2026 AFC West Draft Review

Denver Broncos

(66) Tyler Onyedim DT Texas A&M
(108) Jonah Coleman RB Washington
(111) Kage Casey OL Boise St.
(152) Justin Joly TE NC State
(246) Miles Scott S Illinois
(256) Dallen Bentley TE Utah
(257) Red Murdock LB Buffalo

Immediate Impact: RB Jonah Coleman

The Broncos didn’t pick until round three so there’s not a lot of options for an immediate impact player. Coleman is one of my favorite RBs in this draft and he’s a great complement to their RB from last year’s draft RJ Harvey. The Broncos re-signed JK Dobbins, but he hasn’t had a fully healthy season in years. Coleman can be the power back who takes the first and second down carries once Dobbins is on the injured list.

Best Value: TE Justin Joly

Joly isn’t going to be blocking anyone anytime soon but he’s a weapon in the passing game. They tried to make Evan Engram a guy for them last year, but Joly may make Engram expendable. Getting a guy who can be a solid part of your passing game in round five is good value.

Sleeper: LB Red Murdoch

Murdoch was Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick of the draft, but I don’t think that will last long as a moniker in Denver. This team needs LB help and while Murdoch doesn’t need to play right away, he’ll make this team as a special team’s guy and make his way up the LB depth chart. Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are the starters, but the Broncos don’t have much depth beyond the perpetually injured Drew Sanders and maybe Jonah Ellis if they play him inside.

Overall Analysis

Considering this team skipped the first two rounds of the draft because of trades, they did pretty well. I generally don’t count veterans acquired with draft picks but the trade for WR Jaylen Waddle is worth mentioning. He fills a major need with a player who isn’t a projection. Once they got going, they did well with DL Tyler Onyedim who can fit into the rotation on the defensive line. They have snaps to give with John Franklin-Myers moving on in free agency. Coleman was a great pick in round four. Certainly, there were teams that didn’t value him that highly, but I think he outplays that draft slot.

OL Kage Casey is a good prospect with versatility up front and this team can use it. They stayed mostly healthy last year but that isn’t always going to be the case. Casey is probably best suited to move inside but he was an OT in college. Both OTs for the Broncos are older players so having some depth is a good idea. Joly is another mid-round pick who could produce well beyond his draft slot.

S Miles Scott joins a safety group that could use some depth. TE Dallen Bentley was a worthwhile pick in the seventh round. He could make another veteran TE disposable too. LB Red Murdoch is going to have a chance to be a relevant player for this team, despite his draft spot.

Kansas City

(6) Mansoor Delane CB LSU
(29) Peter Woods DT Clemson
(40) R Mason Thomas Edge Oklahoma
(109) Jadon Canady CB Oregon
(161) Emmett Johnson RB Nebraska
(176) Cyrus Allen WR Cincinnati
(249) Garrett Nussmeier QB LSU

Immediate Impact: CB Mansoor Delane, DT Peter Woods, Edge R Mason Thomas

The Chiefs decided to focus on their defense early and they got three guys in the first two rounds who can have a major impact on the team. Delane becomes the top CB immediately and he fits Steve Spagnuolo’s defense like a glove. Then they took Peter Woods who can give them some penetration next to or in place of Chris Jones at DT. Along with free agent Khyiris Tonga, the defensive line is very improved. R Mason Thomas is a different type of edge rusher than they usually go for. They usually get big DEs, but Thomas is a smaller, speed rusher. He will give them a guy who gets to the QB even though he won’t start.

Best Value: RB Emmett Johnson

The Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III to be their bell cow back, but they needed more help at RB. Johnson isn’t the most physically gifted back but he’s extremely talented and versatile. He’s good enough to take some of the load off Walker on any down but he’s also going to be a good third-down back, he’s an excellent pass catcher. This was a major value add for this offense.

Sleeper: WR Cyrus Allen

I’ve never been a big Xavier Worthy fan because while he’s fast, he’s also small and not really a great technical receiver. Allen isn’t as fast as Worthy but he’s still fast. He is however, 180 lbs. instead of 165 like Worthy so he’s a bit bigger. The Chiefs keep trying to make smaller WRs work (Hollywood Brown, Skyy Moore, Worthy, etc.) So far it hasn’t worked but Allen might be a guy who can change that outcome.

Overall Analysis

The first three picks in this draft class; Delane, Woods, and Thomas are all going to help this defense immensely. Delane will start, Woods will be heavily involved in the rotation at DT and while Thomas isn’t a starter, he’s going to play. Thomas’ size will keep him from playing on run downs, but they have guys who can handle those. His value is as a designated pass rusher, he’s going to create havoc.

CB Jadon Canady is one of those mid-round defensive backs everyone was talking about the Chiefs relying on. Canady will take a backseat to Delane and some other veterans but he’s a solid investment. Johnson is going to play for this team, he’s too talented not too. Allen has a chance to contribute; it’s not the most overwhelming WR corps to break into.

Finally, the Chiefs were the team to take the chance on Garrett Nussmeier in round seven. Nussmeier had an awful season last year and most of it was due to injury. He dealt with an oblique injury and recently had a cyst discovered on his spine. He’s not a physically gifted passer so teams weren’t clamoring to take him but he’s a solid third QB for this team and can be more valuable long-term than backup Justin Fields.

Las Vegas Raiders

(1) Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana
(38) Treydan Stukes DB Arizona
(67) Keyron Crawford Edge Auburn
(91) Trey Zuhn III OL Texas A&M
(101) Jermod McCoy CB Tennessee
(122) Mike Washington Jr. RB Arkansas
(150) Dalton Johnson S Arizona
(175) Hezekiah Masses CB California
(195) Malik Benson WR Oregon
(229) Brandon Cleveland DL NC State

Immediate Impact: QB Fernando Mendoza, DB Treydan Stukes

The Raiders can pretend all they want that Mendoza is going to sit behind Kirk Cousins for the year but I’m not buying it. Mendoza has multiple years of starting experience in college at multiple schools. He’s a great fit for Klint Kubiak’s scheme and he’s a hard-working player who will put in the time, he’s starting by week 4. Stukes is too good to keep off the field, and the Raiders secondary isn’t exactly stacked. He’s a nickel corner or a free safety and he’ll find his way onto the field.

Best Value: CB Jermod McCoy (injury dependent)

If McCoy’s knee heals up, whether that’s this year or next, he has the skills of a CB1 and a high-end one at that. If his knee is never right, it’s going to change his career outlook but I’m keeping hope alive. If the Raiders got a guy who can be a legitimate shutdown type of CB with the first pick of round four, that’s the valuable pick in the draft.

Sleeper: OL Trey Zuhn III

Zuhn played OT at Texas A&M, and most teams were looking at him to move inside, including a possible move to center. With Tyler Linderbaum locked in at center they can give Zuhn a chance at LG, where they signed Spencer Burford to a small deal or Zuhn could give DJ Glaze some competition at RT. He’s built for Klink Kubiak’s blocking scheme it’s just a matter of where he fits best.

Overall Analysis

This is a very solid draft with 10 picks and could really help reset the Raiders if things break right for them. Any draft with a QB picked first overall will certainly be judged by that QB’s success. It’s not really fair but it is the reality. Mendoza has a chance to succeed with a good coaching staff, an improved offensive line, and a couple of playmakers around him. He could use another pass catcher or two at WR but there are some vets out there.

DB Treydan Stukes and Edge rusher Keyron Crawford were the next two picks, and they are two guys who add depth to positions that need it. Stukes will find a way to help and while Crawford probably won’t be a full-time player, he can bring some juice to the pass rush. Trey Zuhn III is a nice piece to add to the offensive line. If McCoy gets healthy, he’s going to be an excellent player.

Taking RB Mike Washington Jr. in round four is a great investment, they have no depth behind Ashton Jeanty. Washington isn’t going to replace Jeanty by any means, but no team should be looking to get through the season with one RB. Washington is big and fast; it’s a good combination to have. S Dalton Johnson and CB Hezekiah Masses are a couple of nice depth pieces for the secondary and special teams.

Malik Benson is a solid pickup for the WR corps, he never quite became a dominant receiver in college, but he has some skills and this group needs talent. DT Brandon Cleveland is a big body at a need position; you can do worse in round seven.

Los Angeles Chargers

(22) Akheem Mesidor Edge Miami
(63) Jake Slaughter C Florida
(105) Brenen Thompson WR Mississippi St.
(117) Travis Burke OT Memphis
(131) Genesis Smith S Arizona
(145) Nick Barrett DT South Carolina
(202) Logan Taylor OL Boston College
(206) Alex Harkey OL Oregon

Immediate Impact: Edge Akheem Mesidor, C/G Jake Slaughter

The Chargers needed help at pass rusher and on the offensive line. Mesidor will be a 25-year-old rookie so he will be expected to hit the ground running. He’ll be the third pass rusher and rotate with Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. Slaughter was a center at Florida, but the Chargers have Tyler Biadasz there but need help at guard. If he can handle the transition to guard, Slaughter will quickly replace Trevor Penning in the starting lineup.

Best Value: S Genesis Smith

Smith isn’t the best safety prospect, but the Chargers are looking at starting Tony Jefferson again and he’s 34 years old and has already retired once. Smith gives them a potential starting player coming out of round four. That’s good value.

Sleeper: DT Nick Barrett

The Chargers defensive line isn’t stacked with talent up front. Teair Tart and Jamaree Caldwell are solid players, but they signed Dalvin Tomlinson to give them a NT. Tomlinson is aging and they need depth. Barrett isn’t flashy but he’s steady and he could stick in the league for a while just doing the dirty work.

Overall Analysis

Mesidor fills a big need for the Chargers, and he’ll be a good player right away. Taking Jake Slaughter felt a little strange but clearly, they thought he was a better player than any pure guard they could get. If he wins the LG spot, that’s a major win for the team. WR Brenen Thompson is a small slot receiver with great speed. He gives them a different type of receiver than most of the guys they have.

The Chargers made no secret of what they wanted to do with the back half of their draft. With the exception of S Genesis Smith and DT Nick Barrett, they set out to fix the offensive line, or at least give themselves a chance to do it. OT Travis Burke is a giant player who will back up both tackle spots and should be able to learn some things from fellow tall tackle Joe Alt. Then they finished the draft with back-to-back offensive lineman. Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey are two guys who will give them depth at both guard and tackle and after the season the Chargers just had with their offensive line, no one blames them for these picks. After last season, they clearly decided, never again.

2026 NFC North Draft Review

Chicago Bears

(25) Dillon Thieneman S Oregon
(57) Logan Jones C Iowa
(69) Sam Roush TE Stanford
(89) Zavion Thomas WR LSU
(124) Malik Muhammad CB Texas
(166) Keyshaun Elliot LB Arizona St.
(213) Jordan van den Berg DL Georgia Tech

Immediate Impact: S Dillon Thieneman

The Bears didn’t need to get a lot of immediate help and as it stands right now, Thieneman is the only rookie who should start, and he will have an immediate impact. He’s an incredible athlete who should fit perfectly next to Coby Bryant at safety and they will be nearly interchangeable.

Best Value: LB Keyshaun Elliot

Getting Elliot in the fifth round was a steal. He has starter potential and it might be soon given the depth chart. The Bears have a lot of LBs; TJ Edwards, Devin Bush, Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, D’Marco Jackson, and Ruben Hyppolite II, the only LB I like in that group more than Elliot is a healthy Edwards. The rest of them may be able to play a specific role but Elliot can play every down.

Sleeper: CB Malik Muhammad

If the Bears decide they want to get off the Tyrique Stevenson roller coaster, Muhammad is the perfect steady player for them. He might not give you the big, flashy plays Stevenson gives you, but he’s not getting beat for a Hail Mary because he’s too busy talking trash to the crowd. He has starter ability even if he’s a little lighter and not as strong as you might like.

Overall Analysis

Getting Thieneman at 25 overall was a gift. This team needed more safety help, and they got the second-best safety in the draft at a discount. He’ll make plays all over the field and will make the backend of the defense a lot harder to throw against. C Logan Jones may have been taken a tad earlier than expected but he’s a starting center in the league. He may have to wait a year if the Bears want to let the veteran, Garrett Bradbury, start and ease Jones in. Jones can beat him out, but the Bears traded for Bradbury for a reason, so we’ll see. Jones isn’t a big center, but when you have Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson at guard, it’s a little easier to go with the undersized center.

The team went 1 for 2 on their third-round picks. TE Sam Roush is a ready-made NFL blocking TE who immediately replaces Durham Smyth who left in free agency. It’s not the most impactful spot but it matters to Ben Johnson. He’s also good enough that if the team wants to move on from Cole Kmet at some point, he can be the second TE to Colston Loveland. WR Zavion Thomas was a major reach. If you watched LSU last year you know they weren’t very good. Thomas is small and while I can see they might think he can be Khalif Raymond, he’s not Khalif Raymond and they could have done better. I think they will regret passing on guys like Skyler Bell or Brenan Thompson. Muhammed and Elliot are fourth and fifth round guys who have a legitimate chance to start for this team in the near future. DL Jordan van den Berg was solid sixth-round flyer after the DT position had been picked pretty clean. He’s probably not making the roster this year but he’s worth a practice squad spot to see if he can develop.

