Better late than never. My first 2026 NFL mock draft is officially here.
I’ve been busy doing collab mocks on the FantasyPros main YouTube channel and the all-new Tailgate YouTube channel so far this offseason — hence my lack of mock drafts. But I finally carved out the time (you’d be surprised how much time you get to yourself after a gum graft procedure) to set aside for my own first mock draft before the chaos ensues next week.
The NFL Draft is next Thursday night, and the frenzy of 2026 mock drafts has reached peak heights. The FOMO is too real, and I had to jump in before the final one takes shape next week.
Football analysts and draftniks across the board are attempting to piece together plausible and convincing real-life draft selections for all 32 teams. The primary rationale behind these choices usually comes down to “team needs” or “best player available.” There’s also a third factor that isn’t considered enough: The historical track records of general managers and other decision-makers in these team war rooms.
I usually write an article every year titled “Historical NFL Draft Picks of All 32 NFL Teams,” but this year I am combining it within the context of a first-round mock draft. Time is precious. And I believe it’s still the same great analysis, but with maximum SEO juice.
Let’s break down the 2026 NFL Draft from the perspective of if teams decide to lean into their historical track record, while acknowledging the overall player evaluations and certain needs.
Note for player-to-team connections that I am referencing links provided by Logan Ulrich’s 2026 NFL Draft Visit Tracker (a great resource this time of year).
Again, this won’t be my only 2026 NFL mock draft. This is just the last part of my prep before I submit my final mock draft.
2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB – Indiana)
Chalk pick. QB1. Locked-and-loaded. So, my food for thought on what the Raiders might consider with their 36th overall pick. Their needs are as follows: RT, WR, DT, CB, RB, EDGE.
With John Spytek serving as general manager for his second straight draft, we should presume he looks hard at cornerback. Jason Licht drafted a ton of cornerbacks in Tampa Bay, where Spytek was before landing in Las Vegas. The Raiders also drafted a cornerback in round three last year. Licht’s next most-drafted positions were defensive line, safety and running back.
Secondary options (safety) and trench players (both OL/DL) are firmly in play if Spytek continues to follow in the footsteps of Licht. The Raiders drafted two third-round tackles last year, but didn’t add any defensive linemen until round four. They opted for running back and wide receiver first. Don’t anticipate that happening again.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Fernando Mendoza
2. New York Jets: David Bailey (EDGE – Texas Tech)
The No. 2 overall pick seems like a coin flip between David Bailey and Arvell Reese. Team insiders believe it’s Reese based on his sheer upside as an EDGE projection. But the national insiders have sighted Bailey as the target (which has been picking up steam from very plugged-in NFL Draft insiders, such as Daniel Jeremiah, Peter Schrager and Albert Breer).
But what I can’t get out of my mind is that the Jets had a chance to land a linebacker/EDGE in Micah Parsons and a first-round pick for Quinnen Williams through trade last year. They said no to Jerry Jones and that specific deal (but perhaps a precursor to what could transpire if Dallas elects to use its two first-round picks to move up to the No. 2 overall slot on draft night). Win/win, right?
I also recognize that Bailey seems like an easier pass-rusher projection, which is probably better for Aaron Glenn to keep his head coaching job for the short term. As Breer alluded to, they need to show some “proof of concept” on defense. This team had zero interceptions last season.
The Jets should be drafting for 2027, given that Geno Smith is their starting quarterback. So, I get the logic of Reese being the better long-term pick.
And if the Jets are looking to move on from Glenn anyway, who is to say the next coach (probably offensive) will have a clear vision on how to deploy Reese?
Bailey can work from several different alignments, whether it be standing up or in a three-point stance. He’s versatile. He mentioned this at the NFL Combine, via Jetsxfactor.com. In Indianapolis, he explained how he has experience as an EDGE rusher standing up and also playing out of a three-point stance:
“If it’s third down, go get it, get in a three-point track stance,” Bailey explained. “Now, if I’m playing the run, I’m more comfortable playing in a two-point stance because it’s what I was used to at Stanford.”
I think that might be what Glenn is looking for (how much say he has remains to be determined), as they need to find a replacement for Jermaine Johnson.
According to Sports Info Solutions, Reese would fit best as a true stand-up EDGE rusher, as he has zero snaps with his hand in the ground as a rusher.
Also, Bailey’s defensive coach at Stanford (Bobby April) overlapped one year with Glenn in New York.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for David Bailey
3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese (EDGE – Ohio State)
If Avrell Reese is here, he is 100% the pick. I don’t think they reach for an offensive tackle.
Keep this in mind.
Current Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort overlapped with Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia with the New England Patriots. Ossenfort has drafted an Ohio State player in the first round in two of his three drafts as the team’s general manager (four total Buckeyes drafted since 2023). Former Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye is the Cardinals’ offensive line coach.
Ossenfort loves players from Ohio State. Especially when they play premium positions, like EDGE rusher. He has gone offensive line, wide receiver and defensive tackle (Walter Nolen) in round one of the last three drafts.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Arvell Reese
4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate (WR – Ohio State)
Jeremiyah Love is the chalk pick, even though we have conflicting reports. Some say that he is the highest player on the Titans’ board. Others, like Adam Schefter, have refuted him being an option this early. If it’s Love, I wouldn’t be totally shocked. He is the betting favorite for a reason.
But we have Robert Saleh stepping in as the team’s new defensive-minded head coach. And I want to pose the question: Are the Titans built to draft a first-round running back? We saw the Raiders go through this last year. The counterpoint is that he is just an additional weapon to help Cam Ward.
Totally understand that. Saleh is on record saying, “The best way to help a young quarterback is through the run game and defense.” He then goes on about loving the current backs on the team.
And Saleh has shown at multiple stops that he can get the most out of his defensive personnel.
But the Sonny Styles–Fred Warner comparisons are tantalizing.
And let’s forget general manager Mike Borgonzi and his draft haul in his first season: QB, EDGE, S, WR, TE, WR.
Looking back at the last four years of Chiefs drafts when he served as assistant general manager, the team’s highest draft capital was at cornerback, EDGE rusher, wide receiver, linebacker and offensive line. The Chiefs have used a top-55 pick on a wide receiver in three of the last four seasons, with two EDGE rushers taken in the first round.
Borgonzi said last year, “I think it all starts up front on the offensive line. I think that’s gonna be an emphasis for us, to build the fronts.” He proceeded to draft zero offensive linemen with a rookie quarterback under center.
If they go defense, I think the script is simple. David Bailey/Arvell Reese if either falls. Then it would be Styles.
On The Schrager Hour podcast, former Titans general manager Ron Carthon cited how much Saleh loved LB Tremaine Edmunds in the 2018 draft (both were on the 49ers’ staff). They didn’t get Edmunds, while Warner fell into their lap in round three.
No doubt in my mind that Saleh wants to get his green dot, leader of defense playmaker at some point in this draft. But does he hope he can get that player later, like Warner? Maybe if he were head coach instead of just defensive coordinator, Saleh would have gotten his guy.
I do also find it fascinating that in this particular draft, it was also one of the few times the 49ers drafted an offensive lineman extremely high (Mike McGlinchey, No. 9 overall).
Needless to say, Carthon’s connection/ties with Saleh shouldn’t be ignored. I like Styles a lot here at fourth overall. Might need to switch this pick in my final mock.
But for the sake of “range of outcomes,” what about offense? I don’t think it’s tackle. And if it is, I’d be guessing on which one they like the most (probably Ward’s former Miami teammate, offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa).
But what about receiver? Carnell Tate is the WR1 in this class. Doesn’t he deserve some attention as the potential pick? Breer has noted this is probably his ceiling, but nobody is going to be upset if the Titans take a wideout in the top five to help their second-year quarterback. Saleh was the head coach of the Jets when they drafted former Ohio State wideout Garrett Wilson.
In his four drafts as head coach of the Jets:
- Round 1: QB, OG, WR, CB, EDGE, OT
- Round 2: WR, EDGE, RB, OC
Even so, going with a wide receiver is more about Borgonzi influencing this pick from what they did in Kansas City. I also have some bonkers longshot odds on Kenyon Sadiq to be drafted by the Titans in a potential trade-down scenario. He has met with them during the pre-draft process.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Carnell Tate
5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs (S – Ohio State)
Not going to overthink this one. John Harbaugh is going to pull the trigger on either Sonny Styles or Caleb Downs. Blue-chip defenders. Harbaugh is calling the shots, and we know how highly he values this type of player on his defense.
The Giants also hired former defensive back Dennard Wilson as their new defensive coordinator (former Titans defensive coordinator). And it’s hardly a stretch to think that Harbaugh would be opposed to taking a safety this high, given he has drafted safeties in the first round before (Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks). He won a Super Bowl with Ed Reed.
“Big fan, big fan,” Harbaugh said of Downs on Mike Francesa’s podcast. “We favor Hall of Fame safeties, so if we have a chance to draft a potential future Hall of Fame safety in Caleb Downs, that would be just fine with me.”
Not buying that Downs slides far on draft day, considering he has met with every team picking inside the top 10.
According to NFL IQ, Giants general manager Joe Schoen has selected a defensive player with 60% of his draft picks during his tenure in New York (from 2022-2024), the highest rate among any general manager over that time frame. In 2025, two of his first three picks were defensive linemen to go along with the quarterback.
Breer reported last season the Giants were very interested in quarterbacks, and he was correct. This year, he is very much circling Styles/Downs atop the Giants’ draft board.
I also like going the Downs route here, considering the Titans are in the market for similar players to New York. Could see wide receiver as the move here as well. Harbaugh hasn’t been shy about selecting wideouts in the first round.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Downs
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano (OT – Utah)
My GOAT draft insider, Tony Pauline, has reported ad nauseam about how the Browns are one of the few teams that believe Spencer Fano can line up at left tackle. Makes sense that Cleveland has a great read on the former Utah Ute, given that he has coaching connections on the Browns’ roster (new Browns quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian coached at Utah in 2024).
Fano is my favorite bet to be the first offensive lineman drafted, given his ability to line up anywhere across the offensive line. He is 21.5 years old. I also get bailed out if the Browns trade down and snag him later on.
Either way, I’m confident that the Browns will address the offensive line first and then take a wideout.
“AB [Andrew Berry] wants O-Line early and has been telling people since last season,” – via Tony Pauline.
