJ Turner II.  Mansoor Delane has proven to be a lockdown corner in 2025 after transferring to LSU from Virginia Tech, showing physicality in press coverage, fluid hips and elite speed while turning to run and has tremendous ball skills. Pro Football Focus indicated Delane allowed just a 31.3 passer rating when targeted, good for 2nd in the FBS, and allowed just 14 catches for 165 yards on 35 targets. Expect to see power in his punch when jamming the WR at the line of scrimmage, anticipation as he diagnoses routes and the ability to drive on the football without any wasted movement. Delane is the clear CB1 in this draft and would team with Turner II on the outside allowing Dax Hill to remain as the nickel.

11. Miami Dolphins – Jordyn Tyson, WR, 6’2”, 203lbs, Arizona State, Jr.

02/25/26 – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

02/22/26 – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

02/13/26 – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Mike McDaniel is out as Dolphins HC after a 35-33 record in four seasons in Miami and after an 11-6 record in 2023, he finished with two straight seasons of sub-.500 football, culminating with a 7-10 record in 2025. McDaniel was thought of as an offensive mastermind, but this past season the Miami offense finished 26thin the league in total yards. Former Packers DC Jeff Hafley steps in as HC and if this offseason is any indication, the 2026 Dolphins will look very different as the new regime was quick to let go of three of their highest profile players in Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb then traded Jaylen Waddle to Denver. With Tua out, Malik Willis was signed to line up under center for Miami in 2026. The loss of Chubb, who led the Dolphins in sacks 2ith 8.5 a season ago, means Chop Robinson is the only edge rusher currently on the roster with any real game experience last season. The additions of Josh Uche and David Ojabo are a start, but Keldric Faulk has the blend of size and power to be a tremendous run stuffer as he continues to polish his pass rush ability and would be a nice complement to Robinson’s speed and explosiveness off the edge. It just feels a bit too early to target Faulk. Miami’s secondary may also look vastly different next season as the primary starters on the outside Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones are both UFAs. Jermod McCoy needs to show he’s fully healed from the ACL tear he suffered last January and he could easily be in the conversation for this pick. Distancing themselves from Hill and Waddle mean the roster is in desperate need of WR help. While Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert will be nice complementary receivers, what’s lacking is a true No. 1 WR. There is no doubt that a healthy Jordyn Tyson would be in the argument for the top WR in the draft if he had been healthy throughout his collegiate career. However, the durability concerns are real as Tyson missed a third of the games in his career, having dealt with a multi-ligament knee injury (ACL, MCL, PCL) in 2022 while at Colorado, followed by a fractured clavicle that put him out prior to ASU’s CFP run, then battled hamstring issues this past season. The medical red flag is likely to push Tyson down the board and Miami could reap the benefits of the slide. Tyson has the speed, size and athleticism to play both on the outside and in the slot, which should excite new OC Bobby Slowik as he’d be able to line him up all over the field to take advantage of mismatches. Tyson is a fluid athlete and can separate when driving out of his breaks and is able to get down the field vertically despite not being known as a burner. However, it’s his ball tracking, body control and contested catch ability that are his calling card. Tyson is so good when attacking the ball in the air that 50-50 balls tend to be more like 80-20 in his favor. His body control is so impressive in the air with the ability to contort his body to make the catch and has a knack for always knowing where he is on the field. Tyson also put up 225 pounds an impressive 26 times, which not only tied him for the most of any WR but only 14 players at any position posted more reps than him, which just speaks to his play strength.

12. Dallas Cowboys – Dillon Thieneman, S, 6’0”, 201lbs, Oregon, Jr. 

02/25/26 – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

02/22/26 – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

02/13/26 – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Dallas finished the season 7-9-1 in Brian Schottenheimer and while Dak Prescott led the league’s No. 2 ranked offense, the defense was a major disappointment finishing 30th in the league in yards given up and second to last in passing TD and 6.1 yards per play given up. The defensive overhaul started last season when Jerry Jones decided to move on from Micah Parsons and brought in Kenny Clark in the process, then there was the trade for Quinnen Williams. The trio of Williams, Clark and Osa Odighizuwa provides the Cowboys with a formidable group up front. The pass rush suffered without Parsons, but Dallas made a deal for Rashan Gary to line up opposite Donovan Ezeiruaku and Sam Williams was re-signed to a one-year deal. However, with Jadeveon Clowney and Dante Fowler Jr. leaving via free agency, there’s still a chance we’ll see a depth play with this pick. The LB position is also in need of an upgrade as Kenneth Murray’s poor performance in 2025 means he won’t be back this year, while Logan Wilson, for whom Dallas made a trade with Cincinnati at the trade deadline, was released. DeMarvion Overshown has proven to be a key component on defense for Dallas when healthy, but he’s going to need help and adding the instinctive and versatile Sonny Styles to the mix would solidify the LB group if he’s still available. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland battled injuries while Kaiir Elam did not live up to expectations after being brought aboard this season. That resulted in Elam being released in November and Diggs in December, forcing Shavon Revel Jr. into action before he was ready after returning from an ACL injury that kept him out of his final season at East Carolina. Adding Jermod McCoy to team with Revel on the outside would allow Bland to take over at nickel, a critical position in DC Christian Parker’s scheme. Caleb Downs is another player to keep an eye on even after the signing of Jalen Thompson. However, with Downs off the board, the Cowboys should shift their attention to Thieneman, who would be a perfect fit in DC Christian Parker’s defense and could eventually take over for Malik Hooker who is in the last year of his deal. Parker is going to want a versatile defender with the versatility to play in the box and over the top and Thieneman’s stock continues to rise after an impressive performance at the Combine. Thieneman ran an eye-popping 4.36 40 while also leaping 41 inches in the vertical jump. A three-year starter at Purdue and Oregon, Thieneman came to within just four tackles this past season from having amassed 100+ tackles in each of his seasons patrolling the back end of the defense for the Boilermakers and Ducks. Thieneman showcased an ability to trigger downhill in a hurry and arrive at the football ready to make a play. However, it’s his ability in coverage that should have Dallas excited, having picked off 8 Int. and breaking up another 14 in his career. He does a tremendous job reading routes and has incredible range over the top that allows him to track the ball well and arrive in position to attack the ball at the catch point. When you watch Thieneman, you notice just how quickly he reacts to the football and his hips are fluid to plant and drive on the football without any wasted movement. Parker is going to want a player with a high football IQ patrolling the back end of his defense so it only makes sense to target one of the more intelligent safeties in this year’s draft.

