The 2026 NFL Draft is almost upon us, and we’re just hours away from knowing where the next generation of NFL stars will begin their careers. After months of speculation, athletic testing, and media campaigns, it all becomes real on Thursday.
This mock draft reflects how things could unfold based on a blend of league buzz, team needs, and player-to-scheme fits, with each selection shaped by both current roster dynamics and long-term outlooks.
Using PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator as the foundation, this projection leans on informed opinions and realistic scenarios to map out how the board could fall when teams are finally on the clock.
1) Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana | QB
The Las Vegas Raiders have done everything they can to ease Fernando Mendoza’s transition into the NFL. The team already has two of the most exciting offensive skill players in the NFL, thanks to recent drafts, and now has the highest-paid center in the game.
Even April’s silly season hasn’t managed to cast doubt over this pick, and, as in every other 2026 mock draft, Mendoza goes first here.
2) New York Jets
Arvell Reese, Ohio State | EDGE/LB
Arvell Reese’s positional ambiguity seems to be the only thing preventing him from being another unanimous pick here.
However, with a ton of draft capital at their disposal, the New York Jets needn’t overthink it. 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) Kansas City Chiefs (via ARI)
David Bailey, Texas Tech | EDGE
Projected trade: Chiefs receive No. 3 pick, No. 34 pick, No. 104 pick, and No. 143 pick; Cardinals receive No. 9 pick, No. 29 pick, and No. 40 pick
I don’t believe the Arizona Cardinals want to pick here, and recent talk of their apparent interest in Jeremiyah Love only strengthens that belief. Working down the draft order, the Kansas City Chiefs were the first team I could make a strong case for in a trade.
The Chiefs use the extra first-round pick they received from the Trent McDuffie trade to move up to three and land an elite pass-rushing talent. The Chiefs haven’t picked inside the top-10 since they traded up to land Patrick Mahomes II with the 10th pick in the 2017 draft, so why not make it count?
4) Tennessee Titans
Carnell Tate, Ohio State | WR
The Tennessee Titans have their quarterback, at least for the foreseeable future, but their efforts to surround Cam Ward with talent fell short last offseason. Chimere Dike looks to have a bright future as an NFL playmaker, but the team needs to add a dominant outside receiver, and where better to look than Ohio State?
Carnell Tate is the latest big-name pass catcher to enter the NFL via Columbus, following in the footsteps of some of the most dominant receivers currently playing in the NFL. Tate’s 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns from 2025 don’t jump off the page, but he would be far busier in Tennessee, without Jeremiah Smith to compete with for targets.
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.
During Wilson’s lone season as Ravens defensive backs coach in 2023, Hamilton earned his first All-Pro selection as part of a historically stout Baltimore 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
The Cleveland Browns faced the unusual task of having to replace all five of their starting offensive linemen this offseason. Most of that work was done in free agency, with Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson joining the team, and Tytus Howard arriving in a trade with the Houston Texans.
Still, top NFL tackles rarely hit free agency, and Cleveland’s needs have inevitably carried over into the draft. With no team having taken a tackle to this point, the Browns have their pick of the class. I’ve gone with Fano here, but there are several candidates for this pick on Day 1.
7) Washington Commanders
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame | RB
I don’t believe in teams taking running backs this early when trying to rebuild; there is so much you need to get right before you can maximize a running back’s potential. Saquon Barkley made the playoffs just once in six years with the Giants, while Bijan Robinson has yet to experience an NFL postseason game.
The Washington Commanders, though, aren’t a rebuilding team and are only picking here because Jayden Daniels missed 10 games in 2025. While disappointing, the Commanders’ down year has allowed them to draft a player many believe is the best in the class.
Washington has added multiple running backs in free agency, likely in anticipation of Love being gone by now, but that won’t stop them from pouncing here.
8) New Orleans Saints
Sonny Styles, Ohio State | LB
The New Orleans Saints have been linked with a top receiver here, and building around Tyler Shough will surely be on the team’s mind. However, with Cam Jordan and Demario Davis both leaving the team this offseason, the defense has lost not only two key players but also two leaders.
Sonny Styles blew up at the NFL Combine, but he was already on NFL radars as a top-15 pick. The Saints have several areas to address, but Styles is a plug-and-play starter for a defense that badly needs it.
