Building Ultimate 2026 NFL Mock Draft Including Top High School Football Recruits
Football is a business. And business is good.
This fact has been well-known at the NFL level for decades. College football masqueraded under the disguise of amateurism for much longer than it should have.
With the proliferation of name, image and likeness rights pumping millions into the pockets of collegiate athletes, the next step seems obvious: a challenge to the NFL's three-year eligibility rule.
Currently, an individual must be three years removed from high school before they can declare for the NFL draft. The NBA has a one-year rule after a long stretch where high schoolers can declare. Prep-school prospects are chosen by MLB and NHL organizations on the regular.
Eventually, someone is going to challenge professional football again to make the leap straight from attending prom to preparing to play against grown men. What would the upcoming draft class look like if that happened as soon as 2026?
Note: Draft order determined by reverse Super Bowl odds, as set by Draft Kings.
1. New Orleans Saints: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
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The New Orleans Saints enter the season with hopes of 26-year-old rookie Tyler Shough or last year's fifth-round draft pick, Spencer Rattler, emerging as a quality starting quarterback.
If the organization is picking No. 1 overall next year, it means that plan fell apart.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza has gained a lot of positive traction during preseason scouting. His transfer from Cal to the Hoosiers program and offensive scheme should elevate his production and status, because the traits to be a top-end QB prospect were present during his time with the Golden Bears.
"Mendoza is a prototypical pocket passer with functional mobility to break the pass rush's containment," B/R scout Dame Parson wrote. "On tape, Mendoza anticipates throwing lanes similar to an NFL quarterback. He anticipates the window opening before it opens. He throws to spots off his anticipation and meets his receiver with the football.
"Mendoza's accuracy is one of his best traits. He puts the football where his receivers can make plays on it. His ball placement leads receivers and allows them to gain yards after the catch. Post-snap, he plays the game well mentally and sees things quickly."
2. New York Jets: QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
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While Mendoza is the prospect who shows up on film because of his ability to play the quarterback position from the pocket, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers is the individual who presents gigantic upside thanks to his natural athleticism and big arm.
The 20-year-old has the all the physical tools to be the No. 1 overall pick, whether he declares after his redshirt sophomore season or later in the process.
"Sellers has great arm strength, which is necessary to drive throws between cover defenders," Parson wrote. "He can attack single coverage by pushing the ball down the field. Sellers is a dynamic athlete with the agility to force missed tackles in a phone booth. He turns negative plays behind or at the line of scrimmage into explosive plays down the field."
Much like the Saints a pick earlier, something went drastically wrong in New York if the Jets own a top-two selection.
There's no point for the team to avoid drafting another quarterback, even if Justin Fields is under contract for another season. Though the Jets can release the 2021 first-round pick as a June 1 cut and save $10 million toward the 2026 cap, per Over The Cap.
3. Cleveland Browns: QB Arch Manning, Texas
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Arch Manning is the biggest name among the 2026 NFL draft class. Keep in mind, this mock draft is a projection nine months before the fact. He's yet to be a full-time starter with the Texas Longhorns.
Also, he may not even declare when looking at his family's history of maximizing their collegiate experience.
As of now, Manning remains in the conversation, because he does present significant upside and he's eligible.
"Manning is accurate at every level of the defense and field [based on a limited sample size]," Parson wrote. "He showcased good anticipation for an inexperienced player. Manning throws the ball with pace and touch for explosive plays down the field.
"Manning differs from his uncles, Eli and Peyton, due to his athleticism. He is a running threat out of the backfield. Manning's athleticism aids in creating when protection breaks down. He puts pressure on opposing defenses because of the threat of his legs making big plays down the field."
The Cleveland Browns have no real plan at quarterback. Either the 40-year-old Joe Flacco is going to lead them or they'll turn to one of the rookies they selected in the third and fifth rounds.
A top-three pick in 2026 is a good point to wash the stink off and restart at the game's most important position.