Tackle over receiver seems pretty obvious, and matches what Berry typically does.
Berry was hired as the Browns’ general manager in 2020 after a brief stint with the Eagles in 2019. This would be Berry’s second stint with Cleveland, as he previously worked for them as the vice president of player personnel from 2016 to 2018.
Berry nailed 2020’s first-round selection of tackle Jedrick Wills, who helped Cleveland boast one of the league’s best offensive lines. He then got insane value with linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in round two of the 2021 NFL Draft (although it required a trade up).
In 2022, the Browns were limited on picks because of the Deshaun Watson trade. They rounded out their first three selections with cornerback Martin Emerson, defensive end Alex Wright and wide receiver David Bell in the third round. The selection of a defensive end was not a surprise.
The one common denominator during the Browns’ drafts from 2016-2018 was a focus on pass rush, with defensive ends chosen with Day 1 or Day 2 selections each season. It wasn’t until 2020 that Berry shifted focus away from pass rush in favor of offensive line and defensive backs.
But the 2023 draft brought “meh” selections with wide receiver Cedric Tillman and defensive tackle Siaki Ika.
In 2024, the focus remained on the trenches with defensive tackle Michael Hall and offensive guard Zak Zinter as their second and third round selections, respectively.
In 2025, they traded back with the Jaguars, drafting a defensive tackle, linebacker and running back in the first two rounds (non-premium positions).
The offensive line was decimated by injuries in 2023 (and again in 2025), so there was a need for additional depth on the offensive line.
Even so, Berry knows if there is any concern with the offensive line, it’s worth drafting sooner rather than later.
All in all, Berry has a strong track record of drafting offensive linemen, wide receivers, cornerbacks and/or EDGE rushers with premium draft capital. Their last two first-round draft picks have been on the defensive side of the ball (Greg Newsome and Mason Graham).
According to NFL Draft IQ, Berry used a Day 1 or Day 2 pick on a defensive back in each of his first three drafts (2020-2022); however, the Browns have not drafted a defensive back before the fifth round over the last three years (2023-2025).
And in recent years, he has gone away from pure pass rushers. As for what to expect with the Browns’ other picks….
Per NFL IQ, all five first- and second-round picks under Berry were younger than 22 years old when they were drafted, while all five also posted a relative athleticism score (RAS score) of 8.4 or higher and an NFL Next Gen Stats (NGS) athleticism score of at least 79.
Quinshon Judkins and Carson Schwesinger posted extremely high RAS scores (9.8 or better). Mason Graham did not test. But they were all 22 or younger, with the former all being 21 years old at the time they were drafted.
Based on this criterion, here are the following prospects the Browns might consider at some point in the 2026 draft (and it’s littered with offensive tackles and wide receivers, with a total of 15 in the draft):
- Jeremiyah Love
- Spencer Fano
- Sonny Styles
- Kenyon Sadiq
- Monroe Freeling
- Caleb Lomu
- D’Angelo Ponds
- Zachariah Branch
- Dillon Thieneman
It could very well be Monroe Freeling at No. 6, but I’ll settle with Fano as the pick.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Spencer Fano
7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love (RB – Notre Dame)
It’s between Jeremiyah Love and Sonny Styles here —the two betting favorites.
Adam Peters was hired as the team’s new general manager at the start of the 2024 season, coming over from the 49ers (2017-2023), where he served various roles.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Commanders went back-to-back cornerbacks, just to trot one of the league’s worst defenses (again).
We should leverage Peters’ first draft with the team in 2024 and his second draft in 2025.
After Jayden Daniels, it was a defensive line in full 49ers fashion. Then it was cornerback, tight end and offensive tackle to round out the top five selections.
In Peters’ first draft (2024), the Commanders finished with the third-most athletic draft class by average NGS athleticism score across nine overall selections. Six of their selections recorded athleticism scores of 79 or higher.
All in all, it was a pretty status quo draft from a former 49ers executive — EDGE/cornerback as top priorities, followed by wide receiver, tight end and the offensive line.
In 2025, it was offensive tackle and cornerback in the first two rounds. Following the status quo. Although last year’s group was not as athletic as the 2024 class. And it featured a severe lack of EDGE/defensive line juice.
Dan Quinn was the head coach in Atlanta for five seasons (2015-2020). The top picks were a blend of pass-rushers/cornerbacks first, then receivers and interior offensive linemen. He also took shots on running backs and defensive tackles as well, but never with premium picks.
So we should likely expect defensive trenches and secondary pieces as options for the Commanders, if not wide receiver/running back, if they elect to go offensively.
Obviously, Styles has a safety background, so I think he does still apply here, even with a linebacker designation.
Do keep in mind that Washington wants to trade down. The Rams, Vikings and Cowboys are rumored to be teams looking to trade up to this spot.
I also think it’s noteworthy that new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones was with Minnesota from 2022 to 2025. Before that, he was at LSU. A potential connection between the two franchises if Minnesota wants to get aggressive and get their running back of the future.
New offensive coordinator David Blough also knows a thing or two about Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs-level players, dating back to his time in Detroit.
Love is often compared to Gibbs, so I think the fit works perfectly.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jeremiyah Love
8. New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon (WR – USC)
So many different directions the Saints could go. Truly a best player available scenario. The Saints need a wide receiver and a tight end. Definitely intrigued by Kenyon Sadiq as an option here. Or if a certain EDGE rusher falls.
But the track record of this team points to the trenches more often than not. Unless they like a specific receiver.
Longtime Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has had his hands on the team’s roster dating back to 2002. He picked up an additional title of executive vice president in 2013, so that’s an appropriate spot to reference his drafting history.
Since then, the positions he’s invested the most in with Day 1 or 2 draft picks include defensive backs, linebackers, wide receivers and tackles.
In 2024, he followed the same script with Taliese Fuaga and Kool-Aid McKinstry. In 2025, it was similar, with Kelvin Banks at pick nine overall.
The Saints under Loomis have traditionally been pretty easy to predict. It’s been chalk drafts since 2022. And since 2011, Loomis has traded up 21 times. Trade downs? Once.
Do they get aggressive here? They have extra Round fourth- and fifth-round picks to burn, so they could move away from one of their Day 2 selections more easily.
According to NFL Draft IQ, dating back to 2018, the Saints have drafted an offensive or defensive lineman with seven of their last eight first-round picks (Chris Olave was the only non-trenches pick). Since 2002, the Saints have used 16 first-round draft picks on offensive and defensive linemen, the most in the NFL over that span.
Last year, Saints beat reporter Nick Underhill thought quarterback would be more likely with the team’s second selection. He was correct. This year, he has been vocal about Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson being worth the risk at eight overall (also likes Makai Lemon as well as a fit). Tyson to the Saints has been picking up steam.
The odds are pointing in that direction with Tyson more favorably projected as a top-10 pick compared to Lemon.
Tyler Shough had injury concerns, and the Saints still drafted him last year.
If Tyson tests well at his private workout on April 17, you will see his betting odds dramatically shift. He’s a top-10 talent when healthy. This is another one I might swap in my final mock (already strongly considering it).
History indicates that drafted players will also have a high RAS score of at least 7.5, per ClevAnalytics. History suggests it’s most likely a player on the trenches at pick No. 9 if it’s not a receiver or a cornerback.
Note that a lot of the defensive linemen/EDGE rushers hitting this threshold aren’t projected as top-10 picks aside from Davif Bailey/Arvell Reese. And every offensive lineman seems like a stretch for the top 10.
So I think this is strongly wide receiver. But if it’s not Tyson, I do think Makai Lemon or even Omar Cooper Jr. could be an option based solely on their yards after the catch (YAC) skills. The Saints tied for dead last in the NFL in YAC per reception last season.
A longshot would be Cooper. The league loves him. He’s great after the catch. He currently has 50-1 odds to be a top-10 pick. Albert Breer talked about him being rated as the WR2 by some teams. He’s met with five teams with the top 10, and Dallas (pick No. 12).
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Makai Lemon
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Francis Mauigoa (OT – Miami)
Brett Veach has been his team’s general manager since 2017. Being part of the staff that drafted Patrick Mahomes II seemingly makes Veach impervious to criticism, but there are still takeaways to be gained from his overall drafting history.
He’s drafted a defensive lineman in the top three rounds in six of the last nine drafts.
In 2023, the trend continued with the selection of defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah 32nd overall (woof). But it did not continue in 2024, with KC going WR/OT in the first two rounds.
The 2024 Chiefs draft also marked the fifth consecutive season the team drafted an offensive lineman in the first five rounds since 2017 (Wayna Morris).
Veach never stops drafting offensive linemen to help protect their QB.
In 2025, they took an offensive tackle 32nd overall, followed by two defensive linemen.
CB Trent McDuffie at 21st overall is the highest they have drafted a defensive back. That’s the highest draft capital that Veach has spent on any selection besides Patrick Mahomes in his tenure as the Chiefs’ general manager.
Doesn’t rule them out of CB Mansoor Delane, but the Chiefs’ ability to find productive CBs outside Round 1 does warrant attention.
If the Chiefs feel that Rashee Rice can’t be trusted long-term, look for KC to be more aggressive going after a WR in the draft (another Tyson landing spot).
In addition to Mecole Hardman in Round 2, they have also drafted a WR in Round 2 or earlier in 3 of the last four drafts.
Seems like they might prefer Round 2 rather than Round 1 for WRs, although that wasn’t the case with Xavier Worthy in Round 1 in 2024. They drafted Jalen Royals in Round 4 last season.
Per NFL Draft IQ, Veach has drafted an offensive skill position player (RB, TE, WR) within the first two rounds in six of the last seven drafts, including three wide receivers in three of the last four drafts.
Additionally, six of the seven first-round picks by the Chiefs under Veach were 21 years old when they were drafted. OT Josh Simmons was the lone exception last year.
Nearly a quarter of all players drafted in that span came from a non-Power 5 school.
That all being said, there’s been a lot of smoke around the Chiefs wanting a tackle at No. 9 (Tony Pauline). Francis Mauigoa is the popular pick and has a lot of interest from KC.
They also have expressed a lot of interest in Monroe Freeling, according to Mike Garafalo. Also met with Alabama’s OT Kaydn Proctor. Nobody would be suprised if any of these guys go inside the top-10.