13. Los Angeles Rams (From Atlanta) – Makai Lemon, WR, 5’11”, 192lbs, USC, Jr.

02/25/26 – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

02/22/26 – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

02/13/26 – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Rams came within an eyelash of being the NFC West team to play in Super Bowl LX, but a fumbled punt by Xavier Smith ultimately determined to be the difference. Sean McVay and Les Snead used their second 1stRound pick obtain via a trade Atlanta made to get back into Round 1 last year to land James Pearce to target their No. 1 draft need. The Rams traded the picks, including No. 29 overall, to Kansas City for All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie. Then they signed Jaylen Watson who was with McDuffie in KC. Those moves allow LA to address a secondary that was clearly exposed in the playoffs having given up at least 250 passing yards in each of their three playoff games. McVay and Snead went secondary via trade to then allow them to draft the best player available here and I could easily see this being used to target a bit of a luxury pick that would focus on the future. We know that Matthew Stafford will be back in 2026, but the health of the WR group was in question throughout the year, forcing McVay to employ 13 personnel more than usual. Puka Nacua was dominant down the stretch, while Davante Adams led the league with 14 receiving TD while only playing in 14 games. Both Nacua and Adams will be free agents at season’s end and while signing Puka to a long-term deal should be a top priority for Snead and McVay, there may not be enough money to go around for the 33-year old Adams and now may be the time to target his eventual successor. As it stands, the Rams are in need of a No. 3 WR as the trio of Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield failed to make much of an impact. I can see Snead and McVay passing on defense with their first pick, much like they did last season, and instead targeting a local WR in USC’s Makai Lemon should he fall. I could also see the Rams doubling up at the TE position with their first pick in back-to-back drafts after selecting Terrance Ferguson last season and going with his replacement in Eugene in Kenyon Sadiq, whose ability to stretch defenses up the seam would give LA a pair of TEs to employ 12 personnel. Say what you want about Makai Lemon’s size, he’s absolutely dynamic with his route running and when he has the ball in his hands. This year’s Biletnikoff winner plays much bigger than his size, has a knack for getting open and shows off an uncanny ability to attack the ball in the air and find a way to come down with it. Lemon’s play is parts Jaxon Smith-Njigba and parts Amon-Ra St. Brown. Breiden Fehoko reported Lemon’s Combine interviews didn’t go well and his media interviews were a bit odd compared to what we saw while Lemon was at SC. His behavior at the Combine may have lowered his draft stock just enough for Lemon to end up in his backyard in LA. Lemon would be the perfect complement for Nacua and Adams as a weapon in the slot in the short term and would naturally transition to WR2 whenever Adams moves on.

14. Baltimore Ravens – Olaivavega Ioane, OG, 6’4”, 320lbs, Penn State, Jr.

02/25/26 Baltimore Ravens – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

02/22/26 Baltimore Ravens – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

02/13/25 Baltimore Ravens – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Ravens made a splash this offseason by trading two 1st Round picks for the first time in franchise history to secure Maxx Crosby from Las Vegas. However, that trade was nullified just a couple days later when Crosby didn’t pass his physical with Baltimore. So now, pick No. 14 is back with the Ravens and GM Eric DeCosta has to decide in which direction he wants to go with this pick. The Ravens failed to make the playoffs for just the second time in the last eight years, but that was enough to move on from John Harbaugh. In steps Jesse Minter, a defensive-minded head coach who won a national title as the DC in Michigan before taking on the same role with the Chargers. Minter has to improve the 24th-ranked defense quickly. In fact, the most glaring need may be at edge rusher as the team finished with a dismal 30 sacks, good for third worst in the league. The duo of Tavius Robinson and Mike Green are back after combining to drop the QB just 8.0 times, but the roster is lacking a dynamic pass rusher especially without Maxx Crosby in the fold. But with the top edge rushers off the board, it’s a bit too early to target Keldric Faulk, Akheem Mesidor or Cashius Howell. If the draft board falls this way and the Ravens want an edge rusher, expect a trade down. While the organization was second in the league in rushing with Derrick Henry rushing for nearly 1,600 yards yet the passing game fell short, finishing 27th in yards and 30th in receiving first downs and yards after catch. Minter and GM Eric DeCosta will need to target a pass catcher to complement Zay Flowers, who went over the 1,000-yard mark for the second straight year. Nuk Hopkins, who is now a UFA, and Rashod Bateman were the only other WRs to crack the top 10 in receptions on the roster. Jordyn Tyson is a legit vertical threat who is smooth in his transitions and attacks the ball well in jump ball situations. He’d be a great fit opposite Flowers if he’s still available. With Tyson off the board, if Baltimore wants to target Denzel Boston, Omar Cooper Jr. or KC Concepcion, expect a trade down. How about getting Lamar Jackson a dynamic playmaker in the passing game at the TE position? Mark Andrews will be in the second year of a three-year deal but Isaiah Likely left in free agency. New OC Declan Doyle is a Ben Johnson disciple and just saw the impact that the Bears had drafting the uber-athletic Colston Loveland when Cole Kmet was already on the roster. This could be a curveball, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Baltimore select Kenyon Sadiq to team with Andrews. I think if Sadiq isn’t in play here, keep an eye on Eli Stowers in Round 2. 

Then there’s the OG position where Daniel Faalele won’t be back, but John Simpson was signed to take on one starting spot while Emery Jones Jr. and Andrew Vorhees will battle for the other starting spot. Does it make sense to target Olaivavega Ioane here? Adding Ioane will go a long way toward shoring up the OL blocking for Jackson. Ioane is known for his impressive strength, balance and power in his hands. He can have trouble with the twitchy interior defenders, but once Ioane gets his hands on you, expect him to deliver a strong punch and get under your pad level and when he keeps the feet moving, he’s driving you across the line of scrimmage. Ioane’s physicality would be a perfect fit as Doyle looks to bring balance to the offense.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, 6’3”, 241lbs, Oregon, Jr.

02/25/26 – Ahkeem Mesidor, Edge, Miami, Fla.

02/22/26 – Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami, Fla.

