Field Yates
Multiple Authors
In the previous month since I did my last mock draft, we have had the NFL mix, opening of free agency and a few blockbuster trades. Most just lately, the Broncos traded their first-round pick in a package deal to the Dolphins for large receiver Jaylen Waddle.
We nonetheless have an extended street forward, with professional days simply beginning up across the nation. But for now, it is protected to make some predictions for the primary two rounds primarily based on crew wants, my private rankings and what I’m listening to from folks across the league. That even permits us to get into what the Broncos, Colts, Falcons, Jaguars and Packers would possibly do early — all 5 groups traded away their first-round choices however will pick in Round 2.
Let’s start with the Raiders at No. 1. And for extra on these predictions, take a look at our new present “NFL Draft Daily” at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
See extra on the NFL draft:
Position rankings | Latest mock drafts
Jump to a spherical:
Round 1 | Round 2
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The draft begins at No. 2, as this pick has been etched in stone mainly for the reason that order was determined. Mendoza’s Heisman-winning season displayed superior accuracy, arm power, skill to scan the sphere, clutch manufacturing and good in-pocket mobility.
The Raiders worked hard in free company to beef up the roster round Mendoza, particularly touchdown the most effective out there offensive lineman in heart Tyler Linderbaum. One space Mendoza might want to work on is being beneath heart. He did that simply 3% of the time in 2025; NFL groups performed beneath heart on 34.9% of snaps in 2025.
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
A busy free agency period has the Jets’ protection in an improved place in comparison with the top of final season, with the crew including linebacker Demario Davis and two edge rushers (Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai). But it ought to nonetheless draft for worth at this spot.
Bailey occurs to string the needle of taking a participant with a grade commensurate with the No. 2 pick and at an space the crew should proceed to speculate in. His 14.5 sacks in 2025 have been tied for essentially the most in the FBS, as he performs with a lightning fast first step and aggressive method to go speeding. No Jets participant had over eight sacks final season.
Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State
After releasing Kyler Murray, Arizona’s offseason has signaled that drafting a quarterback is a logical end result. But the Cardinals are usually not going to succeed in for one right here. Like the Jets, the Cardinals can add to their latest front-seven investments, which embrace edge rusher Josh Sweat from last free agency.
Reese is essentially the most distinctive defensive participant in this class, enjoying a hybrid place at Ohio State as an off-ball linebacker and go rusher. He has large size at 6-foot-4, explosive athletic traits and main upside if the Cardinals maintain him at edge rusher. Reese said at the combine that he hasn’t “scratched the surface” as a go rusher. He generated 19 pressures on a mere 97 pass-rush reps in 2025.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Titans do not have a evident want at go rush after trading for Jermaine Johnson and signing John Franklin-Myers. But new coach Robert Saleh should not thoughts extra assist at linebacker behind Johnson, Franklin-Myers and defensive deal with Jeffery Simmons.
Styles has put collectively about pretty much as good of a closing season and predraft course of as you can ask for. He dominated on the sphere in 2025, ending with the third-highest deal with proportion in the FBS (97.5%). Then at the combine, he posted the very best vertical leap by an off-ball linebacker since 2003 (43½ inches) and ran the quickest 40 at his place (4.46). Styles is instinctive and lengthy at 6-foot-5, with the flexibility to cowl or blitz as a former security.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs has been a dominant power longer than every other defender in this class. The former Alabama and Ohio State All-American is a shapeshifter, deploying down in the field towards the run or patrolling the again finish with glorious protection vary.
The Giants made strides in their security room over free company, adding Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington as assist alongside Jevon Holland. But in a league the place profitable defenses deploy three safeties with larger frequency, what does not seem as a serious want for the Giants shouldn’t be dismissed. This would make Downs the very best security drafted since Eric Berry in 2010.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Browns’ most blatant wants are at large receiver and offensive deal with — regardless of loads of new additions — and I’ve been an advocate for contemplating Georgia’s Monroe Freeling right here to fill the left deal with want. But Tate is rated 4 spots larger than Freeling in my individual rankings, so let’s go together with the sure-handed wideout.
