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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Expert Three-Round Projections (Final Edition)

Fernando Mendoza - College Football Rankings, CFB DFS Picks, NFL Draft

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

The trade of Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals shook up the NFL Draft in a way we have not seen before, as it was a rare player-for-pick deal, and it involved a top-ten pick. This could be the first of many deals… or the last. Whether you believe this class will be awash in moves or light on them depends on whether you buy into the late-season buzz or not.

Early opinion was that trade activity would be limited this year due to a lack of talent worth chasing. However, an inverse seems to be matriculating where teams want to move up for the few blue-chip prospects there are. Plus, this dip in top-end talent could suppress the cost of moving up, leading to a Black Friday situation where people buy stuff they don’t need because it’s cheap.

In this three-round mock, we project a flurry of trades that make logical sense, even if the exact trades themselves are impossible to predict. Amongst our projected deals are the Eagles trading for Jonathan Greenard and sending A.J. Brown to the Patriots in June, but there are many more deals to follow. Our hope is that this flurry prepares you for what could be a wild NFL Draft.

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Round 1

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

People have called the Raiders about trading for this pick, but those calls went to voicemail. Reports are that Mendoza is already working through Las Vegas’ playbook with quarterback coach Mike Sullivan, only confirming what we all already know.

  1. New York Jets- David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Arvell Reese has the most upside of anyone in this class, so there is a strong argument for him going here. It is the move most analysts, including myself, would make. However, the Jets reportedly love that Bailey’s sack potential is safe and established. Plus, there may be an element of job protection going on with a coaching staff desperate to win more this season.

  1. Arizona Cardinals– Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

The Cardinals want to trade out of this pick, and it’s possible. The Chiefs, Titans, Cowboys, and Giants all could make a move if the cost is right. However, it is unclear whether Arizona would be willing to take a truly discounted deal. With that in mind, we are projecting the Cardinals to realize they aren’t ready to maximize Jeremiyah Love, so they draft the more valuable position.

  1. Tennessee Titans- Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Sonny Styles and Love both make a lot of sense for the Titans, but only Love can help Cam Ward’s development by thinning out boxes with big play runs. He would bail Ward out on improvised dump-offs and keep defenses off balance with screens that can go the distance. This pick should be about developing Ward's talent.

  1. New York Giants- Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Giants positioned themselves for flexibility when they acquired #10 overall, giving themselves the ability to frame this pick around who they believe will be there five picks later. With that in mind, they take the top receiver on their board. Tyson isn’t for everyone, but the Giants love him and do not want to risk losing him to the Commanders or Saints.

  1. Cleveland Browns- Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

The Browns want to trade back so they can get Proctor later than this, where he would be a better value, but in this scenario, the phone doesn’t ring. Dallas and Miami both make sense in a trade-up, but both have a lot of holes they need filled and could prefer hoarding picks and hoping someone good falls to them rather than moving up.

  1. Washington Commanders- Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Styles and Love are the two most logical players for Washington, and they are also the two most coveted in Washington’s front office, per reports. With Love off the board, general manager Adam Peters abstains from his desire to draft offense and lets Dan Quinn have his defensive leader. Styles’ athleticism and coverage skills will make a significant impact in every phase of the game.

  1. New Orleans Saints- Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Saints have their eyes on Chris Bell in the second round in this mock, so they could pass on a talented receiver like Carnell Tate. Tate, though, is a strong possibility if he falls. Mickey Loomis knows he won’t get a shutdown corner like Delane in the second round, but he will have a shot at a solid WR2 on Day 2.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs- Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Can the Chiefs pass up the top receiver on most boards if he falls to them? Perhaps they can, given they have bigger needs at right tackle, defensive end, and in their secondary. However, Tate's value would be immense, and his strong character reports could make him a refreshing change of pace from Kansas City’s current/previous top wideouts.

  1. *New York Giants- Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Big Blue gambled that other teams would devalue Downs because of his positional value, and it pays off in this mock. John Harbaugh will value Downs’ ability to run the defense from the backend and fill multiple needs across the formation.

  1. Miami Dolphins – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Dolphins have a serious need at offensive guard, where Jonah Savaiinaea earned the worst pass-blocking metrics of any guard in the NFL. Fano is the choice over Olaivavega Ioane because Fano can thrive at guard, but he can also move back out to tackle if Miami lets Austin Jackson walk next year.

