Several NFL organizations strengthened their rosters during the initial phase of free agency. These strategic moves have altered our predictions for player destinations in the upcoming NFL Draft, necessitating adjustments. Behold, the newest mock draft!
In this simulated draft, Charles McDonald from Yahoo Sports is responsible for the odd-numbered selections, while Nate Tice handles the even-numbered picks.
1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Given the Raiders’ recent transaction sending Geno Smith to the Jets, any commentary here would be redundant, as this topic has been extensively covered. This decision is settled, and for Klint Kubiak’s sake, we hope for a favorable outcome. Proceeding to the next pick.
2. New York Jets — Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State
The Jets were proactive in acquiring numerous experienced players to solidify their defense. They now introduce an explosive talent in Reese, continuing their effort to revitalize this side of the ball. Reese’s optimal position will likely be at the line of scrimmage, where he demonstrates flashes of high-end pass-rushing ability and already exhibits proficiency in setting the edge against the run. His versatility to play off-ball is an added advantage if the Jets aim for creative deployment of all their pass rushers on the field.
3. Arizona Cardinals — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
A selection within the top three for an off-ball linebacker seems high, yet Styles possesses the potential to be a transformative player at the position in a league largely devoid of elite linebackers. Styles exhibits the physical stature and acceleration to cover all zones of the field, performed commendably in coverage, and can be effectively utilized as a blitzer. Styles would immediately become the preeminent talent on the Cardinals’ defense and, regardless of his eventual draft position, would serve as an intriguing case study on the integration of a top-tier linebacker when most other franchises lack a healthy one.
4. Tennessee Titans — David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
There is buzz about the Titans selecting Jeremiyah Love, and despite investing in Wan’Dale Robinson during free agency, the Titans still require additional playmakers to complement Cam Ward. At this stage of their rebuilding process, I would prefer the Titans to continue strengthening their offensive and defensive lines rather than drafting a running back. Robert Saleh consistently emphasizes heavy investment in his defensive fronts, and Bailey would provide him with an incendiary pass rusher, offering a distinct style compared to their current powerful linemen. An additional benefit is that the remainder of the Titans’ defensive line will help shield Bailey in the run game. The combination of Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, and Bailey presents a formidable challenge for opposing offenses attempting to pass.
5. New York Giants — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
This pick might be surprising, but a logical thread connects it: specifically, the reunion of John Harbaugh and Greg Roman in New York. While Matt Nagy will oversee play-calling, Roman serves as a senior offensive assistant for the Giants, and Harbaugh has consistently demonstrated a commitment to establishing a strong running game throughout most of his tenure in Baltimore. The Giants may perceive a dynamic running back as the final component, considering their offensive line is not in urgent need of an upgrade and they have addressed wide receiver depth. The performance of Cam Skattebo upon his return from a leg injury is unknown, but Love is a vastly superior prospect who injects considerable speed into the Giants’ backfield.
(Hassan Ahmad/Yahoo Sports)
6. Cleveland Browns — Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Browns faced the necessity of a complete overhaul for their offensive line this offseason. They’ve initiated this process by securing several veterans in free agency, but still require a further influx of talent, particularly at the tackle position. This brings in Freeling, a player whose stock rose consistently throughout the 2025 season and is now firmly positioned within my top 10 overall prospects for this class. Freeling offers considerable potential as a reliable blindside protector for Cleveland’s future quarterbacks.
7. Washington Commanders — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The only reason Downs remains available here is due to positional value. He is arguably the premier player in the draft and has been recognized as an elite defensive back prospect since his inaugural season at Alabama. He represents the “can’t-miss” caliber of player the Commanders could utilize in their secondary, possessing the versatility to operate as a deep safety and in the slot within Dan Quinn’s defense, which is in urgent need of a strong rebound in 2026.
8. New Orleans Saints — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The temptation to acquire another pass-catching option in New Orleans is strong. Instead, the Saints opt for Delane, bringing him over from Baton Rouge. Under Brandon Staley, the Saints’ defense performed better than anticipated last season. While they could consider adding to their defensive line, Delane is an astute player who aligns well with Staley’s zone-heavy scheme and innovative passing-down defensive looks. He would represent an immediate upgrade for the cornerback group and provide the Saints with a defender who would quickly adapt to the scheme and offer a greater game impact than their current roster.