9) Dallas Cowboys (via ARI)
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL) | EDGE
Projected trade: Cowboys receive No. 9 pick and a 2027 third-round pick; Cardinals receive No. 12 pick, No. 218, and a 2027 second-round pick
With the defensive talent available in the top 10, it would shock no one to see the Dallas Cowboys trade up on Day 1. In fact, it would be a surprise if they didn’t. Rueben Bain Jr. could easily be taken in the first five picks, but the positional needs of other teams see him fall in this mock.
A ferocious and relentless pass rusher is something the Cowboys missed last season after trading away Micah Parsons. The defense-needy Cincinnati Bengals are no longer picking at 10, but Dallas jumps ahead of the Miami Dolphins and makes a massive upgrade at a premium position.
10) New York Giants
Mansoor Delane, LSU | CB
The Giants also need defensive additions, but have more than enough pass rushers. Instead, they double down on their defensive secondary by adding the consensus top cornerback in the draft, LSU’s Mansoor Delane.
If the Giants can lock things down on the back end, it will only help their terrifying pass rush, and vice versa. The Giants have built an exciting young offense through the draft in recent years, and now the defense is beginning to take shape.
11) Miami Dolphins
Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL) | OT
The Miami Dolphins have fully committed to a rebuild and have handed the keys to former third-round pick Malik Willis. Their new quarterback will need someone to throw to after the team moved on from both Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill this offseason, but he’ll also need to be kept upright.
New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and HC Jeff Hafley both moved to Miami from the Green Bay Packers, a franchise known for making sensible decisions. That makes the tranches a likely priority in this year’s draft, and they don’t need to look far to find Francis Mauigoa.
12) Arizona Cardinals (via DAL)
Caleb Lomu, Utah | OT
Having traded back twice and collected a haul, the Arizona Cardinals still land a new offensive tackle to start opposite Paris Johnson Jr. Arizona is on the lookout for a new franchise quarterback, and already possesses some elite skill players on offense.
Again, though, an offense is typically only as good as its offensive line, making Lomu an obvious add for the NFC West strugglers here. The Cardinals would enter the 2026 season with two first-round talents, both aged 25 or under, bookending their offensive front, a situation any team would love to be in.
13) Los Angeles Rams
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State | WR
Despite already boasting two of the best wide receivers in the game, speculation persists regarding the Los Angeles Rams’ desire for a third elite receiver. The Rams’ Super Bowl window with Matthew Stafford is closing, and the team isn’t masking their sense of urgency.
Having addressed their biggest need (cornerback) via free agency and a monster trade for McDuffie, the Rams can splash on a luxury offensive weapon. Jordyn Tyson has the playmaking ability to contribute from Day 1, and also serves as a long-term replacement for Davante Adams.
14) Baltimore Ravens
Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State | G
After Mendoza, this is becoming the No. 1 chalk pick of the first round. But when you have Derrick Henry, you need to look after your interior offensive line. Henry is an alien, but he won’t be around forever, making Ioane a no-brainer here.
The Baltimore Ravens lost star center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, but can now pair free agent signing John Simpson with Ioane at guard. Olaivavega Ioane won’t solve all of Baltimore’s problems, but he’s a stud pickup for a team that was found wanting in that position last season.
15) Carolina Panthers (via TB)
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon | S
Projected trade: Panthers receive No. 15 pick, No. 116 pick; Buccaneers receive No. 19 pick, No. 83 pick, and a 2027 sixth-round pick
The Carolina Panthers are slowly but surely building an impressive-looking defense since Dave Canales was hired as head coach. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson form an underrated cornerback duo, while recent signings Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd have added yet more firepower.
Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman was getting first-round buzz before his explosive NFL Combine performance, and it would be no surprise to see him crack the top 15. If the Panthers want him, though, they’ll likely have to step over the Minnesota Vikings, who are on the lookout for their next Harrison Smith.
16) New York Jets
Makai Lemon, USC | WR
This one would sting fantasy managers, but USC’s Makai Lemon may actually have a clear path to solid production if he were to land with the Jets. Garrett Wilson will draw coverage when on the field, and even if Wilson struggles to stay healthy again, Lemon will immediately become the go-to target for Geno Smith.
The Jets have a strong offensive line and enough playmakers to be far more productive than they have been in recent years. Lemon can complement Wilson perfectly with his toughness and safe hands at the catch point, while also offering big-play potential.
17) Detroit Lions
Monroe Freeling, Georgia | OT
The Detroit Lions need to get their offensive line back on track if they’re to dominate the NFC North again. The team has added some depth pieces in free agency, but Georgia’s Monroe Freeling steps in as a Day-1 starter opposite Penei Sewell.
