Free agency is over a week old, and rosters are starting to take shape. This mock will be much different than many in the past. Let’s go!
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
6’5, 236 lbs
2025 Stats: 273-379, 3535 yards, 41 TD, 6 INT
The Raiders traded Geno Smith, and have made zero effort to add to a quarterback room that only features Aidan O’Connell. Fernando Mendoza is about as big of a lock as you can have in March. While Mendoza may not be on that Trevor Lawrence/Caleb Williams level as a college talent, he has the look of a long time starter. He measured bigger than thought, but has the athleticism to be more than a statue behind the pocket. He has the requisite arm strength, size and leadership ability to make Pro Bowls, with the upside for more.
2. New York Jets (3-14)
EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
6’4, 241 lbs
2025 Stats: 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks
The Jets continued to ship out former first round picks, this time sending Jermaine Johnson to the Titans. Despite eight new players on defense, that side of the ball still needs a difference maker. After a great 2025 season, and dominating the combine, Arvell Reese would apply. I hope whoever drafts him finds his position and sticks to it. I think that should be an athletic, every down outside linebacker, who can rush the quarterback on passing downs and play linebacker early on.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
6’4, 251 lbs
2025 Stats: 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 3 FF
Josh Sweat was a great pickup for Arizona, generating over a third of the Cardinals sack total for the year. They need more. This is another best player available situation, with an eye on improving both lines. David Bailey may not be a true all around threat, but he is the best pass rusher in this class. He had 14.5 sacks as a senior, which raised his career total to 29 sacks for his four year career. His combine measurements showed that he was bigger and stronger than thought, and his testing showed a supreme athlete. He has all of the tools to lead the NFL in sacks on day.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
6’2, 263 lbs
2025 Stats: 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT
I see a lot of mocks putting Jeremiyah Love here. Even after several additions, the Titans are not in position to splurge on a luxury like Love. A lot has been made about Reuben Bain Jr.’s short arms, but his total production would make him a great fit in Tennessee. Jermaine Johnson, Tennessee’s main defensive line addition, only had 3 sacks in 2025. Bain Jr. can average double digit sacks in the NFL, and also excels as a run defender. Sure, the measurables are important, but I tend to go with the tape more, and he looks like a stud.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
6’2, 192 lbs
2025 Stats: 51 rec, 875 yards, 9 TD
The Giants made enough defensive additions through free agency that offense could be the focus here. New York could make a considerable jump in 2026 with a healthy Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo. Adding a legitimate second option in the passing game would only help Dart. Carnell Tate had a less than stellar combine, but his game is not predicated around speed alone. He is a good route runner, and big target. He would be a great compliment to Nabers on the outside.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
6’7, 315 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
The Browns had to replace all five starters along its offensive line. Three new players are on board, but there is still a giant hole at left tackle. Monroe Freeling is one of the biggest post-combine risers for me. He had a great showing, running a sub-5.0 40 yard dash. He also showed strong measurements, and his ability to play left tackle, unlike many other top prospects, moves him to the top for me. It may take him a while to get going, but he has potential that other offensive lineman in this group may not be able to match.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
6’0, 212 lbs
2025 Stats: 199 carries, 1372 yards, 18 TD
Washington has once again been aggressive during free agency, adding seven new starters. They are in better position than the Raiders were in 2025 to spend a top ten pick on a running back. Jeremiyah Love is my favorite running back prospect since Saquon Barkley. He is strong, quick, can find the end zone and is a great receiver out of the back field. Washington has three solid backs on the roster, but no one with the offense-changing potential of Love.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
6’2, 201 lbs
2025 Stats: 61 rec, 711 yards, 8 TD
The Saints have started digging themselves out of the Grand Canyon-sized salary cap hole, and have used the limited money they have had to upgrade the offense around Tyler Shough. That should continue during the draft, especially at wideout. Jordyn Tyson is a legitimate top ten talent, but an inconsistent junior year and subsequent combine might cause him to fall a bit, though that did not happen in this scenario. You can blame a lot of his 2025 issues on Sam Leavitt’s injury. At his best, Tyson is a strong, physical route runner and end zone target. He would be an ideal counterpart to deep threat Chris Olave.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
6’0, 187 lbs
2025 Stats: 45 tackles, 2 INT
Sometimes, having an MVP quarterback could be a gift and a curse. Kansas City will always be contenders with Patrick Mahomes, but teams with quarterbacks making so much money will have to make tough decisions elsewhere, like the Chiefs did when they traded Trent McDuffie. Expect one first round pick to be used for his replacement. Mansoor Delane may not have elite size, but he is one of the most technically sound cornerbacks to come along in years. He is big enough, is a great athlete and should be ready to step in and produce immediately.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
MLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
6’5, 244 lbs
2025 Stats: 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT
The Bengals added three defensive starters during the free agency period, but should not stop there. Barrett Carer and Demetrius Knight Jr. are intriguing, young linebackers, but neither has the massive upside of Sonny Styles. He had one of the best all around seasons for any defender in 2025, and absolutely owned the combine. His speed and versatility for a 6’5, 244 pound human is hard to believe. Styles was a former safety turned linebacker, and it shows up in his tape. He is as good of a coverage linebacker than a tackler. The complete package, and one of the few players in this class that can be a true difference maker at the next level.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
6’0, 205 lbs
2025 Stats: 60 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack
Thanks to years of front office incompetence, Miami has completely gutted its roster, and has a historic amount of dead money tied up in the cap. One thing, it makes their mock draft decision easy. Other than running back, every position on the field is on the table. Caleb Downs is only available with this pick because of positional needs from teams picking above. He can play any position in the secondary, pick off passes and chase down ball carriers. Downs does not have elite size, but he is big enough, and the bust potential is pretty low. The Dolphins need a sure thing, even at a less than premium position.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
5’11, 186 lbs
2025 Stats: 48 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 FF
Dallas should go defense with both of its first round picks, no matter the position. This may be a bit rich for Avieon Terrell, but no one allowed more passing yards in 2025 than the Cowboys, and they cannot risk waiting for their next pick to address the position. Terrell is a tough, aggressive corner who plays like a linebacker. He had 3 sacks and 5 forced fumbles in 2025, numbers that Clemson teammate Peter Woods couldn’t come close to. He may struggle against bigger receivers, but has starting potential.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL (8-9))
OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
6’6, 329 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Francis Mauigoa makes too much sense for the Rams. Rob Havenstein retired, and there is a big hole on the right side of the line. Mauigoa may be limited to right tackle, or even inside at guard, but is a mauler as a run blocker. Even with Matthew Stafford fresh off of an MVP season, the Rams love to run early and often.
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
OT Spencer Fano, Utah
6’6, 311 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Baltimore has had to replace all three of its interior lineman from 2025. John Simpson was brought in to play guard, but another, as well as center, is still needed. Like Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano may be a better fit inside. He is a great pass blocker, and would be a giant upgrade over literal giant Daneil Faalele.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
6’3, 241 lbs
2025 Stats: 51 rec, 560 yards, 8 TD
Tampa Bay desperately needs pass rushing help, but I do not see any players worthy of a pick this high. The Buccaneers resigned Cade Otton, but he does not possess the upside of Kenyon Sadiq. Sadiq had one of the most impressive combines for any tight end ever, dropping an unthinkable 4.39 40 yard dash. He has good size, is a fantastic athlete, and could be a real end zone target for Baker Mayfield in Tampa. Replacing Mike Evans will be a team effort.
16. New York Jets (from IND (8-9))
WR Makai Lemon, USC
5’11, 192 lbs
2025 Stats: 79 rec, 1156 yards, 11 TD
Most of the Jets additions were on the defensive side of the ball. New York has plans for Adonai Mitchell, but it still needs to surround Garrett Wilson with more talent. Makai Lemon did not test at the combine, and reportedly had less than stellar interviews, but remains a solid first round prospect. He is quick, a solid route runner and has very good hands. He would be an ideal WR2 in this offense.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
6’7, 352 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
DJ Wonnum is not a top notch pass rusher, but his addition has shifted left tackle to the top of Detroit’s draft needs. There was a reason Kadyn Proctor was a former five star recruit. He has rare talent for a man his size. He ran a 5.21 40 yard dash, weighing in at 352 pounds. Proctor could be a better guard than tackle, but he should be agile enough to hold it down on the outside.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
6’0, 201 lbs
2025 Stats: 82 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack
Minnesota has needed help in the secondary for years, and that issue only grew after the release of franchise icon Harrison Smith. Dillon Thineman was a one man wrecking crew for Purdue during his first two seasons, and mostly replicated his production on a much deeper Oregon team. He crushed the combine, most likely punching his ticket to a top 20 selection.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
DT Peter Woods, Clemson
6’3, 298 lbs
2025 Stats: 30 tackles, 2 sacks
The Panthers two big free agent additions were on defense, and I expect that to be the focus during the draft as well. Despite a less than stellar junior year, Peter Woods remains my top defensive tackle in this class. He slimmed down a bit from his college days, weighing in at less than 300 pounds. That should be fine, as he would be a solid defensive end in Carolina’s 3-4 front. His sophomore tape showed a talented pass rusher, and he should get back on track after escaping the mess that was 2025 Clemson football.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB (9-7-1))
MLB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
6’2, 238 lbs
2025 Stats: 70 tackles, 4 sack, 2 INT, 3 FF
Dallas had perhaps the worst defense in the NFL. If they want to seriously contend for Super Bowls, they cannot simply hope to win shootouts. I have been a believer in Anthony Hill Jr. all season. He had a great combine, showing off his exceptional speed and agility. He is a bit undersized, but his measurements were better than I thought they would be. Hill Jr. is a playmaker, able to get after the quarterback as well as intercept the occasional pass
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
6’1, 211 lbs
2025 Stats: 61 rec, 711 yards, 8 TD
The Steelers will always be too good to draft an elite quarterback prospect. Taking Kenny Pickett did not work out, but that should not stop them if the opportunity arises. Ty Simpson has first round talent, but is a long way away, even as a fourth year junior. Pittsburgh may be the rare team patient enough to develop him, especially if they bring back Aaron Rodgers or add someone like Kirk Cousins.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
6’4, 320 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
This is perhaps the easiest selection out of the top five to make. Jim Harbaugh wants a dominating running game, so the interior of the line should get first round consideration, even after the two starting tackles return from season ending injuries. Olaivavega Ioane is the best pure interior prospect in this class. Penn State was a mess in 2025, but the year prior, Ioane helped pave the way for a duo of 1,000 yard rushers. He should be an instant starter.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
6’3, 259 lbs
2025 Stats: 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 4 FF
The Eagles like to employ a deep pass rush, but were only able to add situational defender Arnold Ebiketie. Even though he will turn 25 during the 2026 season, Akheem Mesidor is a first round talent. Because of an injury riddled 2023 season, he spent six years in college, and racked up 34.5 sacks, topping out at 12.5 as a super duper senior. While there may not be much projection left, he should be able to step in right a way and produce for a team hoping to get back into Super Bowl contention.