Detroit Lions

(17) Blake Miller OT Clemson
(44) Derrick Moore Edge Michigan
(118) Jimmy Rolder LB Michigan
(157) Keith Abney II CB Arizona St.
(168) Kendrick Law WR Kentucky
(205) Skyler Gill-Howard DL Texas Tech
(222) Tyre West DL Tennessee

Immediate Impact: OT Blake Miller, Edge Derrick Moore

Taylor Decker retired and the Lions are moving Penei Sewell to LT, that leaves his RT spot wide open for Miller to step into. Miller doesn’t wow you with any part of his game but he’s strong, steady, and reliable. The Lions offense line was an issue last season and Miller should be the last piece to fix it. Moore isn’t the biggest or fastest edge rusher but he’s pretty good and they have needed a steady guy opposite Aidan Hutchinson since they drafted him. Moore is the “Blake Miller” of edge rushers, strong, steady, and reliable. Hutchinson is the star; Moore is the guy doing the work on the other side

Best Value: CB Keith Abney II

Abney isn’t the biggest CB but don’t tell him that. He plays with the type of edge that Dan Campbell is going to love. It might get him in trouble with a flag or two from time to time but he’s a tough CB and he can cover. Somehow, he fell to the fifth round and Lions lucked out, they need some depth at CB, and he can fill that need.

Sleeper: LB Jimmy Rolder

The Lions lost Alex Anazalone in free agency and that leaves Malcolm Rodriguez penciled in at weakside LB, that’s not ideal. There’s no real depth at LB and Rolder has more size and ability to hold up as a starter than Rodriguez. I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s the starter weakside LB fairly quickly in Detroit.

Overall Analysis

Miller, Moore, Rolder and Abney were their first four picks in this draft and all four of them could contribute quickly. Miller and Moore as immediate starters with Rolder as a possibility and Abney more of a fil-in if needed. WR Kendrick Law isn’t expected to contribute much beyond being a fourth WR and a return guy but he’s basically the new Khalif Raymond for this team. If he can be that that’s a solid fifth-round pick. Defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard and Tyre West are two smaller DTs who are just depth pieces who give the Lions players who are a little different than starters Alim McNeil and Tyliek Williams.

Green Bay Packers

(52) Brandon Cisse CB South Carolina
(77) Chris McClellan DT Missouri
(120) Dani Dennis-Sutton DE Penn St.
(153) Jager Burton C/G Kentucky
(201) Domani Jackson CB Alabama
(216) Trey Smack K Florida

Immediate Impact: DT Chris McClellan, K Trey Smack

The Packers traded Kenny Clark last year and they haven’t been able to fill that hole. They signed Javon Hargrave this off season but he’s 33 and hasn’t been effective for the past several years. McClellan wasn’t one of the bigger names at DT, but he’s a very talented player who fits into their rotation very easily. The Packers have been looking for consistent kicking since Mason Crosby’s best days. Brandon McManus has the spot for now, but he’ll be 35 next season, Trey Smack was arguably the best kicker in this draft.

Best Value: DE Dani Dennis-Sutton

Dennis-Sutton isn’t the most productive edge rusher but he’s big, strong, and can hold up across all downs. He’s a big edge rusher who might be able to bulk up a bit and play end in Green Bay’s three-man front. No matter where he plays, he’s better than a fourth-round pick.

Sleeper: CB Domani Jackson

Jackson was the second CB they took and while I can see Brandon Cisse stepping in reasonably quickly and getting some playing time, don’t forget about Jackson. He was a highly ranked recruit out of high school who never quite lived up to the hype. However, he has the height, weight, and speed combination that makes him very interesting as a developmental player

Overall Analysis

CB Brandon Cisse will play for this team this year, but he shouldn’t start unless Keisean Nixon or Carrington Valentine are out. He’s a good prospect and they took him at the right spot. He has starter ability and eventually he should be a good player for them. McClellan should be featured heavily in their defensive line rotation, and I would use him more than Javon Hargrave. I really like the McClellen pick. The Dani Dennis-Sutton pick was great value in the fourth round. He isn’t the most dynamic player, but he will give them some important snaps.

OL Jagar Burton couldn’t be more perfect for the Packers, they love a versatile offensive lineman, and he can play three positions. If Anthony Belton isn’t up to the task at RG, Burton could take that job. Domani Jackson is a bet on a guy with great physical traits, you can do way worse in the sixth round. I’m generally not in favor of taking a kicker unless you have at least eight or nine picks in a draft. I also question the wisdom of taking a kicker from Florida when you’re bringing him to Green Bay, Wisconsin. Could be a wasted pick if he can’t handle the weather.

Minnesota Vikings

(18) Caleb Banks DT Florida
(51) Jake Golday LB Cincinnati
(82) Domonique Orange DT Iowa St.
(97) Caleb Tiernan OT Northwestern
(98) Jakobe Thomas S Miami
(159) Max Bredeson FB Michigan
(163) Charles Demmings CB Stephen F. Austin
(198) Demond Claiborne RB Wake Forest
(235) Gavin Gerhardt OL Cincinnati

Immediate Impact: DT Caleb Banks (maybe), LB Jake Golday, DT Domonique Orange

If Caleb Banks’ foot heals up and he doesn’t have any problems with it, he could be the steal of the draft. That’s a very big “if” when you’re talking about a guy who’s 6’6 almost 330 lbs. and has had two injuries to the same foot in less than a year. If he’s healthy, he’s an unblockable menace, if not, he’s a massive bust. Jake Golday is such a unique player, it’s really good he’s going to go play for Brian Flores, the perfect DC to unleash him. Golday isn’t a traditional LB, Flores will figure out the best way to use him. The Vikings needed DT help and even after taking Banks in round one, Domonique Orange was just too good to pass up. If Banks can’t stay healthy, at least Orange will be around to wreak havoc on the defensive line.

Best Value: DT Domonique Orange

Getting a guy of Orange’s caliber in the back half of round three is insane. He could legitimately start for the Vikings even if Caleb Banks is healthy. I know the team got good play out of Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez last season, but Orange is just a different guy up front.

Sleeper: RB Demond Claiborne

Claiborne was only a sixth-round pick, but this team needs some juice in the backfield. Aaron Jones is aging and Jordan Mason isn’t bringing speed to the equation. The only other back on the roster is Zavier Scott. Claiborne has 4.37 speed and it shows. He’s not a physical runner but he can gain yards in a hurry. It was a little surprising they waited until round six to address such a critical need.

Overall Analysis

The Vikings clearly saw a need to address their defense when four of their first five picks were on that side of the ball. Banks is a bet on the upside that could legitimately change your defense. Adding Golday and Orange is adding two players who can fit the scheme and really give you some outstanding play. S Jakobe Thomas was the fourth defender after they took OT Caleb Tiernan. Tiernan fills a need as a swing tackle and after last year with some injuries it was necessary. He also has long-term potential as the replacement RT for Brian O’Neill who is getting older and is coming to the end of his contract. Thomas felt like a bit of a reach at safety. He’s not particularly great at any one thing, and he can be inconsistent.

The Vikings took FB Max Bredeson in round five. While they listed him as a TE, he’s really a full-back or H-back and it’s kind of a dying position in the NFL. I’m not sure they needed to take him in round five. CB Charles Demmings is a guy from Stephen F. Austin and that’s unique because most small school guys transfer up before finishing out their eligibility. Demmings gives the Vikings a CB with a little more length than most of their guys, he’s 6’1. Then came Claiborne, he’s a solid pickup for a sixth-round pick. C Gavin Gerhardt is just a body, they like Blake Brendel at center.

2026 NFL Draft Quick Hits

2026 NFL Draft-1^st Round Reaction

I have some thoughts about how the first round of the draft went; I thought I’d share them. I mentioned it many times last night to many people, it felt like this draft was drunk. It was just stumbling around and incoherently mumbling from pick three on.

The first two picks were pretty clear. QB Fernando Mendoza and Edge David Bailey made perfect sense for the Raiders and Jets, well done.

In the last week there were reports of the Arizona Cardinals looking at taking RB Jeremiyah Love, an understandable rumor if you’re trying to drum up interest for someone to trade up. Instead, a bad organization made a bad move and actually took Love. Jeremiyah Love is arguably the best player in the draft but now he’s going to go to waist on a team that doesn’t have QB, has a suspect offensive line, and has Tyler Allgier, James Connor, Trey Benson and Bam Knight already on the roster. Bad organizations stay bad because they do things like this. This seems like an ownership decision hoping to sell tickets with a big-name college player they can put on posters, that’s not how you win in the NFL.

The Titans pulled the next stunner by taking WR Carnell Tate fourth overall. I like Tate as a player; I just don’t see him as a guy you take this high in the draft. He’ll be a good pro, I’m just not sure he’ll ever reach the level you want from a guy you take this high at WR.

The Giants weren’t expecting LB Arvell Reese to fall to five, but they couldn’t pass him up, he’s way too good. They don’t really need him with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Keyvon Thibodeaux already on the defense but Reese was too much value. This probably means Thibodeaux is on the trading block, someone from New England should give the Giants a call.

The Chiefs were the team to make the move up with the trade from nine to six with the Browns (the Browns are collecting draft picks like Pokémon cards). They didn’t move up for an edge rusher, they took CB Mansoor Delane. Delane is a perfect scheme fit for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, and they certainly had a hole to fill. So much for them counting on mid-round CBs to fill the need, they got aggressive, it’s a good move.

Dan Quinn thanks the football gods for dropping a football god right in his lap. Sonny Styles is an athletic freak who actually plays with the type of LB instincts you want. They desperately needed a guy to take over the defense from Bobby Wagner and Styles is a great player to do that.

The Saints stood pat at number eight and took a shot at greatness. WR Jordyn Tyson has some big injury concerns to overcome but he’s a truly impressive talent. If he’s healthy, he and Chris Olave are going to be a problem.

The Browns traded down to nine and took Spencer Fano. I have questions about this pick. They need a LT and Fano hasn’t played LT for a couple of years and only played it one year at Utah. He doesn’t have ideal length and he’s a very slight player. I’m not saying he can’t do it but it’s a question.

The Giants used the tenth pick to take OL Francis Mauigoa, he’s going to start at RG until they need him at RT, solid choice.

The Cowboys moved up one spot to make sure no one gave Miami a better deal so they could secure S Caleb Downs. Downs is a game changer for that defense. Great move.

The Dolphins move down one spot and take OT Kadyn Proctor, yikes. Proctor’s former coach Nick Saban said it best, he’s not a self-starter. He’s likely moving positions as the team has Patrick Paul at LT. Do they move Proctor to RG, the obvious hole on the line, or to RT to replace Austin Jackson. Either one puts Proctor under some pressure to adapt, I’m not sure that’s going to be a good thing for him. This feels like the moment in the Marvel Universe where Dr. Strange tells Tony Stark there’s a 1 in 14 million chance of it working.

I said this draft was drunk and the Rams were doing Jagerbombs all night. They took QB Ty Simpson to be Matthew Stafford’s heir apparent. Go watch the Rams post draft presser, Sean McVay looked very unhappy. When I say “they” took Ty Simpson, seems like GM Les Snead was “they” in this situation. A team that was very close going to the Super Bowl who doesn’t usually pick this high taking a backup QB (maybe 3^rd string if he can’t beat out Stetson Bennett), strange choice. McVay could turn Simpson into an NFL QB but if he’s not on board with the pick, that’s tough for Simpson.

We got a couple of no brainer picks. The Ravens took OG Vega Ioane, of course they did. Then the Bucs rejoiced because they desperately need pass rush help and Rueben Bain Jr. fell all the way to 15. He may not be an obvious fit in the scheme, but Todd Bowles better figure out how to use him, he might just save his job.

The Jets took TE Kenyon Sadiq, I should have seen that coming. New OC Declan Doyle wants to run two-TE sets, now he can. The Lions are moving Penei Sewell to LT and so they took the RT equivalent of Taylor Decker, Blake Miller. Steady, experienced, and thoroughly unspectacular, good choice.

The Vikings are shooting for the moon with DT Caleb Banks. From a talent standpoint he’s a top ten player in this draft. He also happens to be 6’6 330 lbs. and has multiple broken bones in his left foot. If he’s healthy, he has All-Pro potential, there’s just as good of a chance he plays 15 games in the next three years, and they are declining his fifth-year option and drafting another DT.

The Panthers are thinking long-term, not a bad idea. Their starting LT from last season tore his patellar tendon and might not play this season, which is his last on his contract. They signed Rasheed Walker to be the stopgap, but his is a one-year deal. LT Monroe Freeling would be best served if he doesn’t have to play right away. Freeling sits for a year and then in 2027, he’s the starting LT.

The Eagles traded with the Cowboys to move up and snake the Pittsburgh Steelers and drafted Makai Lemon while the Steelers were on the phone with him. He’s headed to Philly to be part of the revamped WR corps that is assuredly losing AJ Brown on June 1.

The Steelers had to quickly pivot off Lemon and for some reason they didn’t just pivot to KC Concepcion, instead they took RT Max Iheanachor. Iheanachor is pretty raw, but LT Broderick Jones has been a disappointment and has a neck injury. Iheanachor isn’t playing LT, but Troy Fautanu played LT in college and he can slide over to the left side and Iheanachor can play the right side.

The Chargers stayed put and took Edge Ahkeem Mesidor. They need an edge rusher and Mesidor will hit the ground running. He’s already 25 but they are ready to win now.

The Cowboys moved down and still got the edge rusher they like, Malachi Lawrence from UCF. He’s unpolished and for now, probably just a designated pass rusher, but that works for this team, they have starters, Rashan Gary and Sam Williams can play the early downs.

The Browns took WR KC Concepcion. He’s immediately the best WR on the roster and he’ll be really happy in 2027 when they finally get a QB. 2026 is not going to be great, although they could target him 150 times this season.

The Bears are the luckiest team at the end of this round. Not only did their division rival Vikings take a DT with a bad foot but they passed on a really good safety. What did the Bears need? A really good safety. They let all their safeties go and the only guy they brought in was Coby Bryant. Dillon Thieneman is a playmaker in the secondary. Also, some good edge rushers fell to round two, they can still make a move there.

