2026 NFL Mock Draft: B/R's Way-Too-Early Predictions
The 2025 NFL draft is old news. It's time to turn the page and look ahead.
Those who wait will feel like the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland when it comes to being prepared for the next class.
"No, no, no, no, no. I'm overdue. I'm really in a stew. No time to say goodbye. Hello. I'm late. I'm late. I'm late."
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski and Matt Holder already provided a first glance at the 2026 crop of talent, while projecting potential landing spots 12 months in advance. Sobleski handled the AFC side of things, while Holder took the NFC. DraftKings' reverse Super Bowl odds determined the draft order.
Let's jump ahead and arrive to the party early so that we may all indulge in yet another fascinating year of draft evaluation.
1. New York Jets: QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
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Texas' Arch Manning will carry the most high-profile name throughout the 2026 NFL draft process. Yet South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers has, by far, the biggest upside of any quarterback prospect entering the new cycle.
Sellars got off to a slow start in his redshirt freshman season. By the end of the campaign, he had emerged as one of the nation's most electric playmakers and earned the designation of SEC Freshman of the Year. He finished his first year as a starter with 2,534 passing yards, an 18-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio, 674 rushing yards and seven more scores on the ground.
The 19-year-old prospect is exactly what NFL teams want in a modern quarterback. He's 6'3" and 240 pounds. The underclassman is powerful in the pocket and nearly impossible to bring down at times.
Sellers has the athleticism to work off-platform and create outside of structure. He'll even run over some wannabe tacklers. His whip-like throwing motion allows him to sling it to every level as well.
Considering his age and lack of experience, he'll need to improve in seeing the field and anticipating his throws. But all of the natural tools are present to be a future No. 1 overall pick.
If the New York Jets do sit in this top spot, it means Justin Fields didn't work out as their quarterback.
2. Cleveland Browns: QB Arch Manning, Texas
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Some will say Arch Manning was born to be an NFL quarterback and high draft pick. He still needs to earn it.
After two seasons as a backup with the Texas Longhorns, he must enter the lineup and show he's been worth all of the hype. If he does live up to those expectations, he'll be in the running to become the fourth Manning to hear his name called either with the first or second overall draft pick.
Everyone has already seen flashes of Manning's ability, because Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian liked to work the underclassman into the lineup for stretches. Now, it's time to perform at a high level on a full-time basis.
Looking at the latest Manning, he's probably closer to his grandfather in play-style than his two uncles. He's not quite as tall as the latter two, and he has far better movement skills than both of them did, which can be implemented into the offense with designed runs.
As for the Cleveland Browns, they currently have four quarterbacks. It's often said that if a team has two quarterbacks, then it has none. Well, that's doubly true in the Browns' case.
Joe Flacco is 40 years old. Kenny Pickett is a former first-round bust. The team didn't see enough in either Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders to draft them in a range where they'd be considered real investments worthy of being given legitimate shots to start.
Maybe Cleveland gets lucky at quarterback for once, and Sanders (or Gabriel) hits. No one should be betting on that possibility at the moment.
3. New Orleans Saints: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
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The New Orleans Saints got their quarterback of the future by spending a second-round pick on Tyler Shough over the weekend.
Plus, the third selection means the organization missed out on the chance to carry on the Manning legacy in New Orleans by drafting Archie's grandson.
So, the club opts to replace its franchise sack leader, Cameron Jordan, who will be a 36-year-old free agent next spring.
Listed at 6’3” and 265 pounds, Parker fits the size profile New Orleans general manager Mickey Loomis typically looks for at the position.
The Clemson product also has impressive production with 16.5 sacks over the last two seasons, and he led the country with six forced fumbles in 2024. He and Chase Young would give the Saints a couple of young pass-rushers to build their defense around.
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4. Tennessee Titans: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
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Ohio State's Caleb Downs may enter the 2026 class as the No. 1 overall prospect regardless of position. Then again, everyone still has to acknowledge positional value, even though he's still slotted as the fourth overall pick to the Tennessee Titans.
Downs is a do-everything safety and arguably the most impactful prospect at the position since at least Minkah Fitzpatrick or Jamal Adams. He could well end up being the highest-graded safety since Eric Berry.
The Titans have invested heavily in three of the four premium positions with quarterback Cam Ward, JC Latham and Dan Moore Jr. at offensive tackle and L'Jarius Snead serving as the team's top cover corner.
