2026 NFL Mock Draft: The 2026 NFL Draft, officially the “NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting,” will be the 91st iteration of the league’s primary mechanism for recruiting new talent. Scheduled for April 23–25, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, around Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium (home of the Pittsburgh Steelers), it continues a tradition that began in 1936. Below, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the 2026 draft, including its context, projected details, historical backstory, and fun facts, drawing on available data and your interest in defensive ends (DEs) from prior questions. I’ll also incorporate relevant insights from the provided search results where applicable.
Overview of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Location and Dates: Pittsburgh was selected as the host city on May 22, 2024, beating out other contenders. The draft will span three days: Round 1 on Thursday, April 23, Rounds 2–3 on Friday, April 24, and Rounds 4–7 on Saturday, April 25. Events will center around Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, leveraging Pittsburgh’s football heritage.
- Format: The draft consists of seven rounds, with 32 picks per round (plus compensatory picks). The order is determined by the 2025 season’s standings, with the worst-performing team picking first and the Super Bowl champion last. Ties are broken by strength of schedule, and playoff teams are ordered by postseason progress.
- Compensatory Picks: Per NFL rules, teams losing more high-value free agents than they sign receive compensatory picks (3rd–7th rounds). For 2026, one confirmed pick is a 3rd-round selection for the Detroit Lions, awarded after the New York Jets hired former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as head coach under the NFL’s minority hiring incentive (2020 Resolution JC-2A).
- Trades: Draft picks are tradable, and 2026 already has pre-draft (PD) trades affecting the first round:
- Jacksonville to Cleveland: Jacksonville traded their 2026 1st-round pick (and 2025 1st, 2nd, 4th) for Cleveland’s 2025 1st, 4th, and 6th.
- Atlanta to LA Rams: Atlanta traded their 2026 1st (and 2025 2nd, 7th) for the Rams’ 2025 1st and 3rd.
- Washington to Houston: Washington traded 2026 2nd and 4th (plus 2025 picks) for Houston’s 2025 4th and OT Laremy Tunsil.
- Eligibility: Players must be three years removed from high school, typically exhausting college eligibility or seeking special exemptions. Underclassmen like Arch Manning or T.J. Parker are projected to declare, per mock drafts.
2026 NFL Mock Draft : Projected Details for 2026
Based on early 2026 mock drafts (e.g., The 33rd Team, NFL Mock Draft Database) and team needs post-2025 draft, here’s what to expect:
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Draft Order (Speculative)
The 2026 draft order is based on 2025 Super Bowl odds (DraftKings, via Bleacher Report) and Tankathon projections, adjusted for 2025 performance. A projected top 10:
- Cleveland Browns (QB-needy, post-Watson)
- Tennessee Titans (building around Cam Ward)
- New Orleans Saints (post-Lattimore secondary rebuild)
- New York Giants (supporting Jaxson Dart)
- New York Jets (Rodgers’ succession plan)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (defensive upgrades)
- Las Vegas Raiders (QB or offensive weapons)
- Carolina Panthers (line or edge help)
- Chicago Bears (complementing Caleb Williams)
- New England Patriots (weapons for Drake Maye)
The Kansas City Chiefs, as defending champions, are projected to pick 32nd.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Top Prospects
The 2026 class is considered weaker at quarterback than 2025 but deep in defensive talent, offensive linemen, and running backs. Key names from consensus big boards:
- Quarterbacks: Arch Manning (Texas), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Drew Allar (Penn State), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina). Manning is the projected QB1 despite debate over his readiness.
- Defensive Ends/Edge Rushers: T.J. Parker (Clemson, ~11 sacks in 2024), Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State), Matayo Uiagalelei (Oregon), L.T. Overton (Alabama). DEs remain a premium position, with five projected in the first round, aligning with historical trends (8 per first round, ~58% success rate).
- Offensive Tackles: Kadyn Proctor (Alabama), Francis Mauigoa (Miami), Isaiah World (Oregon). OTs are safe picks (~70% success rate).
- Running Backs: Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State), Omarion Hampton (North Carolina), C.J. Baxter (Texas). RBs are rising in draft value.
- Other Notables: Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State), Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas), Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State), Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee).
