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| Arvell Reese, Ohio State |
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Combine may have thrown much of the first round into disarray, but there's no question at the top. Fernando Mendoza didn't even work out in Indianapolis, but still remains the heavy favorite to be the No. 1 overall off the board in late April. It's starting to feel more like a question of what else the Raiders will do to surround Mendoza with the right pieces than whether the reigning Heisman winner will be on his way to Las Vegas.
2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State
Things get interesting with the Jets at the No. 2 spot. Their most obvious need remains quarterback, but there's nobody in this range that makes sense. So instead, pass rusher seems to be the consensus selection here, with Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr. the top candidates. Bailey was a sack machine at Texas Tech, but to me, Reese has the higher ceiling in what he can be as a pro. It's no surprise to me the Buckeye product had a superb Combine - he's a physical freak who still has time grow into his 6'4", 240-pound frame.
3. Arizona Cardinals
David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech
It's an important offseason for the Cardinals, who have to find a way forward in an NFC West that includes three of not only the best teams in the conference, but the NFL. Offensive line is in consideration here, but it's hard to imagine Arizona being able to pass up a player like David Bailey in this spot. Bailey was the most dominant rusher in all of the land this past fall, notching 14.5 sacks, 19.5 TFL, and a 20.2% pressure percentage for the Red Raiders.
4. Tennessee Titans
Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)
You can imagine Robert Saleh wanting to upgrade this defense, particularly with the pass rushers available this year. Yet I simply can't envision a scenario in which the Titans don't invest serious draft capital in an offensive line that was a mess all last season. Francis Mauigoa gives them a long-term staple to protect the blindside of Cam Ward, a quarterback he knows quite well, for years to come.
5. New York Giants
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Safety is never a premium position when it comes to the NFL Draft, but I don't think the Giants need to overthink this one. They need support in the defensive backfield, and Downs feels so obvious as a guy who is going to have a long, productive NFL career. From starting right away as a true freshman in a Nick Saban defense to being the leader of an Ohio State defense that was historically good these last two seasons, his resume speaks for itself.
6. Cleveland Browns
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Browns appear ready to address the offensive line this offseason after trading for Tytus Howard and subsequently signing him to a multiyear extension. More work may be needed, and Utah's Spencer Fano makes sense in this range. He was highly reliable during his time with the Utes, playing over 2,200 snaps over his collegiate career.
7. Washington Commanders
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Another Buckeye defender goes off the board in the Top 10, as a dominant showing by Sonny Styles at the Combine cemented his place here. The converted safety is one of the most versatile defenders in this Draft, and his athletic prowess was on full display in Indianapolis. He's a must for a Washington defense that desperately needs new blood at all three levels.
8. New Orleans Saints
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Alvin Kamara finally showed his age this past fall, and the other options on the New Orleans roster - namely Devin Neal and Kendre Miller - aren't exactly encouraging. The Saints use this opportunity to take a swing on Jeremiyah Love, providing Tyler Shough the backfield support he needs after a promising rookie campaign.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
After a disappointing 2025 season, this feels like an important selection for the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes is coming off a significant injury, the roster is aging, and there are notable holes. There may be greater needs, but with Rashee Rice's future uncertain, adding another weapon will be crucial. Even with Jeremiah Smith often overshadowing him, Carnell Tate was highly productive at Ohio State and adds a premier weapon on the perimeter.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Defense needs to be the priority for the Bengals after a season in which they allowed nearly 29 points per game. Investing in the front seven could be an option, but they have a chance to take one of the top two cornerbacks in this Draft in this scenario. Mansoor Delane was shutdown during his lone season in Baton Rouge, and is the type of sturdy, physical defender that should elevate this unit.
11. Miami Dolphins
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy is likely to be heavily scrutinized after missing the entirety of this past fall while at Tennessee and not working out at the Combine. Fortunately, his other tape is strong enough and there are enough CB-needy teams that this feels like the right range for him. With this position a major question mark with expected CB1 Kader Kohou an unrestricted free agent, it makes sense for the Dolphins to make this move.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (FL)
There was perhaps no greater loser in Indianapolis than Rueben Bain Jr. His short arm measurements were one of the talks of the week, with teams increasingly worried about how he projects to the next level. He's further hurt by the fact this is an exceptional edge rusher group, which could threaten to drop him outside the Top 10. If that does happen, a Dallas team that could use pass rushing help should jump at the opportunity.
13. Los Angeles Rams
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Another player that had a less-than-stellar Combine was Makai Lemon, whose strange interviews at the event went viral. Even so, the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner has a great chance to land in this range, and makes plenty of sense for the Rams. Aside from Puka Nacua, I have a hard time believing a team with Super Bowl aspirations doesn't upgrade the weapons at receiver beyond an aging Davante Adams.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Vega Ioane, OL, Penn State
It's a new day in Baltimore now that the John Harbaugh era has concluded, but this has all the feels of an old-school pick by Ravens brass. The team needs offensive line help, and Penn State's Vega Ioane is a perfect fit their power run scheme. He should help the organization make the most of Derrick Henry's twilight years.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
There were a multitude of reasons why Tampa Bay faded down the stretch this past fall, but a rash of injuries to their receiver corps was certainly a major factor. They have work to do on the receiver front, but may have a difficult time passing up a player of Kenyon Sadiq's caliber. The matchup nightmare offers a huge upgrade at the tight end spot over Cade Otton.