02/13/26 – Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

The Buccaneers missed out on the playoffs for the first time with Baker Mayfield under center after posting an 8-9 record. In fact, the 2025 season marked the end of a four-year stretch at the top of the NFC South. Mayfield had his worst statistical season in Tampa with the lowest completion percentage (63.2%) and fewest passing yards (3,693) and TD (26). However, Mayfield’s drop in production was largely due to the injury bug, where Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving all missed time. While the defense was fifth against the run, their pass defense was among the worst in the league. The defense struggled mightily down the stretch as Tampa won just two games since their bye during Week 9. According to Pro Football Focus, Jamel Dean had the lowest passer rating (41.3) among cornerbacks with at least 35 targets this past season. Dean is now in Pittsburgh, meaning Benjamin Morrison is likely to play a larger role in 2026 opposite Zyon McCollum, but I wouldn’t rule out Tampa taking a run at Colton Hood with this pick. 35-year-old Lavonte David hit the 100-tackle threshold for the 12th time in his 14 seasons with the Bucs, but he became a liability in coverage. David has signed three consecutive one-year deals, but at some point, you have to expect him to move on. Alex Anzalone was signed to either replace David or as an upgrade over SirVocea Dennis, but you have to expect Sonny Styles would fit the bill if he were to somehow fall. Then there’s the pass rush as Tampa has been looking for someone to team with Yaya Diaby who led the team last season with 7.0 sacks. Haason Reddick was supposed to be the answer after he was brought in on a one-year deal as a chance at redemption after recording just one sack in 2024 with the Jets after four straight seasons with double-digit sacks. However, Reddick was largely a disappointment after managing just 2.5 sacks this past season and is now a UFA. Al-Quadin Muhammad was brought in after a double-digit sack season in Detroit. Tampa could look to continue to shore up its front seven with Cashius Howell, Ahkeem Mesidor or Keldric Faulk. Watch out for Faulk here because he has the versatility to line up at OLB in Tampa’s 3-4 scheme, or he could even replace Logan Hall at DE as needed. Evans had his streak of 1,000-yard seasons snapped at 11 after only playing in eight games due to injury. He’s now in San Francisco. Emeka Egbuka emerged as a playmaker and the No. 1 option for Mayfield and will team with Godwin, but Tampa has to bank on the continued growth of Tez Johnson and Jalen McMillan and if Tampa is looking to replace Evans’ production, there’s a chance Tampa could use back-to-back picks on a WR if Jordyn Tyson or Makai Lemon would somehow fall. TE Cade Otton, the team’s 4th leading receiver last season, was brought back, but the chance to secure Kenyon Sadiq if he were to fall may be too much to pass on because he can be such a valuable weapon lining up all over the field to present mismatches wherever he’s positioned. Sadiq doesn’t have the size of your prototypical TE, but he’s the most complete TE in the draft, showing the ability to be an effective blocker both in the run game and on the perimeter setting up the wideouts and can also stretch defenses vertically up the seam and can contort his body to make the difficult catch look effortless. However, it was his performance at the Combine that locked him in as a top-25 pick. Sadiq ran a blistering 4.39 40, posted an eye-popping 43.5-inch vertical leap and leaped 11 feet, 1 inch in the broad jump. Talk about explosive at any position, let alone at TE. 

16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis) – Ty Simpson, QB, 6’1”, 211lbs, Alabama, Jr.

02/25/26 – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

02/22/26 – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

02/13/26 – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

The Jets gained a second 1st Round pick in this year’s draft as part of a trade that sent Sauce Gardner to Indy. New York is in position to fill a key need on either side of the ball; the question ultimately will be in which direction this pick will go. QB is the top priority but now is not the time to target Ty Simpson, who finished his collegiate career with just 15 starts and should be considered a Day 2 option. Garrett Wilson had an injury-plagued 2025 and without him, the passing game really suffered. Adonai Mitchell showed promise after coming to the Jets in the aforementioned trade with the Colts, finishing the year with 24 receptions for 301 yards, including a 100-yard game, and 2 TD. Adding another WR to the mix like Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson or even Omar Cooper Jr. may be intriguing. It also makes sense that the Jets target the OL after giving up 60 sacks in 2025, especially as last year’s starting OGs Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson both left in free agency. Dylan Parham was signed to potentially take over one OG spot and Joe Tippmann moved over to OG from center which is his natural position. After using back-to-back 1st Round picks on Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou to solidify the OT spot, New York has a chance to select a top IOL in either Olaivavega Ioane or Spencer Fano. However, would the Jets really use their sixth top 50 pick on an OL in the last seven years? I think the Jets could easily make the call to solidify the OL for Geno Smith and take the versatile Fano here. That said, while I said Simpson should be considered a Day 2 option, he is QB2 and there is a wide margin between him and QB3 so if the Jets want to look at a QB of the future, Simpson has to be the pick. Plus, with Arizona, Cleveland and even the LA Rams considering a QB, you can bet New York will want to pull the trigger earlier than they should. I mean, Aaron Glenn and Darrell Moughey finished their first season together in New York with a 3-14 record. Could they really afford to continue to wallow at the bottom of the AFC East without any future direction? Simpson has just 15 starts under his belt and QBs with just one year of starting experience don’t tend to pan out, just look at Akili Smith, Mitchell Trubisky, Trey Lance and Anthony Richardson for proof. However, if you look at the tape, there wasn’t a better QB entering Week 10 of the college football season. Following a loss to Florida State to open the season, a game where he completed just 53% of his passes, Simpson has an eight-game stretch that saw him complete 175 of 253 (69.2%) for 2,460 yards and 19 TD to just 1 Int. In fact, the run was so impressive that it was Simpson and not Fernando Mendoza who was the Heisman favorite. Simpson does a great job reading the field with pre-snap reads and can go through his progressions quickly. His mechanics are sound and he has a very quick release. Simpson was asked to make NFL-type throws to all three levels of the field and did so with precision, even if his arm strength is just average. He was fearless threading the needle and putting the ball where only his WR could make a play on the football. Simpson has quick feet when manipulating the pocket and does a good job keeping his eyes down the field to identify an open man. Now, recency bias will say Simpson has no business being considered a 1st Round prospect. His final four games that included Auburn in the Iron Bowl, Georgia in the SEC Championship and then a rematch with Oklahoma and a 38-3 drubbing at the hands of Indiana in the CFP were pretty rough. In those games, Simpson went 68 for 119 (57.1%) for 633 yards, though he did throw 6 TD to just a single Int. He failed to learn when a play is over as he tried to continue to extend plays which got him into trouble. He’d panic, his mechanics would leave him and his inaccuracies got him into trouble. Simpson also lost his internal clock as he took unnecessary sacks while trying to extend plays. However, Simpson was also the victim of circumstance with a rushing offense that struggled to gain any yards (51.5 rush yards per game) and had an OL in front of him that struggled to protect him (12 sacks given up). Simpson does need time to develop behind Smith and he’d be coming into a situation where he can learn from OC Frank Reich, who is known for developing QBs. With Simpson on the roster, New York can then make an honest assessment and if they’re not convinced Simpson is the answer, they can pivot to a top QB in next year’s draft, whether that’s Arch Manning, Dante Moore or Brendan Sorsby. 