Maybe they strongly consider a pass-rusher here. But Downs would be a massive upgrade along the back line. Besides, Amani Hooker is a free agent after the 2025 campaign, while Xavier Woods turns 30 last this year.
5. New York Giants: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
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The Giants traded back into the first round on Thursday night to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart as the future of the franchise.
Now it's time to make sure the quarterback can stay upright, and that's going to be difficult seeing as starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor is entering a contract year.
Listed at 6'7" and 360 pounds, Proctor is a monster in the trenches who will be a three-year starter by this time next year. He took his lumps early on during his true freshman campaign but started to figure it out down the stretch and has been a quality offensive tackle since then, according to Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema and Max Chadwick.
"Since Week 8 of 2023, Proctor has earned a 76.5 overall PFF grade, which is eighth among SEC tackles," they wrote. "Some of his best performances have come against some elite defensive lines as well. Across three games against Georgia and South Carolina, the Iowa native recorded a 90.4 PFF pass-blocking grade with only one pressure allowed on 96 pass-blocking snaps."
New York will have a couple of quality young tackles to bookend its offensive line with Proctor and Andrew Thomas.
6. Carolina Panthers: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
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If the Panthers are picking this high again, a replacement for quarterback Bryce Young could be on the table. However, we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he'll get one more chance to prove himself in 2026.
Carolina picked up the fifth-year option on Ikem Ekwonu's contract, so the offense is set at left tackle for the next couple of years. However, Taylor Moton will be a free agent next offseason and turns 31 in August, meaning the team could use a long-term solution at right tackle.
Miami's Francis Mauigoa projects to be one of the top offensive tackle prospects in next year’s draft class and, so far, has exclusively held down the right edge. He's also coming off a strong campaign in pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema and Max Chadwick.
"The former five-star recruit showed marked improvement as a pass-blocker during his sophomore campaign, allowing just two combined sacks/hits on 534 pass-blocking snaps," they wrote. "He was the only FBS tackle with two or fewer knockdowns allowed on 500-plus pass-blocking snaps."
7. Indianapolis Colts: QB Drew Allar, Penn State
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A season in which the Indianapolis Colts find themselves with a top-10 pick almost ensures an organizational reset at general manager, head coach and quarterback, because it means Anthony Richardson didn't develop as expected and failed to elevate the franchise.
By the end of the 2024 campaign, Penn State's Drew Allar looked like a future first-round QB. But he chose to return to school for another year, which will only help his draft status if he continues his upward trajectory.
The 6'5", 238-pounder has prototypical size and mostly wins from the pocket. He's not as mobile as LaNorris Sellers or Arch Manning, but he's not a complete statue, either.
The former 5-start recruit has the size and ample arm talent to lead an NFL franchise at a high level. As long as he continues to show improvement with his decision-making and overall consistency, he should easily find himself in the top-10 conversation, thus allowing the Colts to restart at the game's most important position with a more traditional option.
8. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars): WR Nyck Harbor, South Carolina
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The Cleveland Browns chose to pass on the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 NFL draft and traded down so the Jacksonville Jaguars could select Colorado's Travis Hunter.
In doing so, Cleveland accumulated a second first-round pick for 2026. They use it on the most physically impressive wide receiver since DK Metcalf.
South Carolina's Nyck Harbor has been a well-known elite talent since he stepped onto campus as a 5-star recruit in the 2023 class. The Athletic's Bruce Feldman dubbed the wide receiver as college football's most outstanding athlete before he even played an official snap with the Gamecocks. In fact, he's ranked No. 1 on the list for two straight years. Don't that expect to change in Year 3.
"The 6-5, 242-pound sophomore, who turned 19 in July, cemented his status on this list when he ran a 10.1 100 and 20.20 in the 200 for the Gamecocks’ track team, earning second-team All-America honors," Feldman wrote last year. "Despite being as big as some defensive linemen, Harbor is ridiculously fast. As one track coach reminded me, Harbor is competing in NCAA track meets against athletes who are 60 and 70 pounds lighter than him."
Harbor has yet to fully figure it out on the football field and hasn't produced more than 376 yards in either of his two seasons. However, the athletic profile is too special not to include him early in the process, based on expectations that he could explode as an elite target sooner rather than later.
9. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson
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The offseason acquisition of veteran Geno Smith allowed the Las Vegas Raiders to bypass the quarterback position during the early portions of the 2025 draft class.
Smith isn't a long-term solution, though. He turns 35 later this year, and the Raiders can get out of his contract relatively easily after the upcoming season.
Thus, quarterback remains in play for Las Vegas.
Clemson's Cade Klubnik did an excellent job really maturing and taking control of the Tigers' locker room over the second half of the 2024 campaign.
After a season-opening loss to Georgia, Clemson won six straight games. During that stretch, the quarterback threw for 1,694 yards with a 20-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He also threw 12 touchdowns in the team's five contests before the Tigers fell to the Texas Longhorns in the College Football Playoff.
When Klubnik is rolling and making good decisions, he's an excellent distributor. He simply can't let one bad moment snowball, which tends to happen in his game.
Even if the Raiders want to keep Smith around for the 2026, Klubnik remains on the board as a long-term possibility to eventually take over the offense.
10. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): OT Spencer Fano, Utah
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The Los Angeles Rams' offensive line has been a key factor to their success over the years, but right tackle Rob Havenstein has battled injuries over the last couple of years and will be a 33-year-old free agent next spring.
So, head coach Sean McVay looks to find his replacement in next year's first round.
Spencer Fano has played both tackle spots at Utah but broke out last season while taking all but one of his snaps on the right side, according to Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema and Max Chadwick.
"Fano led all FBS tackles with a 93.0 overall PFF grade this past season," they wrote. "That's mainly due to his dominance in the run game, as the Utah native's 93.6 PFF run-blocking grade was the best in the country by over three points. He also finished as the second-most-valuable Power Four tackle according to PFF's wins above average metric, trailing only top-10 pick Kelvin Banks Jr."
11. New England Patriots: WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
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The New England Patriots pieced together one of this year's most impressive draft classes, because their new brain trust systematically attacked all of the roster's need areas and addressed them with quality selections in basically every single round.
Quarterback Drake Maye is the biggest beneficiary after playing behind a shoddy offensive line, with little-to-no talent at the skill positions, during his his rookie campaign.
New England used its league-high salary-cap space to bring in quality players on both sides of the ball, including wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The team also drafted another talented receiver in Kyle Williams with this year's 69th overall pick.
Maye could use even more quality options, especially since Diggs could easily be a salary-cap casualty next offseason.
Clemson's Antonio Williams can flat-out run and displays the suddenness to easily shake defensive backs at the top of his route stem. After dealing with multiple injuries during the 2023 campaign, he posted career highs this past season, with 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns.
While the first-team All-ACC performer may not be be a big target at a listed 5'11" and 190 pounds, he can tilt the field in his offense's favor.
12. Arizona Cardinals: OG Roderick Kearney, Florida
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The Arizona Cardinals lost Will Hernandez this past offseason and are currently projected to start 2024 third-round pick Isaiah Adams and six-year veteran Evan Brown at guard this year.
Adams had a decent but not great rookie campaign, while Brown has been a journeyman over the last few years.
The Cardinals offense could afford to upgrade its interior offensive line, especially since Brown could be let go to save $5 million of cap space while only taking on $1.5 million of dead cap next spring, per Over The Cap.
Florida's Roderick Kearney is inexperienced after redshirting as a true freshman in 2023 and battling injuries last year. But he was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school and enters the summer as NFL Draft Buzz’s No. 1 guard.
"Kearney is a work in progress with high-end physical traits," Draft Buzz said of the Florida product. "He's extremely light on his feet for a 300-pounder, a natural knee bender who plays with balance and leverage."
13. Miami Dolphins: WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
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The Miami Dolphins love speed and breakaway playmaking ability. Zachariah Branch has both.
While Tyreek Hill can't seemingly make up his mind about whether he wants to play for the team, the Dolphins can take control of the situation and simply find a replacement.
A year from now, Miami can release Hill and save $36.3 million toward the 2026 salary cap. A $51.9 million cap figure certainly isn't going to stay on the books just to keep him around. At minimum, his contract will be reworked, though it may just be better to move on from the 31-year-old wide receiver.