When I said the draft was drunk the last ten picks were like everyone at the end of the night at the bar looking for someone to go home with. Of the last 10 picks, 8 of them were traded, some of them multiple times. Everybody was dancing with everybody and just grabbed someone when the music stopped. There were six picks in a row traded, 25-31, including the Bills and 49ers both trading down multiple times and out of round one completely.

The Texans took OG/C Keylan Rutledge, he either beats out Jake Andrews at center or he’s Wyatt Teller’s eventual replacement at LG.

The Dolphins moved up to get CB Chris Johnson. He’s a Jeff Hafley kind of guy and only the second CB taken in the draft, there’s going to be a run on CB in round two.

The Patriots moved up to take OT Caleb Lomu. He was the last of the top OT prospects and Patriots needed some help. They have 35-year-old Morgan Moses at RT and when Will Campbell went down last season, they didn’t have much behind him. Lomu gives them depth and he will eventually be the RT, it might even happen this season.

The Chiefs taking DT Peter Woods is pretty amazing. Woods is a smaller, attacking DT who will give them someone other than Chris Jones to rush from the inside. They signed Khyiris Tonga to be the big run-stuffer in the middle, Woods is the penetrating DT next to him.

The Jets jumped back into the round to grab WR Omar Cooper Jr. That gives them three first-round picks. Cooper is a really good player who will make life easier for Geno Smith. I’m obviously not a Jets fan but I will feel bad if the Jets curse ruins the careers of David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr., I like those players.

The Titans decided to do the same and jumped back in to get DE Keldric Faulk. Of course they did, Robert Saleh had to get his defensive end. Faulk is an excellent run defender and is a very nice complement opposite Jermaine Johnson.

The one team that desperately wanted to trade out of round one was the Seahawks but after so many trades, there was no one left to go home with at the end of the night. They took RB Jadarian Price. He fills a huge hole where Kenneth Walker III used to be but this feels too high for Price. He’s never been a lead back; he was Jeremiyah Love’s backup at Notre Dame. When you’ve just won the Super Bowl, you get a pass, but this could be much like the Chiefs taking Clyde Edwards-Helaire a few years ago. That wasn’t a good pick.

Round 2 Thoughts

There are some very good players still on the board. CB Jermod McCoy has fallen and it’s all because of his knee injury. Apparently running his blazing 40 at his workout didn’t answer questions and teams are scared of his injury. If he can overcome it, he’s going to be the steal of this draft.

There’s going to be a run on CBs at some point. McCoy, Avieon Terrell, Colton Hood, and Brandon Cisse were all guys with round one potential at one point.

The defensive tackle and edge rush group is still quite deep. DTs Kayden McDonal and Christen Miller should go pretty quickly. TJ Parker, Zion Young, Cashius Howell, and Gabe Jacas are still left at edge.

S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren fell to round two as I thought he might. He had a good year and he’s a good prospect, but he’s got some flaws. He’s going to be a good pick for someone, but they need to use him right.

The OT class got picked pretty clean so if you want an offensive lineman you’ll have to settle for a guard. There are good guards left, Chase Bisontis, Gennings Dunker, and Emmanuel Pregnon are all immediate starters for a team in need.

The LB group is also deep since only Sonny Styles went as an off-ball LB in round one. CJ Allen, Jacob Rodriguez, Anthony Hill Jr., Jake Golday, and Josiah Trotter could all be second round picks.

The last guy I can’t believe fell to round two is WR Denzel Boston. He’s a potential WR1 and he’s going to go very early.

The top of the second round got shuffled a bit with San Francisco ending up with the first pick of round two (33) and the Bills with the third pick (35). That means two playoff teams from last season who want to compete are looking for the best value here. If San Francisco doesn’t want Denzel Boston, they should be shopping this pick to the highest bidder.

Let’s see if the drunken party that was last night’s round one has a hangover in round two or if the party continues. Day two is always my favorite, enjoy the ride.

2026 NFL Mock Draft-The Final One

The NFL Draft starts on Thursday in Pittsburgh, meaning it’s coming up fast and things are starting to come into focus. We know the first pick of the draft but after that, it’s a crapshoot. The consensus has been that the Jets would take Ohio St. edge Arvell Reese. That’s starting to change and it looks like they may be leaning another way. Everyone knows RB Jeremiah Love is one of the top five players in the draft but it’s not clear if anyone in the top five wants to spend a pick on a RB. S Caleb Downs is also one of the better prospects this year but he’s a safety and there’s questions about whether anyone will take a safety in the top ten. There’s little consensus on the top offensive tackles and who might go where and who’s worth the most. The best prospects on the o-line are guys who are right tackles or guards so teams aren’t dying to spend top end draft capital on guys they don’t think can play LT.

There should be plenty of Ohio St. guys going in round one and maybe as many as four of them in the top ten. The Giants and Bengals decided to shake up the top ten of the draft over the weekend when the Giants sent unhappy DT Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati for the tenth overall pick. Lawrence will be the best DT the Bengals have had since Geno Atkins. The Giants get a second top ten pick and that’s big for them. There isn’t a DT worth taking in there to replace Lawrence so I would think that would be a point of emphasis early on day two. Let’s look at the latest Mock Draft, it’s three rounds which is 100 picks.

1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14): Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana

There’s not much left to say about this pick. The Raiders need a QB and Mendoza is a great pick for Klint Kubiak’s offense. The Raiders did just sign Kirk Cousins to make sure they don’t have to rush Mendoza onto the field and if they don’t fix their offensive line, Cousins can take the hits for a while. Mendoza will start eventually, and by eventually, I do mean this season. He’s too good and Cousins doesn’t have that much left in the tank.

2. New York Jets (3-14): David Bailey Edge Texas Tech

Arvell Reese has been the conventional wisdom pick here for a while but that is starting to change. Reese isn’t a surefire edge rusher given his lack of play at that specific position. He’s a hybrid player and that leaves some doubt about where he’s best suited. Bailey is an edge rusher, and he has elite skills getting to the QB. He may not be the strongest run defender, but no one is drafting him to stop the run. He has double-digit sack ability, and he would fit the Jets defensive scheme quite well. I’ve been a big fan of Bailey from the start, and he has the ability to be the best edge rusher from this class.

3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14): Arvell Reese LB Ohio St.

Reese is a freaky athlete and has LB skills and can be an excellent pass rusher. The issue is not knowing which one he’ll be best at and how quickly. He has the speed and athleticism to be a top pass rusher but he’s undersized for the role full-time. The Cardinals will need to decide quickly how they want to use him and have him focus on that position. If a team taking him isn’t committed to playing him at one spot, it could hurt his development. The Cardinals need playmakers on defense and using Reese as an edge rusher would give them one opposite Josh Sweat. While the Cardinals could go offensive line here, I believe their free agent pick ups of LG Issac Seumalo and RT Elijah Wilkinson means they don’t have to reach for an offensive lineman and they can take the best player on the board.

4. Tennessee Titans (3-14): Sonny Styles LB Ohio St.

There’s a lot of smoke out there about the Titans taking RB Jeremiah Love, and while Love is an excellent prospect, I don’t see Robert Saleh spending the fourth overall pick on a RB. The Titans defense still needs help and LB is a serious need. Cedric Gray and Cody Barton don’t remind anyone of Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw or any of the other great LBs Saleh has coached. Sonny Styles is a freak athlete and could be an immediate starter. At 6’5 244 lbs. with 4.46 speed and a 43.5-inch vert, he’s a superhuman athlete. He can run, he can cover, he can tackle, and he can lead a defense from the middle LB spot. As much as I love Jeremiah Love as prospect, the RB position doesn’t offer the same impact Styles could have at LB.

5. New York Giants (4-13): Francis Mauigoa OT Miami

With the Giants having two top ten picks it opens up the possibility of them drafting Jeremiah Love if he’s here. However, they still need plenty of help on the offensive line and Mauigoa may be too good to pass up. He would become an immediate starter at RG over Daniel Faalele, the late free agent signing from Baltimore. Having Mauigoa lined up next to RT Jermaine Eluemunor would seriously upgrade that side of the line. Those two could really help the running game if Cam Skattebo is healthy all season. Mauigoa is also the eventual replacement at RT.

6. Cleveland Browns (5-12): Monroe Freeling OT Georgia

I’m sticking to this pick because it just feels like something the Browns would do. Freeling is mostly potential at this point but he’s one of only a few guys I think can start at LT from this class and actually be good. He’s not a finished product but the Browns don’t care, they aren’t building for 2026. They’re looking to get a QB in the 2027 draft and giving Freeling a year of starting experience in the NFL at LT would be helpful for their future franchise QB. He can take his lumps while Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson are back at QB to take the punishment. He might be a bust, but he also has the highest possible ceiling of all the offensive linemen in this class. The Browns have been terrible for a long time; they should take the chance on greatness.

7. Washington Commanders (5-12): Jeremiah Love RB Notre Dame

The Commanders return Bill Crosky-Merritt, and they signed Rachaad White and Jerome Ford in free agency, so they should definitely draft Love. Love is one of the three best prospects in this class, and the Commanders badly need an upgrade at RB. Love is better than the three guys they have at RB. He’s a three-down back who can carry the ball on early downs and be a devastating playmaker on third down. Pairing him in the backfield with QB Jayden Daniels would be an electric pair and the Commanders have a pretty solid offensive line to help Love in the run game.

8. New Orleans Saints (6-11): Carnell Tate WR Ohio St.

The Saints miss out on the three top edge rushers and while Mansoor Delane or Caleb Downs makes sense here, they look to help QB Tyler Shough. Tate is probably never going to be a true WR1, but he can be an excellent WR2 behind Chris Olave. He gives you a bigger body on the outside with real downfield potential and a true red zone threat. Shough showed great promise last season once he stepped in at QB and he has all the skills to take advantage of Olave and Tate. Having a couple of legitimate WRs would help Shough’s development and give the Saints offense a real boost.

9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11): Rueben Bain Jr. DE Miami

The Chiefs would be ecstatic if Bain falls to them here at nine overall. He’s a perfect fit for their defensive front and would be a welcome addition. Opposite George Karlaftis, they really don’t have anyone of note after letting Mike Danna go. DT Chris Jones has always been their most feared pass rusher, but he’s aging and at times he takes plays off. Bain has never taken a play off. He has a relentless motor, and he will wear an offensive line out by the end of a game. He doesn’t have the ideal measurables teams seek for a DE but he’s going to succeed in the NFL because he has no quit in him.

10. New York Giants (from Cin): Caleb Downs S Ohio St.

The Giants get this pick from Cincinnati, and they probably take the guy the Bengals would pick if they were here. Downs is too good to fall much farther in this draft and John Harbaugh, and his new defensive coordinator Dennard Walker know the value of a good safety. They have Tyler Nubin and Jevon Holland, but the Ravens often ran a three safety look on defense and the Giants could look to do the same. Downs gives them options and Holland and Nubin are good athletes who should take well to the new Ravens-style defense being implemented in New York.

11. Miami Dolphins (7-10): Jermod McCoy CB Tennessee

The thought has been that with this whole Dolphins roster teardown that they would look to draft in the trenches and take an offensive lineman and start to rebuild up front. That would make sense, but Jermod McCoy has been the mystery box in this draft. After the 2024 season he looked like a surefire first-round CB, then he tore his ACL last January and missed the entire 2025 season. He hadn’t played or worked out until his private workout at the beginning of April. His knee has been the question about him, and he ran the 40 in 4.38 seconds, question answered. When he’s healthy, he’s the best CB prospect in the draft and he’s an elite talent. Jeff Hafley has a massive rebuild on his hands in Miami and taking the best player available is the right approach, that’s McCoy. It’s just a bonus that this team’s secondary is a dumpster fire.

12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1): Mansoor Delane CB LSU

This would be an optimal outcome for the Cowboys. Delane is one of the best players in this draft and happens to fill a need at CB for Dallas. They have DaRon Bland, who has been hurt often lately, and they signed Cobie Durant from the Rams. Durant is fine but he’s not stopping you from drafting someone better. They drafted Shavon Revel Jr. last season when he was recovering from an ACL tear, and he started to play at the end of the season. They will likely avoid McCoy if he falls just to avoid doing that again. However, Delane has no such issues. He’s not an elite athlete but his cover skills are excellent, and he could quickly become their best corner. They need upgrades on defense but there are no pass rushers or linebackers I would take over Delane if he’s still on the board.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): Jordyn Tyson WR Arizona St.

I’m going to be upset if they take Makai Lemon after I changed my mock draft pick this late in the game after having Lemon here the whole time. Tyson has been a mystery because it’s not known what teams think or know about his injury issues. He certainly has a long injury history, and his hamstring injury has been keeping him from working out. The buzz has been that teams aren’t as worried about it as draft media is making it out to be. His skill set is impressive, and teams know he can be a difference maker on offense. The Rams have Devante Adams and Puka Nacua, but Adams is 34 and Nacua has some off field issues. Tyson has the highest upside of any WR in this draft, if he’s healthy, he has WR1 potential. Leave it up to Sean McVay and he’ll find the best way to use Tyson’s considerable skills.

14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9): Kenyon Sadiq TE Oregon

The Ravens need more playmakers on offense in the passing game. WR Zay Flowers is a good WR, but TE Mark Andrews and WR Rashod Bateman don’t scare anyone. Sadiq is a crazy athlete and while he wasn’t overly productive at Oregon from a stats perspective, he’s a threat with the ball in his hands. The Ravens lost Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency, so they need help at TE. Sadiq gives them a guy who can threaten downfield and he’s a good blocker on the move. He’s not an inline blocker but get him going downfield in the run game and he’s good. They need interior offensive line help and that’s a possibility here but I think Sadiq is too good to pass up, there will be plenty of interior offensive linemen available on day two.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (TRADE from TB): Olaivavega Ioane OG Penn St.

