| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | ||||
|
This one looks all but done at this point. The pairing of Mendoza with Klint Kubiak feels like a perfect match. That's because Mendoza is willing to consistently attack the intermediate area of the field where Kubiak's offense loves to operate. Now all they need are more weapons at receiver to get open at that level outside of Brock Bowers. |
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| 2 | Arvell Reese | EDGE | ||||
|
Reese is the NFL version of a lottery pick. He's got all the traits to be an elite pass rusher, but he's yet to actually deliver. With the success of similar off-ball to edge converts in recent years like Micah Parsons, Jalon Walker and Abdul Carter, the Jets may bet on the upside. Reese is a decidedly different type of off-ball linebacker than those three, with his length and strength serving as his calling cards, but there's still plenty of reason to believe those traits will translate off the edge. |
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| 3 | Spencer Fano | OT | ||||
|
Fano may not be the specimen that comes to mind when you think of a top-three pick, but he's the cleanest offensive lineman in the class. He makes up for limited length with elite mirroring ability. Mike LaFleur will want to shore up the shaky Cardinals offensive line for whoever is at quarterback. |
||||||
| 4 | David Bailey | EDGE | ||||
|
Robert Saleh will have an interesting debate here between Bailey and Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. -- two distinctly different types of edge rushers. Bailey provides something you won't find later in the draft, however: juice. He's the most explosive edge rusher on the board and gives you a movable athlete on third downs. |
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| 5 | Sonny Styles | LB | ||||
|
Styles could be the cherry on top of a budding front seven. He's one of the best off-ball linebacker athletes to come out in recent years, boasting a massive frame and cornerback-like movement skills. |
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| 6 | Kadyn Proctor | OT | ||||
|
The Browns have needs all along their offensive line. Some see Proctor as a guard, but I think he can stick at tackle. His ability to play with balance at 350-plus pounds is special and could give Cleveland the largest tackle tandem in the NFL with Dawand Jones on the other side. |
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| 7 | Carnell Tate | WR | ||||
|
The Commanders need an injection of youth into their aging receiving corps. We saw how much their downfield passing attack suffered when Terry McLaurin was out of the lineup last season. Tate is the best big-play threat in the class with the kind of ball skills that pair perfectly with Jayden Daniels' elite deep ball. |
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| 8 | Jeremiyah Love | RB | ||||
|
Kellen Moore gets his version of Saquon Barkley. Love is a special home-run threat with elite twitch and speed. His ability in the passing game would also make life easier on Tyler Shough. |
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| 9 | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | ||||
|
Bain won't be for everyone, but he'll definitely be for Steve Spagnuolo. His power-end skill set and inside-outside versatility are exactly what Spags looks for at defensive end. Kansas City's middling pass rush gets a shot of life. |
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| 10 | Caleb Downs | S | ||||
|
Downs' versatility and reliability would be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Bengals' porous secondary. He could fill the slot role that's growing in value across the NFL or function as a hybrid defender in Al Golden's defense. A safety hasn't gone top 10 in nearly a decade, but Downs is well worth that billing. |
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| 11 | Mansoor Delane | CB | ||||
|
Delane was the stickiest cornerback in the class last fall. His ability to mirror underneath is exceptional. Pairing him with Jack Jones would give new head coach Jeff Hafley two corners capable of holding up in one-on-one situations. |
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| 12 | Jermod McCoy | CB | ||||
|
McCoy had some of the best sophomore tape at corner I've seen in the past decade. The problem is that was the last time we saw him after he missed all of 2025 with a torn ACL suffered last January. He'd give Dallas and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker the ability to play far more man and man-match coverage than they did last year. |
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| 13 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | ||||
|
Tyson is my top wide receiver in the class on tape, but it's hard to ignore that he's missed time in three straight seasons due to injury. That's likely to cause a slide, and the Rams are the beneficiaries here. He'd be the perfect transition piece from Davante Adams as the mid-30s wideout begins to slow down. |
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| 14 | Francis Mauigoa | OT | ||||
|
Mauigoa would help solve the massive issue the Ravens had at guard last season. He's exceptional in a phone booth with the ability to consistently reset the line of scrimmage in the run game. |
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| 15 | Olaivavega Ioane | IOL | ||||
|
The Bucs don't have many needs, although left guard certainly qualifies as one. Lucky for them, Ioane has more than 1,800 snaps at left guard under his belt. He's an outstanding pass protector who would pair with Tristan Wirfs to keep Baker Mayfield's blindside clean for years. |
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| 16 | Makai Lemon | WR | ||||
|
The Jets find their slot receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell. While they still need to sort out the quarterback position, this pick would give whoever is under center one of the best supporting casts in the NFL. Lemon is incredibly reliable, with his limited frame serving as the only real knock. |
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| 17 | Caleb Lomu | OT | ||||
|
With Taylor Decker's future up in the air, addressing left tackle makes sense even if he doesn't retire. Lomu is a crafty, smooth pass protector. His biggest knock is play strength, but that's a trait that can be improved at the next level. |
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| 18 | Colton Hood | CB | ||||
|
Hood was a breakout star for the Volunteers after transferring from Colorado. He's physical at the line of scrimmage and boasts some of the best deep speed at the position in the class. |
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| 19 | Caleb Banks | DL | ||||
|
Putting Banks next to Derrick Brown would give Carolina the most physically imposing defensive tackle duo in the NFL. Banks still needs refinement, though, before he reaches Brown's level. The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder flashes dominant reps but has been inconsistent. |
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| 20 | Blake Miller | OT | ||||
|
Dallas loves addressing the offensive line in Round 1, and Miller would fit perfectly with its young unit. Terence Steele has been a sore spot at right tackle the past few years -- the same spot Miller played at Clemson. |
||||||
| 21 | Ty Simpson | QB | ||||
|
Simpson may have his warts, but he has an NFL-caliber arm and flashed special ability in his lone season as a starter. Mike McCarthy has a strong track record of quarterback development and would get a player with a lot of potential to mentor. |
||||||
| 22 | Peter Woods | DL | ||||
|
Jim Harbaugh loves building through the trenches, and the chance to land a physical specimen like Woods may be too good to pass up. He's uniquely powerful for a young defensive tackle, even if his tape this past fall didn't match what we saw in 2024. Harbaugh always gets his defensive tackles to play their best, and that's a scary thought when it comes to Woods. |
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| 23 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | ||||
