2026 Mock Draft 1.0
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2026 Mock Draft 1.0 〰️
by Raf Flores
1. LV - QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
There is not much that is needed to be said about Indiana’s breakout QB Fernando Mendoza, he has an NFL ready arm, has a clear sense of pocket presence and sense of pressure. Some will say he is the best overall prospect in this entire class. Mendoza had a low 2.6% turnover worthy play rate during his 2025 championship season with Indiana.
Mendoza does have some weaknesses with progression, as he mostly likes to hang on to his first or second read. He makes up for this with his 79% adjusted completion percentage and carried the highest PWAR of all QBs in the draft class.
There is no doubt that the Las Vegas Raiders will select Mendoza with the first overall pick come April. New Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak’s scheme is built perfectly for a quarterback like Mendoza to thrive in the NFL level. With a wide zone run oriented offense, Mendoza can translate just fine playing in a quick play action offense. This pick will chalked up to Mendoza until his named is announced.
2. NYJ - DL Rueben Bain Jr, Miami
This is where the draft starts. Jets have a variety of different paths to take her at pick 2, but they decide on the proven pass rusher, out of Miami. Bain stand at 6’3 at 270 and has the physical archetype of a true defensive lineman. Playing most snaps as a true EDGE he also has played many snaps at 3 tech and in the interior, showing his versatility along the defensive line. Although his knock is his shorter than average arms, his tape proves that despite the small deficit, he can be a true outside the tackle edge rusher when translating his game to the NFL.
The New York Jets are in no spot to win now and are retooling for the future and no better way than to take the best player available at a position of need. With the loss of Quinnen Williams and the holes across the defensive line, taking Bain is a no doubter. The Jets’ 2025 defense was historically bad across the board; so defensive minded head coach Aaron Glenn will have no problem bolstering the unit going into the 2026 season and beyond.
3. ARI - LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
The Cardinals can go many different directions at the 3rd pick depending on what the New York Jets do at 2. With needs across the offensive line they have their pick between all the top guys on the board. But pass rush and run defense have been a huge issue for Arizona as of the past two years. With Bain off the board, the Cardinals opt for Ohio State versatile defender, Arvell Reese.
Reese is one of the most polarizing players in this draft. With a lack of true EDGE and pass rush downs, it is hard to analysis how he plays as an EDGE rusher. But he is a tremendous athlete, and he showed amazing flashes in 2025 both rushing the passer as a D-lineman and as a true linebacker. Everything about Reese is projecting each part of his game, he is the biggest lottery ticket in this class. He could translate into the same role Micah Parsons did 5 years ago or he could end up turning out the same way Isaiah Simmons did not too long before Parsons. Only time will tell, but the Arizona Cardinals here take that chance for a superstar player
4. TEN - WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The Titans have a very clear route here with their first round pick: help Cam Ward. Last year Ward, the #1 overall pick, was running for his life throwing up amazing balls to receivers who would drop the ball ending the drive. Carnell Tate is the perfect solution to that problem. In back to back seasons with an over 77% catch percentage on all targets, you are getting a sure handed receiver in Tate. With over 60 targets in the 2025 season, Carnell Tate ended the year with 0 drops showing the NFL that he will be catching any pass thrown his way.
The Titans are truly lacking a true outside receiver to compliment Cam Ward and his style of play. With trading down, they get to load up on picks while also getting a player they would have targeted at pick 4. In all, the Tennessee Titans under new head coach Robert Saleh are orientating this offense around their QB in a way to help them win now and in the future. This is a no brainer pick here for the Titans no matter where they may be picking.
5. NYG - OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami
With the new regime under legendary coach John Harbaugh, the Giants are set to make some noise throughout the NFL; and what better way to start it than by bolstering one of the league’s most recently historic bad offensive lines. There are many ways the New York Giants can go here, mainly with spots on the defensive side, but the goal for this season is to help that offense with young star Jaxson Dart and returning superstar Malik Nabers thrive. Teams that win, win in the trenches. And to help protect a young QB in Dart, the Giants opt for one of the top tackles in the class.