KC’s in an interesting spot because they could take a high-upside project player, given that they still have Jaylon Moore under contract for one more year.
I’d presume if and only tackles are wiped out, then it’s WR/CB/TE as the next highest considered players.
KC also wants a DT to pair with Chris Jones (but that might be further down the draft).
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Francis Mauigoa
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Sonny Styles (LB – Ohio State)
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin has been running the show as the team’s de facto general manager since 2013. Over that time, he’s been no stranger to investing high-end draft capital into offensive linemen. Since 2015, the Bengals have drafted six offensive linemen (Cedric Ogbuehi, Jake Fisher, Billy Price, Jonah Williams, Jackson Carman, Amarius Mims) with first- or second-round picks.
According to NFL Draft IQ, after drafting five offensive players in the first round from 2017 to 2021, the Bengals have spent three of their last four first-round picks on defense (Myles Murphy, Dax Hill, Shemar Stewart).
Additionally, over four years (2010 to 2013), the Bengals selected five players from the University of Georgia. Since 2013, they’ve drafted only three players out of Georgia, which includes Mims and Dylan Fairchild in last year’s class.
However, they’ve twice selected a wide receiver in the first round (John Ross and Ja’Marr Chase). Their other recent highly drafted receivers have been second-rounders (Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins).
Bolstering the offensive line and wide receiver corps is something the Bengals are not shy about doing as they look to get back into Super Bowl contention, even if they appear set at each position.
In 2022, the Bengals went heavy on secondary assets — Dax Hill, Cam Taylor-Britt, Tycen Anderson — and Tobin has drafted two cornerbacks in the first round before (William Jackson and Darqueze Dennard).
In 2023, cornerback was a priority with the second-round selection of DJ Turner II. That was after they took EDGE rusher Myles Murphy in the first round.
All in all, it’s best player available on defense for the Bengals at pick No. 10.
Upgrades in the form of draft picks could be Mansoor Delane or Jermod McCoy.
There are also talented players from Notre Dame in this year’s draft. Al Golden served as the defensive coordinator for the Fighting Irish from 2022 to 2024.
Sonny Styles has coaching ties to Golden — his brother played with Golden at Notre Dame in 2022. Hard to imagine the Bengals passing on Styles if he’s on the board. This team loves to draft linebackers, and it’s a major need.
They’ve drafted a linebacker in the third round for seven consecutive seasons — until the streak broke in 2022. A new streak began last season (drafted linebackers in rounds two and four), but the results were not great.
Tobin has also shown a willingness to spend on tight ends in the draft.
Most notably, Tyler Eifert (first round), Tyler Kroft (third round) and Drew Sample (second round) are among the Bengals’ most recent picks at the position.
I wouldn’t put it past them to add another tight end. They drafted two tight ends in rounds four and six in 2024.
As for the fantasy folks out there, here is what we can expect from this backfield: A rookie running back will be added to the fold alongside Chase Brown.
In the last 13 drafts, the Bengals have drafted a running back in eight of them. It’s been all Day 3 picks in more recent years (since they drafted Joe Mixon in round two), but it’s clear they like additional bodies at the position.
The Bengals drafted Mixon when they had both Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill on their roster.
Bengals backs drafted since 2013: Giovani Bernard (round two), Jeremy Hill (round), Joe Mixon (round two), Mark Walton (round four), Trayveon Williams (round six), Chris Evans (round six), Chase Brown (round five) and Tahj Brooks (round six).
Another interesting coaching note: Jordan Salkin was the Bengals’ assistant wide receivers coach in 2025. He is now entrenched as the current assistant quarterbacks coach. He spent the 2023 season as a quarterbacks coach at the University of Oregon. He is also very close to the person who has been the Ducks’ tight ends coach since 2022 (Drew Mehringer).
“I’ve known Jordan [Salkin] since 2014. Jordan has worked with me a couple of different times. Jordan actually lived with me a few times. He’s pretty much part of our family, so to have him back has been awesome,” via 247sports.com.
Kenyon Sadiq donning the Tiger Stripes? Every Bengals game will surpass 60 points in 2026. Some current Sadiq betting odds:
- 35-1 to be a Bengal
- 18-1 to be drafted 10th overall
- 5-1 to be a top-10 pick
Kayden McDonald has met with the Bengals multiple times. There’s a good chance he goes higher than most anticipate. I think there’s a stark fall-off in EDGE rushers after the top three, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see a defensive tackle go earlier.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Sonny Styles
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane (CB – LSU)
Miami could move all over the board. So many needs. They probably just go with the best player available.
Chris Grier is out as the general manager, replaced by former Packers staffers.
One of the first things new head coach Jeff Hafley mentioned after being hired was his core beliefs: Running the ball and being really physical upfront. Spoken like a true defensive-minded head coach. This also matched the tone from new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan: “We want to build this team from the inside out.”
More likely to go offensive line, defensive tackle and secondary than receiver, in my opinion (not in the DNA of the Packers’ drafting strategy). And lean heavily on athleticism and youth (rebuilding franchise).
From the Packers’ school of drafting:
Green Bay had not used a single first-round pick on a skill-position player since drafting Aaron Rodgers in 2005 until last season (Matthew Golden). That trend will extend well beyond the tenure of Brian Gutekunst, the team’s general manager since the start of 2018.
That trend continued during the 2024 NFL Draft, when they went offensive line in round one, before adding a running back in round three. Given how Golden somewhat flopped in Year 1, I’d a first-round receiver isn’t at the top of the Dolphins’ draft targets.
Because it’s not like Gutekunst or Green Bay has been anti-drafting skill players. He has drafted plenty of wide receivers, running backs and tight ends over the past seven drafts — including three wideouts and two tight ends in 2023, but few have turned into productive pros. At least until 2023’s crop of rookies hits from Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and Tucker Kraft hit in a relatively big way.
Along with Golden last year, the Packers also drafted Savion Williams in the third round last year (drafted a tackle in round two).
The Packers’ general manager is willing to add weapons, and he tends to attack roster holes with more than one attempt.
I’d guess they look to the defensive secondary as an alternative. Three of the team’s 10 highest draft picks have been on defensive backs since 2018.
According to NFL Draft IQ, under general manager Brian Gutekunst, the Packers have selected a defensive player with seven of their 10 first-round picks since 2018. On Day 2, Gutekunst has spent a league-high 10 picks on offensive skill positions over that span. Only twice have the Packers used a first-round pick on a non-quarterback or offensive tackle since 2002.
Green Bay has also drafted a center/interior offensive lineman in six of the last seven drafts — four of which have been selected inside the top 65.
The Packers have drafted 15 offensive linemen during Gutekunst’s seven-year tenure as general manager, the second-most in the NFL during that span.
Out of the 14 offensive linemen picks who were invited to the combine, the average weight was 311 pounds, the lightest among any team over that span. Only two weighed more than 313 pounds (Sean Rhyan at 321 pounds; Anthony Belton at 336 pounds), per NFL Draft IQ.
So the Dolphins probably aren’t a team for Kadyn Proctor.
On a side note, the Packers tend to heavily lean on RAS scores when selecting prospects (who need to reach certain thresholds).
Since 2018, Gutekunst has drafted a league-high 48 players with NGS athleticism scores that are higher than their NGS production scores.
Note that Jeff Hafley was the former head coach at Boston College. He also coached at Ohio State in 2019.
The Packers also showed a willingness to double-dip at positions of need.
And a lot of high-end draft capital has been invested in the secondary, hence my want to mock them a cornerback.
Technically, they could go offensive line first and then cornerback, depending on how the board falls.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Mansoor Delane
12. Dallas Cowboys: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE – Miami)
Jerry Jones has been in charge since 1989, but we won’t go that far back with the game of football changing so dramatically over the past decade.
Since 2010, the Cowboys have drafted four cornerbacks (two first-rounders and three second-rounders) with meaningful draft capital: Trevon Diggs, Chidobe Awuzie, Byron Jones, Morris Claiborne and Kelvin Joseph. They took Shavon Revel in the third round last year (injury discount).
The 2023 draft was abnormal, with a defensive tackle, tight end and linebacker rounding out Dallas’ first three picks. They didn’t address any major team needs. In 2022, they went offensive tackle, EDGE and wide receiver with their first three picks.
In 2024, more needs were addressed with offensive tackle, EDGE and offensive guard.
In 2025, they went offensive guard, EDGE and cornerback. Pretty typical.
After defensive backs, it’s been a lot of pass-rushers, offensive linemen and wide receivers that Dallas has targeted in recent drafts with draft capital in the first three rounds.
Per NFL Draft IQ, the Cowboys have spent a league-high 10 picks on the trenches within the first three rounds since 2021, including each of their last four first-round picks.
Last year, Brian Schottenheimer spoke about how he highly values perimeter players:
“You’re always looking for game-changers when you’re picking 12th. You’re looking for guys who influence the game… You build it from the outside in. You got corners and receivers. They get isolated one-on-one. Pass rushers [and] tackles, they get isolated one-on-one… Usually that’s the way I’ve looked at it … when you’re building a roster, kind of think of it as you’re building from the outside in based on guys that get isolated a lot.”
Jones has spent high draft capital on backs in the past, although it’s been a while since he has selected a rusher earlier than Day 3.
Last year, they took Jaydon Blue in the fourth round. Dallas took Deuce Vaughn in round six in 2023. In 2019, they drafted Tony Pollard in round four. It was back in 2016 when they took Ezekiel Elliott in the first round. You have to go back to 2011 for the last time the Cowboys selected a Day 2 running back (DeMarco Murray).
Jones has also echoed the idea of avoiding “project players” and preferring those who can hit the ground running. Dallas is also a legitimate trade partner based on their picks available to them (two firsts inside the top 20). Trade-up rumors to No. 6 overall have been swirling with Dallas in recent days.
Still, if they stick and pick, this has to be the floor for Rueben Bain Jr. If Mansoor Delane is here, that’s another option that makes sense. New Cowboys secondary coach Ryan Smith recruited Delane at Virginia Tech before he transferred to LSU.
But I do like more of the defensive back options at pick No. 20, given the odds we get a top-10 player falling to them at pick No. 12. Offensive line, wide receiver, cornerback and defensive end round out what Dallas typically goes for. They are a team that has always drafted well.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Rueben Bain Jr.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Omar Cooper Jr. (WR – Indiana)
The Los Angeles Rams didn’t have a first-round selection in the past seven seasons until the 2024 season. Last year, they traded out of the first round.