|
Even if the Eagles re-sign Dallas Goedert, Sadiq makes sense with the rise of two-tight-end sets leaguewide. He's the perfect complementary tight end with elite athleticism and the ability to block in space. His run-game impact could be as valuable as what he provides as a receiver. |
||||||
| 24 | Denzel Boston | WR | ||||
|
After snagging a tackle in the top 10, Cleveland goes back to offense for new head coach Todd Monken. Boston is one of the best possession receivers in the class, possessing outstanding ball skills and physicality as a route runner. |
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| 25 | Lee Hunter | DL | ||||
|
Hunter is the playmaking defensive tackle Chicago has been searching for. He plays violently at the nose and can range sideline to sideline. For a team that ranked bottom five in pressure rate last season, this would be a major boost. |
||||||
| 26 | KC Concepcion | WR | ||||
|
Concepcion is the separator Buffalo lacks. We saw how much an older Brandin Cooks opened up the offense in his limited stint, and Concepcion would bring even more juice. You may have to live with some drops, though, after he posted a drop rate north of 10% last year. |
||||||
| 27 | Cashius Howell | EDGE | ||||
|
Howell is arguably the most skilled pass rusher in the class. Limited length and play strength cap his run defense, but pass rush may be all San Francisco needs. Given the run defenders it drafted last year, that tradeoff works. |
||||||
| 28 | Monroe Freeling | OT | ||||
|
Freeling rose throughout his third year at Georgia and is one of the few top offensive linemen who is a surefire tackle. That's key for Houston, which could use a long-term option on the right side with Blake Fisher's development lagging. Freeling is sturdily built and can easily hold up vs. NFL power. |
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| 29 | Avieon Terrell | CB | ||||
|
Terrell's size will scare off some teams, but not the Rams, who historically don't operate on strict thresholds. The younger brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell shows similar proficiency, with physical play and quick processing. That's just what the Rams need. |
||||||
| 30 | Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | ||||
|
Cooper is the best YAC weapon in the class, making him a perfect fit for Sean Payton's offense. He also has exceptional hands, posting a career drop rate of just 4.2%. Denver can't wait until Day 2 to address weapons for Bo Nix again. |
||||||
| 31 | Jake Golday | LB | ||||
|
Golday is what everyone is looking for in a modern off-ball linebacker. He has edge size with linebacker athleticism, allowing him to seamlessly drop into coverage or rush off the edge. That versatility would be a welcome addition to New England's defense. |
||||||
| 32 | Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | ||||
|
Back-to-back linebackers close Round 1 in what looks like a special class at the position. Hill's fluidity in space jumps off the tape. With few glaring needs, Seattle can opt for one of the best coverage linebackers available. |
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| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | ||||
|
In a world of uncertainty, this feels like the closest thing to a sure bet. It makes too much sense not to happen. |
||||||
| 2 | David Bailey | EDGE | ||||
|
The Jets are in no position to be rolling the dice on a high-end prospect like Arvell Reese, mostly because they're in we absolutely have to win right now mode -- and those words are in all caps and bold when talking about second-year coach Aaron Glenn. Reese has a chance to be really special. David Bailey has a chance to be really special … next season. |
||||||
| 3 | Carnell Tate | WR | ||||
|
Mock Trade from: ARI You want to get nuts? Let's get nuts. I explained the trade above -- and even devoted 1,800 words to why it makes sense for the Bills to proactively pursue a big-time receiver. |
||||||
| 4 | Sonny Styles | LB | ||||
|
We are now living in a world where Styles is the first Ohio State defender off the board (and the second Buckeye, behind Tate). Some of it has to do with his combine performance, but that athleticism was all over his 2025 tape, when he made huge strides another year removed from safety and fully settled in at linebacker. In the right scheme, he'll be used to rush off the edge too. |
||||||
| 5 | Caleb Downs | S | ||||
|
In a quirky draft where one, maybe two QBs go in Round 1, and the board is littered with really good football players, we could see an off-ball linebacker and a safety go in the top five. History says that's crazy talk, but both Styles and Downs will immediately make their football teams better. |
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| 6 | Francis Mauigoa | OT | ||||
|
With WR1 off the board, the Browns go chalk and take the best offensive lineman in the class to protect Shedeur Sanders … or Dillon Gabriel … or Deshaun Watson … or a QB4 to be named later. The point remains: the offensive line is a huge need and Cleveland addresses it here. |
||||||
| 7 | Arvell Reese | EDGE | ||||
|
Could Reese fall to No. 7? It seems like a long shot, but if the Bills trade up for a WR, things can get interesting quickly. This is a best-case scenario for the Commanders, who have to upgrade their pass rush. |
||||||
| 8 | Jeremiyah Love | RB | ||||
|
This has been a popular pick in recent weeks, and after Love's combine workouts, all the more reason to lean into it here. An explosive RB is every QB's best friend, and that's especially true for second-year passer Tyler Shough. |
||||||
| 9 | Spencer Fano | OT | ||||
|
Fano is a technician on the right side, and the Chiefs have to upgrade the position. Now they'll have two young bookend tackles as they look to reassert themselves in the AFC West. |
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| 10 | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | ||||
|
Depending on the day, Reese and Bain could both be off the board inside the top five, or somehow still be available between picks 6-10. This has very little to do with the players and almost everything to do with how teams ultimately stack their boards. Whatever the explanation, the Bengals would be ecstatic to see Bain staring them in the face at No. 10. |
||||||
| 11 | Mansoor Delane | CB | ||||
|
Delane might not be the most athletic cornerback in this class, but he has the best tape, and it's not particularly close. He was good at Virginia Tech in 2024 and consistently great at LSU last season. |
||||||
| 12 | Jermod McCoy | CB | ||||
|
McCoy tore his ACL in January 2025, didn't play at all last season, and chose not to work out at the combine despite being medically cleared. That will naturally raise questions, but if teams are convinced he's good to go, he'll be among the first DBs off the board based solely on his 2024 tape. Dallas needs a physical, playmaking CB, and McCoy is exactly that. |
||||||
| 13 | Colton Hood | CB | ||||
|
The Rams need to bolster their secondary, and Hood is a physical, ultra-competitive press-man specialist with elite perimeter run-support skills. |
||||||
| 14 | Caleb Banks | DL | ||||
|
The Ravens struggled to stop the run last season, and even with Nnamdi Madubuike at full health, there is room for a game-wrecker like Banks along the defensive line. |
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| 15 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | ||||
|
Sadiq's 2025 tape might not have been as consistent as what he showed in 2024, but it was still really, really good. He also confirmed his high-end athleticism at the combine. Beyond his God-given traits, he's one of the best blocking TEs in the class and a difference-maker on special teams. Hard to imagine Baker Mayfield wouldn't love throwing to Sadiq and Egbuka on Sundays next fall. |
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| 16 | Makai Lemon | WR | ||||
|
This would be an outstanding start to the draft for the Jets, who land edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2 and then find Lemon staring them in the face here. Lemon reminds me (and a lot of folks, it turns out) of Amon-Ra St. Brown, which is music to Garrett Wilson's ears. |
