With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine behind us, it’s NFL Mock Draft season. PFSN’s Consensus Big Board, which includes mine, is crystallizing by the day. There are a limited number of top-shelf players — many of which aren’t at classic “premium positions” — that teams will need to structure their board around securing early while targeting deeper positions later.
We’re just 43 days from the start of the draft. Using PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator to organize how every team’s priorities will manifest on the board over three rounds, here is my personal first mock draft of 2026.
1) Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana | QB
The drama around this year’s top pick isn’t the player. It’s whether it’s dealt.
If the Las Vegas Raiders stick and pick at No. 1, it’s likely because new head coach Klint Kubiak took the job knowing he’d land Fernando Mendoza at that spot.
The 6’5″ Heisman Trophy winner has the size, character, accuracy, sneaky athleticism, and football IQ you’d expect from someone with the upside to be this generation’s version of Peyton Manning.
Mendoza’s pro future will ultimately be decided by how he fares in conditions that aren’t as pristine as those he faced this past season playing for Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers, who were dominant in all phases of the game. He’s still the no-doubt top quarterback in the 2026 class.
2) New York Jets
David Bailey, Texas Tech | EDGE
The draft starts at No. 2, and the New York Jets will have a brutal three-way decision at EDGE between David Bailey, Arvell Reese, and Rueben Bain Jr.
Of the three, Bailey is likely the safest bet to add to a pass rush that was 31st in total sacks (26) a year ago. His 14.5 sacks in 2025 tied for the FBS lead despite individual matchups with multiple Big 12 right tackles that will hear their names called in the first 50 picks.
I see Bailey as a more powerful yet slightly less shifty version of Nik Bonitto, who checks in roughly around his 6’3″ frame.
3) Arizona Cardinals
Arvell Reese, Ohio State | LB/EDGE
By signing Tyler Allgeier and reworking James Conner’s deal, the Cardinals gave one of the most pointed signals of their intent here at No. 3.
It’ll likely be the best defender available, and Arvell Reese is a great answer. Nick Rallis was retained as Arizona’s defensive coordinator, and he’s admitted he prefers versatile players who help him disguise coverage.
It doesn’t get much more versatile than Reese, who spent a majority of his time with the Buckeyes as a pursuit specialist at off-ball linebacker, but he was also deployed at EDGE to go get the quarterback with this tremendous bull rush set.
I’d love to see Reese’s natural bend improve as a full-time edge, but Rallis will likely use him in a variety of roles. He’s not even out of his depth covering tight ends in space.
4) Tennessee Titans
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame | RB
After blowing the doors off the combine, it’s apparent Jeremiyah Love is one of the blue-chip prospects of this 2026 NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans don’t have an established enough running attack to justify passing on him.
Love’s 4.36-second 40-yard dash at 6’0″ and 212 pounds was insane, but his on-field agility and receiving drills might have been even better.
It appears Love will join Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Ashton Jeanty as recent high draft picks at the position, and with only 362 carries in the last two seasons, there’s plenty of tread left on the tires for the pro level.
5) New York Giants
Sonny Styles, Ohio State | LB
At the combine, Sonny Styles might have established himself as right there with Love as the top prospect in the draft. “Off-ball linebacker” is a rude description of what the 6’5″, blazing fast coverage specialist can provide.
Styles is an immediate shutdown option against this wave of athletic tight ends that seem to be uncoverable in the middle of the field right away.
Due to blowouts, Styles’ tackle total (46) sort of hid his impact and ability entering the workouts in Indianapolis. After a 4.46-second time in the 40-yard dash and a 43.5″ vertical jump, the secret is out.
6) Dallas Cowboys (via Browns)
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami | EDGE
How’s this for a splash? I’ve got Dallas moving up from No. 12 to No. 6 by swapping No. 20 for No. 39 (and more) with the Cleveland Browns.
Securing one of the best EDGE rushers in the draft will certainly help erase concerns about dealing away Micah Parsons. Entering Indianapolis, Rueben Bain Jr. was atop many big boards (including mine) after a 9.5-sack season with Miami as the team’s leader on defense.
Now, Bain’s 30 and 7/8″ arms — the third-shortest ever recorded for an EDGE at the combine — are a problem. Frankly, it’s crazy how easily he shed blocks at the collegiate level in that case.
Still, Bain Jr.’s floor in a draft low on top-end talent is somewhere in the top 10. This is an achievable move for Dallas to replace Parsons’ impact with their pass rush.
7) Washington Commanders
Caleb Downs, Ohio State | S
I’m not a doctor, so I’m not sure what to make of Caleb Downs’ potential knee issues in relation to his draft status.
If he’s ready for Week 1, though, I’d worry about his knee in 2032. At present, Downs is one of the top five football players in the draft with an outstanding football IQ, seemingly unlimited range, and underrated ball-carrying and ball-handling skills as a former punt returner at Ohio State.
I see a list of seven names that stand out in this draft relative to all others, and Downs’ injury concerns can only push him so far down the board — especially when the Washington Commanders need safety help.
8) New Orleans Saints
Carnell Tate, Ohio State | WR
The New Orleans Saints seemingly have their quarterback spot answered for the moment. Now, it’s about building the infrastructure around him.
NOLA was extremely reliant on Chris Olave after dealing Rashid Shaheed at the deadline, and the team’s perennial salary-cap issues probably mean they won’t be able to add a marquee weapon in free agency. The best wideout in the draft won’t hurt.
Carnell Tate’s 4.53-second 40-yard dash wasn’t ideal, but we’ve seen many route technicians like Keenan Allen and CeeDee Lamb run in the 4.5s. Tate’s hands, body control at the catch point, and sideline footwork are magic.
With fewer injury concerns than Jordyn Tyson, he’s likely the first wide receiver off the board.
9) Kansas City Chiefs
Francis Mauigoa, Miami | OT
The Kansas City Chiefs plugged left tackle in last year’s draft, and they’ll need a right tackle in this year’s. With no choice up against the salary cap, the team is expected to cut Jawaan Taylor at the start of free agency.
