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| Dante Moore, Oregon |
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Surrounding Cam Ward with more talent to work with would be the traditional route for a team like the Titans, but I figure the franchise would be hard-pressed to pass up on a talent like Arvell Reese near the top of the Draft. It's not often you see a player at 6'4", 245 pounds move the way Reese does, and he's set the tone for a historically good Ohio State defense all season long. Already Reese is in good position to be the first player off the board next spring, and he's almost sure to blow folks away with his physical gifts in the pre-Draft process.
2. New York Giants
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
It's the Buckeyes going 1-2 here, as the Giants shore up their secondary with safety Caleb Downs. Downs was a high-profile recruit who began his career at Alabama and he played from Day One. Yet, he's elevated his play since arriving in Columbus, demonstrating jaw-dropping range, elite closing speed, and a high football IQ. He's one of the best safety prospects we've seen in a long, long time.
3. New Orleans Saints
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Tyler Shough has performed better than expected since taking over as the starting QB for the Saints, but is the 26-year old really the face of the future for New Orleans? It feels like the Saints will invest in a new signal-caller early on next spring, and Fernando Mendoza fits the bill. He's got the collegiate production to back it up, with a Heisman likely coming his way, and at 6'5" with a strong arm, he has the physical tools.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Expect a battle between Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore for the honor of being the top quarterback off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza is your more traditional QB prospect, but Moore's playmaking ability have certainly caught the attention of NFL brass. He's quite the consolation prize for the Raiders at this spot, who have to be on the market for a quarterback with Geno Smith's struggles this fall.
5. Cleveland Browns
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Do we really believe Shedeur Sanders is going to be the guy for Cleveland heading into 2026? It feels unlikely, but I'm also not sold on the Browns investing more draft capital at the position this early on. Instead, they upgrade one of the league's worst receiver corps by taking Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, widely considered the top wide out available next spring.
6. Washington Commanders
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (FL)
It's been a lost season in D.C. and now Washington heads into the offseason with serious work to do to upgrade an aging roster. Fortunately they come out as winners in this scenario, getting a steal at No. 6 in end Rueben Bain Jr. The Miami edge rusher has been one of the best players in the country, regardless of position, and could easily go No. 1 overall next spring.
7. New York Jets
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Jets were hopeful Justin Fields could be a bridge quarterback for them, but it's led to a disastrous campaign. They need to be hunting for a new option under center next spring, and Ty Simpson fits the mold at this spot. He waited his turn at Alabama, but has lacked in complete control nearly the entire fall after a lackluster opener.
8. Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)
Arizona is a very interesting team for me heading into the offseason. The roster has some interesting pieces, but what they decide to do with Kyler Murray will likely overshadow the entire offseason. No matter what the decision, the Cardinals need to bolster the offensive line. Miami's Francis Mauigoa has continued to grow under Mario Cristobal in Coral Gables, and projects incredibly well to the pros.
9. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta)
Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
What a luxury pick for the Rams, who are not only firmly in the hunt for a Super Bowl, but are also likely to have a Top 10 selection from the Falcons. They could shop for secondary help here given the options on the board, but Spencer Fano is arguably the top offensive linemen available next spring and would be difficult to pass up at this juncture in the Draft.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
The Trey Hendrickson saga aside, Cincinnati's top pass rusher has been suffering through an injury-plagued season. The Bengals are certainly hopeful Shemar Stewart could emerge at some point, but I figure the team will also be looking for further help along the front seven. Keldric Faulk has faced double and triple teams all season at Auburn, but has the physique NFL teams covet.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
We're reaching Jeremiyah Love territory here, but the Vikings have far too many needs to invest a first-round selection in the running back position. Instead, they strengthen the defense by adding a pro-ready player here in LSU's Mansoor Delane. As frustrating of a season as it has been for the Tigers, Delane has been a bright spot after coming over from Virginia Tech, and is in the mix to take home the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back.
12. Miami Dolphins
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
For a big chunk of the fall, Miami was out playoff contention and Mike McDaniel seemed destined to be on his way out. Suddenly, the Dolphins find themselves firmly in the AFC playoff picture, which makes them an interesting watch the final few weeks of the season and into the offseason. They do have a clear need at corner, and this is the range Tennessee's Jermod McCoy is being projected at this point.
13. Dallas Cowboys
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Front seven is almost certainly the greatest need for Dallas looking ahead to the offseason, and there are plenty of options available on the board. Yet, I don't see Jeremiyah Love lasting deep into the mid-first round, particularly with some of the teams drafting in that range. The renaissance of Javonte Williams has been a fun story, but Dallas gets a new workhorse here in what feels like a very Cowboy selection.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
I'm not entirely convinced Baltimore is going to be drafting in this position when the season is all said and done, but what a win it would be for them if this scenario were to unfold. Peter Woods is a Top 10 prospect, even coming off an underwhelming season at Clemson, and would be a Day One starter for a team that needs interior D-Line support.
15. Kansas City Chiefs
Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
Adding another offensive playmaker may be just what Kansas City needs, but cornerback is a real problem. They've struggled to defend the pass all season and are set to see several key pieces hit free agency in the back-end. Aveion Terrell, the younger brother of Atlanta's All-Pro A.J., is considered by some to be better than his older brother at this point in his career.
16. Carolina Panthers
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor has been a three-year starter at Alabama, with a quick offseason pit stop at Iowa in between. While consistency has been a problem for the left tackle at times, few linemen in this Draft possess his athletic traits. I love the idea of Carolina continuing to build up this young offense with a franchise left tackle.