Francis Mauigoa was a rock at right tackle for the wildly successful Miami Hurricanes this season , having a 98.4% pass blocking efficiency for the entire 2025 season only allowing 2 sacks and 9 QB hurries. Similarly to Rueben Bain Jr, there are questions about the arm length of Mauigoa with scouts saying he might be more effective in the league playing at guard rather than tackle. The Browns at this pick will honestly not care as what position he would be playing, any spot in the O-line is needed for them so Mauigoa is the perfect plug and play option for them. Either coming in and playing right guard until they feel confident moving him outside or starting him off at that right tackle spot from day 1.
6. CLE - T Monroe Freeling, Georgia
The Browns need to make big moves to be competitive going into the 2026 season. Cleveland’s entire starting 5 offensive lineman are all set to be free agents this NFL offseason, making any position in the front 5 a dire need for this organization and new staff under Todd Monken. After the trade for Tytus Howard, it seems more and more likely they will look to add more to the left side of the line. Here they take their top guy who can make an immediate impact for this offense.
Monroe Freeling is a riser when it comes to draft stock as of the past few weeks. He shined as the bright spot at left tackle for the SEC champion Georgia Bulldogs with a 98.6 pass block efficiency rate and a commanding control over the run game. Freeling is a tackle who also has room to develop and would fit perfectly playing for this Cleveland Browns offensive staff. Freeling will be a plug and play left tackle for Cleveland, having over 1200 snaps at the position in the past two years where he has experience playing. All in all, the Browns are strengthening that line to keep whoever their quarterback may be, on the field as much as possible, setting up this team for their future.
7. WAS - LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Sonny Styles is one of the most polished and well rounded players in the whole draft and the Commanders get him as he falls outside of the top 5. Styles played the most pivotal role for the Ohio State defense commanding the middle of the field and holding down the line. He only missed one tackle in all of 2025 and had been consistently one of the best coverage linebackers in the nation. His sideline to sideline range will be extremely translatable to the NFL with his instructiveness for the ball and coverage. Having a 2.2% missed tackle percentage and a 90+ PFF grade in defense, coverage, and tackling the numbers back up what you see on tape.
Another Ohio State player, but this won’t be the last. The Commanders are in a very interesting spot this offseason where they will be trying to revamp the defense completely. As of the past few years Washington’s defense has been a sore spot in the organization while their offense has been showing bright moments. Bringing in Dan Quinn not too long ago was proof of them wanting to take their defense to the next step, but they need to first bring in the talent.
8. NO - RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
The Saints showed amazing flashes in 2025 from rookie QB Tyler Shough showing he is a starting QB in the NFL to Chris Olave proving his dominance in the receiving game. Kellen Moore has opened up this team to potentially contending to win the NFC South and having a top 10 pick can really push a team forward depending on where they go. New Orleans, like always, has a ton of cap trouble this offseason and one of those hard cuts to make could come to tenured Saints RB Alvin Kamara who is being paid more than the level of product he is putting onto the field. They can replace him while also giving Kellen Moore his Saquon Barkley.
Jeremiyah Love has an argument to be the best player in this class and for a lot of reasons. He carries the ball with such balance and aggression that translates perfectly into an NFL backfield. While having home run hitting breakaway speed, he also is a bruising back who averaged 4.3 yards after contact and had over 130 missed tackles forced throughout his three year career starting for Notre Dame. In both 2024 and 2025 he held a 90+ offensive PFF grade while having a standout performance brining Notre Dame to the championship in 2024. His abilities in the receiving game rival some of the best in the league currently and he will show as a immediate top 15 running back from the moment he steps on the field. He is the all around running back any team looks for in the first round.
Trade
Kansas City Chiefs
Pick 12
Pick 150
Pick 225
2027 3rd Rd (DAL)
Dallas Cowboys
Pick 9
2027 7th Rd (KC)
9. DAL - S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
The Dallas Cowboys come into the offseason with holes all over the defense but they get to fill the safety spot with one of the best options you can find. New defensive coordinator Brian Parker has experience working with players similar to Downs while in Philadelphia and will be able to maximize his talent as the focal piece in the new age Dallas Cowboys defense.