Based on what Les Snead has done since becoming the general manager in 2012, I thought they would have added more talent to their secondary in the draft (opting to instead address the need via free agency and trades this offseason).
Even so, they have drafted more defensive backs in the first three rounds than any other position.
In 2022, they drafted two cornerbacks and a safety with three of their first five selections. After completely foregoing any defensive back in 2023, I felt their draft strategy should normalize with secondary options in 2024.
A lot of defensive backs have been selected with high-end draft capital, although not much in recent years. Specifically, they never shied away from undersized cornerbacks.
Instead, they focused on beefing up the defensive line in the 2024 draft. Los Angeles went heavy on the defensive trenches, but that might have been a less predictable trend given they were trying to replace future Hall-of-Fame inductee Aaron Donald.
After the selections of Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, they went running back and safety in round three.
The Rams also were trying to trade up for tight end Brock Bowers, but to no success. Last year, they did get a tight end in round two, followed by another EDGE rusher.
Other than secondary pieces, it’s worth noting that the Rams also heavily drafted running backs, wide receivers and offensive tackles.
According to NFL Draft IQ, Snead has used close to 30% of his Day 2 picks on running backs and wide receivers as the Rams’ general manager, the second-highest rate in the NFL since 2012.
In terms of trends from the 2024 NFL Draft, according to ClevAnalytics, seven of the Rams’ 10 draft picks in 2024 were no younger than 23 (including Verse and Fiske). In 2023, Snead drafted two players over the age of 25 (Stetson Bennett IV and Byron Young).
In 2025, they drafted some younger players (still over 22 years old).
The Rams have also traded down more than twice as much as they traded up in the Snead era. Don’t anticipate them making a blockbuster deal.
They have shown interest in Kayden McDonald. They drafted an Ohio State defensive tackle in 2025 (Ty Hamilton). Based on needs, McDonald could be the pick. Or they go offensive tackle.
Former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was also brought in as assistant head coach.
Again, it’s why Makai Lemon makes so much sense as the chalk pick, presuming he is available. Maybe they like Omar Cooper Jr. over Jordyn Tyson? As I mentioned earlier, some teams might have Cooper as the WR2 in the class.
There are also speculations that Los Angeles likes Denzel Boston.
Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson will hold his own individual workout day for NFL teams on April 17 at Arizona State.
Ultimately, I think this ends up being a receiver, and the stock on Tyson might end up being the deciding factor.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Omar Cooper Jr.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane (iOL – Penn State)
Eric DeCosta took over general manager duties in 2019 after serving as the assistant general manager for nine years. In his seven drafts as the head honcho, Baltimore spent the majority of their top picks (inside the first five rounds) on defensive linemen, wide receivers, offensive guards, running backs and cornerbacks.
According to NFL Draft IQ, the Ravens have drafted a league-high 27 players with higher NGS production scores than athleticism scores from 2019-2024. They have also only drafted one player from Alabama under DeCosta.
Highest NGS production score overall (also a higher score than the athletic scores):
- Rueben Bain Jr.
- Makai Lemon
- Akheem Mesidor
- Caleb Downs
- Zion Young
- Carnell Tate
- Olaivavega Ioane
- Jordyn Tyson
- Denzel Boston
- K.C. Concepcion
- Peter Woods
- Kayden McDonald
No Sonny Styles. No Kenyon Sadiq. Decosta recently spoke about the tight end depth in this year’s class. And that the value spots are at receiver and offensive line in the middle rounds.
The Ravens have selected seven wide receivers with top-150 draft picks since 2019, the most in the NFL over those seven years.
The Ravens general manager confirmed that cornerbacks are always a priority need in his pre-draft presser. He always continues to press this narrative.
Even so, Olaivavega Ioane is a chalk pick. I’m game. My only concern is that everybody seems to love him. He’s the ultimate “safe” pick in a draft without blue-chippers at premium spots.
I keep getting this feeling he will have a Tyler Booker-type draft result from last year, and go much higher than the consensus mocks would suggest.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Olaivavega Ioane
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jermod McCoy (CB – Tennessee)
What we can glean from Jason Licht’s time spent in Tampa Bay is that cornerback will be a top position. It was Licht’s most often drafted position during rounds one to four.
However, they have gone away from it in the last two seasons, with just one defensive back selected (safety Tykee Smith in round three in 2024).
Licht went back to the basics with two cornerbacks last year (rounds two and three) after they took Emeka Egbuka with their first pick (19 overall).
The next most-drafted positions were defensive line, safety and running back.
The Buccaneers’ first pick in two of the last four seasons was a defensive tackle/EDGE rusher. But the top two picks have all followed the same pattern: Trench players.
According to NFL Draft IQ, since 2018, Jason Licht has used six of the Buccaneers’ last seven first-round picks on the defensive front seven or on the offensive line. Across his first four drafts as general manager (2014-2017), Licht selected a wide receiver, quarterback, cornerback and tight end in the first round.
And whichever was the first pick, the opposite was the next selection. So whatever they do in round one could be a strong tell for their approach to round two.
The second picks (aside from the last two seasons) were all offensive line. Again, that’s pretty in line with what we have seen from Licht’s past drafts.
The Buccaneers have drafted an offensive lineman in the first three rounds in five of the last six years, including four inside the top two rounds.
Across his 12-year tenure, Licht has used a second-round pick on five different prospects from non-Power 5 schools.
In 2024, it made sense that Tampa Bay went away from defensive tackle (instead opting for a bigger need on the offensive line). In 2025, it would seem the script would flip back on defense in round one. Not the case, as they went with Emeka Egbuka.
In a typical Licht draft, the top positions are cornerback, defensive line/EDGE and offensive line. Best player available mindset always needs to be considered.
Also drafted a cornerback off an injury last season (Benjamin Morrison). So Jermod McCoy could end up being the pick, but a reported degenerative knee is giving me serious Will Johnson vibes from last year.
Buccaneers wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon was at Georgia from 2022 to 2023. Keep an eye on former Georgia Bulldogs from McClendon’s time there: Carson Beck, Oscar Delp, Monroe Freeling, Christen Miller, C.J. Allen.
Last year, the hot rumor was that they loved Boston College EDGE rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku.
A pure speed rusher off the edge seems like the most logical fit (245-255 pound frame) if they want to go to EDGE off the rip.
They also have a new quarterbacks coach who was at Indiana last season. Obviously, that roster is chock-full of NFL talent, but that coaching connection could bolster the case for Tampa Bay to select former Hoosiers this April: Omar Cooper Jr., D’Angelo Ponds and Elijah Sarratt all seem like viable options.
According to J.T. Olson, Licht hasn’t used his first pick on a player with a RAS core under 9.0 since 2016. An EDGE rusher they could target would be Miami’s Akheem Mesidor.
Other players who fit the bill (first-round betting odds in bracket):
- Malachi Lawrence (-130)
- T.J. Parker (-155)
- Keldric Faulk (-900)
- Anthony Hill (+550)
- Jermod McCoy (-4000)
- Kenyon Sadiq (NA)
Still, they might just do what they did last year and draft another weapon for Baker Mayfield, potentially Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. They drafted Oregon’s Tez Johnson in 2025. The year before that, they drafted Bucky Irving.
Ty Simpson is also a dark horse for Tampa Bay. They interviewed him at the NFL Scouting Combine. Baker Mayfield is in the last year of his contract (although they do want to extend him). However, lighting a fire under Mayfield in a contract year, I’d sign up to watch that.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jermod McCoy
16. New York Jets (from Colts): Jordyn Tyson (WR – Arizona State)
The Jets are back on the clock. To me, it’s just going to be the best receiver on the board. Omar Cooper Jr. is the trendy pick here. And I think this is probably a great spot for Jordyn Tyson, depending on how his medicals/testing shake out. I think this might be Tyson’s floor. Keep in mind that the wide receivers coach at Arizona State (Hines Ward) has a relationship with Jets wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson.
The Jets are returning their 2025 head coach and general manager pairing, featuring former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and former Broncos front office staffer Darren Mougey.
Mougey was in the player personnel department for the Broncos starting in 2021, before being promoted to assistant general manager. He worked under George Paton over this time frame, so we will reference Paton’s draft trends for Mougey (who served under Rick Spielman with the Minnesota Vikings). Note that Spielman is with the Jets as a senior personnel football advisor.
The main trends I found from past Vikings drafts with Paton on staff involve running backs, cornerbacks and tackles.
The Broncos followed suit in Paton’s first draft with the team after selecting Javonte Williams in the second round (35th overall). The Broncos were also loaded at cornerback in 2021, but still drafted Patrick Surtain II anyway, along with three other defensive backs. In 2022, they selected two defensive backs in rounds four and five. In 2023, they again traded up to draft a cornerback (Riley Moss), after trading up to select receiver Marvin Mims. In 2024, it was quarterback Bo Nix at 12th overall, followed by defensive end Jonah Elliss and receiver Troy Franklin in rounds three and four.
The one position they didn’t address from 2021 to 2024 was offensive tackle.
Spielman was never one to invest in the defensive line/EDGE early, although Paton bucked that trend slightly by selecting Nik Bonitto in 2022. This suggests Paton was more willing to add on the defensive front, and that is a dire need for Mougey to hit with the Jets.
Also, Sean Payton might have had a bigger voice than anybody in Denver’s war room since he arrived in 2023. I wouldn’t anticipate the Jets being as aggressive as Payton has been as a drafter. But he did usually stick pretty close to needs drafting, even if it was a bit unorthodox at times. Although Glenn technically does draw his roots from the Payton tree (similar to Dan Campbell), he might follow Payton’s draft tendencies:
Defensive backs, linebackers, wide receivers and tackles.
If Glenn follows the Lions’ draft strategy, he will also prioritize offensive tackles and defensive linemen. If Glenn learned anything from Payton and Campbell, it would be to stick to your board and get your guys, even if it might look like a reach on draft night.
The Lions were not afraid to stick to their own internal values on players. They showed us in 2023 that they are willing to “reach” on players they value the highest, even at less than premium positions. They are also not afraid to take shots at players with injury concerns, such as Jameson Williams, Hendon Hooker and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., during the last three seasons.
The Jets won’t be afraid to draft someone like Jermod McCoy or Tyson.
