B/R NFL Scouting Dept's 2026 NFL Mock Draft Before Week 1
Once games actually begin, the projected look of a draft class starts to change. Week 1 of the 2025 college football season provided plenty to discuss based on initial performances by the level's top talent.
Keep in mind, this mock draft comes before the NFL season starts and with the 2026 draft still eight months away. One standout or poor performance won't define a player's entire evaluation or drastically alter expectations—just ask Arch Manning.
While evaluations remain ongoing up until the moment a prospect is drafted, the latest mock draft by Brandon Thorn, Dame Parson, Daniel Harms and Matt Holder of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department is still tempered by where they believe certain prospects can end up by the end of the cycle, starting with a quarterback who presents massive upside but will also need time to develop.
Note: Order is based on Draft Kings' reverse Super Bowl odds, while adjusting to fit projected playoff formatting.
1. New Orleans Saints: QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
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The selling points for LaNorris Sellers are obvious. He's a 6'3", 240-pound prospect, with fantastic movement skills and a strong frame. Plus, the ball explodes out of his hand.
"Sellers displayed how dominate his physical tools can be when activated against Virginia Tech," Parson said. "His legs are dangerous weapons to create when things break down.
"The New Orleans Saints need a franchise quarterback and Sellers' ceiling is higher than anyone's in the class."
Sellers' concerns are evident as well. He usually operates in a simplified offense, often making just a single read before taking off to run if it's not there. He could also improve his pocket awareness.
The Saints need to reset their organization. Sellers has the growth potential to be an elite NFL quarterback, but he'll need significant developmental time to reach that point.
2. Cleveland Browns: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
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Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. proved to be the most impressive prospect across all of college football during Week 1, which only helps to confirm his status as a legitimate top-10 talent.
The performance served as a reminder after being slowed and missing multiple games last season due to a nagging injury. He's now back to the form that allowed him to become the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023.
For the Cleveland Browns, they can create a dynamic duo after a projected disappointing campaign.
"The Browns have a few holes on their roster, with finding a bookend to play on the opposite side of Myles Garrett among them," Holder said. "Meanwhile, Bain is coming off a very impressive performance against Notre Dame, with six total tackles, half a sack and an interception. The 6'3" and 275-pound defensive end has good size and impressive movement skills to potentially be the best prospect at his position in this year's draft class."
3. New York Jets: QB Arch Manning, Texas
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The expectation is that Arch Manning will improve as the Texas Longhorns' season progresses. It couldn't get much worse after Week 1 against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
One game will not define an entire evaluation, though.
"Manning's draft stock will be purely projection until the season progresses further," Parson said. "He struggled in his first start against a talented defense, with NFL-caliber game-planning, in a difficult environment. Within the struggles, a couple of high-level throws were mixed in.
"From this point forward, he'll likely get settled in with more reps and start to show the caliber of talent that many believe will make a future high first-round draft selection."
The biggest issue moving forward with Manning is a concentration on cleaning up his footwork and throwing mechanics. He'll become more consistent throughout the season if he's mindful of the little things that matter.
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4. Tennessee Titans: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
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With Cam Ward now at quarterback, the Tennessee Titans have the luxury of taking the best player among the 2026 class regardless of position.
And Ohio State's Caleb Downs has the chance to be a rare difference-maker at safety.
"There's some Earl Thomas and Eric Berry to him," an anonymous general manager told Jordan Schultz. "Just a special, special player."
No one on the Titans roster should stop the team from taking a talent of Downs' caliber.
"I know what you're thinking, '...But the Titans just drafted Kevin Winston Jr. in the third round. This is a waste of a pick," Harms said. "It isn't. Even if Winston comes back fully from his ACL injury and is a productive player for the Titans, Downs is the best player in this draft, and he can play anywhere they need him to, while creating a powerful backend duo.
"Amani Hooker and Quandre Diggs are free agents after this season, and Xavier Woods has an out in his two-year contract after 2025. Creating a backend with that much physicality and football IQ while getting extremely young in the process would be a huge win."