Must Read: NFL Mock Draft Bad Habits
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Team Needs and Trends
- QB-Needy Teams: Browns, Raiders, Steelers, and Jets may target QBs, but only 3–4 are expected in Round 1 due to a thinner class. Teams like the Titans (Ward, 2025) and Giants (Dart, 2025) will focus on supporting casts (e.g., OTs, WRs).
- Defensive Ends: Teams like the Titans, Panthers, Cardinals, Seahawks, and Eagles are projected to draft DEs to address pass-rush deficiencies. This aligns with your prior question, where DEs were shown to have high variance (e.g., Myles Garrett vs. Clelin Ferrell).
- Offensive Line: Giants, Falcons, Texans, and Packers prioritize OTs/OGs to protect young QBs or replace aging starters (e.g., Laremy Tunsil, Jake Matthews).
- Secondary: Saints, Colts, Rams, and Ravens target CBs/S to replace free agents like Marshon Lattimore or Charvarius Ward.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Notable Storylines
- Arch Manning Hype: Manning’s pedigree and 2024 relief stats (68% completion, 939 yards, 9 TDs) make him a polarizing QB1. Some mocks project him to the Browns or Jets, but his readiness is debated.
- DE Depth: The 2026 class is loaded with edge rushers, reflecting the NFL’s pass-rush obsession. T.J. Parker’s production (11 sacks) and size (6’3”, 265 lbs) draw Nick Bosa comparisons.
- RB Resurgence: After a 2024 draft with no Round 1 RBs, 2025 saw two, and 2026 could see three (Judkins, Hampton, Baxter), signaling a shift in RB valuation.
- Pittsburgh’s Hosting: The draft’s return to a football-centric city like Pittsburgh (last hosted in 1948) emphasizes the NFL’s push for fan engagement, with Acrisure Stadium hosting related events.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Historical Backstory
The NFL Draft, introduced in 1936, was designed to promote competitive balance by giving weaker teams first access to talent. Here’s a concise history, focusing on key milestones and DE relevance:
- Origins (1936): The first draft, held at Philadelphia’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel, had nine teams selecting 81 players across nine rounds. The Eagles picked Heisman winner Jay Berwanger (RB, Chicago), who never played, opting for a foam rubber sales career. Only 24 of 81 draftees played in the NFL, reflecting rudimentary scouting.
- Bonus Picks (1947–1958): The NFL awarded a “lottery pick” for the first overall selection, with winners forfeiting their final-round pick. This system ended in 1959 after all 12 teams received a bonus pick.
- AFL Competition (1960s): The American Football League’s emergence in 1959 sparked bidding wars, forcing NFL teams to professionalize scouting. The 1960 draft became a “high-stakes” affair, with DEs like Don Floyd (Colts, 1960) gaining prominence. The NFL-AFL merger (1967–1969) created the common draft era.
- Scouting Evolution (1963–): Partnerships like BLESTO (Lions, Eagles, Steelers) and National Football Scouting centralized evaluations, improving DE assessments (e.g., size, speed). The Dallas Cowboys’ Quadra Scouting group pioneered computer-based analytics.
- Modern Era (1980s–): ESPN’s 1980 broadcast and Mel Kiper Jr.’s 1984 debut popularized the draft. The seven-round format was set in 1994, and time limits tightened (10 minutes for Round 1 by 2007). DEs like Bruce Smith (1985, 1st overall) became draft headliners.
- Recent Trends: QBs dominate first overall picks (17 of last 23), but DEs like Travon Walker (2022) and Will Anderson Jr. (2023) highlight their value. The draft’s rotation to new cities (e.g., Chicago 2015, Green Bay 2025) boosts fan engagement, with Pittsburgh 2026 continuing this trend.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Fun Facts About the NFL Draft
- First Bust: Jay Berwanger, the 1936 No. 1 pick, never played, choosing a foam rubber sales job. The Eagles’ entire 1936 draft class never played a regular-season game.
- DE Legacy: DEs are a draft staple, with three No. 2 overall picks by the Chiefs (Neil Smith 1988, Mike Bell 1979, Art Still 1978). Bruce Smith (1985, No. 1) holds the NFL sack record (200).
