2026 NFL Mock Draft: Expert Two-Round Projections (Post Super Bowl)

February 17, 2026

Chris' 2026 NFL mock draft with expert two-round predictions, top prospects, and team selections for the upcoming draft, featuring Fernando Mendoza, Carnell Tate, Jeremiyah Love, and more.

With the Super Bowl behind us, it is officially the NFL’s offseason. That means free agency, trades, and a countdown to camp are in store for many. However, for a special group of us, the time between February and April has one purpose and one purpose alone: the NFL Draft.

You may recall that early in the 2025 NFL Draft process, the consensus was that last year’s class was weak. However, the deeper we dove into that group, the more we found it to be truly deep and rich in talent at several positions. It was simply shallow at the most attractive positions, namely quarterback and receiver, but the talent at tight end and running back was special.

Unfortunately, the 2026 class is not shaping up to have quite the silver lining of depth that 2025 did. In fact, at several key positions, this class is top-heavy but extremely shallow. That is not the case for every position, though. Positions like wide receiver and cornerback are actually better in 2026 than they were last year, which may take the sting out of a weak class for fantasy fans.

Round 1

1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Few draft picks have required less explanation, reasoning, or thought than this year’s first overall choice. The Raiders will select Mendoza, but take a good amount of the clock before they do so, bending to the NFL’s mandate to milk ad revenue for early picks. It would take a miracle for that not to happen.

No analysis necessary.

2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

No quarterback is worthy of this pick, except for Mendoza. Thus, the Jets must wait on a passer and pivot to a “best player available” model. Luckily, New York has needs at every position except for offensive tackle, so the best available player will almost always fill a need.

For us, Arvell Reese is currently the best available. Some project him as a traditional standup linebacker with some pass-rush skills, but the Buckeye flashed the length and explosiveness off the edge to become a dangerous full-time pass-rusher if he is developed properly. Reese is a more athletic version of Jalon Walker, who was my fifth-rated prospect last year.

3. Arizona Cardinals – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

David Bailey would be the best player available with this pick, and he could still be the choice. The Red Raider has many similarities to Byron Young, who new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur was familiar with in Los Angeles.

However, Arizona’s hiring of an offensive-minded head coach makes it more likely it will prioritize the hole at right tackle. Fano is my highest-graded blocker in this class, and he has experience at both tackle positions. The Ute is a good mover with impeccable pass-protection numbers (zero sacks and five pressures allowed) and a projectable frame.

4. Tennessee Titans – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

There is a strong possibility that Robert Saleh will push his front office to draft David Bailey or Rueben Bain Jr. with this pick. However, with George Pickens likely to return to Dallas, the free-agent receiver crop this year is thin. Meanwhile, edges like Trey Hendrickson and Jaelan Phillips will be available.

Carnell Tate is one of the most intriguing WR prospects in this class.

The hype is real… but so is the data you have to sort through to fully understand why he’s worth it.

6’3” | 195 lbs | WR | Ohio State
5⭐️ recruit | Junior declare

Let’s take a deeper look 🔍👇 pic.twitter.com/m2Sylc5m0N

— Jonny Tooma (@FantasyPicasso) January 24, 2026

With the defensive line a potential free-agency target, drafting Tate could become a no-brainer by March. Tennessee must get Cam Ward better weapons, and Tate is the receiver best suited to Ward’s risk-taking lifestyle. The Buckeye’s size, route running, and elite contested-catch rate (85.7%) all favor a gunslinger like Ward.

5. New York Giants – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

With this year’s free-agent class slim on wide receiver talent, the Giants could focus their cap space on a blocker like Braden Smith while filling their need for a WR2 in the draft. Tyson is a good fit if they go that route, as he has special separation skills and can make some breathtaking plays after the catch. The Sun Devil would pair well with Malik Nabers’ speed.