Branch transferred from USC to Georgia this spring. He's yet to post big receiving numbers, which is unlikely to change as part of the Bulldogs' run-first approach. However, he will add level of electricity UGA's offense hasn't been seen in some time. He'll also do so as a returner, with touchdowns as both a punt and kick returner during the 2023 season.
The Dolphins seem to be transitioning their roster this year. It only makes sense to move on from some of their biggest-named players and bring in alternatives with similar skill sets.
14. Seattle Seahawks: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
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The stigma around taking running backs in the first round has decreased recently after we watched Ashton Jeanty become a top-10 pick and Omarion Hampton get selected during the draft's first night.
Meanwhile, Kenneth Walker III is about to enter a contract year in Seattle and has been significantly less productive every year since his rookie season.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald comes from the Baltimore Ravens where running the ball is a priority, and Notre Dame's Jeremiayah Love was electric enough last season to be worth the first-round selection.
"The sophomore was the second-most-valuable back in the nation, according to PFF's wins above average metric, while his 91.0 overall PFF grade was fifth," Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema and Max Chadwick wrote. "Love's 38 percent forced missed tackle rate also ranked second among Power Four running backs this past season, while his 6.9 yards per carry sat third. His fantastic athleticism enables him to run through or hurdle defenders, making him a threat to score from anywhere on the field."
15. Dallas Cowboys: CB Jyaire Hill, Michigan
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While the Cowboys spent a third-round pick on Shavon Revel Jr. over the weekend, the defense could still use further help at cornerback.
Trevon Diggs missed the majority of 2023 with a torn ACL and reinjured the same knee this past season. DaRon Bland also dealt with injuries in 2024 and is about to enter a contract year. On top of that, the defense needs someone to cover the slot after Jourdan Lewis left for Jacksonville during free agency.
Michigan's Jyaire Hill gives Dallas a corner who has experience on the outside and could lineup at nickel, according to NFL Draft Buzz.
"Has explosive movement skills and the fluid athleticism and change-of-direction ability to come down and cover slot receivers," Draft Buzz said of its No. 1 corner heading into the summer.
16. Chicago Bears: CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
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It’s been a busy offseason in Chicago as the Bears are currently projected to have five new starters on offense and two on defense.
Moving forward, the new setup gives the front office some flexibility to take a luxury pick in the first round of next year's draft.
It will be hard-pressed to pass up on Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad based on his performance last season.
"The Longhorns may have lost a first-round cornerback in Jahdae Barron, but they're still in a great spot with Muhammad returning for his junior season," Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema and Max Chadwick wrote. "Only three returning Power Four corners have been more valuable than him over the last two seasons, according to our WAA metric. He has 17 forced incompletions in that span despite only being targeted on 12.1% of his coverage snaps."
Plus, Tyrique Stevenson hasn't been much more than average during his two seasons and will be entering a contract year in 2026.
17. Houston Texans: OG Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
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The Houston Texans may be set along the offensive line for the 2025 season, but they certainly aren't a year from now.
They signed veterans Cam Robison, Laken Tomlinson and Trent Brown this offseason. All three are operating under one-year deals. Next year could be an adventure in making sure the offensive line is solidified.
Houston did select Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery in this year's second round. He could end up at left tackle or guard. Since Robinson won't be signed, left tackle should be considered the current projection.
Meanwhile, Alabama's Jaeden Roberts can be added to guard next year and give the Texans a physical tone-setter along the offensive interior. He is a 6'5", 325-pound people-mover. He may not be as nasty as former Crimson Tide teammate Tyler Booker, but the redshirt senior knows how to finish blocks, too.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Nico Iamaleava, UCLA
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All of the drama surrounding Nick Iamaleava's departure from Tennessee and transfer to UCLA aside, the potential of the quarterback prospect can't be denied. If anything, the contentious move may actually play in his favor from a draft perspective.
The 6'6", 220-pounder clearly has the physical tools to make NFL scouts drool. He can also move, though he's more of a linear runner than a mobile quarterback to his going to make defenders miss in space.
The potential positive of playing for UCLA in 2025 is moving away from Tennessee's overly simplified system that doesn't translate well to the NFL ranks. Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster played seven years at the professional level, while offensive coordinator/quarterback Tino Sunseri brings an ultra-successful scheme to the program after last season's stint with the Indiana Hoosiers.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the organization punted on a quarterback during the 2025 draft. (Will Howard doesn't count as a sixth-round pick.) Aaron Rodgers still seems like the plan in Pittsburgh, with no reason to believe he can play beyond the upcoming season.