- Mr. Irrelevant: The final pick, dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant” by Paul Salata in 1976, occasionally shines. Brock Purdy (2022, 49ers) is the most successful, starting in a Super Bowl.
- Father-Son Duos: If Shedeur Sanders goes Round 1 in 2026, he and Deion Sanders will be the 12th father-son first-round pair since 1967, joining 2024’s Harrisons and Alts.
- RB Drought: No RBs were picked in Round 1 in 2013, 2014, or 2024—the first such gaps since 1963. The 2026 draft could see three, bucking this trend.
- Ivy League Surge: The 2013 draft projected five Ivy Leaguers, matching 1967 and 1975’s six. Cornell’s Luke Tasker (son of Bills’ Steve Tasker) was a standout prospect.
- HBCU Impact: The 2022 HBCU Legacy Bowl began showcasing talent from historically Black colleges. Paul “Tank” Younger (1949, undrafted) was the first HBCU player to star in the NFL.
- Draft Venues: New York City hosted 57 drafts (1965–2014), including 10 at Madison Square Garden. Pittsburgh’s 2026 event is its first since 1948.
- Minority Representation: By 2025, half of NFL starting QBs are Black or minority, a leap from Marlin Briscoe’s 1968 debut. The 2026 draft could add to this with QBs like LaNorris Sellers.
- Hall of Fame No. 50s: Willie Lanier (1967, No. 50, Chiefs) is the only No. 50 pick in the Hall of Fame. DE Calais Campbell (2008, No. 50) is a future candidate with 88 sacks.
- Draft Timing: The draft was a Tuesday-Wednesday event for 52 years until 1988, moving to weekends in 1995. The Thursday-Saturday format began in 2010.
- Record Viewership: The 2019 draft in Nashville drew 47.5 million viewers and 600,000 attendees, the highest ever. Pittsburgh aims to rival this in 2026.
- Bonus Pick Flop: From 1947–1958, “bonus picks” rarely panned out. The 1953 Colts’ bonus pick, Billy Vessels, played one NFL season before jumping to the CFL.
- Chicago Bears Oddity: The Bears’ two No. 1 picks (Tom Harmon 1941, Bob Fenimore 1947) never played for them. Harmon joined the AAFC, and Fenimore lasted one season.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh’s Role and Economic Impact
- Historical Hosting: Pittsburgh last hosted in 1948, when the draft was a low-key affair. The 2026 event will be a spectacle, with fan festivals and concerts, mirroring Nashville’s 600,000 attendees in 2019.
- Economic Boost: Kansas City’s 2023 draft generated $164 million ($109 million direct spending). Pittsburgh expects similar impact, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses benefiting.
- Steelers’ Influence: The Steelers, who avoided first-round DEs in recent years, may target a QB (e.g., LaNorris Sellers) or WR to replace aging veterans, leveraging their home-field draft buzz.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Critical Notes
- Draft Risks: The 2026 class’s weaker QB pool may push teams toward safer picks like OTs or DEs, but the ~58% DE success rate (2014–2023) suggests caution. Teams like the Browns must avoid overreaching for Manning if he’s unpolished.
- NFL Evolution: The draft’s focus on minority representation (e.g., Glenn’s hire earning Detroit a pick) and HBCU talent reflects a diversifying league, building on milestones like Marlin Briscoe’s 1968 start.
- Fan Experience: Pittsburgh’s draft will emphasize accessibility, with free fan events at Point State Park, unlike the exclusive Ritz-Carlton days of 1936. Expect heavy social media coverage on X, amplifying prospects like Parker or Manning.Assumptions
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Key Info
- Draft Order: Based on Super Bowl odds and Tankathon’s 2026 projections, with teams like the Browns, Titans, and Giants picking early due to 2025 struggles.
- Team Needs: Prioritize premium positions (QB, OT, EDGE, CB) and address 2026 free agent departures (e.g., Jonah Williams, Marshon Lattimore). Teams that drafted QBs in 2025 (e.g., Titans with Cam Ward) focus on supporting casts.