If Ioane gets past the Ravens (his most mocked draft slot), it’s completely within the realm of possibility the Steelers see too much value to let him slide farther. The Bucs don’t need Ioane, but they would like to pick up some extra picks, so they move down. Ioane would immediately step into the starting LG spot vacated by Isaac Seumalo, and he feels like a Steelers player. The Steelers have a history with some great interior offensive linemen and Ioane could be the next Alan Faneca.

16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis): Makai Lemon WR USC

The Jets offense has RB Breece Hall and WR Garrett Wilson and not many other playmakers. They can hope AD Mitchell figures it out at WR but he’s an outside receiver anyway. Lemon would come in and play mostly in the slot and give Geno Smith an excellent target over the middle of the field. Lemon isn’t very big at only 5’11 but he plays much bigger and stronger than his frame. He’s excellent at the catchpoint and would really open things up for Garrett Wilson. They signed a lot of free agents to fill holes on defense and they signed Dylan Parham to fill their need at LG. Lemon would give them some real juice on the offense as they build toward drafting a QB in 2027.

17. Detroit Lions (9-8): Kadyn Proctor OT Alabama

Proctor isn’t the surefire prospect he seemed to be going into the season last year. He’s 6’7 352 lbs. and moves like a man much lighter. He has all the power you want but lacks consistency in his game. He also has a tendency to let his weight creep up and that’s not good for him. Going to a team like Detroit with an excellent o-line coach in Hank Fraley and a head coach like Dan Campbell who will hold him accountable, would be best for Proctor. The Lions may be moving Penei Sewell to LT to replace Taylor Decker so Proctor could end up at RT and that’s fine, his profile fits well there. He gives them options because he could be a LT, or if all else fails, they could move him inside to OG and he could be dominant.

18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8): Dillon Thieneman S Oregon

There have been many mock drafts that have Thieneman going off the board before this pick and while that’s possible, I just don’t see it. He’s a great athlete and good safety prospect but he’s still just a safety. That said, he’s a perfect fit in Minnesota. The Vikings have to replace Harrison Smith and to give Brian Flores the three safeties he likes to use. Thieneman can play wherever Flores wants him and his athleticism gives him the ability to fit everywhere.

19. Carolina Panthers (8-9): Omar Cooper Jr. WR Indiana

Cooper would be the third WR the Panthers have taken in the first round of the draft in three years. Unfortunately, the first one they took was Xavier Leggette and he’s been very underwhelming. Tetairoa McMillan was awesome as a rookie last season, and they love what Jalen Coker gives them too but the other spot needs work. Cooper has a perfect complementary skill set to put with McMillan and Coker and to give Bryce Young the best chance to succeed. He runs great routes, catches everything, and he gets extra yards after the catch.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Ahkeem Mesidor DE Miami

The Cowboys have Donovan Ezeiruaku coming back from an injury and they traded for Rashan Gary as their two outside pass rushers, that’s not ideal. No one knows Ezeiruaku’s prognosis and Gary has had a slow decline in the last few years. Mesidor will be a 25-year-old rookie who might be maxed out as a player but he’s pretty good right now. They aren’t looking for a developmental pass rusher; they want to win now. Mesidor can give them snaps immediately and he has versatility to move around up front if they mess with different fronts. I can make a compelling argument they should just take LB CJ Allen, but edge rusher is a more valuable position to fill at this point in round one.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TRADE from Pitt): Keldric Faulk DE Auburn

The Bucs trade down and pick up extra draft capital because they don’t have any glaring needs. Even the places where they need help (edge, LB, defensive line), they picked up a number of veterans to fill gaps. Edge Al-Quadin Muhammad, DL A’Shawn Robinson, DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches, LB Alex Anzalone, and LB Christian Rozeboom, make it so those positions don’t need a rookie to come in and start. Faulk is a young player with great upside who could be a DE in their defense and eventually give them some pass rush. He would be an eventual replacement for what they lost in Logan Hall, and has a higher ceiling than Hall had.

22. New England Patriots (TRADE from LAC): TJ Parker DE Clemson

The Patriots are likely to trade for AJ Brown after June 1^st when the salary cap issues are easier for the Eagles to handle. That would mean they are trading 2027 draft capital and hanging onto their picks here. They signed Dre’Mont Jones to be one edge rusher, but Harold Landry is still the other starter, and he’s aging and missed the end of last season with an injury. Parker had a tough year at Clemson, but he was still giving it his all even when the season was essentially over for the Tigers. Parker showed at the Senior Bowl that he still has great skill and gives great effort and that’s something Mike Vrabel will appreciate. The Patriots use some of their extra draft capital to move up to this spot to get ahead of teams like Philadelphia and Chicago who are also looking for edge rushers. The Chargers only have five picks, so they are happy to move down and get some extra picks.

23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6): Blake Miller OT Clemson

GM Howie Roseman is known for liking linemen in the first round of the draft and after the tough year the Eagles offensive line had, taking an offensive lineman feels right. RT Lane Johnson, LG Landon Dickerson, and C Cam Juergens all had injury issues last season. Miller was a four-year starter at Clemson and would be the heir apparent to Johnson on the right side. He isn’t the most physically gifted player, but he has more experience than any lineman in this draft. The Eagles changed offensive line coaches this off season so they can’t count on Jeff Stoutland to develop the next great Eagles’ lineman. Also, the scheme change for new OC Sean Mannion might require a different type of offensive lineman. Miller would be a solid choice and Roseman likes to take good players in round one.

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jax): Denzel Boston WR Washington

The Browns are almost assuredly taking an OT and a WR in round one and here they get Monroe Freeling sixth overall and Denzel Boston at 24. This feels like the better outcome than taking Carnell Tate sixth and then settling for an OT here. Boston doesn’t have elite speed, but he has great size, an incredible contested catch ability, and he profiles like a WR1. The Browns need someone who can make plays at WR as Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman aren’t scaring anyone. I like this move for the Browns but it’s not great for Boston’s development. Playing with either Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson as his QB isn’t going to help him much. He’s going to have to wait until they draft a QB in 2027 before his career can take off. If I were Boston I might fake a hamstring injury for the year.

25. Chicago Bears (11-6): Zion Young DE Missouri

I haven’t been a “Zion Young in the first round” guy but it’s hard to find the right fit for the Bears. None of the LT’s profile as immediate upgrades over the guys they have now. DT is a less than stellar position in the first round, it’s better saved for later. The Bears have a certain profile they want at DE for Dennis Allen and Young fits it perfectly. He’s 6’6 262 lbs. and plays with the power Allen wants. He sets the edge in the run game and while he isn’t the bendiest athlete, he can get to the QB. Dayo Odeyingbo is coming off an injury, and they need a guy to start, Young can start.

26. Buffalo Bills (12-5): Kayden McDonald DT Ohio St.

I’m not coming off this pick. The Bills have to be better against the run and while they should consider LB CJ Allen here, if they aren’t better at NT, the LBs won’t matter. They can’t seriously think Deone Walker, at 6’7, is a good idea there and TJ Sanders and Ed Oliver are at least 30 lbs. too light to be the NT. Moving to a 3-4 defense is a major adjustment and if you don’t have a NT, you’re screwed. McDonald changes your entire run defense on his own. He may not get to the QB very much, but he’ll anchor the middle of your defense, he won’t give an inch to the offense, and he’ll make your LBs much more effective. And those LBs should come later in this draft.

27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5): Caleb Lomu OT Utah

Trent Williams will be 38 next year and while he’s still playing at a high level and they just gave him a new extension, he can’t play forvever. They have some expensive players already in QB Brock Purdy, RB Christian McCaffrey, TE George Kittle, DE Nick Bosa, and LB Fred Warner, all of whom are much younger than Williams. Replacing Williams will not be easy but Lomu has a chance to be a very good LT. He’s still young and he needs to fill out his frame and gain strength, but he moves well and would fit in San Franscisco’s offense quite well. They could try him at LG until Williams moves on and then they have their LT of the future.

28. Houston Texans (12-5): CJ Allen LB Georgia

The Texans top two LBs, Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’o To’o, could both be free agents in 2027 and Al-Shaair will be 29 next season. CJ Allen would be an excellent replacement at MLB, and no one knows the value of a great MLB like DeMeco Ryans. Allen is a pure middle or inside LB and he’s a hammer looking to do some damage to ball carriers. He’s got experience as a starter at a top program and if they draft him this year, he’ll have a year to learn the system and then can step in as starter next year. This team is getting expensive and re-signing the LBs might be too expensive and a place where they can save some money.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Max Iheanachor OT Arizona St.

The Chiefs have Jaylon Moore who can fill the RT role for this season but he’s on the last year of his contract. Iheanachor is a raw prospect who needs some time to develop. The Chiefs have taken raw OT prospects before, and it hasn’t been a rousing success so they may not want to go down that road again. However, Iheanachor is a scary physical specimen, and he’s only been playing football for a few years. If he can develop his skills, he and Josh Simmons could be a great OT duo for Patrick Mahomes for years.

30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver): Malachi Lawrence Edge UCF

The Dolphins are almost a blank slate and while they do have Chop Robinson as one edge rusher, they are lacking opposite him. They signed Josh Uche and David Ojabo in free agency but neither of them will keep the team from drafting an edge rusher. Lawrence has been a late riser after a great combine workout. He’s athletic and long and has loads of potential. The Dolphins have to hit big on some players and that means taking some chances. They took CB Jermod McCoy earlier in this draft, if his knee is fine, he’s a potential Pro Bowl CB. Lawrence is going to take some time to develop but this team has the time to give him. They can ease him in with the veterans they have ahead of him, Uche and Ojabo, and hope he eventually becomes an elite pass rusher.

31. Los Angeles Chargers (TRADE from NE): Keylan Rutledge OG Georgia Tech

There’s always going to be one guy that goes in round one that no one is really talking about and my pick is Rutledge. No one really talks about guards anyway, but Rutledge has been under the radar as guys like Chase Bisontis, Emmanuel Pregnon, and even Genning Dunker have gotten more hype. Rutledge was awesome at Georgia Tech last season, and he would fit quite nicely at LG in Mike McDaniel’s offense. Some teams have even asked Rutledge to work out as a center so he would give them some flexibility in case something happens to Tyler Biadasz. This also feels very much like a Jim Harbaugh pick.

32. Arizona Cardinals (TRADE from Seattle): Ty Simpson QB Alabama

There are two certainties in the first round of this draft; Fernando Mendoza is going first overall and Seattle is going to trade the 32^nd pick. The Seahawks have four draft picks, and they can pick up a late rounder from Arizona to drop down two spots to 34 overall. The Cardinals give up a late round pick to move up two spots to get Simpson at QB and with the last pick of round one they get the future fifth-year option on the QB. Simpson is not a sure thing but he’s better than what they have. Current projected starter Jacoby Brissett wants more money to be the starter, but the Cardinals could trade him away to get back a late round pick and go with Simpson and Gardner Minshew at QB. If Simpson is bad, you can keep him as your back up and try for a QB again in 2027. It’s a small move with a lot of upside if you hit on the QB pick, and not a lot of downside if he’s not good enough. Even if it’s not the Cardinals moving up for Simpson, the Seahawks will be auctioning this pick off to anyone for an extra draft pick in this draft.

Round 2

33. New York Jets: Jacob Rodriguez LB Texas Tech

The Jets have Demario Davis, a 37-year-old free agent they signed, and Jamien Sherwood, a guy I’m not sure they like any more at LB. Rodriguez isn’t the biggest or fastest LB but he’s really good.

34. Seattle (from Arizona): Cashius Howell Edge Texas A&M

The Seahawks lost Boye Mafe in free agency this off season and Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall are both free agents after this season. Demarcus Lawerence will be 34 and this team counts on waves of pass rushers to make their defense work. Howell is undersized but he’s a blur off the edge and he would be great as a part of a rotation.

35. Tennessee: KC Concepcion WR Texas A&M

I’ll actually be surprised if Concepcion makes it to round two but here he is. He’s an elite playmaker and the Titans could use one of those at WR. He’s bigger and better than Wandale Robinson and he could replace Calvin Ridley as the deep threat. He’s not the biggest WR and he needs to work on his drops, but he would fill a need for Cam Ward.

36. Las Vegas: Christen Miller DT Georgia

The Raiders spent a lot of money on LBs Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean to improve their defense, especially against the run. If they don’t improve the DT spot it will be money wasted. Miller is a run-stuffing demon and would make the investment that much more worthwhile. Miller is an underrated prospect, and he would start immediately in Vegas.

37. New York Giants: Caleb Banks DT Florida

The Giants take a risk here to try to replace Dexter Lawrence with one of the most intriguing DT prospects in the draft. Banks is a 6’6 332 lbs. freak who’s an impressive athlete but has foot injury issues. Big men and bad feet are not a great combination, but Banks is worth the risk, he has All-Pro potential if he’s healthy.

38. Houston: Peter Woods DT Clemson

The Texans have one of the best defenses around and it starts up front. DT Sheldon Rankins has been one of their good interior players. Rankins is an undersized DT who penetrates and disrupts, that’s exactly what Woods is good at. Rankins is 32 so getting a younger version would be a smart move.

39. Cleveland: Aveion Terrell CB Clemson

Terrell is an excellent cover man but he’s undersized and he ran his 40 in the 4.6 range which is going to hurt his stock a bit. Here he comes in as the slot corner and that’s a good place for him to start. This defense should still be good and Terrell will help them.

