B/R NFL Scouting Dept.'s Post-Regular-Season 2026 NFL Mock Draft
The first 18 slots for the 2026 NFL draft are set. While the rest of the league continues to compete for a championship, those franchises no longer in the mix are ready to weigh their options for roster improvement.
The incoming class has a unique twist with two prospects from non-premium positions included in the Bleacher Report's top four overall. Where Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love ultimately end up will be partially dictated by positional value. Spoiler alert: Neither finds his way into this projection's top-five picks.
Instead, the top of the class is defined by a pair of quarterbacks. With how the '25 regular season ended, it just so happens the two teams atop the draft order desperately need to address the game's most important position.
The B/R Scouting Department gathered to lay out its latest projection, with scouts Brandon Thorn, Dame Parson, Daniel Harms and Matt Holder providing insights into each selection.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
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The Las Vegas Raiders finally get their guy.
After missing out during the last two draft classes, the Raiders find themselves in a position to address quarterback with a top-notch prospect.
This past season's setup failed miserably, with Geno Smith providing the exact opposite of what was expected from the veteran quarterback.
Now is the time to go all-in with a first-round quarterback capable of leading the franchise isn't the future. After slicing and dicing the Alabama Crimson Tide defense in the College Football Playoff, Fernando Mendoza only strengthened his argument to be this year's No. 1 overall draft pick.
"Mendoza is a pro-ready quarterback with good physical tools and abilities," Parson said. "He displays the arm talent to layer passes and the horsepower to increase velocity when necessary. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is a high football IQ prospect and a quick processor of information. He's also a clutch performer who rises to the occasion when necessary.
"Mendoza is unflappable. When that trait is combined with his accuracy and ball placement in the clutch moments, he's more than worthy of hearing his named called first."
2. New York Jets: QB Dante Moore, Oregon
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Dante Moore has yet to make a decision whether he'll declare for the 2026 NFL draft, but he just might be the most important prospect in the entire class.
With Mendoza considered a lock to be a first-round selection and likely No. 1 overall pick, Moore is the only other quarterback considered a top-tier option.
The New York Jets will be waiting with bated breath in hopes of Moore declaring, so the organization can finally land its franchise quarterback. The 20-year-old prospect's play surpasses his age and experience.
"Moore is a smooth and natural thrower of the football," Parson said. "He thrives from the pocket with timing and accuracy. Moore is an above-average athlete at extending plays while keeping his eyes downfield. Overall, he plays with the poise and mental makeup you want in a potential top-10 pick."
The Jets must find a young quarterback with upside this offseason. None fits the description better than Moore.
3. Arizona Cardinals: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
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Unfortunately, the Arizona Cardinals miss out on the possibility of adding a franchise quarterback. If the organization doesn't want to move forward with Kyler Murray or Jacoby Brissett, it can always invest in young veteran deserving of a second chance, such as Malik Willis, Mac Jones or Davis Mills.
In order to make the Cardinals' situation better for the team's 2026 starting quarterback, the front office can improve the overall surrounding cast.
Specifically, the Cardinals finished among the league's bottom 10 in pass defense and lack a true No. 1 cornerback. Mansoor Delane can step right into the lineup and address the need.
"One of the best things in college sports is watching a talented player take their future in their hands, bet on themselves and excel," Harms said. "Delane transferred to LSU after being identified as one of the country's better corners while at Virginia Tech.
"The 6'0", 190-pound defensive back showed off impressive football IQ and scheme versatility with the Tigers, but maintained a physical presence on the boundary against any wide receiver."
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4. Tennessee Titans: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
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The Tennessee Titans invested in the quarterback position with last year's No. 1 overall pick. Now, it's time to put the best surrounding cast around Cam Ward.
Normally, that approach would center on adding offensive talent to help a young signal-caller in his development. It still can, but not with this particular selection.
Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. is a game-wrecker. He has the ability to be a top-level defender both against the run and rushing the passer. His addition paired with Jeffery Simmons can give the Titans a ferocious defensive front to play complementary football.
"A lot has already been made about Bain's arm length, or lack thereof, which will continue throughout the pre-draft process," Holder said. "However, it's hard to deny the ACC Defensive Player of the Year remains dominant on the field. His squatty build allows him to get physical as run defender, who can consistently set the edge, plus the ability to collapse the pocket as a pass-rusher."
