2026 NFL Mock Draft: Team Needs and Targets
0This exercise will be a first round mock draft, assessing team needs and identifying targets for later rounds. There will be no trades and each team will be selecting at their draft position as of April 11th, 2026. We’ll analyze player potential, while also considering the broader impact these picks will have on NFL franchises. The goal is to offer an insightful look into how this year’s NFL draft might unfold and provide a quick debrief on the top prospects of 2026.
After publishing a 2025 mock in the same format just one week after the Combine, 26/32 projected first round players ultimately went in Round 1. This reinforced a key takeaway that mock drafting isn’t just about evaluating talent, it’s about understanding team behavior. Organizational philosophy, contract structures, depth charts, and positional value all heavily influence how the board actually falls. It also exposed a consistent gap between media consensus and front office decision making, with notable discrepancies like Shedeur Sanders, Will Johnson, and Luther Burden. Link to 2025 mock, 26/32.
Team Directory: LV, NYJ, ARI, TEN, NYG, CLE, WAS, NO, KC, CIN, MIA, DAL, LAR, BAL, TB, NYJ, DET, MIN, CAR, DAL (via GB), PIT, LAC, PHI, CLE (via JAX), CHI, BUF, SF, HOU, KC (via LAR), MIA (via DEN), NE, SEA
From a fantasy perspective, several picks stand out for immediate 2026 impact. Jeremiah Love offers the highest upside, stepping in to turnaround the backfield of an offense that desperately needs a centerpiece. Carnell Tate steps into a situation with a large target share available and new coaching staff ready to be impressed. Kenyon Sadiq’s elite athleticism makes him an immediate TE1 streaming option in any offense, while Omar Cooper can offer big play upside for a team that lacked explosive weapons.
Presumed #1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza may enter a mentorship situation following Kirk Cousins’ signing. However, he could pop to fantasy relevance quickly if Cousins struggles or suffers an injury, similar to Jaxson Dart with Russell Wilson in 2025. While these names headline the class from a fantasy perspective, there are plenty of other prospects poised to make an impact on the 2026 season. Let’s dive into the full first-round mock draft.
#1 Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza 6’5 225 (IU)
Combine – DNP
Pick Analysis: The Raiders finished 3-14 in 2025 and their QB room was among the most dysfunctional units in football, averaging just 167 passing YPG. With no long term answer under center and a fanbase exhausted by years of instability, Fernando Mendoza is the clear potential franchise savior. At 6’5, with elite arm talent, quick processing, pinpoint accuracy on intermediate throws, and pocket presence to navigate chaos, Mendoza led Indiana to the national championship during his Heisman season in 2025. He fits perfectly with new HC and former Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak who runs a scheme that emphasizes rhythm and timing along with a plethora of new talent through free agency. With Mendoza’s pocket processing in Kubiak’s offense, the Raiders will look to turn around a league leading 50 sacks allowed in 2025.
11 picks: 1, 36, 67, 102, 117, 134, 175, 182, 185, 208, 219
Needs: WR, DL, OL, FS
Targets: WR KC Concepcion (A&M), OG Keylan Rutledge (GT), DL Zane Durant (PSU)
#2 Jets – ED/LB Arvell Reese 6’4 241 (OSU)
40 time: 4.46 1/28 ED/LBs
Arms: 32.5” 19/33 EDs
Pick Analysis: After another 3-14 disaster and full teardown at the trade deadline, the Jets sit with a mountain of picks and zero pass rush juice off the edge. Reese brings explosive first step quickness, elite bend, and the versatility to play as a stand-up LB or hand-down ED. His 4.46 forty and 8 sacks in 2025 scream NFL disruptor. Pairing him with new signing ED Joseph Ossai and DT T’Vondre Sweat upgrades a unit that finished second last in sacks. New York gets a versatile cornerstone defender and much needed spark to the rebuild.
