I simply returned from final week’s Senior Bowl, the place I used to be in a position to get an up-close-and-personal take a look at greater than 100 prospects who’re vying to be picked within the 2026 NFL draft, which begins April 23 in Pittsburgh. After attending to see these gamers in individual and getting face time with NFL scouts and personnel folks, I needed to place collectively a brand new mock draft. And this one is 2 rounds, giving me an opportunity to actually dive in and assess gamers I noticed in Cell, Alabama.
This listing of projections is much from locked, although. Prospects from the Senior Bowl (and the Shrine Bowl earlier than it) will be a part of a whole bunch of others on the mix later this month. That can shuffle draft boards, and NFL free company in March will alter the wants of every group. Professional days and interviews come after that as we depend right down to Spherical 1. However that is the place issues stand in the intervening time. The draft order of the highest 30 picks are set, and I primarily based the order for Nos. 31-32 right here on ESPN Soccer Energy Index’s (FPI) prediction for Tremendous Bowl LX.
Let’s get to it. Listed here are my first- and second-round projections for April’s draft, together with touchdown spots for 2 quarterbacks and the Senior Bowl’s prime risers.
Leap to:
Spherical 1 | Spherical 2
Spherical 1
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This can be a very straightforward determination for the Raiders — draft the quarterback. The Geno Smith commerce didn’t work out, and the 2026 class options just one passer with a first-round grade. My No. 4 total participant, Mendoza provides the Raiders a franchise-caliber quarterback with glorious poise, decision-making, accuracy and toughness each out and in of the pocket, which he confirmed in successful the Heisman Trophy and main Indiana to the nationwide championship.
He can begin from day one, and the Raiders have the offensive infrastructure round him in deal with Kolton Miller, operating again Ashton Jeanty and tight finish Brock Bowers. Mendoza’s expertise and confirmed capability to raise these round him ought to make him a lock right here.
Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State
Jets followers will probably be screaming for a quarterback at this choose, however there is not a passer worthy of this choice with Mendoza off the board. As an alternative of reaching for Alabama’s Ty Simpson, the Jets’ most suitable choice is ready on a quarterback till later within the draft and even 2027, after they have three first-round picks. What is the transfer? After rating thirty first in sacks this season (26), New York wants a major move rusher who will scare offenses. Although the earlier regime spent first-round picks on Jermaine Johnson (2022) and Will McDonald IV (2023), the Jets want a greater exterior move rush.
Reese cut up time at linebacker and edge rusher. He’s constructed within the Micah Parsons/Abdul Carter mildew, with elite pace and highly effective arms off the sting and excessive potential as soon as he settles in as a full-time edge rusher.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Mauigoa to the Cardinals is among the most seamless suits within the first spherical. Arizona should shore up its offensive line and wishes a long-term starter at proper deal with reverse Paris Johnson Jr. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Mauigoa was a three-year starter at Miami and allowed solely two sacks in 16 video games in the course of the Hurricanes’ run to the nationwide title recreation final season. The Cardinals are determined for that kind of consistency, with 36-year-old Kelvin Beachum beginning 11 video games in 2025 and no long-term reply on the roster.
There are questions on quarterback Kyler Murray’s future, however like with the Jets above, there aren’t any options at QB on this a part of the draft past Mendoza. So the Cardinals ought to sit tight and go OT.
Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
The Titans might go a number of instructions: construct up a supporting forged round second-year QB Cam Ward, deal with the offensive line or add to a protection that lacks threats exterior of All-Professional DT Jeffery Simmons. Protection is the neatest wager on this draft. After ending in the midst of the pack with 42 sacks this season, the Titans employed defensive-minded Robert Saleh as coach and can possible use a base 4-3 protection the place three-down defensive ends are wanted.
Bain has the ability at 6-foot-3, 275 kilos to remain on the sphere no matter down or distance. With 9.5 sacks and an unimaginable 71 pressures final season, Bain confirmed the required dedication to enhance his athletic traits and be nice on the sting. His shorter arm size would possibly fear some groups, however Bain’s motor and speed-to-power abilities make him worthy of being one of many prime picks on this draft.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Giants are fascinating to mission in some ways. They’ve a very good younger nucleus in QB Jaxson Dart, RB Cam Skattebo, WR Malik Nabers and edge Abdul Carter, together with established stars in OT Andrew Thomas, Edge Brian Burns and DT Dexter Lawrence II — however one thing is clearly lacking. Might loading up on offense be the reply? Tate could be the right complement to Nabers given his exact route operating and workmanlike capability to win catches in visitors. Tate’s tape jogs my memory of Justin Jefferson at LSU, and he enters the league with the same physique kind and talent set.