40. Kansas City: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren S Toledo

I have McNeil-Warren falling a bit because he’s not as polished as you might think and he’s not as great in coverage as you would want. He’s got great size, great athleticism, and he’s a menace coming downhill. Steve Spagnuolo will understand how to use him and he’s excellent value for the Chiefs who are looking for help in the secondary.

41. Cincinnati: Keionte Scott DB Miami

Scott won’t be for everyone but he’s perfect for what Cincinnati needs. They were awful against the run last season and even traded the 10^th pick to get DT Dexter Lawrence. Scott is a nickel back who is truly impressive against the run. The Bengals young LBs struggled to stop the run last season so getting a guy like Scott to be the fifth DB would really help. He doesn’t look like a guy who stops the run because he’s not overly big, but he tackles well and hits like a tank. The Bengals need to improve their defense, Scott does that.

42. New Orleans: Chris Johnson CB San Diego St.

Johnson isn’t the most physically impressive CB but he’s an excellent cover man. He can play zone or man and he isn’t afraid to get involved in run defense. The Saints need to replace Alontae Taylor and Johnson is a plug-and-play starter.

43. Miami: Chase Bisontis OG Texas A&M

The Dolphins signed Jamaree Salyer, but he really should be a backup player so Bisontis can come in and start at RG. He has good size and he even played some RT early in his college career. Upgrading the line for Malik Willis would be a smart move.

44. New York Jets: Brandon Cisse CB South Carolina

The Jets have Nahshon Wright on a one-year deal and Brandon Stephens could be a cap casualty as he turns 30 next year. Cisse could give them a guy who can play some this year and then step into a bigger role in 2027, this team is building for 2027.

45. Baltimore: Gennings Dunker OL Iowa

The Ravens offensive line needs plenty of help on the interior. The organization has had a lot of luck with interior offensive linemen from Iowa, Tyler Linderbaum and Marshall Yanda were great players for the Ravens. Dunker was a RT who will move inside to RG, John Simpson can play LG, and they can draft a center later.

46. Tampa Bay: Anthony Hill Jr. LB Texas

The Bucs lost Lavonte David to retirement and while they signed Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom, those two are short-term solutions. Hill is a great athlete and a very intelligent LB. He has experience and he would be a great investment for the long term.

47. Indianapolis: Gabe Jacas DE Illinois

The Colts need some help up front evidenced by the fact they signed Arden Key at DE and he might start. Jacas is a brute up front and will be a nice complement opposite Latu Laiatu.

48. Atlanta: Dominique Orange NT Iowa St.

The Falcons traded former second-round pick DT Ruke Orhorhoro for Jaguars former second-round pick DT Maason Smith, that didn’t solve a thing. This team desperately needs a real NT, that’s Orange. He plugs the middle like a NT should and that’s well worth this pick.

49. Minnesota: Germie Bernard WR Alabama

The Vikings lost Jalen Nailor in free agency and Jordan Addison isn’t the picture of consistency. Bernard is nothing if not consistent, you can set your watch by him. He runs precise routes, blocks in the run game, and catches everything you throw to him. He isn’t flashy but he’s effective.

50. Detroit: Colton Hood CB Tennessee

The Lions keep investing at the CB position and sooner or later it will pay off. Terrion Arnold hasn’t been great, DJ Reed is getting older, and the secondary is generally banged up. Hood is a great athlete who likes to play physical and he would fit a Dan Campbell team just fine.

51. Carolina: Treydan Stukes DB Arizona

Stukes is long and lean, and he can play in the nickel or be the deep safety which would make a good match with Trevor Moehrig. The Panthers could stand to have a ball hawking player in the back end to get some turnovers. Stukes might go higher than this.

52. Green Bay: Chris McClellan DT Missouri

The Packers need help at DT and McClellan would be a good fit as a rotational DT who can line up at any spot. They are so desperate for help they signed Javon Hargrave; that’s not a great sign. There are more well-known DT on the board, but McClellan is a very talented player.

53. Pittsburgh: Antonio Williams WR Clemson

Williams is a slot merchant and would be a great addition to WR corps with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr on the outside. He’s quick, shifty, and can make moves inside to break away. If Aaron Rodgers is the QB next season, he would appreciate Williams in the slot.

54. Philadelphia: De’Zhaun Stribling WR Ole Miss

If the Eagles are planning on trading AJ Brown in June, grabbing this Ole Miss WR would make some sense. Stribling has great physical tools as a downfield threat, but he needs a little more development. They signed Hollywood Brown and traded for Dontayvion Wicks to play behind DeVonta Smith so they can give Stribling some time to get acclimated.

55. LA Chargers: AJ Haulcy SS LSU

The Chargers have 34-year-old Tony Jefferson slated to start at SS. Jesse Minter did some wonderful magic with the Chargers secondary last year, but he’s gone and it is worth upgrading the talent for the new DC. Haulcy is a game wrecker and can create some havoc in the secondary.

56. Jacksonville: Jake Golday LB Cincinnati

It will be a bit of a learning curve for Golday as he will have to become more of a traditional LB if he ends up in Jacksonville. He played a bit of a hybrid position in college, but he has all the skills to be an excellent LB. They need to replace Devin Lloyd and that’s a tall order.

57. Chicago: Skyler Bell WR UConn

Trading away DJ Moore opens more playing time for Luther Burden III but you still need three WRs in today’s game and Khalif Raymond isn’t one of them. Bell can play in the slot or outside so he and Burden would make a nice pair who can move around the formation. He’s highly productive and would be a useful player immediately.

58. San Francisco: Chris Bell WR Louisville

The 49ers signed Mike Evans and Christian Kirk at WR to fill the holes on the roster, those are fine for this year, but they aren’t long-term solutions. Bell is coming off a torn ACL so he may not play much this year, they don’t need him too. He has WR1 potential and spending the year learning from Mike Evans can’t be a bad thing.

59. Houston: Emmanuel Pregnon OG Oregon

Houston signed Wyatt Teller from Cleveland as a stopgap at LG. He’ll be 32 this season and he’s not a long-term option. This team has had some interior o-line issues, so Pregnon is a smart investment.

60. Chicago: Josiah Trotter LB Missouri

The Bears cut Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards is coming off an injury, so the LB spot is a little thin. Devin Bush isn’t a great answer, and Trotter is a beast against the run. The best description I’ve heard of Trotter’s play is he’s a hammer looking for a nail. He’s not great in coverage but he’s a run-stuffing savant.

61. LA Rams: Lee Hunter NT Texas Tech

The Rams love what Poona Ford does for them at NT but he’s 31 and can’t play forever. Hunter is a run-stuffing NT only, he brings almost nothing as a pass rusher but that’s fine. Hunter struggles to stay low and use leverage, give him a season to learn it from a guy who only survives because of his leverage, Ford.

62. Denver: R Mason Thomas Edge Oklahoma

The Broncos have apparently moved Jonah Ellis from edge rusher to LB, so they need a third edge rusher to go with Jonathan Cooper and Nik Bonitto. Thomas’ biggest issue is he’s a very undersized pass rusher. That’s not a problem for Denver, that’s all they have.

63. New England: Caleb Tiernan OT Northwestern

Tiernan started for three years at LT at Northwestern after starting his first year at RT. He has great height, but it doesn’t translate to great length. He might be best suited to be a guard but for this season he would back up at LT, RT, and LG and give the Patriots some depth they don’t have. He may be Morgan Moses’ eventual replacement at RT.

64. Seattle: Jadarian Price RB Notre Dame

If Seattle holds on to this pick this would be the smart move. They need a RB and Price has starter ability. He played behind Jeremiah Love at Notre Dame, so his legs are fresh. He could hold down the starting job until Zach Charbonnet is healthy, although nothing says he would give it up once Charbonnet is back.

Round 3

65. Arizona: Darrell Jackson Jr. NT Florida St.

The Cardinals have Roy Lopez and Andrew Billings as their NTs, they could use an upgrade. Jackson is a big man in the middle.

66. Tennessee: Sam Hecht C Kansas St.

I think round three is where the run on centers gets going. Might as well start it here. Tennessee signed Austin Schlottmann in free agency, that doesn’t make me feel good.

67. Las Vegas: De’Angelo Ponds CB Indiana

Ponds is far too good to fall this far but he’s very undersized. The Raiders could use him in the slot behind Taron Johnson, who will be 30 this year. Or they could use him outside instead of Darien Porter, replacing a really tall CB with the really short CB.

68. Philadelphia: Max Klare TE Ohio St.

The Eagles brought Dallas Goedert back on a one-year deal. He’s aging so they find the closest thing they can to him in this draft, that’s Max Klare.

69. Houston: Eli Stowers TE Vanderbilt

The Texans have Dalton Schultz at TE and not much else. Schultz is a solid TE but he’s not a weapon. Stowers is an elite athlete who is a passing game weapon, he can’t block to save his life, but the Texans can have other TEs do that. Stowers is dynamic in the passing game.

70. Cleveland: Jake Slaughter C Florida

Todd Monken will run a hybrid type of blocking scheme and Slaughter can handle that. He can also start immediately at center which means Elgton Jenkins can play guard. With Jenkins and Zion Johnson at the guard spots, Slaughter’s lack of size is offset a little.

71. Washington: Malachi Fields WR Notre Dame

This team has Treylon Burks and Luke McCaffrey behind Terry McLaurin, so they need WR help. Fields isn’t a burner but he’s a big-bodied ball winner who gives them a different dimension. I like him better than Chris Brazzell II.

72. Cincinnati: Gracen Halton DT Oklahoma

The Bengals have added Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen at DT to go with BJ Hill and TJ Slaton. Lawrence, Allen, and Hill are all on the wrong side of 30 and none of these guys are elite interior pass rushers unless Lawrence can get back to doing that. Halton is undersized but these other guys make up for that, Halton gives them a different skill set.

73. New Orleans: Derrick Moore Edge Michigan

The Saints need to get younger on defense and after adding CB Chris Johnson in round two, they get a pass rusher to pair with Chase Young here. Moore is a solid player all around and will be a nice addition to the defense.

74. Kansas City: Keith Abney II CB Arizona St.

The Chiefs need some new blood at CB and Steve Spagnuolo loves a good mid-round CB prospect. Abney is a little on the short side but he’s a fighter and Spags will love his toughness.

75. Miami: Jalen Kilgore DB South Carolina

Kilgore is an excellent athlete who mostly played in the nickel this last season. He could be a safety or a nickelback. If someone is going to take a chance on his upside it might as well be Jeff Hafley in Miami.

76. Pittsburgh: Zxavian Harris DT Ole Miss

Harris is a 6’8 330 lbs. behemoth who is built to play DE in a 3-4 defense. Cameron Heyward is going to be 37 this season and they don’t have a ton of depth at DE.

77. Tampa Bay: Garrett Nussmeier QB LSU

Tampa Bay picked up an extra third in my mock trade from round one (#99 overall) so they use their own third round pick to grab a young QB. Baker Mayfield is coming off a rough year, he’s heading towards a new contract, and he just turned 31. Nussmeier came into the season as a potential first-round pick but had a rough year because of injury. The Bucs have Jake Browning as their backup; Nussmeier would be a solid investment.

78. Indianapolis: Keyshaun Elliott LB Arizona St.

The Colts have no LBs to speak of and Elliott was a two-year starter at ASU at MLB. He has the type of experience you need to step right into the starting lineup and hit the ground running.

79. Atlanta: Keyron Crawford Edge Auburn

The Falcons may be looking at a future without James Pearce Jr. as he faces serious criminal charges. They need a pass rusher opposite Jalon Walker. Crawford was the guy jumping off the film when people were scouting Keldric Faulk.

80. Baltimore: Connor Lew C Auburn

Baltimore’s offense is going to change a bit, and they may want a center with a little more size and Lew is a bit bigger than Logan Jones. He can be used in more blocking schemes so he’s the pick here.

81. Jacksonville: Tyler Onyedim DT Texas A&M

The Jaguars starting DTs are Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton, both are on the wrong side of father time. Onyedim isn’t a big body but he’s a penetrating tackle who could take some pass rush snaps and help Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker get free.

82. Minnesota: Jaishawn Barham Edge Michigan

Barham has played as a traditional LB and as an edge rusher and I think Brian Flores would like his skills for his defense. The team is looking to trade Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkle is getting older. They need a long-term running mate for Dallas Turner.

83. Carolina: Drew Allar QB Penn St.

I don’t think it was a coincidence that the Panthers signed Kenny Pickett and traded Andy Dalton away, they want someone who could step in if Bryce Young faulters. Allar has all the physical tools of an NFL QB and getting coaching from a guy like Dave Canales might just unlock something.

84. Green Bay: Mike Washington Jr. RB Arkansas

The Packers have to get someone to give Josh Jacobs a break, and they simply have no one right now. Washington is a big guy with great speed and would fit into their run blocking very well. He’s not a great third-down back but Jacobs can handle that, give Washington some of the early carries to save the wear and tear on Jacobs.

85. Pittsburgh: Markell Bell OT Miami

Bell is a huge man at nearly 6’9 346 lbs. but he carries it well. LT Broderick Jones has been a disappointment and he’s dealing with a neck injury. Bell isn’t a surefire starting LT but he’s the best bet here. He started for Miami so he’s used to playing with the big boys. There would be some bumps in the road but he might end up better than what they have gotten out of Jones.

86. LA Chargers: Romello Height Edge Texas Tech

Height is an undersized pass rusher who is going to struggle against the run in the NFL. Luckily the Chargers only need him as a designated pass rusher. Khalil Mack still handles the heavy lifting on run downs.

87. Miami: Chris Brazzell II WR Tennessee

The Dolphins WR corps looks like the cast of the Smurfs. They need some size on the outside and a deep threat and that’s Brazzell’s calling card. He’s not an advanced route runner, thank the Tennessee offense for that, but you can’t teach a guy to be 6’5 and run a 4.37 40-yard dash.