17. Detroit Lions – Monroe Freeling, OT, 6’7”, 315lbs, Georgia, Jr.

02/25/26 – Zion Young, Edge, Missouri

02/22/26 – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

02/13/26 – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Lions found themselves at the bottom of a highly competitive NFC North just two years after falling just short of Super Bowl LVIII in a three-point loss to San Francisco. However, the 2025 season was a definite indicator that needs on the defensive side of the football must be addressed early in this draft. The CB position was ravaged by injuries with DJ Reed, Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. all missing a considerable amount of time, forcing the Lions to rely in Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin, both of whom had solid seasons and both are pending free agents. If Detroit wants to solidify the group, Colton Hood or Avieon Terrell would be the pick here. Detroit has long been looking for a complementary edge rusher for Aidan Hutchinson, who battled back from a gruesome leg injury in 2024 to rack up 14.5 sacks this past season. Al-Quadin Muhammad was just that with 11.0 sacks, but now he’s in Tampa. I think there’s a real desire to bring Muhammad back, but there’s no depth at the position. Marcus Davenport played in just 10 games over the last two seasons, recorded only 1.5 sacks during that time and is not expected back now that he’s a UFA. Keep an eye on Akheem Mesidor and Keldric Faulk. Detroit has a top five offense, but for the first time in a decade, the OL will be missing Taylor Decker, a 1stRound pick in 2016 who started all 140 games in which he played. Decker was granted his request for a release and now the Lions have to find his replacement. While the DE position may be the bigger need, replacing Decker has to be a priority especially considering there aren’t too many top tier options in free agency. Freeling may have only had 16 starts at LT during his time at Georgia, he’s already positioned himself as the top LT in this year’s draft class. Freeling is an easy mover as a pass protector with quick feet and fluidity in his kick slide and ability to change directions when mirroring defenders. He also utilizes his length to his advantage to keep edge rushers from getting the corner on him. Freeling is quick out of his stance in the ground game and does well when driving forward to sustain his blocks. If he can work on limiting the lunging and leaning and his inconsistent hand usage that causes him to slip off blocks and allows defenders to cross his face, Freeling has the athletic profile of an immediate starter. Freeling’s athleticism was further showcased at the Combine where he ran a 4.93 40 and showed good lower body explosiveness for someone 6’7” and 315 pounds, posting a 33.5-inch vertical leap and a broad jump of 9 feet, 7 inches. Freeling and Penei Sewell would once again give Jared Goff bookend tackles blocking for him.

18. Minnesota Vikings – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, 6’3 1/2”, 201lbs, Toledo

02/25/26 – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

02/22/26 – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

02/13/26 – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Minnesota finished the 2024 season with a 14-3 record led by Sam Darnold who filled in for injured rookie JJ McCarthy and as a result of the success, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was signed to a multi-year extension. But after a shaky 2025 season that saw McCarthy struggle under center following his return from injury while Darnold led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory, Adofo-Mensah was let go. The jury is out on whether McCarthy can put it together working with Kevin O’Connell, but it’s clear his play has to improve as he led the league’s 28th-ranked offense. On the flip side, Brian Flores produced the league’s third-ranked defense, including a pass defense that finished second in the league with just 158.5 passing yards per game. If Flores wants his pass defense to remain at the top of the league, he’s going to want to find a successor to Harrison Smith, a career-long Viking is now 37 years of age and is now a UFA. Enter Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a rangy safety with tremendous length who plays well around the line of scrimmage. EMW does well triggering downhill and can slip and duck inside blocks to arrive at the RB and will deliver a big hit and wrap up. McNeill-Warren is known for playing around the LOS, as evidenced by his career 11.0 TFL. However, he also has pretty good range in coverage and has a tremendous nose for the football, as evidenced by his 5 Int., 13 PBU and 9 forced fumbles in his career at Toledo. McNeil-Warren had a rather average performance at the Combine, running a 4.52 40 and posted a vertical of 35.5 inches. That said, you can’t argue with his presence and production and would bring physicality to the back end of the Viking defense.

19. Carolina Panthers – Ahkeem Mesidor, Edge, 6’3”, 259lbs, Miami, Fla.

02/25/26 – Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

02/22/26 – Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

02/13/26 – Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

Dave Canales is really building something in Carolina as he led the Panthers to its first playoff berth since 2017 and its first NFC South title since the organization’s last Super Bowl berth in 2015. Last year’s 1st Round pick Tetairoa McMillan looks to be the go-to target Bryce Young was needing while Rico Dowdle racked up his second consecutive 1,000-yard season in his first year with the team. Defensively, the Panthers were opportunistic, having finished tied for 8th in the league with 15 Int. However, the team struggled to put pressure on the QB, finishing tied for 29th in the league with 30 sacks, its third straight season finishing among the bottom four teams. Rookie Nic Scourton showed promise, finishing tied with DT Derrick Brown for the team lead with 5.0 sacks. However, DJ Wonnum has failed to live up to lofty expectations after racking up 8.0 sacks with Minnesota in 2023 as he managed to get to the QB just seven times of the last two seasons and he’s now a UFA. Keldric Faulk could easily be the pick here as he oozes potential, but Carolina needs to put pressure on the QB and production over potential should be the call here. Mesidor may be 25-year-old rookie, but his explosiveness and relentless nature popped off the game film with every play. He racked up 12.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles this past season with the ability to bend the edge on the outside and with brute force to the inside. You have to appreciate the pass rush tools at his disposal, as he’ll get you with an inside-out move on one play to attack the edge in a hurry, will look to convert speed to power in an effort to get the OT off balance on the next, then takes advantage of an overset by using a quick move inside to get a clear line to the QB. Mesidor also isn’t done once his first move is nullified, as he’s looking to counter and keep the OT working to the whistle. His high motor intensity is exactly what the Panthers need up front.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay) – Peter Woods, DT, 6’2 1/2”, 298lbs, Clemson, Jr.

02/25/26 – Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

02/22/26 – Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

02/13/26 – Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami, Fla.

Dallas obtained this pick in the deal that sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers and I’ve expected this pick to be used on Parson’s replacement, but that was until Dallas made another deal with the Packers to bring in Rashan Gary. It’s possible the focus shifts to the safety position, where Jalen Thompson was brought in via free agency and Malik Hooker has been solid, but he’s now in the final year of his deal and Dallas could use a physical presence on the back end of the defense and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would bring the physicality. However, I’d keep an eye on the defensive front for DC Christian Parker, especially after Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas were traded to San Francisco and Tennessee, respectively. Otitto Ogbonnia was brought in via free agency to back up Kenny Clark at NT while Quinnen Williams is holding down the DT position. However, with Odighizuwa and Thomas gone, expect Dallas to look for a replacement. Woods was a force in 2024 with 8.5 TFL and 3.0 sacks while lining up at 3-technique for Clemson. His play, like the entire Tiger team, saw a significant drop-off in 2025, but Woods still showcased the explosiveness to be an quick penetrator defeating blocks and blowing up plays around the line of scrimmage. Woods has a quick first step that he combines with active, powerful hands to win early and keeps fighting to ensure he doesn’t stay blocked.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kadyn Proctor, OT/OG, 6’7”, 352lbs, Alabama, Jr.

