When the 2026 NFL draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday in Pittsburgh (ESPN, ABC and ESPN App), we’re assured that the primary decide could have the Las Vegas Raiders deciding on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
As for the opposite 31 picks in Spherical 1? The probabilities are infinite.
In an try to chop by way of the rumors and silliness that envelop draft week, Matt Miller has used data from NFL scouts and evaluators to energy this last mock draft. He has been making calls and firing off textual content messages to get the most recent about every staff’s draft technique. He additionally bought assist from nationwide NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, who canvassed his sources to get the most recent data. Fowler has shared nuggets from his personal calls under for a handful of picks, too.
In fact, this might all be made moot on Thursday with a commerce or an surprising decide, particularly in a yr wherein prospects with first-round grades are few and much between. However that is Matt and Jeremy’s greatest try to forecast the quickly approaching draft.
Here’s what we’re listening to coming into Thursday, together with data on when the second quarterback (Ty Simpson) may very well be picked, which groups may very well be essentially the most aggressive, and the place the elite Ohio State foursome may find yourself. We even forecast a commerce! We’ll begin issues off with Mendoza and the Raiders.
See Miller’s last rankings

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Miller’s decide prediction: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The 2026 draft could be essentially the most troublesome to foretell in a very long time, nevertheless it will not begin that approach. There aren’t any surprises coming at No. 1: Mendoza would be the first choice and the Raiders are thrilled to have him. The largest query could be what the Raiders plan to do with their remaining 9 picks. I am advised the Raiders do not anticipate a transfer again into Spherical 1 from decide No. 36 given the dearth of gamers with a real first-round grade on this class. The Raiders view any participant out there late in Spherical 1 as equally graded to the gamers who will likely be out there at 36.
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Miller’s decide prediction: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
The excitement coming into this week was that the Jets most popular Bailey right here. Regardless of some late hypothesis that momentum might need swung to Arvell Reese, I am sticking with the constant data that Bailey is the decide. It is basically a alternative between two methods — construct for the long run with Reese’s greater ceiling or get the extra pro-ready, positive factor in Bailey. The Jets can afford to go both route, however all indicators proper now level to Bailey because the decide primarily based on conversations with greater than a half dozen NFL sources.
Fowler’s intel: The Jets had settled on their decide as of late final week and have shifted to the No. 16 choice and the way the board may fall there. The staff had not acquired any inquiries for the No. 2 decide as of noon Wednesday. My potential sleeper QB for the Jets within the center rounds is Carson Beck (Miami).
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Miller’s decide prediction: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State
Arizona is among the hardest groups to foretell given the thrill round it wanting to maneuver out of this spot. I referred to as round a number of instances to see if this could be a spot the place the Chiefs transfer up from No. 9 for a cross rusher however was advised it is unlikely the Cardinals would wish to transfer again that far. I would not rule out a shock right here — possibly Jeremiyah Love or Francis Mauigoa — however I am sticking with the chalk decide of Reese to spice up a protection that allowed 28.7 factors per sport final season (twenty ninth within the NFL). However for those who’re searching for a spot on your mock draft to get shaken up, it is proper right here.
Fowler’s intel: The Love buzz has persevered for a couple of weeks, with the assumption that Arizona actually likes him. However the Cardinals may very well be seeking to drum up commerce curiosity, too, with both Love or Reese as a catalyst. The draft, in a approach, begins at No. 3. And a few groups are questioning if Arizona is bluffing on the Love decide when edge rusher and offensive deal with are such apparent wants.
1:50
Why Graziano says Cardinals ought to keep away from drafting Jeremiyah Love at No. 3
Dan Graziano discusses why taking Jeremiyah Love early within the NFL draft may very well be a foul monetary choice.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Here is one other staff that might like to commerce down in Spherical 1. Nevertheless, there’s not a logical buying and selling companion for the Titans at this level of the draft, particularly with the highest two edge rushers off the board. Mike Borgonzi would begin his second draft as Titans GM by getting my top-ranked participant within the class, as Love is an impression operating again to pair with second-year quarterback Cam Ward.