88. Jacksonville: Travis Burke OT Memphis

Burke is a giant human who will need some coaching to keep his pad level down and not lose leverage. The Jaguars have their starting OTs for now, but Cole Van Lanen and Anton Harrison are not exactly a Pro Bowl pairing. A developmental OT in round three is solid.

89. Chicago: Zakee Wheatley S Penn St.

The Bears overhauled their entire safety group and they still need help. Wheatley would give them a good athlete who can cover and that seems to be their way they want to go.

90. Miami: Bud Clark S TCU

The overhaul of the secondary continues. This gives them a CB1 in Jermod McCoy, a big nickel player who could be a SS in Jalen Kilgore and now a deep safety, Bud Clark. Jeff Hafley should be smiling.

91. Buffalo: Dani Dennis-Sutton Edge Penn St.

The Bills have Greg Rosseau, Bradley Chubb, and Michael Hoecht at edge rusher, they are all 260+ lbs., the Bills have a type. Dennis-Sutton fits the mold and if Chubb’s injury history repeats itself, they will need another pass rusher.

92. Dallas: Kaleb Elarms-Orr LB TCU

Elarms-Orr is a very athletic LB with plenty of snaps under his belt. The Cowboys desperately need LB help and he’s the best one left on the board.

93. LA Rams: Logan Jones C Iowa

Jones only falls this far because he’s an undersized center who doesn’t fit everyone’s scheme. He fits perfectly in LA for the Rams who already start an aging, undersized center in Coleman Shelton. They can get away with it because their guards, Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson, are gigantic. Jones takes Shelton’s job in week 1.

94. Miami: Sam Roush TE Stanford

The Dolphins have Greg Dulcich at TE, in other words, they need a TE. Roush is a true Y TE which means he can line up and block. He is also a solid pass catcher, he can do it all for the offense.

95. New England: Oscar Delp TE Georgia

The Patriots have Hunter Henry, who is aging, and just signed Julian Hill, who is mostly a blocking TE. Delp isn’t great at anything in particular but he’s a great athlete. They can afford to develop him over the next year behind the guys they have, his ceiling is pretty high.

96. Seattle: Kage Casey OL Boise St.

Casey was a LT at Boise St. but he’ll move inside in the NFL. If he can replace Anthony Bradford at RG, he will be a Seahawks fan favorite. His best spot might be at center, and they should try him there too.

97. Minnesota: Emmett Johnson RB Nebraska

Playing Aaron Jones every week is like driving a car with 200,000 miles on it. Every time you start it you hope it gets you where you’re going. Johnson has a similar skill set to Jones as a good zone runner and a guy with excellent hands. He doesn’t look like much but he’s really damn good, again, like Jones.

98: Philadelphia: Jalen Farmer OG Kentucky

Farmer is a big, physical guard who would give the Eagles some solid depth behind Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen. Dickerson hasn’t been the picture of health so Farmer might even get to play some.

99. Tampa Bay (TRADE from Pitt): Diego Pounds OT Ole Miss

Pounds is a big guy with long arms, and he should be able to be the swing tackle for the Bucs. They found themselves short-handed last year when injuries struck and had to move C Graham Barton to OT, not ideal. Pounds could also be competition at OG if needed.

100. Jacksonville: VJ Payne DB Kansas St.

VJ Payne is a big defensive back at 6’3 and while he was a safety at Kansas St., he could be a big nickel or even an outside guy in the NFL. The Jaguars need help at safety and taking a versatile piece like Payne makes sense.

2026 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Just when you think things can’t get any crazier in the NFL, the Ravens trade two first-round picks for Maxx Crosby and then a few days later, they rescind the trade due to a “failed physical”. I put that in quotations because it feels a little convenient. They knew he had meniscus surgery in January; the knee stuff wasn’t a surprise. They then signed Trey Hendrickson to a deal that is suspiciously the same money left on Crosby’s deal. The Ravens look bad and it’s only one piece of the mock draft puzzle. The first-round pick (14) goes back to the Ravens now (along with next year’s one). The Ravens need a new center because the Raiders seriously outbid them for Tyler Linderbaum. I’m not a conspiracy buff but the Ravens didn’t rescind the trade until the Raiders had stolen Linderbaum. I’m not saying…but…I’m not, not saying.

Free agency certainly changed the team needs as is to be expected and so did a trade or two. My repeated attempts to send RB Jeremiah Love to Kansas City are over with the Chiefs signing Kenneth Walker III. The Chiefs’ need to refill their secondary becomes paramount with the losses of CB Trent McDuffie (traded), CB Jaylen Watson (signed with the Rams), and S Bryan Cook (headed to the Bengals). The Panthers no longer have a crying need for a MLB with Devin Lloyd signing and they spent a boatload of money on edge rusher Jaelen Phillips; another need off the checklist. The Commanders signed two edge rushers, Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson, probably not a priority early in the draft now. The Dolphins traded WR Jayden Waddle to Denver, that was the big move for the Broncos and that may be a white flag from the Dolphins. I love trying to put all the pieces together. Let’s take a look at my latest Mock Draft.

1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14): Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana

As expected, the Raiders did not go out and sign Malik Willis or trade for Patrick Mahomes (just seeing if you’re paying attention). This pick is Mendoza; it’s been Mendoza and at this point we could just have him sign his contract and tell the Jets they’re on the clock. Fernando should find a house, buy it, set up the moving company to take his stuff from Bloomington to Vegas, probably just use the company that moved him from Berkley, CA to Bloomington last year. Someone give him a key to Raiders’ facilities so he can start working out.

2. New York Jets (3-14): Arvell Reese Edge Ohio St.

The Jets have been quite aggressive in changing up their defensive personnel for Aaron Glenn. They traded for DT T’Vondre Sweat and S Minkah Fitzpatrick, and signed Edge Joseph Ossai, DE Kingsley Enagbare, DT David Onyemata, S Dane Belton, and CB Nashon Wright, that looks great for Glenn who is trying to save his job. The problem is Wright, Belton, Enagbare and Onyemata are all one-year deals, this isn’t a long-term plan. GM Darren Mougey still needs to set this team up for success in the future even if Glenn isn’t the coach. The best player available is Arvell Reese who can slot in with these guys just fine. There are some questions as to whether or not Reese is really an edge player. His pro day workout showed some issues that might give the Jets some pause. However, Reese doesn’t have to be an edge player for them with the guys they signed plus Will McDonald around, he can be a LB. They have Demario Davis, who is 37 and Jamien Sherwood, someone they aren’t completely sold on. The team will have to decide soon if they are keeping McDonald long-term and Ossai’s contract isn’t prohibitive in any way. Reese gives Glenn, or any new coaching staff in the future, plenty of versatility to fit into any system.

3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14): Sonny Styles LB Ohio St.

I have consistently had the Cardinals trading down because they need a RT and there isn’t great value in taking one here. They addressed offensive line with the signing of LG Isaac Seamalo, and they also brought in RT Elijah Wilkinson, who started last year for the Falcons. Styles is such a phenomenal athlete and would change the feel of their defense. Cody Simon was okay at ILB last year and Mack Wilson is fine too, but Styles is a true difference maker. Teams like the Giants (Tremaine Edmunds) and the Browns (Quincy Williams) addressed LB so there may not be team looking to move up unless the Titans want to move up one spot. When in doubt, just take the 6’5 240 lbs. athletic freak on defense and call it a day.

4. Tennessee Titans (3-14): David Bailey DE Texas Tech

Robert Saleh wants to remake the Titans’ defense and he’s off to an excellent start. They signed three new CBs (Alontae Taylor, Cor’dale Flott, and Josh Williams) and he rebuilt most of the front four with the trade for DE Jermaine Johnson and signing DT John Franklin-Myers. David Bailey would be the last piece to a truly overhauled defensive line with Johnson and Bailey at DE and Fraklin-Myers and Jeffrey Simmons inside at DT. Saleh likes an attacking front four and these guys would fit the bill. Franklin-Myers can also play DE on running down early to allow Bailey to grow into the role a little more and that would be ideal for him. The Titans might decide to try to move up for Sonny Styles if they think Arizona might take him, but they can’t go wrong with Styles or Bailey.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (TRADE from NYG): Rueben Bain Jr. DE Miami

The Chiefs decided not to wait and see if Jeremiah Love would be available to solve their RB problem and they signed Kenneth Walker III instead. Here they decide not to wait to see who they can get at nine overall, they make a move up to get the pass rusher they want. They picked up extra draft picks from their trade of Trent McDuffie to the Rams and if they are willing to part with a third-round pick here, they can get ahead of Washington and New Orleans and get Rueben Bain Jr. With Reese and Bailey gone in the first four picks, the run on edge players scares them into moving up. Bain is the perfect fit in their defensive scheme, and they desperately need to get more pop off the edge. The team saw their Super Bowl window slam shut last year and they know they can’t wait around to make some changes.

6. Cleveland Browns (5-12): Monroe Freeling LT Georgia

The Browns are slowly but steadily rebuilding their offensive line. After trading for Tytus Howard, they re-signed OG Teven Jenkins, and then signed LG Zion Johnson and C/G Elgton Jenkins. While I wouldn’t say Teven Jenkins is a surefire starter and they overpaid Johnson, technically they have starters at four spots. That leaves LT still to be filled unless they actually think Dawand Jones is a LT, he’s not. They may be better playing Jones at RT and moving Howard inside to guard. Freeling is the guy who climbed the draft boards between the end of the season and the actual draft. That doesn’t always work out great, but Freeling has the length and athleticism to be a LT in the NFL. There aren’t many of those guys in this draft, so the Browns take their shot here and hope they find a long-term answer at the position. This team knows it has time to develop a player like Freeling, they know where they are as a franchise.

7. Washington Commanders (5-12): Jeremiah Love RB Notre Dame

This would be the dream for the Commanders because they desperately need to improve their running game. The offensive line has some talent and with Jayden Daniels returning to health, the offense can get back on track. This may come down to a choice between Love and Carnell Tate because they need offensive playmakers everywhere. Love is an elite prospect and is so far above the other RB prospects, he’s not even in the same universe. There is far more depth at WR in this draft, and I also still believe Brandon Aiyuk ends up in Washington once the 49ers jettison him. Love would make for a great backfield mate to Daniels and he’s the top RB on the roster on day one.

8. New Orleans Saints (6-11): Carnell Tate WR Ohio St.

The Saints have Chris Olave at WR and then not much else. If they want QB Tyler Shough to continue to progress as a player, they need to get him some help. Tate is the perfect complement to Olave as a big-bodied outside WR who can get down the field but also dominate in the intermediate area. He would be a great red zone target and pushes guys like Devaughn Vele into more of a support role, where he would be better suited. The Saints could use some new blood on defense so CB Mansoor Delane or S Caleb Downs are certainly a possibility but giving Shough a chance to succeed is a smart move.

9. New York Giants (TRADE from KC): Spencer Fano OL Utah

The Giants aren’t the most obvious trade down candidate as they could take an o-lineman or they could draft Jeremiah Love or Carnell Tate at five overall, both fill major needs. However, they don’t have a third-round pick, and this team has plenty of holes to fill. They need WR, DT, offensive line, and LB help, just to name a few. Fano has a chance to step in at RG immediately with the potential to be a long-term solution at RT. Some teams also see him as a potential center and this team can’t be too married to the idea of John Michael Schmitz at center since he’s entering the last year of his rookie deal and hasn’t been the picture of consistency.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11): Mansoor Delane CB LSU

The team addressed issues on the defensive line with DT Jonathan Allen and DE Boye Mafe signing. You can question the wisdom of the Allen signing but they needed a DT and beggars can’t be choosers. The Bengals’ CBs were solid last season with Dax Hill being healthy, DJ Turner playing well and even Jalen Davis was solid at nickel. All three of these guys are scheduled to be free agents in 2027 so unless they get working on contracts now, they could lose one, two, or all three next year. Delane isn’t an elite athlete, he’s actually about as average of an athlete as you’ll find at CB. However, he’s also excellent in coverage. At LSU, he showed he could be a man cover corner last season, and that was after three years of being a very good zone corner at Virginia Tech. His versatility makes him a worthy choice here even if he’s not the superior athlete most teams like at CB.

11. Miami Dolphins (7-10): Caleb Downs S Ohio St.

I doubt anything would please Jeff Hafley more than getting Caleb Downs to start the rebuild of the Dolphins’ secondary. They’re a blank slate and Downs is arguably the best defensive player in this draft. Getting him at 11 overall would be a major coup and Hafley was a secondary coach coming up the ranks. Downs is an immediate starter at safety and the best player in their secondary and it’s not close. If they think Downs won’t fall this far they do have plenty of draft capital to make a move up if they want after trading WR Jaylen Waddle. The Waddle trade does mean they will consider WR if guys like Downs and Mansoor Delane are off the board, but if either of those guys are around, they have to take the best defensive player available for the secondary. WR is a far deeper position and they can find help later.