9 picks: 2, 16, 33, 44, 103, 140, 179, 228, 242
Needs: WR, DB, OL, QB, DL
Targets: WR Chris Bell (LOU), ED R Mason Thomas (IU), CB Brandon Cisse (SCAR)
#3 Cardinals – RT Francis Mauigoa 6’5.5 329 (MIA)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 33.25” 18/24 OTs
Pick Analysis: Arizona also finished 3-14 while dealing with their own QB instability problems and released now Vikings QB Kyler Murray. Francis Mauigoa, a premier RT prospect, brings a rare combination of power and athleticism to anchor the right side for years to come. His tape against elite CFB playoff rushers shows the foot quickness and recovery ability to handle speed to power moves. This pick stabilizes the offensive line, giving a re-signed Jacoby Brissett and revamped run game with Tyler Allgeier a fighting chance across from Paris Johnson at LT. There are some concerns about his arm length at just 33.25”, but in former Rams OC Mike LaFleur’s system his mobility, balance, and ability to climb to the second level should make him an immediate impact starter.
7 picks: 3, 34, 65, 104, 143, 183, 217
Needs: DL, CB, IOL
Targets: ED Malachi Lawrence (UCF), DB Keionte Scott (MIA), OG Beau Stephens (UI)
#4 Titans – RB Jeremiah Love 6’0 212 (ND)
40 time: 4.36 2/9 RBs
10 split: 1.51 1/9 RBs
Pick Analysis: Coming off another 3-14 season and searching for a true three down back, Tennessee goes against conventional drafting to land the most explosive RB in the class inside the top 5. Jeremiah Love’s 4.36 speed, elite 10-split, and decisive vision make him a home run threat on any given down who can also contribute at a high level in the passing game. He was an all-around superstar at Notre Dame, rushing for 2882 yards, 594 receiving yards, and 42 scrimmage TDs during his 3 year career. Also showing his prowess in pass protection, allowing 0 sacks on 83 pass block snaps in 2025. Along with new WR Wan’Dale Robinson, Love will help give Cam Ward’s offense the dynamic complement it lacked to wear down defenses late in games. While HC Robert Saleh has a defensive background, the Titans add a centerpiece for OC Brian Daboll’s backfield that they can rely on.
9 picks: 4, 35, 66, 101, 142, 144, 184, 194, 225
Needs: DL, DB, OL
Targets: DT Lee Hunter (TTU), CB Chris Johnson (SDSU), OG Gennings Dunker (UI)
#5 Giants – LB Sonny Styles 6’5 244 (OSU)
40 time: 4.46 1/12 LBs
Broad: 134” 1/14 LBs
Vertical: 43.5” 1/14 LBs
Pick Analysis: The Giants finished 4-13 with back to back wins at the end of the season costing them the top pick, but they still land the most athletic LB in the draft. Sonny Styles’ 6’5 frame, 4.46 speed, 43.5” vertical, and 134” broad jump, along with his ability to diagnose plays, gives him sideline to sideline range and coverage ability rarely seen at the position. He immediately upgrades a LB group that struggled in coverage and run while providing another blitz threat. New York starts the John Harbaugh era by adding a true difference maker to an already impressive front 7.
7 picks: 5, 37, 105, 145, 186, 192, 193
Needs: WR, DB, OL
Targets: WR Skyler Bell (UCONN), DB Lorenzo Styles Jr. (OSU), OL Max Iheanachor (ASU)
#6 Browns – LT Monroe Freeling 6’7 315 (UGA)
Arms: 34.75” 3/24 OTs
40 time: 4.93 3/19 OTs
Broad: 115” 2/14 OTs
Pick Analysis: Cleveland’s 5-12 record and rock bottom QB play scream offensive line help. They have already added 3 projected starters on the right side of the offensive line through free agency, Monroe Freeling’s 6’7 length, 34.75” arms, and athletic testing make him the ideal LT to protect whoever the future QBs are. His combine numbers compare to Browns Hall of Fame LT Joe Thomas, who measured in at 6’7, 312, 34” arms, and a 110” broad. Freeling’s Georgia tape shows off his impressive athletic testing numbers, elite pass pro technique (1 sack in 747 pass block snaps) and power to dominate at multiple levels. Despite occasional struggles to anchor with his lower half at times, he remains one of the few highly rated LTs in the class. This is a team with plenty of needs and in prime position to trade down for a second year in a row, but the pick of Freeling gives the offense a foundation it has lacked for years.