6. Cleveland Browns – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

The Browns are reportedly out on this year’s quarterback class, which could be one of the first smart decisions they have made in decades. With a dominant defense already in place and strong rookie showings from Harold Fannin Jr. and Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland should focus this draft on building around the quarterback position and then draft one in the deep 2027 class.

Mauigoa is a big and powerful right tackle who could also move inside to guard. He can be beaten by inside moves when he oversets, but his pass-blocking metrics and tape are clean for a player of his build and demeanor. He would be an immediate starter and improvement over the aging Jack Conklin at right tackle.

7. Washington Commanders – David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech

Jeremiyah Love would be a fine fit for Washington, as we have projected many times since December, but Washington’s defensive-minded head coach will surely push his front office to pounce on an edge-rusher of David Bailey’s skill set if the Red Raider falls to this spot.

Bailey led all of college football in nearly every pass-rush metric there is. That includes sacks, pressures, and hurries. While he is a bit undersized for a traditional 4-3 defensive end, Quinn has experience working with undersized edges (Vic Beasley) and will find a way to make Bailey dominant in his scheme.

8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Saints make sense as a team looking to surround their “young” quarterback with talent that can help gauge if he is the long-term answer. Love would do that, offering big-play ability as a runner and elite receiving skills out of the backfield.

Jeremiyah Love constantly creates hidden yards at the 2nd level.

Reactive mover who can bend, contort and slip forward with efficiency.

The 5-10 yard gains stand out on his tape. pic.twitter.com/99UfPdPRbV

— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 1, 2026

This pick also makes sense for Saints GM Mickey Loomis, who has stretched his Alvin Kamara success into another decade of employment. Love profiles to do everything a young Kamara did for the Saints before him.

9. Kansas City Chiefs – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (FL)

The Chiefs are currently $54 million over the salary cap (per Over the Cap) and could be forced to dump their starting right tackle and several other starters to get under. With that in mind, the Chiefs are a prime candidate to trade back if a team wants to jump the Bengals for a pass-rusher. Unfortunately, a team like Dallas does not have the picks to pull that off.

In this scenario, the Chiefs cut starters Jawaan Taylor and Mike Danna while renegotiating with others to get under the cap and possibly re-sign Travis Kelce if he does not retire. Those moves create a need at defensive end, which Rueben Bain Jr. would not only fill but improve upon with his intense motor and power bullrush.

10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State

The Bengals would be devastated to see Bain go just ahead of them, but there is a real possibility that none of the top pass-rushers make it to this pick. If that happens, Cincinnati must strongly consider taking the best defender even if he does not fill a position of need.

Downs is the third-rated player on my draft board this year, but the devaluation of the safety position will cause him to fall a bit. However, this Alabama transfer can play elite run defense in the box, apply strong press coverage in the slot, or run deep with wide receivers as the high safety option. He would improve Cincy’s multiplicity and seriously increase its overall talent.

11. Miami Dolphins – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Dolphins have a strong need at cornerback, as their roster lacks a single player who registered a positive coverage grade on 100 or more snaps. Delane is a polished, experienced corner who reacts quickly in space and reads the quarterback and the route. He would immediately improve Miami’s secondary.

12. Dallas Cowboys – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The Cowboys tried everything to fix their interior linebacker position last year. They traded for Logan Wilson, signed Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn, and even gave rookie Shemar James significant snaps. None of those players can fill the void like Styles, though. His combination of sure tackling, range as a former safety, and blitzing powers is special.

13. *Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Lemon has been our pick for the Rams for two months, and the fit continues to make sense. While Davante Adams put together a quality first season in Los Angeles, he is well past the age at which most receivers lose a step, and he struggled with injuries this year. Retirement is clearly within reach for the aging receiver.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade

And Makai has the juice.