- Player Eligibility: Assumes underclassmen like Arch Manning, T.J. Parker, and Caleb Downs declare, per mock draft trends, though some (e.g., Manning) are debated.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1
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- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
- Rationale: Despite debate over Manning’s early declaration, his elite arm talent, mobility, and pedigree make him a favorite for QB-needy teams. Cleveland, potentially moving on from Deshaun Watson, seeks a franchise QB. Manning’s 2024 relief work (68% completion, 939 yards, 9 TDs) suggests high upside.
- Fit: Browns need a reset at QB to compete in the AFC North. Manning’s anticipation and velocity fit Kevin O’Connell’s scheme.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Tennessee Titans: T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
- Rationale: With Cam Ward drafted in 2025, the Titans bolster their pass rush, which ranked 31st in pressure rate in 2024. Parker, a breakout sophomore (11 sacks, 6 forced fumbles in 2024), has ideal size (6’3”, 265 lbs) and instincts. DEs are a premium position, and Parker’s upside rivals 2019 Nick Bosa.
- Fit: Pairs with Oluafemi Oladejo to replace expiring contracts (Arden Key, Dre’Mont Jones). High success rate for first-round DEs justifies the pick.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- Rationale: Downs, a versatile safety with 76 tackles and 6 PBUs in 2024, is a top defensive playmaker. The Saints, replacing Marshon Lattimore, prioritize secondary help. Downs’ instincts and tackling fit Dennis Allen’s zone-heavy scheme.
- Fit: Addresses a post-Lattimore secondary alongside Tyrann Mathieu. High AV Share for safeties like Downs supports early selection.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
- Rationale: After drafting Jaxson Dart in 2025, the Giants protect him with Proctor, a 6’7”, 350-pound tackle with elite athleticism. His ability to play left or right tackle addresses Evan Neal’s struggles.
- Fit: Andrew Thomas anchors the left; Proctor solidifies the right, reducing sacks (Giants allowed 47 in 2024). Offensive linemen have a ~70% success rate.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
- Rationale: With Aaron Rodgers aging and 2025 picks focusing on tackles (e.g., Armand Membou), the Jets take Nussmeier, whose arm strength and accuracy (2024: 66% completion, 39 TDs) shine under Brian Kelly.
- Fit: Nussmeier learns behind Rodgers, leveraging Malik Nabers and a strong line. QB scarcity drives this pick despite 2025 depth.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
- Rationale: Hill’s 2024 stats (113 tackles, 8 sacks) and versatility as a pass-rushing linebacker make him a consensus top-10 pick. Jacksonville, needing defensive playmakers post-Josh Allen, targets Hill’s sideline-to-sideline range.
- Fit: Complements Travon Walker, boosting a defense that ranked 22nd in points allowed (2024). Linebackers like Hill elevate schemes.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Las Vegas Raiders: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
- Rationale: With Geno Smith’s contract lacking guarantees post-2026, the Raiders draft Allar (66.5% completion, 24 TDs in 2024) for his prototypical size (6’5”, 238 lbs) and arm talent. Chip Kelly’s offense suits Allar’s pro-style experience.
- Fit: Allar develops behind Smith, using Davante Adams and Brock Bowers. Raiders’ history of QB investment supports this.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers: Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
- Rationale: With Ikem Ekwonu’s option undecided and Taylor Moton’s contract expiring, the Panthers could go OT but opt for Bain, a 6’3”, 255-pound edge with 2024 production (9 sacks) and blue-chip upside. DEs are critical for Dave Canales’ defense.
- Fit: Replaces Brian Burns’ production, pairing with D.J. Wonnum. High DE draft frequency (8 per first round) aligns with this pick.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
- Rationale: After drafting Kyle Monangai in 2025, the Bears seek a three-down back. Judkins’ burst and contact balance (1,200+ yards in 2024) make him a top RB prospect. Chicago’s line, bolstered in 2025, supports a run-heavy approach.
- Fit: Complements Caleb Williams, reducing passing pressure. RB1s like Judkins are rare, justifying a top-10 pick.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: New England Patriots: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
- Rationale: Protecting Drake Maye is critical, but with Will Campbell drafted in 2025, the Patriots add a WR1. Tate’s size (6’2”, 190 lbs) and 2024 production (~800 yards) make him a polished target.