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| 17 | T.J. Parker | EDGE | ||||
|
I think Parker is a much better player than the media have portrayed during the pre-draft process. Some of that has to do with Parker -- and the entire Clemson team -- not living up to lofty expectations in 2025. Still, he finished with a flourish and reminded everyone at the Senior Bowl that he can take over games when he's locked in. |
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| 18 | Peter Woods | DL | ||||
|
Like Parker, Woods didn't look the same in '25 that he did in '24. That said, he was still frequently dominant, and I could see him going off the board 5-10 picks earlier. The Vikings have serious needs along the defensive line, so they'll happily take Woods here. |
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| 19 | Kadyn Proctor | OT | ||||
|
This isn't the Panthers' biggest need, but it's also unclear when LT Ikem Ekwonu will be fully recovered from a late-season knee injury, and he's entering the final year of his rookie deal. Proctor, meanwhile, is a built-in-a-lab specimen who can take over games when he's focused. |
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| 20 | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | ||||
|
The Cowboys land a CB at No. 12 and a young edge rusher at No. 20. Faulk measured 6-foot-5, 276 pounds with 34⅜-inch arms at the combine. At 21, he's still growing into his body, but he's flashed all the tools to be an elite pass rusher at the next level. |
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| 21 | Denzel Boston | WR | ||||
|
I gave some thought to taking Olaivavega Ioane here, but the guard class is deeper than the WR class when talking about starter-capable talent. Boston is a long-striding, contested-catch machine who has also flashed punt-return ability, and he would be a natural No. 2 on a Steelers team that desperately needs receiving options. |
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| 22 | Olaivavega Ioane | IOL | ||||
|
Ioane is one of the cleanest prospects in the class, and the Chargers have to get better along the interior offensive line. |
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| 23 | Caleb Lomu | OT | ||||
|
I talked to Lomu at the combine and he said that while he primarily played left tackle in college, he's working at right tackle during the pre-draft process. Thirty-five-year-old Lane Johnson is returning for a 14th season, but who knows what the future holds beyond that. Lomu, who is one of the most athletic OTs in this class, would be next in line once Johnson retires. |
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| 24 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | ||||
|
Tyson has fantastic tape. The issue -- and this was a frequent topic of conversation at the combine -- is his ability to stay on the field. He has legit WR1 skills, but he's missed time with a range of injuries, both serious and minor. If the Browns are convinced those issues are behind him, he would be a steal here and a welcome addition to a WR room desperately lacking depth and playmaking ability. |
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| 25 | Akheem Mesidor | DL | ||||
|
I don't care that Mesidor will be 25 before he plays his first NFL snap. If he's anything like he was in 2025 for Miami, the Bears will get five fantastic seasons out of him and can decide ahead of the 2030 season whether he's worth a second contract. For now, Montez Sweat is ecstatic. |
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| 26 | Blake Miller | OT | ||||
|
Mock Trade from: BUF The Cardinals are vying to be the latest version of the Pats, Commanders or Texans -- a team that goes from truly terrible to the playoffs in one calendar year. Arizona will have to get the QB right this offseason, but they'll have enough picks to restock the roster and compete immediately. Landing Blake Miller here, to go along with all that fresh draft capital, almost feels like stealing. Miller can man the right side while former first-rounder Paris Johnson Jr. stays at left tackle. |
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| 27 | Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | ||||
|
We'll see what happens with Jauan Jennings in San Francisco, but Brandon Aiyuk may have played his last snap. As it stands, the WR room includes Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing under contract … and that's it. There's a need at guard too, but Cooper Jr. feels like a Kyle Shanahan-type receiver. |
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| 28 | Kayden McDonald | DL | ||||
|
The Texans would love to land an interior offensive lineman here, but with Ioane long gone, they instead bolster the defensive line with the best run-stuffing defensive tackle in the class. |
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| 29 | Ty Simpson | QB | ||||
|
Some Rams fans may not love the idea of taking Simpson, but I can't say it loudly enough: fit matters. And if Matthew Stafford plays another year -- or two -- Simpson has the game to flourish in Sean McVay's offense. |
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| 30 | CJ Allen | LB | ||||
|
The Broncos have few needs on defense, but they do need to restock the linebacker room. Allen may not be as fluid as Styles, but he's a between-the-tackles enforcer who would fit right into a Vance Joseph unit. |
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| 31 | Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | ||||
|
The choice here is to settle for OT6, WR6, ED6 or S2. I love the idea of McNeil-Warren in the same secondary as Christian Gonzalez -- two big, fast, physical, ball-hawking defensive backs. |
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| 32 | Avieon Terrell | CB | ||||
|
The Dark Side gets a new member in Terrell, who plays much bigger than his 5-10, 186-pound frame. That also means he'll fit right into a defense that was among the NFL's best last season and could lose key members of its secondary in free agency. |
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| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | ||||
|
No one is even considering alternatives for Las Vegas. The Tyler Linderbaum signing supports the assumption that Fernando Mendoza will be the No. 1 overall selection, because a veteran center is a huge benefit for a young quarterback. The Raiders need a quarterback, and there's a player worthy of that consideration. |
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| 2 | Arvell Reese | EDGE | ||||
|
I have gone back and forth on how the Jets may perceive this selection. Would Aaron Glenn want a player viewed more as a finished product (David Bailey) or one with potentially more upside (Arvell Reese)? Some of the signings in free agency take the pressure off Reese contributing immediately, which makes the upside play easier to justify. |
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| 3 | David Bailey | EDGE | ||||
|
Edge rusher is a premium position. Although the offensive line is more important, there's not a prospect who warrants consideration at this spot. Arizona adds a ready-made pass rusher to a defense with a tremendous amount of young talent. The trick will be bringing out the best in that group. |
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| 4 | Sonny Styles | LB | ||||
|
Everyone has been quick to associate Rueben Bain Jr. with the Titans, but they did trade for Jermaine Johnson II. There's still room for Bain, and that was considered here, but Sonny Styles is likely to be higher on the board. It'll likely come down to a debate between positional value and best player available in the draft room. It's easy to envision Styles as Robert Saleh's Fred Warner. |
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| 5 | Jeremiyah Love | RB | ||||
|