Freeling will replace Taylor Decker, who was released at the end of his last contract and whom the Lions picked 10 years ago in 2016, only one spot earlier. If Freeling can have anything close to the career Decker had in Detroit, he’ll prove a great pick here.
18) Minnesota Vikings
Peter Woods, Clemson | DT
Having been beaten to Thieneman, the Vikings pivot to another area of need. Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen both left in free agency, and Peter Woods immediately steps into one of those vacant spots as the first defensive tackle off the board.
Brian Flores will continue to cook up different disguises and play calls to keep quarterbacks guessing, but he’ll need a strong anchor up front, and Woods certainly provides that.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via CAR)
Keldric Faulk, Auburn | EDGE
Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Jason Licht dropped some clues about his draft strategy last year, suggesting that character plays an important role in separating prospects. Keldric Faulk is not only an explosive athlete on the edge, but his off-field endeavors have also caught the eye in a very positive way.
A true leader, Faulk spent less time on the edge in 2025, which affected his numbers, but his 7 sacks and 11 TFLs in 2024 highlight his disruptive playmaking.
20) Dallas Cowboys
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee | CB
Jermod McCoy may be the most talented cornerback in this year’s class, but he’s available here after missing the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL. The Cowboys have a history of drafting corners in that very situation, after taking Shavon Revel Jr. in the third round last year.
Unlike Revel, though, McCoy was healthy enough to put on an impressive workout for interested teams at Tennessee’s Pro Day, which should prevent him from falling into Day 2.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL) | EDGE
Akheem Mesidor is an older prospect and will be 25 years old when the 2026 season gets underway. Regardless, he is a terrifying edge rusher who provided a perfect complement to Bain in Miami last season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team looking to win now, with several older veterans running out of time to lift the Lombardi Trophy before they retire. Mesidor tallied 12.5 sacks, 17.5 TFLs, and 4 forced fumbles in 2025, and should hit the ground running in the NFL.
22) Houston Texans (via LAC)
Blake Miller, Clemson | OT
Projected trade: Texans receive No. 22 pick, No. 55 pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick; Chargers receive No. 28 pick, No. 38 pick
The Houston Texans have invested in their offensive line in free agency and even brought in Braden Smith, who can start at right tackle opposite Aireontae Ersery. Still, this is an area that has plagued the Texans for multiple seasons, and the team can’t afford to take any chances with a Super Bowl-caliber defense under contract.
Houston has to get this right sooner rather than later, and so it makes a bold move up the board to secure a first-round talent at tackle.
23) Philadelphia Eagles
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama | OT
There is some depth to this year’s tackle class, but it doesn’t last forever, and the Philadelphia Eagles grab one while they still can. The entire city of Philadelphia breathed a sigh of relief when it emerged that veteran tackle Lane Johnson would be returning in 2026, along with Landon Dickerson.
Still, that’s how close the Eagles were to a catastrophe this offseason, and avoiding a similar situation next year should be a priority. Kadyn Proctor could be seen as a long-term replacement for either veteran, and the Eagles will have a year to figure it out.
24) Cleveland Browns
Kayden McDonald, Ohio State | DT
Having not given the Browns a receiver with their first pick, I know this will annoy some readers. However, while this class is considered deep at receiver, it’s widely believed there may be no clear alphas among them.
The Browns already have multiple “No. 2” receivers in Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, and there’s frankly better value elsewhere for a team with so many holes. Kayden McDonald can immediately slot in alongside fellow first-round pick Mason Graham, further improving an already menacing defensive front.
25) Chicago Bears
Avieon Terrell, Clemson | CB
While the Chicago Bears did a great job of recruiting talent last offseason, Ben Johnson also sought out players with a particular attitude. Colston Loveland looks ready to fight anyone at any time, while few NFL receivers play with a bigger chip on their shoulder than Luther Burden III.
In just one offseason, the Bears established an aggressive, in-your-face culture and are hellbent on taking over the NFC North and rubbing it in their rivals’ faces. Avieon Terrell embodies that combativeness, while also being a great scheme fit for Dennis Allen’s defense.
Terrell logged 3 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, and an incredible 5 forced fumbles in 2025, and would be a key contributor in Chicago from Day 1.
