Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks for winning the 2025 NFL Championship! I am pretty sure few people picked them before the season started. This has been the most unpredictable season I can remember. On to the off-season festivities! First up, a new mock draft. My first two round edition.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
6’5, 225 lbs
2025 Stats: 273-379, 3535 yards, 41 TD, 6 INT
The Raiders own out on a four way tie for the right to pick first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. There should not be any surprises. Las Vegas is going to take Fernando Mendoza. The lone first round quarterback in this class, he should be an easy fit for a team that has been searching for an answer at the position since Derek Carr’s prime. While Mendoza may not quite be on that Trevor Lawrence, Caleb Williams level as a prospect, he is big, has a strong arm, is accurate and a real leader, leading the team with the most losses in college football history to its first ever national championship.
2. New York Jets (3-14)
MLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
6’4, 243 lbs
2025 Stats: 69 taclkes, 6.5 sacks
The Jets have no quarterback. Their pass rush was anemic. They were the first team in NFL history to not intercept a single pass all season. They traded away their two best defenders for draft picks. Suffice to say, New York should just draft the best player available, because they need it all. That would probably be Arvell Reese. This is a draft light on impact talent, but Reese would qualify. He split time between middle linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2025, and with the Jets running a 4-3 defense, he could do the same. NFL coordinators have struggled with talented defenders lacking a defined position, but, like the Jaguars and Travis Hunter in 2025, they should draft him now and figure out how to best use him later.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
6’0, 214 lbs
2025 Stats: 199 carries, 1372 yards, 18 TD
Yes, this is extremely high for a running back, but let me explain. First, it is not unprecedented. Saquon Barkley was the second overall pick several years ago. Additionally, this is a draft light on impact talent. Jeremiyah Love is my top ranked player in this class. He is a better prospect than Ashton Jeanty, and will not get past the Saints or Chiefs. He has the perfect blend of strength and quickness, and is a solid pass catcher, making him a true three down threat. The Cardinals are going to be starting over from scratch on offense, and building around a dynamic talent like Love could help the offense get back on track.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
6’3, 275 lbs
2025 Stats: 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT
There may not be a better non-quarterback need to fit in the top five than Rueben Bain Jr. to the Titans. Bain Jr. is a complete defender. He can get after the quarterback, as evidenced by his 9.5 sacks and amazing 83 quarterback pressures. Scouts may nitpick at his lack of ideal arm size, but I cannot see a scenario where he falls out of the top five. As long as there are top quarterbacks in this league, teams will be loading up on pass rushers who can slow them down. Tennessee is woefully thin in that area.
2. New York Giants (4-13)
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
6’3, 195 lbs
2025 Stats: 51 rec, 875 yards, 9 TD
The Giants suffered through another miserable season, but there is hope. John Harbaugh joined the team as its newest head coach, and the trio of Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers could be elite, although two of the three suffered serious season ending injuries. Adding another receiving threat could only help out Dart. Carnell Tate had to spend his three years at Ohio State fighting for scraps next to target hogs Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith, but showed plenty of big play ability along the way. He is a solid deep threat with good size and route running ability. With Nabers back and Wan’Dale Robinson out of the slot, the Giants passing attack could be a real threat.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
6’6, 315 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
The Browns have a playoff caliber defense, but the offense has a long way to go. There is no obvious upgrade at quarterback here, but there are receivers and offensive lineman available. Francis Mauigoa looks like the best of a pretty solid group of tackles. Most of the top prospects this year are more right tackles, or even guards, including Mauigoa. He is a very good run blocker, who should be athletic enough to stay outside at right tackle. Cleveland will likely base its 2026 offense around the run game, so this would be a good fit.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
6’3, 250 lbs
2025 Stats: 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 3 FF
Washington pushed their chips into the middle of the table last off-season, but injury woes to Jayden Daniels resulted in a lost season. They should be better in 2026, but this is not a championship roster. The defense, in particular, lacks impact talent. David Bailey would be an easy, seamless fit. He is not a complete all around end, he is a bit undersized and not a great run defender, but he improved every year and topped out at 14.5 sacks as a senior, which gave him 29 sacks during his two stop, four year career.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