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4. New York Giants: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
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The New York Giants now have their quarterback in place (they hope) after selecting Jaxson Dart in this year's first round.
Wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. proved last season the team has some legit talent at the skill positions.
The Giants have yet to get the offensive line right, though.
The right side of the unit will need to be rebuilt since veterans Jermaine Eluemunor and Greg Van Roten are free agents after the upcoming season, and Evan Neal has yet to prove he can hold down one of the guard spots.
Francis Mauigoa walked onto Miami's campus as an elite recruit and started 26 straight games at right tackle. The last point is important, because plenty of discussion will center on whether he'll make the transition to the blind side. With the Giants, he doesn't need to do so.
New York is set at left tackle with Andrew Thomas. Mauigoa can bookend him and give Big Blue the caliber of talent along the offensive line that's needed to finally complete the much-maligned group.
5. Tennessee Titans: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
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The Tennessee Titans don't need to do anything but remain patient based on how this draft class sets itself up through the first four picks.
In doing so, they can stand pat and land arguably the best prospect in the 2026 class, regardless of position.
How Caleb Downs is viewed throughout the process will be fascinating. No one is going to deny his ability as a play-making defensive back who affects the game in multiple different ways. At the same time, he's a safety.
Positional value almost always comes into play, and it can be enough to knock an elite talent down the board a few pegs.
Downs has the potential to be the highest-drafted safety since the Cleveland Browns chose Eric Turner with the second overall pick in 1991. In this case, he gets selected in the same spot Eric Berry once did, and the Titans will benefit.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Faizon Brandon, Grimsley (HS)
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The Las Vegas Raiders are the first team to dip their toes into the high school talent pool, and they do so for an obvious reason.
Even with the acquisition of veteran quarterback Geno Smith, their long-term plans behind center aren't settled. Smith turns 35 in October and is signed through the 2027 campaign. He's the right fit for the team now, but the Raiders front office can put a succession plan into place.
Grimsley's Faizon Brandon is the nation's top-ranked quarterback recruit for the 2026 class. He's currently committed to play for the Tennessee Volunteers.
Interestingly, he has ties to the Las Vegas Raiders. Prior to joining the team as offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly served in the same role with the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he offered Brandon a scholarship.
Brandon is known for his deep-ball accuracy at this early stage of his career. He'd have every opportunity to sit for at least a year or two before Las Vegas needed him on the field, which is the perfect setup.
7. Carolina Panthers: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
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The Carolina Panthers are fortunate to stare down the opportunity to draft an elite prospect and still land one with the seventh overall pick.
T.J. Parker has been a game-wrecker since he joined the Clemson program. In two seasons, the 20-year-old has generated 33 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks, with both of those numbers increasing between his first and second seasons.
He is powerful and explosive with the ability to rock offensive tackles. He's going to set the edge as well.
The Panthers, meanwhile, find themselves in a situation where they can immediately upgrade their pass rush and address a potential need since D.J. Wonnum isn't signed beyond the 2025 campaign.
Parker and and this year's second-round draft pick, Nic Scourton, can form a strong edge-rushing duo for years to come.
8. Indianapolis Colts: QB Drew Allar, Penn State
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The Indianapolis Colts ending up with a top-10 pick likely signals a whole new regime tied to a different quarterback prospect.
Anthony Richardson is entering a critical year, which is why it's unfortunate that he's dealing with a shoulder problem again. The Colts may be saved if Daniel Jones experiences a Sam Darnold-like resurgence. Clearly, expectations aren't high for either quarterback.
So, the Colts do what's necessary and reset. In this case, the organization does so with Penn State's Drew Allar.
"Allar possesses arguably the best arm in the draft," Parson wrote. "There is no throw on the field that he cannot hit. Allar delivers passes with optimal velocity to their receivers. He is a fearless passer and trusts his arm strength. He can rip throws and place them where he desires. Allar throws the ball downfield accurately and with above-average touch/arc."