Lemon ranks 3rd in the draft class in both forced missed tackle rate (26.3%) and YAC/rec (6.8)

Lemon has 23 more forced missed tackles (36) than Jordyn Tyson (13) on 22 fewer receptions in their career pic.twitter.com/kfPuirWsKy

— I Don’t Watch Film (Football Analytics) (@NoFilm_Analysis) January 15, 2026

With Adams’ eventual exit in mind, the Rams need to consider adding Lemon as the potential long-term partner next to Puka Nacua. Lemon is undersized, and he is unlikely to blaze through the 40-yard dash, but he is a fearless receiver who attacks the ball and brings it down despite taking a vicious hit. He has the skill set to start in the slot and eventually replace Adams outside.

14. Baltimore Ravens – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (FL)

This is much higher than most have Mesidor going, which makes sense given that he will be 25 years old for the entirety of his first season. However, Mesidor’s tape and production merit this high rating, and his stock is rising as more people see how solid he is as a hand fighter and power rusher, and how he can move around the defensive front.

Aiding this decision is what new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter did with Tuli Tuipulotu with the Chargers. Coming out of USC, Tuipulotu shared a lot of physical traits with Mesidor, and he was a questionable fit as a stand-up edge-rusher at first. However, Tuipulotu ended up being incredibly effective with Minter (sixth in sacks and 10^th in pressures), and Mesidor will, too.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Buccaneers’ two biggest needs are for a 3-4 edge and an interior linebacker, but no available prospects fit Tampa Bay’s scheme and offer good value. For that reason, the Bucs may have to pivot and add another piece to an aging and underperforming offense instead.

Cade Otton is currently set to become a free agent. While he was a capable starter for the Bucs, he is not a dynamic receiver nor an impressive run blocker. The addition of Sadiq would be an improvement in both areas, giving them yet another young weapon who can help Baker Mayfield survive the eventual loss of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr.

16. *New York Jets (via Indianapolis)- Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Jets would be lucky if McCoy fell to them in this spot, even if a knee injury kept him from playing in 2025. The Vol’s 2024 tape is better than the 2025 tape of any corner in this class. When healthy, he has the best ball skills in this cornerback group, which would help a Jets defense that failed to secure a single interception last year.

17. Detroit Lions – Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State

The Lions saw a marked decline in their interior offensive line play last year, aided in part by the retirement of Frank Ragnow. Assuming Ragnow does not come back, it is fair to expect the Lions will be looking to add more attitude and power to their interior this offseason. Ioane would do just that, coming with a strong run-blocking grade and plenty of power to start immediately.

18. Minnesota Vikings – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Hood has enough length and speed to hold up against the top receivers in the NFC North. He would also fill a noteworthy need in Minnesota’s secondary, which was below league average in completion percentage allowed, yards allowed per reception, and tackling. Hood has also shown himself to be coachable and to learn from his mistakes, which Brian Flores should appreciate.

19. Carolina Panthers – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

Reviews are mixed on Banks, who had an up-and-down Senior Bowl and struggled with injuries all season long. However, there is no questioning his unnatural combination of size, length, and short-area quickness. The Panthers could use someone so versatile and potentially dominant as a complement to Derrick Brown on their defensive line.

20. *Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay) – T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson

Parker’s 2025 season was disappointing, but there is no questioning his combination of length and quickness when he times the snap. Parker earned his way back into the first round by stiff-arming and powering through several noteworthy offensive tackles at the Senior Bowl. He also fits what Dallas looks for on the edge.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Steelers have shown a willingness to repeatedly use early picks on offensive tackles, and Lomu is a project worthy of such a pick. The former Ute gave up zero sacks on the left side this year and has the frame to add power and a firmer anchor. If the Steelers give up on the talented but disappointing Broderick Jones at left tackle, Lomu could make sense.

Note that the Steelers should be hesitant to take an undersized and limited prospect like Ty Simpson here, given their recent history of reaching for a similar prospect in Kenny Pickett.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Proctor is a left tackle prospect who projects best at guard, given his struggles with adjusting to speed and change of direction on the edge. He is a big and powerful man with enough movement skills to thrive inside, though. He would give the Chargers an immediate improvement on the interior with the versatility to swing outside if L.A. suffers more injuries at offensive tackle.