02/25/26 – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

02/22/26 – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

02/13/26 – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Mike Tomlin’s time in Pittsburgh is officially over. Tomlin finished with a 201-126-2 record, which includes the playoffs, and a Super Bowl win over 19 seasons with the Steelers, but with the Wild Card exit this past season he failed to get out of the 1st round of the playoffs for the seventh straight time dating back to 2017. In steps Mike McCarthy, who did a tremendous job elevating Dak Prescott’s play during his time in Dallas. McCarthy and the Steelers are waiting to hear what Aaron Rodgers will decide this offseason since he’s a UFA again. All scenarios are on the table, including returning to Pittsburgh for the 2026 season. If Rodgers does decide to walk away, McCarthy may be inclined to select his own QB, so don’t rule out Ty Simpson here, though I don’t see the organization being patient enough to wait for a QB with such a small sample size as a starter to develop. Pittsburgh may not want another Kenny Pickett situation on their hands. The Steelers also have to find weapons in the passing game for whoever is under center. DK Metcalf may have led the team in receiving yards (850), but it was RB Kenneth Gainwell who led the team in receptions (73). In fact, Metcalf was the only WR to be in the top 5 in receptions on the team. Adding Michael Pittman Jr. to pair with Metcalf will give the offense a big shot of production. The Steelers still need a slot WR, but not with this pick. I think this pick is actually used on the OL where OTs Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu have been underwhelming and a replacement for the departed OG Isaac Seumalo is needed. Enter Kadyn Proctor, a mammoth OL who had 40 starts at LT for Alabama, but because his tape is wildly inconsistent on the outside, there’s a chance he could kick inside. Either way, Proctor’s versatility should put him square on Pittsburgh’s radar. At his best, Proctor can be dominating as a run blocker, often engulfing the smaller defenders and generating a ton of movement before an impressive finish. As a pass protector, he’s been pretty reliable when he gets his hands on the defender but can be susceptible to being beaten by the speed rush. Proctor’s pad level tends to creep up and when that happens, he exposes a big target for defenders to get him off balance. That said, Proctor is surprisingly agile for a man his size, even getting the opportunity to catch and run with the football on occasion while at Bama. Proctor had 40 starts at LT and his massive size just can’t be taught and reminds you a lot of Orlando Brown, Jr. Proctor could start right away at LG in place of Seumalo and could be the eventual replacement for Jones, who is under contract through next season unless Pittsburgh decides to pick up his fifth-year option and at the rate he is going, that answer would be a resounding no. Proctor gives the Steelers options up front.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Spencer Fano, OT, 6’5 1/2”, 311lbs, Utah, Jr.

02/25/26 – Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

02/22/26 – Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

02/13/26 – Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane, OG, Penn State

The Chargers finished with an 11-6 record, a 2ndplace finish in the AFC West and a trip to the playoffs in each of Jim Harbaugh’s two seasons at the helm, but there are still major holes on both sides of the ball that need to be addressed this offseason. Justin Herbert finished 9th in the league in passing yards (3,727) and 8th in passing TD (26) and finished second to Drake Maye in rushing yards (498) despite being under constant duress. Herbert was sacked 60 times, which tied the Chargers for second most given up, and was hit a league-high 106 times. The offseason kicked off with the Chargers trading for Tyler Biadasz in an effort to move on from Bradley Bozeman at center. The Bolts then signed Cole Strange to start at OG and re-signed Trevor Penning, who could be a swing tackle behind starting OTs Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Olaivavega Ioane would be a plug-and-play starter along the interior, but I think if Spencer Fano is still on the board here, the Chargers would jump at the chance to target a player with five position versatility. If Fano happens to be gone, DC Chris O’Leary inherited a top five defense from Jesse Minter, but there are key free agents that must be addressed. Jamaree Caldwell and Teair Tart will be starting up front, but LA will need to find a replacement for DeShawn Hand and Caleb Banks would give the Chargers a physical trio up front. Khalil Mack re-signed with the Chargers, but Odafe Oweh is a UFA and not expected back, so you have to expect the Bolts to look for someone to team with Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, who finished 6thin the league with 13.0 sacks. Keldric Faulk, Akheem Mesidor and Cashius Howell would all be in play. However, Fano would fit perfectly in a Mike McDaniel offense and should step in and beat out Penning for the final starting spot up front. The former Ute is a three-year starter who offers versatility having played both OT positions at Utah, but after his arm length measured in at just 32 1/8 inches, a move inside is almost inevitable and the fact that he took reps at center at the Combine only confirms such a move. Fano could line up and upgrade any of the IOL spots for Vegas and could even kick outside to RT in a pinch. Fano is an athletic OT with very quick feet, the lateral agility to mirror edge rushers and can anchor when battling a bull rush. His run blocking is better on the move that allows him to pull, reach and climb to the second level. If he can work on core strength and pad level, Fano can improve his downhill blocking. We’ve already seen Fano put on 11 pounds since his 300-pound playing weight and despite the weight gain, he still managed to run a sub-5.0 40 time and showcased impressive athleticism at the Combine.