- Fit: Gives Maye a reliable weapon alongside Demario Douglas. WRs have high hit rates in the top 10.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Arizona Cardinals: Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State
- Rationale: Dennis-Sutton’s 8.5 sacks and 13 TFLs in 2024 highlight his explosiveness (6’5”, 272 lbs). Arizona, needing edge help post-2025, targets his power and bend to complement Zaven Collins.
- Fit: Bolsters a pass rush ranked 25th in 2024. DEs like Dennis-Sutton fit Jonathan Gannon’s aggressive front.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
- Rationale: Mauigoa’s size (6’5”, 315 lbs) and athleticism make him a top tackle prospect. Atlanta, with Jake Matthews aging, secures a bookend for Kirk Cousins or a 2025 rookie QB.
- Fit: Protects the QB and boosts a run game led by Bijan Robinson. High success rate (~70%) for OTs supports this.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Commanders: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
- Rationale: Boston’s 2024 breakout (~900 yards) and route-running savvy make him a WR1 candidate. Washington, supporting Jayden Daniels, adds a weapon to complement Terry McLaurin.
- Fit: Enhances an offense ranked 18th in passing yards (2024). WRs are safer picks than QBs here.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Indianapolis Colts: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
- Rationale: McCoy’s instincts (4 INTs, 7 PBUs in 2024) and tackling make him a top corner. Indy, needing secondary help post-JuJu Brents, targets his fit in Gus Bradley’s zone scheme.
- Fit: Pairs with Jaylon Jones, addressing a pass defense ranked 20th (2024). CBs have solid AV Share in the teens.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Houston Texans: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
- Rationale: With Laremy Tunsil’s contract nearing its end, World’s versatility and 2024 tape make him a top OT. Houston protects C.J. Stroud for AFC contention.
- Fit: Replaces Tunsil or upgrades right tackle. OTs are low-risk, high-reward in the mid-first.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
- Rationale: Watts’ versatility (2024: 6 INTs, 8 PBUs) fits Miami’s secondary rebuild. With Jevon Holland’s contract expiring, Watts is a playmaking safety.
- Fit: Complements Jordan Poyer, boosting a defense ranked 15th in points allowed (2024).
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
- Rationale: Hampton’s power (1,400+ yards in 2024) fits Sean Payton’s run-heavy scheme. Denver, with Javonte Williams’ contract up, needs a workhorse back.
- Fit: Supports Bo Nix, reducing passing reliance. RBs are rising in draft value.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Cincinnati Bengals: C.J. Baxter, RB, Texas
- Rationale: Baxter’s 2024 recovery (1,000+ yards post-injury) and three-down ability make him a top RB. Cincinnati, replacing Joe Mixon long-term, targets his fit with Joe Burrow.
- Fit: Enhances an offense ranked 12th in rushing (2024). RB depth is thin in 2026.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Green Bay Packers: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
- Rationale: Fano’s 2024 tape shows elite pass protection. Green Bay, with Zach Tom’s contract nearing its end, secures Jordan Love’s blindside.
- Fit: Maintains a top-10 O-line. OTs have high hit rates in the late first.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Los Angeles Chargers: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
- Rationale: Thomas’ length and 2024 ball skills (5 INTs) fit Jim Harbaugh’s physical defense. With Asante Samuel Jr.’s contract up, Thomas is a CB1.
- Fit: Strengthens a secondary ranked 17th in pass defense (2024).
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Seattle Seahawks: Matayo Uiagalelei, DE, Oregon
- Rationale: Uiagalelei’s 2024 production (7 sacks) and athleticism make him a rising edge. Seattle, with Leonard Williams aging, adds a versatile DE.
- Fit: Complements Boye Mafe, boosting a pass rush ranked 19th (2024). DEs are a Seahawks priority.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
- Rationale: With Russell Wilson’s contract expiring, Sellers’ dual-threat ability (2024: 2,000 pass yards, 500 rush yards) fits Arthur Smith’s offense.