10 picks: 6, 24, 39, 70, 107, 141, 146, 149, 206, 248
Needs: WR, OL, DL, QB
Targets: WR Denzel Boston (WAS), OG Emmanuel Pregnon (UO), DT Christen Miller (UGA)
#7 Commanders – S Caleb Downs 5’11.5 206 (OSU)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 30.25” 19/22 S
Pick Analysis: Following a 2024 NFC Championship appearance, Jayden Daniels’ injury plagued 2025 season exposed a lack of playmakers around him and a defense that allowed the most YPG (384). The Commanders added Chig Okonkwo to replace Ertz and Rachaad White to the RB room, but the departure of Deebo Samuel leaves a glaring hole that will need to be addressed. They invested heavily on the defensive side of the ball with signings of ED Odafe Oweh, LB Leo Chenal, and DT Tim Settle. GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn continue this trend by drafting Caleb Downs. He brings the range, sure tackling, and versatility to play deep or in the box that they have been lacking. His blue chip pedigree makes him the perfect piece to lock down the back end for a rebuilding defense and playoff push.
6 picks: 7, 71, 147, 187, 209, 223
Needs: WR, DL, OL
Targets: WR Bryce Lance (NDSU), ED Derrick Moore (UM), OC Jake Slaughter (FL)
#8 Saints – ED David Bailey 6’3.5 251 (TTU)
Arms: 33.62” 6/33 EDs
40 time: 4.5 2/18 EDs
Broad: 129” 3/15 EDs
Pick Analysis: New Orleans finished 6-11 and desperately needs ED help after years of mediocrity on that side. Bailey’s length, 4.50 speed, and explosive testing make him a versatile 4-3 or 3-4 ED who sets the outside end and rushes the passer. He showed advanced technique and an unlimited motor at Texas Tech that translates immediately, racking up 13 sacks (FBS leader) and 42 hurries in his senior year after transferring from Stanford. This pick gives the Saints a dominant pass rushing presence they have lacked across from Chase Young.
8 picks: 8, 42, 73, 132, 136, 150, 172, 190
Needs: WR, DB, DL
Targets: WR Chris Brazzell II (TEN), CB Julian Neal (ARK), DL Zane Durant (PSU)
#9 Chiefs – ED Rueben Bain Jr. 6’2 263 (MIA)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 30.875” 30/33 EDs
Pick Analysis: Kansas City’s 6-11 season gives them their first top 10 pick since selecting Mahomes in 2017. Their defense remained stout in spite of Mahomes’ ACL injury, allowing 300 YPG (10/32 teams) but only hit home on 35 sacks (25/32). Bain brings power, quickness, and a relentless motor that fits Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive scheme. Even with historically shorter arms, his production and first step explosion make him a perfect complement to Chris Jones. Mahomes and the Chiefs get impact help in an offseason where the team lost its top two CBs.
9 picks: 9, 29, 40, 74, 109, 148, 169, 176, 210
Needs: DB, OL, WR/TE
Targets: S Zakee Wheatley (PSU), OG Emmanuel Pregnon (UO), TE Tanner Koziol (HOU)
#10 Bengals – CB Mansoor Delane 6’0 187 (LSU)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 30” 29/32 CBs
Pick Analysis: Cincinnati finished 6-11 with another season of injuries to Joe Burrow and defensive woes, giving up the second most YPG (380). Mansoor Delane’s instincts, ball skills, and press ability make him an immediate dynamic starter. While not competing at the combine, Delane reportedly ran a 4.38 40 at LSU’s pro day. The team lost Trey Hendrickson inside the division to the Ravens, but added a sure tackling S Bryan Cook, ED Boye Mafe, and DT Jonathan Allen. Having Delane in coverage will reduce the number of shootouts after allowing the third most PPG in 2025 (28.9) and help support one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
8 picks: 10, 41, 72, 110, 189, 199, 221, 226
Needs: LB, DL, DB
Targets: LB Jake Golday (CIN), ED Joshua Josephs (TEN), S Genesis Smith (AZ)
#11 Dolphins – WR Carnell Tate 6’2 192 (OSU)
Arms: 31.75” 17/46 WRs
40 time: 4.53 27/34 WRs
10 split: 1.61 31/34 WRs
Pick Analysis: Miami’s 7-10 season and QB carousel brought plenty of change this offseason. By releasing or trading a plethora of players and signing Willis, Miami significantly handicaps their payroll flexibility with $175+ million in 2026 dead money. Tate brings reliable hands, precise route running, and the contested catch ability to become the team’s clear top target in 2026. The 6’2 OSU product averaged an insane 3 YPRR in 2025, giving Miami a seasoned big slot/outside technician who can win underneath and stretch the field. New HC Jeff Hafley (25′ Packers DC) adds a weapon for his offensive staff, including new OC Bobby Slowik (25′ Texans OC) and passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo (25′ Eagles OC).