Tate averaged 17.2 yards per reception in 2025 and had only one drop. He’s versatile and might stretch the sphere for new coach Todd Monken, posting 875 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. No Browns receiver had over 650 receiving yards or two touchdowns final season.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
I’d argue the ground of Love can be at No. 7, as this could be a house run transfer for the Commanders with their only pick of the primary two rounds. While the crew signed veterans Rachaad White and Jerome Ford in free company, make no mistake that the RB room has greater than sufficient room for Love. Seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt is Washington’s solely returning RB from 2025, when he recorded 805 speeding yards (crew excessive) and simply 68 receiving yards.
Love is essentially the most dynamic offensive participant in this class, operating a 4.36-second 40-yard sprint on the mix and averaging 10.4 yards per catch in 2025. He would instantly alleviate strain on quarterback Jayden Daniels, additionally including worth as a go protector.
Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
Defensive finish Cameron Jordan could possibly be out of New Orleans for the primary time in his 15-year profession, as he is nonetheless a free agent regardless of 10.5 sacks in 2025. Regardless of whether or not Jordan returns, the Saints should be aware of including youth to their pass-rush group.
Bain has arms of destruction that enable him to be a forceful rusher and tenacious run defender. Some evaluators are questioning whether or not he has the size (30⅞-inch arms) to win as regularly on the NFL stage, however he is a well-rounded participant who had 18.5 tackles for loss and 71 pressures in 2025. Per ESPN Research, no edge rusher over the previous twenty years has been drafted in the primary spherical with sub-31-inch arms.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Chiefs are in determined want of extra big-play receivers, as Xavier Worthy hasn’t been a constant sparkplug for them the previous two seasons. Tyson is essentially the most explosive large receiver in the draft and neck and neck with Carnell Tate for WR1 in my rankings. He has excellent measurement, acceleration, distinctive run-after-catch expertise and field-stretching skill.
Tyson handled a hamstring injury in 2025 and beforehand suffered a damaged collarbone and ACL tear, however he alters an offense when wholesome. He had 50 catches, 732 yards and 6 touchdowns in the ultimate six video games of the 2024 season.
0:17
Jordyn Tyson offers Arizona State a two-score lead
Arizona State goes up 16-7 on Jordyn Tyson’s short-touchdown reception.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Cincinnati has addressed the protection in free agency, however a gap at cornerback reverse of DJ Turner stays unanswered. Delane has sturdy man protection method and ball expertise to associate with good measurement at 6-foot, 187 kilos. He completed up his school profession with a season at LSU after three years at Virginia Tech.
Delane’s season in Baton Rouge solidified his first-round standing, as opposing QBs accomplished solely 27.7% of their passes when he was the focused defender (the third-lowest fee in the FBS). Cincinnati allowed a completion proportion of 65.2% final season (nineteenth in the league).
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has referenced constructing his roster from the within out, and Mauigoa can be an enormous enhance to an offensive line that wants it. Miami ranked twenty fourth in go block win fee and twenty ninth in run block win fee final season.
Mauigoa is a gradual, well-built go protector with uncooked energy and the power to get to the second stage. Right deal with Austin Jackson just lately agreed to a lowered and restructured contract that is over after subsequent season, so Mauigoa might slide in there.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
One of the true wild playing cards in this draft is McCoy, as he is a top-10 expertise however has not performed or labored out for scouts since an ACL tear in January 2025. He is expected to take part in Tennessee’s professional day on March 31, which can assist solidify this ceiling if he is wholesome.
At his greatest, McCoy is the highest protection cornerback in this class with distinctive size (77-inch wingspan), ball expertise, endurance and timing to disrupt wideouts. In a full 2024 season, he had 4 interceptions and 7 passes defensed. The Cowboys want all of the cornerback assist they’ll get after ending final in yards per dropback allowed (7.3) and whole go breakups (30).
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Rams do not have many evident wants, so there’s an argument for them to draft a participant who can enhance their Super Bowl odds instantly. However, Freeling is just too good of a prospect to go up if the board fell this manner. He has essentially the most upside of any offensive lineman in this draft, with glorious measurement (6-7, 315 kilos) and athleticism (4.93-second 40-yard sprint).
With solely 18 begins beneath his belt, Freeling would wish time to develop right into a left deal with on the subsequent stage. In Los Angeles, he would have the prospect to be a sixth offensive lineman for a season, as Alaric Jackson is the present beginning left deal with.
Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
The Ravens misplaced Pro Bowl heart Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders in free company, whereas their beginning guards (Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees) ranked thirty second in go block win fee final season. Baltimore signed guard John Simpson to a three-year deal, however it might proceed to beef up its inside offensive line with this pick.
Fano spent the previous two years at proper deal with and has expertise at left deal with, however his 32⅛-inch arms have satisfied some evaluators that he can be higher at guard or heart. He practiced snaps for NFL groups after his mix exercise in Indy. No matter what place Fano finally ends up at, he has premier fluidity and motion expertise (4.91-second 40-yard sprint) for an offensive lineman.
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
An improved go rush is a should for Tampa Bay after it tied for 18th in whole sacks final season (37) and misplaced defensive finish Logan Hall in free company. The relentless Mesidor would assist obtain that objective, coming off a College Football Playoff run the place he had 5.5 sacks in 4 video games.
Mesidor was primarily a defensive deal with at West Virginia earlier than reshaping his physique and ability set to play largely from the sting at Miami. He has a formidable get-off and nuance as a rusher. While he turns 25 earlier than the draft, most view him as a top-15 participant off skill alone.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Despite his reasonable measurement at 5-foot-11, 192 kilos, Lemon’s breakout season in 2025 launched him into dialog with Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate for the most effective receiver in this class. His hallmarks are his toughness, run-after-catch expertise and powerful arms. His catch radius is best than you’d anticipate for a participant who’s constructed extra like a slot receiver, main to twenty contested catches over the previous two seasons.
For the Jets, Lemon’s firepower is important to take some consideration away from Garrett Wilson. Outside of Wilson, no Jets receiver had over 30 receptions or 350 receiving yards in 2025.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Left deal with is a large want for Detroit with the departure of Taylor Decker after 10 seasons. Proctor is a large reply to the issue — actually — at 6-foot-7, 352 kilos. He has energy when he will get his arms on defenders in the operating recreation as effectively.
Proctor’s tape had up-and-down moments throughout his closing school season, as typically his foot quickness was overmatched by edge rushers. But the upside is immense for the 20-year-old left deal with, who began all 40 video games he appeared in at Alabama.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
As Minnesota awaits phrase on whether or not security Harrison Smith will return in 2026, coordinator Brian Flores’ protection is in want of a participant who can provide comparable skill to restrict explosive performs downfield and canopy effectively in the slot. Thieneman had six interceptions as a real freshman at Purdue, displaying distinctive ball expertise, vary and total play. He completed up his profession with one season at Oregon and had a dominant mix, which included a 4.35-second 40-yard sprint.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Throughout this latest run of first-round picks at tight finish, Sadiq separates himself with elite athleticism. At the mix, he posted a 4.39-second 40-yard sprint (tight finish document), 43½-inch vertical leap and 11-foot-1 broad leap.
Sadiq would add a component of explosive run-after-catch skill for Carolina, which wants one other dynamic possibility subsequent to large receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Sadiq needed to bide his time at Oregon enjoying behind present Rams tight finish Terrance Ferguson, however he led all FBS tight ends in receiving touchdowns in 2025 (eight). He greater than holds his personal as a blocker, too.
R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma
Thomas is my sort of soccer participant as an explosive, highly effective and relentless go rusher. Plus, he has heavy arms and a nasty angle when defending the run (21 run stops over the previous two seasons). Thomas handled an harm for a part of the 2025 season, however he nonetheless completed with 6.5 sacks and 23 pressures in 9 video games.
The Cowboys should maintain hammering away at their go rush to seek out some semblance of what that they had with Micah Parsons. Dallas traded for edge rusher Rashan Gary to spice up this identical initiative.
0:58
R Mason Thomas goes 71 yards on pick-six for OU
R Mason Thomas picks up Joey Aguilar’s fumble and goes 71 yards to the top zone for an Oklahoma pick-six vs. Tennessee.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
The clear-cut greatest guard in the draft is Ioane, who additionally occurs to fill the Steelers’ largest want apart from QB. Isaac Seumalo, who began at left guard in Pittsburgh for the previous three seasons, left for the Cardinals in free company. And I proceed to consider that Aaron Rodgers will resolve to play another season with Pittsburgh.
