With the 2026 NFL Draft less than two months away, anticipation around this year’s rookie class is intensifying. While the No. 1 overall pick appears all but locked in, the rest of the first round remains wide open, creating opportunities for bold moves and unexpected twists.
This mock draft leans into that uncertainty, featuring two blockbuster trades involving current NFL stars. Built using PFSN’s industry-leading draft tools, including the NFL Draft Simulator, Draft Pick Trade Calculator, and 2026 NFL Draft Big Board, each move is grounded in team needs, prospect value, and realistic trade compensation.
1) Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana | QB
The Las Vegas Raiders can’t draft Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick until late April, but this connection already feels like old news. Attention will already have turned to how the AFC West strugglers plan to support the former Indiana standout, with offensive line additions a priority.
Brock Bowers provides an elite target, while Ashton Jeanty remains one of the most exciting running backs in the game. If the Raiders can tighten up elsewhere, their offense should be worth watching again from 2026.
2) New York Jets
Arvell Reese, Ohio State | LB/EDGE
I paired the New York Jets with Rueben Bain Jr. here in my last mock, and that seems to be a popular pairing. However, Arvell Reese’s positional ambiguity seems to be the only thing stopping him from being the obvious choice after Mendoza.
With a ton of draft capital at their disposal, I’m leaning toward the Jets taking the best player of the two and figuring the rest out later. Reese backed up his hype with a phenomenal Combine performance and is an immediate star for this team, wherever they decide to deploy him.
3) Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL) | OT
Like the Jets, the Arizona Cardinals face an uncertain future at quarterback, but due to the lack of elite options in this year’s class, they will have to look elsewhere early on. Both Jonah Williams and his deputy, Kelvin Beachum, are free agents, and Miami’s Francis Mauigoa can immediately solidify the right side of Arizona’s offensive line.
With two talented young tackles and an enviable skill-position group, the Cardinals could be a top landing spot for whoever they decide to move forward with at quarterback.
4) Tennessee Titans
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL) | EDGE
The Tennessee Titans need to give Cam Ward some more weapons if they’re to be more successful in 2026, but new head coach Robert Saleh will be pushing for this pick. With both Reese and Bain Jr. available early on, landing either of these players is likely to be a priority heading into Day 1.
Arizona could also use pass-rush help, and a trade into the top three isn’t out of the question, but it proves unnecessary in this mock. Bain Jr. terrorized college quarterbacks from his freshman year on and should prove to be a monster in the NFL.
5) New York Giants
Caleb Downs, Ohio State | S
It’s the start of a new era for the New York Giants, as John Harbaugh gets to work building what he hopes will be a Super Bowl contender. Safety isn’t typically considered a premium position, but if there’s one HC/DC pairing that would value Caleb Downs above any other here, it’s Harbaugh and Dennard Wilson.
Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens teams often turned to S Kyle Hamilton to guide the defense. Hamilton’s ability to play the run or the pass has been integral to Baltimore’s success without the ball in recent years.
During Wilson’s lone season as Ravens defensive backs coach in 2023, Hamilton earned his first All-Pro selection in a historically stout defense. Safety isn’t the biggest need for the Giants, but in years to come, drafting Downs could be looked back on as a pivotal move of the Harbaugh era in New York.
6) Cleveland Browns
Spencer Fano, Utah | OT
In my first mock, I had the New Orleans Saints trading up into this spot to take Reese, but with the Ohio State star off the board, things remain as they are. That changes nothing for the Cleveland Browns, though, who can’t afford to prioritize their offensive line in this draft.
The Browns enjoyed a strong 2025 draft despite trading back from the No. 2 pick last year, and will hope to have secured at least two starting linemen in free agency. Top NFL tackles rarely become free agents, though, and so Spencer Fano is the obvious choice for a team in need.
7) Washington Commanders
David Bailey, Texas Tech | EDGE
David Bailey showed steady progress through his first three years in college, but his 2025 season has landed him near the top of every big board in the industry. His 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss immediately catch the eye, and he is rightly considered one of the very best players in the class.