17. New York Jets (from Indianapolis)
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Jets drafted what they hope to be their franchise signal-caller in the Top 10 - now it's time to get a new toy for him to work with. Carnell Tate has been overshadowed during his time at Ohio State by arguably the craziest collection of receiver talent in CFB history, including Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Despite his position on the depth chart, someone will get a stud in this Draft with Tate, who may end up being the best available at his position this cycle.
18. Detroit Lions
David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech
David Bailey has been worth every penny Texas Tech spent this offseason to bring him in, totaling 13.5 sacks on the season. He makes a lot of sense here for a Lions team that may have Aidan Hutchinson on one side, but has struggled with injuries throughout the front seven.
19. Houston Texans
Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon
The Texans drafting an offensive linemen is the most obvious selection of this Draft. The unit has seemed to play better in recent weeks, but it's still the greatest need for this roster as they look to push towards the top of the AFC. Most of the top names will be gone by this point, but Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnon offers a mauler in the interior line that should immediately upgrade this rushing attack.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Are we heading towards another offseason of will he, won't he with Aaron Rodgers? Even if Pittsburgh cuts ties with him, this is an awkward spot to be taking a young quarterback. So instead, the Steelers add another weapon to an offense that lacks any semblance of explosiveness beyond D.K. Metcalf. Makai Lemon is one of my favorite players in this Draft, and offers superb value here.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
This year's tight end class almost certainly won't be at the level of last year's group, but Kenyon Sadiq alone may make it close. The production didn't always live up to the potential for Sadiq while at Oregon, but the 6'3", 245-pounder can line up anywhere and create problems for defenses. Upgrading the position would make this Tampa offense downright terrifying.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Given the drama surrounding A.J. Brown all season long, could Philadelphia opt to move on from their No. 1 this offseason? Even if not, this offense could use another downfield weapon. Enter Denzel Boston, a big-bodied, sure-handed target out of Washington who has the looks of an NFL receiver. He's not going to blow you away with his speed, but is a jump ball receiver on the outside who could create matchup problems for defenses.
23. Los Angeles Chargers
Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M
At the heart of one of college football's most improved defenses is Cashius Howell, a ferocious edge rusher who's had a huge year in College Station after multiple years at Bowling Green. He'll find himself off the board somewhere in the mid-to-late first round, and the Chargers make a lot of sense given the state of their D-Line. Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack could both be gone this offseason, so they benefit from the Howell selection in short order.
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville)
Vega Ioane, OL, Penn State
There's nothing flashy about taking an interior offensive linemen in this range, but it's a clear need position for the Browns. Penn State's Vega Ioane is a polished prospect who fits the mold of a blocker who is going to have a long, fruitful NFL career. If you're a Browns fan, you have to be excited about the possibility of Ioane opening holes for Quinshon Judkins for years to come.
25. Buffalo Bills
T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
This is an incredibly underwhelming group of pass-catchers in Buffalo, but is there a receiver in this spot that makes sense? Not unless a Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate were to drop. The Bills opt to instead add a young pass rusher in T.J. Parker, who would be a steal at this spot. His versatility allows him to immediately fill a role in this defense.
26. Chicago Bears
Romello Height, DE/LB, Texas Tech
The Bears defense has been among the best in the NFL this fall, but you can never have too many pass rushers in this league. This may be a best player available situation - Romello Height, despite being overshadowed at times by David Bailey, is a first-round prospect who gives the team another player to create havoc off the edge.
27. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay)
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Cowboys got their offensive playmaker early on, now it's time to build up this defense. They have a clear need at linebacker, and have a chance to snag one of the most versatile players in this Draft in Sonny Styles. Styles originally began his career at safety, but his range and closing ability makes him a weapon for any NFL defense.
28. San Francisco 49ers
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Building up the offensive line is a clear need for San Francisco, and there are options available here in the late first. Caleb Lomu is not the same as his Utah counterpart - while not as polished, he has significant upside in the right landing spot. This late in the first round, he's worth the risk for the Niners.
29. New England Patriots
Matayo Uiagalelei, DE/LB, Oregon
The pass rush has been an issue in New England for years now at this point and while Mike Vrabel put a bandaid on the unit, it's time for some fresh blood. Matayo Uiagalelei has the size, playmaking, and quickness off the edge to be an immediate help at defensive end or a standup 3-4 outside linebacker in the pros.
30. Seattle Seahawks
C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
The injury bug has bitten the Seattle linebacker corps, even with defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald engineering an impressive season with the defense. In the late first, it's rare to get a player of C.J. Allen's caliber - he may not be a Roquan Smith, but the Georgia product is a well-rounded defender who could immediately slide into this defense.
31. Denver Broncos
K.C. Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
You can never have too many toys for a coach like Sean Payton, and Denver has to be excited about adding a talented youngster to the mix, especially with Courtland Sutton leaving his prime years. K.C. Concepcion flashed aplenty at NC State, but he's taken it up another notch at Texas A&M, and will hope to use the College Football Playoff as another stepping stone.
32. Los Angeles Rams
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Rams didn't have a selection until the mid-second in last year's NFL Draft, but it was still somewhat of a surprise that they didn't invest in the cornerback position at all this past spring. They address it here by adding Colton Hood out of Tennessee, who has broken through in his third stop after Auburn and Colorado.
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