Caleb Downs is one of the blue chip premium players in this draft class. He is truly a do it all safety that can get to all levels of the field which is exactly what Dallas needs. You can see shades of Kyle Hamilton in Downs as a prospect, although he is not as rangey as Hamilton, he makes up for it with his linebacker-esk ability to come into the box and disrupt the play. Similar to Hamilton, Caleb Downs can be a safety that can change a defense altogether and would be a perfect fit for the Brian Parker defense. Downs was an extremely highly touted player coming out of high school and also while transferring to Ohio State. But even with the highest of expectations he always delivered and has shown to be a star in the making.
10. CIN - EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey is a very interesting prospect in this years’ class. He is most true EDGE of the top pass rushers in this class but he does have some very clear flaws to his game. For one he is noticeably smaller than your typical NFL pass rusher which holds him back a lot in the run game. His run defense has major issues with him being able to set the edge and wrap up the running back when he gets the chance. His lower half and his stature are not yet built to go up against and NFL tackle, but conditioning and managing physique is almost guaranteed in the NFL. Though it is not all bad. Bailey is easily the most effective pass rusher in the class, holding over a 90+ pass rush and defense PFF grade in both the 2024 and the 2025 season. He is an elite pass rusher with amazing get off and first step.
The Bengals are in a position where they really need any player on the defensive side of the ball. So here they take the most impactful. Especially with last season’s issues with Shemar Stewart, Bailey can come in as the best pass rusher on the team and help elevate the rest of the defense’s play. Things have to work quickly for Zac Taylor for him to hold the head coach position in Cincinnati while also keeping their contending window open as long as they have Joe Burrow.
Trade
Miami Dolphins
Pick 17
Pick 117
Pick 178
Pick 222
2027 3rd Rd (DET)
Detroit Lions
Pick 11
Pick 227
11. DET - CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
The Detroit Lions know that they have a championship roster, but they also know that the roster has holes and they need to be aggressive to contend in 2026. They make a big jump up into the top half of the first round to take their guy in a position of value. Year after year they have issues at the corner position but this move they believe they have thier answer who fits their man press scheme defense perfectly.
Jermod McCoy had an elite 2024 season for Tennessee with an 89 coverage PFF grade. His film in his sophomore year would be enough to have McCoy drafted in the top 5. The only issue is before the start of the 2025 season he unfortunately tore his ACL, ending his career in college. Although the injury, he. will work out at the combine and show his fluid motion from the 2024 season is still in him. He can be a star cornerback in the league and his film proves it as a true lockdown you can put against a #1 wide receiver.
12. KC - T Spencer Fano, Utah
The Chiefs find themselves in an interesting position, where they are contenders while also picking in the top 10 in the draft. This is their rare chance to get a premium player of a position of need to bolster their roster. With the Cowboys being desperate to move up, the Chiefs and GM Brett Veach find value in moving back and still get their guy. While they do have a decent amount of needs with pass catchers, secondary, and the defensive line, they also have a glaring weak spot in the offensive line. Jawaan Taylor has held back this offense from going the places we know Patrick Mahomes can take them. So it is clear this is a point of upgrade the Kansas City Chiefs need to have circled come the draft.
Spencer Fano is your classic right tackle. He has been battle tested with over 2000 blocking snaps throughout his 3 seasons starting for Utah. In the 2024 and 2025 seasons he’s put up an 98.2% and 99.3% pass blocking efficency rate, respectively, while also having 93.6 and 80 run blocking grades in those two seasons per PFF. Fano is an all round right tackle that would play a key role for the Chiefs taking over the reigns from Jawaan Taylor. The goal is simple: protect Patrick Mahomes.
13. LAR - CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
The Rams absolutely luck into a top 15 pick from the trade giving the Atlanta Falcons James Pearce Jr. Here they are poised to take a star player at a position of need. The Los Angeles Rams roster is one of the most complete you can find, with little to now roster wholes from top to bottom. Some spots that could be seen as possibilities for upgrade could be cornerback, safety, backup quarterback, and options in the receiving game. They happened to luck into a premier talent at one of those positions here.