23. Philadelphia Eagles – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The buzz on Woods is that NFL teams are concerned about his disappointing 2025 season and lack of production, given his enticing 2024 campaign and impressive skill set. The Eagles are the kind of team to catch a falling star, though, especially if he plays defensive line. Howie Roseman is likely the safety net for the talented but inconsistent Woods.

24. *Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Browns have so many holes on their offensive line that they can afford to use multiple first-round picks to repair it. Freeling is a major project that will play off balance, lunge, and lean himself out of position. However, he also has ideal length, movement skills, and shows instincts in pass sets. If he can sit and learn for a year, he could become a starting left tackle.

25. Chicago Bears – Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn

The Bears’ run defense was a liability whenever T.J. Edwards was not on the field, and a major contributor to that is their defensive line. Faulk is a stout run defender who should immediately become an asset on the edge, sealing running lanes to the outside with power. He also has the raw tools to become a pass-rush threat in time.

26. *TRADE: Jacksonville Jaguars – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

The Bills are a logical landing spot if Brian Thomas Jr. goes on the market, as they need a true alpha receiver for Josh Allen and are unlikely to get one at this pick. Meanwhile, Jacksonville could use the best run-stuffing defensive tackle in college football, which McDonald was last year. This swap makes sense for both sides.

Trade Details:

Jaguars receive: pick No. 26

Bills receive: Brian Thomas Jr.

27. San Francisco 49ers – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

It seems increasingly likely that Jauan Jennings will test free agency, and Brandon Aiyuk’s exit is a foregone conclusion. George Kittle’s age and injury history are also a growing concern for a 49ers team that needs to surround Brock Purdy with talent.

Denzel Boston is going to put himself on the map nationally tomorrow. ☔️ pic.twitter.com/8eNQe5gEni

— HuskyFan22 (@huskyfan22) October 4, 2024

Boston profiles as the ideal replacement for Jennings, given his size, excellent blocking, and underrated ball skills.

28. Houston Texans – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

This is truly the worst-case scenario for a Houston Texans team that desperately needs a pass-blocking right tackle to protect their QB. With the top-5 offensive tackles already gone, they could pivot to another position … but their need at OT is too great. So, they reach a bit and take Iheanachor, an athletic right tackle who impressed in pass sets at the Senior Bowl.

29. Los Angeles Rams – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

The Rams typically wait to draft cornerbacks, picking them late or adding veteran starters through trade or free agency. However, the combination of need and value adds up well in this scenario. Their secondary was torched in the NFC Championship, while Cisse had the long speed and length that Los Angeles usually prefers in its corners.

While Rams fans will clamor for a quarterback with one of these first-round picks, the value simply is not there. Plus, remember that Sean McVay once traded away a game manager (Jared Goff) for a big-armed gunslinger (Matthew Stafford), and it led to a Super Bowl. Will McVay really want to groom the undersized Ty Simpson or physically capped Garrett Nussmeier?

30. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The Broncos could be looking at losing both of their starting interior linebackers this offseason, with Alex Singleton a free agent and Dre Greenlaw a potential cap-saving release. Allen is raw but also doesn’t turn 21 until March. He is also a capable pass-rusher and reads the run game like a veteran.

31. New England Patriots - KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The range of opinions is wide on Concepcion, who is the WR4 on some boards and WR7 on others. He explodes off the line and shows savvy as an intermediate route runner, with the YAC skills to help Drake Maye with shorter throws. His hands are too inconsistent, but the upside is there for Concepcion to help the NFL’s best deep-ball thrower improve even more.

32. Seattle Seahawks – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

John Schneider would surely love to trade back from this pick, as is his nature, but the demand will be low with no quarterbacks or elite prospects demanding a trade-up in this class. So, Seattle will likely be stuck drafting here, and that could mean it makes another pick toward building the Legion of Boom 2.0.