  1. TRADE: Houston Texans- Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

Dallas is missing a second-round pick and has multiple holes they must address in this class, so they should jump at the opportunity to trade back if all their top options are taken by the time they come on the clock… which is what happened here.

Houston would make a great trade partner for Dallas if Mauigoa’s back injury causes him to fall. The Texans have eight picks in this class to work with, but four of them are within the first 69. Thus, they have the assets to move up and are in need of more offensive line talent.

Trade Compensation:

Houston Receives- Pick #12

Dallas Receives- Picks #28, #59, and #69

  1. *Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta)- Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Makai Lemon still makes a ton of sense in this spot, but the Rams utilized three-tight-end sets more than any team in the NFL last year, and Sadiq’s physical ability is leagues ahead of the other tight ends on their roster. This is a luxury pick, but one they could make given Sadiq’s upside and ability to further expand the playbook.

  1. Baltimore Ravens- Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (FL)

If Sadiq is off the board and Bain falls, then Bain should be the pick. Mike Green showed flashes last year, and Trey Hendrickson is a clear starter for Baltimore, but Bain is an extreme value pick at #14 that would give Baltimore three talented edges to rotate.

  1. TRADE: Los Angeles Chargers- Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

The Buccaneers will be looking to trade back if Bain is unavailable. While this is a costly move up for a Chargers team without a draft surplus, this is a weaker class on the backend, so the value of a second-round pick is lower than usual. If Ioane is the only starter Los Angeles gets in this class, the team should be thrilled, considering he is a blue-chip prospect at their biggest area of need.

Trade Compensation:

Los Angeles Receives- Picks #15 and #116

Tampa Bay Receives- Picks #22 and #55

  1. New York Jets – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Jets can go in multiple directions with this pick, with Dillon Thieneman and a trade back both serious options. Given the number of teams that could be looking to jump Detroit to draft an offensive tackle, a trade back may even be the most likely outcome. However, Lemon is the best prospect left on the board and would fill a need.

  1. Detroit Lions- Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Lions should count themselves lucky if Freeling falls in their laps, given that their release of Taylor Decker created a hole at one of the most important positions on the field. Freeling and Decker have eerily similar measurements, but Freeling is a better athlete with higher upside. If Dan Campbell is willing to develop him, this Bulldog could be a steal.

  1. Minnesota Vikings- Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

If Thieneman is drafted before this, expect Minnesota to push a trade with some team looking to move up for offensive line help. If Thieneman is here, he is the perfect combination of speed, ball skills, and positional versatility to fulfill the Vikings’ need for a Harrison Smith heir.

  1. Carolina Panthers- Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

With Sadiq off the board, Carolina pivots to an offensive weapon they can play in the slot or outside. Cooper proved in college that he can be effective inside, on the boundary, in the red zone, and out of the backfield. He would be a fine compliment to Tetairoa McMillan, who has the X position locked down.

  1. *Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay)- Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

Faulk’s stock is back up after it dipped for most of this draft cycle. The Cowboys are reportedly one of the teams fully in on the Auburn product, as he is reportedly one reason Jerry Jones won’t give up this pick to move up. Faulk is a big, long, and mobile player for his size who can play inside and outside. Consider him a slightly lesser version of Mykel Williams.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Steelers left tackle Broderick Jones reportedly had a setback with his neck injury and could miss time this offseason, which is another red flag for a player already on the outs with his team. Pittsburgh could like Miller’s experience and projectable profile, viewing him as their new right tackle while moving Troy Fautanu back to his college position (left tackle).

  1. TRADE BACK: Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Tampa’s biggest need is edge rusher, and one of the biggest risers late in this process is Lawrence. While odds favor Lawrence landing with the 49ers several picks after this, the Bucs’ trade back positions them to snipe Lawerence from San Francisco. This is a reach, but Lawrence is long, quick, and productive with a profile that fits in Tampa’s scheme.

  1. Philadelphia Eagles- Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

As we’ve noted many times before, Howie Roseman has a long history of addressing future needs with current draft picks. Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson both considered retirement this year, making the offensive line position a real long-term need. Iheanachor has some of the best movement skills and natural ability in the class, with elite upside if he’s brought along slowly.