Mansoor Delane bursted onto the scene in 2025 as a superstar for the LSU Tigers. In this breakout year, Delane earned a first team all american nod in his senior season, highlighting his dominance. He is a very versatile corner who has shown success in both match and man coverage being LSU’s lockdown blanket on defense being one of the team’s only bright spots. Delane only allowed a 31.3 passer rating when targeted, showing his elite lockdown ability. He would fit perfectly in the scheme of this Rams defense, possibly being the star cornerback of an already dominant defense.
14. BAL - G Vega Ioane, Penn State
With new head coach Jesse Minter, the Ravens are destined for a new chapter in the Lamar Jackson era. With Minter in charge of the structure of the defense, this front office will have to make sure the talent surrounding Lamar can keep up with the pace of the defense. One of the biggest problems of Baltimore’s 2025 season was the o-line play throughout the entirety of the year. With impending free agent Daniel Faalele out the door, this team could use a lot of help across the line. They make the easy pick and take Vega Ioane here at 14.
Ioane was the lone bright spot for Penn State’s team; and by a mile aswell. If you want a high level run blocker here is your guy. Ioane shows on tape amazing foot quickness and pull, creating large openings for Penn State’s backs. The gap run scheme will transition just fine into the Ravens style of play. End of the day this move plays into the strength of the Ravens offense; the run game. Add a blocker that can make that much of a difference and call it a day for Baltimore.
Trade
Tampa Bay Buccs
Pick 21
Pick 76
Pick 98
2027 5th Rd (DAL)
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick 15
2027 6th Rd (TB)
15. PIT - WR Makai Lemon, USC
For the past few years it seams like the Steelers are in the conversation for any wide receiver that is made available either through trade or free agency. Especially this past year (even after they acquired DK Metcalf) they have been aggressive as ever to add a pass catcher. And now they have all the ammo needed to go up and get their guy. It makes more than enough sense for the Steelers’ offensive wide scheme to add a receiver like Lemon to their group.
Lemon is one of if no the top pass catcher in this years draft. His ability to get open and find space is something you only see in WRs like Jaxson Smith-Njigba and AmonRa St Brown. Although at USC he was primarily a slot receiver, he has shown that he can also run efficient routes on the outside aswell. Steelers can keep Metcalf out wide while having Lemon in a slot/Y versatile role. Keeping their offense high powered and restocked for a new era of Pittsburgh Steelers football.
16. NYJ - CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
The Jets acquired this pick and another first rounder next year from the trade for Sauce Gardner. But with this pick the Jets do still need to address the holes at cornerback, especially with already adding a piece on the defensive line at #2 overall. The Jets ended the 2025 season with a historic 0 interceptions, so it’s safe to say along with the line, the secondary needs an upgrade too.
The Jets here take the brother of Atlanta Falcons star, AJ Terrell, who also played at Clemson, Avieon Terrell. Terrell has had ups and downs during his career for the Clemson Tigers but the 2025 season you saw more flashes than not. He is a zone heavy corner which works perfectly with Brian Flores’ defense which each year is atop the league in zone usage percentage. Terrell still has a lot of room to grow as a defensive back, but with excellent defensive coaching in Minnesota there isn’t a ceiling for his abilities.
17. MIA - WR Omar Cooper Jr, Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr is one of the best flat out receivers in this draft and this could be the latest he goes come April. Cooper was the lead target for Fernando Mendoza and the national championship Indiana team consistently bailing them out of 3rd and longs and impossible scenarios. He has amazing hands and route running ability, he hits all levels cleanly and without miss. His feel for space and finding the open zone is unmatched, pair this with his big body contested catch ability and you have a star in the NFL.
After trading down, the Dolphins take a difference maker who they may have even taken at 11. After cutting Tyreek Hill it’s not looking good for the WR room outside of Jaylen Waddle. This new staff wants to come in and get their guys and how much more can they do for whoever is their QB in 2026 than to give them a target like Omar Cooper Jr in the first round. Perfect fit all across the board.
18. MIN - S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
The Minnesota Vikings year in and year out have trouble with their secondary unit, and with their star safety Harrison Smith getting older and possibly retiring, safety might be a big need.. Here they take one of he best safeties available with the hopes that this staff can help fill out Thieneman into the player which you can see flash on tape. Thieneman is the biggest scheme fit for the defense they have in Minnestoa.