5. Indianapolis Colts: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
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The Indianapolis Colts must course-correct after failing to properly address the quarterback position.
After failing to bring along Anthony Richardson, the team is already moving away from the 2023 fourth overall draft pick and it's not a positive sign.
"The Colts are rolling with Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback, which is a clear sign they'll finish with a record securing a top-10 overall pick," Parson said. "LSU's Garrett Nussmeier did not have a wow performance against a loaded Clemson Tigers defense. However, he operated the offense extremely well, threw with accuracy and quick decision-making. The Colts have weapons but need someone to distribute the football accurately and in rhythm."
After taking a big swing on Richardson's physical upside, the Colts now take the opposite approach and draft a point guard-type to lead the offense and keep it ahead of the chains.
Who will make this draft pick and call the plays will be an entirely different matter to address, because general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen probably aren't going to be in place if the Colts are picking among the top five.
6. Carolina Panthers: DL Peter Woods, Clemson
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The Carolina Panthers find themselves in an odd place prior to the start of the 2025 regular season, because the team lacks an identity.
Carolina brass is still waiting to see whether Bryce Young is going to be the team's long-term solution at quarterback. On the other side of the ball, the Panthers finished dead last in team defense.
However, Derrick Brown is arguably the squad's most talented player. The Panthers can start their self-discovery by building around him, with the addition of the class' highest-graded defensive line prospect.
"This particular pairing is a carryover from B/R's previous preseason mock draft," Holder said, "but it's hard to argue with since Peter Woods and Derrick Brown would wreak havoc along the interior of Carolina's defensive line.
"The Clemson product had a quiet game as a pass-rusher against the LSU Tigers, but he was a significant factor against the run with five total tackles, including a tackle for loss."
7. Las Vegas Raiders: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
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The Las Vegas Raiders were so thin at wide receiver, especially with Jakobi Meyers' contract/trade demands, that they signed Amari Cooper last week.
Veterans aside, the Raiders offense needs to get something out of its young wide receivers, whether it's Tre Tucker, Jack Bech or Dont'e Thornton Jr.
Considering the circumstances, Las Vegas could do far worse than adding the 2026 class' No. 1 wide receiver prospect with its first-round selection.
"Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson dominated Northern Arizona last weekend," Parson said. "He displayed his outstanding route-running, separation abilities and ball skills. He would give the Raiders offense a bona fide WR1-level talent to raise the floor and ceiling of their passing offense."
Granted, tight end Brock Bowers is the top target in the Raiders' passing attack. But a legitimate threat on the outside will make life easier on the Georgia product and place far more stress on opposing defenses.
8. New York Giants: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
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The New York Giants have a lot to be excited about this season with their first-round rookies Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart looking like the real deal during training camp and the preseason.
Obviously, a lot can change between now and end of the regular season. Clearly, oddsmakers aren't high on the team improving, hence why it still owns a top-10 selection. But those additions still feel like a step in the right direction.
The offensive line remains a sticking point, though. Right tackle in particular doesn't have a long-term solution, which can be addressed with the addition of Utah's Spencer Fano.
"The Giants have patched together their right tackle position with Jermaine Eluemunor after the failed Evan Neal draft pick but will need to address the position long-term sooner rather than later," Thorn said.
"Enter Fano, who is an athletic, fluid mover and can be an asset in the run game right away. He also has the balance to stay centered and attached to rushers in pass protection. This addition also provides a hedge against any possible injuries to star left tackle Andrew Thomas."
9. Miami Dolphins: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
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Storm Duck. Jack Jones. Jason Marshall Jr. Rasul Douglas. JuJu Brents. Ethan Bonner.
You may not recognize most of those names, but they are the Miami Dolphins' cornerbacks entering the 2025 campaign, which is a frightening proposition for the team's defense and its ability to stop opposing aerial attacks.
"It's not an exaggeration to suggest the Dolphins' cornerback room is one of, if not the worst position group in the NFL," Harms said. "The need in Miami is dire.