Fowler’s intel: Tennessee has thought-about linebacker Sonny Types (Ohio State) at this spot, per a supply. The Titans like his sport. One of many high edge rushers would even be an possibility, and presumably an offensive deal with akin to Spencer Fano (Utah). Rival groups say Love makes plenty of sense for Tennessee to assist Ward.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
I went forwards and backwards on this decide a number of instances. I heard from a dependable supply that the Giants do not count on Like to be on the board however would make him the decide if he is out there. With Love going to Tennessee on this mock, there are three actual choices: Types, Tyson or security Caleb Downs (Ohio State). Within the three-way battle among the many two Buckeyes defenders and Tyson, I am advised the staff has Tyson as WR1. “No staff did extra work on Tyson or visited Tempe greater than the Giants,” a rival space scout stated.
Fowler’s intel: The Giants’ teaching employees could be very excessive on Tyson. So, if New York prioritizes such a factor, Tyson very properly might develop into a Large. But when Love falls to No. 5, there will likely be some within the constructing who will likely be lobbying for him to develop into the decide.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The Browns have been linked to the highest offensive tackles on this class by rival scouts, with some pondering Mauigoa is the transfer right here. However there was steam selecting up this week that Cleveland might commerce out of this spot and goal Fano. But when no deal emerges that the Browns like, sticking and deciding on the consensus greatest offensive deal with is a good way to spice up a unit that wants instant consideration. One factor is definite: Cleveland plans to depart Thursday night time with a brand new deal with and a brand new broad receiver. The order wherein it does that’s the largest query mark.
Fowler’s intel: Fano can also be an offensive deal with who has been matched to the Browns in league circles late within the course of. “That makes plenty of sense for the Browns,” a veteran NFL personnel evaluator advised me.
The Browns have a brief checklist of gamers, and never all of them fill their two main wants (offensive deal with, receiver). As one staff supply cautioned, Cleveland was unpredictable final yr with the Travis Hunter commerce and may very well be once more. To peg it solely as going receiver/deal with in Spherical 1 is short-sighted, the supply stated. So, whereas I do not count on the Browns to take Types or Downs, defensive assist is not completely off the desk, even when it is an entry level to commerce again. And sure, like many others, Cleveland needs to commerce down, not up.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Sonny Types, LB, Ohio State
I’ve persistently heard that Types would be the decide if he is on the board. The Commanders have additionally completed work on the broad receiver class within the occasion that Types is gone. However Commanders coach Dan Quinn has reportedly advised contacts that Types is his favourite participant within the class, and and not using a second-round decide, Washington should decide which positions have depth. Broad receiver is certainly one of them, as Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee) may very well be the staff’s Spherical 3 goal.
Fowler’s intel: Groups I’ve talked to imagine Types could be a dream Dan Quinn decide, however additionally they ponder whether the Commanders are leaning offense. Broad receiver Carnell Tate (Ohio State) is a well-liked identify right here, and Washington has spent plenty of time with him.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Saints could be upset if Tyson was off the board, however getting one other Ohio State broad receiver to hitch former Buckeye Chris Olave could be comfort prize. Tate’s ground appears to be No. 8 total, with the likelihood he might go as early as No. 4. The opposite consideration right here may very well be one other Buckeye in Downs, because the staff would love so as to add an overhang security in Brandon Staley’s protection.
Fowler’s intel: Tate is taken into account the “cleanest” receiver prospect amongst some league personnel evaluators, and the Saints have been linked to him. However it’s potential that Tate is gone earlier than this. Line of defense can also be an possibility right here because the Saints have receivers they like on Day 2 akin to De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss). A cross rusher can also be on the desk for New Orleans.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
As one supply in Kansas Metropolis advised me, “We do not count on to be drafting this excessive once more for a very long time,” and the Chiefs have inquired about transferring up the board much more. Whereas I would not utterly rule it out, they’re more likely to stick and decide at No. 9 until Bailey slips a bit. Based mostly on a number of conversations with scouts, Bain’s sub-31-inch arm size just isn’t a priority, regardless of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo traditionally preferring gamers with lengthy arms. Bain’s pace and energy off the sting are seen as difference-making traits.