That stat line unsurprisingly led to Bailey being named a consensus All-American, and his equally frightening blend of ferocious power and speed will give NFL quarterbacks nightmares. The Washington Commanders could benefit from Bailey’s strength.
8) New Orleans Saints
Sonny Styles, Ohio State | LB
The Saints would love to surround Tyler Shough with premium talent ahead of the quarterback’s second year in the league. However, with veteran leaders Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis likely to move on, this team needs to soften the blow with some top talent as soon as possible.
Sonny Styles ranks third overall in PFSN’s Big Board and is first overall in Ian Cummings’ rankings, ahead of Reese and Downs. Like Reese, Styles backed up his outstanding college performances in the NFL Combine and is a no-brainer for New Orleans here.
9) Kansas City Chiefs
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame | RB
I don’t love putting a running back this high, but teams picking in the top-10 are rarely considered perennial Super Bowl contenders with the best quarterback in the game. The Kansas City Chiefs took a gamble on Isiah Pacheco after he broke his fibula in 2024, but he couldn’t get back to anything like his former explosiveness.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is back with the team, and there is a real chance for the Chiefs’ offense to re-establish itself as one of the best in the NFL. Jeremiyah Love is an NFL-ready running back with a complete arsenal of playmaking tools out of the backfield, something the Chiefs have sorely missed of late.
10) Cincinnati Bengals
Mansoor Delane, LSU | CB
The Cincinnati Bengals need to add talent to their defense, in whatever shape, size, or position they can get it. With the class’s premium pass-rushing talent off the board, Mansoor Delane makes sense as the top cornerback option in the draft.
Delane registered 6 interceptions and 18 passes defensed over his final two years in college, topping it off with All-American honors in 2025. There is a long way to go for Cincinnati’s defense, but Delane is a solid start.
11) Miami Dolphins
Carnell Tate, Ohio State | WR
New Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley will be all too aware of his team’s lack of cornerbacks and general defensive shortcomings. However, if Hafley is to help the Dolphins’ defense turn a corner, the offense will need to spend more time on the field.
With Tyreek Hill now out of the picture, the need for receiving talent in Miami is glaring. Jaylen Waddle is a phenomenal asset as one half of a 1A/1B receiver partnership, but he is completely isolated as things stand. That should suit Carnell Tate, who scouts agree is a top talent, but some doubt his ability to thrive as a stand-alone WR1 in the NFL.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Keldric Faulk, Auburn | EDGE
Styles has been a popular pick here, and that was the matchup I went with in my last mock, but it would be a surprise if he didn’t end up going in the top 10. With Styles off the board this time around, and with no more linebackers in this range, Keldric Faulk fills another defensive need.
The Dallas Cowboys have made a solid start in solidifying the interior of their defensive line using assets acquired from the Micah Parsons trade. Edge rush remains an area of need, though, and Faulk can be a Day-1 disruptor for a team looking to get back on top of their division in 2026.
13) Los Angeles Rams
Caleb Lomu, Utah | OT
The Los Angeles Rams are also fairly set on offense, but the recent retirement of veteran offensive tackle Rob Havenstein after 11 seasons has changed that. While some areas of the defense could use attention, protecting Matthew Stafford is essential for a Rams team likely in the final year of a Super Bowl window.
With Havenstein retiring, the Rams are forced into action. Caleb Lomu’s fellow Utah tackle, Fano, is on his way to Cleveland, and now both are off the board within the first 13 picks.
14) Baltimore Ravens
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State | WR
There is thought to be good depth at wide receiver in this year’s draft, but Jordyn Tyson is one of three receivers thought to be in a higher tier than the rest. That makes this pick easier for the Ravens, who have multiple offensive needs to address.