16. New York Jets
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
This could be Ty Simpson territory here given New York's obvious need at quarterback but for a team with as many needs as the Jets, they could get more value elsewhere. The receiver corps is underwhelming beyond a Garrett Wilson who is coming off injury. Jordyn Tyson was once widely considered the consensus No. 1 receiver in this class, and offers a steal opportunity in the mid-first.
17. Detroit Lions
Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
You'll see a pretty wide range of opinions on Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk, with some viewing him as a Top 5 selection and others envisioning him lasting into the mid-to-late first. Detroit could use a running mate opposite of Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line, and the value for Faulk in this spot is too much to ignore.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Given the timing of Minnesota's decision to move on from GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in late January, they're a bit of a mystery in the lead up to the 2026 NFL Draft. With the organization set to cut interior D-Linemen Javon Hargrave, that's an area to watch. But, the Vikings have long been searching for a Harrison Smith replacement and find one here in Dillo Thieneman, who had a superb Combine.
19. Carolina Panthers
Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Panthers invested multiple draft picks in the front seven last spring but they could still use another interior piece next to Derrick Brown. That's especially true in an NFC South that includes Bijan Robinson (and Jeremiyah Love now in this scenario). Peter Woods is a relentless interior defender who is another name that could end up going far earlier than this.
20. Dallas Cowboys
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
After snatching up Rueben Bain Jr. earlier, Dallas double dips on ACC defenders here. Avieon Terrell didn't quite have the final season with the Tigers he was hoping for, but should still land somewhere in the first. He provides new defensive coordinator Christian Parker a quality developmental piece to play opposite of DaRon Bland.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Steelers currently boast one of the worst receiver corps in the NFL. There's a chance they sign a veteran free agent (Mike Evans perhaps?), but youth in this offense needs to be a priority given how old they are at the skill positions. The big-bodied Denzel Boston may be too similar to D.K. Metcalf in some ways, but you take the best option available in this spot.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Even though they're already loaded with talent on the edges, I never rule out a Jim Harbaugh-coached team beefing up the line of scrimmage. Caleb Banks is an impressive talent, but his production never quite matched it while at Florida, which may have had to primarily with injuries. He's a bit of a risk, but could be a real boom this late in the first.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
There seems to be a split with Kadyn Proctor. On one hand, scouts point to his 6'7" frame and the fact he was a Day One starter on a Nick Saban Alabama team. On the other, there are questions about what position he plays in the NFL, and durability concerns. With Lane Johnson now 36 and questions about his future persisting, Proctor is a necessary addition for Philadelphia.
24. Cleveland Browns
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The Browns addressed their greatest need on the O-Line earlier. Now, it's time to add some explosiveness on the outside and bolster a group of pass-catchers that is nothing beyond Jerry Jeudy and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Omar Cooper Jr. blossomed into an NFL talent as a key part of Indiana's National Title team, and seems to be trending up at the right time. He could easily be the third receiver off the board if not higher.
25. Chicago Bears
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
We saw Spencer Fano go off the board to Cleveland, now his offensive line mate from Utah goes off the board here in Caleb Lomu. Chicago's offense was among the most improved in the entire NFL this past fall, but the offensive line still feels like it leaves a little bit to be desired. If this team truly wants to make a run at a Super Bowl, they have to address this position group.
26. Buffalo Bills
K.C. Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Another wide out goes off the board here, as Buffalo addresses a position that has been an Achilles Heel for far too long. K.C. Concepcion originally began his career at NC State before a one season pit stop in College Station. He's a bit small for an NFL receiver, but makes up for it with his speed, gifting this offense the vertical threat they've lacked.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Receiver and offensive line feel like the two most obvious directions San Francisco goes in here and with so many premium pass-catchers gone, they focus on the line of scrimmage. Georgia's Monroe Freeling has been ascending up draft boards and this could end up being far too low of a projection.
28. Houston Texans
Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon
There were a variety of reasons why Houston struggled offensively in 2025, but the ground game's complete lack of bite - they were 30th in the league in rushing success rate - was certainly one of them. Bolstering the offensive line by adding Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon, a prospect who feels like his best days are still out in front of him, is well worth it in the late first.
29. Los Angeles Rams
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
This mock works out perfectly for the Rams. They get a new offensive weapon to take some of the pressure off Puka Nacua early on, and now address a clear need in the defensive backfield here. Colton Hood made major strides at Tennessee, his third school, and is the type of fearless game-wrecker at the position the Rams crave.
30. Denver Broncos
C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
C.J. Allen tops the rankings in one of the weaker linebacker classes we've seen in some time. The steady defender isn't as dominant as past Bulldogs we've seen from the linebacker factory at Georgia, but he's a well-rounded prospect who is an incredibly reliable tackler. He should be a cornerstone of this Bronco front seven for a long time.
31. New England Patriots
Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (FL)
With how loaded this group of pass rushers is, there's almost sure to be one or two that last far longer than they should into the late first or early second. Akheem Mesidor could be one of them, which is a win for a Patriot defense that could use further help. Mesidor had an extremely productive collegiate career, and could be the long-term replacement for Harold Landry, who turns 30 this offseason.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The reigning Super Bowl Champions have a clear need at corner. Aside from Devon Witherspoon, the position is full of questions, with several players set to hit free agency. Brandon Cisse was a bit of a late-bloomer coming out of high school but his length and physicality makes him a frustrating player to match up with on the outside.
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