While we still have some playoff spots to be finalized in the coming weeks, we now have thirteen teams officially eliminated from the playoffs with three weeks to go. One of those teams, to the surprise of many, is the Kansas City Chiefs, who were mathematically eliminated after their 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
A lot has changed since my last mock, as it seems like the New Orleans Saints found their franchise quarterback after all, and have won a few games, and some trades were made to move some picks, so let’s dive right into it.
1) New York Jets (Trade with NYG): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
JETS RECEIVE: Pick No. 1
GIANTS RECEIVE: Pick No. 5, 2027 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick
With the carousel that has been the New York Jets’ quarterback room for as long as I can remember, they make a trade to land the Heisman-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza has been the driving force behind the 13-0, Big Ten champion Hoosiers, but they have every reason to believe that their story might not be done just yet.
I’m officially a part of Fernando Mendoza FC pic.twitter.com/YJIHtBPoBj
— JayCinci sports (@jaydonwilson5) December 17, 2025
Mendoza finished his season with 2,980 yards, 33 touchdowns, and a 71.5% completion percentage. He threw just six interceptions all season. He has answered every question that anyone has had about him to this point, and in order to create a winning culture, they need to bring in someone who is used to winning, like Mendoza.
2) Las Vegas Raiders: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Dante Moore replaced journeyman Dylan Gabriel at Oregon, and some weren’t sure if they could maintain their level of play. Moore has quickly eased any qualms about this Oregon offense, and they will host James Madison in a College Football Playoff game this weekend with their sights set on a championship.
Moore led the Ducks to an 11-1 record, with a loss only to top-ranked Indiana, and threw for 2,733 yards and 24 touchdowns this season, and threw just six interceptions all season, and would provide Tom Brady a high-upside prospect to bring in and mentor to greatness in Las Vegas.
3) Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
As the year has progressed, Rueben Bain Jr. has continued to be a force on the defensive side of the ball that teams simply cannot figure out. He grades as an 82.7, or B-, on our PFSN CFB Edge Impact Rankings, which further proves him to be one of the top players in the nation. He constantly fights through double teams and is still able to make an incredible impact on the game; imagine him next to Jeffrey Simmons. This defense all of a sudden becomes very scary.
4) Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
It is hard to argue Ohio State’s place as “Wide Receiver U,” with a first-round talent coming to the NFL at the position, what seems like every single year, and this year is no exception.
Carnell Tate is next in line, and he has had an incredible season for Ohio State. This season, he has 838 yards and nine touchdowns on 48 catches. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, he has prototypical size to be a force at the next level, and combining that with his production equals a top pick and a really nice get for Cleveland.
5) New York Giants (Trade with NYJ): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
GIANTS RECEIVE: Pick No. 5, 2027 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick
JETS RECEIVE: Pick No. 1
While the Giants are looking at another top pick in the NFL Draft, things are looking extremely promising with QB Jaxson Dart as the starting quarterback, and this will allow them to trade back with a QB-needy team to gain assets. With that being said, Dart needs another weapon. Outside of Malik Nabers, there is no real threat for a defense to gameplan around in their passing game, and Dyson can be just that, taking this Giants offense to the next level.
With a quarterback like Dart, you can expect a lot of eye candy and motion to try to get the defense out of position. With Tyson’s shifty nature, he is the perfect player to put in that role and utilize effectively. Combine this with his 6-foot-2 frame, and you have a legitimate top two receiver set for years to come, which means they can expect less from everyone else.
6) Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
With the ability to shut down opposing pass-rushers and experience at both tackle positions, Spencer Fano could be the answer for the Arizona Cardinals to help fortify their offensive line. He is yet to allow a sack or a QB hit this season on 301 pass blocking snaps, and in watching him play, he plays with the tenacity that you would expect from your offensive line, which is infectious when he is making plays.
7) New Orleans Saints: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
One of the great stories of this season for non-playoff teams is the rise of QB Tyler Shough, and now I am all in on believing he is the guy at quarterback for the Saints. With that, I think the Saints get who I believe has as much upside as any player in this draft, and that is Ohio State LB Arvell Reese.
At Ohio State, he plays linebacker and is exceptional at it. Still, with a solid 6-foot-4 frame, he projects to slide into Cameron Jordan’s spot as an edge rusher at the next level, or be an extremely talented linebacker option if Jordan and the Saints decide to run it back. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he has “never coached a player with the versatility and talent of Reese.” Which to me, means that he could take this Saints defense to the next level, and adapt his role to the team’s needs as well.
8) Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
While Bailey remains underrated, I believe he is starting to receive the attention he deserves. Washington will acquire a player in Bailey who can make an immediate impact on the edge and has shown steady improvement each season, culminating in this breakout, Big 12-leading 13.5 sack season, which ranks second in the nation.
It is unfortunate for Commanders fans that injuries have plagued their offense, and the defense isn’t shutting down opponents right now. Adding more pressure on the quarterback should help make everyone’s job a little easier.
9) Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs is the kind of player who comes in and can totally reshape how a defense is structured and gameplanned. How they attack teams, and the Cincinnati Bengals need to start investing more resources in their defense to become dynamic for Joe Burrow’s next healthy season (which we all hope is next year). Look for the Bengals to surprise some people by adding to the defense beyond Downs, and make a run next year.
10) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
With Rob Havenstein approaching the end of his career, potentially as soon as the end of this season, the Rams can utilize this pick to bring in Francis Mauigoa, who was once a top recruit and has since showcased his skill set, while needing further coaching to dominate opponents.
MORE: Sean McVay Announces Massive Personal News Ahead of Rams’ TNF Matchup vs. Seahawks
With a move to guard being a possibility due to the Rams’ needs, they also need a long-term answer at left tackle so that Mauigoa can provide them a high-upside option at either spot. Either way, Sean McVay has shown time and time again that he gets the most out of his players, and I think this would be no exception.
11) Miami Dolphins: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
We all saw what Jonnu Smith was able to do as a member of Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins, and Kenyon Sadiq possesses that dynamic skill set, providing them with another weapon on offense, given that Tyreek Hill’s contract expires at the end of this season. Sadiq has been a reliable option for Dante Moore and the Ducks, but he has been far more than just a safety valve, averaging over twelve yards per catch in back-to-back seasons.
12) Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
With Kansas City in a rare position to pick so high and needing to add a new element to their team, bringing in a running back with the upside of Jeremiyah Love would be perfect to do just that. Love followed up on a 19-touchdown sophomore season with a 1,372-yard and 21-touchdown season that had him in New York as a finalist for the Heisman.
He has averaged exactly 6.9 yards per carry each of the last two seasons, and I think he will bring Kansas City’s offense to another level and give them the potential to get back to their glory as long as Patrick Mahomes’ ACL recovery goes smoothly.
13) Minnesota Vikings: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
While the Vikings may be upset to miss out on Love, Clemson’s Peter Woods will help them quickly quell any draft-day blues, as he is a highly physical and high-motor player who excels against both the pass and the run. Adding a player like Woods to an already solid defensive front will create more pressure on opposing offenses and create more havoc in what is becoming one of the best divisions in football.
14) Dallas Cowboys: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Even after a tough loss, the Cowboys must look to next year as an exhilarating time for what they can achieve. I think that bringing in an edge rusher like Keldric Faulk would completely solidify their defensive front and make them a force for a long time. At 6-foot-6 and 288 pounds, it is impressive that he can defend the run as he has shown at Auburn, and play with such speed. Look for Faulk to be a high riser at the NFL Combine.
15) Baltimore Ravens: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Mansoor Delane had the opportunity to be selected on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, but instead opted to transfer to LSU and showcase his skills in the SEC. This season, he has demonstrated that his extremely high level of play is legitimate, which gives him a real opportunity to be one of the better picks and bring Baltimore one step closer to being a force on defense again.
He has maintained his spot as the top cornerback in college football all season, according to our PFSN CB Impact Rankings, as he grades a 96.8, or an A, and is the top player in all of college football in terms of impact. Adding that level of skill to a team that is usually around the playoffs is a huge win and will help them get back on track.
16) Carolina Panthers: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
As Penn State prepares for next season, Oliaviavega Ioane has been putting in work and shining on what has been an otherwise disappointing Penn State team. The Panthers’ offensive line is decent, but they could use some help on the interior, and with how wide open this division is every year, I wouldn’t look for them to make too many moves with how close they are to the top this season.
17) Detroit Lions: Matayo Uiagaleilei, EDGE, Oregon
Matayo Uiagalelei has all of the traits to be a stellar pass rusher in this league, and playing alongside Aidan Hutchinson would certainly help him realize that potential sooner rather than later. He is a perfect fit for a Dan Campbell-led defense, as he has an elite work rate and brings it on every single play. Uiagalelei has five sacks on the season after recording 10.5 sacks last year in his sophomore season.
18) New York Jets (via IND): Jermond McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jermond McCoy’s injury was about the only thing that could stop him from flying up draft boards, as he has ideal size for an NFL corner and plays with good instincts, which he showed in a stellar sophomore season in 2024-25. I think the Jets bringing in McCoy is the type of move that teams make to try to catch lightning in a bottle. I project him to develop into a legitimate top cornerback for New York, with the skills to be among the best in the league, similar to how they did with Sauce Gardner.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles has been a staple in Ohio State’s dominant defense, and he would be a perfect running mate for Lavonte David. He came up as a safety and still possesses some of those instincts, but when he switched to linebacker, he began to realize the massive potential he has. Look out for him to make some big plays in the College Football Playoff, and that will only further his fit on a team that needs some more big plays on defense.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
With the Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh project likely just being a one-year experiment, I think the Steelers get their quarterback of the future falling right into their lap at 20 here. Simpson has passed every test thrown at him, all against elite-level talent, and while he is down a bit from the last mock, I think he has about as much upside as any of the signal-callers in this Draft.