Francis Mauigoa gives Kansas City’s talented offensive line yet another piece — and arguably one they needed. Mauigoa is a grater in the run game that has tremendous lift and incredible paw strength.
If there are concerns in his profile, it’s his foot speed to play right tackle at the next level.
Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and Mauigoa would be a fearsome right side of the offensive line to run behind, as left tackle Josh Simmons’ best work comes in pass protection.
10) Cincinnati Bengals
Peter Woods, Clemson | DL
Cincinnati is one of the easiest teams to mock. Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin loves traits, big-name schools, and never moves from his spot. While they likely miss out on Caleb Downs without moving up, Peter Woods is no poor consolation prize.
Frankly, I’m not sure Woods has the best support team. The tape reveals a hyper-athletic, unique specimen that looks like a linebacker running in space but can also occupy double teams as a 1-technique.
I’d have thought he’d have crushed the Senior Bowl and pre-draft workouts, but he opted not to participate.
Amidst a down year for Clemson as a whole, Woods only posted 9 tackles and 2.0 sacks. He was still a first-team All-ACC selection for the havoc he wreaks beyond the numbers. He’s a high-floor plug to fill an interior spot on PFSN’s fifth-worst defense by DEFi last year.
11) Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane, LSU | CB
The Miami Dolphins’ rebuild under Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley will include five picks in the top 90, and that starts at No. 11. I think they’ll snag the best corner in the draft.
As a transfer from Virginia Tech, Mansoor Delane made his presence known early in primetime matchups with Clemson, Florida, and others. All in all, the corner has 18 passes deflected over the last two seasons, and he snagged 2 picks this year.
On tape, you see this adhesive quality with long, invasive arms, yet he drew no penalties in 2025. He’s comfortable on an island or reading the quarterback in zone coverage. That will open up an enormous amount of freedom in Hafley’s Cover 2-heavy defense.
12) Cleveland Browns (via Cowboys)
Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State | OG
I thought it was possible that the Cleveland Browns would double up at offensive tackle as they send all five 2025 starters to free agency, but the acquisition of Tytus Howard plugs right tackle for the moment.
Cleveland’s best success in the last decade came with a dominant offensive line, so sliding back to No. 12 and still getting the draft’s best guard accomplishes multiple purposes. Olaivavega Ioane is a clean, prototypical guard prospect with elite power in the run game and tremendous short-area footwork in pass protection.
Not many fanbases would cheer a guard selected in Round 1, but the Browns were dead last in PFSN’s Offensive Line Impact (OLi) score last year. They need a makeover to give Shedeur Sanders a fighting chance.
13) Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
Spencer Fano, Utah | OT
The Los Angeles Rams will have to decide if they’ll use a pick in the first three rounds on a future option at quarterback, but the No. 13 overall selection likely doesn’t come with that choice.
Instead, Rob Havenstein’s abrupt retirement leaves a glaring void at right tackle for a team trying to win the Super Bowl. A ready, polished prospect like Spencer Fano is a perfect fit for Sean McVay’s zone-heavy scheme.
Though concerns about Fano’s arm length (32 and 1/8″) are somewhat fair, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a faster set of feet and better hand placement anywhere in the 2026 tackle class.
14) Baltimore Ravens
Kayden McDonald, Ohio State | DL
This No. 14 pick changed hands until it didn’t.
Tuesday’s cancellation of the trade for Maxx Crosby means that the Baltimore Ravens should have this pick, and I think they’ll use it on a more permanent solution at nose tackle than 36-year-old veteran John Jenkins.
Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald chews up blocks and double teams, posting 84 combined tackles with the Buckeyes in the last two seasons.
Jenkins was just 80th in PFSN’s Defensive Tackle Impact (DTi) last year, and Nnamdi Madubiuike struggled to stay healthy. Baltimore gets back to its roots by addressing its run defense at the source.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keldric Faulk, Auburn | EDGE
Todd Bowles would love this lump of clay.
Keldric Faulk was a preseason top-10 pick, but a down year for Auburn was also a down year for him, recording just 2.0 sacks. However, we can give him a bit of a pass as a guy who doesn’t turn 21 years old until September.
At 6’6″ and 276 pounds with 34 and 3/8″ arms, Faulk has the best natural size of an EDGE in the class. He plays like a more mature player, setting up his moves well and using his length effectively.
Though he needs to improve his leverage as a run defender, Faulk gives the Buccaneers a legitimate EDGE to complement Yaya Diaby, whose 12 sacks in the last two years are just okay as the current leader of the Bucs’ pass rush.
16) New York Jets (via Colts)
Makai Lemon, USC | WR
The Jets are likely going to bridge their quarterback spot until 2027, and Makai Lemon would be another high-impact name with Garrett Wilson and Mason Taylor already brought in as recent high draft choices.
Lemon, a shifty slot technician who plays much larger than his 5’11” frame, is going to be a familiar evaluation for head coach Aaron Glenn, who spent time with Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit. He’s a short, compact, slot wideout with elite body control, hands, and after-catch ability.
After Wilson’s injury, New York trotted out midseason acquisitions as their weaponry. Lemon is much-needed depth with upside to be one of the best No. 2 options in the league.
17) Detroit Lions
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama | OT
As the Detroit Lions are looking for a way to “rebuild the bully”, handing them one of the most athletically unique tackles in the last half-decade could help.
Proctor checks in at a whopping 6’7″, 352-pound frame — and this was dropping weight after preseason concerns. At this size, Alabama showcased just how special his movement skills are with halfback powers, screen passes, and more.
On tape, Proctor definitely has work to do to reach his potential. The thing I notice most is that the two halves of his body can become disconnected, causing him to lose balance or grab a defender to draw a penalty.
From an athletic standpoint, there is zero doubt which tackle has the highest ceiling in this class.
18) Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon | S
The safeties showed out at February’s combine, and none helped themselves as much as Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman.
Thieneman’s 4.35-second 40-yard dash and 41.0″ vertical were special — especially for a prospect whose top qualities entering the week were his instincts and versatility to play inside the box. The on-field drills also showed great fluidity in his hips and ability to backpedal.