Fowler’s intel: Bain is firmly on Kansas Metropolis’s radar. The Chiefs want to tackle nook, broad receiver and presumably offensive line in some unspecified time in the future early within the draft, relying on how issues fall. It will likely be fascinating to see if the Chiefs, who’ve labored the telephones, sense the Saints would take Bain and attempt to maneuver. Some individuals I’ve talked to assume that is at the very least a chance.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs could be in play for New York’s first decide at No. 5, however primarily based on what we’re listening to, the Giants are doing homework and having discussions to see which of their two targets — Tyson or Downs — might conceivably fall to No. 10. As a premium participant at a nonpremium place, Downs is extra more likely to slip, which is frequent for safeties in Spherical 1. On this situation, the Giants must hope the Saints do not choose Downs. He’s my No. 3 total participant.
0:49
Caleb Downs’ NFL draft profile
Take a look at a number of the high highlights from Ohio State’s Caleb Downs.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
When polling NFL sources on what the Dolphins’ new regime led by former Packers scout Jon-Eric Sullivan may do, opinions diverse between broad receiver, cornerback and offensive line. “If they are going with the Inexperienced Bay philosophy, it will be deal with, then cornerback,” an NFC North space scout stated. Fano, who performed each deal with spots at Utah, has positional flexibility throughout the offensive line — one other hallmark trait coveted by the Packers’ scouting employees. There’s buzz that Miami actually likes Makai Lemon (USC), however it will be a shock if this employees drafted a large receiver in Spherical 1.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Cowboys may very well be aggressive in buying and selling up — that rumor hasn’t gone away — and it sounded as in the event that they have been prepared to package deal each first-round picks with a view to make a super-bold transfer up the board for one of many high defenders. As I’ve heard it, the Cowboys do not take into account Bain certainly one of them primarily based on the staff’s transfer to a 3-4 scheme. That leaves them in play for a nook, and in speaking to groups and brokers through the predraft course of, Delane’s vary to come back off the board is wherever between No. 7 and this decide.
Fowler’s intel: Dallas is monitoring a commerce market that has been quiet to date. The Cowboys are snug staying put at Nos. 12 and 20 if want be as a result of they really feel they’ll get impression gamers at each picks, per a staff supply. Whether or not they can get a real blue-chip defensive participant at 12 is the query, as this draft is brief on them. If the Cowboys do transfer up, some league scouts imagine Types could be a potential goal. At receiver, Dallas has a excessive grade on Tyson.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The chatter across the Rams buying and selling up in Spherical 1 to seize one of many high receivers has grown louder. If that is not potential, or if the board falls this manner, I count on the Rams to remain native and decide Lemon. May the Rams take into account drafting quarterback Ty Simpson (Alabama) right here and even after buying and selling down? I used to be advised Los Angeles sees this as a Tremendous Bowl yr and plans to make use of this draft accordingly. “They need impression guys, extra like what they did in ’24,” a rival GM stated.
Fowler’s intel: Lemon going to the Rams has been a heavy hyperlink for some time. “They love him,” a supply stated. However one GM believes the Rams will have a look at cross rusher someplace early within the draft due to rising contract prices for veteran rushers. (Byron Younger is a 2027 free agent and Jared Verse enters his third season.) If Los Angeles selects a receiver exterior of Day 1, Germie Bernard (Alabama) is a participant it has frolicked on.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
In speaking to my sources, nobody is aware of what to anticipate from the Ravens at this spot. Rival scouts recognized two seemingly gamers: Ioane and tight finish Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon). Ioane is a plug-and-play mauler with elite run-game skill, and there is a want for a blue-chip inside participant with the lack of heart Tyler Linderbaum. One supply additionally advised me that Baltimore has completed appreciable work on the security place, however not essentially for its Spherical 1 decide.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
The Buccaneers imagine they’ve a gifted roster in “win-now” territory, making their Spherical 1 route extra centered on instant impression than long-term tasks. At 25 years outdated, Mesidor is an older prospect who ought to have the ability to play immediately after racking up 12.5 sacks for Miami final season. If Mesidor just isn’t the decide, the Bucs have completed a ton of labor on the defensive deal with class. This could be too early for any of the DTs, however it is going to be an early precedence.