Ioane is a bodily, rugged guard who reveals crunching energy on the level of assault. He was exceedingly dependable at Penn State, which means he could possibly be a plug-and-play starter for new coach Mike McCarthy. Ioane ranks 14th amongst my high total prospects.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
In this yr’s deep security class, McNeil-Warren has a powerful shot to be the third one off the board in the primary spherical. He is extraordinarily fluid and lengthy, with nice play imaginative and prescient and pure disruption expertise. He pressured three fumbles in 2025, whereas recording 12 go breakups and 5 interceptions over the previous three seasons.
The Chargers have wants at edge and guard to deal with in the draft, however security is a sneaky space the place they should get youthful. Derwin James Jr. can be a 30-year-old free agent subsequent offseason.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Though large receiver A.J. Brown continues to be with the Eagles, the truth that the crew reportedly had discussions for a commerce tells you it is nonetheless potential one thing occurs after June 1, when it turns into extra palatable from a wage cap standpoint. Of course, Philadelphia can be skinny long run at receiver with out Brown, which is the place Cooper might assist. He’s among the best gamers in area from this class, averaging 7.3 yards after the catch in 2025. Plus, he can block extraordinarily effectively downfield, which might fare effectively for operating again Saquon Barkley.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Cleveland’s endurance at left deal with pays off right here by touchdown Lomu, who held down that spot reverse of Spencer Fano for the previous two seasons at Utah. Lomu didn’t give up a sack in 2025, however he should grow to be a extra bodily fashioned deal with with improved power at 6-foot-6, 313 kilos.
Lomu is a balanced go protector and an correct striker in the operating recreation. He would fill a huge want for the Browns by sliding in subsequent to the crew’s three latest O-line additions: proper deal with Tytus Howard, guard Zion Johnson and heart/guard Elgton Jenkins.
Zion Young, Edge, Missouri
The Bears have to maintain investing in edge rushers after tying for the worst go rush win fee in 2025 (28.8%) and never signing any big-time free brokers. Young can be an excellent match right here due to his play model. He makes use of heavy, energy arms and his 6-foot-6 body to have interaction and run by means of offensive tackles.
Young additionally has some versatility to scale back down inside on sub downs and rush successfully as a result of his sturdy body can face up to contact. He had 6.5 sacks and two pressured fumbles in 2025.
Proposed commerce: Cardinals transfer again into Round 1
With solely two choices in the opening three rounds, Buffalo might transfer eight spots again to No. 34 and obtain an additional third-round pick (No. 65) from the Cardinals. The Bills would additionally obtain a 2027 third-round pick in the deal.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
With a hat tip to my pal Jordan Reid — the thought leader behind the Cardinals buying and selling up for Simpson — Arizona can execute its personal model of what the Giants accomplished in 2025. New York landed edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 total earlier than buying and selling as much as take quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25. After taking Arvell Reese up high, the Cardinals can land the clear-cut second-best quarterback in this class right here.
Through the early a part of the 2025 season, Simpson stood out together with his skill to navigate the pocket and throw with accuracy and energy when he can set his ft. With Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew on Arizona’s depth chart, the crew can convey Simpson alongside methodically. All 15 of his collegiate begins got here this previous season.
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
The Niners have to work on their edge group, although an enormous enhance will come from the returns of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams from injury. Faulk is an intriguing prospect whose tape was higher in 2024 than 2025 (7.0 sacks in contrast with 2.0, respectively). But his ability set is just too good to disregard: He’s 6-foot-6, 276 kilos with positional versatility and stout run protection. A defensive position coach will see the potential to develop Faulk into a way more constant rusher, as he will not flip 21 years previous till September.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Woods may need the largest vary of the prospects we have mentioned up to now. His ardent believers really feel he might go in the highest 15, whereas skeptics do not see him as a first-round expertise.
Woods is an explosive however undersized defensive deal with whose manufacturing left lots to be desired with simply 5.0 sacks in the previous two seasons. The proper scheme would enable him to take his disruptive first step into opposing backfields regularly. Houston has the most effective protection in the AFC, however it might use some youth at defensive deal with, the place Sheldon Rankins is 31 years previous.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The Chiefs have not had two first-round picks since 2022, after they drafted cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge rusher George Karlaftis. While the previous was traded this offseason (to land this pick), the latter wants some assistance on the sting.