"While Jermod McCoy hasn't taken a snap for Tennessee yet this season, he's coming back from his injury quickly and still projects to be the best corner in a very talented group. The physical nature he'll bring will be a welcome sight, adding to his coverage prowess. He'd immediately be the best corner in the room and elevate the talent of the secondary tremendously."
McCoy is expected to return to the field at some point this season after tearing an ACL in January.
10. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
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The Cleveland Browns are hoping Dawand Jones proves capable of being the squad's long-term solution at left tackle.
Even if he does, the rest of the Browns' offensive line is getting old and needs to be rebuilt sooner rather than later.
Alabama's Kadyn Proctor is the most physically gifted offensive lineman in next year's class. He also needs to show he can be more consistent on a week-to-week basis.
That's OK since the Browns have an extra first-round pick to take a chance on this type of talent.
"Proctor is coming off of a sloppy game against the Florida State Seminoles in Week 1 of the season but remains the biggest (6'7", 360 lbs), most physically imposing blocker in the nation thanks to a blend of body composition, raw power and physicality," Harms said. "How much that will be valued come draft time remains up in the air due to the unreliability of his technique, but his physical traits are special enough to provide him a longer runway for patience compared to lesser talented prospects.
"With the Browns potentially needing at least one new tackle and guard next off-season, selecting Proctor gives them a potential answer at either spot."
11. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
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The Los Angeles Rams may have gone as far as Matthew Stafford can take them. They'll likely find out one way or the other this season.
"Stafford's back is and will continue to be a lingering issue this season," Parson said. "As such, the Rams need to make a concerted effort to find their QB of the future.
"Indiana's Fernando Mendoza checks most physical boxes. His accuracy and ball placement from clean pockets or under pressure will translate well to the league. Mendoza works well with quick passing concepts and in the intermediate parts of the field to fit into Sean McVay's offense."
Much like Arch Manning earlier, Mendoza remains a projection. During his first game in a Hoosiers uniform, the Cal transfer missed some throws and didn't seem in-sync with his offense.
As Mendoza builds confidence and a comfort level, he could realistically emerge as QB1 as the evaluation process continues.
12. Dallas Cowboys: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
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DaRon Bland's extension helps provide the Dallas Cowboys' secondary with some stability.
Otherwise, Trevon Diggs is coming back from two major knee injuries, Kaiir Elam is still trying to prove he's not a first-round bust and safety Donovan Wilson is a free agent after the 2025 campaign.
Oregon's Dillon Thieneman can give the Cowboys a cost-controlled, dynamic defender to help settle the back line of their defense.
"Of note, Malik Hooker is closing in on 30 with one year remaining on his current deal beyond this season," Harms said. "With a lot of money tied up elsewhere in the secondary, Thieneman brings range, physicality and a never-quit mentality to whatever secondary he's a part of.
"He can operate on the roof or in the box, and since owner Jerry Jones is so concerned with the run defense, Thieneman is a willing participant against the run and a good player to have on the backend in case anyone breaks free into space."
13. New England Patriots: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
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The New England Patriots have done a good enough job building up their roster this past offseason that they don't need a prospect of T.J. Parker's caliber to fill a hole in the lineup.
At the same time, the organization now has the luxury of adding the best player available after Parker slid outside of the top 10.
Currently, Harold Landry III and Keion White give the Patriots solid bookends, who are both signed through the 2026 campaign. Parker can add significant juice, though.
"The Patriots could use a young edge-rusher with significant promise since White hasn't produced at a high level, K'Lavon Chaisson is only on a one-year deal and Landry III will be 30 next season," Holder said. "In steps Parker, who can collapse the pocket with a bull-rush and win with a cross-chop as a pass-rusher. He can also be a factor against the run with his ability to set the edge."
14. Seattle Seahawks: DL Keldric Faulk, Auburn
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Auburn's Keldric Faulk is a fascinating evaluation, because he's a 19-year-old prospect—he turns 20 next week—who has the physical tools at 6'6" and 285 pounds with a long reach to thrive in an NFL defense.