Harrison Smith is retiring from the Vikings, and Thieneman is a similar multi-level playmaker that Brian Flores will adore moving around the formation.
19) Carolina Panthers
Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL) | EDGE
Considering the Carolina Panthers ranked 30th in sacks per game (1.7), they need an instant pass rush to continue building momentum in the Bryce Young era. “Instant” is the premium selling point of Akheem Mesidor.
Opposing Reuben Bain Jr., Mesidor took an insane leap with 12.5 sacks last season, which he attributes to working with former NFL star Jason Taylor on Miami’s staff. Even in previous seasons, his relentless motor, explosive first step, and effortless glide showed up, too.
Like his teammate, Mesidor’s length (32 and 1/8″ arms) wasn’t a highlight of his combine. Still, the 24-year-old went from a preseason Day 3 pick to likely being one of the top-20 picks overall.
20) Cleveland Browns (via Cowboys)
Monroe Freeling, Georgia | OT
One of the draft’s fastest risers is Monroe Freeling.
At 6’7″ and 315 pounds, Freeling has the natural frame to play left tackle without Proctor’s weight concerns, and the 4.93-second 40-yard dash he ran has him in rarified air among historical offensive tackles at the combine. Plus, his 34 and 3/4″ arms present no concerns about length.
I’m just worried about his play strength. Freeling has nice feet and a natural pass set, but he’s on the ground quite a bit in the run game.
The Browns aren’t exactly competing as they eye the 2027 draft for quarterback help, so Freeling will have time to develop in “The Land”.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Avieon Terrell, Clemson | CB
The Mike McCarthy era could absolutely start with a selection on his side of the ball, but Avieon Terrell is a good answer as the Pittsburgh Steelers weigh need against the best available.
Pittsburgh needs a corner opposite Joey Porter Jr. — who isn’t always available or consistent — with Jalen Ramsey seemingly entrenched as a center-fielding safety. Terrell would absolutely fit the team’s defensive culture as a disruptive, physical grinder that forced five fumbles despite no interceptions last season.
Despite the lack of picks, he deflected 9 passes and tracks the ball extremely well. This is the second of three likely first-round defenders from Clemson — all of whom are looking to shake off a dismal 2025 season.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon | OG
One positional group undid the Los Angeles Chargers’ otherwise successful 11-6 campaign.
Due to injuries at tackle, L.A. was 30th in PFSN’s Offensive Line Impact (OLi). One (or both) of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater should have a better year staying healthy, but the interior was a mess. Emmanuel Pregnon immediately fixes a guard spot.
Pregnon is a 6’4″, 314-pound behemoth with a mean streak and clean tape. He loves finishing plays to the ground. In raw pass protection, he might actually have better movement and agility than Ioane.
Both guards are too low on most consensus big boards. They’ll be top-30 picks when Detroit, Philadelphia, and Houston could all use help at the position, as well.
23) Philadelphia Eagles
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon | TE
Some teams may choose to solve their tight end issues in free agency — especially when Philadelphia’s Dallas Goedert is likely available. The Eagles have minimal flexibility from pushing so many contracts to right now.
Howie Roseman will seek a replacement, and they have the roster to spoil themselves with the draft’s top tight end to many. Kenyon Sadiq only caught 51 passes in Eugene this year, but scouts drool over his unique athleticism. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at 241 pounds, and he’s a plus blocker as a prospect.
Sadiq’s vertical playmaking skills give the Eagles an immediate answer at tight end — and another option should the A.J. Brown saga create a void among the team’s pass-catchers.
24) Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State | WR
This would be quite the coup for the Browns, who would snag two offensive linemen and a potential No. 1 wide receiver in Jordyn Tyson.
Tyson will likely go in this range of the draft with “best receiver in the class” tape, but an array of medical concerns that also washed out his combine. He’s played just 21 games over the last two seasons due to hamstring and knee problems.
However, Tyson’s route fluidity, attacking hands, and ability to separate on the boundary could be a worthwhile gamble if he can stay in the lineup as a pro.
25) Chicago Bears
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech | DL
The position the Chicago Bears should target with this No. 25 pick is obvious.
They didn’t have a defensive tackle rank in the top 55 of PFSN’s DTi last year, and that translated to allowing the fourth-most rushing yards per attempt (4.9) in the league.
Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter didn’t have a great combine, but popping on his tape against Oregon in the Orange Bowl showcases the game-wrecking ability he can provide from the middle. He also had quite a week of practices in Mobile at the Senior Bowl.
26) Buffalo Bills
T.J. Parker, Clemson | EDGE
The Buffalo Bills’ trade for D.J. Moore all but eliminates that they’ll take a receiver at No. 26, turning instead to the defensive side of the ball.
Especially with blitz specialist Sean McDermott gone, the Bills will need more substance from their pass rush when Josh Allen and James Cook produce leads. Only Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa, a pending free agent, had at least 5.0 sacks in 2025.
T.J. Parker has the physical tools to become the top EDGE from this class — a spot for which he was forecasted before the college football season began. The 6’4″, 263-pound rusher is a physical beast who put on a show at February’s Senior Bowl after a down year for the Tigers that resulted in an underwhelming 5.0 sacks.
27) San Francisco 49ers
Blake Miller, Clemson | OT
The San Francisco 49ers are an interesting team to mock when their true “need” is just “depth everywhere”.
However, the Niners are likely seeking a replacement for 37-year-old Trent Williams among their earlier selections in 2026.
In a class full of physically flawed tackles, Clemson’s Blake Miller checks every box. He’s 6’7″ with massive arms (34 and 1/4″), and he was the most athletic size-adjusted offensive tackle at the combine with a 5.05-second 40 and 32.0″ vertical jump.
Miller also isn’t short on experience with 54 starts in college.
28) Houston Texans
Caleb Lomu, Utah | OT
The Houston Texans just keep spinning their wheels trying to find answers on the offensive line. With C.J. Stroud, a top-five defense, and plenty of weapons, they have no choice but to keep trying, though.