New York had been in competition for top running back free agents Travis Etienne Jr. and Kenneth Walker III but missed out. That suggests the Giants planned to use the No. 5 overall pick on a position other than running back, but it also shows they were willing to make a steep investment in the position. Do they adjust their plans to add what could be the best player available, who would also be an asset to young quarterback Jaxson Dart? |
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| 6 | Monroe Freeling | OT | ||||
|
Cleveland has filled three of its five starting offensive line positions, with left tackle and center presumably still unaddressed. No. 6 overall is a little too rich for any offensive lineman in this class, but the Browns have an opportunity to add a young prospect with a supreme athletic skill set at a premium position. They pick again at No. 24 overall and would be at the mercy of teams selecting ahead of them, so they get their pick of the litter at No. 6. |
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| 7 | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | ||||
|
The Titans and Commanders picks are closely linked. If Sonny Styles had been available with Rueben Bain Jr. off the board, he would've been the choice. Given the opposite played out in this scenario, Washington adds Bain to a group that includes Dorance Armstrong, Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson. Jeremiyah Love would've been a consideration for this team as well. |
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| 8 | Carnell Tate | WR | ||||
|
New Orleans is the latest team to use premium resources to support a young quarterback. It signed Travis Etienne Jr. and offensive guard David Edwards in free agency and now pairs Chris Olave with Carnell Tate. |
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| 9 | Francis Mauigoa | OT | ||||
|
Kansas City is not often in a position to pick in the top 10. The Chiefs need to use that opportunity to add a player at a premium position: offensive line, edge rusher, etc. Jawaan Taylor was released, so the team needs a replacement. The Chiefs missed out on the top edge rushers but settle for offensive line help. |
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| 10 | Caleb Downs | S | ||||
|
The Bengals signed Bryan Cook but still have a void at safety. They take the best player available as they continue to fill out their secondary. Cincinnati had a lot of missed open-field tackles last season, and the hope is that Caleb Downs cuts down on that total despite an 11.5% missed tackle rate in 2025, per TruMedia. |
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| 11 | Mansoor Delane | CB | ||||
|
Jeff Hafley and the Dolphins have opted not to do a total rebuild; the Malik Willis signing was an example of that. They need to find some reliable pieces for the secondary considering they're losing essentially everyone from last year's team, including Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was traded to the Jets. |
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| 12 | Jermod McCoy | CB | ||||
|
Jermod McCoy has the potential to be one of the best players to emerge from this draft class and certainly the top cornerback, but he was injured all season. Dallas signed safety Jalen Thompson and now has McCoy to pair with DaRon Bland. If Shavon Revel Jr. becomes the player the Cowboys had hoped, then maybe Bland moves back into the slot, where he began his career. |
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| 13 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | ||||
|
Looking at the board and the players who could make the biggest impact on a team pushing all its chips to the middle of the table in pursuit of a Super Bowl, Kenyon Sadiq stands out as the best option. Last year's second-round selection of Terrance Ferguson, who was Sadiq's teammate at Oregon, doesn't preclude them from adding to the room. |
||||||
| 14 | Olaivavega Ioane | IOL | ||||
|
Baltimore is back on the board at No. 14 overall after it had been involved in the trade for Maxx Crosby. The Ravens could move forward with recently signed John Simpson at right guard and returnee Andrew Vorhees at left guard, but Vega Ioane is a Raven if I've ever seen one. He brings stability for a head coach who wants to instill a physical brand of football. |
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| 15 | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | ||||
|
Keldric Faulk is young but not productive, a description that has fit Travon Walker, Shemar Stewart, etc. Those players tend to be quality edge-setters at the very least, and the hope is they can expand their pass-rush profile. Tampa Bay needs help rushing the passer after getting shut out in free agency, and Faulk has the length the team covets. |
||||||
| 16 | Spencer Fano | OT | ||||
|
New York is no stranger to investing first-round picks in the offensive line. One (Alijah Vera-Tucker) just walked out the door as his replacement (Spencer Fano) enters. Fano is a high-quality offensive lineman, even if there are concerns about his length to play offensive tackle. In this scenario, the Jets have bookend tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou at left and right tackle, respectively, with Fano at guard. Fano could also kick outside in a pinch. |
||||||
| 17 | Blake Miller | OT | ||||
|
Many are likely wondering why Blake Miller is the selection over Kadyn Proctor, Caleb Lomu and others. Miller is the choice to replace Taylor Decker because he's an offensive tackle more in Dan Campbell's image. |
||||||
| 18 | Dillon Thieneman | S | ||||
|
As Minnesota continues to turn the page on last season with a new quarterback and a new general manager, it'll be looking to identify more difference-makers. Dillon Thieneman tested off the charts from an athletic perspective and has also been incredibly productive. |
||||||
| 19 | Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | ||||
|
The 2025 season was a step in the right direction for the Panthers, but they haven't been complacent in their newfound success. Carolina delivered one of the biggest splashes in free agency by signing Jaelan Phillips and has continued to build out the roster. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is another building block for that unit. |
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| 20 | Makai Lemon | WR | ||||
|
Another wide receiver may seem like overkill, but the team is being aggressive with the additions of Quinnen Williams and Rashan Gary. Makai Lemon gives them another slot element and allows them to move some of the chess pieces around the board, but he also provides insurance and creates a potential off-ramp if CeeDee Lamb or George Pickens becomes too expensive. |
||||||
| 21 | CJ Allen | LB | ||||
|
By trading for Michael Pittman Jr., Pittsburgh alleviated some of the pressure to acquire another receiver. The Steelers don't have many pressing needs in the present, but they're an older team that should be looking to get younger. The hope is that CJ Allen and Payton Wilson can be the battery of the future. |
||||||
| 22 | Kayden McDonald | DL | ||||
|
Kayden McDonald at this stage may feel a little rich to some people, but he's a perfect fit for Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers do a great job of uplifting the talent on the roster, but there are question marks moving forward now that Jesse Minter is no longer there to shepherd the unit. They can find blue-chip players to ensure it's more than a mirage and create stability for that group. |
||||||
| 23 | Kadyn Proctor | OT | ||||
|
There has been some dialogue about whether Kadyn Proctor would play guard or tackle in the NFL. The Eagles love that question, quite frankly, because versatility has always been an asset for them. Lane Johnson nearing the end of his career may lead them to identify some contingencies. |
||||||
| 24 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | ||||
|
At one point, Jordyn Tyson was commonly linked to the Browns in the top 10. His brother, Jaylon Tyson, is a guard for the Cavaliers. Tyson wouldn't be available this late in the first round if not for his injury history, and that could present an opportunity for the Browns, depending on how one looks at it. |
||||||
| 25 | Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | ||||
|