Thieneman started his career at Purdue, having two amazing seasons. His play set him up to transfer to the University of Oregon as one of their star defensive players. At Oregon he bolstered an extremely high 91 defensive PFF grade. On film you can see his elite pass coverage and run defense instincts. He is a rangey player who can hit all points of the field, with amazing footwork he takes on any tight end he goes up against while also breaking through to the next level disrupting the run.
On the right you can see him pick off Penn State in 2OT to win the game.
19. CAR - EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
The Carolina Panthers for a while have desperately needed help on the edge to rush the passer. For multiple years they have almost entirely neglected the hole in their roster all together. Now they finally have their perfect fit fall right to them in the middle of the first round.
Akheem Mesidor played opposite to #2 overall pick to the Jets, Reuben Bain Jr, although there is a case for Mesidor’s ability to rush the passer being better than Bain’s. Mesidor consistently was a force for that dangerous University of Miami line, totaling 67 pressures in 2025 and earning a pass rush grade of over 92. Mesidor is the complete package but his biggest knock is that he is turning 25 before the season starts, which will not affect his draft position like people speculate. GMs don’t care for the age, they only care if you can play. And man can Mesidor play.
20. DAL - EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Back with their second pick in the first round, Dallas looks to continue strengthening their defense here at this pick. While filling their linebacker need with pick 12, they do still have major struggles at safety, corner back, and edge rusher. They were able to get this pick in the trade sending Micah Parsons to Green Bay, and at this spot they may look to finding his eventual replacement.
Keldric Faulk is your classic developmental EDGE prospect that comes every year or so. Huge guy with large tackle-dominating frame with some flashes rushing the passer but not all put together. Although you can give Faulk those knocks, he does have a huge strength defending the run and has dominated all 2025 against anything coming his way. Grading with back to back seasons with 80+ PFF run defending grades, this is an edge rusher that Dallas can stick on early downs and develop into a guy who can effectively and consistently rush the passer.
21. TB - S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toldeo
At this point of the draft, sometimes you need to throw positional value out and just take the best player available. And being able to take Emmanuel McNeil-Warren here in the back half of the first round makes it really easy. The Buccs have multiple holes all over both sides of their roster, but with a talented player like this on the board, it’s hard to go in a different direction for a team that will be contending to win their division.
Emmmanuel McNeil-Warren is a superstar safety in the making. His alertness and attention to detail on the field is noticeable on every play that he’s out there. He has the make and the film to be one of the top safeties in the league. He has elite intuition for where the ball is going to be in the pass game and a hard motor to cause chaos in the run game. It would truly be a dream for Tampa Bay to trade back this far and still end up to get a player with this elite type of talent.
22. LAC - IDL Caleb Banks, Florida
At this point of the draft, sometimes you need to throw positional value out and just take the best player available. And being able to take Emmanuel McNeil-Warren here in the back half of the first round makes it really easy. The Buccs have multiple holes all over both sides of their roster, but with a talented player like this on the board, it’s hard to go in a different direction for a team that will be contending to win their division.
Emmmanuel McNeil-Warren is a superstar safety in the making. His alertness and attention to detail on the field is noticeable on every play that he’s out there. He has the make and the film to be one of the top safeties in the league. He has elite intuition for where the ball is going to be in the pass game and a hard motor to cause chaos in the run game. It would truly be a dream for Tampa Bay to trade back this far and still end up to get a player with this elite type of talent.
23. PHI - TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
The Eagles can go many way with their first round pick to address positions on their roster. They can always use depth on the defensive line, cornerback group, and even offensive line. Here, Philadelphia takes an amazing player at a position of less value. With Goedert most likely walking in free agency, the Eagles would want to add more than just one starting tight end. Especially with new Offensive Coordinator, Sean Mannion, who loves to run a more heavy 12 personnel offense, it would be ideal for them to take a player to help strengthen that new offensive identity.
Kenyon Sadiq is a very interesting prospect in this class but is still one of the top players. Sadiq didn’t have an extremely productive career at Oregon, only having 560 receiving yards in 2025. But when you watch his film you can see how explosive and safe he is as a receiving prospect and was seemingly misused at his time in college. But along with his potentially elite receiving talent, Sadiq’s best part of his game is his ability to run and pass block; skyrocketing his value as a complete tight end prospect.