So though the Giants might think about a proper deal with or defensive again right here, pairing Tate with Nabers to present Dart extra playmakers is the transfer.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The rebuild is ongoing in Cleveland, because the Browns have holes all through the roster with no clear-cut reply at quarterback or left deal with. That results in one more “finest participant accessible” strategy.
Fano has expertise at each left and proper deal with as a three-year starter who allowed solely three sacks in his previous 24 begins. He might be the alternative without cost agent Jack Conklin at proper deal with, however he gives the pliability to begin on the left facet if Dawand Jones does not return to kind after struggling a torn hamstring and a torn lateral collateral ligament this season.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
There could be criticism of a group utilizing a top-10 choose on a security, however this draft class lacks a ton of elite top-end expertise on the premium positions. And Commanders coach Dan Quinn must tighten up a protection that allowed a league-worst 384.0 yards per recreation. Downs is a difference-maker within the mildew of Derwin James Jr. or Kyle Hamilton who can dictate what an offense is ready to do but in addition be a matchup drawback in a number of alignments.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Talking of drafting non-premium positions early, the Saints might have the same dialog if Love is there at this choose. He’s my No. 1 total participant and a dynamic operating again with the expertise to be a Bijan Robinson-level menace within the run and passing recreation. And the Saints have a necessity at operating again with Alvin Kamara getting into his age-31 season and no again on the roster rising as a successor. Love’s capability to interrupt off lengthy runs — he had three landing runs of greater than 90 yards in school — speaks to his imaginative and prescient and acceleration at 6-foot and 214 kilos. He had 42 complete touchdowns in three seasons and reveals NFL-ready capability as a three-down, affect operating again who would instantly take strain off quarterback Tyler Shough.
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Jeremiyah Love hits a nasty spin on his solution to a 56-yard TD
Jeremiyah Love spins previous a defender, then breaks free for a 56-yard landing for Notre Dame.
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
The Chiefs discover themselves in unfamiliar top-10 territory, however choosing this excessive might give them the chance to shortly reload and get again to their traditional place atop the AFC. Kansas Metropolis has wants at a number of positions, particularly proper deal with, edge rusher and cornerback. And it might go together with the highest-ranked participant at these positions — which might be Bailey, who tied for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks final season.
Though he is not the big-bodied defensive finish Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo prefers, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Bailey has pace off the snap and the flexibility to chase down quarterbacks. The Chiefs had solely 35 sacks as a group in 2025 (tied for twenty second within the NFL), so Bailey would give their move rush a jolt together with his agility and energy.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Loads of mock drafts could have the Bengals drafting one of the best edge rusher accessible right here with Trey Hendrickson’s time in Cincinnati possible over. However the prime three are off the board in this mock, which presents an attention-grabbing determination. The Bengals might attempt to bolster the inside of the defensive position, however drafting a cornerback with the abilities to excel on the skin or within the slot could be extra useful within the AFC North.
Delane was one of the best cornerback I studied in 2025, with feisty play on the line of scrimmage and glorious instincts in protection. He does not have elite measurables (6-foot, 190 kilos), however Delane’s timing and quickness on click-and-close performs stands out above the remainder of the cornerback class.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Gamers who sit out a season because of a torn ACL do not sometimes get picked this excessive, however McCoy is worthy of being an exception. He produced elite tape in 2024 and would have been my top-ranked cornerback within the 2025 draft had he been eligible. McCoy’s harm occurred final January throughout coaching, so he ought to be prepared this spring. The 6-foot, 193-pound press nook did sufficient in his four-interception 2024 marketing campaign to persuade groups he is the true deal.