The Campbell/Holmes tandem has selected defensive linemen with the most draft capital, followed by offensive line, wide receiver/tight end and defensive back.
I’d expect the new combination of Glenn/Mougey to not go entirely off-the-wall with their top two selections. At least positionally. Where they have their EDGE rushers, cornerbacks, tackles and wide receivers ranked versus consensus could be drastically different.
They might have Omar Cooper Jr. as the No. 2-ranked receiver. In 2025, in his first year as the Jets’ general manager, Mougey went offensive tackle, tight end and cornerback with New York’s first three picks.
Note that Mougey stated at the coaching meetings last year that the team was not done adding right tackles, so it will be an area they likely address in the draft. It was the first pick they made with Armand Membou.
Given their top needs and the general manager’s/coaching staff’s respective track records, the Jets’ top picks should be wide receiver and the defensive trenches. Obviously, a defensive back as well, based on the roster needs.
Historically speaking, the Jets have selected an offensive or defensive lineman in the first round in seven consecutive drafts dating back to 2019.
Former general manager Joe Douglas made three other first-round picks (nine total) in those six years (Zach Wilson, Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner).
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jordyn Tyson
17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor (OT – Alabama)
Kadyn Proctor. Lock it in.
Sixth-year head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes smashed their first pick as members of the organization in 2021. They followed it up with equally impressive drafts in 2022 and 2023, despite criticism after the draft concluded. Full disclosure: I gave the Lions a B for their draft grade.
Holmes’ experience with the Los Angeles Rams in various executive roles dating back to 2003 was apparent when the Lions decided on offensive tackle Penei Sewell with the seventh overall pick in 2021. From 2014 to 2016 — the last time L.A. had actual draft picks — the Rams invested significant draft capital in the tackle position. Holmes knows creating a quarterback-friendly environment is key to long-term success.
In 2022, the Lions used their first-round picks on defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (second) and wide receiver Jameson Williams (12th).
In 2023, the Lions used their first-round picks on running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell. They went back-to-back drafts, selecting a former Crimson Tide player in round one, and four in the first two rounds over the last four seasons. In 2025, they went with Tyleik Williams.
They are joined by Sewell, Jared Goff, Todd Gurley II, Aaron Donald and Greg Robinson as the last eight first-rounders Holmes had a hand in selecting.
On Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, Holmes selected future fantasy TE1 Sam LaPorta from Iowa, safety Brian Branch from Alabama, quarterback Hendon Hooker and defensive tackle Brodric Martin.
The Campbell/Holmes tandem has selected defensive linemen with the most draft capital, followed by offensive line, wide receiver/tight end and defensive back.
After going with Terrion Arnold in round one, they doubled down at cornerback with Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in round two. They doubled down at guard last season as well.
Given the top needs for the 2026 Lions are offensive tackle and EDGE rusher, we can estimate that Detroit will look to go best player available, given how they have valued positions historically.
Note that they have slightly favored defense under Holmes since 2021, using 11 of their 17 picks in the first three rounds on the defensive side of the ball.
The duo of Holmes and Campbell has shown some tendencies to select players that have fast 10-yard splits (not so much in 2024).
Per NFL Draft IQ, Holmes has drafted a league-high 10 players with an NGS athleticism score of 85 or higher during his five-year tenure dating back to 2021. Their average NGS production score from 2021-2024 (74.5) also ranks first over that same span.
According to ClevAnalytics, five of the seven first-round picks under Holmes have been players younger than 22, including Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell and Jahmyr Gibbs. Out of 23 picks in the first four rounds, 21 have been from Power 5 schools.
All in all, the Lions are also not afraid to stick to their own internal values on players. They showed us in 2023 that they are willing to “reach” on players they value the highest, even at less than premium positions. They are also not afraid to take shots at players with injury concerns, such as Jameson Williams and Hendon Hooker in back-to-back seasons.
But in retrospect, last year’s questionable Tyleik Williams pick does indeed look bizarre, as it doesn’t really fit what they have done historically.
Get back to the basics. Draft an Alabama tackle. They have drafted plenty of former Crimson Tide players in the Holmes/Campbell regime to success.
But if they don’t. It’s been an art in the form of a smoke screen, given all the reported connections between the two parties. Kadyn Proctor‘s 10-yard split ranked in the 22nd percentile. He is, however, only 20 years old.
Max Iheanachor could also be an option if Proctor is gone. He ranks in the 81st percentile in the 10-yard split. Raw upside, etc. Akheem Mesidor and T.J. Parker could be options if the Lions don’t go for an offensive tackle.
Kenyon Sadiq is also an option. Seems so unlikely, but hear me out. New Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing coached Trey McBride in Arizona. Lance Zierlein’s pro comp for Sadiq is McBride. The Lions are never ones to surprise us.
Sam LaPorta is coming off a major back injury, entering the last year of his rookie contract. Sadiq is listed at 50-1 odds to go in this exact range of the draft. You’ve got my attention.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kadyn Proctor
18. Minnesota Vikings: Kenyon Sadiq (TE – Oregon)
Albert Breer reported in 2025 that the Vikings shouldn’t be taken out of the defensive linemen market in the draft, given the talent of this class and their goal to be bigger/tougher. They could address the need in 2026.
But at the time of this writing, the general manager role remains vacant with no plans to fill the role until after the draft. Rob Brzezinski is filling the general manager role through the draft. He’s the current executive vice president of football operations while also serving as the interim general manager. He’s been with the Vikings since 1999. Ryan Grigson is the assistant general manager (with Minnesota since 2022).
If Grigson has any influence on the pick, I’d imagine he follows the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah analytical-driven philosophy.
Defensive backs, offensive line and EDGE rushers are needs, while prioritizing youth in some capacity. But given the current hierarchy, it would appear that Kevin O’Connell has the most prominent voice in the building.
They have pretty glaring needs at defensive tackle and safety. The splash pick would be tight end Kenyon Sadiq. The Vikings have had top-30 visits with him, along with Dillon Thieneman and Kayden McDonald. I think the Vikings’ pick will be between those three players.
As for Sadiq, specifically, O’Connell comes from a Rams coaching tree that has featured multiple-tight end sets.
T.J. Hockenson already took a pay cut and is entering the final year of his contract.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kenyon Sadiq
19. Carolina Panthers: KC Concepcion (WR – Texas A&M)
The Panthers filled their biggest needs in free agency, so they can go with the best player available to make an immediate impact. Dave Canales has listed wide receiver, tight end and safety as targets.
So I totally understand the love for Sadiq for Carolina. Although they might feel they can get another tight end later in the draft. They also have not shown a ton of interest in Sadiq in the pre-draft process. But if he’s off the board, is wide receiver the next best bet? What does history (and the Panthers’ general manager) tell us?
Dan Morgan was hired as the Panthers’ general manager in 2024 after they fired Scott Fitterer. He was the assistant general manager in Carolina from 2021 to 2023. Before that, he was the Bills’ director of player personnel from 2018 to 2020. Off-ball linebacker, defensive tackle, offensive guard, EDGE and running back rounded out the Bills’ top picks during Morgan’s tenure there.
In his first draft with the Panthers in 2024, they took a receiver in the first round (traded up), and followed up by drafting a back in round two. All four of the drafted players played in the SEC.
In 2025, they went wide receiver again in round one. Then back-to-back EDGE players. Also drafted two of the youngest players in the draft — Nic Scourton and Trevor Etienne (both under 21).
Carolina operated by the numbers under Fitterer, taking low-cost fliers on quarterbacks and drafting premium positions with high-end draft capital. They drafted offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu sixth overall three years ago before selecting Bryce Young first overall in 2023.
Fitterer tended to gravitate toward uber-athletes as the rounds trickled down, something many forward-thinking franchises do. He hardly shied away from drafting athletic-gifted players with high-end draft capital. Before selecting Ekwonu, Fitterer drafted Jaycee Horn and Terrace Marshall Jr. Both were two uber-athletes from the SEC. Considering Morgan worked under Fitterer, it’s not surprising to see Morgan also draw from the SEC across team needs. He drafted four more SEC players last year.
And as the draft continues, more uber-athletes from the SEC will start rising on the Panthers’ draft board that fits the remaining needs. Morgan said he wanted to take a safety at some point during the draft last season (took one in the fourth round).
According to NFL Draft IQ, the Panthers have spent a league-high eight picks on offensive skill position players on Days 1 and 2 of the draft since 2021. A pass-catcher cannot be ruled out, especially at tight end. Morgan said last season they felt good about their current wideouts. He drafted a receiver inside the top 10. When he tells reporters he’s not afraid to go receiver three years in a row, I believe him.
Whoever Carolina picks at 19, I’d imagine it’s a younger prospect who can deliver an immediate impact. KC Concepcion fits seamlessly into that profile. I also considered Kayden McDonald and Keldric Faulk here.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for KC Concepcion
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): Colton Hood (CB – Tennessee)
Don’t need to delve too long into this one. Dallas needs more secondary help, and Colton Hood was invited to the 2026 NFL Draft. Doesn’t guarantee that he will be drafted in the first round, but it suggests his odds are better than some of the other cornerbacks in this year’s class.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Colton Hood
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Monroe Freeling (OT – Georgia)
The Steelers’ organization is well known for drafting wide receivers who seemingly outperform their draft-day position. During Kevin Colbert’s tenure from 2010 to 2022, they drafted the likes of Emmanuel Sanders, Martavis Bryant, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Chase Claypool and Calvin Austin III outside of the first round.
And oftentimes, it was not a position of need. That’s not the case in 2023, with the Steelers needing additional receiver depth after trading away Diontae Johnson.
The Steelers drafted a total of 11 wideouts inside the top four rounds over that span — the most of any position. I do not doubt that the Steelers have an effective scouting system that works when identifying receiver prospects, but the sheer volume of the receivers they draft increases their odds. Don’t think Pittsburgh won’t take a wideout they like in the first four rounds (especially with it being a need this year).
In 2024, they drafted Roman Wilson after foregoing the position in 2023.
The next three most popular selections by Colbert’s Steelers are linebacker, defensive back and offensive line.
The O-Line sticks out the most because it’s been a hot second since Pittsburgh last drafted an offensive lineman in the top two rounds (2012). In 2021, they failed to add any until round three. In 2022, they didn’t draft any offensive linemen. Colbert routinely passed on the position because they’ve had such a great line in recent years.