9. Kansas City Chiefs — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
Kansas City promptly submits this selection. By stroke of luck, one of college football’s most disruptive defensive ends falls into the Chiefs’ hands as they endeavor to reintroduce top-tier talent to their defense. Bain would be an ideal complement in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense and establish a productive trio alongside Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
10. Cincinnati Bengals — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
This scenario would be somewhat unfavorable for the Bengals, with multiple defensive players being chosen before their tenth pick. Keldric Faulk is a consideration, but the Bengals might be reluctant to select two developmental edge defenders in consecutive drafts (having drafted Shemar Stewart last year). Nevertheless, they still secure a supremely talented player in McCoy. He did not play last season, but he is still regarded as a high-end cornerback prospect based on his film prior to his injury in January 2025. He possesses the potential to be a significant game-changer on the outside for the Bengals, which could enable them to deploy Dax Hill in an interior role more frequently.
11. Miami Dolphins — Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
The Dolphins are officially commencing another rebuilding phase, leaving them with numerous vacancies they can attempt to address with their first-round pick this year. Here, they select Mauigoa from a local university, who possesses the skills to establish himself as a long-term starter at either right tackle or guard. Rome was not constructed in a single day, but if Patrick Paul and Jonah Savaiinaea develop, that forms a promising foundational offensive line to build upon.
12. Dallas Cowboys — Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
I appreciated the signings of Jalen Thompson and Cobie Durant by the Cowboys to reinforce their defensive backfield, but they must continue to acquire talent on that side of the ball. Positioned between tiers for cornerback and linebacker prospects, the Cowboys add the intriguing Faulk to their defensive line. He is still a work in progress as a pass rusher, but he is young, possesses high-end traits, plays with relentless effort, and will enter the league already as an above-average run defender. He would complement the Cowboys’ existing personnel, and his pocket-collapsing rush style would perfectly align with the disruptive power of Quinnen Williams on the interior. Faulk could operate in several roles within Christian Parker’s Fangio scheme, a versatility he already demonstrated at Auburn. This fit has grown on me with further contemplation.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons) — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
With the retirement of long-serving right tackle Rob Havenstein, the Rams face a substantial void on the right side of their offensive line. Fortunately, they can secure an ideal replacement here. Lomu has not garnered as much acclaim as his teammate Spencer Fano, but Lomu might be a more natural fit here given his prior experience playing right tackle at Utah. Lomu’s aggressive demeanor, explosiveness, and comprehensive athleticism provide him the opportunity to develop into an impenetrable right tackle.
14. Baltimore Ravens — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The first wide receiver off the board! While I would prefer the Ravens to pair Lamar Jackson with a receiver of substantial physical stature, Tate is an exceptionally consistent player who *performs* beyond his measured size due to his impressive catching radius and precise ball skills. He is an intelligent player, effective as a route runner across all three levels, and his instinctive understanding against zone coverage would be amplified during Jackson’s scramble drills. The Ravens could consider bolstering their offensive line here, but I believe revisiting the first-round wide receiver pool (again) with Tate would introduce a distinct type of pass-catching talent to the Ravens’ roster.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
A team can never possess an excessive number of cornerbacks, leading Tampa Bay to select the consistent Terrell around the middle of the first round. Terrell may not be the most explosive cornerback, but he exhibits fluidity and adept ball skills — much like his elder brother, A.J., who plays for the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay would have preferred to acquire a defensive lineman capable of playing on the edge, but with Faulk already taken a few picks earlier, they pivot to another position with this selection.
16. New York Jets (via Colts) — Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Following the departures of John Simpson and former first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency, the Jets aim to reinforce their offensive line with another first-round selection. Ioane possesses favorable size and comfort operating in open space. He demonstrated strong positional awareness this past season, which bodes well for his early impact in the professional ranks. The Jets could pursue several different directions with this pick, but I anticipate they will prioritize the trenches (again) here.