  1. Cleveland Browns– KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Concepcion is lower on my board than most, as his drops are a concern, and his contested catch skills are inconsistent. However, he does have tremendous short-area burst, solid height with a frame that can carry more muscle, and he’s dynamic with the ball in his hands. Those skills could entice a Browns team in need of offensive playmakers.

  1. Chicago Bears- Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Bears have needs at safety and defensive line, but their starting left tackle is recovering from a torn patellar tendon that should cost him the entire 2026 season and could linger long term. That concern puts Lomu on Chicago’s radar, especially since they are still trying to get Caleb Williams’ mechanics in shape and cannot afford to have a blindside leak.

  1. Buffalo Bills – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (FL)

Mesidor's age may not matter as much to the win-now Bills, who will value his polish. The Bills have a history of prioritizing pass rushers and ignoring their need at interior linebacker, which means they could continue to do so in this spot.

  1. San Francisco 49ers- T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson

The 49ers were hoping either Lawrence, Concepcion, or Lomu would fall to them here. With those players gone, they will look to trade, but no offers come in this scenario. That leaves them looking at Denzel Boston or T.J. Parker, with the edge rusher getting the edge since this is a deeper wide receiver class.

  1. TRADE BACK: Dallas Cowboys- CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The Cowboys desperately need interior linebacker help and would value Allen’s ability to call plays and lead their struggling defense early in his career. The potential of adding Allen this late is one reason Dallas should be open to trading back with Houston, especially if they don’t like what they see at pick #12.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs- Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

There is a strong sense that Jermod McCoy’s knee injury could push him out of the first round, while his teammate is reportedly gaining momentum as the CB2 in this class. Hood would fill a need for a Chiefs team that lost multiple starters in the secondary this offseason.

  1. *Miami Dolphins (via DEN) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Dolphins are a strong candidate to gamble on the upside of McCoy, given their need for secondary help and the fact that they don’t need him to produce early in an already lost 2026 season. However, Miami must also give Malik Willis weapons, and Boston’s big frame offers a fine target for a quarterback who has struggled with accuracy in the past.

  1. New England Patriots- Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Consensus seems to be that Howell will fall into the second round, but the back half of this first round is full of second-round talent. Howell is an ideal fit for New England’s need and scheme, as an undersized but fast standup edge who can knife through the middle of defenses or bend the edge.

  1. Seattle Seahawks- Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Cisse is a Day 2 prospect, but there are no Day 1-caliber prospects left on this mock board. Cisse remains an ideal fit for Seattle, which needs depth in its secondary after losing multiple starters/contributors this offseason. Cisse has the length, athleticism, and size that Seattle typically loves.

 

Round 2

  1. New York Jets – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Jets created zero interceptions last year, and McCoy was an elite ballhawk in his 2024 film. Aaron Glenn may not like drafting a player that could sit in 2026 and cost him his job, but the front office would be wise to draft an elite talent here and appreciate the fact that he won’t hurt their 2027 draft stock.

  1. Arizona Cardinals- Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Cardinals could make several different moves to get Simpson in the first round, but they may not have to. In this mock, they stay put and take him in the second round, knowing that he is a fun project who will get a year to prove himself, but he won’t stop Arizona from drafting a quarterback in 2027 if they find themselves in a position to get a star.

  1. Tennessee Titans- Zion Young, DE, Missouri

If the Titans do go with Love early, expect them to let Robert Saleh make their next few picks. Young generated a lot of pressure with his consistent effort, leverage, and solid bend at Missouri. The former Tiger would be a good fit for Saleh’s scheme.

  1. Las Vegas Raiders- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak just saw the impact that a long and athletic safety like Nick Emmanwori can have on the defensive scheme he brings with him. McNeil-Warren may not last until Day 2, but he would be an ideal fit for the Raiders and their new defensive scheme.

  1. New York Giants- Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

Harbaugh has openly stated he wants to see improvement from his offensive line, and his team has a need at guard. Bisontis is a good athlete who disappointed last year, but plenty of scouts love his agility and upside. This fit is strong, given New York’s need to protect Jaxson Dart and their gaping hole at right guard.

  1. *Houston Texans (via Washington)- Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Woods is getting late buzz that suggests he could go in the first round, perhaps much earlier than expected. However, there is also still a good chance he falls into this range. If he does, Woods is a fine fit for the 3-tech in Houston’s scheme, which is a need of theirs.