Caleb Lomu is an athletic, fast mover at 6’6″, which could be a better option to play left tackle on Stroud’s blindside than last year’s second-round pick, Aireontae Ersery. Ersery ranked 138th in individual OLi at PFSN.
Lomu’s development seems already underway as he jetted from 304 pounds as a college listing to 313 pounds at the combine. He’s got great length (33 and 3/8″ arms) for the position relative to his peers in this class, too.
29) Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams)
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee | CB
K.C.’s cap troubles meant the team dealt Trent McDuffie for this pick, and I could easily see it being his replacement if the board shakes out like this.
McCoy has been in witness protection after a 2024 torn ACL, missing the Volunteers’ entire 2025 campaign plus February’s combine workouts. This is similar to Benjamin Morrison and Shavon Revel Jr. in last year’s cornerback class, and both slid in the draft because athleticism at this position is so important to verify.
When McCoy was last on the field, his length and disruption (9 passes deflected) were on display. His expected workout at Tennessee’s pro day could be the most important remaining workout of any prospect in the draft.
30) Denver Broncos
Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana | WR
I can’t help but feel Sean Payton will add a high-level playmaker for Bo Nix with this pick after going defense in last year’s first round.
Omar Cooper Jr. is definitely that. After running a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, the budding superstar in the slot checked the requisite box to let his tape — including the catch of the college football season — do the talking.
Cooper Jr. provides Nix with an interior security blanket as a perfect complement to Courtland Sutton’s work on the boundary. There’s one name that comes up when watching the Indiana wideout at work with sturdy hands, route running, and tenacity as a blocker. It’s Jarvis Landry.
31) New England Patriots
CJ Allen, Georgia | LB
It’s sort of amazing the New England Patriots are picking No. 31 when it feels like Eliot Wolf and Mike Vrabel are still very much searching for the team’s leaders and superstars. This might be one.
Georgia’s CJ Allen apparently called the team’s defensive signals on the field as a show of football IQ, but the fun begins when the ball is snapped. The middle linebacker is a heat-seeking missile with tremendous instincts and a knack for finding the football in zone coverage to limit gains on underneath throws.
If anything is working against Allen, it’s his overall athleticism, but his intangibles make it hard to see him slipping out of Round 1.
In this mock, I’m factoring in the Patriots trading their second-round selection for A.J. Brown.
32) Seattle Seahawks
Brandon Cisse, South Carolina | CB
What do you give a team that seemingly has it all? How about another long, fast corner in the same mold that the Seattle Seahawks have drafted for over a decade?
Brandon Cisse didn’t run at the combine, but he posted a 10’11” broad jump and 41.0″ vertical jump. The 6’0″ corner will probably run in the 4.4-second bracket at his pro day.
The North Carolina State transfer definitely has some rough moments of decision-making on tape and can get lost with his responsibilities in zone coverage, but he doesn’t turn 21 until July.
Given its depth, Seattle can take a big swing at corner.
Round 2 | 33) New York Jets
Caleb Banks, Florida | DL
Caleb Banks is a top-15 talent in the draft, but an injury-filled 2025, inconsistent tape, “meh” performance at the Senior Bowl, and character whispers might drop him to early Round 2. This is a smart swing for a Jets team that can take chances on finding stars in the midst of a rebuild.
Round 2 | 34) Arizona Cardinals
Max Iheanachor, Arizona State | OT
Don’t be surprised if Max Iheanachor sneaks into Round 1. Originally from Nigeria, the right tackle’s rise in football has been brief but meteoric. The former soccer player moves his feet in a special fashion for a man his size, and he’s already comfortable in his pass set.
Round 2 | 35) Tennessee Titans
Colton Hood, Tennessee | CB
Tennessee’s most urgent need is corner, and Hood’s willingness to play the run is a great fit. He surprised with a 4.44-second 40 at the combine, too. Robert Saleh would greatly appreciate the opportunity to have him serve as a building block in the secondary.
Round 2 | 36) Las Vegas Raiders
Zion Young, Missouri | EDGE
Considering a divorce from Maxx Crosby is still likely, Vegas will likely turn to an EDGE at this No. 36 selection, which is right in the midst of where plenty of rushers will go. Zion Young is a big, relentless quarterback hunter who had 6.5 sacks for Missouri last season. Some of them came in absolutely pivotal moments, too.
Round 2 | 37) New York Giants
D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana | CB
D’Angelo Ponds is only 5’9″, but he plays like a 6’1″ corner — in more ways than just his 43.5″ vertical jump at the combine. Ponds’ football IQ, leadership, and playmaking on an island will greatly help a Giants team that blew too many double-digit leads due to poor secondary play in 2025.
Round 2 | 38) Houston Texans (via Commanders)
Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M | IOL
One of four Texas A&M offensive linemen who’ll be drafted, Chase Bisontis easily has the highest floor of the group. His strength, grip, and nasty downhill mentality in the run game make up for suboptimal athletic traits. There could be an early run on guards, and Bisontis is one of three that clearly represent the draft’s top tier.
Round 2 | 39) Dallas Cowboys
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas | LB
Moving up for Reuben Bain would work well if it means adding a physical specimen like Anthony Hill Jr. at No. 39 overall. The 29th-ranked player on my board, Hill Jr., was a top-shelf disruptor with 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions last season as the co-leader of the Longhorns’ defense alongside sophomore standout Collin Simmons.
Round 2 | 40) Kansas City Chiefs
Denzel Boston, Washington |Â WR
With no certainty that Rashee Rice will be in K.C.’s long-term plans, a big-bodied possession receiver to complement Xavier Worthy would give the Chiefs plenty of offensive balance. Despite concerns about separation out of breaks and vertical speed, Washington’s Denzel Boston is a consistent 50-50 ball winner with outstanding hands.
Round 2 | 41) Cincinnati Bengals
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo | S
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren’s tape is as fun as they come at safety. It’s a joy to watch him hunt down a play as if he can see the future. A so-so combine might push him to Friday, but at 6’3″ and 201 pounds, he still checked enough athletic boxes to be yet another one of these disruptive box safeties that raise the floor of a defense.