12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1): CJ Allen LB Georgia

This is pretty high for an off-ball LB who isn’t the ridiculous athlete that Sonny Styles is, but the Cowboys are telegraphing this pick with their moves. Unless they plan on drafting Makai Lemon to be their third WR and turning this offense nuclear, they are looking to fill the ILB role. They love DeMarvion Overshown but he’s only one ILB and he’s coming off his long rehab season. Marist Liufau is not the answer next to him. Allen is a hard-nosed, run-stuffing beast who can help this team continue to improve their run defense and he can be the QB of the defense. They finally got some beef up front with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, now all they need is a tackling machine at the second level, welcome CJ Allen. There will be talk about the value of taking an off-ball LB at this high of a pick but the Cowboys have never cared about positional value in the draft. They have routinely taken interior offensive linemen in round one (Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin) despite that not being a valued position. All of them were excellent picks.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): Makai Lemon WR USC

The Rams had one glaring need going into this off season and it was outside CB. They decided to import the Chiefs top two CBs, Trent McDuffie (trade) and Jaylen Watson (free agent) to fix it. The entire Rams offense from the end of the season when Warren McClendon Jr. had taken over at RT returns next season with only Jordan Whittingham stepping into Tutu Atwell’s spot as the third WR. This team simply doesn’t have a major hole so they take the one guy who can supercharge their offense. Lemon is from just down the road in Los Angeles at USC and he’s the perfect slot receiver to complement Puka Nacua and Devante Adams. He gives Sean McVey the chance to only use three TE sets when he wants to and not because he needs to. Lemon plays bigger than his size and still gives you excellent speed and route running in the slot. This offense was excellent before and they just got better.

14. Baltimore Ravens (back from Las Vegas): Kenyon Sadiq TE Oregon

This pick belonged to the Raiders for a few days but it’s back to Baltimore after the Maxx Crosby trade was rescinded. The Ravens’ needs have changed after signing Trey Hendrickson at edge and John Simpson at guard, addressing their two biggest needs. They still need a center after losing Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders crazy free agent offer but there are no centers here to take. Sadiq isn’t usually mocked to the Ravens, but they did just lose Isaiah Likely to the Giants and Charlie Kolar to the Chargers. They need depth and their new offensive coordinator is Declan Doyle. Doyle came up under Sean Payton, a coach who loves a good, versatile TE for his passing game. Just think of guys like Jimmy Graham, Taysom Hill, and even Payton trying to make Evan Engram happen in Denver last year. Doyle also then spent last year in Chicago under Ben Johnson using Colston Loveland as a weapon in the Bears’ offense. Johnson was the guy who made Sam LaPorta so incredible in Detroit. Doyle could see Sadiq as the guy who can give the offense some punch and playmaking.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (TRADE from TB): Olaivavega Ioane OG Penn St.

This would be a smart move for the Steelers as they need a LG after losing Isaac Seamalo in free agency. If Ioane falls this far the Steelers can use some of their 12 picks to move up and Tampa Bay could use a few more picks in this draft to address some needs. The Steelers filled their long-standing need for a WR with their trade for Michael Pittman Jr. from Indianapolis. Pittman is a fantastic addition and a great complement to DK Metcalf. Everyone is operating under the assumption Aaron Rodgers will be back at QB, whether that’s good or bad is a matter of perspective. Having a solid offensive line is an absolute necessity if Rodgers is the QB, Ioane helps that. They filled holes at CB (Jamel Dean), RB (Rico Dowdle), and safety (Jaquan Brisker) in free agency. Ioane gives them another young, talented offensive lineman and he feels like a Steeler. He’s a powerful run blocker and an excellent pass protector who fits the offense quite well.

16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis): Jermod McCoy CB Tennessee

The Jets signed a number of defensive backs to reconfigure their secondary but that shouldn’t stop them from taking McCoy. CB Nashon Wright was only signed to a one-year deal and CB Brandon Stephens could be gone after the season if they want out of his deal. McCoy is a guy coming off a missed season due to his torn ACL, but he should be ready for next season. The good news is the Jets wouldn’t have to rush him onto the field but he’s well worth taking as he could eventually be a CB1. The Jets need talent; McCoy might be the best CB in this draft.

17. Detroit Lions (9-8): Kadyn Proctor OT Alabama

It feels strange to put Proctor ahead of Francis Mauigoa but Mauigoa isn’t a LT prospect and Proctor is the next best LT prospect after Freeling. Proctor would fit the Lions offensive scheme that is predicated on power running and he fills the huge hole created when they released Taylor Decker. Decker is 32 and coming off an injury plagued season so moving on is understandable, but it won’t be easy. Proctor is a mammoth individual at 6’7 352 lbs. and he has excellent athleticism even if he can be a bit heavy-footed going side to side. It is possible they will take Mauigoa and either play him at LG or move Penei Sewell to LT and play Mauigoa at RT. He does fit the profile of a power player on the offensive line like the Lions prefer. LT is the more important position than LG and taking Proctor just lets Sewell continue to dominate at RT instead of having to move more people around.

18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8): Dillon Thieneman S Oregon

The Vikings feel like they addressed their biggest issue with the signing of Kyler Murray to “compete” against JJ McCarthy at QB. This is even less of a competition than Daniel Jones vs. Anthony Richardson was in Indianapolis last year. If they won’t say it, I will, Kyler Murray is the starting QB. I’m not a Kyler fan but he’s better than McCarthy. They didn’t have many holes on the roster to address and signed CB James Pierre, that’s a solid pickup. The one other major loss is Harrison Smith probably won’t be back a safety. They have Josh Mettelus and Theo Jackson, but Brian Flores likes to use three safeties. Thieneman put on a show at the combine with his incredible athleticism and he’s a great successor to Smith. He gives Flores all the versatility he needs in his safety group to keep the defense at its highest level.

19. Carolina Panthers (8-9): Jordyn Tyson WR Arizona St.

The Panthers took a WR in round one last year, but Tyson would be too good to pass up here. The Panthers filled their biggest needs in free agency with LT Rasheed Walker, C Luke Fortner, LB Devin Lloyd, and edge rusher Jaelen Phillips. The rest of the roster seems solid, but Tyson would be a major upgrade over Xavier Leggette who stills leaves a lot to be desired. Pairing Tetairoa McMillan with Jordan Tyson on the outside with Jalen Coker in the slot would leave no excuses for Bryce Young. This would be one of the better young WR groups in the NFL if Tyson stays healthy. The only reason he falls this far in the draft is due to questions about his durability. Leggette’s presence would mean Tyson wouldn’t have to carry a heavy load early on and could ease into the job.

20. New England Patriots (TRADE from Dallas): Francis Mauigoa OL Miami

The Patriots have eleven picks in this draft and with all of their free agent shopping the last two years and their draft last season, they don’t have glaring needs. They signed Alijah Vera-Tucker to be their LG but he’s a coin flip at best to be healthy each game and there’s really no chance you should count on him for 17 games. RT Morgan Moses is 35 and could fall off the cliff at any moment and they don’t have anyone of note behind him. If Mauigoa starts to fall to this range of the draft the Patriots should trade up to get ahead of teams like the Chargers and the Bills who may be looking for interior help. He has the ability to play guard so he’s insurance against Vera-Tucker’s inevitable injury and he’s the heir apparent to Moses at RT. Last season, the Patriots lacked power at LG as Jared Wilson was overmatched physically, that wouldn’t be a problem if Mauigoa played there. The worst-case scenario would be in two years Mauigoa replaces Michael Onwenu at RG.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TRADE from Pittsburgh): Akheem Mesidor Edge Miami

The Buccaneers lost WR Mike Evans to free agency, and they simply can’t replace him. They still have Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Tez Johnson so they won’t even try to replace Evans here. They also lost CB Jamel Dean and DL Logan Hall in free agency, but they drafted Benjamin Morrison at CB last year and they picked up free agent A’Shawn Robinson to replace Hall. That will allow them to find the best player for their defense and this defense needs an edge rusher. Mesidor was fantastic at Miami last year and while Miami played him at DE, he’ll move to OLB here and it’s a solid move for him. Mesidor isn’t the longest edge player so moving off the line a bit should be a better fit. He will already be 25 in his rookie season so there’s not a lot of time to waste and the Bucs are looking for help right now. The Bucs pick up an extra pick from the Steelers to move down a few spots and still get a guy they need.

22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6): Denzel Boston WR Washington

It feels a little strange having the Chargers taking a WR in round one with Jim Harbaugh as the head coach, but he clearly recognized the offense wasn’t good enough last year. He hired Mike McDaniel to fix it and while McDaniel’s Miami offenses were predicated on speed, they did that to match personnel. Harbaugh wants to run the ball, McDaniel is excellent at that, but the passing game has to be better. WR Quentin Johnston has been the definition of inconsistent, and they have to make a decision on his future here soon. Ladd McConkey is the underneath, slot guy while Tre Harris started to get more playing time as the deep threat. Boston would be the perfect fit in this group. He’s a big, powerful receiver who is excellent in the intermediate area, a true red zone threat, and would allow Justin Herbert to attack all areas of the field. At 6’4 212 lbs., he’s a big-bodied WR who plays tough and can run after the catch, another thing McDaniel would be able to use on offense.

23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6): Keldric Faulk DE Auburn

The Eagles are an expensive team with some tough decisions coming up and they made one decision this off season that could have ripple effects. They signed DT Jordan Davis to an extension, and it may mean they look to move on from Jalen Carter. A year ago, that would have seemed crazy, but Carter had a down year, and Davis stepped up big time. GM Howie Roseman loves to pick trench players, offensive or defensive side doesn’t really matter to him. Getting Faulk, a guy who doesn’t turn 21 until September, feels like Howie making a move to cover for himself a year early. If the team looks to trade Carter instead of paying him and Davis, Faulk can be the DE on one side of Davis. Faulk isn’t a twitchy edge player like a lot of the pass rushers in this draft. He’s 6’6 274 lbs. and is a power end who stuffs the run. He’s never going to be a high sack guy and that’s fine, that’s not what the Eagles would ask him to do.

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville): Omar Cooper Jr. WR Indiana

The Browns have overhauled their offensive line, their defense really doesn’t need any help unless it’s young depth, and they desperately need a QB but that’s a problem for 2027. They could look at Ty Simpson, but they are set up to draft a QB next year so getting some more help for that guy now would be nice. They will still have Jerry Jeudy on the books for a couple of years, and they seem to like Isaiah Bond. Neither of those guys should stop them from getting a playmaker like Cooper. Cooper isn’t the biggest or fastest WR but he’s an excellent route runner and would be a QBs best friend.

25. Chicago Bears (11-6): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren S Toledo

Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Jonathan Owens, and CJ Gardner-Johnson were all free agents, and I thought the Bears would re-sign one or two of them, they didn’t. They did sign Coby Bryant from Seattle but as of now their other starting safety is…Cam Lewis? I guess. That’s not ideal. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is an excellent prospect out of a small school that seems to be making solid defensive backs lately. McNeil-Warren has the size and skill set to be starter and having a veteran like Coby Bryant and the rest of that secondary around him would be very helpful for a rookie.

26. Buffalo Bills (12-5): Kayden McDonald NT Ohio St.

The Bills filled their biggest need with their trade for DJ Moore and while I could argue they should pick up another WR, I’m guessing they will try to get something out of Josh Palmer this year. The defense is taking on more of a 3-4 alignment with new head coach Joe Brady hiring Jim Leonhard to run it. That means they need a true NT and 6’8 Deone Walker is not the guy you want to try to play at NT. McDonald is 6’3 330 lbs. run-stuffing beast who is built exactly how you want a NT to be built and plays the game like an immovable object. Put Walker and Ed Oliver on either side of McDonald and you have yourself the start of a solid three-man front for your defense.

27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5): KC Concepcion WR Texas A&M

The 49ers have added two free agent WRs and traded for one DT. They signed the biggest WR they could, bringing Mike Evans to be their top outside threat. Evans isn’t young anymore but he’s still 6’5 and a ball winner when it counts. They also signed Christian Kirk as a stopgap at slot receiver; he’s not a long-term plan. They traded a third-round pick for DT Osa Odighizuwa, an excellent DT who improves the middle of the defense. The offense still needs playmakers with Ricky Pearsall the only WR of note, besides Evans, and George Kittle likely to miss at least most of the season after his Achilles tear in the playoffs. Enter KC Concepcion, the slot receiver from the Aggies. He’s a shorter player at 5’11 but he’s nearly 200 lbs. so he can play over the middle with his size. He’s quick and deadly with his change of direction and will give Kyle Shanahan a solid piece in the passing game. Kirk’s presence means Concepcion won’t be rushed but the kid can make plays.

28. Houston Texans (12-5): Peter Woods DT Clemson

The Texans’ roster is in very good shape; the one area they could use some help is at DT. Unfortunately for them, the DT position isn’t exactly great. Caleb Banks was looking like a solid choice until he broke his foot at the combine, adding that to his foot injury during the season and his stock is way down. Woods was the top DT prospect coming into the season, but he had tough year at Clemson. He’s still a talented player but teams have to ask themselves if his play was on him or if it was a Clemson thing, other Clemson guys weren’t great either. Woods is the type of penetrating DT the Texans like, they have Sheldon Rankins, who does it well. Rankins is aging so getting a guy who can spell him now and eventually replace him would be a smart move.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LA Rams): Caleb Lomu OT Utah

The Chiefs would likely jump at the chance to take Jermod McCoy or Mansoor Delane but they will be long gone. They won’t spend a first-round pick on just any CB, they have found starters in mid and late rounds before. I think they will settle for a mid-round CB and take Lomu. Lomu is excellent value at this point in the draft. He’s perfect for them now because he’s a young player and they don’t have to start him right away because they have Jaylon Moore to play at RT. Moore only has one more year on his deal so Lomu can sit for the year, if necessary, but he also gives them a potential LT alternative if Josh Simmons has any other personal issues he has to deal with. The hope would be in two years they have Simmons at LT and Lomu at RT and have a great pair of young OTs for the next decade.

30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver): Cashius Howell Edge Texas A&M

The Dolphins can go in just about any direction here, but Howell would give them a dynamic edge player to line up opposite Chop Robinson. They signed Josh Uche and David Ojabo but neither of those guys are going to stop them from bringing in some real talent. Howell is undersized and isn’t great against the run but that’s what the veterans are for, to give him some time to adjust to the NFL. The Dolphins are nearly a clean slate so it’s hard to predict where they will go in the draft but taking a talented pass rusher who can get to the QB seems like a good idea.