Fowler’s intel: The Bucs are open to a commerce. They’ve offensive line and more than likely will not take an offensive deal with, so if one other staff needs to maneuver up for one, Tampa Bay is a possible pivot level. The staff will seemingly try so as to add defensive expertise early however might shock primarily based on best-player-available pondering. That was the case final yr, when the Bucs took WR Emeka Egbuka. Additionally, somebody from a staff selecting within the late 20s advised me they assume Mesidor is probably going gone by the point they decide. So him going at No. 15 is sensible.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The Jets weighted their 30 visits towards Spherical 1-caliber expertise, which included Cooper. A supply of their scouting division advised me the perfect scenario with their two first-round picks “is edge after which getting a large receiver.” If the board falls this manner, the Jets are in nice form to handle each. When requested if Simpson was in consideration right here, I acquired a fast “no” in reply. The Jets’ subsequent decide is at No. 33, the place they may rethink the Alabama QB.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
One constant piece of buzz I’ve heard all through the predraft course of was linking the Lions to Proctor as a seamless alternative for Taylor Decker. Stated one rival scout from the NFC North: “That complete discuss transferring [Penei] Sewell to left deal with was Dan Campbell making an attempt to persuade individuals they do not need Proctor.” The 6-foot-7, 352-pound three-year starter had top-of-the-line mix and professional day mixtures of any participant within the class to spice up his inventory. One other identify related right here is cornerback Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), so watch him as a possible draft-night shock.
Fowler’s intel: One staff exec advised me that Detroit has referred to as round for a possible commerce. Although these may very well be feeler calls, it is value noting an offensive deal with run might occur early, with 4 presumably going within the high 15. And Detroit has an apparent want at one of many deal with spots.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Essentially the most broadly predicted decide in Spherical 1 mock drafts after decide No. 1, Thieneman is seen as a super match for the Vikings primarily based on his versatile play and the age of star security Harrison Smith. The priority in Minnesota, I am advised, is whether or not Thieneman will make it thus far. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) could be the fallback plan if he does not. One identify talked about by a Vikings supply if the safeties are gone was cornerback Chris Johnson (San Diego State).
Fowler’s intel: I am advised that Thieneman is assured he goes within the high 20. So, take into account Dallas (sitting at 12 and 20) as his ceiling and ground, barring a shock slide.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Tight finish and security have been the 2 positions that got here up most when polling league sources in regards to the Panthers. This spot is seen as Thieneman’s potential ground but in addition serves as a well-liked touchdown spot for the speedy Sadiq. Although Carolina retains its exercises quiet, particularly in terms of Spherical 1 targets, Sadiq suits what the Panthers lack at tight finish. One supply inside the group would not rule out broad receiver however famous that the Panthers most likely would not attain for Denzel Boston (Washington) or KC Concepcion (Texas A&M).
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Miller’s decide prediction: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
My first run by way of this mock draft had Dallas taking a security, however after further calls and texts, it sounds just like the Cowboys view edge rusher as an even bigger space of want. Faulk’s identify was introduced up as a possible 3-4 defensive finish in Christian Parker’s protection. “They want massive boys that may management gaps,” stated an offensive coach who has schemed in opposition to Parker earlier than. At 6-6 and 276 kilos, Faulk has the dimensions and energy to do exactly that.
1:17
Stephen A.: Cowboys’ 2026 letdown might start on draft night time
Stephen A. Smith weighs in on the place the Cowboys discover themselves in forward of the primary spherical of the NFL draft.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that left deal with Broderick Jones “suffered a setback to the neck damage he sustained final season,” placing him in query for 2026. Deal with was already in play for the Steelers primarily based on Jones’ on-field efficiency, however this might make it a extremely essential Spherical 1 want. Freeling was a one-year starter at Georgia however has the athletic instruments and ascending skill to be a constructing block on the offensive line, an space wherein Pittsburgh has invested closely in latest drafts.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
My No. 10 total participant, McCoy is an fascinating analysis, as a number of scouts advised me he is their No. 1 cornerback. However there are considerations in regards to the January 2025 ACL tear that stored him out final season. Crew medical doctors typically get entangled in these conditions, which is anticipated to trigger McCoy to fall later into Spherical 1 than his rating signifies. There isn’t any concern about his skill to play in 2026 however extra about the long run, in keeping with sources from a number of groups. The Chargers have a necessity at cornerback and could be fortunate to get McCoy right here.