23. Philadelphia Eagles – Blake Miller, OT, 6’6”, 315lbs, Clemson

02/25/26 – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

02/22/26 – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

02/13/26 – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Eagle fans have been used to success since Nick Sirianni took the helm prior to the 2021 season as the Birds have wont the NFC East in three of those five seasons and have made trips to the playoffs each year, including two Super Bowl appearances including a dominant win over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. This past season had such high expectations coming off the Super Bowl win and even with an 11-6 record and an NFC East crown, 2025 is largely seen as a disappointment in Philly after four of those six losses coming in Week 12 or later and then the unceremonious Wild Card loss at the hands of the 49ers. The Eagles had the 8th-ranked pass defense, but there are holes at both the edge rush and cornerback spots. Jaelan Phillips, who was brought in midseason and played eight games with the Eagles, is a free agent, as are Azeez Ojulari, Josh Uche, Brandon Graham and Ogbo Okoronkwo, meaning Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, the team’s sack leader with 6.5, are the only two guaranteed to be back. You can bet that Cashius Howell, TJ Parker, Akheem Mesidor and Zion Young will be on GM Howie Roseman’s radar. Just two years after getting a steal in the draft with CB Quinyon Mitchell at No. 24, the Birds could easily be targeting another CB as Adoree Jackson, a UFA, and Kelee Ringo struggled opposite Mitchell. The addition of Riq Woolen in free agency means Colton Hood and Avieon Terrell are likely off the table with this pick. However, the safety position becomes a need especially now that Reed Blankenship has departed and Sydney Brown was traded away. If Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren ended up on the board at No. 23 overall, I think Philly takes a hard look here. I just think that Philly is going to want to right the ship and improve an underachieving offense, one that finished 24thin the league in total yards. Dallas Goedert is a UFA, so selecting a versatile weapon like Kenyon Sadiq would give Jalen Hurts a key weapon in the passing game. However, we all know the key to any offense’s success starts up front where RT Lane Johnson has had a 13-year career that’ll earn him a gold jacket one day, and even with him returning for the 2026 season, he’s missed 30+ games in his career, including 8 this past season due to a Lisfranc injury. While Johnson is under contract through the 2027 season, it’s possible that 2026 will be his last and the Eagles need to think about his eventual replacement and Blake Miller is the top RT left on the board and may be considered the best senior OT in this draft. Miller is an iron man of sorts after starting all 54 games during his Clemson career and gave up just two sacks and two missed run block assignments last year, per Pro Football Focus. He fires quickly out of his stance, moves well laterally and can recover to keep his man in front. If his pad level and hand usage can become a bit more consistent, Miller would be a natural fit to replace Johnson whenever he decides to hang it up.   

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville) – Caleb Lomu, OT, 6’6”, 313lbs, Utah, RS Soph.

Denzel Boston, WR, 6’4”, 210lbs, Washington, Jr.

02/25/26 – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

02/22/26 – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

02/13/26 – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Cleveland landed this pick from the Jaguars as part of the trade that landed Travis Hunter in Jacksonville, and you have to expect the Browns to use their second 1st Round pick on either the WR or OT position, whichever wasn’t already targeted at No. 6 overall. Lomu is one of the more athletic OTs in this year’s draft and is very light on his feet with good hands that strike quickly and shows off a strong grip once he latches on in pass protection. His run blocking is still a work in progress and he needs time to work on technique, pad level and adding strength. The Browns signed Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins and traded for Tytus Howard, who can either line up at RT or could battle Teven Jenkins for the other OG spot. Dawand Jones is a mammoth OT but he’s coming off an injury. Jones is probably best suited at RT and Lomu could slide in on the left side which would be an exclamation point on the OL overhaul this offseason.

25. Chicago Bears – Zion Young, Edge, 6’5 1/8”, 255lbs, Missouri

02/25/26 – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

02/22/26 – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

02/13/26 – Zion Young, Edge, Missouri

What a difference a year makes for Chicago as the Bears went from NFC North cellar dwellers to winning the division since 2018 and won its first playoff game since 2010. Ben Johnson instilled confidence in this much-maligned organization and the development of “The Iceman” Caleb Williams was fun to watch. Week after week, Williams put on his Superman cape and dazzled fans with jaw-dropping throws that few QBs in the league could make. While the offense dazzled and finished in the top 10, the defense was another story. While opportunistic, the defense was 29thin the league in total yards and was 29th in rushing yards per attempt. GM Ryan Poles should be looking to upgrade the DL as he needs to find help for Montez Sweat rushing the passer off the edge and along the interior. At DT, Kayden McDonald may never be much of a pass rusher, but he’s a space eater against the run and does such a tremendous job clogging the middle and owning the line of scrimmage. Caleb Banks has tremendous power in his hands and can collapse the pocket with his strength as an interior pass rusher. Then there’s Peter Woods, who may not have the measurables of the first two, but he’s explosive against both the run and the pass and is the type of disruptive interior defender the Bears need. However, after the signings of Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street to team with starters Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter, this pick could shift to the DE position where Sweat led the team in sacks with 10.0 and established himself as one of the elite pass rushers, but there wasn’t any consistency opposite him as Austin Booker was the only other DE with multiple sacks. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, the Bears tied with the Bengals for the worst pass rush win rate at just 29%. Zion Young is an ascending prospect who is a known commodity against the run and is a powerful pass rusher coming off the edge. Young uses his 33.5-inch arms and strength to muscle through OTs to power his way to the QB. He was also very active against the run, racking up 16.5 TFL this past season. He uses the power and length to set the edge and is excellent job stacking and shedding to defend the run around the line of scrimmage. Young is never going to be known as a speed rusher and still needs to work on counters whenever his initial rush fails, but he has tools to work with having improved his sack total each year and his ability to convert speed to power will get him into the backfield early until his skills fully develop at the next level.

26. Buffalo Bills – CJ Allen, LB, 6’1”, 230lbs, Georgia, Jr.

02/25/26 – TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson

02/22/26 – TJ Parker, Edge, 

02/13/26 – TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson

There were lofty expectations for the Bills going into the 2025 season. Buffalo had won the AFC East for the fifth straight season, Josh Allen was named league MVP, and they missed out on a Super Bowl berth by three points in a hard-fought AFC Championship against the Chiefs. The Bills finished second to the Patriots in the AFC East to the Patriots following a 12-5 record and after a Wild Card win, the Bills lost on the road in the divisional matchup against Denver. It was clear Brandon Beane felt that the team had plateaued with Sean McDermott at the helm and that now was the time to move on. In steps former OC Joe Brady into the driver seat and the pressure is on to finally take Buffalo to its first Super Bowl since 1993. Buffalo had the top-ranked rushing offense with James Cook leading the way with over 1,600 yards on the ground, but Josh Allen had his lowest totals in passing yards (3,668) and passing TD (25) since his second season in the league. Khalil Shakir was the breakout star on offense as he led the team in both receptions and receiving yards. There was much talk about Keon Coleman, whom the Bills selected No. 33 overall in the 2024 draft, as he’s largely been a disappointment since coming into the league. Adding DJ Moore via trade with the Bears allows the Bills to get a No. 1 option for Allen and reunites him with Brady who was the play caller in Carolina when Moore had his best season. The defense ranked No. 1 against the pass but was among the worst against the run. Adding a run stuffer in the middle like Kayden McDonald or Caleb Banks would be a step in the right direction. Then there’s the pass rush as the Bills have only had a player rack up double-digit sacks twice since 2015. Gregory Rousseau led the team in sacks for the second consecutive season, this time with 7.0 sacks, and he’ll be back in 2026. Opposite him, Joey Bosa and AJ Epenesa are UFAs. Zion Young’s ability to play the run and the pass may give him the nod here over TJ Parker. The LB position is also needing to be addressed with Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson hitting free agency. CJ Allen draws comparisons to fellow former Bulldog Nakobe Dean because of his ability to get the defense aligned as the green dot. However, Allen has more size and is the more physical player of the two. In fact, despite the size difference, Allen has similar athletic traits with his ability to run sideline to sideline and showcasing an ability to drop in coverage and then trigger on the football to make a play. Allen works well in traffic, sifting through the blockers to find a crease to the ball carrier around the line and comes with bad intentions, delivering a big hit while wrapping up and driving through the ball carrier. He times his blitzes well and will shoot gaps up the middle to put pressure on the QB. 