WR Makai Lemon, USC
5’11, 195 lbs
2025 Stats: 79 rec, 1156 yards, 11 TD
Tyler Shouch won the offensive rookie of the year award. He did not set the world on fire, but he showed that he can hold down the fort for a few years while the Saints rebuild the roster from the ground up. Chris Olave is probably its best offensive player, but the team did not extend his rookie contract, perhaps due to his history of concussions. Even if he is a Saint long term, Shough needs more weapons. Makai Lemon may not have the size teams look for out of a top ten pick, but he was extremely productive for USC as a junior. He is a good route runner, can make all the catches and found the end zone 11 times as a junior.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
6’2, 200 lbs
2025 Stats: 61 rec, 711 yards, 8 TD
Not even the mighty Chiefs are immune to the rigors of the NFL. The Chiefs are still a Super Bowl threat when healthy, but they need to supplement the skill positions, as even Patrick Mahomes needs help. Jordyn Tyson had a dip in production as a junior, but a huge part of that was a season ending injury to Sam Leavitt. Tyson’s sophomore tape was phenomenal, showing an elite route runner who struggled a bit with drops. He cleaned that up as a junior, and is a very solid all around prospect. He has good size, can make the tough catches and find the end zone.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
6’0, 205 lbs
2025 Stats: 68 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack
Even though safeties are not usually taken in the top ten, Caleb Downs is too talented to pass up here. The Bengals defense lacks playmakers, depth and talent, and Downs can provide all of the above. He can play any position in the secondary, pick off passes and chase down ball carriers. He may be the best talent in this class, and would help an over matched Cincinnati defense that needs it all.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
OT Spencer Fano, Utah
6’6, 302 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
The Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel, will probably move on from starting quarterback Tua Tagvailoa, and are in for yet another long rebuilding process. This roster needs everything, so the best player available approach would be the way to go. Austin Jackson has been unable to stay healthy,a nd Jonah Savaiinaea was one of the worst starting offensive linemen in college football as a rookie. Spencer Fano would be an upgrade at either position. He is a good pass blocker who could either be a Pro Bowl right tackle or an All Pro inside at guard.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
MLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
6’4, 243 lbs
2025 Stats: 89 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 FF
Dallas has a playoff caliber offense, but the defense regressed back to the terrible level it was at a few years ago. Even after the addition of Quinnen Williams, the front seven could use several reinforcements. Sonny Styles may be the most well rounded defender in this entire class. He started his Ohio State career at safety, and it shows when he drops back into coverage. He has also bulked up enough to withstand the run without sacrificing agility. He should be an immediate impact starter, and would provide leadership to the Dallas defense.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL (8-9))
CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
6’0, 190 lbs
2025 Stats: 45 tackles, 2 INT
The Rams season ended in disappointing fashion, but MVP Matthew Stafford will return, and Los Angeles has a top fifteen pick available to add an instant contributor. Mansoor Delane would fill one of the biggest needs Los Angeles has. He does not have elite cornerback size, but is experienced and a very solid cover man. An overqualified CB2, he should be an instant starter for whoever drafts him.
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
DT Peter Woods, Clemson
6’3, 315 lbs
2025 Stats: 30 tackles, 2 sacks
It was a strange season in the AFC. Quarterbacks usually rule, but Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson all missed the playoffs. The Ravens are going to break in a new coach, but the team needs remain clear. Baltimore needs reinforcements on defense. Like the rest of Clemson, Peter Woods could not build upon a solid 2024 season. He remains a top notch talent at defensive tackle, however. He is a solid run defender and can get after the quarterback on occasion. He is also agile enough to play end in a 3-4 scheme, like the one Baltimore runs.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
MLB CJ Allen, Georgia
6’1, 235 lbs
2025 Stats: 88 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 FF
Tampa Bay’s long NFC South run came to an end in disappointing fashion. This roster remains solid, but has to stay healthy, even more so than other NFL teams. Lavonte David is probably moving on after a wildly successful run for the Buccaneers. CJ Allen is one of a handful of off the ball linebacker first round prospects. He has good size, is a terrific athlete and can do everything you ask for from a MIKE linebacker.