  1. Cleveland Browns- Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Browns have a strong defense, but nickel corner is a weakness. While Terrell’s poor testing numbers could force him down the board, his lack of elite speed and size might be negated by a move inside to the slot. There, his ball skills and polish could make him a strong starter on a good defense.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs- R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

Treydan Stukes makes sense for Kansas City as a hybrid safety with strong ball skills and good length. However, Kansas City already invested a high pick in Hood and still needs edge-rush help. Mason Thomas is a feisty and consistent pass rusher with a good motor and burst around the edge.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals- Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona

The Bengals should love the versatility of Stukes, who can play a hybrid safety/cornerback role in an improving but still flawed secondary. He can move into the slot, play outside, or drop into deep coverage and replace Jordan Battle on obvious passing downs.

  1. New Orleans Saints- Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

We told you Bell is a first-round talent back in January, and the buzz is finally starting to catch up with our opinion. There are flaws to Bell’s game, but he has a strong relationship with Tyler Shough, and he’s deadly in traffic and with the ball in his hands. He would pair well with the more polished Chris Olave.

  1. Miami Dolphins – Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

The Dolphins don’t have a single above-average starter in their secondary, which would make Johnson the most gifted secondary weapon the moment he is drafted. The San Diego State product has premium instincts and an elite feel for opposing offenses, both in jumping routes and knowing when to turn and play the ball.

  1. *New York Jets (via Dallas) – Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

New York lost Alijah Vera-Tucker to free agency, leaving a hole at guard. Pregnon is not the same level of pass blocker as Vera-Tucker was when he was healthy, but he’s a punishing run blocker with the ability to help the team's future quarterback. You’ll notice that laying the foundation for their future passer will be a key philosophy for this team.

  1. Baltimore Ravens- Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech

The Ravens have a noteworthy hole at guard, and Rutledge’s nasty streak would fit what Derrick Henry needs. Do not be surprised if several guards find their way into the first 40-45 picks of this class, given that the class is weak overall, and teams view these guards as safe starters that they can plug and play early.

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

Golday has all the physical tools to become an every-down linebacker capable of rushing the passer, covering tight ends, and stifling the run. He needs to improve his reads and reactions, but he would fill a significant need for Tampa after the retirement of Lavonte David.

  1. Indianapolis Colts- Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

The Colts are getting older at defensive tackle, and injuries have become a regular occurrence there. Banks is an elite mover for his size and flashes the ability to be a difference-making penetrator, either from the 3-tech in a traditional front or the 5-tech. If Indianapolis can tolerate the risk, they should love this fit.

  1. Atlanta Falcons- Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

Atlanta doesn’t have anyone behind Drake London, so drafting at least one receiver is an obvious priority. Brazzell II has elite speed and tracking ability to stretch the field, dragging safeties deep and opening things up more underneath for London and Kyle Pitts Sr.

  1. Minnesota Vikings- Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

The Vikings lost multiple defensive linemen due to cap cuts this offseason, making it a priority for them to add at least one space-eating defensive lineman. McDonald deserves to go much higher than this, but many teams may question whether he can stay on the field for passing downs. If they view him as a 50% snap guy, teams will downgrade him.

  1. Detroit Lions- Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois

The Lions need a pass rush option opposite Aidan Hutchinson after Al-Quadin Muhammad left in free agency. Jacas is a strong edge setter with good character and leadership reports, along with plus length and the ability to push tackles into the passer. Jacas has the frame and power that Dan Campbell covets.

  1. Carolina Panthers- Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

The Panthers lost Cade Mays in free agency, an underrated hemorrhage that could drastically impact their run game, so replacing him should be a priority. However, reports indicate that Carolina is doing extensive research on tight ends in this class, and they could jump on Stowers if he falls to this point.

  1. Green Bay Packers- Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

Green Bay’s best guard last year (Jordan Morgan) is moving to tackle, and their projected starting center graded poorly in every aspect of the game last year. Slaughter would be an immediate upgrade and potential starter at either position right away.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan

T.J. Watt’s advanced metrics have been trending down for several years now, and reports indicate Pittsburgh is open to trading one of its three pass rushers. If the Steelers do unload an edge, they will likely look to add a cheaper and younger depth piece to replace them. Barham is a developmental depth piece with the upside to eventually replace Watt.