Ben Johnson wants to be confident in the trio of receivers he has on the field at any given time. Luther Burden III really began to emerge toward the end of the season, but Chicago is leaving nothing to chance as it aims to prove last season was not an aberration. If you're a Bears fan questioning why the team would draft another receiver, I'd encourage you to think about the possibilities with Johnson pulling the strings. |
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| 26 | T.J. Parker | EDGE | ||||
|
A.J. Epenesa is a free agent as of this writing, so the only edge rushers on the roster probably exempt from major roster decisions are Gregory Rousseau, newly signed Bradley Chubb and last year's third-round pick, Landon Jackson. T.J. Parker has the profile they've been drawn to in the past. Perhaps he'll allow them to get off the carousel of acquiring a new 30-year-old every offseason. |
||||||
| 27 | Caleb Lomu | OT | ||||
|
It seems as though the union between San Francisco and Trent Williams is coming to an end. Caleb Lomu would ideally have a season to learn from Williams but has the athleticism to thrive in Kyle Shanahan's system. |
||||||
| 28 | Max Iheanachor | OT | ||||
|
Houston signed Braden Smith in free agency, but the sense seems to be that he'll play guard. The Texans also have Trent Brown, who is well down the road in his career. Even if he holds off Max Iheanachor for a year, the time will eventually come when Brown retires, and the Texans would have a replacement in the building. |
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| 29 | Avieon Terrell | CB | ||||
|
Kansas City traded Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles, which created a void in the secondary. The Chiefs have been able to take cornerbacks on Days 2 and 3 and turn them into quality players. The team drafted McDuffie in the first round, so there's precedent for using a pick this early on the position, but it doesn't believe in sinking large second contracts into those players. Kansas City addresses the position immediately but keeps its options open long term. |
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| 30 | KC Concepcion | WR | ||||
|
Denver had been searching for help at wide receiver prior to last year's trade deadline. The Broncos fell short in their pursuit of Jaylen Waddle and others but now take matters into their own hands with the selection of KC Concepcion. |
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| 31 | Zion Young | EDGE | ||||
|
New England has been able to squeeze all the juice from the lemons it employs at edge rusher, but Zion Young is a hopeful building block for Mike Vrabel's defense. K'Lavon Chaisson departed in free agency, so there's a need to fill. |
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| 32 | Akheem Mesidor | DL | ||||
|
Akheem Mesidor is an older prospect who'll be able to help the defending Super Bowl champions immediately. They allowed Boye Mafe to depart in free agency, but depth remains a strength in their efforts to repeat. |
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| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | ||||
|
The Raiders are on the clock and in need of help across the board, but quarterback is the first order of business. Fernando Mendoza capped off an impressive season with a national championship in Indiana's RPO-based offense and a strong postseason run, showing consistency and clutch throws in must-have moments. Mendoza makes great decisions and throws with accuracy and touch, and he can create and extend plays outside the pocket and under duress. He's a high-level processor who reads defenses quickly and anticipates well to deliver advantage throws that move the chains. |
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| 2 | Arvell Reese | EDGE | ||||
|
Arvell Reese is a nice piece for a franchise with plenty of holes, thanks to his versatility as both a box defender and an edge rusher. He brings elite twitch and instincts, along with the size and length to hold up in multiple spots. Reese is extremely athletic as a part-time rusher, can go speed to power, and has a strong long-arm move. His pass-rushing ceiling is high with more reps and time on task. Reese also has excellent change-of-direction and speed to match up against backs and tight ends, and he didn't allow a touchdown pass all season. |
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| 3 | Francis Mauigoa | OT | ||||
|
Francis Mauigoa excelled during the Hurricanes' playoff run and has been a model of consistency over the past two seasons at right tackle. He's thickly built with excellent power and can move defenders against their will in the run game. He's above average in pass protection with good technique and the feet to play in space. He also has some versatility to kick inside if needed, plus strong leadership and extensive experience as a three-year starter at Miami. |
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| 4 | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | ||||
|
Rueben Bain Jr. was as dominant a defensive lineman as we've seen since Will Anderson Jr. at Alabama. He has elite power in both phases and is an excellent technician with his hands, able to win with force or finesse. Bain plays with a high motor and attention to detail. His measurements might not impress everyone, but his film is elite, and he offers versatility to kick inside in pass-rush situations. |
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| 5 | Spencer Fano | OT | ||||
|
Spencer Fano plays with good technique and excellent feet, and I believe he can handle either tackle spot. He didn't allow a sack this season and gave up only six hurries. His best days are still ahead, but I like his power at the point, his ability to move people in the run game and the athleticism to pull and clear defenders at the second level. |
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| 6 | Carnell Tate | WR | ||||
|
Carnell Tate has extensive experience and the ability to win anywhere on the field. He's a good route runner who tracks and high-points the ball in contested situations. Tate is dependable and trustworthy, with strong hands and the ability to move the chains. |
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| 7 | David Bailey | EDGE | ||||
|
David Bailey is a natural edge rusher with the ability to win with speed and exceptional quickness in tight spaces. He's a dynamic player who can wreck a game and has shown improvement against the run. His highest upside comes as a pure pass rusher with his get-off and twitch. |
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| 8 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | ||||
|
Jordyn Tyson is exceptional at tracking the ball in the air and shows great contact balance after the catch to maximize YAC. He has long speed to win against press coverage and the ability to thrive over the middle and in the red zone. Tyson battled a hamstring injury, so his medicals will be studied closely. |
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| 9 | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | ||||
|
Keldric Faulk has ideal size, length and the ability to rush from anywhere along the front. His stats don't tell the full story given the attention he drew, but he still finished with 30 hurries. He's a slippery rusher with a good get-off and excellent hands, and he's solid against the run with the ability to set the edge and knock back tackles. |
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| 10 | Caleb Downs | S | ||||
|
The Bengals' defense, especially the secondary, had a rough season, but help is on the way. Caleb Downs is a high-IQ leader who excels in both phases. He can erase tight ends, play in the box as a run stuffer and is an excellent tackler in space. |
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| 11 | Mansoor Delane | CB | ||||
|
Mansoor Delane was arguably the nation's best corner and one of the top defensive players in the country. He's been an eraser in coverage with suddenness and change-of-direction. Delane has good speed and competitiveness at the catch point, and he should transition well despite lacking elite measurables. |