A number of positions might be in play for the Dolphins at No. 11, together with quarterback. However given the QB draft panorama, Miami’s new brass of common supervisor Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley might tempt Malik Willis to observe them from Inexperienced Bay as a substitute. This choose might then be used to pick a cornerback who is good for Hafley’s press scheme.
Sonny Kinds, LB, Ohio State
With the commerce of Micah Parsons to the Packers giving the Cowboys two first-round picks, Dallas enters this draft with an edict to repair a porous protection that gave up probably the most factors per recreation within the NFL this season (30.1). Kinds is a fast repair on the second degree together with his sideline-to-sideline pace and vary. The previous security has grown into an elite linebacker however maintained the flexibility to cowl slot receivers and tight ends whereas working in part down the sphere. He shot up boards after a well-rounded 2025 season wherein he registered one sack, one interception and 83 tackles. The Cowboys might pair Kinds with DeMarvion Overshown to kind a speedy, dynamic and versatile linebacker duo.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
When watching what Jaxon Smith-Njigba did to the Rams within the NFC Championship Sport (10 catches, 153 yards, 1 TD), it is clear that Los Angeles wants a prime cornerback badly. The Rams have not drafted a nook within the prime 100 since 2019 (David Lengthy Jr.) and have largely gotten by with scheme-fit veterans or star gamers acquired through trades (Jalen Ramsey). However after being cavalier about buying and selling picks for veterans en path to constructing a Tremendous Bowl champion in 2021, hitting on early-round choices is a giant motive the Rams shortly turned again right into a contender after a 5-12 reset in 2022.
Hood confirmed why he might be a excessive Spherical 1 choose on the Senior Bowl with glorious timing, poise and half-turn method. He may be the Rams’ future CB1 and characterize a philosophical shift when it comes to team-building within the secondary.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Ravens introduced in defensive-minded Jesse Minter as their new coach, however that does not lock Baltimore right into a defender in Spherical 1. This group lacks dependable choices for Lamar Jackson exterior of Zay Flowers — who has back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons — and must diversify its passing assault. At 6-foot-3, Tyson would give Jackson the bigger-bodied goal he wants. I’ve lengthy been an advocate of increasing Jackson’s strike zone with greater receivers versus smaller, speedier targets. Tyson overcame drop points in 2024 to place collectively a cleaner, extra full résumé final season. There are harm questions, however he profiles as a WR1 who can win on vertical routes and has an expanded route tree for inside and breaking patterns.
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
If this had been a seven-round mock draft, each Buccaneers choose would possibly come on protection. Issues are that bleak. One yr after selecting broad receiver Emeka Egbuka in Spherical 1 after a run on defensive gamers earlier than their choose, the Bucs cannot afford to have defenders wiped off the board in April. Cisse has the size (6-foot, 190 kilos) to compete on the line of scrimmage, nevertheless it’s his flip method and pace in part that stands out. Cisse’s finest trait is his capability to eradicate targets and win in contested conditions. Though he could be extra of a person nook, he is versatile sufficient to be efficient taking part in off the road within the Bucs’ fireplace zone scheme because of excellent restoration agility and quick instincts.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
We’re nonetheless not reaching for a quarterback, as a substitute going with a “finest participant accessible” choose with one among my favourite gamers within the class. Lemon caught 79 passes with just one drop on 110 targets final season, scoring 11 touchdowns and averaging nearly 100 yards per recreation. Lemon does not have elite measurables at 5-foot-11 and 195 kilos, however he is much like Amon-Ra St. Brown in his toughness and skill to make performs throughout the center and on beneath routes. The Jets have a gifted younger receiver in Garrett Wilson however must construct out the broad receiver room round him. With two picks coming in Spherical 2, the Jets have the draft capital to deal with extra wants with excessive picks.
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
Frequent readers of mock drafts know that the Lions are sometimes projected to make use of excessive picks on pass-rushing defensive linemen to attract consideration away from Aidan Hutchinson. They’ve resisted that urge in latest drafts, choosing run-stopping defensive deal with Tyleik Williams within the first spherical final yr. However this might be the time for the Lions to lastly add a defensive finish with the expertise to attract consideration from each inside linemen and offensive tackles.