Zay Flowers has been a productive WR1 for the Ravens since being drafted 22nd overall in 2023, but Lamar Jackson’s options have been limited beyond that. Tyson and Flowers would give the Ravens a frightening one-two punch on the outside, with Mark Andrews continuing to dominate over the middle of the field.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon | TE
Kenyon Sadiq was expected to impress at the NFL Combine, and he didn’t disappoint. The Oregon star’s 40-yard dash time (4.39 seconds) was the fastest recorded by a tight end at the Combine since at least 2003, while also shining with his jumps.
Sadiq is the consensus top tight end in the class, by a distance, and could add even more juice to the already-stacked Tampa Bay Buccaneers passing game. Cade Otton is slated for free agency and, while a reliable servant for the past four years, can’t offer the same playmaking ability that Sadiq can.
16) New York Jets
Avieon Terrell, Clemson | CB
The Jets continue to rebuild their defense with Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, whose 8 forced fumbles and 9 tackles for loss since 2024 highlight his combative playstyle. Terrell is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell, who has starred for the NFC South side for six seasons.
The older brother was taken 16th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, and Avieon makes sense here for the Jets, who have plenty of positions to address. Terrell isn’t a typical ball-hawking cornerback, but his all-around game and competitive edge should quickly make him a fan favorite wherever he lands.
17) Detroit Lions
Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State | OG
The Detroit Lions lost two key veterans from their dominant offensive line last offseason. Kevin Zeitler moved to Tennessee in free agency, while Frank Ragnow retired. The Lions added Tate Ratledge in the 2025 draft, but things didn’t click for Dan Campbell’s men last season.
There are some areas to address on the Lions’ roster, but not so many that they can’t make a sensible pick here to shore up a previously elite offensive front. Fortunately, Olaivavega Ioane represents a highly practical solution to that exact problem.
18) Minnesota Vikings
Peter Woods, Clemson | DT
The Minnesota Vikings sputtered in 2025 as J.J. McCarthy endured a torrid first season as the team’s starting quarterback. Brian Flores’ defense continued to impress, though, and the coordinator gets a shiny new defensive tackle as a reward in this mock.
Filling roster gaps isn’t a priority in the first round, but when top players align with team needs, it makes things much easier. The Vikings can’t fix their quarterback situation in this spot, so ensuring their defense can continue to dominate is an easy decision. Peter Woods is the consensus top defensive tackle in the draft and replaces the outgoing Jalen Redmond.
19) Carolina Panthers
Makai Lemon, USC | WR
The Carolina Panthers have taken a wide receiver in the first round of each of the last two drafts, but that won’t stop me from putting Makai Lemon here. Veteran receivers Adam Thielen and Hunter Renfrow have both been heavily involved during short-term spells with the Panthers in recent years.
Bryce Young seems to be at his best when given a reliable slot receiver to lean on, and Lemon fits that mold perfectly. The USC product blew up in 2025, catching 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 scores. The Panthers need to build on an impressive 2025 season, and Lemon is probably the best player still on the board.
20) Dallas Cowboys
C.J. Allen, Georgia | LB
Having missed out on the two Ohio State linebackers, the Cowboys make up for it with C.J. Allen from Georgia. Dallas’ defense allowed the most points (511) and the third-most yards (6,409) in the NFL last season, preventing the team from making a realistic playoff push.
In Allen, the Cowboys get themselves a proven contributor from a top program and a leader both on and off the field. Allen led Georgia in tackles (88), tackles for loss (8), and sacks (3.5) in 2025, as well as forcing two key fumbles.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee | CB
Only three defenses allowed more passing yards than the Pittsburgh Steelers’ (4,146) in 2025. The team’s offense also needs some investment, but with the three top receivers already taken, the Steelers turn to Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy.