Round 2 | 42) New Orleans Saints
R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma | EDGE
Mickey Loomis isn’t afraid of shorter EDGEs. It worked out well with Cam Jordan, and R Mason Thomas is the same sort of relentless competitor whose motor helps him overcome physical deficiencies. A 4.67-second 40-yard dash wasn’t great, but it doesn’t erase his 6.5-sack campaign with the Sooners.
Round 2 | 43) Miami Dolphins
Germie Bernard, Alabama | WR
Miami complements one fast former Alabama wide receiver with Germie Bernard, a leader and route technician who led the Crimson Tide in catches (64) this past season. Bernard’s 4.48-second 40 helps make the case for his NFL longevity, which was already bolstered by his great hands and versatility within formations.
Round 2 | 44) Philadelphia Eagles (via Jets)
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M | WR
Sensing a pending drop in quality at wide receiver, I’ve got Howie Roseman leaping up the board 10 spots to secure A.J. Brown’s replacement. Jalen Hurts’ best asset is his deep ball, so adding a speedy receiver like KC Concepcion, who averaged 15.1 yards per reception in his lone season with the Aggies, is a perfect match.
Round 2 | 45) Baltimore Ravens
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M | EDGE
Two years in a row, the Ravens let a first-round EDGE talent fall right into their lap. In a world where all arms were equal length, Cashius Howell’s lightning-quick “get off” and 11.5 sacks last season would go inside the top-20 picks, but it is impossible to ignore his 30 and 1/4″ arm length measurement — the shortest in combine history at the position.
Round 2 | 46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech | LB
The Bucs have talent in the secondary and Vita Vea cleaning up on the interior. Personally, their biggest deficit on defense compared to the Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay team is fast, instinctive playmakers like Lavonte David and Devin White. Jacob Rodriguez won the Butkus Award by forcing 11 turnovers, and the fourth-best size-adjusted workout among linebackers at the combine showed that production can certainly continue at the next level.
Round 2 | 47) Indianapolis Colts
Jake Golday, Cincinnati | LB
The Colts need a leader at off-ball linebacker after having been forced to deploy Germaine Pratt right off the street to make starts late last year. Cincinnati’s Jake Golday is that. He recorded 104 tackles in 2025 and moves with unusual quickness for a 6’4″, 240-pound thumper. He’s the final of five linebackers I have in the top 45 on my board.
Round 2 | 48) Atlanta Falcons
Derrick Moore, Michigan | EDGE
It’s quite possible that James Pearce Jr.’s legal issues mean he’s played his last down in the NFL. It hurts to invest in the same spot as last year’s first two rounds of picks, but they’ll miss Pearce’s 10.5 sacks, so a three-down EDGE like Derrick Moore makes plenty of sense. Moore posted 10.0 sacks for the Wolverines last season.
Round 2 | 49) Minnesota Vikings
Keionte Scott, Miami | CB
This is a match made in heaven. Brian Flores will love a versatile blitzer from the nickel like Keionte Scott, who also took on island duties and a leadership role for a Miami defense that suffocated foes in the College Football Playoff. Flores has to love the physicality Scott, who I compared to a taller Tyrann Mathieu, brings to the table.
Round 2 | 50) Detroit Lions
Malachi Lawrence, UCF | EDGE
Not many are ascending in the entire draft class like UCF pass-rushing ace Malachi Lawrence. The 6’4″ EDGE turned heads at the Senior Bowl before lighting Lucas Oil Stadium ablaze with a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and 10’10” broad jump. Detroit finally adds a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson here.
Round 2 | 51) Carolina Panthers
Chris Johnson, San Diego State | CB
Cornerback might be the deepest position in the draft, allowing the Panthers to get good value on Chris Johnson at this pick. The 6’0 corner has long arms (30 and 5/8″) and runs fast (4.40-second 40), which is a pretty tried and true combination. Carolina’s pass defense would be no joke with Johnson on the other side of Jaycee Horn.
Round 2 | 52) Green Bay Packers
Daylen Everette, Georgia | CB
Green Bay went wide receiver when most draft gurus mocked them a corner in 2025. That weakness was their undoing, as they blew two leads to Caleb Williams over the final five weeks of their season. Daylen Everette’s tape might not always be the most consistent, but he’s 6’1″, ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, and often showed up in Georgia’s biggest moments. There’s a level of trust he’ll be a solid pro.
Round 2 | 53) Pittsburgh Steelers
Ty Simpson, Alabama | QB
Before free agency, it’s impossible to say exactly which teams will be in the market to draft a quarterback. Plus, last year’s draft taught us that quarterbacks can slide a while if multiple teams are looking toward next year’s class. Alabama’s Ty Simpson could go as high as No. 6 overall in this draft, but I physically can’t put his Day 3 size, college experience, and ugly final five games of tape in the first round.
Maybe the Steelers decide to have him watch Aaron Rodgers for a year.
Round 2 | 54) New York Jets (via Eagles)
Kamari Ramsey, USC | S
It’d probably be a bit early to take a safety at No. 44, so the Jets will happily collect another Day 3 pick to slide back and fill this need. Kamari Ramsey’s floor as a prospect is so high, presenting significant experience at both of the Trojans’ safety spots, plus nickel cornerback. He’s also a solid tackler.
The real concern might just be his medical reports after missing 6 combined games over the last two years.
Round 2 | 55) Los Angeles Chargers
Gabe Jacas, Illinois | EDGE
Gabe Jacas’ strategy in rush situations is clear; he’s running through your face directly after your soul. With prototypical size and strength to play EDGE in any scheme, Jacas is a beast with aggressive, violent hands. Khalil Mack would be a perfect mentor for the Illinois product, but he doesn’t quite have Mack’s ability to go “speed to power”.
Round 2 | 56) Jacksonville Jaguars
Christen Miller, Georgia | DL
Many boards will have Georgia’s Christen Miller — 98th on mine — higher than this range, and the 6’4″, 321-pound interior lineman would make sense to fill a spot vacated by Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton, or both as the Jaguars feel the squeeze of the salary cap. I think he plays too upright and doesn’t have the play strength to be a traditional nose, but his foot speed would be lacking for a 3-technique, too.