Faulk has the flexibility to play inside or exterior at 6-foot-6, 285 kilos, and the ability he generates would maintain offensive traces sincere. His two sacks final season had been a disappointment after a seven-sack marketing campaign in 2024, however Faulk has followers across the league who see him as a really perfect hybrid defensive lineman.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
There is a good probability that McNeil-Warren does not fall this far. He has all of the traits you search for in a security at 6-foot-3 with nice size to eradicate passing home windows and the pace to match up down the sphere. And with eight interceptions over the previous three seasons, McNeil-Warren has proven a constant capability to make performs on the ball. The Vikings had solely 5 draft picks final yr and did not take a defensive participant till Spherical 5, so they should hit on some younger defenders. McNeil-Warren would give Minnesota a youthful basis at security, as Harrison Smith turned 37 on Monday, and permit the Vikings to compensate for lacking on Lewis Cine within the 2023 draft.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
The Panthers took an enormous soar in 2025, successful the NFC South and seeing extra glimpses of quarterback Bryce Younger taking part in as much as his former No. 1 choose standing. With the Panthers set to choose up Younger’s fifth-year possibility, they’ll use this choose to proceed to construct round him and provides him help. Ioane is one of the best inside lineman within the class, with elite energy within the run recreation and persistence in move safety. The savvy left guard allowed simply two pressures and no sacks in 11 video games final season. Groups on the lookout for an influence anchor within the passing recreation will love what Ioane brings. He is a starter from day one and boasts Professional Bowl expertise.
T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
Edge rusher vaulted up the Cowboys’ listing of 2026 priorities the second Micah Parsons was traded. On this spot, they’d get an extended, powerful, aggressive defender who had one of the best Senior Bowl week of any edge-rushing prospect. Parker was seen as a possible Spherical 1 participant getting into final season after compiling 11 sacks in 2024 however noticed his manufacturing drop to five.5 sacks. However the Senior Bowl reminded us of Parker’s capability to win by locking out blockers together with his lengthy arms. That could be a highly effective trait in each the move rush and run protection.
Dallas wants an immediate-impact edge rusher, and Parker has the required traits and manufacturing. His elite run protection helps make him a slot in Dallas, particularly with proprietor Jerry Jones’ said need for stout run defenders.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Steelers have one rising star cornerback in Joey Porter Jr. however must improve from free brokers James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. on the reverse spot. The youthful brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr., Avieon Terrell is a savvy cowl man with incredible short-area quickness and quick eyes. He is an ultra-athletic, fluid mover with the hips, quickness and press-man prowess to be a stable starter instantly, particularly in a protection that may strain the quarterback and create flip-the-field alternatives for defensive backs.
Sure, quarterback will completely be a dialogue level right here, however Pittsburgh has to study from the Kenny Pickett choice in 2022 and never drive a choose primarily based on want.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The run on edge rushers earlier than this choose leaves the Chargers with some attention-grabbing choices. Do they add to an offensive line that was marred by harm in 2025 or attempt to repair a D-line that also wants a real anchor to assist defend the run? With the expertise that is left on the board, Banks could be very engaging because the nostril deal with Los Angeles is lacking. The 6-foot-6 339-pounder is an aggressive bull rusher with uncommon first-step quickness for his measurement. Suppose Vita Vea, however with higher size. Banks missed all however two video games final season because of a foot harm, however his Senior Bowl efficiency was well-received by scouts, who noticed the explosive play within the trenches that excited them getting into the 2025 season.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Eagles have a troublesome name at tight finish, with Dallas Goedert lately turning 31 and about to hit the void years of his contract. Even when the Eagles resolve to restructure Goedert’s deal and maintain him for 2026, they’re identified for drafting for future want. Sadiq is a sudden and productive F-tight finish prospect however lacks elite measurement at 6-foot-3 and 245 kilos. His run-after-catch abilities are elite, and he is a confirmed crimson zone menace, however his drop points (six in 2025) will probably be closely thought of. Sadiq is one of the best tight finish within the class and could be a really perfect middle-of-the-field playmaker for Jalen Hurts.
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Dante Moore throws 21-yard landing move to Kenyon Sadiq
Dante Moore throws a 21-yard landing move to Kenyon Sadiq
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
This might be the spot the place the Browns think about a quarterback akin to Ty Simpson or Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss (if his NCAA attraction is denied once more), however the phrase we heard most frequently in Cell was that the Browns is not going to drive a quarterback choose in 2026.