While the secondary is hardly a weakness for Seattle, particularly at safety and nickel corner, the prospect of adding McNeil-Warren next to Nick Emmanwori could be too enticing to ignore. McNeil-Warren has the size, length, ball skills, and instincts to make Seattle’s secondary impossible to plan for.

Round 2

33. New York Jets – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Even if the Jets plan on dabbling in the strong 2027 quarterback class, they have no clear starter for the coming year. While that could be their best option, trotting out a third-string passer to assure they have the first pick next year, it’s a strategy few NFL teams ever truly commit to.

With that in mind, Simpson is a worthwhile investment for the Jets at this point in the mock. He has adequate deep-ball power, good zip on intermediate throws, and is a capable scrambler who keeps his eyes downfield. His deep accuracy is not ideal, and he doesn’t have elite physical tools, but the Jets can afford to give him a year and see what they have before drafting a QB in 2027.

34. Arizona Cardinals – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

The son of an NFL offensive coordinator, there is no questioning Nussmeier’s preparation and processing. He showed in 2024 and at the Senior Bowl that he moves through progressions, spots gaps in the defense, and delivers a catchable ball better than most passers in this class. He would be a fine processor who can take advantage of Arizona’s numerous offensive weapons.

While many will love Trinidad Chambliss with this pick, his similarities to Kyler Murray could give Arizona pause if it is so willing to dump Murray this offseason. The Cardinals could also pursue a quarterback like Malik Willis in free agency. However, that would not eliminate the possibility of doubling up with a polished passer like Nussmeier here.

35. Tennessee Titans – Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Howell is a knifing penetrator who finds creative ways to slip past or between tackles and make plays in the backfield. He is undersized, and he disappointed against some tougher opponents this year, but his production and speed profile should not fall far outside of the first round … if he falls out of it at all. Robert Saleh will find a way to maximize Howell’s skills.

36. Las Vegas Raiders – Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

The Raiders are best suited to move Jackson Powers-Johnson back to his native center position, rather than keeping him at guard, where he struggled. Making that move and drafting another Duck to play guard, the powerful Pregnon, would help them improve at two distinct areas of need.

37. New York Giants – Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

A massive run on offensive linemen could happen before the Giants make their second pick in this class. Thus, they miss out on blockers and pivot toward improving their interior run defense. Hunter shows enough wiggle to fake it as a 5-tech in base sets before moving inside to push the pocket next to Dexter Lawrence II on dime and nickel downs.

38. *Houston Texans (via Washington) – Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

The Texans could strongly consider drafting another offensive lineman with this pick since their need is so great. However, there is no value available that would excuse that pick. Thus, they address their need for depth at defensive tackle by taking a run-clogging presence who flashes occasionally as a pocket pusher against the pass.

39. Cleveland Browns – Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

This mock is working out splendidly for a Browns team in desperate need of youth and talent along their offensive line and at wide receiver. First, they double up on potential starting offensive tackles in the first round. Now, they land a big and fearless wide receiver who would be a first-round pick if he had not ended the year injured.

9/136/2 last night for Louisville WR Chris Bell.

AJ Brown-like acceleration at 227-pounds! pic.twitter.com/JZix78FjuC

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 18, 2025

40. TRADE: San Francisco 49ers – R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

As we noted earlier, the Chiefs could end up with a surprising number of needs this offseason. For that reason, they trade back with the 49ers here, who are eager to jump ahead of the Bengals for a speed rusher they may covet. Thomas is an aggressive edge-rusher who would add burst and speed to a San Francisco defensive line rotation that is lacking in those areas.

Trade Details:

49ers receive: pick No. 40

Chiefs receive: picks No. 58, No. 92, and No. 171

41. Cincinnati Bengals – Zion Young, DL, Missouri

The Bengals have needed more power and consistency out of their defensive line for years. With Trey Hendrickson likely gone in free agency and Cincy striking out on defensive line in the first round, it nabs the Tasmanian Devil with this pick. Young put blockers on their butts at the Senior Bowl and has earned his way into first-round discussions for some teams.