24. CLE - WR Denzel Boston, Washington
The Browns are here picking with their second first round pick in this draft. Along with getting their starting left tackle of the future at pick 6, here they take a target for whoever will be playing quarterback for them this season. Heading into the offseason, the Cleveland Browns only really have Jerry Jeudy as a target so why not pick a guy here who can be their main target going into the future.
Denzel Boston is the star receiver for the Washington Huskies who had a steller 2025 season, with over 10 receiving touchdowns and a 14.2 yards per reception. Boston will come in as Cleveland’s X receiver taking on a role similar to what Michael Pittman took with his time on the Indianapolis Colts. Boston is one of the better contested catch receivers in this class, on each game showing his ability to highpoint and reach for off center targets. He fits a role in Todd Monken’s scheme perfectly and will work well in this offense.
Trade
Chicago Bears
Maxx Crosby
Pick 118
Pick 181
Las Vegas Raiders
DJ Moore
Pick 25
Pick 129
Pick 241
2027 3rd Rd (CHI)
25. LV - T Blake Miller, Clemson
It seems more and more likely Crosby will not be in Las Vegas by the time the new league year starts and could be traded at any point now. Here the Raiders would most likely do this trade before the draft but I’m highlighting it here in the terms of the draft as we send Crosby to am edge rusher needy team, the Chicago Bears. Las Vegas in the trade also acquires veteran wide receiver DJ Moore from Chicago in this trade, opening up their depleted WR room, nailing the identity of this new look team; help Mendoza succeeded. And they get to strengthen that side of the ball here with this new pick.
Blake Miller is a top offensive line prospect for a reason. He has been a standout starter for the Clemson Tigers for all 4 years and has only gotten better since his freshman season. He has been the cornerstone for the offense ever since he took the field and has not disappointed once throughout his career. He is the full package: an amazing run blocker whose pass blocking strength has only gotten better throughout his time in college. You could not ask for a better pick here as Las Vegas catches Miller as he falls in the draft. The perfect right tackle for the future of protecting Mendoza and carving paths for Jeanty.
26. BUF - WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson has had an amazing career throughout his time in Colorado and Arizona State, but there is a huge problem with his time in college too. He has never had a fully healthy season, and has always had a severe nagging injury get in the way of his playing time. in the 2022 and 2023 season he missed time for a torn ACL, PCL, and MCL. In 2024 he missed a good portion of his season with a broken collar bone. And in 2025 his season was practically cut in half dealing with an nagging hamstring injury. But when he was on the field, you can tell that he is a standout receiving option. If without all the injuries, Tyson could have ended up top 10; but now it seems like he could even fall as far as the second round.
The Bills will be very willing to take shots to help Josh Allen with great targets. This Buffalo team is lacking true WR1 talent for their former MVP, and a dart throw like Tyson is right up their alley. Joe Brady at his best during his days at LSU utilized talents like Jamarr Chase and Justin Jefferson, so i have no doubt he believes he can do the same with Tyson.
27. SF - OL Kaydn Proctor, Alabama
The San Fransisco 49ers have a lot of spots to fill this offseason with places like defesnive line, wide receiver, cornerback being big needs going into this offseason. But another looming hole on the roster have been the vacant guard spots on their offensive line. Also not to mention their star left tackle Trent Williams is getting much older and will be on his way to retirement in the near future. It’s vital for the two to three year outlook for this team to fill these potential needs on the offensive line.
Kaydn Proctor could be a perfect fit for what this 49ers team wants to address at the offensive line spots. Proctor may not be 100% ready to be a starting NFL left tackle like he was throughout his whole career at Alabama. What’s perfect for this spot is he can plug right away into the left guard spot and learn under Trent Williams to become the team’s franchise left tackle when the time comes. Proctor came out of high school as a 5 star and one of the best prospects. He started through his career at Alabama and has shown amazing flashes of the player he can be. His large 6’7 height and 366 pound frame will drive him up boards. His potential is truly limitless especially in this Shanahan offense.