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| 12 | Jeremiyah Love | RB | ||||
|
Jeremiyah Love has exceptional vision and patience, plus real value as a receiver. He's a home-run threat every time he touches the ball, with outstanding lateral quickness and explosiveness. He gives me Bijan Robinson vibes every time I watch him. Future superstar. |
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| 13 | Ty Simpson | QB | ||||
|
Ty Simpson could benefit from a weak quarterback class and has promising traits. He may have the most upside in the group despite struggling in the second half of the season behind limited protection and run support. He has a strong arm, can hit every area of the field with velocity and touch and processes quickly with strong anticipation. Experience will be his biggest hurdle. |
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| 14 | Kayden McDonald | DL | ||||
|
Kayden McDonald is a massive, disruptive run stuffer who has been a force for the Buckeyes' stingy defense. He brings exceptional power at the point and shows good lateral quickness on stunts. He can crush the pocket but still needs development as a pass rusher. |
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| 15 | Cashius Howell | EDGE | ||||
|
Cashius Howell wins with speed and a strong long-arm move, with the ability to counter inside when tackles overset. He plays with a great motor and natural pass-rush instincts, and his twitch and get-off can cause problems. |
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| 16 | Caleb Lomu | OT | ||||
|
Caleb Lomu is an experienced left tackle with the traits you want protecting the blindside. He has good feet, strong technique and is a solid run blocker with lateral movement and knee bend that helps maximize his lower-body explosion. |
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| 17 | Monroe Freeling | OT | ||||
|
Long and athletic, Monroe Freeling is one of the few true pure left tackles in this draft. He shows good feet, versatility to play either tackle spot and solid run-blocking ability with a big frame and strong hand usage. He moves well in space and at the second level. |
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| 18 | Jermod McCoy | CB | ||||
|
I'm not a big fan of projecting a first-rounder who didn't play a snap in 2025, but this is a weak year for corners. Jermod McCoy has good length, the ability to play man coverage and should be fully healthy in 2026. He shows a smooth backpedal, quick route breaks and excellent hands. |
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| 19 | Makai Lemon | WR | ||||
|
Makai Lemon is an explosive playmaker who can stretch the field as both a receiver and returner. He plays with a defensive mentality and was USC's go-to option in must-have moments. He has top-end speed, physicality and great range. |
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| 20 | Sonny Styles | LB | ||||
|
Sonny Styles is an every-down linebacker with ideal size and length who excels in all phases. He's fluid in coverage, understands leverage and matches up well with backs and tight ends. He has great range against the run and is a sure tackler. |
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| 21 | Kadyn Proctor | OT | ||||
|
Kadyn Proctor settled in this season and had his best year for the Tide. I'd consider kicking him inside to guard, where I think he can excel. He can maul in the run game and has shown better consistency in protection. |
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| 22 | Olaivavega Ioane | IOL | ||||
|
My favorite interior prospect, Olaivavega Ioane is a mauler in the run game and elevated his play in protection in 2025, allowing only three pressures all season. He's physical, plays through the whistle and is a strong puller who can erase defenders. |
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| 23 | Zachariah Branch | WR | ||||
|
Zachariah Branch had his most productive season yet, catching 73 passes for nearly 750 yards with 17 explosive catches. He's elusive in space, can stop and start on a dime, and is always a threat to score as a punt and kick returner. |
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| 24 | Lee Hunter | DL | ||||
|
Lee Hunter has been a massive upgrade up front for the Red Raiders, taking on double-teams and freeing linebackers to roam. He has good lateral quickness on stunts and the ability to crush the pocket, finishing with a couple of sacks and 19 hurries. |
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| 25 | Zion Young | EDGE | ||||
|
The Bears love size and length up front, and nobody sets the edge quite like Young. He's disruptive with ideal length and pop, and profiles as a strong-side defender with a nice blend of speed, power and a long-arm move. |
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| 26 | KC Concepcion | WR | ||||
|
Explosive on screens and slants, KC Concepcion can break tackles and also stretch the defense vertically. He has good acceleration, separates after the catch and attacks the ball in the air. He's also a dangerous return weapon. |
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| 27 | Peter Woods | DL | ||||
|
Peter Woods looks the part and has impressive traits, but he didn't have the season many expected. He still shows good power and leverage against double-teams and flashes quickness on stunts and games. |
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| 28 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | ||||
|
Kenyon Sadiq is a fluid mover who runs like a big wide receiver. He catches naturally away from his body, finds soft spots in coverage and is a dependable target you can count on. He offers big-play ability after the catch and is a solid blocker. |
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| 29 | Brandon Cisse | CB | ||||
|
Brandon Cisse is a sticky corner with good hips and change-of-direction. He pattern-matches well, contests throws with strong hands and has the recovery ability when slightly beaten. He should look even better behind the Rams' pass rush. |
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| 30 | Denzel Boston | WR | ||||
|
Denzel Boston is a big-bodied possession receiver who can body up defenders and become a contested-catch and red-zone nightmare. He works the middle and sidelines well and had only one drop all season. |
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| 31 | Akheem Mesidor | DL | ||||
|
Akheem Mesidor has excellent bend and motor, playing with flawless technique as a pass rusher. He uses his hands and hips to finish and has a great first step off the ball. He lacks ideal measurables, but the film doesn't lie -- he's an absolute game-wrecker and one of the most NFL-ready rushers in the class. |
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| 32 | Emmanuel Pregnon | IOL | ||||
|
Emmanuel Pregnon is physical at the point with excellent strength and leverage, and he's also effective as a puller. He can maul defenders and has held up well in pass protection with good hands and a strong anchor. Pregnon put together his best season in his lone year at Oregon. |
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| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | ||||
|
Mendoza is the obvious first overall pick after leading the country in touchdown passes, winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy and powering Indiana to its first football national championship. The Raiders also paved the way for him to start right away after trading Geno Smith to the Jets and signing three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to the biggest contract for a center in NFL history. |
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| 2 | Arvell Reese | EDGE | ||||
|
The Jets completely remade their defense with numerous moves, like trading for defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat from the Titans and five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins. They also signed Pro Bowl cornerback Nahshon Wright to a one-year deal. Adding the explosive Arvell Reese to beef up their pass rush could be exactly what the doctor ordered for a defense that became the first to not have an interception in a season in 2025. |