21) Philadelphia Eagles: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The younger brother of All-Pro CB A.J. Terrell checks all of the boxes, skills-wise, to be a starting cornerback in the NFL for a long time, but teams are just worried that he may be too small to go against the best in the world. What Philadelphia will love is his nose for the big play, as exhibited by his three sacks and five forced fumbles this season. Look for the Eagles to bring him in and Terrell to make an immediate impact.
22) Houston Texans: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The more I watch Caleb Banks, the more I think that being a part of a good defense could help him make an immediate impact at the next level. His numbers don’t pop off the charts, but when you watch him play, you can see flashes of his meteoric upside and why he is projected to go so high in the draft. Look for Houston to add to an already stellar defense and develop Banks into a beast.
23) Chicago Bears: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Cashius Howell is a legitimate threat on the edge, who had 9.5 sacks in 2023 in his final year at Bowling Green, and had 11.5 in this most recent season. He looks the part of a solid pass rusher and has shown the ability to bring it consistently.
Howell was a finalist for some of the most prestigious awards in college football and was the SEC defensive player of the year. Look for him to find a home in a Bears team that is just scratching the surface of their potential.
24) Los Angeles Chargers: Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon
At 6-foot-5 and 318 pounds, he uses every bit of that power in his game and plays with the nastiness needed to be a successful lineman in the NFL for a long time. He has come a long way from being a zero-star recruit for Wyoming in 2020, and that sort of coachability is exciting when considering players who consistently pass every test thrown at them. He plays like his job is on the line every play, and the Chargers need some stability on their offensive line.
25) Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
KC Concpecion brings some reliability and skill to the slot for Josh Allen and the Bills. He had 16 touchdowns at NC State over the past two seasons before moving to Texas A&M and having another stellar season. He averaged 15.5 yards per catch and had ten total touchdowns. Look for Buffalo to bolster their receiver room once again.
26) San Francisco 49ers: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Makai Lemon would bring speed and skill to a wide receiver room that will likely lose Jauan Jennings and has many questions about durability. Lemon has been great for USC and won the Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the nation’s best receiver. Look for that type of reliability to make him become one of Brock Purdy’s favorite targets.
27) Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Colton Hood would bring Cleveland someone with the potential to be a legitimate number-one corner in the NFL. He possesses sound fundamentals, excellent route recognition, and toughness, which he has consistently demonstrated at each of his college football stops.
He stepped into a bigger role in the SEC after Jermond McCoy was injured and has looked great in it. His main knock is his lack of experience, but that isn’t enough to move him out of the first round for me, as Cleveland needs to grab a player with upside like this, especially after trading Greg Newsome II.
28) Dallas Cowboys (via GB): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Dallas will again bolster its defense by bringing in CJ Allen, who has made big plays in Georgia’s big games time and again. He is fast, physical, and a perfect partner to pair with Logan Wilson, who will help make his transition to the NFL seamless for a much-improved Dallas defense next season, once they have a full offseason together.
29) Seattle Seahawks: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
With the inconsistency of the running game, I think Seattle looks to put some pressure on the backs they have, if not trade one or both of them, and bring in Justice Haynes from Michigan. Haynes may not go in the first round in some mocks, but the Seahawks are pretty well off in most other places, and I think bringing in a back like this will bring another element to a rapidly improving offense.
30) New England Patriots: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
I have thought since my last mock that a Patriots jersey with Boston on the back of it would be a hit, and I think Denzel Boston would be a hit in this offense as well. With his combination of size and athleticism, Denzel Boston is a dream match for Drake Maye and this Patriots offense.
He has taken his game to the next level in his second season as a starter, with 881 yards on 62 catches and 11 touchdowns. He is a mismatch nightmare for defenses with his 6-foot-4 frame, physicality, and quick feet. Additionally, pairing him with Stefon Diggs on the other side will make the Patriots a problem next year.
31) Los Angeles Rams: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
While Garrett Nussmeier hasn’t had as eye-popping numbers as he did last season, there seems to be a certain maturity to his game compared to the past. Sean McVay will be looking for a quarterback to come in after Matthew Stafford calls it quits. Nussmeier has all of the skills required to be successful in the NFL, and with elite wide receiver options and a coach like McVay, he won’t have to feel like he has to play hero ball out there. This seems like a perfect fit to me.
32) Denver Broncos: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Anthony Hill is a highly skilled linebacker with strong instincts and excellent speed. He was a force in 2024 and has struggled to repeat that success, but I think he can fill a linebacker spot on a talented, schematically sound Broncos defense and be a really good player in the NFL. Look for the Broncos to plug him into a spot where he will succeed and develop his game.
How are the Jets trading up to #1 without giving up #18???????