Round 2 | 57) Chicago Bears
Bud Clark, TCU | S
Chicago could look to fill Drew Dalman’s retiring shoes at center, but Bud Clark is an instinctive, ball-hawking safety when the primary mission of this Bears draft is to fix a defense that was 29th in yards per play allowed (5.9). Clark has 15 (!) interceptions over the last four seasons, and not many expected him to test so well at the combine. I get Pro Bowler aura from the sixth-year senior.
Round 2 | 58) San Francisco 49ers
Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee | WR
So much of Kyle Shanahan’s offense is predicated on space, and Chris Brazzell II glides in and out of routes to create a lot of it quickly. “CB2” won’t wow you with contested-catch ability or crafty route running, but he would thrive in Shanahan’s offense with free releases toward deep post, vertical, and in-breaking routes. This is a more permanent solution than signing Mike Evans.
Round 2 | 59) Houston Texans
A.J. Haulcy, LSU | S
Good luck to passing offenses facing the Texans. A.J. Haulcy, a.k.a. “Mr. Gimme That”, didn’t grade particularly well on athletic tests, but his on-field drills reveal a natural feel for the deep safety position that shows up on tape dating back to his days in Houston. Haulcy and Jalen Pitre would be a top-shelf safety duo immediately.
Round 2 | 60) Chicago Bears (via Bills)
Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh | LB
Chicago continues to build out its defense at a third level with this selection. At February’s Senior Bowl, it became apparent that converted safety Kyle Louis could be a coverage ace in the middle of a defense. He didn’t dissuade those notions with the second-best size-adjusted workout among his position group. Physically, Louis’ ceiling is as high as any linebacker in the draft.
Round 2 | 61) Los Angeles Rams
Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State | CB
Even after trading for Trent McDuffie, the Rams’ secondary makeover continues. Davison Igbinosun was one of college football’s most penalized defenders (16) in 2024, but cut that down to 5 penalties in 2025. Running a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at 6’2″ was quite impressive, and that bigger body is a great compliment to McDuffie.
Round 2 | 62) Denver Broncos
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt | TE
Sean Payton has longed for a “joker” since his time in New Orleans with Jimmy Graham. Eli Stowers would be that guy after doing freaky stuff at the combine, like the highest vertical jump ever (45.5″) plus a 4.51-second 40 at 6’4″.
Stowers’ tape — with a knack for sitting in the right spot of zone coverage — might be even better.
Round 2 | 63) Philadelphia Eagles (via Patriots)
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State | EDGE
This would be my hypothetical A.J. Brown return, but it’s a defender after two weapons with Sadiq and Concepcion. Penn State’s Dani Dennis-Sutton is big (6’6″) and played even bigger with 8.5 sacks in a year where the Nittany Lions’ defense floundered.
Want to know about his football character? He played in the meaningless Pinstripe Bowl in December…and recorded 2 sacks.
Round 2 | 64) Seattle Seahawks
Sam Hecht, Kansas State | C
General athleticism was always my red flag with Sam Hecht, so a poor combine showing wasn’t too surprising. It’s just so hard not to fall in love with his picture-perfect footwork, hand placement, and resourceful tape.
Miami’s Aaron Brewer is 6’1″ and 295 pounds, but used these sorts of traits to become a Pro Bowler. I think Hecht can, too.
Round 3 | 65) Arizona Cardinals
Treydan Stukes, Arizona | S/CB
Modern NFL defensive backs are about homework, football intelligence, and the ability to quickly diagnose route concepts. Treydan Stukes put all of that on tape with positional versatility and a blazing 4.33-second 40-yard dash. He’s an immediate starter at the Cardinals’ nickel spot.
Round 3 | 66) Tennessee Titans
Chris Bell, Louisville | WR
Tennessee’s youth on offense might mean they hope for more out of Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike if the board shakes out like this, but Chris Bell has a chance to be a star from the third round if all is well with his recovering ACL injury.
Bell posted 917 yards in just 11 games with a rare combination of size and long speed. He’s 6’2″ and 220 pounds but was projected to run below a 4.50-second 40.
Round 3 | 67) Las Vegas Raiders
Gennings Dunker, Iowa | OT/OG
This pick is often mocked as Elijah Sarratt as a familiar name for Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza should appreciate this choice instead. Gennings Dunker’s personality and haircut were all the rage at the combine, but he’s an athletic mover in the run game that could play right tackle at the NFL level.
If not, his short-area quickness naturally makes him an excellent right guard prospect. Vegas could use both.
Round 3 | 68) Philadelphia Eagles (via Jets)
Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech | OG
Keylan Rutledge might be the pound-for-pound meanest guy in the draft — which says a lot at 316 pounds. The Georgia Tech product overcame a severe car accident to post an All-ACC campaign in 2025.
Rutledge would bring back the short-area leverage and mean streak that Philadelphia’s offensive line seemed to lack last season.
Round 3 | 69) Houston Texans (via Giants)
Harold Perkins Jr., LSU | LB
There are special traits to Harold Perkins Jr. that, I believe, should merit a Day 2 selection. Though too small (6’1″) to play a traditional EDGE spot, his transition to off-ball linebacker went well for LSU in a season where he posted 4 sacks and 4 takeaways. Perkins was a first-round prospect before a 2024 ACL tear, and Demeco Ryans covets rangy athletes with phenomenal instincts.
Round 3 | 70) Cleveland Browns
Logan Jones, Iowa | C
Cleveland still doesn’t have much cap space and needs four starting offensive linemen, so a third rookie up front probably isn’t crazy. Logan Jones was the big winner among centers at the combine after topping all offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (4.90 seconds). He’s a pro-ready option with excellent feet.
Round 3 | 71) Washington Commanders
Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas | RB
Washington’s down season might have been set in stone the moment they traded Brian Robinson. The Commanders’ running back room became an ugly, three-headed committee without a clear answer. Mike Washington Jr. has emerged as a clear answer for the second-best running back in the class, breathing extremely rarified air as a 220-plus-pound tailback that ran a 40-yard dash in the 4.3s.