10 picks: 11, 30, 43, 75, 87, 90, 111, 151, 227, 238
Needs: DB, OL, DL, WR/TE
Targets: S DeShon Singleton (NU), LT Caleb Lomu (UTAH), TE Eli Stowers (VAN)
#12 Cowboys – S Dillon Thieneman 6’0 201 (UO)
40 time: 4.35 4/13 S
Vertical: 41” 2/16 S
Shuttle: 4.18 1/3 S
Pick Analysis: Dallas finished 7-9-1 with a defense near the bottom of the league, ranking last in PPG allowed (30.1) and third in YPG allowed (377). Dillon Thieneman’s blazing 4.35 speed, explosive 41” vertical, and elite shuttle make him a rangy center fielder who can cover TEs and play deep. The team’s biggest free agency splash was signing another versatile S Jalen Thompson, with those two instantly being significant upgrades for a struggling unit ahead of 2026.
8 picks: 12, 20, 92, 112, 152, 177, 180, 218
Needs: CB, DL, OT
Targets: CB D’Angelo Ponds (IU), ED Malachi Lawrence (UCF), RT Dametrious Crownover (A&M)
#13 Rams – WR Jordyn Tyson 6’2 203 (ASU)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 30.25” 36/46 WRs
Pick Analysis: The Rams are looking to follow up an NFC Championship appearance with aggressive free agency moves. They solidified the secondary, trading #29 to the Chiefs for Trent McDuffie, signing his teammate Jaylen Watson, and retaining Kamren Curl. Jordyn Tyson’s route running, body control, and YAC ability make him a perfect fit to learn from Davante Adams in Sean McVay’s scheme. He gives Matthew Stafford yet another reliable target who has the ability to win outside and in the slot. The red flag is his medical history, with 17/33 games missed in his college career. Tyson was unable to participate in the combine and his pro day due to a hamstring injury, continuing to add question marks to his profile that he hopes to answer during his private workout on April 17th. If a competitor like the Rams decides they are confident enough to take him in the top 15, there will be immediate high fantasy upside here.
7 picks: 13, 61, 93, 207, 232, 251, 252
Needs: QB, DL, OL
Targets: QB Drew Allar (PSU), ED Cashius Howell (A&M), RT Blake Miller (CLEM)
#14 Ravens – OL Spencer Fano 6’5.5 311 (UTAH)
40 time: 4.91 2/39 OLs
3-cone: 7.34 1/13 OLs
Arms: 32.125” 24/24 OTs & 23/32 IOLs
Pick Analysis: Baltimore’s disappointing 8-9 season exposed trench weaknesses on both sides and was plagued with injuries. Spencer Fano’s athletic testing and versatility give him the ability to play OT or OG, giving the Ravens a flexible lineman to protect Lamar and run the ball with Derrick Henry. After declining to go through with the Maxx Crosby trade, Eric DeCosta adds the mauler to reestablish the Ravens’ identity in the trenches. He will join LT Ronnie Stanley in spite of losing OC Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders on a deal worth $9 million more APY than the second highest paid OC.