Boston is a large broad receiver prospect at 6-foot-4 and 210 kilos with a superb capability to win on the catch level. If the Browns resolve to roll with Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders at quarterback, they’d be comforted by the truth that Boston’s measurement and nice play pace — plus his 20 touchdowns the previous two seasons — assist him win on the skin of the formation. He tasks as a real WR1.
Zion Younger, Edge, Missouri
The Bears made a run to the divisional spherical of the playoffs and received the NFC North in 12 months 2 of the Caleb Williams period. Now common supervisor Ryan Poles has to plug holes and proceed to develop a protection that wants a pass-rushing menace reverse Montez Sweat at defensive finish. The 6-foot-5, 262-pound Younger is extra of a three-down edge setter than a sudden move rusher, however he makes use of a long-arm transfer to arrange tackles and set up the nook within the run recreation. Younger must develop a secondary pass-rush transfer with a greater plan, however the traits are there for him to be a stable starter in a 4-3 protection.
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Based mostly on the information convention after the Payments fired Sean McDermott, it positive looks as if broad receiver Keon Coleman may not be a long-term reply for Buffalo. Even with the Payments shifting to a extra balanced offense centered on NFL dashing champion James Cook dinner III, there is a extreme want for broad receiver assist. Josh Allen wants a move catcher who can create and make performs. Concepcion has common measurement at 5-foot-11 and 190 kilos, however he is shifty all through the route tree and creates yards after the catch. The Payments might line him up within the slot and unleash him on alternative routes, the place he can shortly create house and be a menace in contrast to something Allen has had since Stefon Diggs.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Is that this the yr we lastly see the 49ers draft the inheritor obvious to Trent Williams at left deal with? The longer term Corridor of Famer will probably be in his age-38 season in 2026, that means retirement might come within the close to future. Lomu began the previous two seasons at left deal with, shifting Spencer Fano to the precise facet within the course of. Lomu hasn’t given up a sack since 2024 and has surrendered solely three in his profession. The 6-foot-6 308-pounder is a simple mover with the reactive agility to thrive within the 49ers’ exterior zone scheme. He additionally has the body to maintain including muscle and power.
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Miller most likely is not a first-rounder within the 2025 draft. However in a 2026 class that lacks a excessive variety of prospects with a first-round grade, drafting a rock-solid proper deal with with a ton of expertise (54 begins) and simply two sacks and two blown run blocks allowed final season looks as if good worth. Miller would slide into the beginning lineup reverse Aireontae Ersery, final yr’s second-rounder, to kind a younger bookend duo that may assist defend C.J. Stroud effectively sufficient to raise his recreation as his rookie contract nears expiration. Contemplating the Texans completed thirtieth in move block win price (55.5%), they might use the assistance. Miller acquired quite a lot of love from scouts I talked to on the Senior Bowl, one thing that would push him up boards.
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Freeling’s upside might be intriguing for groups on the lookout for a beginning proper deal with in his class. With solely 13 school begins, there is not an enormous résumé to judge, however Freeling has ultimate size and motion abilities at 6-foot-7 and 315 kilos to get scouts enthusiastic about his ceiling. When watching Freeling get to the second degree within the run recreation, it is easy to affix that pleasure. The Rams at the moment have Warren McClendon Jr., a fifth-round choose in 2023, at proper deal with. If they are not fairly offered on him, they might wager on Freeling’s athletic upside and potential, shopping for them time to see if McClendon is the longer term earlier than his contract runs out after subsequent season.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Broncos followers have been begging for extra explosive linebackers, and Hill could be probably the most spectacular mover on the place on this draft class. He additionally brings the added bonus of being a dependable move rusher when requested to line up on the sting. Hill’s 17 profession sacks point out that he might have a future on the sting, however he does not have full-time defensive finish measurement at 6-foot-3 and 248 kilos. The Broncos have discovered success with smaller rushers like Nik Bonitto (6-3, 240) and will use Hill in a stack position whereas letting him be a sub-package rusher to frustrate offenses.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
It took just one yr for Mike Vrabel to construct a formidable protection, however the Patriots should concentrate on changing their short-term free agent signings with draft picks who can function a longer-term basis. Howell led the SEC in pressures (41) and had 11.5 sacks in his second season at Texas A&M after transferring from Bowling Inexperienced. He does not instantly mission as a three-down participant however has the instruments to become one with improved play towards the run. Howell would carry an instantaneous pass-rushing presence and provides New England critical juice off the nook when attacking the backfield together with his spectacular first-step quickness.