Akheem Mesidor (3) and Rueben Bain Jr. (4) formed a formidable tandem on Miami’s defensive line. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
(Miami Herald via Getty Images)
17. Detroit Lions — Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
This selection requires little further explanation beyond the fact that the Lions currently possess a limited number of pass rushers on their roster. Their defensive end position, outside of Aidan Hutchinson, is severely lacking in depth, almost to the point where an edge rusher is a necessity with this pick. Mesidor can be inconsistent on a down-to-down basis and will be 25 years old before the draft, yet he holds the potential to be an NFL contributor or even a legitimate, consistent threat off the edge if he transitions smoothly. The Lions are compelled to address this area.
18. Minnesota Vikings — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Vikings have several different types of prospects they could target with their first-round pick. There are a couple of intriguing safety options, they could seek the successor to T.J. Hockenson in Kenyon Sadiq, or they might choose to infuse substantial bulk into their defensive line. Brian Flores intends to engineer pressures and impactful plays for his defense, but the Vikings could benefit from a player capable of engaging blocks, thereby allowing teammates to aggressively pursue the football. McDonald may not be the most glamorous prospect, but his primary strength lies in his ability to withstand the run, coupled with agile enough footwork to be utilized in the twists and stunts that Flores frequently employs. McDonald essentially represents the defensive counterpart to the philosophy that led to last year’s selection of offensive guard Donovan Jackson: a tangible trench talent who empowers inventive coaches.
19. Carolina Panthers — Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Carolina significantly augments its defensive line here with the addition of Banks. He is a formidable tackle possessing elite athleticism and refined technique for diagnosing and overcoming blocks — however, his tackling is a notable weakness. While this is concerning, his other attributes are so dynamic and overpowering that even marginal improvement in that problematic area would elevate him to a productive starter in the NFL. Banks reportedly fractured his foot at the NFL combine and is projected to be sidelined until June, which should afford him ample time to achieve full health by training camp.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers) — Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
This might be an aggressive pick, but this segment of the first round is expected to be wide open due to the lack of consensus within this draft class. I held a high opinion of Hill at the beginning of the season (ranking him as my LB1), tempered my enthusiasm slightly, and have now returned to a positive outlook. He is a capable athlete with expansive sideline-to-sideline range. He exhibits strong awareness and instinctive play recognition, and his dynamic blitzing ability would integrate well into the Cowboys’ new defensive scheme. The Cowboys have commendably rebuilt their defense, and Hill would provide Dallas with its most talented interior linebacker since Leighton Vander Esch.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Steelers have one wide receiver position secured with DK Metcalf, but they are still severely lacking in other options. They receive a potential windfall with Tyson falling to the latter portion of the first round. At his best, and when fully healthy, Tyson is a dominant force in contested catch situations. He demonstrates genuine potential to develop into an NFL WR1. The question of who will be throwing the ball for Pittsburgh remains to be answered, but this is a familiar narrative for a Steelers offseason.
22. Los Angeles Chargers — Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
This would be a significant advantage for the Chargers. Fano is an excellent athlete who is explosive as a run blocker and moves effortlessly in open space. The Chargers did not make substantial additions at their guard positions this offseason, but Fano would fit seamlessly into Mike McDaniel’s scheme. I have some reservations about Fano’s ability to consistently perform at tackle in the professional league and believe his optimal position is at guard or even center. This concern is less pronounced in Los Angeles due to the Chargers’ talented tackle duo. It is beneficial that Fano possesses the positional versatility to provide depth if the Chargers ever require it (which they will).
23. Philadelphia Eagles — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Philadelphia has finally agreed to a one-year deal with veteran tight end Dallas Goedert, but at 31 years old, his long-term tenure with the team is ambiguous. The Eagles could secure an exceptional long-term successor for Goedert here with the supremely athletic Sadiq. He is an extraordinary athlete who should immediately establish a role as a pass-catching option early in his career. His blocking proficiency is just sufficient to provide a foundational skillset for development in the NFL.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars) — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The temptation to continue strengthening Cleveland’s offensive line is strong, and several talented players are still available here (though primarily tackles rather than interior linemen). Instead, the Browns choose to add physical size to their pass-catching unit. Jerry Jeudy is most effectively utilized as a secondary option, and Harold Fannin Jr. is an exciting young tight end. Boston would complement both as an outside receiver who excels in contested catches due to his superior ball skills and size. He is a consistent performer who can succeed in the red zone and provide the Browns’ quarterback, whoever that may be, a reliable large target in challenging situations.