26) Buffalo Bills
CJ Allen, Georgia | LB
The Buffalo Bills once again find themselves regrouping after a difficult playoff loss and will hope to make more of their first pick than they did last year. Having addressed the receiver position with a trade for DJ Moore, the perennial AFC contenders can look elsewhere.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
In CJ Allen, they get a proven contributor from a top program and a leader both on and off the field, making him the perfect replacement for long-time starter Matt Milano. Allen led Georgia in tackles (88), tackles for loss (8), and sacks (3.5) in 2025, as well as forcing two key fumbles.
27) San Francisco 49ers
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon | TE
Kenyon Sadiq is going higher than this in most mocks, but to me, his college production is dwarfed by that of players taken in the top 20 picks in recent years. That being said, he still offers a freakish physical tool set which, in the right hands, could be a huge weapon for an NFL offense.
And when it comes to the “right hands,” it doesn’t get much better than Kyle Shanahan. The San Francisco 49ers have one of the league’s best tight ends in George Kittle, but he is 32 years old and tore his Achilles tendon in January. Sadiq is still raw in many ways, but is a tantalizing project for Shanahan and lands in the perfect environment to grow.
28) Los Angeles Chargers (via HOU)
Christen Miller, Georgia | DT
The Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive line lost some bodies to free agency, including 2025 starter Da’Shawn Hand. Veteran defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson has been brought in on a one-year deal, but is obviously not the long-term answer.
Christen Miller brings size, three years of solid production at Georgia, and excellent run-stopping ability to a defense that ranked in the bottom half in yards allowed per carry last year.
29) Arizona Cardinals (via KC)
Ty Simpson, Alabama | QB
In my two previous mocks back in February, I had either the Cardinals or the Jets trading back into the first for Ty Simpson. This time, thanks to their earlier trade with the Chiefs, the Cardinals don’t have to.
The consensus is that Simpson isn’t worth a first-round pick, given that he has only one year of college starting experience, which itself was inconsistent. However, Simpson was playing through injury down the stretch after putting up Heisman-worthy displays earlier in the year.
If you don’t have a quarterback, finding one is always the priority. You can miss on a pick at any position here; the upside of hitting on a quarterback makes Simpson a worthwhile shot.
30) Miami Dolphins
Denzel Boston, Washington | WR
Miami needs to build sensibly, and while that meant taking a tackle early, the team still needs multiple receivers to be competitive on offense. Denzel Boston becomes the first receiver outside the big three to be drafted, and immediately becomes the Dolphins’ WR1.
Boston has the speed and size to win on the outside, but can also prove difficult for defenders to handle when he’s moved inside. The Dolphins have a long way to go, but things are already a lot easier for their new quarterback after Day 1.
31) New England Patriots
Max Iheanachor, Arizona State | OT
The New England Patriots may have made the Super Bowl in February, but the organization doesn’t appear to be getting ahead of itself. The team still needs to build around Drake Maye and will need to replace several veterans before long.
One of those veterans is Morgan Moses, who just turned 35 and is likely to be a post-June 1 cut after this season. Max Iheanachor is the last of the potential Day-1 offensive tackles available and is a sensible pick here. Receiver could also be an option, but rumors of a trade for A.J. Brown this offseason continue to heat up, so tackle it is.
32) Seattle Seahawks
D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana | CB
The Seattle Seahawks close out the first round with D’Angelo Ponds, an undersized cornerback who more than makes up for it with his explosive play. In three years of college football, Ponds averaged 56.3 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, and 2.3 interceptions per year, collecting 2 pick-sixes on the way.
He stands less than 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs a little over 180 pounds, but he plays much bigger than he is and should be a perfect fit for Mike Macdonald’s defense.
Round 2 | 33) New York Jets
Zion Young, Missouri | EDGE
With Reese added and a stellar receiver also secured, the Jets further invest in their defensive rebuild with Missouri edge-rusher Zion Young. Young tallied 6.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles last season, and brings his disruptive talents to Aaron Glenn’s defense.
34) Kansas City Chiefs (via ARI)
Colton Hood, Tennessee | CB
The Chiefs need help at several positions, but cornerback is among the most pressing. McDuffie and Jaylen Watson are both now with the Rams, and the team lost more cornerbacks than it gained in free agency. Colton Hood accumulated 14 PBUs and 3 picks over his final two years of college and slots straight into a starting role.