  1. Philadelphia Eagles- De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

Brown’s exit from Philly seems to be a foregone conclusion, making outside receiver a need for the Eagles. Stribling's combination of a powerful frame and good straight-line speed has him rising up draft boards, meaning he could go much earlier than many think.

  1. TRADE BACK: Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Devin Moore, CB, Florida

The Bucs prefer bigger corners with ball skills, which is the definition of Moore’s game. Injuries are the only reason Moore is not being discussed as a potential first-round pick, as he’s struggled with ailments every year of his college career. However, there is tremendous upside in Moore’s game, and the Bucs could see him as a plus starter if he can stay healthy.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Devin Lloyd left in free agency, which is a major loss considering Lloyd was the third-highest graded coverage linebacker in the NFL last year. Hill is a polarizing prospect for many, but he’s a strong run defender with the athleticism to grow into a productive coverage and rush linebacker.

  1. Chicago Bears- Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

Miller is a talented interior pass rusher and run defender whose resume is short because he sat behind so many talented Bulldogs throughout his college career. However, he has the frame and lateral mobility to develop into a 3-tech in Chicago’s scheme, which is a need of theirs.

  1. San Francisco 49ers- Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

The 49ers put Band-Aids on their receiver room with the signing of two aging veterans. But Mike Evans is already past his prime, and Christian Kirk is a limited slot-only option. Hurst has better size, speed, and body control than any receiver left on the board. He could come along slowly under Kyle Shanahan and eventually grow into a difference-maker thanks to his unique skill set.

  1. TRADE BACK: Dallas Cowboys- D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

The Cowboys need depth in their secondary, and the presence of DaRon Bland means they have some flexibility in who they draft to fill that need. Ponds is likely a slot corner in the pros, but he’s an aggressive man coverage corner with good speed and short-area quickness. His winning pedigree should also appeal to Jones.

  1. Chicago Bears- Keionte Scott, DB, Miami (FL)

The Bears could look to improve at strong safety, and Scott is an intriguing option. The Hurricane's testing numbers were good enough to hope he can play nickel or safety in the NFL, while his college film showed he was a willing and instinctive run defender when playing near the line.

  1. Los Angeles Rams- Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Some think Rodriguez could go in the late first round, so he may not drop this far, but he would be a strong fit for a Rams team that has been piecemealing their interior linebacker position for years. Rodriguez is a stronger run stopper with better range than either of Los Angeles’ current starters.

  1. Denver Broncos- Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

The Broncos need help at interior linebacker, and Trotter is a punishing run defender whose flaws would be covered by the elite talent around him in Denver. Trotter’s floor is as a run stopping interior presence who comes off the field on passing downs, but he has enough tools to develop into an every-down player.

  1. New England Patriots- Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa

Dunker is a polished blocker who has the frame and experience to act as a swing tackle in the NFL, though he will likely move inside and start at guard someday. His versatility and polish could appeal to New England, as the team needs someone to offer stable depth behind Will Campbell with the upside of a starter either at right tackle or guard.

  1. Seattle Seahawks- Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

The Seahawks luck out with Price falling to them here, given they have several teams drafting ahead of them who need running back help. Price has the pure running skills that Seattle values, and the Seahawks need depth at the position after Kenneth Walker III’s exit and Zach Charbonnet's knee injury.

 

Round 3

  1. Arizona Cardinals– Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M

If the Cardinals pass on offensive tackle early, as they should despite their need, Crownover could be an interesting backup plan. The towering athlete has the size and athleticism you want from an edge protector, but his fundamentals and footwork are messy. His floor is low, but the upside is that of a quality starter.

  1. Tennessee Titans- Derrick Moore, DE, Michigan

Saleh has always prioritized having a deep rotation at defensive end, so drafting multiple players at the position makes sense. Moore is a solid run defender who can win as a pass rusher with power and leverage. He has the feel of a Saleh player.

  1. Las Vegas Raiders- Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

Sarratt would offer a quality boundary option for the Raiders, though he’s likely already reached his physical upside. He is a polished route runner, and he already has good chemistry with Las Vegas’ presumptive first overall pick (Mendoza). Consider the Raiders as the most likely landing spot for Sarratt, especially if he falls out of the second round.

  1. Philadelphia Eagles- Keyron Crawford, DE, Auburn

In this mock, the Eagles addressed their pass-rush need by trading for Greenard. However, this is a team that values a deep edge rotation. Crawford’s ability to pressure the quarterback and push the pocket would be a valuable asset for Philly.