9. Miami Dolphins: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
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The Miami Dolphins appear to be heading in the wrong direction.
After dipping to 8-9 last season, the franchise finds itself in a soft rebuild. Safety Jevon Holland, guard Robert Jones, running back Raheem Mostert and defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Emmanuel Ogbah left in free agency.
The Dolphins recently traded tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey as well, though the team received safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in return. Terron Armstead's retirement didn't help matters.
Miami used this year's draft to fortify the trenches on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, the squad's group of cornerbacks consists of Kader Kohou, Storm Duck, Jason Marshall Jr., Artie Burns, Cam Smith and others. It's suspect at best.
Tennessee's Jermod McCoy earned first-team All-SEC status as a 19-year-old true sophomore. He has the movement and ball skills (four interceptions plus nine defended passes) to be CB1 in next year's class.
However, an asterisk must be placed on this particular selection. The cornerback prospect suffered a torn ACL in January during a training session. His recovery will determine whether he's still worthy of a pick this high in the process.
10. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
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Thanks to the Travis Hunter trade—where the Cleveland Browns moved out of this year's second overall pick so the Jacksonville Jaguars could draft the Heisman Trophy winner—the former benefits by taking the best player available, who could also fill a massive hole in the lineup.
Earlier, the Browns landed their quarterback of the future. Who will protect him? It's a legitimate question, as Dawand Jones tries to bounce back from a disappointing sophomore campaign and proves he's worthy of being Cleveland's long-term answer at left tackle.
Alabama's Kadyn Proctor is a force of nature at the point of attack. The 6'7", 360-pound blocker is a people-mover and far more nimble as a pass-protector than his size indicates.
He may be the solution to the blind side. If Jones does play well, this pick isn't off the table, because the Browns are getting old up front. By the end of the year, the trio of left guard Joel Bitonio, right guard Wyatt Teller and right tackle Jack Conklin will be 34, 31 and 31, respectively. Proctor could slot into multiple slots.
11. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): DL Peter Woods, Clemson
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Like the Browns a pick ahead of them, the Los Angeles Rams also have the benefit of an extra first-round selection to provide the team with some wiggle room regarding who they should select thanks to last year's draft-day trade with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Rams have done an exceptional job rebuilding their roster on the fly, particularly along the defensive front once Aaron Donald retired. Last year's first-round selection, Jared Verse, became NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, while second-round pick Braden Fiske led all rookies in 2024 with 8.5 sacks.
There's no reason to stop there, especially since a talent of Peter Woods' caliber is still on the board.
"Woods leads all returning Power Four interior defenders in PFF run-defense grade (89.7) and pass-rush win rate (14.9 percent) since 2023," Pro Football Focus noted.
Woods' addition to a front that already features Verse, Fiske, Kobie Turner and Byron Young is downright scary.
12. Seattle Seahawks: Edge Zion Elee, St. Frances Academy (HS)
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The Seattle Seahawks are willing to take a chance on a high-end developmental option to ensure they can generate a significant pass rush for years to come.
St. Frances Academy's Zion Elee is the No. 1 edge-rusher among the current recruiting class. He is long, lean, quick and relentless as an edge-defender. The Maryland commit must add bulk to his 6'4", 225-pound frame and continue to flesh out his pass-rush repertoire.
He can be brought along slowly in Seattle, where the team does have multiple veteran options along the defensive front. However, Demarcus Lawrence turns 34 next year, Boye Mafe isn't signed beyond this season, and Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall come up a year later.
By grabbing an elite 5-star talent, the Seahawks put a long-term plan in place and ensure they have the makings of a dangerous front now and well into the future.
13. Arizona Cardinals: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
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James Conner may be the running back who overcomes the traditional dropoff most ball-carriers experiences at the age of the 30. Eventually, though, Father Time will take its toll.
Less than a year from now, the Arizona Cardinals can invest in the class' top running back prospect and ease the 30-year-old out of the lead role.
Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is a 214-pound back with good contact balance, excellent athleticism and outstanding patience for a young runner. The Fighting Irish featured Love as a sophomore, and he responded with 1,362 yards from scrimmage and 19 total touchdowns. He'll serve as the team's focal point again this fall, which will only help build the resume for the 20-year-old prospect.
The Cardinals can then have a three-headed monster with Kyler Murray at quarterback, Marvin Harrison Jr. at wide receiver and Love in the backfield.
14. New England Patriots: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
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Certain players project as perfect fits for certain franchises. Case in point, Auburn's Keldric Faulk has all of the makings of a future New England Patriot and Mike Vrabel defender.
Faulk is a 6'6", 270-pound prospect capable of playing up and down the line of scrimmage. He'll stack and shed, set the edge, stunt effectively, play through blockers with power and show some juice as a somewhat raw pass-rusher.
He already lines up a 5-technique or 4i in the Tigers' defensive scheme, while also being asked to rush from a two-point stance from time to time.
The draft pick joins a reworked defensive front that now includes Milton Williams and Harold Landry III to go along with Christian Barmore.
Faulk can play multiple roles within Vrabel's defensive scheme, while providing significant upside as an individual with the potential to develop even more as a pass-rusher.
15. Dallas Cowboys: CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
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On paper, the Dallas Cowboys' secondary appears loaded. After all, the team has Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland at cornerback, with Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson at safety.
The Cowboys also traded for 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam and drafted Shavon Revel Jr. in this year's third round.
However, cornerback remains dicey. Diggs is working his way back from back-to-back injury-plagued seasons, Bland is a free agent after this season, Elam was a bust for the Buffalo Bills, and Revel has a significant injury history that must be taken into account.
Texas' Malik Muhammad could be the Cowboys' top draft pick in 2026 and immediately walk into the locker room as CB1. He allowed only one touchdown last season, per PFF.
The 20-year-old prospect understands route combinations and displays good eyes in zone coverage. He defended a dozen passes during his first two seasons on campus.
16. Chicago Bears: DL Lamar Brown, University Laboratory (HS)
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The Chicago Bears seem to be in a good place, though their fans probably aren't all that comfortable knowing it could all fall apart.
At the same time, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson did a nice job building the roster this offseason, with the potential to get the team trending in the right direction.
Now that the offense has been taken care of, specifically the offensive line, and so much young talent among the skill positions, Chicago can take a little risk on a developmental option from the high school ranks.
University Laboratory's Lamar Brown is a 6'5", 285 pound defensive lineman capable of blossoming into a game-wrecker. He moves extremely well for his size. Depending on what college program is recruiting him, he could be viewed as an offensive or defensive line option. In this case, he sticks on the defensive side.
To further illustrate the point about his athleticism, he will line up at defensive end even at the aforementioned size.
The opportunity to learn from Grady Jarrett for a season or two could be invaluable for a young prospect with all the physical tools to eventually succeed.
17. Houston Texans: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
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The Houston Texans did a good job of quickly rebuilding their offensive line this offseason, even after trading Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders.
The veteran additions of Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson, Ed Ingram and Trent Brown provide the roster with starting and depth options. But few long-term options are currently in play because none of them are signed beyond this season.
Center Jake Andrews and guard Tytus Howard are scheduled to enter free agency after the 2026 season. The latter may be a cap casualty next offseason, because his salary-cap charge escalates to $27.9 million.
Aside from Blake Fisher, Houston's offensive line requires a facelift. Utah's Spencer Fano can be the answer.
The first-team All-Big 12 performer has split duties between right and left tackle to this point of his career, which provides some flexibility in the Texans' plans. Fano is the type of physical tone-setter they need to reshape their front five.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
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Aaron Rodgers is about to be a one-and-done quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whether he actually makes a difference has yet to be determined.
Whatever the case may be, they appear to be going all-in this season. Yet the moves they've made may not be enough to compete against the AFC's elite.