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX (13-4))
WR Denzel Boston, Washington
6’4, 212 lbs
2025 Stats: 62 rec, 881 yards, 11 TD
With only one first round caliber quarterback in this class, the Browns should opt to fill out the rest of the offense with draft picks this year, and hope to find a long term option in 2027. The receiver group is full of 2’s and 3’s, and Denzel Boston would be a good pick. He is a huge target, but is still able to stretch the field. He may not put up huge stats, but should be a solid target for whatever quarterback is on the field.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6)
EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
6’6, 262 lbs
2025 Stats: 42 tackles, 6.5 sacks
The Bears have spent multiple picks on its offense in recent years, and could go defense here, with the defensive line a priority. Zion Young had a very good combine, and might have worked his way into the first round. EDGE rushers always come off the board fast. Young is not a pure pass rusher, but is a very solid all around player, who could flirt with 6-8 sacks and provide solid run defense.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
6’1, 188 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Buffalo has a solid set of starting cornerbacks, but free agency gutted the depth. I am quite wary of Jermod McCoy. Cornerbacks coming off of serious injuries tend to fall during the draft. But his 2024 tape showed a top ten talent, and big time playmaker. As long as the Bills are patient, there is a big chance that they landed the steal of the draft here.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
6’6, 321 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Trent Williams is still playing at a high level, but is basically year-to-year at t his point. Max Iheanachor was the combine’s biggest winner, and is now a serious candidate to go in the first round. He has only been playing football for a handful of years, but has starting potential. He would be able to play swing tackle behind Williams and Colton McKivitz before taking over for one of the two in 2027.
28. Houston Texans (12-5)
OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
6’6, 313 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Houston signed Braden Smith, but his play has fallen off in recent years. That should not stop them from adding to the weakest position on the team. Caleb Lomu is quite raw, but has starting tackle qualities. Unlike several tackles in this class, he can play on the left side, but it might take him a while to get going.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR (12-5))
EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
6’6, 276 lbs
2025 Stats: 29 tackles, 2 sacks
This pick comes from Los Angeles, courtesy of the Trent McDuffie trade. The Chiefs have needs all over the place, pass rush amongst the highest. Keldric Faulk looked like a future top ten pick after his sophomore season, but stalled out a bit as a junior. The ability is still there, however, and taking him this late in the first round is worth the gamble.
30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN (14-3))
WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
6’0, 196 lbs
2025 Stats: 61 rec, 919 yards, 9 TD
Miami traded Jaylen Waddle to Denver for this draft pick, and a bit more. If the Dolphins want Malik Willis to succeed, they have to add something to its pathetic collection of pass catchers. KC Concepcion’s great junior season helped shed that “slot receiver only” label he had at NC State. He is a shifty intermediate threat who can make tough catches over the middle and find the end zone.
31. New England Patriots (14-3)
EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
6’4, 263 lbs
2025 Stats: 37 tackles, 5 sacks
The Patriots added Dre’Mont Jones to replace K’Lavon Chaisson, but that is a lateral move, at best. New England needs a strong pass rusher. That is hard to come by this late in the first round, but T.J. Parker has the ability to get after the quarterback. He looked like a future top ten pick in 2024, but a lack of top notch athleticism did him in last year. Still, he should develop into a solid all around end, even if he never reaches those lofty expectations.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
6’0, 193 lbs
2025 Stats: 48 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 FF
As you would expect from the defending Super Bowl champions, Seattle’s roster is set up nicely. They did lose Riq Woolen, and could use a strong option across from Devon Witherspoon. Chris Johnson was a big time combine winner. He has adequate size, and is athletic enough to emerge as a strong CB2 in the NFL.
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