Round 3 | 72) Cincinnati Bengals
Romello Height, Texas Tech | EDGE
Duke Tobin would add another high-production defender in Round 3 with this selection. Some prefer Romello Height’s tape straight up over college teammate David Bailey, and Height’s measurements of 6’3″, 239 pounds, and 32 and 1/4″ arms all helped him avoid any physical “outlier” statuses. I don’t want to bet against his natural bend or motor.
Round 3 | 73) New Orleans Saints
Julian Neal, Arkansas | CB
One of the fastest ascending players in the draft is Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal. Athletically, he turned heads with an 11’2″ broad jump and 4.49 40-yard dash at 6’2″. His college production (10 passes deflected in 2025) wasn’t bad, either.
There’s a real chance he’s risen to Round 2 by April, making this a steal for the Saints at No. 73.
Round 3 | 74) Kansas City Chiefs
LT Overton, Alabama | EDGE
The Chiefs have had several EDGE players like Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, and Frank Clark around the 6’3″, 270-pound mark, so LT Overton would check that box from a physical standpoint. Overton doesn’t wow anyone with a quick first step, but he’s an experienced grinder who will secure the edge on early downs.
Round 3 | 75) Miami Dolphins
Gracen Halton, Oklahoma | DL
The Dolphins took Kenneth Grant to play nose tackle in last year’s first round, and Gracen Halton gives him an athletic running mate inside. Halton will emerge from the cloud of dust like lightning in pursuit of the quarterback with an excellent wrap-up. His tendency to play upright might mean ceding work to Grant — and others — on early downs, though.
Round 3 | 76) Pittsburgh Steelers (via Cowboys)
Zachariah Branch, Georgia | WR
DK Metcalf’s ability to take the top off the defense is rare, and this selection gives the Steelers a true No. 2 option underneath. There is a teflon-like quality to Georgia’s Zachariah Branch, who never feels undersized with the ball in his hands at 5’9″.
Branch’s tape with the USC Trojans showed a bit more craftiness as a route runner like former teammate Makai Lemon, too.
Round 3 | 77) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Zane Durant, Penn State | DL
We all have draft crushes, and one I’ve had since January is defensive tackle Zane Durant. Durant terrorized the Indiana Hoosiers in Penn State’s near-upset of the eventual champions. I was curious how his jarring first step would translate to testing numbers, and the second-best size-adjusted athleticism score among interior defensive linemen wasn’t too shabby. Putting him next to Vita Vea? Cinema.
Round 3 | 78) Indianapolis Colts
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU | QB
This is a perfect spot for Garrett Nussmeier. Nuss’ final collegiate season started with aspirations of being the No. 1 pick, but an injury-plagued campaign, in which coach Brian Kelly was canned, raised questions. After a strong week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, Nussmeier’s unusual football IQ as a young passer will seamlessly mesh with Shane Steichen. The Colts get insurance (with upside) for Daniel Jones.
Round 3 | 79) Atlanta Falcons
Keith Abney II, Arizona State | CB
A.J. Terrell is an excellent building block on the boundary for Atlanta’s secondary, and they found two good deep safeties last year. Arizona State’s Keith Abney II is an undersized junkyard dog who profiles to bring his mean streak to the nickel spot as a pro. His tenacity matches that of many of the Falcons’ recent defensive selections.
Round 3 | 80) Baltimore Ravens
Malik Muhammad, Texas | CB
Baltimore’s secondary isn’t short on talent, but they’ve had a hard time staying healthy. Malik Muhammad is another long, fast option at my favorite position group in this year’s draft. Muhammad put John Mateer through the wringer with a pair of interceptions in last fall’s Red River Rivalry.
Round 3 | 81) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Lions)
Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M | OT
Dametrious Crownover’s tape is an adventure, but there just aren’t many 6’7″, 319-pound offensive tackles with 35 and 3/8″ arms roaming the Earth — much less ones that converted from tight end in 2022. He’s a special athlete, and the Jaguars’ solid-but-unspectacular duo of Cole Van Lanen and Anton Harrison gives them time to mold the Texas A&M product.
Round 3 | 82) Minnesota Vikings
Jadarian Price, Notre Dame | RB
The Vikings are moving on from Aaron Jones without many holes to fill, so I could see them investing a Day 2 pick on a running back because Jordan Mason has also struggled to stay healthy. Jadarian Price averaged 6.0 yards per carry with Notre Dame in a complementary role to Jeremiyah Love last year, and he’d probably enjoy the running lanes in a Minnesota offense that is historically friendly to backs.
Round 3 | 83) Carolina Panthers
Josiah Trotter, Missouri | LB
As the Panthers build out their defensive identity, Trevin Wallace is a good coverage option, but they need a thumper or enforcer in the run game. That’s Mizzou’s Josiah Trotter, who doesn’t turn 21 until April. Trotter had 84 tackles in the heart of a defense that ranked 13th across FBS in yards per carry allowed.
Round 3 | 84) Green Bay Packers
Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern | OT/OG
Green Bay’s offensive line is undergoing a makeover; both Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins could leave town due to cap constraints. Some see Caleb Tiernan’s future in the NFL as a guard, which could free up the Packers to try 2025 second-rounder Anthony Belton at left tackle. The Midwest prospect’s versatility and underrated movement skills can help him contribute right away.
Round 3 | 85) Pittsburgh Steelers
Domonique Orange, Iowa State | DL
As someone who grew up watching Casey Hampton plugging the middle on elite Steelers defenses, Domonique Orange would be a perfect successor. “Big Citrus” battled lower-body issues in 2025 after entering the season as a fringe first-round pick, but his hard-to-move frame seems ready to help a Steelers defense that had just 16 tackles for loss from defensive tackles last year.
Round 3 | 86) Los Angeles Chargers
Genesis Smith, Arizona | S
Treydan Stukes’ teammate can ball, too. Genesis Smith had top-four marks in the vertical (42.5″) and broad (10’8″) jumps at the combine, and he’s an instinctive safety that clearly does his homework, jumping pass lanes regularly. Derwin James would be the perfect mentor for the 6’2″ defensive back.