McCoy didn’t play a single snap in 2025 after suffering a torn ACL before the season. The talent is undeniable, though, and many expect him to be taken much higher than this in April. In this scenario, the Steelers get a Day-1 starter to play opposite Joey Porter Jr.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Kayden McDonald, Ohio State | DT
The Los Angeles Chargers need to improve the interior of their offensive line, and if Ioane is available here, he may well be the pick. I fully expect the Chargers to add at least one guard in free agency, though, and it may no longer be an area of need come April.
Instead, I have Jim Harbaugh’s men adding to their defensive front with Ohio State product Kayden McDonald. Newly re-signed Teair Tart will continue to lead Harbaugh’s front three, and McDonald would add another dominant presence alongside him.
McDonald was named the Big 10’s defensive lineman of the year and a consensus All-American in 2025 after tallying 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.
23) Philadelphia Eagles
Brandon Cisse, South Carolina | CB
After the top three, the order in which the cornerbacks will come off the board is harder to predict. In this mock, the Philadelphia Eagles find a long-term answer to a yearly problem in Brandon Cisse.
Philadelphia has turned to seasoned veterans like Darius Slay, Adoree’ Jackson, and Jaire Alexander to play corner in recent years. Cisse ranked fourth among all cornerbacks in both the vertical jump (41.0″) and the broad jump (10’11”) at this year’s combine, highlighting his NFL-level explosiveness.
24) Cleveland Browns
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama | OT
Having tied down one tackle spot, the Browns double down and complete the set by taking Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor with their second pick of the first round. The future of Cleveland’s offense is shrouded in uncertainty; securing both edges of their offensive line should provide some much-needed consistency in the years to come.
Listed at 366 pounds of pure power, Proctor entered college as a consensus five-star recruit and left college three years later as a consensus All-American. Proctor finished second on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks List” and was named the best blocker in the SEC in 2025.
25) Chicago Bears
Caleb Banks, Florida | DT
At the time of writing, 28.6% of users have taken McDonald (Pick No. 22 in this mock) at this spot when drafting for the Chicago Bears in our Mock Draft Simulator. With McDonald gone, though, Caleb Banks is a phenomenal consolation.
Banks missed most of his final season in college through injury, but made up for it with a great performance at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. His enormous 6’6″, 327-pound frame would be a great addition to a defense that has been miserable against the run in recent seasons.
26) Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston, Washington | WR
The Buffalo Bills have been patching together their receiver corps since parting ways with Stefon Diggs in 2024. Neither Amari Cooper nor Brandin Cooks could make the grade, and it’s time for some serious investment at the position.
Denzel Boston can dominate down the sidelines while opening things up for Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid in the middle of the field. The Bills have surrounded Josh Allen with 6’4″ pass catchers in recent years (Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins), and Boston would follow in that pattern.
27) San Francisco 49ers
Monroe Freeling, Georgia | OT
The San Francisco 49ers did unbelievably well to make the playoffs last season despite a host of high-profile free-agency departures and injuries to key players. Those gaps still need to be filled, but one issue has hung over the team for multiple years now.
Trent Williams won’t be in the league much longer, and may already have played his last game for Kyle Shanahan’s team. If the 49ers can’t agree on terms with Williams for an improved deal, Monroe Freeling from Georgia is a must-add here. Even if they can, the veteran will be 38 when the season starts, and a succession plan should be a priority.
28) Houston Texans
Max Iheanachor, Arizona State | OT
The Houston Texans need to fix their offensive line, with a potential Super Bowl on the line if they can get it right. What began as C.J. Stroud’s rookie window has become more about the team’s elite defense and whether the offense can stop holding it back.
Max Iheanachor is a two-year starter at Arizona State and gave up zero sacks in his final collegiate season. If he can protect Stroud anywhere near as well as that, he’ll prove to be a steal in the late first round.
29) Los Angeles Rams
Keith Abney II, Arizona State | CB
The Rams’ offense is set, and having added a tackle earlier in the round, they can tee off on defensive picks, with their cornerback room in need of improvement. Keith Abney II didn’t see much action as a freshman, but 5 interceptions and 21 pass breakups in his final two years of college make him a great choice here.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Los Angeles look to trade out of either of their first-round picks in April, given their narrowing Super Bowl window. If they do stick and pick, though, offensive tackles and cornerbacks are the most likely targets.