However, he's still quite raw with his technique and doesn't show the fluidity one expects from a top defensive line prospect, especially if he's projected as an edge-defender.
"Faulk's best position at the next level is a bit of a question mark, and he was primarily used as an interior pass-rusher in Auburn's season opener," Holder said. "So, it might take a creative defensive-minded coach to get the most out of him, which Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is. Plus, the Seahawks could use some youth on the defensive line with DeMarcus Lawrence (33), Leonard Williams (31) and Jarran Reed (32) leading the charge."
Faulk has as much upside as anyone in next year's class, but he has significant room to grow before he can be considered a polished performer.
15. Arizona Cardinals: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
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Eventually, the Arizona Cardinals are going to put it all together, right?
They have quarterback Kyler Murray, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., running back James Conner and tight end Trey McBride on offense.
It won't hurt to add reinforcements to the offensive line and ensure long-term stability in the trenches, though.
Miami's Francis Mauigao is one of the top offensive line prospects for next year's class. Whether he plays offensive tackle or guard will be determined by fit based on each individual team evaluating him. In Arizona's case, he sticks at right tackle.
"Since the current regime arrived to Arizona in 2023, the offense has been led by a creative, diverse run game centered around a shrewd series of pullers and gap concepts," Thorn said. "Mauigoa thrives on angle-drive blocks where he can strike, drive and displace opponents as well as cover up targets on double-teams.
"With current starting right tackle Jonah Williams set to enter free agency next offseason, Mauigoa fits from both a need and scheme perspective."
16. Chicago Bears: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
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The Chicago Bears continue to build their offense in the image of Ben Johnson.
The team's front office gave its new head coach/offensive play-caller a rebuilt offensive line and another premium weapon at tight end this offseason.
Next year, general manager Ryan Poles can give Johnson a premium ball-carrier to implement into the scheme.
"The Bears need to find their RB1 of the future and Love is a great fit for Johnson's offense," Parson said. "Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is a dynamic and explosive home-run hitter. He is underused as a receiver out of the backfield but can contribute in that area as well. This pick is another step to help elevate things around young quarterback, Caleb Williams."
The Fighting Irish coaching staff inexplicably underutilized Love in Notre Dame's season debut against the Miami Hurricanes despite him being considered the nation's top running back.
How Love is deployed in the coming weeks should provide a better indication of his talent level.
17. Houston Texans: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
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The Houston Texans could go in multiple different directions next offseason depending on how the squad comes together this fall.
Instead of worrying what may or may not gel after plenty of tinkering this offseason, the organization can outright target another potential weapon to help quarterback C.J. Stroud.
"Perhaps the most intriguing and potentially fun pick in this draft, Kenyon Sadiq walks into Houston as not only the most talented tight end there, but he's also still an ascending player," Harms said. "He's a fantastic athlete (just go watch his touchdown from Week 1), and an incredibly tough blocker who wants to put defenders into the ground.
"The Texans weren't shy in drafting wide receiver talent last year and with Dalton Schultz on the wrong side of his peak, they need an injection in the tight end room. Stroud would love to have Sadiq around, and he'd be helpful in the run game."
18. Minnesota Vikings: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
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Justin Jefferson is a top-two wide receiver in the NFL. An argument can be made in his or Ja'Marr Chase's favor.
Whatever the case may be, the Minnesota Vikings should be looking for another threat at the position.
Jordan Addison, meanwhile, is suspended for the first three games of the 2025 season due to violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Eventually, the Vikings must weigh whether they want to extend the 2023 first-round draft pick.
Either way, Washington's Denzel Boston can help.
"Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is the new face of the Minnesota Vikings offense," Parson said. "The chance to add more weapons around him should be a priority.
"Boston is a big-bodied wide receiver (6'4", 209 lbs) with good body control and a great catch radius to win contested passes. He is a different style of receiver than Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Thus, Boston rounds out this receiver room while providing three legitimate options for their young signal caller."
19. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Drew Allar, Penn State
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Coming out of Week 1 collegiate action, no quarterback looked more comfortable running his offense and playing like a future NFL quarterback than Penn State's Drew Allar.
Granted, Penn State wasn't playing top competition, but Allar is 21 years old with a continued upward trajectory during his time in Happy Valley.
He may be a more traditional pocket-style signal-caller, with marginal movement skills, but he's an ideal target for a Pittsburgh Steelers team still searching for a long-term answer at the game's most important position.
"Aaron Rodgers is a one-year rental," Parson said. "Sixth-round rookie Will Howard broke his hand and missed the opportunity to impress the Steelers coaching staff in the preseason. If Allar falls to the Steelers, Pittsburgh has to make the call.
"Allar is a big-armed quarterback, who flashes accuracy and placement when his mechanics are sound in the pocket. A lot of upside exists with him to become a long-term starter."
20. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
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Cincinnati Bengals' future projections are simple: The offense is good, while the defense is bad.
What they are really looking for is a complementary defense. The unit doesn't need to shut down opposing offenses. It simply needs to be built around slowing opponents, because Cincinnati's offensive is going to do its job with quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Good cornerback play goes a long way.
"Yes, Bengals fans, we're going back to the cornerback well, only this time we're taking our talents from LSU," Harms said. "While Delane transferred from Virginia Tech to LSU for the 2025 season, he's never looked so at home. He had a huge coming-out party for the Tigers with multiple pass breakups, an interception and regularly taking away options for Cade Klubnik and Clemson's offense in Week 1.
"He's a physical presence in the run game on top of it, and with his confidence at an all-time high, he's going to continue this type of play on a winning team. He's the type of player the Bengals need on their defense."
21. Los Angeles Chargers: DL LT Overton, Alabama
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Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh loves a physical brand of football, which will always be the calling card with how his teams are built.
Alabama's LT Overton isn't a typical defensive line prospect at 6'5" and 283 pounds, because his game is predicated on power, whether he's working off the edge or along the defensive interior.
"The interior of Los Angeles' defensive line could use some extra talent, and Overton has the physical demeanor that Jim Harbaugh will love," Holder said. "This pick gives the Chargers a defensive lineman who can be a good run defender and has upside as a pass-rusher from multiple alignments."
Let's also point out Khalil Mack is now 34 years old, while Deshawn Hand turns 30 later this year. Furthermore, the entirely of the unit's front consisting of Mack, Hand, Otito Ogbonnia and Teair Tart aren't under contract beyond the 2025 season.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
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At some point, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must starting thinking about their future at linebacker again.
SirVocea Dennis is getting the chance to prove himself alongside Lavonte David this fall. Depending on how Dennis performs, the Buccaneers could realistically be looking for two starting linebackers next offseason since David is already 35 and not under contract beyond the 2025 campaign.
"The Buccaneers are searching for a long-term replacement for David, and Ohio State's Sonny Styles might be the perfect fit," Holder said. "The former defensive back has the athleticism to be an effective coverage linebacker and more strength at the point of attack than one might think."
Styles is an ideal linebacker for the modern NFL thanks to his movement skills, length and versatility, hence why he's the top-rated prospect at his position on B/R's draft board.
23. Los Angeles Rams: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
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After landing their future franchise quarterback with the pick obtained from the Atlanta Falcons in last year's draft, the Los Angeles Rams ensure they can protect the position by adding another building block at a premium position.
Fernando Mendoza may be Matthew Stafford's replacement in this scenario, but the Rams may be protecting the latter for another year or two and keeping the veteran signal-caller upright is of the utmost importance.
Considering the state of the Rams' offensive tackle position, an investment in Utah's Caleb Lomu is a no-brainer of a decision.
"The Rams offensive line is starting to show some cracks given the age and accumulation of wear and tear on right tackle Rob Havenstein, while left tackle Alaric Jackson has dealt with blood clots that call into question long-term reliability," Thorn said. "Lomu is an outrageously smooth mover given his age and inexperience as a redshirt sophomore, while showing advanced skills in pass protection that signal future starting potential on the blind side upon entering the NFL."