  1. TRADE BACK: Dallas Cowboys- Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

The Cowboys traded away their best penetrating defensive tackle this offseason, so they could look to add an athletic interior force like Halton. There are strong character reports, testing numbers, and solid tape backing Halton as an early-to-mid Day 2 pick.

  1. Cleveland Browns – Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

If the Browns view Concepcion as a slot weapon who can work outside, like I do, then they should value Lance’s ability to run streakers on the boundary and draw defenders out of the box. If they think Concepcion is a boundary receiver and a true WR1, they could look at a slot option like Skyler Bell here.

  1. Washington Commanders- Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

If the Commanders take Styles in the first round, they owe Jayden Daniels a possession receiver with their next pick. Bernard is a polished route runner who can break tackles and gain yards on screens or intermediate throws. He would be a reliable safety blanket for Daniels.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals- Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

The Bengals historically value traits-based prospects, which is a big reason why they swung and hit a homerun with DJ Turner II several years ago. Igbinosun has the length and size to be a strong press coverage corner across from Turner, allowing Cincy to push Dax Hill back to nickel, where he is best suited.

  1. New Orleans Saints- Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Hunter earned some first-round buzz at the Senior Bowl, but his inability to make an impact against the pass could drop him down boards. His massive frame makes him a fine nose tackle option for the Saints’ 3-4 front, though.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs- Caleb Tiernan, OL, Northwestern

The Chiefs would be pleasantly surprised if Tiernan fell to them at this spot, given his strong pass-blocking metrics and film, suggesting he may be able to stay at tackle despite shorter arms. Worst case, he becomes a quality guard or a strong swing tackle option for Kansas City, but he could compete for its right tackle position as a rookie.

  1. Miami Dolphins- Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut

Bell is an ultra-productive weapon coming from a lower level of competition. He lacks ideal size and should likely be a slot for most of his career, but he is a better prospect and receiver than Malik Washington. This pick would give Willis another safety valve for underneath throws.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL)- Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

The Steelers need a long-term plan at quarterback, with Aaron Rodgers expected to be a very short-term answer in 2026 if Pittsburgh signs him. Allar had a first-round buzz last year before the entire Penn State roster imploded, and he got hurt. Many are now out on Allar, but he still has a big arm and ideal stature, along with adequate mobility and experience. There is upside worth developing in Allar.

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

Tampa could use more competition at tight end, and Klare offers that. He is a serviceable blocker and a weapon in the receiving game. The Bucs may have re-signed Cade Otton, but they want more potential out of that position long-term.

  1. Indianapolis Colts- A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

The Colts invested a lot in their secondary last year and got mixed results. Worse, they lost Nick Cross to free agency. Haulcy could come in and immediately help with coverage and in the slot.

  1. Atlanta Falcons- Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

Rivers is an experienced and polished corner who can contribute right away. The Falcons need depth and a potential starter across from A.J. Terrell Jr.

  1. Baltimore Ravens- Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

The Ravens lost one of the best centers in football when they let Tyler Linderbaum walk in free agency, and they don’t have a comparable replacement on the roster. While Hecht is not the quality of prospect Linderbaum was, his handwork is strong, and he has enough polish to immediately compete for snaps.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Joshua Joseph, EDGE, Tennessee

While Joseph is best suited as a stand-up edge, he has the length and burst to make a difference in even front alignments. The Jaguars have two quality starters at defensive end, but they need depth.

  1. Minnesota Vikings- Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

Washington Jr. is the second-rated back on my board, but he isn’t for everyone. He has some stiffness to his game, he takes too many losses, and his production spiked late in his career. However, his size/speed combination commands Henry-lite comparisons, and he would fill a need for Minnesota.

  1. Carolina Panthers- Connor Lew, C, Auburn

As we’ve already stated, the Panthers lost their starting center in free agency, and it was a significant loss. They must address the position with a polished talent like Lew, who plays with excellent fundamentals and leverage.

  1. Green Bay Packers- Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

Orange is a value pick more than anything. He’s a strong anchor against the run and a viable nose tackle in odd or even fronts. The Packers signed the aging Javon Hargrave to fill that role, but could use a talented heir to Hargrave.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers- Beau Stephens, G, Iowa

The Steelers have a need at left guard and should value a polished blocker like Stephens. Almost every blocker coming out of Iowa has good fundamentals and handwork. Stephens is no different, entering the league as an underrated interior blocker who can compete for snaps early in his career.