If the Steelers find themselves where they've been since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, a.k.a. mediocrity, the organization must do everything in its power to find a long-term solution at quarterback.
LSU's Garrett Nussmeier is intriguing, because he's streaky, with fantastic stretches of top-notch play before making a mistake and letting that snowball.
"Nussmeier's game is predicated on timing, accuracy, and ball placement," Parson wrote. "He throws with NFL-caliber accuracy to defeat the coverage from the pocket. Nussmeier excels at getting the football to his weapons. He plays and runs LSU's offense similar to a point guard. Nussmeier moves and navigates the pocket well to evade outside pressure and find throwing lanes.
"Nussmeier is a pocket passer with a limited physical skill set. His arm talent is good but not great. Nussmeier is not a running quarterback nor a threat to tuck the football and create with his legs. His improvement against pressure will be pivotal for his NFL draft stock."
19. Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
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Transfers between collegiate football programs occur for myriad reasons. The chance to be better prepared to join the NFL ranks is a big one.
For safety Dillon Thieneman, he went from being the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a third-team All-American in 2023 as part of the Purdue Boilermakers to joining the Oregon Ducks less than two years later. Despite staying in the same conference, Oregon provides "better coaching" and better chance at development for the standout defensive back.
If not for Caleb Downs' exceptionalism as a potential part of the 2026 class, Thieneman could be the top safety prospect in most other incoming groups. The 6'0", 204-pound defender amassed 210 tackles, six interceptions and nine defended passes over the last two seasons. He now joins one of the nation's top programs, while learning under the defensive-minded Dan Lanning.
In Minnesota, Harrison Smith is signed through the '26 campaign, though he turns 37 in February.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
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Lavonte David may play forever. No one should bet against him. Just in case that doesn't happen, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should look for an eventual replacement.
Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. is the top off-ball linebacker entering the 2026 draft cycle.
"It's kind of super simple and clear, that he's a bigger dog than everybody else," said Derrick Johnson, a former Butkus Award winner at Texas and 14-year NFL veteran, per Chip Brown of Horns 247. "Before we start talking about his technical skills and how he can hit, how he can rush, how he's got a nose for the ball, and how he can drop back in coverage—he's just a big-time dog."
Last season, the first-team All-American amassed 113 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, eight sacks and four forced fumbles.
Anthony Walker Jr. is also a free agent after this season to further weaken the Buccaneers' second line of defense.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Edge LT Overton, Alabama
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The Los Angeles Chargers already parted ways with Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack isn't signed beyond the upcoming season.
Alabama's LT Overton screams Jim Harbaugh-type of defender. The 6'5", 283-pound prospect is a hammer. He has the size and strength to hold the point of attack and set the edge.
Overton may not be the quickest off the edge, but he is powerful, explosive and relentless. He can also play up and down the line of scrimmage.
"...the bandit position [at Alabama], you're gonna have to be a little huskier," Overton said last summer, per Sports Illustrated's Blake Byler. "You're gonna have to move from a 5 [technique], to a 9, even to a 3 or a 2i. You've got to be able to play every position. ...
"I feel like my rushing game is 10 times better when I came here, because I am more man down hand down."
As long as the Texas A&M transfer's sack production improves during the 2024 campaign, Overton should find himself squarely in the first-round conversation.
22. Denver Broncos: OT Jackson Cantwell, Nixa (HS)
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The Denver Broncos are close to the stage of being a win-now franchise. They already have a lot of pieces in place to do so, but both of the team's starting offensive tackles are 30 or older and with rather large contracts on the books.
Left tackle Garett Bolles turns 34 next year, while right tackle Mike McGlinchey holds a $23.8 million salary-cap charge in 2026 that isn't guaranteed. The organization should prepare for life without them.
Nixa's Jackson Cantwell is a 6'8", 320-pound recruit about to enter the collegiate ranks as an elite offensive tackle. He already looks the part. He plays that way, too.