16. New York Jets (from IND (8-9))
CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
6’0, 193 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
The Jets traded Sauce Gardner to the Colts, and were looking at a late first round pick as a result. Indianapolis ended the season on a seven game losing streak, making this pick much more attractive to New York. Ty Simpson could be an option, but with three first round picks in 2027, and a deeper quarterback class, I think they will look to aim higher. The Jets use this pick to select Gardner’s replacement. Jermod McCoy wound up sitting the entire 2025 season recovering from injury, so he will have to answer those questions, but his sophomore tape showed a true playmaker at the position, and someone who could be a CB1 in the NFL.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
6’6, 285 lbs
2025 Stats: 29 tackles, 2 sacks
It was an extremely disappointing season for the Super Bowl hopeful Detroit Lions. Without Aaron Glenn leading the way, and a lack of high end talent, the defense struggled to keep up for most of the season. Detroit is still searching for a pass rushing compliment to Aidan Hutchinson. I would be wary of drafting an EDGE who only had two sacks on the season, but Keldric Faulk showed what he is capable of during his sophomore season, where had had 45 tackles and 7 sacks. Faulk has defensive tackle size but end agility. If he can put it together, he could be exactly what the Lions need.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
5’11, 180 lbs
2025 Stats: 48 tackles, 3 sacks
Every year I mock a cornerback to Minnesota, and every year they ignore the position. Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr. are more of CB2 types. Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons cornerback AJ, was one of the lone bright spots for Clemson in 2025. Despite his small stature, he plays like a safety, racking up 50 tackles and 3 sacks.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
6’2, 248 lbs
2025 Stats: 31 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 1 FF
The Panthers were the best of the worst in the NFC South, and made the playoffs, but the roster still needs a serious injection of talent. Carolina was one of the worst teams in the league at both stopping the run and getting after the quarterback. Cashius Howell will not help with the former, but he is a true pass rushing specialist. He ranked fifth in the nation with 11.5 sacks. He is undersized and may not be a three down player, at least at first, but his ability to generate sacks will be much needed in Carolina.
21. Dallas Cowboys (from GB (9-7-1))
EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
6’3, 265 lbs
2025 Stats: 37 tackles, 5 sacks
Due to the Micah Parsons trade and unfortunate Marshawn Kneeland situation, Dallas is short on pass rushers. T.J. Parker could not build upon a great sophomore season, but showed what he was capable with during a three sack performance against South Carolina. He is not the best athlete but could develop into a decent all around end at the NFL level.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
WR Denzel Boston, Washington
6’4, 209 lbs
2025 Stats: 62 rec, 881 yards, 11 TD
Ty Simpson would be an option here, but the Steelers did not bring Mike McCarthy aboard to rebuild. I think they will once again go the veteran route. Pittsburgh has cycled through quite a few players in hopes of finding a counterpart to DK Metcalf at receiver. Denzel Boston only had seven receptions during his first two seasons in college, but has emerged as a big play threat the past two seasons, finding the end zone 20 times. He has an ideal mix of size and big play ability.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
6’4, 330 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
The Chargers had the worst offensive line play in the NFL in 2025. The return of both starting tackles will obviously help, but the interior was a complete disaster. Former first round pick Zion Johnson will be a free agent, and Olaivavega Ioane would be an upgrade. Penn State was a mess in 2025, so it is easy to forget how dominant the offense, especially the running game, was in 2025. Ioane was a big reason the team had a pair of elite running backs. He is a fantastic run blocker, and can hold his own against the pass as well.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
6’3, 245 lbs
2025 Stats: 51 rec, 560 yards, 8 TD
AJ Brown seems to be a non-stop headache, and Dallas Goedert is a 31 year old, declining free agent, so supplementing the passing game could be a priority for the Eagles. It often takes tight ends a while to make a mark in the NFL, but Kenyon Sadiq is the one player in this class who could make an immediate contribution. He is strong, agile and a great red zone target.