||||||
| 3 | Francis Mauigoa | OT | ||||
|
The Cardinals are ready to tank for Arch Manning in 2027 with a quarterback room of Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. They have enough receiving and rushing options, especially after signing Tyler Allgeier to pair with James Conner, but they could continue to fortify their offensive line. Mauigoa is a massive right tackle with refined technique, and he would fill a void at that position for Arizona, where he will be a dominant run blocker from Day 1. |
||||||
| 4 | Jeremiyah Love | RB | ||||
|
The Titans spent a whopping $270.715 million across the first two days of free agency to address numerous needs on both sides of the ball. Their defensive line is restocked, so they don't need to draft an edge rusher here. That's why Tennessee selects the best running back prospect in Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love as the Titans aim to take a major leap in Year 2 of the Cam Ward era. |
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| 5 | Carnell Tate | WR | ||||
|
The Giants added another solid pass-catching option with the signing of Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, but they still need another legit wide receiver opposite Malik Nabers. Carnell Tate is the safest wide receiver in the draft based on measurements and traits. He produced a nation-leading six receiving touchdowns of 30 or more air yards in 2025. He'll help further quarterback Jaxson Dart's growth in 2026. |
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| 6 | Spencer Fano | OT | ||||
|
The Browns completely remade their offensive line in free agency by signing left guard Zion Johnson and center Elgton Jenkins and trading for right tackle Tytus Howard. However, there's still an opening at right guard with Wyatt Teller hitting the open market. Even though Fano played right tackle the last two years at Utah, he expressed openness at the combine to playing inside. That would be best given his 32 1/8-inch arms. |
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| 7 | David Bailey | EDGE | ||||
|
The Commanders signed former Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal in order to feel like they don't have to reach for a non-premium position in the top 10 of this draft. That signing will empower them to select college football's 2025 sacks leader in Texas Tech's David Bailey. Pairing him with free agent acquisition Odafe Oweh should be a lot of fun. |
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| 8 | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | ||||
|
The Saints don't need to think about running back after signing Travis Etienne in free agency. Eight-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Cameron Jordan turned back the clock to lead the Saints with 10.5 sacks in 2025, but he's 36 years old. Yes, Bain is a little undersized in the wingspan department, but that won't stop him and Chase Young from forming a fun pass rush duo. |
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| 9 | Sonny Styles | LB | ||||
|
Sonny Styles' historic combine performance led to him being compared physically to Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin "Megatron" Johnson. The Chiefs saw linebacker Leo Chenal walk in free agency, and even though Kansas City has a glaring need at cornerback, general manager Brett Veach drafts the best player available. |
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| 10 | Caleb Downs | S | ||||
|
The Bengals need help on defense at all levels after performing as the NFL's third-worst scoring defense (28.9 points per game) in 2025. Downs can line up in coverage anywhere: at strong safety, nickel or even in sub-packages as a linebacker. Yes, Cincy signed Chiefs safety Bryan Cook, but Downs can start next to him and take Jordan Battle's place. |
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| 11 | Mansoor Delane | CB | ||||
|
Nearly all of Miami's secondary hit free agency, and new Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley would love nothing more than to have a true No. 1 corner. Delane, a unanimous 2025 All-American, makes the most sense here. Delane led the SEC with a 24.1 passer rating allowed when targeted, the best in the conference among 82 players with at least 30 targets. He's a smooth operator who can change direction with ease. |
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| 12 | Jermod McCoy | CB | ||||
|
Dallas addressed edge rusher with the trade for Rashan Gary, but cornerback is still a major problem. DaRon Bland is working through nagging foot injuries, and Trevon Diggs is long gone. Cowboys fans shake their heads here after Dallas selected another corner coming off a torn ACL in the 2025 draft's third round in Shavon Revel. McCoy missed the 2025 season with a torn ACL, but he was electric in 2024, earning first-team All-SEC honors with four interceptions and nine passes defensed. |
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| 13 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | ||||
|
The Rams addressed their glaring cornerback issues in free agency with the trade and signing of Trent McDuffie plus the free agency signing of Jaylen Watson. That allows them to select Tyson, who is arguably the most explosive receiver in this draft. His film involves him blowing by people to turn decent grabs into big plays after the catch, and Davante Adams can help train Tyson into being his long-term successor. |
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| 14 | Olaivavega Ioane | IOL | ||||
|
The Ravens' interior offensive line will feel Tyler Linderbaum's absence, but Ioane can help mitigate that loss in front of Lamar Jackson as his left guard in 2026. He didn't allow a sack in his last two college seasons, which spanned 27 starts and 776 pass-blocking snaps. |
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| 15 | Colton Hood | CB | ||||
|
After losing cornerback Jamel Dean to the Steelers, the Buccaneers draft his replacement in Colton Hood, the SEC's only player with a pick-six and fumble return touchdown in 2025. He was also the only SEC player with four-plus tackles for loss and eight-plus passes defended last season. His speed allows him to run stride for stride down the field on vertical routes, and he's quick when planting and driving to the football in zone coverage. |
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| 16 | Makai Lemon | WR | ||||
|
The Jets overhauled their defense in free agency and at the top of the draft, so now it's time to fill out the offense. Makai Lemon earned the distinction of being named college football's top wide receiver as the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner. The Jets could use him opposite Garrett Wilson, and the only reasons Lemon falls this far are his size and his weird press conference at the combine. |
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| 17 | Akheem Mesidor | DL | ||||
|
The Lions restocked their offense with the signing of center Cade Mays and running back Isiah Pacheco, but they still need a cheap edge rusher who can immediately start opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Mesidor, who will turn 25 this year, can do just that. He ranked top five nationally in sacks (12.5, tied for third in the FBS), tackles for loss (17.5, tied for fifth) and quarterback pressures (67, tied for fourth) in 2025 opposite the aforementioned Bain at Miami. |
||||||
| 18 | Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | ||||
|
The cornerback position is set in Minnesota after the free agency signing of James Pierre, but safety still needs to be addressed with Harrison Smith all but officially retiring. McNeil-Warren's fluidity would fit well in defensive coordinator Brian Flores' scheme. |
||||||
| 19 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | ||||
|
The Panthers went all out to fix their front seven with the signings of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. Here, they add a legit receiving tight end to give Bryce Young enough firepower to win a playoff game. Sadiq, the 2025 first-team All-Big Ten honoree, led the nation in receiving touchdowns at the position with eight while primarily lining up on the line of scrimmage or in the slot. |