- Fit: Develops behind Justin Fields, leveraging Najee Harris and George Pickens.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Suntarine Perkins, LB, Ole Miss
- Rationale: Perkins’ edge-rushing ability (6 sacks, 2024) addresses Tampa’s declining pass rush. He fits Todd Bowles’ aggressive 3-4 scheme.
- Fit: Replaces Lavonte David long-term, pairing with K.J. Britt.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Minnesota Vikings: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
- Rationale: Perkins’ speed (2024: 80 tackles, 5 sacks) makes him a three-down LB. Minnesota, with Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defense, needs linebacker depth.
- Fit: Complements Ivan Pace Jr., boosting a defense ranked 11th (2024).
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Los Angeles Rams: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
- Rationale: Muhammad’s 2024 tape (4 INTs) shows lockdown potential. The Rams, replacing Tre’Davious White, need a young CB1.
- Fit: Strengthens a secondary ranked 16th in pass defense (2024).
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys: Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Georgia Tech
- Rationale: Singleton’s 2024 production (~850 yards) and YAC ability make him a WR2 for Dak Prescott. Dallas, with CeeDee Lamb’s contract looming, adds depth.
- Fit: Complements Lamb, boosting an offense ranked 14th in passing (2024).
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Buffalo Bills: Iapani Laloulu, G, Oregon
- Rationale: Laloulu’s 2024 dominance in run blocking fits Buffalo’s physical identity. With Connor McGovern’s contract up, Laloulu is a plug-and-play guard.
- Fit: Protects Josh Allen, enhancing a run game ranked 8th (2024).
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: San Francisco 49ers: A.J. Harris, CB, Georgia
- Rationale: Harris’ 2024 ball skills (3 INTs) fit Kyle Shanahan’s zone scheme post-Charvarius Ward.
- Fit: Pairs with Deommodore Lenoir, maintaining a top-5 defense.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Baltimore Ravens: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
- Rationale: Jackson’s 2024 resurgence (3 INTs) addresses Baltimore’s CB depth issues. His upside fits John Harbaugh’s man-coverage scheme.
- Fit: Replaces Marlon Humphrey long-term, bolstering a secondary ranked 10th (2024).
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Detroit Lions: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
- Rationale: Jackson’s 2024 disruption (10 TFLs) strengthens Detroit’s interior line. With Alim McNeill’s contract nearing its end, Jackson is a fit.
- Fit: Complements Aidan Hutchinson, boosting a defense ranked 9th (2024).
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Philadelphia Eagles: L.T. Overton, DE, Alabama
- Rationale: Overton’s 2024 versatility (6 sacks) fits Vic Fangio’s scheme. Philly, with Haason Reddick’s contract expiring, needs edge depth.
- Fit: Rotates with Josh Sweat, maintaining a top-10 pass rush.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs: C.J. Williams, WR, Texas
- Rationale: Williams’ 2024 speed (~700 yards) adds a deep threat for Patrick Mahomes. With Xavier Worthy’s development, Williams is a WR2.
- Fit: Replaces an aging Marquez Valdes-Scantling, boosting an offense ranked 7th (2024).
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Key Trends and Observations
- Quarterbacks: Only three QBs (Manning, Nussmeier, Allar) go in the first round, reflecting a weaker 2026 class compared to 2025’s seven Day 2 QBs. Manning’s hype drives his selection, but teams like the Giants and Titans focus on supporting 2025 QBs.
- Defensive Ends: Five DEs (Parker, Bain, Dennis-Sutton, Uiagalelei, Overton) are selected, aligning with historical trends (8 per first round) and their ~58% success rate. Teams like the Titans and Panthers prioritize edge rushers to address poor pressure rates.
- Offensive Line: Six linemen (3 OTs, 1 G) reflect the position’s high success rate (~70%) and 2026 depth. Teams like the Giants and Packers invest to protect young QBs.
- Secondary: Seven DBs (4 CBs, 3 S) address 2026 free agent losses (e.g., Lattimore, Ward). Downs and Watts are elite safeties, while corners like McCoy and Harris are scheme fits.
- Running Backs: Three RBs (Judkins, Hampton, Baxter) in the top 20 reflect their rising draft value, especially for teams like the Bears and Bengals needing three-down backs.