27. San Francisco 49ers – Omar Cooper, WR, 6’0”, 199lbs, Indiana, Jr.

02/25/26 – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

02/22/26 – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

02/13/26 – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Kyle Shanahan may have put together his most impressive season as HC as his team battled through a slew of injuries to within a game of earning NFC’s No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs. After disposing of the Eagles in the Wild Card, those injuries finally caught up with the Niners in a blowout loss to the Seahawks. Defensively, the team struggled against the pass and managed to bring down the QB just 20 times, which put them at the bottom of the league. Now, much of that was due to the fact that Nick Bosa and last year’s 1stRound pick Mykel Williams went down to injury. However, nobody else really stepped up as Bosa was still fourth on the team in sacks with just two despite playing in just three games. You have to expect San Fran to be interested in addressing the position early, but with so many edge rushers expected to come off the board in the top 25 picks, the Niners may need to trade up to land a top prospect. That said, the 49ers can be patient and take advantage of a loaded edge rush class and nab one on Day 2. That could mean this pick is used on shoring up key holes on the offensive side of the ball. RT Colton McKivitz rebounded well in 2025, reducing his sack percentage to 0.9% and was one of the better rated run blockers according to Pro Football Focus. However, LT Trent Williams will be 38 years of age at the start of the season and is entering the final year of his contract. In fact, he carries a $38 million cap hit with an option date of March 20th, per spotrac.com.  Could this be it for the future Hall of Famer? It’s impossible to speculate in which direction this will go but I’d expect Williams to be back, but the question really is for how long? Caleb Lomu could learn from Williams before taking over protecting Brock Purdy’s blind side. The only other position I could see the Niners targeting might be the TE position. George Kittle has battled injuries of late and an Achilles tear in the playoff essentially rules him out for the majority, if not all, of the 2026 season. Jake Tonges filled in admirably and was a key component in 12 personnel, but adding another weapon at TE is a must. Kenyon Sadiq is the most complete TE in the draft, showcasing physicality and good technique as a blocker and can stretch defenses vertically in the passing game. Then there’s the WR position, where we know that Brandon Aiyuk has played his last game in San Francisco and with Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne gone in free agency, Purdy is going to need more help at wideout besides Ricky Pearsall and Demarcus Robinson. Adding future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, who was bitten by the injury bug last season, was a big win in free agency and the addition of Christian Kirk immediately gives the Niners a pair of experienced wideouts on the outside. However, Kirk was brought in on just a one-year deal and has battled injuries in recent seasons with a grade 3 groin tear in 2023, a fractured collarbone in 2024 and hamstring issues in 2025 that kept him out of 18 of the last 51 games. An insurance policy is a must at the WR position and drafting for the future has to be the vision. Omar Cooper Jr. is a bully in the slot, often overpowering defenders throughout the route and especially after the catch. Cooper Jr. finished the season with 63 receptions for 937 yards and 13 TD and established himself as WR1b to Elijah Sarratt’s WR1a for Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. The hype around Cooper Jr. really took hold in the Week 10 matchup in Happy Valley against Penn State. Cooper Jr., who had just two 100-yard games going into the contest, finished with 6 receptions for 32 yards, but it was his game-winning 7-yard TD in the back of the end zone with 36 seconds to play that forced scouts to go back to the film and watch more. Cooper Jr. ran a post from the slot to the back of the end zone, attacked the ball in the air with a leaping catch and then as CB Audavion Collins tried to shove him out of bounds, somehow had the body control and awareness to get his left foot that was trailing a bit to hit inbounds before the right foot stepped out of bounds. While Cooper Jr. is not yet a polished route runner, he has a knack for finding ways to get open, is physical through contact and at the catch point and can be dynamic after the catch. And his 4.42 40 time at the Combine is proof that he has the requisite speed to win over the top. Cooper Jr. has experience both working out of the slot and on the outside, which makes pairing him with Evans a nice combo.

28. Houston Texans – Keldric Faulk, Edge, 6’6, 276lbs, Auburn, Jr.

02/25/26 – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

02/22/26 – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

02/13/26 – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

The Texans had a rocky start to the season going 2-4 through six games, but after closing out the season 10-1, Houston was able to bring home an AFC South title and a Wild Card win. The win streak was largely due to the play of the league’s top-ranked defense as the dominance on that side of the ball kept the Texans in every game. However, the erratic play of CJ Stroud, largely due to the fact that the OL finished 30th in pass block win rate (55.5%) and last in run block win rate (68%) per ESPN Analytics. Aireontae Ersery is expected to line up at one OT position and Trent Brown is back on a one-year deal after battling knee and ankle injuries. Blake Fisher is also on the roster, but he struggled to secure a starting spot and appears to be best suited as a swing tackle. Clemson iron man Blake Miller, who started 54 games for the Tigers, could be in play. I think re-signing Brown will allow the Texans to pivot to the defense and the search for another long-term answer in the trenches where DTs Sheldon Rankins and Tim Settle are both gone and while Logan Hall was signed in free agency, adding someone with Caleb Banks’ size is desperately needed up front. Banks suffered a broken foot in fall camp that he reaggravated in early September against LSU that led to surgery that kept him out until November. Upon his return, Banks struggled to put any consistency on tape. Then he shows up at the Senior Bowl and showed off his violent physicality, power and strength combined with a quick burst that allows him to dominate in Mobile, especially in the one-on-ones. Then he follows that up with a 5.05 40 and a 32.5-inch vertical leap, showcasing tremendous explosiveness for such a big man at 6’6” and 327 pounds, who also happens to have an 85 ¾-inch wingspan. All of that sounds too good to be true lining him up next to Wil Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. However, ESPN’s Jordan Reid and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler reported Banks suffered another fracture in his foot prior to the Combine that is leading to another surgery that puts him out until June. This recent injury streak may be just a bit too much for Houston to overlook. Instead, the Texans could very well have one of the more polarizing prospects fall into their lap. Auburn’s Keldric Faulk is still a work in progress as a pass rusher after managing to drop the QB only twice this past season after racking up 7.0 sacks as a sophomore in 2024. However, Faulk is a physical presence against the run, using his size and power to not only set a strong edge, but will also force his way into the backfield to disrupt the play early. Faulk is more potential than production at this point, but his skillset reminds me of Travon Walker, who was skilled against the run but was inconsistent as a pass rusher coming out of Georgia yet he developed enough to rack up double-digit sacks in his second and third seasons with the Jaguars. Keep in mind, Faulk is also one of the youngest players in this draft, so his best football may very well be ahead of him. It’s a crapshoot at this point, but imagine the possibility of Faulk being a chess piece you can line up anywhere from a stand-up OLB to a DE with his hand in the dirt to sliding inside to push the pocket from the interior. Faulk may be a boom-or-bust prospect, but he could be worth the risk if he can show off his ability to stop the run and continue his development getting after the QB. 