||||||
| 20 | Jacob Rodriguez | LB | ||||
|
Dallas whiffed on linebackers Nakobe Dean and Devin Lloyd in free agency, so it takes future fan favorite Jacob Rodriguez, the consensus All-American who helped power Texas Tech to a Big 12 title in 2025. He put concerns about his athleticism to bed with an outstanding combine performance, and Jerry Jones will have Rodriguez Cowboys jerseys flying off the shelves as his fan base supports a Red Raider whose wife is a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot. |
||||||
| 21 | Dillon Thieneman | S | ||||
|
Safety Kyle Dugger is a free agent, and Dillon Thieneman can provide the Steelers a long-term answer who can line up anywhere from deep safety to nickel in coverage. He moved as fluidly as a cornerback at the combine, and he's an instinctual player. Entering the NFL and learning from Jalen Ramsey is an ideal situation for the Steelers and Thieneman. |
||||||
| 22 | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | ||||
|
After the departure of Odafe Oweh to the Commanders in free agency, the Chargers draft his replacement. Faulk can line up anywhere along the defensive line with his prototypical stature. Learning from Khalil Mack, who returns to Los Angeles in 2026, makes plenty of sense for a team that needs more youthful depth in its front seven. |
||||||
| 23 | Denzel Boston | WR | ||||
|
The Eagles have been throwing darts at their WR3 spot next to A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith for years. Boston would be a worthy complement to both. He is a tank who can line up in the slot and outside and blow through press coverage, but learning how to use his body in the pros from Brown could take Boston's game to new heights. |
||||||
| 24 | Lee Hunter | DL | ||||
|
The Browns ought to give Myles Garrett, the 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, as much help as possible to prolong his career. They could create an excellent, long-term defensive tackle duo between Mason Graham and Lee Hunter. Hunter is a strong and wide defensive tackle, which made him an outstanding run defender with Texas Tech. Garrett and others can help him improve as a pass rusher in the NFL. |
||||||
| 25 | Monroe Freeling | OT | ||||
|
Monroe Freeling could be Caleb Williams' new left tackle after being Georgia's full-time left tackle in 2025. The size and agility are there, and he's quick off the line of scrimmage, as evidenced by an excellent combine effort. Freeling needs to work on better connecting on his punches toward opposing defensive linemen, which could be aided by a more balanced foundation, but he's ready to roll in the run game. Ben Johnson will love that about him. |
||||||
| 26 | CJ Allen | LB | ||||
|
Bills mainstay Matt Milano and fellow linebacker Shaq Thompson are free agents. Buffalo could find nice value in Allen, a 2025 All-American at Georgia. At the combine, he said the Bulldogs let him call the game with the exception of specific situational play calls here and there. Allen is also a textbook tackler who can run with running backs and tight ends in coverage. |
||||||
| 27 | Caleb Lomu | OT | ||||
|
Trent Williams and the 49ers are in the midst of a contract dispute. Plus, Williams turns 38 in July. Lomu's handwork and consistency in remaining upright prevent edge rushers from blowing past his shoulders, and he has strong instincts. |
||||||
| 28 | Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | ||||
|
Christian Kirk is a free agent, and who knows if Tank Dell will ever be the same player after all the injuries. Cooper, one of Mendoza's top targets, displays strong hands and an explosive lower body, allowing him to make plays against tight coverage; Cooper's game-winning catch at Penn State was a perfect example of that. His ability to break tackles is underrated, and he has big-play ability: Cooper's nine receiving touchdowns of 10-plus yards were the most in the Big Ten in 2025. |
||||||
| 29 | Avieon Terrell | CB | ||||
|
The Chiefs desperately need help at cornerback with both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson suiting up for the Rams in 2026. With the pick they acquired to trade McDuffie away, the Chiefs add one of the best takeaway generators at the cornerback position in this draft class in Avieon Terrell. He set Clemson records for a defensive back in forced fumbles in a season (five) and a career (eight from 2023-2025). |
||||||
| 30 | Kadyn Proctor | OT | ||||
|
Proctor is a tank, but he has the quickness to play offensive tackle in the NFL because of his footwork. He uses a strong first step to keep from crowding him off the line of scrimmage, and he can bend just enough to hang with speed rushers off the edge. Both of Denver's tackles are in their thirties, so this pick is a future investment in quarterback Bo Nix's health. |
||||||
| 31 | Caleb Banks | DL | ||||
|
The Patriots lost defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga to the Chiefs, so they replace him at the back end of Round 1 with the uber-athletic Caleb Banks. He wreaked havoc in 2024 but played just three games in 2025 due to a foot injury. This is the type of big swing the defending AFC champs can afford. |
||||||
| 32 | Brandon Cisse | CB | ||||
|
Several defensive backs from the Seahawks' "Dark Side" defense left in free agency, including Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant. Cisse offers ideal NFL size for a cornerback, along with the speed and agility to match. He trusts his vision and top-tier closing speed to shrink throwing windows and make plays on the ball, which Mike Macdonald will love. |
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-
1:51How Jeremiyah Love Stacks Up With This RB Free Agent Class
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1:35Is Fernando Mendoza The Best Prospect In The Draft?
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1:25OT Kadyn Proctor Is Worth Betting On At 6'6", 352 LBS
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1:45Post-Combine Mock Draft: Bills Move Up To No. 3 To Select WR Carnell Tate
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1:22Post-Combine Mock Draft: Titans Select LB Sonny Styles 4th Overall
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1:16Post-Combine Mock Draft: Brandon Cisse, KC Concepcion Fall Out Of 1st Round
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1:19Post-Combine Mock Draft: Buccaneers Select TE Kenyon Sadiq 15th Overall
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1:18Post-Combine Mock Draft: Travis Hunter Deal Completed With Browns Selecting WR Jordyn Tyson 24th
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1:56Sonny Styles Jumps Out The Room With 43.5" Vertical Jump At Combine
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1:43Where Does Caleb Downs Go In NFL Draft?
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1:31Ohio State Has Chance To Make History At NFL Draft
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0:42BREAKING NEWS: QB Dante Moore Returning To Oregon in 2026
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0:28BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State S Caleb Downs Declares for 2026 NFL Draft
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0:46BREAKING NEWS: Alabama QB Ty Simpson has Declared for 2026 NFL Draft
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1:10Raiders Eye Top Draft Pick After Loss to Giants - Who Will They Pick?
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1:25Ryan Wilson: Two Miami Stars Are Legit Top-10 NFL Draft Prospects
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1:30Ryan Wilson's Top 3 First-Round QB Predictions
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1:29Ohio State Players In Ryan Wilson's Mock Draft
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0:54Players To Get A 'D or F' From The 2025 NFL Draft Class
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0:57Players To Get A 'B+' From The 2025 NFL Draft Class