30) Arizona Cardinals (via DEN)
Ty Simpson, Alabama | QB
Projected trade: Cardinals receive No. 30 pick, No. 168 pick; Broncos receive No. 34 pick, No. 104 pick
I made this exact trade back with the Denver Broncos and the Jets in my last mock, but wanted to see how things played out if the Cardinals were the ones to make the move. Kyler Murray’s contract situation makes him a difficult player to move this offseason, but that shouldn’t affect this pick if the Cardinals like Ty Simpson.
Simpson’s form dropped off down the stretch in 2025, but he spent much of the season in contention for the Heisman Trophy and the first overall pick in the draft. There are obvious concerns surrounding a one-year starter with only half of an elite season behind him, but there is intriguing upside, too.
31) New England Patriots
T.J. Parker, Clemson | EDGE
The New England Patriots pressured opposing quarterbacks at the ninth-lowest rate in 2025 (20.3%) and were tied for the seventh-fewest sacks (35). Impending free agent K’Lavon Chaisson was responsible for 7.5 of those sacks, the second-most on the team.
T.J. Parker, whose 21.5 career sacks rank 10th in Clemson history, makes sense as a direct replacement on the edge. Parker saw a dip in production in 2025, but that’s only natural after 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 6 forced fumbles in 2024.
32) Seattle Seahawks
Chris Johnson, San Diego State | CB
The Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning defense has some holes to fill this offseason, and San Diego State’s Chris Johnson would be a great fit. Johnson is a proven lockdown outside corner, tallying 9 pass breakups and 4 interceptions (including 2 pick-sixes) last season, while allowing a measly 16.1 passer rating.
He contributed as a tackler, too, and is credited with 116 tackles over his final two years in college. In 2025, he tallied his first career sack, as well as 3 tackles for loss, to add to his stellar work in coverage.
Round 2 | 33) New York Jets
Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL) | EDGE
Having secured two playmakers in Round 1, the Jets start Day 2 with another massive defensive addition in Akheem Mesidor. Unlike Reese, Mesidor is a true edge rusher who could easily go in the first round. After tallying 12.5 sacks in 2025, he brings his ferocious pursuit to Aaron Glenn’s new-look defense.
34) Denver Broncos (via ARI)
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt | TE
As a receiving weapon, Eli Stowers is my favorite tight end in this class, ahead of Sadiq, but I’m one of a small few who feel that way. Stowers’ natural feel for space against zone coverage makes me think he could run routes blindfolded, while his hands are velcro-esque. I think he’ll go higher than expected, and this spot makes a lot of sense to me.
35) Tennessee Titans
Colton Hood, Tennessee | CB
The Titans may have been disappointed to see two top cornerback prospects taken late on Day 1, but Tennessee’s Colton Hood is more than a consolation prize. Over his final two years in college, Hood tallied 14 pass breakups, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions, one of which he took to the house.
36) Las Vegas Raiders
Blake Miller, Clemson | OT
Having taken their quarterback in Round 1, the Raiders get to work on his protection, as well as improving things up front for Jeanty. Blake Miller has experience on both sides of the line; he was a team captain in 2025 and a consistent four-year starter at an elite college program.
37) New York Giants
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M | WR
Many have paired the Giants with Tate with the fifth overall pick, but that’s awfully high to draft your WR2. Malik Nabers is one of the best receivers in the league when healthy, and can handle the majority of receiving work, but not all of it.
KC Concepcion is an explosive playmaker with bags of flair, both before and after the catch, and a breakaway threat in the return game.
38) Houston Texans
Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M | OG
Having locked down their new right tackle, the Texans pick up Chase Bisontis from Texas A&M to play on his inside shoulder. Having completely overhauled the right side of their offensive line, they can now look for playmakers with their remaining picks.