But after Colbert stepped down after the 2022 NFL Draft, Omar Khan immediately stepped in and drafted an offensive lineman in Round 1 (Broderick Jones). He doubled down in 2024, with two offensive line selections. Khan is the first Steelers general manager to invest in the offensive line from the get-go.
Although this was not the case in 2025, where they went defensive tackle, running back and then defensive line (traded another pick for DK Metcalf). They drafted zero offensive linemen last season. They also drafted multiple players from Ohio State and Iowa.
According to NFL Draft IQ, over Khan’s three years as the team’s primary draft decision maker, the Steelers have made 21 picks, 20 of which came from a Power 5 school. His first two combined classes have had an average RAS score of 9.1, with every one of their picks eclipsing 7.4, according to ClevAnalytics.
On defense, Khan will likely stick to needs based on drafting. They did so last year with Derrick Harmon. It was a dire need. Harmon was also the first defensive player selected by the Steelers in the first round since Devin Bush Jr. in 2019.
But even Khan recognizes the problem with the Steelers is not defensive-related. It’s about the offense. No team is spending less money on offense than the Steelers. Conversely, they are spending the second-most on defense. It would behoove Pittsburgh to invest significant draft capital into offense.
The Steelers have also been doing extensive work on this year’s QB class. Per ESPN, both new head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Omar Khan have been transparent about their signal-caller wish list: Long arms, big hands and a knack for thriving in the cold weather.
They have a combined five picks in rounds three and four this year.
Could Ty Simpson be in play? They still need a franchise signal-caller. And they never pick high enough to get a legitimate one. But how high are they on him? Do they prefer Carson Beck and/or Cole Payton more when considering price? Beck has the most experience of the bunch. I’m just not buying this Will Howard smoke in any capacity.
Simpson is going to be in Pittsburgh live for the draft.
Breadcrumbs suggest more of a mid-round quarterback for the Steelers rather than Simpson.
Historically, the Steelers typically don’t try to hide the players they are interested in. Whether it’s in free agency or the NFL Draft, predicting who Mike Tomlin liked was not usually a difficult task. This year is a bit different with Tomlin out. The Steelers have had fewer than 30 visits with prospects. Also fewer Pro Day appearances by the general manager/head coach as well.
Here’s what we know about McCarthy’s potential influence on this pick, according to Yahoo‘s Ryan Parish:
- 10 (or 11 if you count Micah Parsons as an EDGE rusher) of the picks were defensive linemen; six (or seven) of which were first-round selections.
- Six offensive linemen were chosen, four in the first round.
- That means 16-17 (again, depending on how you count Parsons) of those picks were meat and potatoes, big boy picks. Defensive backs were second.
- Just one receiver.
McCarthy spoke earlier this offseason about liking “bigger targets.” If the “right” receiver is there, Pittsburgh could pull the trigger. But based on both the Packers/Steelers typically not drafting first-round receivers, they likely won’t go with a wideout in round one.
This brings me back to trench players. Offensive line is an obvious need (specifically at guard). McCarthy spoke about wanting to add more young players to the O-Line room.
On the offensive line, Isaac Seumalo signed with the Arizona Cardinals. His two backups were also free agents. Spencer Anderson is a depth guard they could start, but he is a free agent in 2027. They did re-sign Jack Driscoll.
Broderick Jones‘ injury complicates things on the offensive line, given the complexity of the injury. The Steelers also declined his fifth-year option.
That leads me to Monroe Freeling, but I don’t feel great about it. His range of outcomes is wide, given his long-term upside versus the immediate contribution he can provide on Day 1.
But the Georgia Pro Day was one of the few that the Steelers’ top dogs attended.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Monroe Freeling
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Chase Bisontis (OG – Texas A&M)
It’s Year 3 of Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz as the decision-makers for Los Angeles. Harbaugh was the head coach for the 49ers from 2011 to 2014. The first pick he made as the head coach was defensive end Aldon Smith at seventh overall. His first pick in 2024 was offensive tackle Joe Alt. Last year, it was running back Omarion Hampton (and not too shocking based on his track record).
Alt was the first offensive lineman Harbaugh drafted before round three.
With the 49ers, the most high-end draft capital he invested was at safety (two first-rounders), followed by defensive ends. And maybe shocking to nobody, in every single draft, Harbaugh selected a running back inside the first four rounds, including twice in round two
LaMichael James and Carlos Hyde were both drafted in round two. James ran wild against Harbaugh’s defense while he was at Stanford. Marcus Lattimore and Kendall Hunter were fourth-round picks. All these backs entered the NFL with very decorated college profiles. Harbaugh didn’t draft a back until the sixth round in 2024, but it was a poor running back class.
Harbaugh only once drafted a strict pass-catcher in round one: wideout A.J. Jenkins. He was a total bust. Ladd McConkey was selected in round two and looks like a major hit. He also took Tre Harris in round two last year (praised as a run-blocker in Year 1).
Whenever you think of Harbaugh, I feel like it always comes back to the ground game in some capacity.
As for Hortiz’s influence from Baltimore (director of player personnel for Baltimore under Eric DeCosta), we can look at what the Ravens have done historically.
In his five drafts working alongside DeCosta, Baltimore spent the majority of their top picks (inside the first five rounds) on defensive linemen, wide receivers, offensive guards, running backs and cornerbacks.
An overarching strategy we should see continue from the newest head coach/general manager combination of Harbaugh and Hortiz (from Baltimore) is that they will have completely different values on the “non-premium” positions. Any talented player who falls based on position will undoubtedly be scooped up by the Chargers, whether they need him or not.
Caleb Lomu, Chase Bisontis and Emmanuel Pregnon will all be considered. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has been singing the praises of Bisontis as a potential first-round pick, and I am 100% buying this stock.
Hortiz said at the NFL Scouting Combine that they would attack the offensive line, defense, running backs, tight ends, wideouts, etc. The more players surrounding Herbert, the better.
Also, they should be active in trade talks. In Baltimore under DeCosta, the Ravens have averaged one trade per year since 2019, trading down twice as often as trading up.
Another option is that L.A. trades back and still gets Bisontis later,
However, it’s hardly far-fetched to envision Harbaugh with a potential tight end selection at 22nd overall. He loves tight ends.
It’s still possible that Harbaugh goes with the best receiver/pass-catcher available, given the Ravens’ track record. Of course, it also depends on who is on the board (Kenyon Sadiq?).
If you read this far, there are so many teams that could take Sadiq. He just seems like a total “why not?” type of draft pick.
The Ravens have selected seven wide receivers with top-150 draft picks since 2019.
Note that second-year safeties coach Adam Fuller comes over from Florida State, where he served as the defensive coordinator from 2020 to 2024.
Expect, along with some former Wolverines, for some ex-Seminoles to be drafted by the Chargers this year.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Chase Bisonti
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Blake Miller (OT – Clemson)
Literally just take a tackle or receiver.
Howie Roseman is no stranger to selecting wide receivers early on, having selected one in the first two rounds over the last seven seasons, two of which have been first-round picks. Wide receiver is firmly in play with one of the Eagles’ later-round picks, given that the team might need to fill the void left by A.J. Brown (if they trade him).
Given the strength/depth at tight end in this year’s class, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them draft one. Howie Roseman is always one step ahead in replacing players. Dallas Goedert is on a one-year deal.
In 2024, the Eagles were prime candidates to go with a cornerback, and they drafted two with their top two selections. In 2025, they went linebacker, safety and defensive tackle with their top three picks. The O-Line wasn’t addressed until late in the fifth round.
This team loves to invest high-end draft picks into their offensive line more than any other position. And that makes drafting an offensive lineman the move Roseman may settle on, especially after neglecting that spot over the last three drafts.
Even so…
From 2019-2023, Roseman has drafted an offensive lineman in the first four rounds of every draft, three of which have been second-round selections or higher. Of course, this streak broke in 2024.
Look for them to get back on the trench trend. Under Roseman, the Eagles have used 10 out of his 14 first-round picks to address the trenches (which excludes 2015, when Chip Kelly had control of the roster).
And when in doubt, the Eagles usually just draft a player from Georgia. They drafted three former Bulldogs in 2023. Options I’d be considering based on where they are picking:
- Max Iheanachor (long-term project)
- Monroe Freeling (better/best project)
- Blake Miller (ready now; easy replacement for Lane Johnson)
- Caleb Lomu (ready now)
I like Freeling to the Eagles the most, but that might be tough based on where he actually ends up being drafted. Feel similar to Kadyn Proctor as an upside swing for Philly. I do think whichever offensive tackle the Eagles draft will be telling. After losing offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, how confident are they in developing more potential offensive linemen?
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Blake Miller
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Denzel Boston (WR – Washington)
It’s just going to be the best available receiver after they get their offensive line piece. Denzel Boston visited and met with the Browns at the combine.
The pick will not be Ty Simpson despite them doing work on him throughout the pre-draft process.
Wrote this last year:
“Worth noting that Baker Mayfield was essentially just 22 years old, although his RAS score was not nearly as high as most of the top-end prospects Berry has played a part in drafting. Dorian Thompson-Robinson was 22 years old when drafted by the Browns in 2023. Worth noting that among this year’s quarterback class, Shedeur Sanders (23) and Tyler Shough (26) are much older than typical Berry targets. Yet another reason why it seems unlikely Sanders becomes a Brown at any point during the 2025 NFL Draft. Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe fit a closer mold at 22 years old. Milroe’s former offensive coordinator at Alabama — Tommy Rees — was also hired as the Browns’ new offensive coordinator. Will Howard and Quinn Ewers would be the most logical late-round quarterback options for the Browns. Ewers is 22 years old.”
Naturally, they ended up drafting Shedeur Sanders after he fell. Dillon Gabriel was also much older, and they drafted him before Sanders. Still, they obviously did their homework on Sanders and felt the value was too good to pass on.
Needless to say, the Browns addressed the quarterback position differently in last year’s draft. And I’d hardly say it worked out for them.
Fast forward to their interest in Simpson this year. The Browns showed pre-draft interest in almost all of their 2025 draft picks (including their first four picks).
Cleveland has been discussed as a potential trade-up team as well, but only twice has Andrew Berry traded up (one being for Sanders).