The Steelers must take the leap and finally invest in a high-end quarterback prospect.
19. Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
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After letting Cam Bynum go in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings could have drafted a safety this past weekend. However, they only had five draft picks–just two in the first four rounds–and addressed other needs.
Minnesota's void at safety will only get bigger moving forward as 36-year-old Harrison Smith is entering a contract year and has already contemplated retirement.
Meanwhile, Oregon's Dillon Thieneman, who transferred from Purdue this spring, projects as one of the top safeties in next year's draft class.
"His 89.4 overall PFF grade since 2023 is still fourth among returning FBS safeties, and he has 80-plus PFF grades in coverage and run defense in that span," Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema and Max Chadwick said of the Purdue transfer. "Thieneman is arguably the best center fielder in college football and is also one of the nation's top athletes. Dan Lanning should have a lot of fun incorporating his range into his defense."
20. Denver Broncos: Edge Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
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The Denver Broncos fielded a top-three scoring defense in 2024. The success the unit experienced didn't stop the front office from adding more high-end defensive talent during the 2025 NFL draft. It probably won't in 2026, either.
After taking cornerback Jahdae Barron in the first round this year, the Broncos can turn to the defensive front in 12 months. After all, Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers are pending free agents.
The 6'5", 270-pound Matayo Uiagalelei can play up and down the line of scrimmage. Last season, he led an Oregon Ducks defense with 11.5 sacks and 9.5 sacks while playing alongside Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch—both of whom heard their names called this past weekend.
Even if the Broncos retain one or two of the veterans previously mentioned, Uiagelelei can be added to the front and fit in nicely to ensure Denver's status as a dominant defense.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
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Many 2025 mock drafts sent linebacker Jihaad Campbell to Tampa Bay because it's one of the team's biggest weaknesses.
However, a shoulder injury scared many teams away from the Alabama product as he nearly slid out of the first round and the Buccaneers took wide receiver Emeka Egbuka instead.
Tampa Bay is still left with a hole in the middle of its defense, though, and Lavonte David, who will be 36 in January, only re-signed a one-year deal during free agency. So, general manager Jason Licht won't pass on a top Alabama linebacker for a second time.
Deontae Lawson could have been a mid-round pick last weekend had he declared for the draft. Instead, he's returning to school to build on what has been an impressive career with 194 total tackles, 16 TFL, five sacks and 12 passes defended over the last three years in Tuscaloosa.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: DL Peter Woods, Clemson
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The Los Angeles Chargers knew they had to get bigger, stronger and deeper along their defensive line this offseason. They signed Da'Shawn Hand in free agency, then added nose tackle Jamaree Caldwell during this year's third round.
While the group is better, it's still not good enough. A prospect the caliber of Clemson's Peter Woods can be the difference-maker the group lacks.
The 6'2", 315-pounder is powerful at the point of attack and can consistently re-establish the line of scrimmage. Even as a 19-year-old in 2024, he could be seen blowing offensive lines off the ball.
Woods also presents enough versatility to play multiple techniques along a defensive front. He clearly has the play-style and mentality to fit along a Jim Harbaugh defensive front.
Keep in mind, the trio of Hand, Teair Tart and Naquan Jones are all free agents after the upcoming season.
23. Green Bay Packers: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
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The Green Bay Packers are still waiting for 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness to take the next step in his career and become a starter. In the meantime, edge defender remains one of their biggest needs heading into the 2026 draft.
Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. burst onto the scene in Miami with 7.5 sacks as a true freshman. Unfortunately, a calf injury limited him to just nine games and 3.5 sacks in year two. But he should bounce back with a healthy campaign this fall and has the potential to be an every-down player at the next level.
"Bain's 73 pressures since 2023 stand third among returning Power Four edge defenders, while his 16.9 percent pass-rush win rate is fourth," Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema and Max Chadwick. "His 82.7 run-defense grade this past season is also fourth in that same group. Bain can line up anywhere on the defensive line at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds and should remind many why he's a first-round caliber talent now that he’s fully healthy."
24. Los Angeles Rams: CB Jermaine Mathews Jr., Ohio State
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So much for the "f--k them picks" strategy as Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead currently holds two first-rounders in the 2026 draft.