39) Cleveland Browns
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon | OG
One team that doesn’t have that luxury is Cleveland, and it’s a third consecutive offensive lineman. Emmanuel Pregnon is another Day 1 starter, and further strengthens a new offensive front that the Browns will hope to keep together for the long term.
40) Kansas City Chiefs
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech | DT
The Chiefs have offensive-line issues of their own, but there is also a spot open next to Chris Jones, who himself could call it a day in the next year or two. Lee Hunter put together three consecutive years of solid production at Texas Tech and is a great investment here.
41) Cincinnati Bengals
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M | EDGE
The Bengals continue to add talent to their beleaguered defense, this time with edge rusher Cashius Howell. Trey Hendrickson is on his way to another team, making an already-awful defense significantly worse. Howell will need to step up quickly for his new team; 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss suggest he has what it takes.
42) New Orleans Saints
Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana | WR
The Saints addressed their defense in Round 1 and can indulge in a wide receiver early on Day 2. Surrounding Shough would be the clear priority if it weren’t for the veteran losses, and Omar Cooper Jr. completes an exciting receiver duo with Chris Olave.
There’s a lot more to be done, but through two rounds, the Saints have improved massively on both sides of the ball.
43) Miami Dolphins
Keionte Scott, Miami (FL) | CB
Miami took a receiver in Round 1, and now attention turns to the defense, which has lost several key players in recent months. Cornerback is the most glaring need on that side of the ball; Keionte Scott is a proven playmaker in the slot and is the first building block of Jeff Hafley’s new defense.
44) New York Jets
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon | S
Dillon Thieneman is a three-year starter who has consistently made plays in both the offensive and defensive backfield. His ball-hawking ability was on full display as a freshman in 2023, when he picked off a ridiculous six passes. The Jets now have new starters at every level of the defense.
45) Baltimore Ravens
R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma | EDGE
The Ravens’ defense ranked in the bottom five in both quarterback-pressure rate (19.0%) and sacks (30) in 2025. R Mason Thomas produced 22 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles in his final two years of college and is a potential star at the NFL level.
46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas | LB
Anthony Hill Jr. is a proven playmaker who tallied 249 total tackles, 17 sacks, 31.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, and 8 forced fumbles in three years at Texas. The Buccaneers need to replace the outgoing Lavonte David after 14 seasons, and Hill is a plug-and-play option with proven production.
47) Pittsburgh Steelers (via IND)
Elijah Sarratt, Indiana | WR
Projected trade: Steelers receive No. 47 pick; Colts receive No. 53 pick, No. 135 pick
I had the Steelers trading up for a receiver in the first round in my last mock, but I think this one turned out better. Elijah Sarratt put together an outstanding four-year resume in College, finishing off with 15 receiving touchdowns in a National Title-winning senior year.
48) Atlanta Falcons
Christen Miller, Georgia | DT
The Falcons lost Grady Jarrett last offseason, and now David Onyemata is slated for free agency. Georgia is the logical place to go for a replacement, and Christen Miller slots straight into Jeff Ulbrich’s three-man front.
49) Minnesota Vikings
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo | S
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren becomes the second safety taken on Day 2, and the third overall. He doesn’t carry the same hype that former teammate Quinyon Mitchell did last year, but there is plenty to get excited about.
McNeil-Warren boasts three years of solid coverage production, while his 9 forced fumbles in four years showcased his playmaking ability as a tackler.
50) Detroit Lions
Gabe Jacas, Illinois | EDGE
The Lions addressed their offensive line in Round 1, but that leaves some questions unanswered on the edge of their defensive line. Gabe Jacas’ 26.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks over the past two years make him a frightening pass-rushing partner for Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit.
51) Carolina Panthers
Jake Golday, Cincinnati | LB
After transferring to Cincinnati in 2024, Jake Golday registered 163 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in just two years in the Big 12. The big-bodied, explosive linebacker would be an immediate impact player for a defense that needs one in the middle of the field.