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LA Rams) – Jermod McCoy, CB, 6’1”, 188lbs, Tennessee, Jr.

02/25/26 Los Angeles Rams – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

02/22/26 Los Angeles Rams – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

02/13/26 Los Angeles Rams – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Chiefs gain this pick from the Rams in the Trent McDuffie deal and I can see a WR like Concepcion being targeted especially if they can’t land Carnell Tate in the top ten. However, the safety position also appears to be a need after Bryan Cook left in free agency. Jaden Hicks is poised for a breakout season and Alohi Gilman was signed in free agency, but given his injury and missed tackle history, KC could do better and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could be the pick. However, with McDuffie and Jaylen Watson both heading to the Rams this offseason and Joseph Williams also leaving in free agency, adding a top corner early is a must. While Masoor Delane may not be in play here, keep an eye on Jermod McCoy at his Pro Day as he’s expected to prove he’s fully recovered from his torn ACL last January that caused him to miss the entire 2025 season. McCoy is patient, fluid in his hips to make transitions effortless and is dynamic at the catch point, having amassed 16 PBU and 6 Int. in his first two seasons with the Vols. KC may have to trade up to land him, but they’d be adding their CB1 to the roster in the process.

30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver) – Avieon Terrell, CB, 5’11”, 180lbs, Clemson, Jr.

02/25/26 Denver Broncos – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

02/22/26 Denver Broncos – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

02/13/26 Denver Broncos – Anthony Hill, Jr., LB, Texas

The Jaylen Waddle trade punctuates GM Jon-Eric Sullivan’s plan for a reset of the organization and secures a second 1st Round pick in the process. You have to expect Miami to target a WR at No. 11 if Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson is still on the board. However, if they both come off the board in the top ten, then a Makai Lemon selection becomes less certain. You could instead see the Fins target a CB like Mansoor Delane or Jermod McCoy with their first pick and then use No. 30 overall to go after a WR like KC Concepcion. However, with the board playing out this way, there’s a chance Miami could have its choice for the No. 3 CB off the board, whether that’s Avieon Terrell, Colton Hood or Brandon Cisse. I believe that ultimately will be Terrell, who is the most polished of the trio.  While Terrell isn’t the biggest corner, he’s a fluid athlete who can turn, run and mirror WRs down the field. He’s aggressive in press man coverage, looking to crowd the WR and has impeccable timing. The brother of former Falcons’ 1stRound pick AJ Terrell excels in closing quickly on the receiver and being disruptive at the catch point. And while Terrell may only have 3 career Int., he’s still proven to be a ballhawk, having forced 8 fumbles in his career. Terrell would be a plug-and-play starter at CB and should make an immediate impact on the back end of Miami’s defense.

31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, Edge, 6’2 1/2”, 253lbs, Texas A&M

02/25/26 – R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma

02/22/26 – Zion Young, DE, Missouri

02/13/26 – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Mike Vrabel had an impressive single-season turnaround taking the Pats from a 4-13 record in 2024 to a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl berth in his first season as HC. Down the stretch, the offense sputtered, largely because the left side of the line, namely rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson, struggled to hold up against the rush. Campbell especially was exploited in the Super Bowl as he was beaten repeatedly against Seattle’s relentless pressure. New England has announced that the intention is to keep Campbell at LT, but you have to expect he’ll be on a short leash. Morgan Moses is back at RT, but he’ll be 35 years of age when the season starts, so keep an eye on Blake Miller here. I think the attention shifts to the pass rush where the Pats 35 sacks, which was tied for 22ndin the league. Harold Landry did lead the team with 8.0 sacks and K’Lavon Chaisson added 7.5, but the latter left in free agency and while Elijah Ponder contributed 4.0, he’s not quite ready for a larger role. I think New England can target an edge rusher with this pick to play alongside Landry, Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. Cashius Howell may have the quickest first step in this year’s draft class which lets him play fast and spends a lot of time behind the line of scrimmage, finishing the year with 11.5 sacks at Texas A&M this past season. Howell does have extremely short 30 ¼-inch arms, but he does a good job maintaining distance from the OT’s that make up for it. His ability to bend the corner, run the arc and flatten to the QB is evident on tape, but his calling card may actually be a nasty spin move back inside to leave blockers in the dust. Howell needs to add size to be effective in the run game, so he may be more of a situational pass rusher at first, but his explosiveness would be a nice complement to Landry off the edge.

32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, 6’0”, 193lbs, Tennessee, RS Soph.

02/25/26 – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

02/22/26 – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

02/13/26 – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

The Super Bowl champs had quite the run under second-year HC Mike MacDonald. The offense and defense were among the best in the league, Jaxson Smith-Njigba became a superstar, Kenneth Walker III had a Super Bowl performance for the ages while Sam Darnold finally found redemption. Defensively, Leonard Williams, Demarcus Lawrence and Ernest Jones, all of whom came to Seattle from other teams, had tremendous seasons to lead the Hawks to decisive wins in the playoffs. Now, Seattle will look to address key areas of need. Up front along the OL, Charles Cross, Grey Zabel and Abraham Lucas are mainstays, but adding another piece like Chase Bisontis or Emmanuel Pregnon to compete with Anthony Bradford who has battled inconsistency wouldn’t be a shock. However, the CB position should be addressed this offseason with Riq Woolen leaving via free agency. Hood is a press corner who plays with tremendous physicality and likes to get his hands on the WR early to disrupt the release. He also shows off the 4.44 speed at the Combine running stride-for-stride with WRs on vertical routes, but can throttle down and drive on the football thrown in front of him. Hood also has a knack for playing the ball having racked up 10 pass breakups this past season. QBs should watch out on 50-50 balls as Hood can showcase his 40.5-inch vertical leap to challenge WRs trying to climb the ladder. Hood’s physical play would be a welcome addition to a secondary that already has Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe and Nick Emmanwori.