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX (13-4))
OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
6’7, 366 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
This could be another potential Ty Simpson landing spot, but he, like the quarterbacks before him, would struggle mightily behind one of the worst offensive lines in football. Kadyn Proctor had early top ten buzz, but struggled a bit with consistency as a junior. He also may have to move inside to guard. Still, he is a solid pass blocker with Pro Bowl potential, and no team had a worst pass-blocking grade in 2025 than Cleveland.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6)
DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
6’3, 326 lbs
2025 Stats: 65 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 FF
Thanks to a young offense flush with skill position talent, the Bears are an early trendy 2026 Super Bowl pick. The team needs to shore up a porous defensive line if it wants to make a serious run. Kayden McDonald would upgrade a mediocre defensive tackle unit. He is built like a nose tackle, but can get after the quarterback as well.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
5’11, 190 lbs
2025 Stats: 61 rec, 919 yards, 9 TD
The Bills are dangerously close to wasting Josh Allen’s prime. They have to get serious about surrounding him with adequate pass catchers. KC Concepcion transferred to Texas A&M, and proved in 2025 that he is more than just a possession slot receiver. He is shifty, quick, and agile. He lacks elite size, but offers everything else you look for in a top wideout.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
6’6, 304 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
The 49ers roster is aging, especially along the offensive line. Trent Williams is most likely season to season at this point. Caleb Lomu took a small step forward as a third year sophomore in 2025, but remains an athletic, agile left tackle who has starting ability. San Francisco can spend a year developing him before tasking him with replacing Williams in 2027.
28. Houston Texans (12-5)
OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
6’7, 315 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Houston ended the regular season on a nine game winning streak, almost exclusively thanks to one of the most intimidating defenses in the NFL. The offense remains a work in progress, especially along the line. Monroe Freeling is an early entrant who may be more of a day two pick, but we often see offensive tackles rise during the draft. He has starting potential, thanks to his ideal mix of size and traits, but it will take time and patience.
29. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
6’2, 208 lbs
2025 Stats: 305-473, 3567 yards, 28 TD, 5 INT
With two first round picks to play with, the Rams might be in position to pounce on a future starter at a discounted price. Ty Simpson has starting talent, but he remains a project, even as a fourth year junior. He struggled late, especially against Indiana in the playoffs, where he was benched. Simpson could be a solid game manager type, as long as you surround him with enough talent to succeed. It will take time, but the Rams will have that luxury, even as Matthew Stafford gets up there in age.
30. Denver Broncos (14-3)
MLB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
6’3, 238 lbs
2025 Stats: 70 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 INT, 3 FF
If Bo Nix did not get hurt, the Broncos could be hosting the Lombardi trophy right now. Life in the NFL is brutal. This is a deep, balanced roster with few big needs. I am a big Anthony Hill Jr. fan, and think he remains a first round prospect. He is undersized, and not the best run defender, but is an exciting play maker who can fill up the stat sheet. He would not have to be the leader of a deep defense, he can just come in and make plays.
31. New England Patriots (14-3)
EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
6’3, 280 lbs
2025 Stats: 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 4 FF
Sure, the Patriots may have punched above their weight class all season, but they are still way ahead of the curve. Akheem Mesidor is precisely the type of powerful, all around edge rusher New England needs. Even though he will be 25 during the season, he still offers plenty of potential. He is big, can really hold up against the run, and can play any position along the defensive line.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
6’0, 195 lbs
2025 Stats: 50 taclkes, 1 INT, 1 FF
Congrats to the Seattle Seahawks, the unlikely team to outlast the rest, in what was one of the most unpredictable seasons in NFL history. Devon Witherspoon is an elite cornerback, but Josh JObe and Riq Woolen are upcoming free agents. Colton Hood was one of the best coverage cornerbacks in the SEC in 2025, and could make a solid CB2.
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