52) Green Bay Packers
Connor Lew, Auburn | C
The Green Bay Packers were shaky along their beaten-up offensive line last season. Another offseason shake-up could be in store, and Connor Lew would be a much-needed extra body to help weather the grueling NFC North calendar.
53) Indianapolis Colts (via PIT)
Chris Bell, Louisville | WR
The Indianapolis Colts traded away Adonai Mitchell as part of their package to acquire Gardner from the Jets, and may also lose Alec Pierce to free agency. Chris Bell isn’t a like-for-like replacement for either, but possesses the frame and speed to win downfield.
On tape, Bell becomes a different animal after the catch, with outlandish acceleration to pull away from chasing defenders, making him a home-run threat on every play.
54) Philadelphia Eagles
Max Klare, Ohio State | TE
The Eagles could be without Dallas Goedert for the first time since the 2017 season if the star tight end leaves in free agency. The team still possesses two of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but Ohio State’s Max Klare can offer Jalen Hurts a fresh option over the middle of the field.
55) Los Angeles Chargers
Sam Hecht, Kansas State | C
While they should have added at least one offensive lineman in free agency, I’m giving the Chargers some much-needed help in Kansas State’s Sam Hecht. Though primarily a center, Hecht is possibly the best interior lineman on the board and will plug in wherever he’s needed as an immediate starter.
56) Jacksonville Jaguars
Josiah Trotter, Missouri | LB
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense made strides under Anthony Campanile in 2025, and Josiah Trotter would be a great fit to further that improvement. His 176 tackles and 17 tackles for loss highlight his drive to get to the ball carrier, a priority Campanile made when he took over in Jacksonville.
57) Chicago Bears
A.J. Haulcy, LSU | S
The Bears are again being linked with a move for a premium pass rusher this offseason, and that could open up more opportunities on the back end. Chicago led the NFL in takeaways (33) and interceptions (23) in 2025, but is slated to lose several safeties in March, and LSU’s A.J. Haulcy can fill the void.
58) San Francisco 49ers
Zachariah Branch, Georgia | WR
The 49ers have holes everywhere, but wide receiver may be among the most urgent needs. With George Kittle potentially missing the start of next season, San Francisco’s offense in September currently projects to be Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and Ricky Pearsall.
Shanahan has worked wonders with players who can make plays after the catch, and Zachariah Branch is among the best in this year’s class with the ball in his hands.
59) Houston Texans
Emmett Johnson, Nebraska | RB
Woody Marks did his best in 2025, but the former USC Trojan is best utilized as a third-down back, rather than a three-down workhorse. Houston’s continued insistence on using Nick Chubb is evidence that they feel the same way, and Emmett Johnson is a name to watch here in Round 2.
60) Buffalo Bills
Jake Slaughter, Florida | C
Another team heading into the draft with offensive-line needs is Buffalo, with multiple interior offensive linemen set for free agency. Joe Brady’s offense runs predominantly through the legs of Allen and James Cook, so they mustn’t take a step back in protection.
A three-year starter, team captain, and Senior Bowl standout, Jake Slaughter could be snapping the ball for one of the best quarterbacks on the planet come September.
61) Miami Dolphins (via LAR)
D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana | CB
Projected trade: Dolphins receive No. 61 pick; Rams receive No. 90 pick, MIA’s 2027 third-round pick
Having added Scott earlier in the round, Miami makes a move to secure a second cornerback. D’Angelo Ponds is undersized; there’s no getting around that, but his numbers are impossible to ignore.
A three-year starter in college, Ponds totaled 7 interceptions and 33 pass breakups over three years, while getting downhill to record 10.5 tackles for loss in that time.
62) Denver Broncos
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech | LB
Jacob Rodriguez is also on the smaller side for his position, but his college production was incredible. The former QB racked up 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, a sack, four interceptions, six pass breakups, and seven forced fumbles, while earning an elite 90.1 PFSN LB Impact grade.