Fowler’s intel: Just about each staff I’ve consulted up to now few days has at the very least some degree of concern about McCoy’s knee. This will likely be a risk-tolerance subject for groups selecting within the mid-to-late first spherical. Whereas one AFC exec predicts McCoy might slide to the second spherical, one other thinks he’ll go Thursday night time. “With the way in which he examined at his professional day, I do not assume he’ll expertise a fall like [Will] Johnson did final yr,” the exec stated. “He ran very well (4.37-second 40) and did all of the drills.” Groups are involved, however Spherical 1 nonetheless seems to be in play.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
No staff drafts forward of want higher than Philadelphia, which makes its offensive line scenario complicated. Each proper deal with Lane Johnson and left guard Landon Dickerson thought-about retirement final offseason with no clear-cut replacements on the roster. Count on that to vary on this draft. Miller was not introduced in for a predraft exercise with the Eagles, per a supply near the participant, however that should not be an indicator of their curiosity given his profile of 53 profession begins.
Fowler’s intel: Miller has been a riser by way of the method. “He is the cleanest deal with prospect,” an NFC exec stated.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Browns will likely be nervously watching and hoping a receiver run does not wipe out the board previous to this decide. If that occurs, I imagine they’d goal McNeil-Warren at security. However on this mock, they’re in a position to stand pat and decide the big-bodied Boston. Cleveland typically ideas its hand with its predraft visits, so it is notable that Boston has visited. Leaving the primary night time of the draft with a beginning deal with and a playmaking broad receiver could be one other win for GM Andrew Berry after a house run 2025 draft.
May a quarterback be in play? I have been advised the Browns do not anticipate drafting a QB this yr after deciding on Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders final April.
Fowler’s intel: If Cooper falls, this may very well be his ground. He’s on the Browns’ radar and is taken into account a clear slot in new coach Todd Monken’s offense due to his run-after-catch prowess.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Offseason hypothesis has centered across the Bears going after an edge rusher or security right here, however my conversations with league sources all through the previous week stored going again to left deal with. Rookie Ozzy Trapilo performed properly in six begins earlier than struggling a season-ending knee damage that’s anticipated to maintain him out in 2026. That opens the door for a left deal with to be picked if one is on the market. At solely 21 years outdated, Lomu is a two-year starter who’s plug-and-play prepared on the blindside.
Fowler’s intel: Lomu is a well-liked identify in league circles within the again half of Spherical 1. He’s on the radar of the Eagles, Lions, Texans and 49ers, amongst others.
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Miller’s decide prediction: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
With DJ Moore now within the fold and no second-round decide, it’d seem to be overkill for the Payments so as to add one other receiver at this level. That was my authentic thought, however the suggestions I acquired all through the previous two weeks was to not rule out Concepcion. “The Payments have guys, however they do not have a man that basically scares a protection. [Concepcion would] be DJ Moore in two years,” stated a rival AFC East coach I spoke to in regards to the match. Sources famous that the Payments have additionally completed appreciable work on the security class and will add one right here or with their Spherical 3 decide.
Fowler’s intel: A number of execs and coaches consulted by ESPN have Concepcion as WR3 within the course of. He is thought-about a riser.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The 49ers appeared to examine left deal with off the checklist by extending Trent Williams by way of 2027. There was plenty of motion for Lomu right here — he might nonetheless be in play if he makes it thus far — nevertheless it’s sounding extra like a best-player-available strategy. Sources across the league thought-about San Francisco a possible edge rusher staff in Spherical 1 contemplating its league-worst 20 sacks, however the edge board has been worn out. So after seeing the impression Nick Emmanwori had for division-rival Seattle, the 49ers would get their very own model in McNeil-Warren, who might come off the board within the teenagers.
