The NFL Draft is ever-changing and had a shake-up as the Bengals traded the 10th overall pick to the Giants in exchange for Dexter Lawrence. Check out my latest 2-round mock draft below and connect with me on X with your comments.
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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.
In a division where the Cardinals 3 opponents run essentially the same offense, disruption is key. David Bailey makes life hard for QBs down after down and gives Arizona a foundational piece of their defense.
A tough decision for Robert Saleh and Mike Borgonzi with so many needs, but they elect to go with the raw playmaker that has drawn comparisons to Saleh’s former linebacker, Fred Warner.
John Harbaugh has been open about his philosophy that “it starts in the trenches”. Francis Mauigoa brings toughness, versatility, and stability to a Giants offensive line that needs improving to protect Jaxson Dart.
Offensive tackle could be in play here, but none drafted this high would come without questions. Carnell Tate is a polished playmaker who becomes the Browns’ WR1 instantly.
New offensive coordinator David Blough will bring a downhill, under-center running game to the Commanders. Jeremiyah Love will excel in Washington and give Jayden Daniels a legit running game, which will keep the defense off the field and further Jayden Daniels’ progression.
The Saints would love to land Tate, but in his absence, they solidify the edge with the prospect who may have the best tape in the class. Bain is a menace in the run and pass game and brings an all-football mentality to New Orleans.
Jordyn Tyson’s medicals mean less to the Chiefs than winning does. Patrick Mahomes looks to regain form under returning OC Eric Bienemy. Tyson gives him a legitimate threat at WR who will excel in the star QB’s off-script plays.
The Giants land foundational players on offense and defense after they traded Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals. John Harbaugh is no stranger to game-changing safeties, having coached Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore. Downs is a major asset on the back end of the Giants’ fierce pass rush.
The Dolphins are beginning a major reset where accumulating foundational players and building culture is paramount. Spencer Fano brings an infectious personality, a great work ethic, and versatility to the Dolphins and their offensive line.
A top 10 player falls to the Cowboys as they look to put the finishing touches on their revamped defense in the 2026 draft. Delane brings scheme diversity and great playmaking ability to Dallas.
The Rams are very open about their window of opportunity and winning now. Makai Lemon complements Puka Nacua perfectly and can contribute immediately as a high-volume target for Matthew Stafford.
The Ravens have had continued draft success by consistently hitting doubles rather than swinging for the fences in the first round. Vega Ioane is the safest player in this draft and becomes one of the team’s best offensive linemen immediately.
The Buccaneers re-signed Cade Otton, but I expect new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to follow the trends of the NFL by using more 12 personnel. Sadiq is a thick, smooth playmaker with excellent blocking ability who will contribute heavily from the start.
After the trade of Sauce Gardner, the Jets still need to replace him in their secondary. Many believe McCoy is the best corner in the draft, but he falls to 16 by missing the entire 2025 season.
Longtime Lions left tackle Taylor Decker is no more, and the Lions need him replaced. Proctor is a massive people mover and weight problems be damned – Dan Campbell is an all-inspiring head coach who will keep the Alabama left tackle motivated.
After the retirement of Harrison Smith, the Vikings struck gold with Thieneman falling to them at pick 18. He fills in perfectly as a cerebral player who has rare athleticism for the position.
The Panthers could go many directions here, but elect to address Bryce Young’s protector long term. He needs some refinement, but Monroe Freeling has one of the highest ceilings of any lineman in the 2026 draft.
The Cowboys are very clearly in “win now” mode, making Akheem Mesidor’s age (25) a near non-factor. He will create a steady edge in the run game and juice up the Cowboys’ pass rush immediately.
Mike McCarthy will open things up a bit for the Steelers offensively as they will likely feature much more 11 personnel. Omar Cooper Jr. complements the much larger D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. well and gives the Steelers a legit 3 WR set.
Khalil Mack will return for his 13th season at age 35, but he won’t play forever. T.J. Parker will help solidify the edge for years to come and can learn from one of the NFL’s best ever early in his career.
The inevitable departure of A.J. Brown leaves a hole in the Eagles’ receiving corps. Denzel Boston brings a big physical presence (6’3 5/8″, 212 lbs) and is effective as a possession receiver and as a boundary deep threat.
The Browns get their offensive tackle in Caleb Lomu from Utah. A talented technician, Lomu wins with polished hands and feet. He’ll need to add weight to hold up against the NFL’s powerful edge defenders, but he’ll provide stability along the Browns’ offensive line.
Ryan Poles claimed he wanted to add violence and explosiveness to the Bears’ defense. Kayden McDonald is a near-immovable nose tackle who can immediately help the Bears’ 27th-ranked rush defense.
New defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will bring a new look to the Bills’ defense, which has long been labeled as too soft. C.J. Allen brings a downhill mentality as a new leader in Buffalo.
Trent Williams’ contract dispute is now in the rear-view, but the All-Pro is entering his 38-year-old season. The 49ers begin planning for the future by bringing in the raw, highly talented OT of their future.
The Cardinals give up 2027 draft capital to land their QB in the first year under Mike LaFleur. Simpson is a perfect fit for the under-center, play-action pass attack the Cardinals will run.
Kansas City needs to revamp its secondary in a big way after being decimated this offseason. Chris Johnson brings versatility that will be coveted in Steve Spagnuolo’s diverse scheme.
Continuing to rebuild the Dolphins roster from the inside out with high-character, trait-heavy players, Keldric Faulk brings toughness, run-stopping ability, and pass-rush upside to Jeff Hafley’s defense.
The Patriots could go many directions with the 31st overall pick, but they elect to solidify the middle of their defense for years to come. Rodriguez is a leader, playmaker, and ball magnet who plays the downhill style that Mike Vrabel prefers.
After finding success drafting interior offensive line in round 1 of the 2025 draft, the Seahawks go back to the well to fortify their unit into a dominant one. Rutledge brings a toughness that will make the Seahawks’ run game feared even after the loss of Kenneth Walker III.