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
One of many greatest winners on the Senior Bowl, Fields parlayed an awesome week on prime of a extremely robust profession at Notre Dame to get into Spherical 1. Fields dominated defensive backs in Cell together with his measurement (6-foot-4, 218 kilos) and skill to win excessive. It jogged my memory of his recreation towards Pitt final season, when he had seven catches for 99 yards and two scores. The Seahawks have an elite smaller receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, however a bodily presence like Fields on the skin would maintain defenses from bracketing JSN within the slot or when he is aligned exterior.
Spherical 2
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Jets traded away Quinnen Williams on the commerce deadline, however there was a dialogue about enhancing the run protection earlier than that transfer. McDonald tasks as a starter-level nostril deal with or 1-technique with the ability to maintain the linebackers behind him clear and run lanes stuffed.
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s first two seasons have not fairly gone to plan, and the Cardinals haven’t got a lot at receiver behind him and Michael Wilson. Bernard has elite capability to make performs after the catch and is a dynamic participant who’s able to lining up everywhere in the alignment — together with within the backfield, within the slot and at X receiver.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Titans have one supersized offensive deal with from Alabama in JC Latham, so let’s give them one other. Proctor’s tape on the finish of the season was a lot better than at first, and he has immense potential as a beginning left deal with.
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
Mesidor’s age (he turns 25 in April) would possibly restrict how excessive he can rise, however this worth on the prime of Spherical 2 could be too candy to move up. Mesidor tasks as a real 4-3 defensive finish who might disrupt offenses reverse Maxx Crosby.
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
So far as I am involved, Ponds is among the finest pure soccer gamers on this class. He is one of the best nickelback accessible and was a constant playmaker for the Hoosiers, with seven profession interceptions.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Thieneman was the quarterback of the Oregon secondary, displaying quickness, nice instincts and playmaking. The Texans have one of many league’s finest defenses, and Thieneman would slide in shortly as a robust security.
Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
The Browns hit a house run with second-round center linebacker Carson Schwesinger within the 2025 draft and will pair him with a prime strongside linebacker in Golday, who had 104 tackles and three.5 sacks final season.
Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
With Bryan Cook dinner set to hit free company, the Chiefs have a gap at security with no up-and-coming prospect able to fill it. Ramsey is a ball-hawking, rangy free security who can play in a cut up or single-high security look.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
An edge rusher might be in play at this spot, however Woods’ capability to play in a 1- or 3-technique alignment with pass-rush upside is just too good to move up in a weak defensive deal with class.
Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Tyler Shough might be the true deal at quarterback, so it is time to construct round him. Williams might be the No. 2 receiver the Saints want reverse Chris Olave.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Cooper is among the finest ball-tracking receivers within the class and might make an instantaneous affect from the slot. With Tyreek Hill’s future in query after a season-ending knee harm, this could be a necessity choose for Miami’s new entrance workplace.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Simpson does not have a Spherical 1 grade on my board, and I could not discover a single group that will give him one throughout conversations on the Senior Bowl. However with 4 picks within the first two rounds, the Jets can afford to roll the cube on him as a second-rounder with starter upside. Simpson’s lack of measurement and arm power might in the end push him down the board, however his poise and processing abilities are NFL-level.
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Why Mel Kiper Jr. has some concern about Ty Simpson
Mel Kiper Jr. examines whether or not Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is a first-round choose after he declared for the draft.
LT Overton, Edge, Alabama
Overton is a ‘tweener edge rusher at 6-foot-5 and 278 kilos, however his upside as a move rusher makes him an intriguing prospect in a 30 entrance. The Ravens should get youthful and stronger on the sting of the protection.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Lavonte David’s decline this season was stark. Though Allen does not have David’s hallmark agility and vary, he is an impactful downhill linebacker who can clear up within the run recreation and be a drive participant on first and second downs.