25. Chicago Bears — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Woods’ descent in the draft concludes here, as the Bears make a high-upside selection at a position of critical demand. Chicago’s defensive line lacked sufficient power last season and, at his best, Woods can be an impactful defender across multiple interior alignments. The Bears have experimented with several defensive tackle prospects over the past few years, but Woods offers a more assured foundational talent than their recent Day 2 ventures.
26. Buffalo Bills — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
A linebacker selection was appealing here with CJ Allen still available. Instead, the Bills choose to strengthen the core of their defense at the safety position. Even after signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone, I believe the Bills could benefit from another centrally located long-term option that new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard could strategically deploy. McNeil-Warren is an exceptionally engaging player. He quickly diagnoses plays and is adept at supporting the run. He would be an excellent match for Leonhard’s defense, which places significant demands on its safeties.
27. San Francisco 49ers — Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
The 49ers are in need of a significant infusion of young talent along their offensive line, a need they can address with Iheanachor. He is a redshirt senior, yet he only began playing football a few years ago in junior college. It is always wise to consider someone who commenced their football journey in JUCO and did not immediately give up.
28. Houston Texans — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
General manager Nick Caserio favors players from major collegiate programs, and Proctor is quite literally the most physically imposing among such players in this year’s draft class. While the Texans did sign offensive tackle Braden Smith to a two-year deal, Smith has missed playing time in nearly every season of his career. Proctor would be enormous at the position, potentially beginning his career at guard and offering depth at tackle before transitioning outside later. The Texans should continue to address their offensive line, and while a guard or center might be immediately preferable, adding significant size, even if there isn’t a clear path to an immediate starting role, should not deter the Texans from acquiring a talented offensive lineman.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams) — Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
With Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie now with the Rams, cornerback has become a critical and immediate need for the Chiefs. Here, they can take a calculated risk on the talented Hood, who would have ample opportunities to make plays on the ball, supported by the quarterback pressure generated by Chris Jones and the previously mock-drafted Rueben Bain Jr.
30. Miami Dolphins (via Broncos) — KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Here is the substantial asset acquired from the Jaylen Waddle trade: another first-round wide receiver for Miami. Concepcion can deliver the same kind of explosive plays that Waddle provided when receiving passes from Tua Tagovailoa. His coaches at both A&M and NC State consistently devised strategies to get Concepcion involved, including on special teams. While Concepcion’s wide receiver skills have advanced, he still needs to demonstrate improvement in route running and consistency in catching the football.
31. New England Patriots — Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
As their playoff performance indicated, the Patriots’ offense still has significant progress to make in terms of talent acquisition to effectively contend against the league’s top defenses. It’s noteworthy that the Patriots possessed a top-five draft pick in the same season they reached the Super Bowl, which underscores a general deficiency in elite talent, particularly along the offensive line. They can begin to rectify this issue with the selection of Miller, another enormous, athletic tackle available in this draft class.
32. Seattle Seahawks — Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
My attention lingered on the available offensive guards at this position for a considerable time. Additionally, several intriguing defensive line and wide receiver prospects are present. Even after previous investments in both areas, I would not discount the Seahawks’ continued efforts to bolster these positions. Instead, Seattle acquires the versatile Thieneman from the state directly to their south. Thieneman would be an excellent fit in Mike Macdonald’s two-high scheme, maximizing his dual capabilities as a run defender and in coverage, while also enabling him to play from a high position to capitalize on his ability to read plays and react swiftly to the football. Thieneman would allow the Seahawks to frequently employ their five and six defensive back formations, thereby enhancing the overall potential of Seattle’s talented defense.
