With Free Agency largely in the rear-view mirror, the offseason focus shifts back to the NFL Draft. Many teams filled the holes in their rosters, while some created new ones. Here’s my first post free agency mock draft, using the fully updated Blitz Mock Draft Simulator.
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The Raiders get their QB of the future, Fernando Mendoza. Big ticket center acquisition, Tyler Linderbaum will make his life easier as the rookie adapts to the NFL.
Veteran additions DeMario Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick will handle the leadership on the Jets’ defense, allowing Aaron Glenn to use Arvell Reese freely along the front seven.
The Cardinals led the NFL with five blown fourth-quarter leads last season. Adding Reuben Bain Jr. alongside Josh Sweat and Walter Nolen would give Arizona the pass rush it needs to close out games. – Dan Loya, Blitz Sports Media
The Titans used free agency to add substantial depth to their defense, but none match David Bailey‘s top-end pass rush potential. He gives Robert Saleh a closer to finish games in the future.
The Giants have a strong pool of players to choose from, but they select Caleb Downs to man their secondary. John Harbaugh is accustomed to having a dynamic safety as part of his defense.
The Browns have major needs on the offensive line and at wide receiver; they elect to address the offensive line first with Monroe Freeling. He isn’t a polished prospect, but he has one of the highest ceilings available among tackles in this draft.
The Commanders are expected to have a more balanced, under-center approach under new offensive coordinator David Blough. Jeremiyah Love gives them a downhill runner to pair with dynamic QB, Jaylen Daniels.
The Saints filled their hole at running back by adding Travis Etienne via free agency. They then complement Chris Olave with his fellow Buckeye, Carnell Tate. The duo gives Tyler Shough two solid receiving options who can line up all over the field.
Eric Bieniemy returns to Kansas City, tasked with restoring Patrick Mahomes and the offense back to its former glory. Makai Lemon provides a receiving threat who can win on his own in all fields.
The Bengals have added to their defensive line and secondary through free agency, but lack a difference maker in the linebacker corps. Sonny Styles brings the potential and passion that Cincinnati’s defense has been lacking.
The Dolphins have begun a true rebuild and face an uphill battle against major salary cap restrictions and a lack of talent. Mansoor Delane is simply the best player available and gives Jeff Hafley a reliable corner to start building his defense.
The Cowboys are giving their defense a makeover for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. After addressing the front seven and safety spots through free agency and trades, Jermod McCoy is selected to bolster the cornerback room.
The Rams made a splash by acquiring both cornerbacks, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, formerly of the Chiefs. They continue to add to the secondary that failed them by drafting Dillon Thieneman. He will man the second level from afar as he excels in deep zone coverage, eliminating the big plays that plagued the Rams down the stretch in 2025.
The Ravens hold onto their 14th overall pick and use it on one of the best and safest players in the draft. Olaivavega Ioane will bring nastiness back to the once-feared Ravens run game, while adding protection for Lamar Jackson.
With one side of the defensive line solidified by Yaya Diaby, the Buccaneers look to create bookend edges. Keldric Faulk is a raw pass rusher, but outstanding at stopping the run. He’ll play early downs right away while earning his way onto the field in pass rush situations.
The Jets address their offense by selecting Jordyn Tyson, who many regard as the best receiver in this draft class. The often-injured playmaker brings inside-out versatility, smooth route running, and the ability to win contested catches. With the potential to be a true WR1 in the NFL, he could be an elite pairing with Garrett Wilson.
The Lions lucked out with the best right tackle in the draft falling into their lap. They would move Penei Sewell to the left side, making Mauigoa the day one starter on the right side. His nastiness in the run game is exactly what Dan Campbell covets.
The Vikings released Javon Hargrave and Jonathon Allen one year after signing them, creating a hole up the middle of their defense. Caleb Banks brings an aggressive play style, perfect for Brian Flores’ defense.
The Panthers made a big splash in free agency, filling many of the holes in their roster. That allows them to draft the best player available with an eye to the future. Blake Miller will serve as their left tackle of the future, even if he doesn’t win the job outright to start the season in 2026.
The Cowboys continue to rebuild their defense and add their leader and “green dot” with C.J. Allen. A traditional, downhill, 3-4 linebacker fits what they are missing and solidifies Dallas’ defensive unit.
The Steelers add Omar Cooper Jr. to their wide receiver room, turning it from a weakness into a strength. He brings more versatility to their offense with outstanding YAC skills and the ability to line up in the slot or out wide. He’s the perfect complement to big-bodied Michael Pittman Jr. and D.K. Metcalf.
The Chargers appear to be shifting their offensive philosophy under new OC, Mike McDaniels. They will favor more athletic offensive linemen to feature their wide zone running game. Spencer Fano has positional flexibility and is the most athletic offensive lineman in this class, creating a perfect match.
The Eagles rarely enter a draft with a true “need”, but it just so happens to align with the strength of the 2026 class. T.J. Parker is the heavy-handed, edge-setting type Howie Roseman prefers. Eagles come away with a premium position with a manageable contract.
The Browns’ OL rebuild continues with Emmanuel Pregnon, who starts immediately at guard. This allows the Browns to focus on a deep wide receiver class and continue to fill out their roster in preparation for a full season with Shedeur Sanders at QB.
The Bears signed Coby Bryant to fill their hole at free safety and draft Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as his counterpart. McNeil-Warren brings speed, aggressiveness, and playmaking ability to the Bears’ new-look secondary.
The Bills will switch to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Kayden McDonald will man the middle of it, eating double teams and occasionally adding pass rush upside. He’ll bring the size and toughness Buffalo’s defense has lacked for years.
The addition of Mike Evans on the perimeter will open the pass game underneath and between the numbers. Kenyon Sadiq is tailor-made for Kyle Shanahan‘s offense. As a YAC specialist and good blocker, he fits right into the positionless offense with the ability to line up and produce anywhere.
With a rebuilt defense and several offensive weapons, the Jets believe now is the time to strike at QB. With plenty of draft capital, they trade back into the first round and select Ty Simpson. The Jets’ QB woes have been well documented, but they place their trust in Simpson to right the ship.
The Chiefs possess the near-impossible ability to seamlessly replace star cornerbacks. Avieon Terrell‘s versatility and toughness are perfect for Steve Spagnuolo‘s defense.
Although the Broncos were quiet during free agency, they enter the draft with few holes to fill. Denzel Boston gives Bo Nix a reliable target in the middle of the field and has the bigger body that Sean Payton prefers in his offense.
The Patriots are in win-now mode, and Akheem Mesidor can help them do just that. Being 25 years old won’t scare Mike Vrabel off one bit; he’s interested in football players who can help his team win now. Mesidor can do that.
The Seahawks took major hits to their secondary via free agency and look to rebuild that unit in their championship defense. Brandon Cisse is raw, but with tremendous upside to lock down the field opposite of star corner Devon Witherspoon.