R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma
The Colts might go defensive deal with right here, however they want affect gamers throughout the defensive entrance. Thomas is a sudden, rocked-up strain participant on the sting at 6-foot-2 and 249 kilos with elite quickness.
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
With Kyle Pitts Sr. set to hit free company, the Falcons might be on the lookout for a brand new beginning tight finish. Stowers is a real F-tight finish prospect with a recreation similar to Harold Fannin Jr. from final yr’s class.
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
The Vikings badly must get youthful and hit on picks exterior Spherical 1. Hunter would possibly ultimately transfer into the primary spherical after a superstrong Senior Bowl week and will begin straight away as a nostril deal with or 1-technique.
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Ought to left deal with Taylor Decker retire, there is a good probability that Penei Sewell would flip from the precise facet to exchange him. Iheanachor, who performed effectively on the Senior Bowl, might slot in as Detroit’s proper deal with in that case.
Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
As tempting because it could be to get Bryce Younger much more offensive assist, the Panthers want steadiness from this draft. Abney is a quick and feisty ball hawk at nook and will begin fairly shortly for Carolina.
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
The Packers wanted to deal Kenny Clark to place their Micah Parsons commerce bundle excessive, however his absence created a necessity. Miller is a dominant nostril deal with prospect with 1-technique capability to shoot gaps and disrupt.
Zachariah Department, WR, Georgia
The Steelers have not gotten a lot out of Roman Wilson (third spherical choose in 2024), and Calvin Austin III is about to be a free agent, in order that they want a No. 2 wideout. Department is electrical with the ball in his arms and has difference-making pace in his route tree.
Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
It would not be an Eagles draft with out an early choose within the trenches. Orange is a large nostril deal with or 1-technique who might assist unencumber Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis to make much more performs.
Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
Accidents decimated the Chargers’ offensive line in 2025, highlighting the dearth of total depth and long-term solutions on the inside. Pregnon could be a plug-and-play starter at both guard spot.
Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
Scott is an electrical slot nook with elite blitzing abilities and the pace to shut on the ball. He is sensible and instinctual in protection, and pairing him with Travis Hunter subsequent season could be enjoyable.
A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
The Bears want extra playmakers on protection, and with Jaquan Brisker set to hit free company, there’s room so as to add a security early. Haulcy’s eight interceptions over the previous two seasons would translate to Chicago’s opportunistic protection.
Logan Jones, C, Iowa
We’ll stick to OL for the 49ers, who must fill a number of holes up entrance in the event that they need to stay a Tremendous Bowl contender. Jones is a plug-and-play starter with the agility to thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.
Jadarian Value, RB, Notre Dame
Woody Marks was a fourth-round revelation in final yr’s draft, however Nick Chubb is a free agent and Joe Mixon’s future is unsure. Regardless of splitting carries with Jeremiyah Love, Value has beginning NFL traits and scored 11 touchdowns final season whereas averaging 6.0 yards per carry.
Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois
The Payments want affect gamers on protection and have lengthy lacked a well-rounded, succesful presence off the nook. Jacas posted 11 sacks final season and is a whole edge participant at 6-foot-3 and 275 kilos.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
The Rams want a downhill linebacker, and Rodriguez would match the invoice. He is a playmaker who had 4 interceptions, seven pressured fumbles, a sack and three touchdowns scored final season.
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Jacob Rodriguez comes up with the INT for Texas Tech
Bear Bachmeier is picked off by Jacob Rodriguez to present the Purple Raiders the ball again.
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
A late-season ACL tear will push Bell down draft boards, however he is a possible steal for a group that may be affected person together with his rehab. Bell is a giant run-after-catch menace, and his measurement (6-foot-2, 220 kilos) is what Broncos coach Sean Payton covets from his wideouts.
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
The Patriots made the Tremendous Bowl with an ensemble forged at receiver led by 32-year-old Stefon Diggs. So getting a future WR1 ought to be a precedence. Sarratt has some Courtland Sutton similarities and would complement Drake Maye’s timing and accuracy effectively.
Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
Seattle hit on Gray Zabel in Spherical 1 final yr however might proceed to construct up its inside offensive line with Bisontis, an easy-moving guard prospect with starter upside.