Trade
Houston Texans
Pick 35
Pick 103
2027 2nd Rd (ARI)
2027 6th Rd (ARI)
Arizona Cardinals
Pick 28
Pick 107
28. ARI - QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
The Cardinals under the new regime of Mike LeFleur will want to make some sort of big move to get their quarterback of the future with Kyler Murray most likely being released this offseason. Here the Arizona Cardinals move a big haul, sending their early 2nd and their 2nd rounder next year, to the Houston Texans to move back up into the first round so they can select the second quarterback off the board in this years draft to be their starter.
Ty Simpson played amazing in the first half of the season, showing flashes in the second half while leading his Alabama team to the college football playoffs. The biggest problem with Ty Simpson is that he’s only had one year (or 15 starts) in his college career. Usually, any quarterback with under 25 starts is dismissed and for good reason; there really are very few quarterback with less than 25 starts who worked out in the NFL. But this staff is in a spot where they need to make a move for their guy, projecting his success in the NFL based on his one year of starting games.
29. LAR - QB Drew Allar, Penn State
This may be one of the more surprising picks of the draft but signs are pointing to it than not. Each day it seems more and more likely that Drew Allar will be selected in the first round, and it makes too much sense for the team to take him to be the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams are looking to the future as Matthew Stafford grows older and older, they will not be the team to be scrambling for a quarterback without a plan. They are also not a team to care if they reach on a player or not; as long as they can get their guy it won’t matter where they pick him.
Drew Allar had amazing 2023 and 2024 seasons for Penn State where it looked like he will be a top 10 picks in this years draft. Unfortunately for him, his 2025 season ended early with a broken ankle, but even before the injury he did not play bad at all. And NFL teams will take into consideration the horrible team around him at Penn State. At the end of the day, it seems more likely than not that Allar will end up being a first round pick, and the Rams find value here at the back half finding their potential Stafford replacement.
30. DEN - LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
The Broncos had a stellar 2025 season, making it all the way to the AFC championship game. But with a new season ahead, Denver still has spots where they can improve on especially with moves this offseason. With needs like receiver, center, and spots along the defense; they opt to take the best player available here with their first round pick. And with a large need at the linebacker spot, Jake Golday makes too much sense for them to pass up on.
Golday in the extremely bright spot on a lower level school changing the way Cincinnati’s defense structured themselves. Bolstering an over 90 PFF run defense grade, Golday has the instincts to attack the run. And you can see on film his safety like ability to stick onto tight ends and slot receivers which makes him an all around payer and a slam dunk pick for the contending Denver Broncos.
31. NE - G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
The New England Patriots just came off an embarrassing loss in the Super Bowl against one of the leagues best defenses. In this loss they showed how weak their offensive line was against the Seahawk’s defensive line, so it would make sense to tackle this group in the offseason. With both Will Campbell and Morgan Moses set at tackle, the Patriots decide to lean into the interior group of their offesnive line and take on of the top guards in this year’s class.
Emmanuel Pregnon was the star in the Oregon Duck’s very successful offensive line. In his breakout 2025 season, Pregnon showed his ability to get low and attack defenders in the run game, a part of his game that was shaky before this year. And solidified his work as a standup guard taking on the other team’s best interior defender. Plugging in Pregnon at left guard for the Patriots can shape the future of this line, protect Drake Maye, and open up the run game for years to come.
Trade
Seattle Sehawks
Pick 36
Pick 140
Pick 184
Tennessee Titans
Pick 32
32. TEN - IDL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
At pick 32, the super bowl champion Seattle Seahawks look for a trade, as they only have 3 other picks besides their first rounder. Finding good value, the Tennessee Titans decide to trade up for their guy on the defensive line. After taking Carnell Tate at 4 and trading for Jermaine Johnson, new coach Robert Saleh will most likely opt to look at the interior of the defensive line next to Jeffrey Simmons.
Lee Hunter showed out big for the Texas Tech Raiders in 2025, being the big run stuffing tackle who also made plays in the pass rush as well. He also shinned during the 2026 senior bowl, dominating opposing tackles and shooting up draft boards. He is a true run stuffing defensive tackle which would perfectly fit the Robert Saleh style of defense. The Titans trade up for a premium player to close out the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.