Fowler’s intel: Count on the 49ers to handle positions the place they’re older. That features offensive deal with and broad receiver, a place on which they did plenty of late homework. The Williams extension alleviates the instant OT want, however this manner they’ll draft and develop a successor.
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PROJECTED TRADE: Cardinals make a cope with the Texans, transfer again into Spherical 1
Arizona has been speculated as a staff that might be prepared to maneuver up, and on this situation the Texans would commerce out of Spherical 1 for a second straight draft. (They flipped with the Giants final yr earlier than New York drafted quarterback Jaxson Dart.) Is that this the place for QB2 to go off the board?
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Miller’s decide prediction: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Simpson’s wait would finish right here. I am advised Houston is a pure trade-up level primarily based on Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort’s previous dealings with Texans GM Nick Caserio — they pulled off a blockbuster commerce for the No. 3 decide in 2023. Simpson’s suitors are restricted, at the very least primarily based on predraft conversations, with many across the league believing the Cardinals could be the one respectable possibility for him inside the highest 40. Transferring up right here might fend off the Jets at No. 33. Is Arizona prepared to overlook out on a QB it likes by ready?
Fowler’s intel: The Cardinals are thought-about essentially the most pure suitor for Simpson in league circles. The Jets are a menace with the primary decide of Day 2, however a couple of groups I’ve spoken to imagine New York is wanting towards 2027 to spend an early decide on a quarterback and will attempt to leverage the thirty third decide as Simpson commerce bait if he is there. Arizona appears to be gauging whether or not it wants to maneuver as much as get Simpson or whether or not he’ll be out there with its second-round decide (No. 34).
If Houston stays put, it has completed plenty of homework on the offensive line. Guard Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) is a participant the Texans like, and they’re additionally excessive on defensive deal with Kayden McDonald (Ohio State).
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Miller’s decide prediction: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Getting Bain at No. 9 permits Kansas Metropolis flexibility right here. I imagine broad receivers could be in play if the board fell in another way, as a staff supply talked about that Rashee Rice’s off-field conduct may forestall the Chiefs from re-signing him after his deal expires following the 2026 season. Xavier Worthy additionally has not damaged out but, however this mock draft just isn’t favorable for Ok.C. getting a wideout right here. As a substitute, Spagnuolo would get a quick, long-limbed cornerback with the tenacity to persistently win fights for the ball. With Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson off to the Rams, a necessity exists at exterior nook.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
This was thought-about a trade-back spot, particularly if the Cardinals do not commerce up with Houston, as Miami prefers extra picks to extra prolific picks this yr contemplating the diminished state of its roster. Ought to the Dolphins keep right here, phrase is that new coach Jeff Hafley want to bolster the cornerback place by including gamers able to excelling in his press-man scheme. That matches Hood, who’s pound for pound the hardest cornerback on this class.
Fowler’s intel: Hood is the most well-liked CB3 possibility amongst a number of scouts consulted this week, although San Diego State’s Johnson is taken into account a riser. And with McCoy’s well being, there is a situation the place Hood turns into the second nook chosen.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Proper deal with Morgan Moses is coming into his age-35 season, and we not too long ago watched left deal with Will Campbell wrestle in Tremendous Bowl LX. The Patriots have a necessity up entrance, and Iheanachor is among the hottest risers within the predraft course of. When asking a Patriots supply in the event that they preferred this decide, the reply was: “Do you actually assume he’ll be there for us?” Iheanachor has nice motion skill however is uncooked. He might study behind Moses for a season earlier than taking on a beginning job.
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Miller’s decide prediction: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF
One other sizzling identify over the previous month has been Lawrence. Many rival groups thought this decide may very well be a trade-out level for the Seahawks, who’ve a draft-low 4 choices, to select up further draft capital. “I feel Seattle strikes out … possibly they’re the staff Arizona swaps with, nevertheless it’s exhausting to think about an inner-division commerce,” a rival GM stated. If Seattle does not discover a fascinating commerce companion, including Lawrence’s pace could be a dream match for Mike MacDonald’s protection.