Back to Simpson. He’s an older prospect (already 23 years old). This might be a case of “if the price is right.” After all, we saw Sanders fall into their laps last year.
I’d been connecting the dots on Simpson to the Browns in several past mocks on the show this year, but I feel less confident that it is the direction they will be going with.
I think they go offensive tackle first and then wide receiver second. Then, if Simpson is there at pick No. 39, they might consider pulling the trigger if Arizona doesn’t pick him first.
But the way they have seemingly “reopened” their doors to Deshaun Watson and potentially fell into something decent with Sanders, it seems like a long shot.
Lance Zierlein graded B.T. Sanders and Simpson with the same grades pre-draft (6.30). And Gabriel seems solidified as a long-term backup option.
I think the Browns are just so desperate for tackle and receiver help that they cannot afford to splurge on Simpson.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Denzel Boston
25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Lomu (OT – Utah)
General manager Ryan Poles took over a roster in 2022 with no first-round draft capital and glaring roster needs at wide receiver, offensive line and cornerback.
Poles addressed the secondary in the 2022 draft by selecting cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker. He blew the wide receiver selection with Velus Jones Jr. in round three but made up for it by acquiring veteran wideout DJ Moore during the 2023 offseason as part of the trade with the Panthers for the No. 1 overall pick. He also “made up” for the blown Chase Claypool trade by acquiring Keenan Allen this offseason for a fourth-round pick and drafting Rome Odunze inside the top 10.
After foregoing the offensive line in 2022, Poles invested in it with Darnell Wright in 2024. He also reinvested in the secondary with cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
Upgrading the offensive line was going to happen sooner rather than later, given Poles’ roots in the Chiefs’ player personnel department, which has taken a newer approach to bolstering the offensive line in the early rounds. They made a clear effort last offseason to build the offensive line in free agency. And they did so again this offseason, filling the holes strategically.
However, there are question marks at tackle given Ozzy Trapilo‘s injury (last year’s second-round pick). They have one-year stop-gap options on the roster. That being said, if the right tackle is there, I wouldn’t be surprised if they took the plunge.
To pinpoint the archetype of the offensive line play Poles is looking for early on, we can look at the players he has drafted in past seasons, including Wright, Braxton Jones, Zach Thomas, Kiran Amegadjie and Ozzy Trapilo.
Some potential prospects in this draft that look similar, according to MockDraftable, include Max Iheanachor. Worth noting that Iheanachor’s closest comps are Caleb Lomu and Darnell Wright.
Head coach Ben Johnson got his playmakers in last year’s draft, so it’s time to address the trenches. Outside of an offensive tackle selection, I’d expect more resources thrown at the defense. They do have two second-round picks to add pressure on the edge. Tackle depth won’t be as fruitful.
They drafted two defensive linemen in 2023 in Zacch Pickens and Gervon Dexter. Drafted Shemar Turner in round three last year.
The Chiefs went heavy on drafting defensive linemen during Poles’ tenure there, and it’s a major need after essentially foregoing it entirely in 2024.
Bolstering the defensive line/EDGE alongside Montez Sweat seems like the most sensible move if they elect to go away from insuring offensive tackle in the first round. Again, it’s likely going to be a pass-rusher, given the team’s need for EDGE help and Poles’ background from Kansas City. Through his first four years as Bears general manager, Poles has loved drafting offense.
Per NFL Draft IQ, Poles has used all four of his first-round picks on offensive players and all four/six of his second-round picks on defense.
And these players have been mostly top-tier athletes. Each of the Bears’ first three draft classes under Poles ranked among the top 15 in the NFL by average NGS athleticism score dating back to 2022. The Bears’ 2024 draft class ranked as the most productive draft class by average production score (84.9) over the past 20 years (since 2005).
According to ClevAnalytics, Poles has used six out of eight non-quarterback top-65 picks on prospects with a RAS score of 9.2 or higher. Trapilo was the lone top-65 pick who tested last year, finishing with an 8.92 RAS score.
Projected first-round picks with RAS scores of 9.2 or higher include:
But again. Let’s not pretend like Poles will be the only strong voice in the Bears’ war room. Ben Johnson is going to have his say as he did in last year’s draft.
The Bears have also been connected to Zion Young, Caleb Lomu, Max Iheanachor, Kayden McDonald, Dillon Thieneman and Akheem Mesidor throughout the pre-draft process.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Lomu
26. Buffalo Bills: Kayden McDonald (DT – Ohio State)
Brandon Beane has been the Bills’ general manager since 2017 and deserves praise for not only drafting Josh Allen but building a roster that aided in his development (at least early on).
Beane has been a pretty balanced drafter over the past eight seasons, with the defensive line the only position he has taken extra shots on in the early rounds. Outside of the defensive line, the remaining positions he’s targeted most include running back, wide receiver/tight end, cornerback and offensive line.
According to NFL Draft IQ, the Bills have selected a premium position with nine out of 12 picks in the top 50 under Beane. The two non-premium picks were Dalton Kincaid in 2023 and Tremaine Edmunds in 2018. The Bills have selected at least one wide receiver in eight out of nine drafts under Beane.
The 2023 NFL Draft was pretty status quo with him selecting Kincaid and O’Cyrus Torrence in the first two rounds. However, no defensive line draft picks was somewhat surprising, along with no running backs.
In 2024, Buffalo went receiver and safety with their two first-round picks before drafting a defensive tackle at the end of round three. In 2025, they went cornerback in round one, followed by three defensive linemen (T.J. Sanders, Landon Jackson and Deone Walker).
Buffalo clearly is not afraid to add pieces to the D-Line. Just not a ton of hits outside of Greg Rousseau and Ed Oliver.
In 2025, Buffalo addressed needs at cornerback, EDGE and defensive tackle in the early rounds. They hit the defensive line with a lot of bodies last year (tends to be a double-down approach), but it hasn’t been enough.
After mostly forgoing the defensive line in the last four seasons in the draft, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Buffalo head back in that direction. They could also trade back (no second-round picks).
The Bills’ current defensive line coach was with Illinois from 2021 to 2025.
I cannot overstate the major coaching change on defense under new coordinator Jim Leonhard. He was formerly the defensive pass game coordinator for the Broncos (2024-2025). Before that, he was at Illinois (senior football analyst) and Wisconsin. He coached outside linebacker and 2026 NFL Draft prospect Gabe Jacas, a potential first-round/second-round pick.
The new cornerbacks coach was at Oklahoma (2022-2025). There’s a surplus of former Sooners in this year’s draft, including R Mason Thomas, Gracen Halton and Deion Burks.
Also very possible that Buffalo will probably trade back.
I’m probably just gonna lock in Kayden McDonald (attending the NFL Draft) to Buffalo and call it a day. I just don’t love the EDGE rushers as much when McDonald seems like a safe bet for a defense that needs to get beefier up front.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kayden McDonald
27. San Francisco 49ers: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE – Miami)
Can’t think of a better team fit than Akheem Mesidor for the 49ers. He’s 25 years old. But San Fran’s pass rush was abysmal last year, and they are in full-blown win-now mode. Also, going D-Line is the 49ers’ bread-and-butter approach to the NFL Draft.
The 49ers have gone heavily on defensive players with their first selection in six of the last nine drafts (since 2017).
According to NFL Draft IQ, in his first four drafts as general manager (2017 to 2020), John Lynch used three first-round picks on defensive linemen. Between 2021 and 2025, the 49ers used three picks on a defensive lineman in the first three rounds (Drake Jackson in 2022, Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins in 2025).
Albert Breer noted that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has told people in the building he doesn’t need first-round offensive linemen. They can make it work. And this is how they have traditionally operated.
So, although the heir apparent to Trent Williams seems like such a smart move, San Francisco just doesn’t tend to go in that direction. And I think the offensive tackle class will run dry by the time they pick.
The 49ers’ need for drafting offensive linemen doesn’t necessarily scream that it is always the top priority, especially when you believe in the offensive scheme, making top linemen less of a priority.
Simply put, they don’t invest high draft capital into the offensive line. I mentioned that in my NFC team needs article.
Given the state of the defense relying on so many players coming off injuries (and the loss of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh), the 49ers can’t risk not bolstering defensive depth across the front seven.
High-end prospects that fit the Niners’ needs at EDGE include:
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah loves the fit of Malachi Lawrence to the Niners.
Also, it’s noteworthy that Lynch has drafted an offensive skill position player in the first three rounds of every draft since 2018 until last season.
They don’t have a third-round pick. Skill position could be the play in round two (potentially a receiver like Antonio Williams or Chris Brazzell II). The Niners also have four fourth-round picks, so they could move a bit in the draft.
They have drafted four wideouts inside the top 45 between Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall.
And among the eight wide receivers selected by the 49ers since 2019, seven were 23 or older when they were drafted. Only one (Jacob Cowing at 5-foot-8) was shorter than 5-foot-11; four weighed at least 205 pounds.
Older and big wide receivers seem to be preferred targets. Here is a list of receivers that are at least 205 pounds, 5-foot-11 and 23 years old: Elijah Sarratt, Jeff Caldwell and De’Zhaun Stribling.
The 49ers’ highest-drafted cornerback since 2017 is 6-foot-3, 198-pound Ahkello Witherspoon (second round). Regarding defensive backs (specifically corners), the 49ers have traditionally preferred players with long arms.
Although the last two seasons have been outliers, after they selected Renardo Green (sub-50th-percentile arm length and wingspan) and Upton Stout (eighth percentile arm length).
San Francisco has drafted a cornerback/safety in just five of the last nine drafts, but they have used a round three pick or higher when selected.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Akheem Mesidor
28. Houston Texans :Max Iheanachor (OT – Arizona State)
In 2022, the Houston Texans showed us the kind of players they want to target. Five of their first six selections in the first four rounds came from the SEC, including two players from Alabama.
The Texans under Nick Caserio are well-known for loving players from Alabama. Will Anderson Jr., John Metchie, Henry To’oTo’o and Christian Harris have been selected from the Crimson Tide in the last three drafts since Caserio (from the Patriots) landed in Houston as their general manager. DeMeco Ryans also played his college ball at Alabama.
Lately, the Texans have had an affinity for Iowa State players as well.
Caserio will be entering his sixth year as the Houston Texans’ general manager.
After focusing on offense with his top three picks in 2021, Caserio altered his plan slightly in 2022, splitting draft resources between both sides of the ball. Two offensive players and two defensive players were drafted within the first 45 overall selections: Two defensive backs, one interior offensive lineman and one wide receiver.