42. New Orleans Saints – Derrick Moore, DE, Michigan

The Saints must plan for Cameron Jordan's eventual retirement, and historically, they have valued defensive ends who can do it all under GM Mickey Loomis. Moore is a powerful edge who can set against the run and barrel through opposing blockers with power. He would fit the profile of the successful defensive linemen Loomis has drafted in the past.

43. Miami Dolphins – Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss

Miami is clearly moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, but its replacement plan is unclear. Odds are it pursues Malik Willis in free agency, given his familiarity with new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley. However, until that happens, the Dolphins need a quarterback and could be intrigued by the mobility and arm strength of Chambliss, though his size could scare them.

44. *New York Jets (via Dallas) – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Given that Aaron Glenn is a former defensive back who coached a defense that registered zero interceptions last year, Gang Green must invest multiple picks into the secondary and let Glenn have a chance to improve. Thieneman ranked seventh amongst all college safeties in coverage grade and surrendered the 12th-fewest yards after the catch last year.

45. Baltimore Ravens – Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

Sarratt is not the top receiver left on the board here, but he is the top-rated possession receiver. The Ravens already have an explosive and dynamic receiver in Zay Flowers, so players like Omar Cooper Jr. may not interest them. Instead, they like a bigger-bodied chain-mover with good route skills and a strong understanding of the red zone to help balance their offense.

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Lavonte David took a step back in play this past season, and his closing news conference had “retirement vibes” oozing from the rafters. With David likely on his way out, the Buccaneers must look for a replacement. Hill has the athleticism and physical tools to grow into a difference-maker on the inside, though he is still very young and raw.

47. Indianapolis Colts – D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

While the Colts have invested significant resources into their secondary in recent years, their advanced metrics were poor across the board last year, and injuries exposed their lack of depth. With both Charvarius Ward and Kenny Moore II in their 30s this coming season, the local boy Ponds and his 53.5 passer rating allowed could be valuable.

48. Atlanta Falcons – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Falcons hit a home run with Xavier Watts in their secondary last year, a player we regularly projected to Atlanta due to his fit in its scheme. However, it still needs depth at cornerback across from A.J. Terrell Jr. Who better to fill that need than his polished younger brother?

49. Minnesota Vikings – Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

With Aaron Jones Sr. well past his prime and Jordan Mason disappointing in his first year with Minnesota, the Vikings must look for a back who can take pressure off their quarterback(s). Price is an instinctive and smooth runner between the tackles, and his change-of-direction skills are sharp. He also has experience returning kicks, if necessary.

50. Detroit Lions – Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

The Lions continue to need help at cornerback, and Johnson shows good instincts on tape. While the San Diego State product struggled at the Senior Bowl, his film showed someone with a good feel for route timing and when to play the ball. He has the film and tools to be a quality Day 2 pick.

51. Carolina Panthers – Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

The Panthers have two quality possession receivers in Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, but they lack a true deep threat and big-play option. While McMillan can get deep, a player like Branch plays at a different speed and would help open lanes up while keeping safeties honest.

52. Green Bay Packers – Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

Jackson is not a second-round talent, but this rookie class is weak enough that you will see teams reaching for need as early as the second round. The Packers got zero run production from their defensive tackles last year, with both Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks specialized pass-rushers. Jackson is a massive run defender who would quickly earn an early downs role.

53. Pittsburgh Steelers – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

The Steelers do not historically aim their early picks at offense, but this is an aging team with needs all over, and their biggest holes are on that side of the ball. Cooper is an explosive weapon who can be utilized out of the slot, in the backfield, and on the perimeter. He would add a versatile underneath element that DK Metcalf doesn’t.

54. Philadelphia Eagles – Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn

Howie Roseman has shown a willingness to draft depth at positions of strength, in anticipation of injuries or future losses in free agency. Additionally, the Eagles' interior offensive line experienced ups and downs last year through injuries and inconsistent play. With rumors that Landon Dickerson could retire, the Eagles have to look at adding depth at guard and center.