  1. Los Angeles Chargers- Kamari Ramsey, S, USC

The Chargers need more depth in their secondary, particularly at safety. Ramsey can play both safety spots and slot corner. He has strong instincts and ball skills, with 2024 tape that suggests he could become a plus starter. Los Angeles could draft Ramsey in hopes that he returns to his 2024 form.

  1. Miami Dolphins (via PHI)- Bud Clark, S, TCU

As previously stated, Miami has a need for starters all over its secondary. Clark has the size and tackling ability to play in the box, but also flashed enough range in coverage to play deep as well.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

The Jaguars could use more youth and muscle at defensive tackle, where they really struggled to stop the run last year. Jackson Jr. would be a fine early-downs rotational piece as a rookie.

  1. Chicago Bears- Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech

Height is an undersized edge, but he’s extremely quick off the snap, and he was one of the most productive pass rushers in college last year. Chicago could use more juice in its pass rush and may like the idea of developing Height, hoping he can add some muscle without losing his burst.

  1. Miami Dolphins (via HOU)- Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

Perhaps it is unlikely for the Dolphins to invest three early picks at receiver, but they must give Willis an opportunity to return on their investment and they have a dearth of options to help him right now. Branch would be the gadget player for Miami in this scenario, with the ability to take the top off defenses or run sweeps out of the backfield.

  1. Buffalo Bills- Trey Zuhn III, G, Texas A&M

Zuhn is a converted tackle with strong pass blocking film, though he could stand to get stronger as a run blocker. If Buffalo really is trending towards a more pass-oriented offense, Zuhn could step in and compete for a starting job right away.

  1. Dallas Cowboys (via SF)- Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

In this mock, the Cowboys are flush with draft picks from their trade back with Houston. If that is the case, they could be willing to use one of those picks on a George Pickens insurance plan. Fields doesn’t have Pickens’ athleticism or flair for dramatic catches, but he does share Pickens’ size and ability to make contested grabs on the regular.

  1. Los Angeles Rams- Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

Thompson is undersized, but the Rams have a history of drafting fast, undersized receivers with upside. If they pass on a first-round receiver as they did in this mock, expect Los Angeles to invest at least one mid-round pick on a developmental receiver. Thompson has the route running and speed to be that project, but he must add muscle.

  1. Miami Dolphins- Kyle Louis, LB/S, Pittsburgh

Louis is either a big safety or an undersized linebacker, but he plays with elite range in coverage either way. His versatility could entice a Dolphins team in need of help all over.

  1. New England Patriots- Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia

The Patriots don’t have an immediate need in their secondary, but Carlton Davis III is getting older and has missed at least one game in seven of his eight seasons in the NFL. Everette is a balanced outside corner with good size and tackling skills, making him a fine depth piece behind Davis.

  1. Seattle Seahawks- Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin

Reiger is a balanced edge prospect well-suited for the scheme Seattle runs. He can contribute against the run and get pressure, though he lacks the athleticism and tape that you usually associate with a full-time sack artist.

  1. Minnesota Vikings- Justin Joly, TE, North Carolina State

The Vikings reworked T.J. Hockenson’s contract, but he turns 29 this year, and another disappointing season could push him out of Minnesota. Joly was a tremendous producer in 2024, and he still has the wingspan and strong hands to grow into an NFL starter.

  1. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings- Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC

Expect Minnesota to start considering contingency plans for Jordan Addison, whether it be his eventual exit in free agency or more suspensions. Lane is not the same type of receiver as Addison, but he is a sturdy blocker who can fill the role Jalen Nailor’s role in the short term with potential for more.

Trade Compensation:

Minnesota Receives- Picks #98 and #178

Philadelphia Receives- Jonathan Greenard

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers- Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

The Steelers historically like big and aggressive cornerbacks, which is what Davis brings. They could use more depth and youth in an aging secondary, too.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

Trigg is an intriguing athlete with a lot of upside as a receiver, but he comes with some character concerns. Jacksonville could groom him behind Brenton Strange, giving them a natural replacement for Strange when his contract expires, while expanding the Jaguars’ opportunities for 12-personnel.

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