Cantwell is a powerful finisher who wants to bury his opponents. As with any young offensive line, technique progression is vital to long-term success. He needs time to hone his craft and handle bigger, more athletic defensive linemen. Even so, his potential to be a decade-long blindside protector is obvious.
23. Los Angeles Rams: WR Nyck Harbor, South Carolina
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As the owner of two first-round picks, the Los Angeles Rams have the luxury of taking a big swing with their second selection.
Earlier, the team continued build on a strength with Peter Woods' addition. Now, they get an opportunity to get quarterback Matthew Stafford the type of weapon he currently lacks.
To be fair, no one in next year's class will be quite like South Carolina's Nyck Harbor, who is a 6'5", 235-pound target with premium athleticism.
"Despite being as big as some defensive linemen, Harbor is ridiculously fast," The Athletic's Bruce Feldman wrote. "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 produce at a high level for the Gamecocks and is clearly a work-in-progress. But his combination of size and speed often pushes those athletes into the first round.
24. Green Bay Packers: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
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Among the Green Bay Packers' edge-rushers, Rashan Gary is the only option the team can count on going into the 2026 campaign. A second option may be necessary unless something drastically changes during the upcoming season.
Lukas Van Ness has not lived up to his billing as a 2023 first-round draft pick. Kingsley Enagbare is a free agent next offseason. Barryn Sorrell just joined the team as a fourth-round draft pick.
Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. may be a necessary investment.
He dealt with a soft-tissue injury that slowed his development last season. After being named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, the edge-rusher's sack production fell to 3.5 during his sophomore follow-up.
When healthy, the 275-pound prospect has the explosive traits to threaten the edge and more than enough raw strength to reduce down to play multiple alignments depending on the situation.
25. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
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One day, the Cincinnati Bengals organization will finally understand what it means to make a legitimate commitment into investments along their offensive line and truly protect their franchise quarterback and elite wide receivers.
Maybe, next year's first round will finally be that day. It may have to be.
With Amarius Mims on one side, the rest of the Bengals' front five could use replacements or upgrades. Left guard Cordell Volson and center Ted Karras are free agents after the 2025 campaign, while Orlando Brown Jr. and Cody Ford are up the following offseason.
Caleb Lomu became the Utah Utes' starting left tackle last season. His pass protection will serve as his calling card. The redshirt sophomore has light feet and excellent redirection skills. His hand placement is also well beyond where his experience dictates. In Cincinnati, he's exactly the type of tackle prospect to protect Burrow's blind side.
26. San Francisco 49ers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
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Kyle Shanahan's offensive scheme depends on a productive, playmaking tight end.
George Kittle has been awesome in that role with the San Francisco 49ers, but he turns 32 later this year.
The Niners are also upside-down on his contract through the 2026 season. The team shouldn't be in a rush to move on from Kittle, who's posted back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns.
At the same time, the San Francisco front office needs to understand what the position means to the team and how it can eventually continue with someone else filling the role.
Kenyon Sadiq played second fiddle to Terrance Ferguson last season with the Oregon Ducks. This season will be different, with Sadiq taking on a featured role after catching only 24 passes last year.
However, his natural athleticism and all-around playmaking potential portend a top tight end prospect. The 6'3", 245-pound target has the makings of a major weapon in the Ducks' offense. A standout season as a receiver will send Sadiq into TE1 territory.
27. Washington Commanders: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
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The Washington Commanders' acquisition of wide receiver Deebo Samuel in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers should provide a significant boost to the former squad's passing attack.
Samuel and Terry McLaurin are a talented duo, but they're both free agents after this season. They both turn 30 before the 2026 campaign as well.
Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson can provide a legitimate long-term target for Daniels. The two can grow together over an extended period of time, because Tyson is a natural separator with the ability to create after the catch.
Tyson was a terror by the end of the 2024 season. Before suffering a season-ending injury, the wide receiver caught 36 passes for 543 yards and five touchdowns during his final four appearances. He can build on that strong late-season performance, while staying healthy, to possibly take advantage of what may be perceived as a weak wide receiver class.
28. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
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The Kansas City Chiefs are exceptional when it comes to developing secondary talent. They don't necessarily need to spend a first-round pick to address the position group, unless a talented option is worthy of the selection, much like Trent McDuffie in 2022.
Clemson's Avieon Terrell is a corner with the lower body fluidity and quickness to lock up man-to-man and the awareness to thrive in zone-heavy schemes. He clearly has some of the same traits that made his brother, A.J., a first-round prospect, though the younger sibling doesn't have quite the same size and length.
Still, his skills in coverage are more than enough to make up for any potential shortcomings.
As the 2026 season approaches, the trio of Trent McDuffie, Chamarri Conner, Kristian Fulton and Christian Roland-Wallace will all be on the final years of their current deals. Whereas Jaylen Watson is a free agent next offseason.
29. Detroit Lions: C Jake Slaughter, Florida
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Frank Ragnow's retirement came as a surprise. He played in seven seasons as the anchor of the Detroit Lions' offensive line after being a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons.
His loss will hurt, even for an offensive line as good as the one Detroit fields.
Graham Glasgow came into the league as a center, and he brings extensive experience. But his salary-cap charge grows to $8.4 million next year, with no guaranteed money left on his deal.
Instead, the Lions can go back to the well and draft the 2026 class' top center prospect, Florida's Jake Slaughter. He is a two-year starter who already graduated. He emerged as a first-team All-SEC and All-American last season.
"Slaughter was the only Power Four center to earn 80.0-plus PFF grades as a pass blocker and a run blocker in 2024," Pro Football Focus noted.
30. Baltimore Ravens: WR Tristen Keys, Hattiesburg (HS)
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The Baltimore Ravens have taken multiple shots to put quality wide receivers around quarterback Lamar Jackson. This year's group might be the best that's been on the roster since he became a starter.
Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins should be an outstanding trio. As long as Jackson remains their quarterback, the Ravens should continue to address the wide receiver pipeline and give the two-time league MVP enough weapons to finally make a run at winning a Super Bowl.
Hattiesburg's Tristen Keys is the nation's No. 1 wide receiver recruit. The near-6'3", 180-pound target is advanced at this point in his career. He already runs good routes. Plus, he's a weapon as a downfield threat or after a short catch.
Wide receiver classes are always deep just based on the position's usage. The 2026 crop lacks a standout, though, which allows the Ravens to take a chance on what could become a special contributor.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
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The Philadelphia Eagles had a tremendous 2024 draft class because of their first-round selections of cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and nickel Cooper DeJean. Kelee Ringo may or may not be the final piece of the puzzle.
Ringo should receive every opportunity to become Mitchell's long-term bookend as one of the team's outside cornerbacks. He is still only 23 years old after being a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, but he's a bigger corner with limited change-of-directions skills.
If Ringo doesn't show he's capable of taking over a starting role, the Eagles should still be looking for another cornerback.
South Carolina's Jalon Kilgore can provide another corner in the mode of DeJean, as a prospect with the flexibility to play in multiple spots. The 6'1", 211-pounder led the SEC last season with five interceptions. He's instinctive and flies to the football.
32. Buffalo Bills: IOL Cayden Green, Missouri
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The Buffalo Bills and their fans will be thrilled if they're picking in this slot after falling short so many times before. This particular pick won't really matter, but general manager Brandon Beane still has a job to do.
The simplest path forward after reaching the pinnacle is reinforcing the offensive line to maximize Josh Allen's career. Left guard David Edwards is a free agent after the upcoming season.
Missouri's Cayden Green can replace Edwards as the projected top guard prospect for the 2026 class.
Green is a 6'5", 324-pounder who engulfs defenders at the point of attack. The 20-year-old, coupled with O'Cyrus Torrence, would give the Bills a massive offensive interior to physically own the trenches.
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.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")