55. Los Angeles Chargers – Kyle Louis, LB/DB, Pittsburgh

Louis made himself some money at the Senior Bowl, where the undersized linebacker showed elite coverage skills at every single practice. The Pitt product could add size and stick as a versatile linebacker for the Chargers, or be utilized as a box safety capable of playing all over the field, and eventually replace the oft-injured and aging Derwin James Jr.

56. Jacksonville Jaguars – Keionte Scott, DB, Miami (FL)

Antonio Johnson was above average as a deep safety and in man coverage last year, but the Jaguars need someone young and aggressive to pair with Johnson after injuries and inconsistency marred that second safety spot. While Scott was primarily a slot corner last year, he has the tackling skills and downhill aggression to become a box safety for Jacksonville.

57. Chicago Bears – A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

Kevin Byard III will be 33 years old this coming season. While he had a strong season last year, his age and the rash of injuries Chicago dealt with in the secondary mean it needs depth. Haulcy has good man and zone coverage skills with eight pass breakups last season. He would offer good depth and an eventual replacement for Byard in Chicago.

58. TRADE: Kansas City Chiefs – Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

In this scenario, the Chiefs do not sign a free agent tight end like Kyle Pitts Sr. or Isaiah Likely due to cap constraints. They also pass on Kenyon Sadiq with their first pick, leaving them with no Travis Kelce succession plan. Stowers is relatively new to the tight end position, but he displays the natural hands and footwork to become a lifeline for his quarterback.

Eli Stowers is a very interesting prospect to evaluate. The gap between how good of a receiver and blocker is pretty big. Will be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, but will be a liability in blocking situations.

Perfect landing spot for him is a team that already has a… pic.twitter.com/Nd3MnRgaeG

— Prospect Film Room (@FilmProspect) February 4, 2026

59. Houston Texans – Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

The Texans could use multiple starters on their offensive line, including an upgrade at center. Hecht was one of the best blockers at the Senior Bowl this year, showing consistent hand placement and an ability to re-route and improvise when his initial jam was unsuccessful. He would fill another need for a Houston team that could use multiple starters on its line.

60. Buffalo Bills – Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

The Bills surrendered the fifth-most rush yards per game last year while logging the second-worst tackle rate in the NFL. A lot of that was on the linebackers, with injuries and a noteworthy decline from Terrel Bernard as key culprits. Rodriguez is undersized, but he is instinctive and fast to diagnose. He also held his own against top competition at the Senior Bowl.

61. Los Angeles Rams – Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

This pick will be controversial, since many are out on Allar, but it’s worth remembering he was considered a first-round prospect when he contemplated coming out in 2025. Allar still has a big arm, an ideal size, solid mobility, and a low turnover rate. Plus, he fits the Stafford mold better than anyone else in this class, and McVay could fix some of his biggest flaws in time.

62. Denver Broncos – Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

Romello Height is a possibility here, but Fields should be a second-round pick, and he makes sense as a long-term replacement for Courtland Sutton. The Broncos have drafted receivers in the middle rounds multiple times since Sean Payton took over, but none have developed into much. Fields is a contested-catch monster with elite size and boundary skills.

63. New England Patriots – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Miller has good length, solid movement skills, and 54 games of experience at offensive tackle. While many people love what New England got from Will Campbell in 2025, the rookie struggled in the playoffs, and the tackle opposite him (Morgan Moses) is aging. Given how frequently Drake Maye was under duress in the Super Bowl, this pick makes some sense.

64. Seattle Seahawks – Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

The Seahawks are likely to lose Cooper Kupp and Rashid Shaheed this offseason, yet neither made a significant contribution to their receiving corps in the first place. Bernard has a strong contested-catch film and would be a stout slot option and possession receiver to put on the field with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tory Horton outside.

More Fantasy Football Analysis