11 picks: 14, 45, 80, 115, 154, 162, 173, 174, 211, 250, 253
Needs: DL, WR, IOL
Targets: DT Christen Miller (UGA), WR Ted Hurst (GAS), OC Parker Brailsford (ALB)
#15 Buccaneers – CB Jermod McCoy 6’1 188 (TEN)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 31.25” 13/32 CBs
Pick Analysis: Tampa Bay missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019 at 8-9, allowing the 6th most passing YPG. Facing the likes of Tetairoa McMillan, Drake London, and Chris Olave twice a year, having a shutdown CB is more than an essential in the NFC South. Jermod McCoy’s length, ball skills, and press man ability immediately upgrade a struggling secondary. This is another player who has shown elite traits but comes with an injury history, missing all of 2025 due to a torn ACL. If he is fully recovered, McCoy can give the Bucs a potential shutdown CB to matchup better in a strong WR division.
7 picks: 15, 46, 77, 116, 155, 195, 229
Needs: DL, DB, OL
Targets: ED Joshua Josephs (TEN), CB Davison Igbinosun (OSU), OG Emmanuel Pregnon (UO)
#16 Jets – OG Olaivavega Ioane 6’4 320 (PSU)
Arms: 32.75” 16/32 IOLs
Broad: 104” 16/22 IOLs
Vertical: 31.5” 9/20 IOLs
Pick Analysis: The Jets use their second first rounder (via Colts Sauce Gardner trade) on Olaivavega Ioane’s power to replace Alijah Vera-Tucker. He has immediate interior anchor potential as a people mover in the run game and technique to protect Geno Smith. The three year starter allowed all 3 of his career sacks during his sophomore year, followed by 2 clean seasons with only 4 hurries in his senior year. This pick gives the offensive line a new powerful OG to establish physicality in the trenches for HC Aaron Glenn’s run heavy scheme that was 10th in rush attempts (456) in 2025.
9 picks: 2, 16, 33, 44, 103, 140, 179, 228, 242
Needs: WR, DB, QB, DL
Targets: CB Chris Johnson (SDSU), ED R Mason Thomas (IU), WR Tyren Montgomery (JCU)
#17 Lions – LT Kadyn Proctor 6’6.5 352 (ALB)
Arms: 33.375” 14/24 OTs
40 time: 5.21 18/19 OTs
Broad: 109” 11/17 OTs
Pick Analysis: Detroit’s 9-8 season saw former strengths become weaknesses along the line. Departures of Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler were glaring, with long time LT Taylor Decker now requesting his release. Kadyn Proctor’s massive 6’6.5 frame gives the Lions a potential immediate shield for Jared Goff’s blind side, plus an elite OG profile. He struggles with finding bodies to hit in space and will need to improve in order to stick at OT in the NFL. His raw combination of size, power, and athleticism will be the start of HC Dan Campbell addressing the OL depth issues that plagued their 2025 season.
9 picks: 17, 50, 118, 128, 157, 181, 205, 213, 222
Needs: DL, OL, DB
Targets: DT Lee Hunter (TTU), ED Caden Curry (OSU), CB Toriano Pride Jr. (MIZZU)
#18 Vikings – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren 6’3.5 201 (TOL)
40 time: 4.52 13/14 S
Broad: 122” 9/12 S
Vertical: 35.5” 12/16 S
Pick Analysis: Bringing in Kyler Murray to compete with JJ McCarthy after a playoff missing 9-8 season, the Vikings need to keep the defense a strength. The team allowed the third least YPG (282), second least passing YPG (158), and held opponents to under 20 PPG. McNeil-Warren’s length, range, and body control make him a perfect modern safety who can cover and hit to take over for the released Harrison Smith. This pick locks down the back end and allows the Vikings’ defense to stay elite, returning a majority of their starters for 2026 (8 depth losses).
9 picks: 18, 49, 82, 97, 163, 196, 234, 235, 244
Needs: DL, OL, RB
Targets: DT Christen Miller (UGA), OG Chase Bisontis (A&M), RB Mike Washington Jr. (ARK)
#19 Panthers – TE Kenyon Sadiq 6’3 241 (UO)
40 time: 4.39 1/18 TEs
Broad: 133” 2/18 TEs
Vertical: 43.5” 2/17 TEs
Pick Analysis: Carolina’s 8-9 division winning season rejuvenated the fanbase and brought them back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Adding multiple top end defensive free agent pieces in ED Jaelan Phillips, LB Devin Lloyd, and OT Rasheed Walker, another explosive pass catching weapon may be what takes them over the hump. Kenyon Sadiq’s elite athleticism (4.39 forty, 43.5 vertical) makes him a matchup nightmare, while showcasing sufficient run blocking ability during his time at Oregon. He posted career highs of 51 receptions, 560 yards, and 8 TDs in his junior year. The NFC South has a true hybrid weapon to worry about in complement to Tetairoa McMillan and Bryce Young.