31. Dallas Cowboys (TRADE from NE): Aveion Terrell CB Clemson

The Cowboys signed Cobie Durant from the Rams and he’s a solid player, but he shouldn’t stop them from drafting a guy with the upside of Terrell. DaRon Bland has been a good starter for them when healthy but that’s not a given anymore. Bland can play the slot while Durant and Terrell play the outside, or Terrell could give them snaps in the slot. Either way, with the makeup of this defense and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker being around, expect the team to address their need at CB.

32. Las Vegas Raiders (TRADE from Seattle): Blake Miller OT Clemson

The Seahawks have four picks in this draft, so they are motivated to move off this pick to save some money after re-signing Jaxon Smith-Njigba and with Devon Witherspoon next in line for a raise. The Raiders move up to get themselves a new RT who would fit nicely into their revamped offensive line. Miller is a big man with good mobility and great toughness. If they are investing in QB Fernando Mendoza with the first pick of this round, it’s a wise move to get him a new OT with the last pick of the round.

Round 2

33. New York Jets: Jacob Rodriguez LB Texas Tech

The Jets just signed Demario Davis but he’s 37 years old and their other ILB is Jamien Sherwood who I’m not sure they even like anymore. Rodriguez isn’t the most physically intimidating LB but he’s just plain good. They need more good players.

34. Arizona: Max Iheanachor OT Arizona St.

The Cardinals signed Elijah Wilkinson as a stopgap RT, he started as an injury replacement all last season for the Falcons. They can do better. Iheanachor is still raw and Wilkinson could give him some time to adjust but he’s a much better talent for the long-term.

35. Tennessee: Chase Bisontis OG Texas A&M

The Titans have addressed many of their needs in free agency, especially on the defense. One area of concern is still the interior of the offensive line. It doesn’t look like Kevin Zeitler will be back at RG so Bisontis would be an immediate starter. He’s a talented interior player and a better option than free agent signee Cordell Volson.

36. Seattle: Colton Hood CB Tennessee

When you’re the Super Bowl champs you don’t generally have glaring needs so it’s smart to look at where you lost someone in free agency. They let Riq Woolen leave in free agency and while they re-signed Josh Jobe, it leaves them a little thin at CB. They also lost Coby Bryant at safety so if they wanted to use Devon Witherspoon at nickel so Nick Emmanwori can play safety, Hood would give them an outside CB who can step into Witherspoon’s spot.

37. New York Giants: Caleb Banks DT Florida

The Giants were awful at stopping the run last year even with some real investments in their front seven. They weren’t great on the interior of the defensive line and their LBs were bad. They cut Bobby Okereke and replaced him with Trumaine Edmunds and here they draft Banks. Banks has a foot issue to worry about but taking him at 37 is a steal. If he’s healthy all season, he changes the defensive line immensely.

38. Houston: TJ Parker DE Clemson

While the Texans already took a defensive lineman in round one with Peter Woods, they doubled up by taking a DE here, Woods’ Clemson teammate Parker. Parker was a top prospect who fell a little in this draft because he had a less than stellar year at Clemson. He’s still a talented edge rusher. The Texans have Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, but Hunter will be 32 this season, he’s getting really expensive, and they are going to have to spend a ton to keep Anderson pretty soon. Getting a younger, cheaper alternative at DE is smart play, especially when they are getting Parker at a discount.

39. Cleveland: Gennings Dunker OL Iowa

The Browns grabbed Monroe Freeling to play LT and that would give them five new starters but only if Teven Jenkins is the RG, they can do better. Dunker is a beast who played RT in college but should be a road grader at guard in the NFL.

40. Kansas City: Chris Johnson CB San Diego St.

Johnson looks like an average athlete on the field, but he proved at the combine that’s not actually true, he’s a very good athlete. He’s 6’0 193 lbs. and he can play man or zone coverage equally well. His versatility will be the thing Steve Spagnuolo loves about him, and he’ll be starting fairly early because I just think he’s better than Kristian Fulton.

41. Cincinnati: Christen Miller DT Georgia

Jonathan Allen and BJ Hill are slated to be the Bengals starting DTs, they are both 31. TJ Slaton was supposed to be their big free agent signing last year that they brought in to stop the run, it didn’t work. Miller is an underappreciated player from Georgia who should blossom in the NFL. He does all the dirty work but there is untapped potential in his game.

42. New Orleans: Lee Hunter DT Texas Tech

Even with the departure of LB Demario Davis and the expected departure of Cam Jordan, this front seven still has too many guys on the wrong side of 30. One of those is NT Davon Godchaux who will be 32 this season and they are going to need a new nose tackle soon. It’s the perfect fit for Hunter who doesn’t fit in all alignments on defense but is perfect to fill that spot in New Orleans.

43. Miami: Emmanuel Pregnon OG Oregon

Miami took two defensive playmakers in the round one, now it’s time to address the offense. They signed OG Jamaree Salyer in free agency and they have LG Jonah Savaiinaea who they drafted in the second-round last year. I’m not convinced either is a great fit in Bobby Slowik’s offense. Salyer has never been great inside at guard even though he’s built like one and Savaiinaea struggled last season. Pregnon fits any scheme and he’s better than either of these guys. Keeping Malik Willis upright would really help this offense.

44. New York Jets: Germie Bernard WR Alabama

The Jets addressed all three levels of their defense with their first three picks, time for some offense. Bernard isn’t flashy but this team has Garrett Wilson and AD Mitchell for flash, they need substance. Geno Smith will appreciate Bernard being exactly where he’s supposed to be, exactly when he’s supposed to be there.

45. Baltimore: Sam Hecht C Kansas St.

The Ravens can’t go too far into this draft without finding Tyler Linderbaum’s replacement at center. There aren’t really any centers with good size for their scheme, so they go with Hecht who has the technique to play any style of offense. I was tempted to go with Logan Jones just to replace one Iowa center with another, but he’s much more of a zone-only center and that’s not what the Ravens will likely run.

46. Tampa Bay: Jake Golday LB Cincinnati

Tampa signed Alex Anzalone from the Lions, he’s a solid LB but they need more help. Golday is a supreme athlete who isn’t your typical LB prospect, he’s hard to slot into just one role. He would give Todd Bowles some flexibility at LB and he would likely replace SirVocea Dennis in a lot of alignments.

47. Indianapolis: Anthony Hill Jr. LB Texas

The Colts are basically staring over at LB after trading Zaire Franklin. The guys on the roster have no experience to speak of. If you’re going to start over at LB, Anthony Hill Jr. is a good place to start. He’s an excellent three-down LB and he can run your defense from day one. He’s fast, athletic, he can cover, and he can tackle, what more could you ask for?

48. Atlanta: Zion Young Edge Missouri

The Falcons traded this year’s first rounder last year to draft James Pearce Jr. and now James Pearce Jr. has been charged with four felonies (Google it, it’s a truly horrible episode I would not like to discuss here). Not only is his NFL future uncertain at best, so is his future freedom. They signed Azeez Ojulari and Samson Ebukam, but those guys are coming off injuries. Young gives them a solid power edge player to line up opposite Jalon Walker.

49. Minnesota: Malachi Lawrence Edge UCF

Lawrence is a late rising prospect who really opened some eyes at the combine. This may end up being too low for his eventual spot. The Vikings are exploring trading Jonathan Greenard for some salary cap relief, and they will need another pass rusher if they do that. Even if they keep Greenard, his contract is getting expensive and his counterpart, Andrew Van Ginkle is 31. They should be looking for a long-term partner for Dallas Turner on the edge.

50. Detroit: Gabe Jacas Edge Illinois

With the addition of LT Kadyn Proctor in this mock draft and C Cade Mays in free agency, the offensive line issues should be addressed. On defense, they still don’t have an edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and they need to replace Alex Anzalone at LB. Jacas is great value and far better than any LB left on the board. Jacas is almost always described as a rugged DE, I can’t think of a description Dan Campbell would love more.

51. Carolina: Ty Simpson QB Alabama

I’ve been struggling with where to put Simpson, he’s not a guy teams are going to draft to start right away. However, he has starting potential. The Panthers traded Andy Dalton to Philly, and they signed Kenny Pickett to be the backup. Bryce Young has been good enough to not be outright discarded but what if Dan Morgan and Dave Canales aren’t sold. This would be like the Eagles drafting Jalen Hurts when they had Carson Wentz as their starter. Wentz failed and the Eagles didn’t miss a beat. If Young struggles again, Simpson could be their answer. This would be one of the more intriguing places Simpson could get drafted. He wouldn’t take Young’s job immediately, but he would ratchet up the pressure on Young to be better.

52. Green Bay: Brandon Cisse CB South Carolina

The Packers are counting on Micah Parsons to be healthy and Lukas Van Ness to finally be relevant at edge rusher. If they aren’t, the secondary is not equipped to handle the pressure. Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Benjamin St. Juste are not good enough at CB. The Packers have a size threshold for their CBs, so D’Angelo Ponds is off the table for them. Cisse had round one buzz early, but other guys passed him. He still has starter potential and that makes him a solid choice for the Packers.

53. Pittsburgh: Zachariah Branch WR Georgia

The Steelers roster is actually in solid shape overall, if you consider Aaron Rodgers a solid choice at QB, it seems dubious to me. One area of need is still at WR, even with the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. The next best WR after DK Metcalf and Pittman is either Roman Wilson and his 12 catches from last year or Ben Skowronek. Branch needs to work on his route running but he can be a slot merchant right away. If Aaron Rodgers is the QB, he will hate the way Branch runs routes, but he will love the fact that he’s open almost immediately so Rodgers can dump the ball off to him.

54. Philadelphia: Chris Bell WR Louisville

The AJ Brown divorce from Philadelphia is coming at some point. It may not happen this off season, but it is inevitable. Bell is a big, physical WR who uses his strength to bully opponents and he’s excellent after the catch. The only reason he’s still here is because he’s coming off a knee injury. If the Eagles keep Brown into the season, Bell may be healthy enough by the trade deadline to allow them to move Brown then.

55. Los Angeles Chargers: R Mason Thomas Edge Oklahoma

The Chargers re-signed Khalil Mack at age 35 and they still have Tuli Tuipulotu on the edge, that’s the same two they started last season with. Last year they traded for Odafe Oweh because they needed more pass rush, now Oweh is in Washington. They need some speed off the edge and that is Thomas’ specialty. He’s not a big guy but they have Mack to play on run downs. Thomas is the designated speed rusher to start the year, and he gives them some juice off the edge.

56. Jacksonville: Josiah Trotter LB Missouri

The Jaguars suffered a major loss when LB Devin Lloyd signed with Carolina. Trotter isn’t the all-around LB Lloyd is but he’s a solid MLB prospect who can fill a need as a run-stuffer early in his career as he rounds out his game overall.

57. Chicago: Dani Dennis-Sutton DE Penn St.

The Bears need some help opposite DE Montez Sweat and while Dennis-Sutton wasn’t the most productive player at Penn St. he was a solid player. He showed excellent athleticism at the combine although he doesn’t show it on the field. He is the size profile Dennis Allen prefers so he’s the pick here.

58. San Francisco: Eli Stowers TE Vanderbilt

Stowers is an elite athlete who is a pass catching TE only. If you need a blocking TE, this isn’t your guy. George Kittle will be rehabbing a torn Achilles most of the season and this offense needs a TE who can be a part of the passing game. Jake Tonges is a nice player, but Stowers would be a weapon.

59. Houston: Max Klare TE Ohio St.

The Texans have Dalton Schultz and that’s nice, but he’s ageing and they need some depth. Klare is a solid all-around TE who can be a security blanket for CJ Stroud and give you some real production.

60. Chicago: Keylan Rutledge OG Vanderbilt

Chicago had to make a trade for C Garrett Bradbury when Drew Dalman suddenly retired because while they are good on the interior of the offensive line, they are not deep. Joe Thuney is 34 and Jonah Jackson is 29 and hasn’t always been the healthiest. Rutledge is a stud run blocking guard and would give them some depth inside and someone to eventually replace one of the guards.

61. Los Angeles Rams: Connor Lew C Auburn

This would be the perfect situation for Connor Lew. The Rams have Coleman Shelton at center and he’s a trusted veteran. However, he’s 31 and he’s not some superstar, he’s just a solid player. Lew is coming off a torn ACL and probably won’t be ready to start the year. He is talented enough to take the job from Shelton when he’s healthy, but he wouldn’t be needed this year necessarily.

62. Denver: Dominique Orange DT Iowa St.

The Brocos defense is excellent and while Orange wouldn’t be a one-for-one replacement for John Franklin-Myers, he would allow them to move some guys around. They don’t have a traditional NT on the team and Orange would give them one. That would allow Malcolm Roach and DJ Jones to be used in a rotation along the line.

63. New England: Derrick Moore Edge Michigan

The Patriots signed Dre’Mont Jones, a very solid veteran edge player who gives them more in the run game than K’Lavon Chaisson did last season. They still need more help on the edge as Harold Landry is aging and coming off an injury, and the rest of the depth chart is unproven. Moore would be the perfect player to eventually replace Landry.

64. Seattle: Jadarian Price RB Notre Dame

The Seahawks may try to move down from this spot too just to pick up another pick but if they keep it, it’s hard to see them not taking a RB. Maybe it’s Mike Washington Jr. from Arkansas and not Price because of Washington’s speed but I like Price. I think he’s just scratching the surface of his talent and Seattle lost Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet is coming off a torn ACL in January. They need someone to carry the load early in the season.

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