24. San Francisco 49ers: TE Max Klare, Ohio State
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Kyle Shanahan has always prioritized the tight end position within his offensive scheme. The San Francisco 49ers are fortunate to feature one of the game's best.
However, the team can continue to make life easier on quarterback Brock Purdy by adding yet another talented tight end and provide the offense with even more flexibility.
"This is not a George Kittle-related pick," Harms said. "Even though he's entering his age-32 season, Kittle is showing no signs of slowing down. The 49ers' use of 12-personnel has decreased in each of the last three seasons, primarily due to Kyle Juszczyk and their use of 21 personnel being among the NFL leaders. He's now 34 years old, and the team could be looking to reverse course to try getting more use out of 12 personnel.
"Ohio State's Max Klare is a willing blocker who could benefit from an NFL weight training program, but he brings an explosive mover to maximize two-tight end sets. He's a weapon. With uncertainty at the wide receiver position, He can be a good addition to a Shanahan offense."
25. Denver Broncos: WR Ja'Kobi Lane, USC
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Beyond Courtland Sutton, the Denver Broncos' wide receivers are more potential than production at this point.
Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant will have ample opportunity to prove they can be the legitimate weapons in Sean Payton's offense this fall.
Until then, the thought of adding another weapon to help quarterback Bo Nix remains enticing. USC's Ja'Kobi lane is in a similar boat to those Broncos' receivers, because he is still chock full of potential, with a need to show more.
Last season, the 6'4" target snagged 12 touchdown receptions. This year, he can show he's a big-time weapon who can be utilized at all three levels in USC's offense, which will create a significant upswing in his draft value.
"Lane is a big receiver with route-running and salesmanship upside," Parsons said. "The Broncos seem to have a type of receiver, size and ball skills. Lane brings those traits to the table and more. He could learn from Sutton, while working into the offense as their long-term option to grow alongside Nix."
26. Washington Commanders: Edge Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
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Von Miller is a nice addition as a piece of the pass-rushing puzzle at this point in his career. He shouldn't be the primary edge-rushing threat at 36 years old, but the Washington Commanders don't have anyone better at the position.
Beyond Miller, Washington's other edge-rushers didn't have anyone manage more than five sacks last season. If there's one glaring deficiency on the ascending squad, it's easy to find where the Commanders need help.
"Washington desperately needs pass-rush help on the edge, which Oregon's Matayo Uiagalelei can provide," Holder said. "He led the Ducks with 10.5 sacks last year and had two in the season-opener against the Montana State Bobcats. At 6'5" and 272 pounds, the 20-year-old prospect has impressive movement skills for his size to continue being productive at the next level."
27. Detroit Lions: CB Xavier Scott, Illinois
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The Detroit Lions did in fact select a first-round cornerback in last year's first round. Terrion Arnold experienced his fair share of ups and downs, though. He needs to be more consistent overall. However, this pick isn't an indictment of Arnold's rookie performance.
Instead, the addition of Illinois' Xavier Scott is to provide more flexibility, as well as a talent upgrade, to the Lions' secondary.
"This pick requires a bit of imagination, but please stay with us," Harms said. "Amik Robertson played some inspired football for the Lions down the stretch but counting on him to maintain that level of play is a lofty expectation. Meanwhile, DJ Reed is a good player who probably fits best out of the nickel.
"Scott adds another versatile inside/outside cornerback with excellent communication skills and football IQ to a secondary that is entering a slight identity change with a new defensive coordinator.
"There's a lot up in the air with the Lions' secondary and adding significant talent to round out the group places them in a great spot."
28. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
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Typically, the Kansas City Chiefs prefer to draft their defensive backs in the mid-to-late rounds and develop them unless an obvious exception is available early in the process.
Trent McDuffie is the shining example, though his status plays a part in this particular pairing.
South Carolina's Jalon Kilgore is a hybrid defender capable of playing cornerback and safety, which can help the Chiefs dramatically as they build their roster for the future.