7 picks: 19, 51, 83, 119, 158, 159, 200
Needs: DL, DB, WR
Targets: ED Gabe Jacas (ILL), CB Davison Igbinosun (OSU), WR Deion Burks (OKLA)
#20 Cowboys – LB CJ Allen 6’1 230 (UGA)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 31.5” 14/28 LBs
Pick Analysis: Dallas (via Packers Micah Parsons trade) continues to address defensive issues with CJ Allen. His instincts, tackling, and 3 years in Georgia’s elite system make him a three down LB with fluid hips in coverage, strong block shedding technique, and blitz upside. Allen is just 20 years old, totaling a career high 65 tackles and 4 sacks during his junior 2025 campaign. This pick is a major upgrade for a desperate LB room, looking to help return the Cowboys to the playoffs in 2026 through defensive prowess in a NFC East featuring Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, and Jaxson Dart.
8 picks: 12, 20, 92, 112, 152, 177, 180, 218
Needs: CB, DL, OT
Targets: CB Julian Neal (ARK), DL LT Overton (ALB), LT Markel Bell (MIA)
#21 Steelers – QB Ty Simpson 6’1 211 (ALB)
Combine – DNP
Pick Analysis: Pittsburgh’s 10-7 season ended with their 6th first round playoff loss in a row. HC Mike Tomlin stepped down, and QB questions circle Aaron Rodgers after the hiring of his former HC Mike McCarthy. They had a sneaky efficient free agency, signing CB Jamel Dean, S Jaquon Brisker, Rico Dowdle, and retaining Cam Heyward. Selecting Ty Simpson brings mobility, accuracy, and poise to develop into a long term answer under center alongside a revamped defense. This pick hopes to finally end the Steelers’ QB carousel since Ben Roethlisberger, adding a signal caller for Metcalf and newly acquired Michael Pittman.
12 picks: 21, 53, 76, 85, 99, 121, 135, 161, 216, 224, 230, 237
Needs: OL, DL, LB
Targets: LT Caleb Lomu (UTAH), DT Lee Hunter (TTU), LB Jacob Rodriguez (TTU)
#22 Chargers – DT Caleb Banks 6’5 327 (FL)
40 time: 5.05 10/17 DLs
Broad: 114” 3/15 DLs
Arms: 35” 1/31 DLs
Pick Analysis: The Chargers’ 11-6 season exposed a lack of shut down talent on defense. Banks has the potential to become a true difference maker with his combination of size and athleticism. He reportedly participated in the combine with a broken foot and has been plagued with injuries throughout his 5 year college career, playing just 96 snaps in 2025. When healthy in 2024, Banks played 422 total snaps, recording 12 tackles, with 7 for a loss, 21 hurries and 4 sacks. Losing DC Jesse Minter (now Ravens HC), Jim Harbaugh and newly hired DC Chris O’Leary (Western Michigan DC) add an impact player to create problems for divisional RBs Kenneth Walker, Ashton Jeanty, and RJ Harvey.
5 picks: 22, 55, 86, 123, 204
Needs: ED, DB, IOL
Targets: ED Caden Curry (OSU), CB Andre Fuller (TOL), OG Gennings Dunker (UI)
#23 Eagles – ED/DL Keldric Faulk 6’6 276 (AUB)
Arms: 34.375” 3/33 EDs
Broad: 117” 13/15 EDs
Vertical: 35” 11/16 EDs
Pick Analysis: Philadelphia’s 11-6 season fell short of Super Bowl repeat expectations and lacked DL depth post Brandon Graham era. This offseason didn’t help with losses of Jaelan Phillips, Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, Nakobe Dean, and Reed Blankenship. Faulk’s length and size make him versatile enough to make an impact at any position on the DL. DC Vic Fangio’s defense gets a premium pass rusher to keep opposing offenses guessing on who is rushing from where.