Howell was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 11.5 sacks in 2025, displaying a superb first step, skill to bend the sting and shutting pace. He lacks the optimum size for an edge rusher with simply 30¼-inch arms, however that’s offset by his skill to get beneath and round offensive tackles.
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Following the release of Tyreek Hill and commerce of Jaylen Waddle, Miami’s large receiver group is inarguably the thinnest in the NFL. Adding Concepcion can be a step in the correct course. He’s among the many most explosive gamers in the category, hauling in 25 receiving touchdowns in simply three seasons and taking two punt returns to the home in 2025. However, Concepcion lacks large measurement (6-foot, 196 kilos) and should clear up drops (seven this previous season).
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Patriots linger as a crew in the A.J. Brown sweepstakes, although as I discussed above, no deal involving Brown is more likely to be made till after June 1. New England’s just one,000-yard receiver from 2025 (Stefon Diggs) was cut, and the signing of Romeo Doubs does not full its WR room.
The 6-foot-4 Boston would give the crew higher measurement than it has in its present corps. He is a smooth-moving, versatile wideout who might make splash performs with quarterback Drake Maye. Boston hauled in 20 touchdowns over the previous two seasons, dropping solely 4 of his 209 profession targets.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Terrell put collectively a disruptive closing season at Clemson, because the youthful brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. pressured 5 fumbles in 2025 (after three in 2024). Though Avieon Terrell is on the smaller finish (5-foot-11, 186 kilos), that skill to punch out the ball would make him an excellent asset for a Mike Macdonald protection that had the sixth-most takeaways final season (25). Plus, he’s a pure protection nook who might take a few of Riq Woolen‘s vacated snaps.
Round 2
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Jets traded away Sauce Gardner to the Colts final season, a transfer that was inconceivable to show down given the 2 first-round picks in return. Hood is an explosive nook who reveals upon towards the run and brings good ball expertise alongside together with his 4.44 pace. He helped Tennessee face up to the absence of Jermod McCoy in 2025, ending with 10 go breakups.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Bills have a big want at inside linebacker and nonetheless get to deal with it regardless of transferring again eight spots. Allen is the second-best linebacker in my rankings; he is a bodily participant with good vary and talent to identify drop into protection. He added 3.5 sacks in 2025, too.
Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech
If your objective is to get harder in this draft, good luck discovering a participant that matches that invoice higher than Rutledge. The bodily, grading guard personified what was a hard-nosed, relentless program at Georgia Tech. Tennessee must proceed to fortify the offensive line, particularly as guard Kevin Zeitler‘s plans for 2026 stay undecided.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Under new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, the Raiders are anticipated to a play 3-4 protection. There isn’t any higher choice to anchor that scheme than McDonald, who’s the most effective run stuffer in this class and in addition added 3.0 sacks in 2025. He is rugged on the level of assault, utilizing his highly effective arms to regulate inside offensive linemen.
Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
The Giants have a powerful offensive deal with duo, however they need to stockpile on inside offensive linemen to maintain quarterback Jaxson Dart upright. Bisontis has glorious arms, is an athletic redirector in go safety and brings place versatility. He would actually enhance the Giants’ guard place, and he has prior beginning expertise at proper deal with, too.
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
After signing Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller in free company, Houston’s offensive line is in steadier form. But each of these gamers can be in their 30s when the upcoming season begins. Miller is a battled-tested, athletic proper deal with that would offer — on the very least — high deal with depth as a rookie.
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Cornerback is a sneaky want for the Browns reverse five-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward. Cisse is a high-upside participant who’s snug getting up into press protection and being bodily with large receivers on the level of assault.
Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Kansas City noticed Leo Chenal sign with the Commanders and will discover his alternative in Golday, a former Central Arkansas star who wrapped up his profession at Cincinnati. He’s instinctive and rangy, and he might present legit pass-rush juice for coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. He registered 12 pressures on simply 68 pass-rush snaps in 2025.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Cincinnati’s linebacker corps actually wants assist; Hill has as a lot splash play manufacturing as any linebacker in the category. He racked up 17.0 sacks and 7 pressured fumbles in three seasons, with pure motion expertise defending the go as effectively.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
With Alontae Taylor now in Tennessee, the Saints have a gap at cornerback to deal with. Johnson was an opportunistic playmaker at San Diego State and has glorious ball expertise and reactive athletic actions. He blazed a 4.40 in the 40 on the mix as effectively.
Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF
Needs exist everywhere in the Dolphins’ roster, together with reverse of Chop Robinson, to spice up a go rush that tied for twenty third in go rush win fee final season. Lawrence would do precisely that, with among the greatest closing skill in the category (19.5 sacks in the previous three seasons). He has been a riser in the course of the predraft course of.
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Miller would assist fill the void created when the crew traded away Quinnen Williams. (This pick is from Dallas in that commerce.) Miller is a brick wall at 6-foot-4, 321 kilos, utilizing his size to get his arms up in passing lanes and his power to assist collapse the inside of the pocket.
T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
General supervisor Eric DeCosta said the team was eyeing a duo of Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby, a testomony to the necessity for extra edge depth. Parker got here into this previous season with huge expectations as a possible top-10 choice. He’s not at that stage, however he is a heavy-handed rusher with disruptive energy. Parker set a Clemson document for essentially the most pressured fumbles in 2024 (six).
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
The tight finish place offered minimal influence for the Bucs’ passing recreation final season, as they ranked final in whole receiving yards by tight ends (589). Though Cade Otton was re-signed to a four-year deal, Stowers would convey a way more dynamic ability set to the place. He’s a former Texas A&M quarterback who led all FBS tight ends in receiving yards this previous season (769).
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Could Banks be lengthy gone earlier than this? It’s potential, however Banks just lately underwent a foot procedure and was restricted to only three video games in 2025. He’s 6-foot-6, 327 kilos and has 35-inch arms to offer him pass-rushing upside. With 32-year-old DeForest Buckner coming back from a neck injury, the Colts want youth at defensive deal with.
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
It’s believable that Iheanachor can also be gone method earlier than this choice, as he has main upside as a consequence of solely 5 years of soccer expertise. (He didn’t play in highschool.) He confirmed regular annual enchancment at Arizona State and has glorious traits, together with an 83¼-inch wingspan. Atlanta’s beginning tackles are rock strong, however LT Jake Matthews is 34 and RT Kaleb McGary is 31.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State
It’s unclear whether or not the Vikings will trade away exterior linebacker Jonathan Greenard, however the crew should put together for that risk. Dennis-Sutton is the most recent in an extended line of Penn State go rushers to graduate to the NFL. He has a powerful mixture of measurement (6-foot-6, 256 kilos) and energy, posting back-to-back 8.5-sack seasons and 53 pressures in 2025.
Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois
Certain gamers simply appear to be they’d match in coach Dan Campbell’s program — and Jacas is certainly one of them. He’s a hard-nosed rusher with heavy arms and a dedication to defending the run (21 run stuffs over the previous two seasons). The Lions should proceed to stockpile younger rushers to enrich Aidan Hutchinson.
Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
Left deal with Ikem Ekwonu‘s standing is unclear for the beginning of subsequent season after a knee injury in Carolina’s wild-card loss to the Rams. The Panthers have already got an insurance coverage plan in free agent signing Rasheed Walker, however each Ekwonu and Walker are beneath contract for only one extra season. Tiernan is a gradual deal with who strikes effectively at his gigantic stature (6-foot-8), though he has simply 32⅛-inch arms.
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
There can be some parts of a 3-4 scheme in Green Bay beneath new coordinator Jonathan Gannon, which is the place Hunter can match as a nostril deal with. Hunter had some uneven stretches of play and simply 7.5 sacks in 4 seasons, however he has intriguing upside and completed his collegiate profession with a standout efficiency towards Oregon in the CFP.
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
One of my favourite worth strikes of the offseason was Pittsburgh buying and selling for large receiver Michael Pittman Jr., however the crew should proceed to deal with that place. Thompson ran the quickest 40-yard sprint on the mix (4.26 seconds) and led the SEC in receiving yards this previous season (1,054). He can constantly get separation downfield, which can translate effectively to the subsequent stage.
Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa
The Eagles can clearly line up with 5 beginning offensive linemen proper now and be in good condition, however few groups method the draft with an extended lens than Philly beneath common supervisor Howie Roseman. Dunker has school expertise at proper deal with (predominantly) and each guard spots; he surrendered zero sacks in 2025. There will not be a crew in the NFL with ample offensive line depth, so including to this room is vital.
Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
While the Chargers’ offense will look completely different beneath new coordinator Mike McDaniel, coach Jim Harbaugh will all the time have an affinity for giant, highly effective linemen. Pregnon definitely matches that invoice at 314 kilos with an 82⅞-inch wingspan. He pressured defensive gamers into enterprise selections throughout stops at Idaho, USC and Oregon. The Chargers’ want for inside O-line assistance is well-documented.
Keyron Crawford, Edge, Auburn
Jacksonville can use its first collection of the 2026 draft on pass-rushing depth, as Crawford brings some severe juice. He performed only one yr of highschool soccer earlier than becoming a member of Arkansas State, so he’s nonetheless coming into his personal as a participant. Crawford is electrical turning the nook on offensive tackles and was extra impactful than Keldric Faulk for Auburn in 2025.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Chicago’s defensive overhaul this offseason included the release of Tremaine Edmunds and an total deal with getting quicker. Rodriguez would assist with the latter in Edmunds’ place. Making him an excellent higher match is that he is the most effective ball disruptor in the category; he pressured an astonishing seven fumbles and had 4 interceptions in 2025. The Bears led the NFL in takeaways final season (33).
0:33
Jacob Rodriguez comes up with the INT for Texas Tech
Bear Bachmeier is picked off by Jacob Rodriguez to offer the Red Raiders the ball again.
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
The 49ers onboarded a pair of veteran wideouts this offseason in Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, however the room undoubtedly wants an infusion of youth. Bernard is a buttery {smooth} route runner with glorious instincts towards all forms of protection. He’s regular after the catch and would have an opportunity to thrive beneath coach Kyle Shanahan.
Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
One of the issues I love in regards to the Texans’ group is their skill to maximise defensive gamers, no matter any supposed limitations they might have. Louis is an unconventional sized linebacker at 6-feet and 220 kilos, however he has unbelievable playmaking skill, protection instincts and physicality that may journey to the NFL. Some groups will consider him as a powerful security, however regardless of his listed place on the roster, he’ll carve out an vital function.
Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona
Stukes is a hybrid participant who can successfully influence the operating recreation (28 tackles on designed rushes in 2025) and produce in protection (4 INTs). He’s an older prospect at age 26, however he’d be a helpful addition to a Chicago security room that misplaced Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker in free company.
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Bell has the ability to be gone lengthy earlier than this pick, however he is nonetheless recovering from an ACL tear this previous November. The Rams have an enviable beginning receiver duo in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, which might ease the early burden on Bell. The 6-foot-2, 222-pounder is extraordinarily explosive in the open subject and will present depth behind each stars.
Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Denver made its huge splash so as to add Jaylen Waddle, a transfer that was logical in half as a result of the roster has so few limitations. Inside linebacker is an space to proceed so as to add at after Dre Greenlaw couldn’t provide a lift this previous season. Trotter is certainly one of my favourite matches in this spherical. He’s a troublesome, hard-nosed and instinctive run defender in visitors who might slide into coordinator Vance Joseph’s protection.
Jaishawn Barham, Edge, Michigan
Barham spent two seasons at Maryland as an off-ball linebacker earlier than ending at Michigan in a task that was extra edge rusher heavy. He’s a particularly explosive participant whose heavy arms knock offensive tackles again, however he might nonetheless develop extra of a rush plan and pick up among the nuances of the sting place. New England wants actual juice off the sting after simply 35 sacks in 2025 (tied for twenty second in the league).
Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
This can be a fortuitous twist for the champs, as Price is the forty third participant on my board who slides solely as a result of groups attacked extra premium positions. The glorious complement to Jeremiyah Love, Price is a bodily and quick runner who also can make performs in the return recreation. While he had simply six catches in 2025, he might develop into a greater passing possibility with extra publicity. The Seahawks want backfield assist after Kenneth Walker III signed with the Chiefs.