35) Tennessee Titans
T.J. Parker, Clemson | EDGE
The Tennessee Titans could be tempted to take an edge rusher with the fourth-overall pick, but, having taken a receiver, they pick up T.J. Parker in Round 2. Parker tallied a massive 21.5 sacks and 41.5 TFLs in three years at Clemson and forced a ridiculous 6 fumbles in 2024 alone.
36) Las Vegas Raiders
Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M | G
The Raiders seem ready to make good, sensible decisions for their team moving forward, and continuing to build their offensive line makes a ton of sense. There’s not great value here at tackle, so I’ve given them Chase Bisontis, who will start at guard opposite Jackson Powers-Johnson.
37) New York Giants
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M | WR
The Giants need receiving help, and may well take a top pass catcher with the 10th overall pick they acquired from Cincinnati. With plenty of receiver depth in this class, though, and Malik Nabers, a true alpha, on the team, I have them waiting until Round 2 to select the exciting KC Concepcion.
38) Los Angeles Chargers (via HOU)
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo | S
The Chargers moved up 17 spots from 55 as part of their trade with Houston, and can capitalize by landing a player who has received plenty of first-round buzz recently. Derwin James is among the best safeties in the NFL and gets a similarly versatile protege to take under his wing in Los Angeles.
39) Cleveland Browns
Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana | WR
Omar Cooper Jr. has been getting pushed into the first round of mocks recently, but with the aforementioned depth at the position, I’m not sure teams will feel the need to rush. If he does fall into Day 2, though, it won’t be much further than this. Cooper is an exciting playmaker after the catch and has the talent to take over an NFL receiver room.
40) Arizona Cardinals (via KC)
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech | DT
The Cardinals continue to build piece by piece and land themselves a big-bodied defensive tackle to man the trenches alongside 2025 first-round pick Walter Nolan. Nolan struggled with injuries as a rookie but impressed when on the field. Hunter has put together three consecutive years of outstanding production and more than merits a pick here.
41) Cincinnati Bengals
Brandon Cisse, South Carolina | CB
The Cincinnati Bengals are finally on the clock, but will be elated with what they got for their first-round pick (DT Dexter Lawrence). Having added impressively in free agency, Cincinnati has dramatically improved its defense, which has kept it out of the playoffs for multiple years.
Brandon Cisse is an electric athlete who further improves things and should challenge for a starting role immediately.
42) New Orleans Saints
Gabe Jacas, Illinois | EDGE
Having added Styles in the first round, the Saints will surely be tempted to add a receiver here. I gave them Cooper in each of my last two mocks, but with the Indiana product off the board, I’m looking elsewhere and handing them a terrifying pass rusher from Illinois.
In his final two years of college, Gabe Jacas totaled 117 tackles, 26.5 TFLs, 19 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles.
43) Miami Dolphins
Chris Johnson, San Diego State | CB
Miami needs a whole new cornerback room after allowing no fewer than six to leave in free agency. Chris Johnson is a huge step in the right direction and is immediately the team’s best player at the position. The SDSU star allowed a passer rating of just 16.1 when targeted last season, highlighting his outstanding coverage ability.
44) New York Jets
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon | G
The Jets have a surprisingly good offensive line for a team that struggles so much, but with Alijah Vera-Tucker moving across the division to the Patriots, the Jets have a hole to fill. Emmanuel Pregnon is an older prospect, but he comes ready to step straight into a starting role in the NFL.
45) Baltimore Ravens
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M | EDGE
Cashius Howell has been knocked for his measurables during the pre-draft process, but that doesn’t take away his brilliant numbers at Bowling Green and Texas A&M. Howell’s stats highlight his flexibility, which makes him a great fit for Jesse Minter’s new defense, where he could be dropping into coverage or rushing the passer on any play.
46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech | LB
Jacob Rodriguez is another prospect who could be staring at a first-round selection if he were a bigger athlete. Still, Rodriguez, more than any other prospect, outplayed their frame in college.
In his final two years at Texas Tech, Rodriguez tallied a baffling 255 tackles, 21.5 TFLs, 6 sacks, 5 interceptions, 10 PBUs, and 10 interceptions. If he can overcome his physical restrictions as he did in college, Rodriguez could be one of the steals of the entire draft.
47) Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas | LB
The Indianapolis Colts were without a first-round pick after trading for Sauce Gardner last season. With their first pick of the draft, they land Anthony Hill Jr., a productive linebacker who led the SEC with 16.5 TFLs and 4 forced fumbles in 2024.