After finding Rob Havenstein's replacement earlier in the draft, the Rams now address one of their biggest needs at cornerback later in round one.
Jermaine Mathews Jr. didn't crack the starting lineup on the reigning national championship defense, but he's in line to burst onto the scene with a much bigger role this fall.
The Buckeye is currently rated as NFL Draft Buzz's No. 2 cornerback heading into the summer, primarily for his press coverage and ball skills.
"He'll line up in press at times, where Mathews has a quick and powerful punch. His ball skills are good, and he plays with an extremely confident and competitive demeanor," Draft Buzz said of Mathews. "Plays the ball as if it was thrown for him, showing burst back to the ball as well as good timing for the jump ball."
Considering Ahkello Witherspoon and Cobie Durant are scheduled to become free agents in the offseason, this would be a solid pickup for the Rams.
25. San Francisco 49ers: OT Gennings Dunker, Iowa
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Many expected the San Francisco 49ers to address their offensive line over the weekend. Instead, they leaned heavily on the other side of the ball and didn't take a blocker until the seventh round.
Meanwhile, right tackle Colton McKivitz is entering a contract year and left tackle Trent Williams will be 37 years old and entering a contract year next offseason.
Expect general manager John Lynch to prioritize an offensive tackle during next year's draft, and Iowa's Gennings Dunker could be inline to receive some more recognition this fall, per Chad Leistikow of the Des Moines Register.
"If Iowa plays well and he stays healthy, Dunker will be mentioned as an Outland Trophy candidate," he wrote. "According to Pro Football Focus, Dunker was the highest-graded tackle in the Big Ten Conference and No. 5 nationally in his 588 snaps in 2024. He is mauler and finisher in the run game."
The Hawkeye has exclusively played right tackle over the last two seasons, making him an immediate replacement for McKivitz.
26. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Elliot Washington II, Penn State
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The Cincinnati Bengals love speed and versatility in their secondary. Penn State's Elliot Washington II brings both, though he needs to show it during the 2025 campaign.
He wasn't a starter in 2024, which makes his slotting at this point rather odd. A.J. Harris is the more heralded of the Penn State corners entering the upcoming campaign.
There's a level of upside with Washington that could easily place him him the first-round conversation. He's an elite athlete, who has continually stolen the show during Penn State's offseason workout sessions, including being named "competitor of the day" throughout all of the winter workouts.
"I've never seen that before. Never had a guy win every single one," head coach James Franklin said, per Penn Live's Johnny McGonigal. "I tell my coaches all the time, this isn't like elementary school or kindergarten or little league where everybody gets a smiley face and you try to spread the wealth so everybody's happy. You give it to the guy who's earned it, and Elliot came to work every single day."
The corner prospect has elite speed and recovery quickness. He should thrive this fall and open eyes.
For the Bengals, Washington can come in as an outside corner, who also spends plenty of time on special teams. He has a bright future, while Cincinnati's secondary is cloudy since Cam Taylor-Britt, Dax Hill and Marco Wilson may not be back in 2026.
27. Washington Commanders: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
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Fresh off a run to the NFC Championship Game, the Washington Commanders are going all-in on winning a Super Bowl while Jayden Daniels remains on a rookie contract.
Washington's front office made a couple of big trades this offseason, bringing in offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
While Tunsil is only under contract through 2026 and has no dead cap on his deal past this upcoming season, Washington used its first-round pick on a succession plan by taking Josh Conerly Jr. this past weekend. Plus, the club spent a third-rounder on Brandon Coleman in 2024.
Meanwhile, Samuel is on a contract year, as is Terry McLaurin, making wide receiver a big need next offseason. Bringing back one of those two—likely McLaurin—is probable but both aren't, especially considering the organization will want to save room for Daniels' eventual massive extension.
General manager Adam Peters will likely prioritize adding a big target outside to pair with McLaurin by giving Daniels another Ohio State wide receiver in Carnell Tate.
The 6'3" Tate logged 52 catches for 733 yards and four touchdowns while serving as the Buckeyes' No. 3 receiver last season.
28. Detroit Lions: Edge LT Overton, Alabama
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Surprisingly, the Detroit Lions didn't use a Day 1 or 2 pick on a edge-rusher to play on the other side of Aidan Hutchinson.