Round 3 | 87) Miami Dolphins (via Eagles)
Beau Stephens, Iowa | OG
Football fans don’t remember Miami “pushing around” too many teams in the previous era of the team, so Iowa’s Beau Stephens would be a culture-changer on the interior. Stephens is a natural run blocker who takes great angles as a seasoned protector for his position. He maximizes his poor length (31 and 1/8″ arms) with technique, core strength, and a bit of nastiness.
Round 3 | 88) Jacksonville Jaguars
Will Lee III, Texas A&M | CB
With better tape, corners built like Will Lee III usually go in Round 1. He’s 6’2″ with 32 and 3/4″ arms and posted an 11’0″ broad jump. The press coverage skills (and competitiveness) are there, but he showed a 4.52-second 40 on tape with average top-end speed. His length is a need in the Jags’ secondary, though.
Round 3 | 89) Chicago Bears
Parker Brailsford, Alabama | C
A glaring hole hasn’t yet existed on a Ben Johnson offensive line, so I’m guessing they’ll fill the one vacated by a retiring Drew Dalman in April’s draft. Parker Brailsford is one of just two early declarations at center after great seasons for the Washington Huskies (2022-23) and Alabama Crimson Tide (2023-25). He’s a quick processor who’s short on size (6’2″).
Round 3 | 90) Miami Dolphins (via Texans)
Taylen Green, Arkansas | QB
Someone is going to do this on Day 2, and it might be a Miami team that is bringing in Malik Willis into the picture as its starting quarterback. Taylen Green could run a similar offense to what Willis had in Green Bay. A quarterback coach out there is going to try to turn his historic athleticism shown at the combine into a do-it-all force like Josh Allen after a few developmental seasons.
Round 3 | 91) Buffalo Bills
Deontae Lawson, Alabama | LB
The Bills have long suffered from marginal athleticism in the open field. At linebacker, Deontae Lawson is the opposite of that with range and plenty of top-end speed at 6’3″. It feels like he underperformed his traits in Tuscaloosa, but even then, the captain led the team in total tackles (80) last year.
Round 3 | 92) San Francisco 49ers
Anthony Lucas, USC | EDGE
John Lynch has a type at EDGE rusher, and USC’s Anthony Lucas is that type. Lucas is nearly 6’6″ with a 72″ wingspan. He didn’t work out at the combine, which was disappointing when you see these flashes of the former five-star recruit chasing down a skill player or blowing up the edge on tape.
I feel he has so much untapped potential; there has been utter turmoil on the defense side of the ball for the Trojans since he transferred there in 2023.
Round 3 | 93) Los Angeles Rams
Ted Hurst Jr., Georgia State | WR
For a small-school wideout, Ted Hurst Jr. has arguably been the most consistent performer of those who have participated in the pre-draft process. He crushed the Senior Bowl and flew through the combine with a 4.42-second 40 and 11’3″ broad jump.
Hurst is a smooth, advanced route runner who could terrorize teams from the “Z” position with his massive 6’4″ frame.
Round 3 | 94) Denver Broncos
Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State | DL
Denver went hunting for weapons in the first two rounds, but they’ll plug a defensive hole in Round 3. Florida State’s Darrell Jackson Jr. checked the “competitor” box by attending both the East-West Bowl and Senior Bowl after a late invite, and coaches rave about the nose tackle’s high motor and impressive frame.
Jackson Jr. would help the Broncos replace a departing John Franklin-Myers.
Round 3 | 95) New England Patriots
Joshua Josephs, Tennessee | EDGE
If the Patriots indeed ship a pick for A.J. Brown, they’ll likely need to find an EDGE somewhere in Round 3. Joshua Josephs’ length (34 and 1/4″ arms) is outstanding and shows up on tape with his ability to stay separated from blocks and wrap up as a run defender. There is an awkwardness and lack of bend to his rush set, though.
Round 3 | 96) Seattle Seahawks
Kaytron Allen, Penn State | RB
The champions’ game of chicken with Kenneth Walker III ended in a divorce, and this pick makes too much sense in that case. Kaytron Allen is a reliable, smooth, early-down breadwinner who maximizes each carry. In tandem with Zach Charbonnet on passing downs, Allen could be a more consistent version of what the Seahawks originally wanted from Walker.
Round 3 | 97) Minnesota Vikings
Joe Royer, Cincinnati | TE
Within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage, Joe Royer is everything you want from a tight end. He’s a developing blocker with easy, capable routes and phenomenal hands, making him a true security blanket for a quarterback. A lack of “special” might push him to Day 3, but I see a hidden gem that was underutilized in a rush-first offense alongside Jeff Caldwell and Cyrus Allen.
Round 3 | 98) Philadelphia Eagles
Zakee Wheatley, Penn State | S
This would be the Eagles’ second pick from Penn State, which checks out for Howie Roseman in a down year for the Nittany Lions. Zakee Wheatley is a well-rounded, three-down safety who made more of an imprint in the box in 2025. I’d love to have seen him run at the combine to verify the top-end speed, and he is older (24) when the tape can still be inconsistent.
Round 3 | 99) Pittsburgh Steelers
Jude Bowry, Boston College | OT
Jude Bowry might have had the worst Senior Bowl of any player, getting beaten for multiple sacks in the game. It seems like a massive overreaction when the 22-year-old explodes into his pass set with rare feet for an offensive tackle that’ll come off the board outside of the top-90 picks. Pittsburgh adds a charismatic teammate to its shaky set of offensive tackles.
Round 3 | 100) Jacksonville Jaguars
Emmett Johnson, Nebraska | RB
Before the combine, Emmett Johnson was probably RB2 in the class. Johnson bombed the workouts with a 4.56-second 40 and a so-so 10’0″ broad jump, but this is still a guy who put up 1,821 scrimmage yards in the heart of the Big Ten.
Jacksonville could use a three-down running back after Travis Etienne got paid by the Saints.