His 2025 numbers weren’t as impressive, but Hill has shown more than enough to make him a great replacement for Zaire Franklin, now in Green Bay.
48) Atlanta Falcons
Caleb Banks, Florida | DT
Caleb Banks is one of the most freakishly athletic players in the entire draft and has phenomenal potential as an NFL defensive tackle. Injury issues have likely pushed him out of first-round consideration, but it’s not out of the question if the right team finds his upside alluring enough.
49) Minnesota Vikings
A.J. Haulcy, LSU | S
The Vikings land themselves a safety, albeit a round later than they’d have liked. A.J. Haulcy moved around in college but was productive everywhere he went. The safety topped 70 tackles in all four years of college and totaled 8 interceptions in his final two years, showcasing his ability against both the pass and the run.
50) Detroit Lions
Malachi Lawrence, UCF | EDGE
The Lions have been looking for a long-term partner for Aidan Hutchinson for years, and UCF’s Malachi Lawrence may finally be the man to fill that role. Lawrence was a consistent disruptor in his final three years at UCF and is ready to go in the NFL.
51) Carolina Panthers
Keionte Scott, Miami (FL) | CB
As mentioned earlier, the Panthers have two outstanding outside corners in Horn and Jackson, and now they have a brilliant new safety in Thieneman. Keionte Scott is more suited to playing in the slot and can wreak havoc downhill, highlighted by his 5 sacks, 13 TFLs, and 2 forced fumbles in 2025.
Scott also displayed his coverage ability by picking off two passes, both of which he returned for touchdowns.
52) Green Bay Packers
Keith Abney II, Arizona State | CB
The Packers are next up and get straight to their biggest need by taking Arizona State’s Keith Abney II. Green Bay has struggled to replace Jaire Alexander’s pre-injury coverage prowess in recent years. Abney’s 21 PBUs and 5 picks over the past two years suggest he could be the answer.
53) Pittsburgh Steelers
Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech | G
The Steelers landed a devastating defensive playmaker in Round 1 and now look to keep things less disrupted on offense. Isaac Seumalo joined Arizona in free agency, but Pittsburgh lands a plug-and-play replacement in Round 2.
54) Pittsburgh Steelers (via PHI)
Jake Golday, Cincinnati | LB
Projected trade: Steelers receive No. 54 pick; Eagles receive LB Alex Highsmith
And just like that, the Steelers are back on the clock. There has been a lot of talk about Alex Highsmith or Nick Herbig being traded out of Pittsburgh, and the Eagles make a lot of sense as a destination for a proven edge talent.
Having already drafted Mesidor, the Steelers can look elsewhere and strengthen their linebacker room with Cincinnati’s Jake Golday.
55) Houston Texans (via LAC)
Connor Lew, Auburn | C
The Texans aren’t done adding to their offensive line, and now they pick up the highest-ranked center on PFSN’s Big Board. Connor Lew may step straight into the center job, or move to guard, but it’s more reinforcements headed in the right direction as far as Houston is concerned.
56) Jacksonville Jaguars
Josiah Trotter, Missouri | LB
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the final team to make a pick in this mock, and look to fill the gap left by Devin Lloyd. That’s a tall task, but Josiah Trotter is a tenacious defender with NFL bloodlines (Jeremiah Trotter, Jeremiah Trotter Jr.), who is entering the draft as just a redshirt sophomore.
57) Chicago Bears
R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma | EDGE
The Bears picked up some indirect pass-rushing help in Terrell in Round 1, but now go the direct route in Round 2. R Mason Thomas has 15.5 sacks and 22 TFLs over the past two seasons and brings his electric rushing style to Chicago.
58) San Francisco 49ers
Chris Bell, Louisville | WR
After taking the explosive Sadiq in Round 1, the 49ers take a similar approach with Louisville receiver Chris Bell. Bell is a big-bodied receiver, but is more of a blistering speed threat than a sideline bully. Currently recovering from an ACL tear, Bell will require some patience, but as with Sadiq, the 49ers have other playmakers to call upon in the meantime.
59) Houston Texans
Jonah Coleman, Washington | RB
Many expect Jadarian Price to be the second running back taken in this year’s draft, but the lack of full-time college opportunities bothers me a little. Instead, I’ve gone for Jonah Coleman, who was a workhorse back for Washington and, unlike Price, also handled significant receiving work.
The Texans don’t have a complete skill set between David Montgomery and Woody Marks, meaning a well-rounded back could well be a target around this range.