They didn't do so despite it being one of Detroit's biggest needs heading into the draft, especially after releasing Za'Darius Smith during free agency.
Alabama's LT Overton could have been a top pick in this year's draft but opted to return to school.
At 6'5" and 280 pounds, he has a tweener body-type to fit into the hybrid edge defender/interior defensive lineman category. He could be a good base end for Dan Campbell's crew with the potential to be a well-rounded player at the next level.
"A transfer to Alabama did wonders for his development, as he ended the year as one of the 15 most valuable edge defenders in America," Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema and Max Chadwick. "Overton's 18 percent pass-rush win rate was a top-30 mark in the nation, while his 81.7 PFF run-defense grade was 25th."
29. Buffalo Bills: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
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Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano is a fantastic football player. He's also played only nine games over the last two seasons because of injuries (a broken leg followed by a torn biceps).
The Bills front office can hedge its bet at linebacker by bringing in the class' best off-ball option in Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. But he's more than a traditional off-ball option, which makes him even more intriguing for the Bills even if Milano comes back and continues to play a high level.
The first-team All-American amassed 113 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks last season. The Longhorns coaching staff moves him around like a chess piece. While Hill is the defensive leader and main communicator on the field, he can play off the edge or line up against an offensive lineman identified as a weak link. His versatility creates added value.
Hill will only be 21 if he declares next season and won't turn 22 until after his rookie campaign. The Bills should be thrilled to add that type of defensive talent even if everything breaks in the team's favor this fall.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
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Mike Green's selection in this year's second round shouldn't sway the Baltimore Ravens from going back to the well and drafting another high-profile edge-prospect.
Next year, Kyle Van Noy will be 34. Odafe Oweh isn't signed beyond this season, either. The Ravens could easily be searching for a bookend pass-rusher, even if Green continues to be productive after leading the FBS with 17 sacks last season.
David Bailey, who transferred from Stanford this season, also had a standout campaign in 2024, with 39 pressures and 27 percent pass-rush win rate, according to Pro Football Focus.
The 6'3", 250-pounder lacks the size and length of the typical Ravens outside linebacker, though the organization has veered from their preferences on multiple occasions, including with Green.
Green and Bailey could be dynamic bookends for years to come and keep the Ravens defense as aggressive as the team generally prefers.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: DL Keldric Faulk, Auburn
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The Kansas City Chiefs did add a pair of defensive linemen in Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte during the 2025 draft's second day. They are good additions to help solidify the team's front, though it should only be viewed as a starting point.
Next season, Chris Jones will be 32. Jerry Tillery isn't signed beyond this season and struggles against the run anyhow. Charles Omenihu, Marlon Tuipulotu, Fabien Lovett and Mike Pennel are pending free agents as well.
Even with Felix Anudike-Uzomah basically viewed as a first-round bust, the Chiefs will still have Jones, George Karlaftis, Mike Danna and the two incoming rookies.
Auburn's Keldric Faulk can create further flexibility among the group, because the 19-year-old prospect is a 6'6", 288-pound defensive lineman capable of lining up as a base end and reducing inside for sub-packages. He managed seven sacks during his second collegiate season.
Faulk is the type of talent who could eventually ease the Chiefs' defensive transition once Jones decides to hang up his cleats.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
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The reigning Super Bowl champions struck gold in the secondary last season with rookie defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean both having impressive campaigns.
However, Darius Slay became a salary-cap casualty in the offseason, leaving the Eagles with a question mark at one outside corner spot.
Kelee Ringo is currently slated to step into a much bigger role this fall, but he’s unproven, with just five starts and 311 defensive snaps during the regular season over the last two years, per Pro Football Reference.
Until the 2023 fourth-round pick proves otherwise, expect the Philadelphia Eagles to be tied to cornerbacks for next year's draft.
Meanwhile, Avieon Terrell looks to follow his brother A.J.’s footsteps as a first-round cornerback from Clemson.
"The younger Terrell is a much better run defender than his brother, placing fourth among all cornerbacks with a 90.7 PFF run-defense grade this past season, and his three forced fumbles tied for second," Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema and Max Chadwick. "Terrell is still excellent in coverage as well, leading all Power Four corners with 14 forced incompletions in 2024. While not the biggest at just 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, Terrell plays with outstanding physicality for the position and has the speed to stick with receivers in man coverage."
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