In 2023, Caserio once again split the difference between offense and defense, drafting the eventual Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year with C.J. Stroud/Will Anderson Jr. Then he overwhelmingly favored the offensive side of the ball with a center and another receiver selection (Tank Dell) in the third round.
In 2024, they held two second-round picks, going cornerback and offensive tackle, followed by safety in round three.
In 2025, they traded out of the first round and went receiver and offensive tackle at the top of round two and round three.
With now five drafts in the bag, we can start to see some of Caserio’s drafting strategies. He’s drafted a receiver in the first three rounds in four of the last five seasons. Nico Collins, John Metchie, Tank Dell, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
The other highest draft picks have been Derek Stingley, Kenyon Green, Jalen Pitre and Kamari Lassiter.
Offensive line is the only offensive position Caserio has targeted multiple times over the last five seasons.
From a testing perspective, Caserio’s 2021 draft picks showed a pattern of testing well in the three-cone drill. That held true in 2022, as safety Jalen Pitre posted a 6.74 three-cone time (87th percentile), which was the third-fastest time among the 2022 safety class. They also drafted Thomas Booker IV, who tied for the fastest three-cone among defensive tackles at 7.33 seconds (80th percentile).
In 2023, they drafted Xavier Hutchinson, who posted the fifth-fastest three-cone time in last year’s combine.
Some of this year’s class’s top three-cone drill performers who may be on the Texans’ radar: Germie Bernard, Jacob Rodriguez, Chase Bisontis and Keylan Rutledge.
I’d fully expect the Texans to trade up as well, given they have two second-round picks this season, especially after trading out last year early on.
Also, according to NFL Draft IQ, over five drafts as the Texans’ general manager, Caserio has traded up 13 times on draft day (2.9 per draft), most among active general managers.
In 2023 alone, the Texans made eight draft-day trades (five up, three down). Across 12 trades over the last two years, five were deals made with Howie Roseman and the Eagles.
More insights by NFL Draft IQ:
Caserio has selected just one player (Tank Dell out of Houston) from a non-power conference (at the time they were drafted) out of 32 overall selections since 2021. In both the 2022 and 2023 drafts, the Texans selected multiple players out of Alabama.
From 2021-2024, the Texans were the only team in the NFL that hadn’t drafted a player with an NGS athleticism score above 85. They don’t overvalue overall athletics (besides the three-cone). Although last year’s class was more athletic, especially at the top.
On the flip side (from 2021-2024), only three of their 32 picks had an athleticism score below 60, with only one (Kamari Lassiter in 2024) who was selected before Day 3. He fell and has been a steal as a result for the Texans.
They also drafted Jaylin Smith last year (round three), who posted a 62 athleticism score.
Houston is obviously loaded on defense, but I could see an off-ball linebacker as an option. Defensive tackle also makes some sense (another Kayden McDonald landing spot).
However, the offensive line is one that they continue to try to improve. And given they have two starters at right tackle for Week 1, I think they might be able to take a shot on a long-term option such as Max Iheanachor.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Max Iheanachor
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams): Keldric Faulk (EDGE – Auburn)
If they do indeed go offensive line in round one, defensive tackle and EDGE are the next top options. Maybe a cornerback
Keldric Faulk isn’t a Chris Jones clone like Caleb Banks is, but Faulk was at least invited to the 2026 NFL Draft. Banks’ injuries concern me.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Keldrick Faulk
30. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Dillon Thieneman (S – Oregon)
I really wanted to put an offensive lineman here, but I couldn’t find one I really liked. Meanwhile, safety Dillon Thieneman and his -2500 odds to be a first-round pick were staring me in the face.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Dillon Thieneman
31. New England Patriots: Zion Young (EDGE – Missouri)
With all the top tackles/receivers gone, this one is easy to pick: EDGE rusher. Specifically, speed off the edge (noted by de facto general manager Eliot Wolf). Now that might mean Zion Young isn’t the pick (more power rusher), but the Patriots have shown interest in him throughout the pre-draft process (multiple meetings).
Wolf has served as the de facto general manager for the last two seasons, and he was kept on board despite Mike Vrabel being hired as the new head coach in 2025.
Wolf’s tenure with the Browns/Packers suggests he is analytically driven, which strongly pointed in the direction of a quarterback at the top of round one in 2024 and offensive tackle in 2025.
Wolf is more than aware that if that premium position hits, it’s the biggest win for the roster overall.
Even though the majority of picks from 2024 were misses — Ja’Lynn Polk, Caedan Wallace, Javon Baker, etc. — his hits were at quarterback, between not only Drake Maye, but also Joe Milton. He is drafting the right positions most of the time (even if it’s not the right players).
According to NFL Draft IQ, Wolf spent 12 of the team’s 19 picks (63%) on the offensive side of the ball. Out of those eight picks in 2024, the Patriots doubled-dipped at three position groups, bringing in two quarterbacks, two wide receivers and two offensive linemen.
I love the willingness to double down at positions of need.
EDGE has been the least drafted position in the last two drafts, which is why it’s so important for 2026. And one I’d expect them to throw multiple draft picks at.
As for receiver, we know the elephant in the room. The Patriots have tried to trade for wide receiver talent over the last three offseasons but have yet to finalize any deal. Maybe after a Super Bowl appearance and MVP runner-up campaign, receivers will finally want to play with Drake Maye.
But if no trade comes to fruition, receiver is still a top need. Wolf has drafted wideouts the last two seasons, and Vrabel invested a lot in that position with Tennessee. With Jon Robinson from 2018-2022, the position invested in most was wide receiver, followed by cornerback, defensive line and EDGE, and then offensive line by a fair margin.
Worth mentioning that the Robinson/Vrabel combination had no fear of scooping up players who fell due to injury concerns. Robinson was more than happy to select both Jeffery Simmons (2019, 19th overall) and Caleb Farley (2021, 22nd overall) in past drafts amid massive injury concerns.
In Vrabel’s lone draft with Ron Carthon in 2023, the team addressed top team needs at premium positions with tackle-guard convert Peter Skoronski and quarterback Will Levis. They showcased forward-thinking with not only the Levis selection (Ryan Tannehill was in a contract year) but with running back Tyjae Spears, anticipating the departure of Derrick Henry.
Also, another interesting tidbit about the Patriots’ front office: Third-year personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith most recently served as the general manager of football operations for the University of Miami (2022-2023).
I know I strongly considered Malachi Lawrence here as well (more of a speed rusher) for the Patriots. And the Patriots have also met with EDGE rusher R Mason Thomas, Cashius Howell and Keyron Crawford. These four EDGE rushers fit more of the speed off the edge compared to Young.
Howell is +220 to go in the first round, probably because of his short arms (first percentile).
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Zion Young
32. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Johnson Jr. (CB – San Diego State)
Many believe Seattle will trade out of this spot (they only have four picks), so I don’t want to harp too much on who they specifically might target. That being said, they have shown interest (among other teams in this range) in Chris Johnson Jr. He’s one of my favorite bets to be a first-round selection.
Seattle lost Riq Woolen this offseason.
Since 2010, Seattle has spent the majority of its draft picks inside the top four rounds on wide receivers, offensive linemen (specifically interior) and defensive linemen.
In 2024, under a new head coach, they drafted a defensive tackle in round one, followed by an offensive guard in round three. In 2025, it was offensive guard, safety, tight end and then quarterback.
Expect Seattle to avoid players with major red flags. They didn’t take Jalen Carter in 2023 despite many presuming Seattle wouldn’t pass on his talent. John Schneider drafted Malik McDowell in the second round (35th overall) back in 2017 despite character issues as a prospect. McDowell never played a down for Seattle. And since then, Seattle hasn’t drafted players highly with major red flags, opting for players with strong character to build their roster.
Mike Macdonald enters Year 3 as the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks, and there was credence to his defensive background influencing picks over the last two drafts.
They addressed a glaring need in 2024. The 2023 defense struggled, specifically with rookie EDGE rusher and 2023 second-round pick Derick Hall. They had to improve the pass rush across the defensive line for 2024. Their run defense was also a major liability entering 2024. They drafted Byron Murphy in the first round.
Entering the 2025 draft, that liability was across the interior offensive line. They drafted Grey Zabel. Bang. Fixed.
Macdonald’s bloodlines come from Baltimore, where those teams have traditionally favored defensive linemen, offensive guards, wide receivers, running backs, cornerbacks and safeties. Also means that he might value non-premium positions more than most. Case in point: Drafting three non-premium positions in 2025.
All signs point to an upgrade on the offensive line is clearly in play for Seattle. They did it last season, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they run it back, given they need another guard. Very possible Seattle trades back to get additional picks while still grabbing a top-tier guard.
Per NFL Draft IQ, throughout his tenure as Seahawks general manager since 2010, Schneider has traded back in the first round six times in drafts where the Seahawks had a first-round pick entering Day 1.
Four of Schneider’s 13 first-round picks have been offensive tackles. Zabel was the first guard to be selected before the third round since 2010. Zabel was defined as an offensive tackle in the NFL.com database (although his NFL projection was always expected to be a guard).
Other prospects that Seattle has been tied to across the offensive line include Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon (expected to be either a late round one or early round two pick).
They are also in the market for more defensive line help, just to continue building up their strong rotation. Zion Young, Malachi Lawrence, Cashius Howell and R Mason Thomas have all met with Seattle (a similar crop of EDGE rushers the Patriots have shown interest in).
This ESPN report noted that Thomas is an ideal replacement for Boye Mafe. He earned the “quickest first step” superlative in this year’s class.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Chris Johnson Jr.
More 2026 NFL Mock Draft Picks
Here are more 2026 NFL Mock Drafts.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (4/13)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft With Trades: Three Ronds (4/6)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (4/1)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (3/27)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (3/25)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft With Trades: Three Rounds (3/23)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft With Trades: First-Round Predictions (3/14)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (3/6)
- VIDEO: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (3/4)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (3/3)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (3/2)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (3/2)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft With Trades (3/1)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (2/20)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (2/19)
- VIDEO: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (2/16)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Two Rounds With Trades (2/14)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (2/10)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (2/3)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (1/26)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (1/23)
- VIDEO: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (1/21)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (1/20)
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