60) Chicago Bears
Kamari Ramsey, USC | S
Having transformed their offense this time last year, the Bears stick to defense for the third consecutive pick to start their draft. Kamari Ramsey is a slick mover who can operate at safety or in the slot, giving Dennis Allen plenty of flexibility and improving his chances of locking down a starting role.
61) Los Angeles Rams
Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State | CB
The Rams have added aggressively to their cornerback room, but Super Bowl contenders need depth at every position. Davison Igbinosun stands 6’2″ tall and has spent his time at Ohio State practicing against some of the best receivers in recent college football history.
62) Washington Commanders (via DEN)
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt | TE
Projected trade: Commanders receive No. 62 pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick; Broncos receive No. 71 pick, No. 187 pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick
I think Eli Stowers could be gone by now, despite the consensus suggesting this is actually early for the Vanderbilt tight end. With Jayden Daniels returning to health, a quick look back will remind you that Zach Ertz was a massively important target for the Commanders’ QB.
Stowers is essentially a big slot receiver and could step straight into that role as a trusted outlet for Daniels. Stowers has an exceptional understanding of zone coverage, and his hands are coated in glue.
63) New England Patriots
Joshua Josephs, Tennessee | EDGE
Only six teams managed fewer sacks than the Patriots (35) did last season. The reigning AFC champions have exceptional talent in the secondary but need to do a better job of penetrating opponents’ offensive lines.
Joshua Josephs is a little smaller than ideal, but that didn’t stop him from making a difference at Tennessee. His 15 TFLs over the last two seasons suggest he can make a difference to this Patriots team.
64) Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price, Notre Dame | RB
The Seahawks need a spark at running back after losing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to free agency. Zach Charbonnet will likely return to his role when healthy, and I believe the addition of Emanuel Wilson was purely to cover Charbonnet for the early part of the year.
Despite his lack of starting experience, Price could be perfect as a change-of-pace back to rotate in for Charbonnet when the situation calls for it.
Round 3
65) Arizona Cardinals
Gennings Dunker, Iowa | OG
66) Tennessee Titans
Sam Hecht, Kansas State | C
67) Las Vegas Raiders
Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee | WR
68) Philadelphia Eagles
Max Klare, Ohio State | TE
69) Houston Texans
Gracen Halton, Oklahoma | DT
70) Cleveland Browns
Treydan Stukes, Arizona | CB
71) Denver Broncos (via WAS)
Domonigue Orange, Iowa State | DT
72) Cincinnati Bengals
Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh | LB
73) New Orleans Saints
Germie Bernard, Alabama | WR
74) Kansas City Chiefs
Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern | OT
75) Miami Dolphins
Elijah Sarratt, Indiana | WR
76) Pittsburgh Steelers
Antonio Williams, Clemson | WR
77) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Julian Neal, Arkansas | CB
78) Indianapolis Colts
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State | EDGE
79) Atlanta Falcons
Ted Hurst, Georgia State | WR
80) Baltimore Ravens
Zachariah Branch, Georgia | WR
81) Jacksonville Jaguars
Emmett Johnson, Nebraska | RB
82) Minnesota Vikings
Logan Jones, Iowa | C
83) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via CAR)
Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State | DT
84) Green Bay Packers
Parker Brailsford, Alabama | C
85) San Francisco 49ers (via PIT)
Genesis Smith, Arizona | S
Projected trade: 49ers receive No. 85 pick and No. 121 pick; Steelers receive QB Mac Jones
86) Los Angeles Chargers
Brian Parker II, Duke | C
87) Miami Dolphins
Will Lee III, Kansas State | CB
88) Jacksonville Jaguars
Malik Muhammad, Texas | CB
89) Chicago Bears
Skyler Bell, UConn | WR
90) Miami Dolphins
Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina | S
91) Buffalo Bills
Chandler Rivers, Duke | CB
92) Dallas Cowboys
Tacario Davis, Washington | CB
93) Los Angeles Rams
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU | QB
94) Miami Dolphins
Kaytron Allen, Penn State | RB
95) New England Patriots
Oscar Delp, Georgia | TE
96) Seattle Seahawks
Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas | RB
97) Minnesota Vikings
Devin Moore, Florida | CB
98) Philadelphia Eagles
Zakee Wheatley, Penn State | S
99) Pittsburgh Steelers
Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M | OT
100) Jacksonville Jaguars
Deontae Lawson, Alabama | LB