9 picks: 23, 54, 68, 98, 122, 137, 153, 178, 215
Needs: DL, OL, DB
Targets: DT Christen Miller (UGA), OL Max Iheanachor (ASU), S Genesis Smith (AZ)
#24 Browns – WR Makai Lemon 5’11 192 (USC)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 30.5” 32/46 WRs
Pick Analysis: Cleveland (via Jaguars Travis Hunter trade) desperately needs to add weapons around a young core of Harold Fannin and Quinshon Judkins for Shedeur Sanders. Lemon’s quickness and controlled route running make him a dynamic slot/outside threat that creates separation and wins after the catch. He commanded 109 targets in his third season at USC, bringing in 79 receptions for 1,159 yards and 11 TDs, leading the class in YPRR with 3.13. This pick gives new HC Todd Monken’s offense an explosive playmaker it severely lacked in 2025, ranking second last in passing YPG (165).
10 picks: 6, 24, 39, 70, 107, 141, 146, 149, 206, 248
Needs: WR, OL, DL
Targets: WR Elijah Sarratt (IU), OG Keylan Rutledge (GT), ED Romello Height (TTU)
#25 Bears – ED Akheem Mesidor 6’3 259 (MIA)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 32.125” 21/33 EDs
Pick Analysis: Chicago’s rebuild paid off, finishing 11-6 and winning the division, but continues with another ED addition. While Ben Johnson’s high powered offense can do its best to mask deficiencies on the other side of the ball, allowing 361 YPG (4/32) with 35 sacks (25/32) is not sustainable winning football. Mesidor brings power and quickness to rush the passer and knock tackles off their center of gravity. The 6th year, 24 year old senior had his best season by far during Miami’s championship run, totaling 13 sacks and 50 hurries. This is a risky pick due to him turning 25 this April, but could be an immediate producer and pair for Montez Sweat off the edge.
7 picks: 25, 57, 60, 89, 129, 239, 241
Needs: DL, DB, OC
Targets: DT Lee Hunter (TTU), CB Brandon Cisse (SCAR), OC Brian Parker II (DUKE)
#26 Bills – DL Kayden McDonald 6’2 326 (OSU)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 32.25” 22/31 DLs
Pick Analysis: Buffalo’s 2025 season fell short of Super Bowl expectations once again and exposed run stopping issues, finishing fifth in rushing YPG allowed (136). Kayden McDonald’s power and run stuffing ability makes him a plug and play nose or 3 tech to clog lanes and disrupt the passer. Newly promoted HC Joe Brady’s front gets another anchor to go along with new signing ED Bradley Chubb and 2019 first round pick DT Ed Oliver.
6 picks: 26, 91, 126, 165, 168, 220
Needs: IOL, DB, LB
Targets: OG Chase Bisontis (A&M), CB Keith Abney II (ASU), LB Eric Gentry (ASU)
#27 49ers – ED TJ Parker 6’3.5 263 (CLEM)
Arms: 33.125” 12/33 EDs
40 time: 4.68 10/18 EDs
Broad: 120” 9/15 EDs
Pick Analysis: San Francisco needs more help around Nick Bosa after ranking dead last in the NFL in sacks with just 20 and losing DC Robert Saleh. They made a splash to start free agency by bringing in Mike Evans, brought back LB Dre Greenlaw and a few depth pieces up front. TJ Parker’s length and Clemson production make him a versatile ED who can rush and set the ED in run defense. In three seasons, he had 24 sacks (12 season high) and 74 hurries (28 high). This pick adds to the 49ers’ defensive front for another dominant window under HC Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy.
6 picks: 27, 58, 127, 133, 138, 139
Needs: DL, DB, OL
Targets: DT LT Overton (ALB), DB Jalon Kilgore (SCAR), OG Keylan Rutledge (GT)
#28 Texans – DT Peter Woods 6’2.5 298 (CLEM)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 31.25” 27/31 DLs
Pick Analysis: The Texans made multiple moves this offseason while retaining all major pieces, looking to follow up a 12-5 season that featured a league leading defense in YPG allowed (277). Peter Woods is an interesting case, the argument could be made that he regressed each year following a breakout freshman season with career highs in tackles (23) and hurries (18) on 301 total snaps. The counter to this is his total snap count increased all the way to 562 and over 40 per game in 2025. Being slated to join a defensive line with Will Anderson and recently retained Danielle Hunter will serve Woods well early in his career. After investing in protection for Stroud with the signings of RT Braden Smith, OG Wyatt Teller and a few rotational pieces, HC DeMeco Ryans looks to fortify the interior of his defensive line.