He won the Nagurski, Lombardi, Butkus, and Bednarik Awards, was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and backed up his honors with an incredible Senior Bowl showing. His smaller frame will likely hurt him in the draft, but very few can match his output.
63) Jacksonville Jaguars (via NWE)
Jonah Coleman, Washington | RB
Projected trade: Jaguars receive No. 63 pick, New England’s 2027 first-round pick, Kayshon Boutte; Patriots receive Jacksonville’s 2027 third-round pick, Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr. is a strong trade candidate this offseason, but contrasting seasons make it difficult to gauge his value. This trade values him as a late first-rounder, which is less than he’d be worth on the Patriots offense, but more than he’s worth on the Jaguars offense.
Jonah Coleman, meanwhile, steps in for Travis Hunter in Jacksonville in case of injury. Multiple years of production as both a rusher and a pass catcher make him a great fit for Liam Coen’s offense, which has been great for running backs in recent years.
64) Seattle Seahawks
Zion Young, Missouri | EDGE
Zion Young has the physical tools to win in the NFL, and he lands in the perfect spot to develop into an elite difference maker. The Seahawks continue to build on their phenomenal defense in preparation for their title defense.
Round 3
65) Arizona Cardinals
Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern | OT
66) Tennessee Titans
Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee | WR
67) Las Vegas Raiders
Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State | CB
68) Philadelphia Eagles
Derrick Moore, Michigan | EDGE
69) Houston Texans
Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati | DT
70) Cleveland Browns
Michael Taaffe, Texas | S
71) Washington Commanders
Jadarian Price, Notre Dame | RB
72) Cincinnati Bengals
Malachi Lawrence, UCF | EDGE
73) New Orleans Saints
Kaytron Allen, Penn State | RB
74) Kansas City Chiefs
Chandler Rivers, Duke | CB
75) Miami Dolphins
Romello Height, Texas Tech | EDGE
76) San Francisco 49ers (via PIT)
Kamari Ramsey, USC | S
Projected trade: 49ers receive No. 76 pick, No. 85 pick; Steelers receive No. 133 pick, Mac Jones
77) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Joshua Josephs, Tennessee | EDGE
78) Indianapolis Colts
Genesis Smith, Arizona | S
79) Atlanta Falcons
Aiden Fisher, Indiana | LB
80) Green Bay Packers (via BAL)
Devin Moore, Florida | CB
Projected trade: Packers receive No. 80 pick; Ravens receive No. 84 pick, No. 200 pick
81) Jacksonville Jaguars
Julian Neal, Arkansas | CB
82) Minnesota Vikings
Nicholas Singleton, Penn State | RB
83) Carolina Panthers
Louis Moore, Indiana | S
84) Baltimore Ravens (via GB)
Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech | OG
85) San Francisco 49ers (via PIT)
Gracen Halton, Oklahoma | DT
86) Los Angeles Chargers
LT Overton, Alabama | EDGE
87) Miami Dolphins
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU | QB
88) Jacksonville Jaguars
Zakee Wheatley, Penn State | S
89) Chicago Bears
Will Lee III, Texas A&M | CB
90) Los Angeles Rams (via MIA)
Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State | DT
91) Buffalo Bills
Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma | LB
92) San Francisco 49ers
Ja’Kobi Lane, USC | WR
93) Los Angeles Rams
Carson Beck, Miami (FL) | QB
94) Denver Broncos
Kaelon Black, Indiana | RB
95) New England Patriots
Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh | LB
96) Seattle Seahawks
Malik Muhammad, Texas | CB
97) Minnesota Vikings
Malachi Fields, Notre Dame | WR
98) Philadelphia Eagles
Gennings Dunker, Iowa | OT
99) Pittsburgh Steelers
Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame | OG
100) Jacksonville Jaguars
Taurean York, Texas A&M | LB