"The cornerback market is skyrocketing and deservedly so," Harms said. "But the changing landscape puts the Chiefs in a bit of a bind after paying Trey Smith and George Karlafits this offseason and still needing to extend McDuffie.
"The depth at cornerback was tested last season due to injury, and it didn't hold up. The additions of Nohl Williams and Kristian Fulton should help, but Fulton barely participated in camp and Williams is a rookie.
"Kilgore can play inside and outside, moonlight as a two-high safety, and he's a force defender against the run. His addition allows the Chiefs to play McDuffie exclusively on the outside without sacrificing coverage ability with Chamarri Conner on the field. It's a win-win."
29. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
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The Dallas Cowboys surrendering an annual NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate for RB2 in the 2026 draft class doesn't come across as good value. It shouldn't, because they made the inexplicable choice to trade Micah Parsons in the first place.
Even so, Penn State's Nicholas Singleton can provide Dallas' offense with something it has lacked since Ezekiel Elliott's peak.
"The Cowboys' running back dilemma continues into this coming offseason," Parson said. "Whereas, Singleton is one of the best backs in college football. The 6'0", 224-pound ball-carrier is a height-weight-speed prospect and a true three-down option, who can elevate the Cowboys' rushing attack for the foreseeable future."
Dallas is going into this season with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders atop its running back depth chart. Both are capable, but neither is signed beyond this season.
Besides, Williams has an alarming injury history, while Sanders will turn 29 in May. Singleton and Jaydon Blue could turn into a nice backfield for the next half-decade.
30. Buffalo Bills: S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
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The Buffalo Bills' safeties have something to prove this fall.
After years of leaning on the league's best safety tandem in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, the Bills spent last season not being able to rely on the position.
"The talent in the Bills' safety room has diminished dramatically," Harms said. "Taylor Rapp has two more seasons in Buffalo. While Damar Hamlin is a great story and we'll always root for him, he's a backup-at-best-caliber performer. Maybe Cole Bishop figures it out this season. Otherwise, the position will be a glaring weakness.
"Penn State's Zakee Wheatley isn't a household name, but he should be. He's a big body (6'2", 200 lbs) in the back end with real range and instincts once the football is in the air. He also has a knack for anticipating route concepts while reading the quarterback. A willing run defender to boot, he'd be a welcome addition to Buffalo's secondary."
31. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Trevor Goosby, Texas
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Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is easily one of the game's most respected assistants.
He's as good of a line coach as anyone not named Alex Gibbs or Dante Scarnecchia, which is exactly why the Eagles can continually invest in projects along the trenches and end up finding gold.
In the case of Texas' Trevor Goosby, all of the tools are present to be a top-notch NFL blocker eventually. He's simply inexperienced, as a full-time collegiate starter for the first time this season.
"Based on the sophomore's small sample size in 2024 combined with his physical traits (6'7", 314 lbs), Goosby looks like an ideal candidate to be drafted, stashed and developed in an offensive line-friendly environment. The Eagles would be the perfect landing spot given the presence of two high-end tackles and Stoutland."
Right tackle Lane Johnson continues to play at a high level, but he's 35 now. Goosby could be his replacement in a year or two.
32. Baltimore Ravens: CB Chandler Rivers, Duke
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The Baltimore Ravens have entered Super Bowl-or-bust territory. Their slotting here means they reached their goal.
Even so, the team's secondary remains suspect mainly due to age and previous injury histories. Besides, the team has a big decision to make with one of its highest-profile players after the season.
"Marlon Humphery has a $26 million cap hit in 2026. You read that right," Harms said. "Both Chidobe Awuzie and Jaire Alexander are free agents after the 2025 season.
"Chandler Rivers in an ideal addition this late in the first round. He's on the smaller side (5'10", 185 lbs), but he brings inside/outside versatility, a competitive and twitchy athleticism and he might be the class' smartest corner.
"The Ravens have feasted on great players falling in the draft, and this is where a good player falling also meets a need. Rivers is a great fit in Baltimore's defense."
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