7 picks: 28, 38, 59, 69, 106, 167, 243
Needs: OL, DB, RB
Targets: RT Blake Miller (CLEM), CB D’Angelo Ponds (IU), RB Kaytron Allen (PSU)
#29 Chiefs – CB Colton Hood 5’11.5 193 (TEN)
40 time: 4.44 10/20 CBs
Vertical: 40.5” 5/23 CBs
Arms: 31.375” 11/32 CBs
Pick Analysis: Back to Kansas City (via Rams Trent McDuffie trade), they need CB help after trades and adding Bain. Colton Hood’s agility and testing make him a sticky outside cover CB. Hood stepped up in the absence of Jermod McCoy, allowing just 28 receptions as the team’s top CB and improved his stock even more with an impressive combine performance. This pick starts to address a glaring weakness in the secondary for the Chiefs’ next playoff push.
9 picks: 9, 29, 40, 74, 109, 148, 169, 176, 210
Needs: DB, OL, WR/TE
Targets: DB Treydan Stukes (AZ), OL Max Iheanachor (ASU), WR Jeff Caldwell (UC)
#30 Dolphins – CB Avieon Terrell 5’11 186 (CLEM)
Broad: 123” 17/19 CBs
Vertical: 34” 21/23 CBs
Arms: 31” 18/32 CBs
Pick Analysis: The Dolphins (via Denver Jaylen Waddle trade) must add to a depleted secondary following the addition of Carnell Tate at #11. They currently have two CBs rostered with over 200 defensive snaps in 2025. Avieon Terrell is a three year producer out of Clemson willing to play every down. He adds a sticky cover CB to this room with most of his experience on the boundary and over 1800 total snaps played allowing just 79 receptions.
10 picks: 11, 30, 43, 75, 87, 90, 111, 151, 227, 238
Needs: DB, OL, DL, WR/TE
Targets: CB Keith Abney II (ASU), RT Blake Miller (CLEM), WR Ja’Kobi Lane (USC)
#31 Patriots – WR Omar Cooper 6’0 196 (IU)
40 time: 4.42 18/34 WRs
10 split: 1.55 17/34 WRs
Vertical: 37” 14/29 WRs
Pick Analysis: New England’s turnaround from 4-13 to 14-3 and return to the Super Bowl still lacked consistent weapons. With Stefon Diggs departing and bringing in Romeo Doubs, Omar Cooper’s big play ability makes him a great complement for Drake Maye to work with. In his final season, Cooper posted 69 receptions on 91 targets, 937 yards, and 13 TDs. This pick gives the Patriots’ offense an explosive element that might be able to take them back over the top.
11 picks: 31, 63, 95, 125, 131, 171, 191, 198, 202, 212, 247
Needs: DB, DL, OL
Targets: S Zakee Wheatley (PSU), ED Malachi Lawrence (UCF), LT Markel Bell (MIA)
#32 Seahawks – ED Zion Young 6’6 262 (MIZZU)
Combine – DNP
Arms: 33” 15/33 EDs
Pick Analysis: Super Bowl champion Seattle needs ED depth to repeat a dominant 2025. They already paid the Super Bowl tax this offseason, losing multiple key contributors in Kenneth Walker, Coby Bryant, Tariq Woolen, and Boye Mafe. Zion Young’s length and Missouri production adds a developmental pass rusher who can rotate immediately. This pick keeps the champions’ front fresh with Young who totaled career highs in sacks (8), hurries (32), and tackles (25) during his senior season.
4 picks: 32, 64, 96, 188
Needs: IOL, DB, RB
Targets: OG Chase Bisontis (A&M), CB Davison Igbinosun (OSU), RB Jonah Coleman (WAS)