5. New York Giants: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
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The New York Giants showed improvement along their offensive line this past season and did so despite perceived talent deficiencies.
"The Giants did manage to extract more consistency out of their front five in 2025 than expected," Thorn said. "If they retain line coach Carmen Bricillo, the squad could maintain their current established floor, with a big step up in talent after adding the reigning Outland Trophy winner."
"Spencer Fano is B/R's top-ranked offensive lineman in this class due to an unmatched blend of athletic ability, contact balance and finishing skills while he works to add lean mass and increase play-strength over his first few seasons. He has a special ability to widen the corner in pass protection and buy time for his quarterback at the top of the drop, with very good range in the run game to sustain, steer and track down targets on the move.
"With Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor set to enter free agency, Fano can play his natural position instead of converting to the blind side."
6. Cleveland Browns: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
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The Cleveland Browns are not in a position to land a top-tier quarterback prospect or even use their extra first-round pick to trade up for one. Instead, the front office's concentration shifts toward building a strong foundation through the offensive line.
Cleveland could realistically replace the entirety of its starting front five this offseason. Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller and Teven Jenkins are pending free agents to wipe out the offensive interior. The team also doesn't have a solution at either tackle spot.
Miami's Francis Mauigoa immediately ups the level of physicality as soon as he joins his next team. The 20-year-old can be the anchor to Cleveland's new-look offensive front.
"Mauigoa is a quick-thinking, brick wall with light enough feet to stick at right tackle," Thorn said. "He could also take over at guard if necessary.
"The appeal of Mauigoa stems from elite-level play-strength and size, with enough wiggle to minimize clean, quick losses.
7. Washington Commanders: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
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Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has a type. Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese fits the mold.
Whether Quinn used Micah Parsons all over the defensive front or weaponized Frankie Luvu from an off-ball alignment, his approach stems from his time as part of the Seattle Seahawks' coaching staff and previously working with KJ Wright and Bruce Irvin.
Basically, Quinn loves athletic linebackers who are capable of being pass-rushers or vice versa. In Reese's case, he's a natural playmaker at multiple spots.
"Whether his best NFL position is at off-ball linebacker or on the edge, Reese has the potential to create a significant impact on whatever defense he's playing on," Holder said. "The Buckeye fits the hybrid linebacker prototype perfectly, showcasing the strength and physicality to be a force against the run and pass-rush skills to make an impact when blitzing on third downs."
8. New Orleans Saints: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
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With Tyler Shough looking like a keeper at quarterback, the New Orleans Saints are in a very good position as they prepare for April's draft. The front office can look to fill out the roster in order to help in Shough's development.
Chris Olave is an excellent target when healthy. Juwan Johnson creates mismatches as an athletic tight end. Meanwhile, Rashid Shaheed finished as the Saints' third-leading receiver even though the Saints traded him to the Seattle Seahawks prior to Week 10.
No one on the roster has the skill set of Carnell Tate, though. The Saints get to pick the class' top wide receiver and add another Ohio State product.
"Tate is a great route-runner and separator with springy athleticism," Parson said. "He wins in multiple ways, and those skills translate well to the NFL level. He has the frame to make a living on the outside and the nuanced routes to win from anywhere in the formation. Also, the 20-year-old prospect has outstanding ball skills and leaping ability to high-point the ball in contested-catch situations."
9. Kansas City Chiefs: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
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The Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl window isn't closed. A high first-round draft pick should serve as an opportunity to select the best available talent to bolster a roster capable of competing at high level.
The Chiefs haven't owned a top-10 pick since the organization traded up for Patrick Mahomes in 2017. The '13 class was last time Kansas City earned this particular distinction.
The idea of sitting pat and still having the opportunity to select the incoming class' No. 1 overall talent, Caleb Downs, must be a thrilling proposition.
"Downs is a do-it-all safety in the best sense of the description," Harms said. "He has the instincts and speed to play over the top of the defense, route-recognition and football IQ to come down as a robber or two-high player and the ability to man-cover tight ends as a big nickel.
"Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo can immediately rely on Downs, who has experience in a NFL-style defense after a full season under Matt Patricia's direction."
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
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The Bengals have invested a lot in their defensive front. It's still not any good.
To make matters worse, Trey Hendrickson finally gets to test free agency after fighting with the organization for a long-term contract extension or trade. Neither happened, so it's time to go in another direction.
Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart are former first-round picks. At the same time, Stewart contributed next-to-nothing as a rookie after a significant contract holdout followed by a the rookie trying to catch up then suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Instead of hoping Murphy and Stewart will develop into dynamic bookends, the Bengals can simply draft the 2026 class' most natural pass-rusher, David Bailey.
"There aren't many, if any, pass-rushers in this year's draft class who have a deeper bag of moves that they can win with than Bailey," Holder said. "He does need some work against the run, but any team that has struggled putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks should be interested in the Texas Tech product."
11. Miami Dolphins: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
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The Miami Dolphins offense underwent a massive evolution since Mike McDaniel became the head coach, but it stills needs another significant threat at wide receiver.
The days of McDaniel's system being built around the vertical passing game are gone. Instead, the team shifted to a ground-and-pound approach that allowed them to be successful over the second half of the 2025 campaign, even though the team was already out of the playoff hunt.
Quarterback is a major question mark and will continue to be. A young veteran (Mac Jones?) feels like the the best approach if/when the team moves on from Tua Tagovailoa. Whoever takes over will need another weapon on the outside to complement Jaylen Waddle, with Tyreek Hill likely on his way out as well.
Jordyn Tyson adds a different dynamic.
"Tyson is a complete wide receiver," Parson said. "He does everything well, from route-running, creating after the catch and making plays at the catch-point. The two-time first-team All-Big 12 performer has the burst and explosiveness to put defensive backs in conflict before and after the catch. He bring WR1 traits to elevate an NFL offense, as long as he stays healthy."
12. Dallas Cowboys: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
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The Dallas Cowboys were the only squad in the NFL to field a top-three offense and bottom-three defense during the 2025 regular season.
The team's roster is off-balance creating inconsistency for the on-field product.
Dallas could add any defensive prospect in April's first round and be better off than it was entering the process. But Sonny Styles may be the perfect addition, because he fits what the Cowboys like in their off-ball linebackers. He also gives the unit a Day 1 field general, who brings a complete skill set.
"Styles has all of the traits to be a complete NFL linebacker," Holder said. "He's a former defensive back to help with coverage, and the first-team All-Big Ten selection is strong and physical at the point of attack to hold his own against the run.
"Here's an important stat to note: Styles didn't miss a tackle until the College Football Playoff. He can do it all and is worth a first-round pick, even at a lesser valued position."
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
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The Los Angeles Rams own a lottery ticket thanks to last year's draft-day trade with the Atlanta Falcons to net a future first-round pick. With the Falcons disappointing, the Rams have an opportunity to take a big swing and do so at the game's most important position.
Ty Simpson may not be included in the same tier as Indiana's Fernando Mendoza or Oregon's Dante Moore, but he brings a skill set that fits well in Sean McVay's offense as the eventual heir to Matthew Stafford, who turns 38 in February after contemplating retirement last offseason.
"Simpson is a polished and accurate passer who excels from the pocket," Parson said. "When protected, he can get into a rhythm and play surgically. He's relatively inexperienced after starting only one collegiate season. The idea of sitting behind an established veteran, particularly Stafford, while working with an elite play-caller would do wonders for his NFL projection."
14. Baltimore Ravens: DL Peter Woods, Clemson
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The Baltimore Ravens are always looking to draft talent above their actual draft slotting, and the organization's front office has a knack for obtaining great value no matter where it selects.
In this scenario, defensive lineman Peter Woods is a player with far more upside than his slotting.
Woods entered this season as a potential top-five talent. Though he wasn't the dominant presence many expected during his final season on campus. Instead, he can land with the Ravens, where the coaching staff has a long history of getting the most out of high-upside prospects.
"Woods didn't live up to the preseason hype this past season," Holder said. "He definitely left something to be desired as a pass-rusher. But no one can deny how impactful he can be as run defender and the natural traits to be a quality interior pass-rusher in the right situation."
The first-team All-ACC performer's addition may be critical depending on Nnamdi Madubuike's long-term prognosis with his current neck injury.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers floundered during the regular-season stretch run. The team looked disjointed, while not playing the caliber of football accustomed of a Todd Bowles-led team, particularly on defense.
The unit is not helped by the fact it lacks a true edge presence. YaYa Diaby is a good player, but he'd be better served as a secondary pass-rusher instead of serving as the squad's focal point.
Cashius Howell has game-changing burst as a pass-rusher. His quickness and flexibility are the types of traits the Bucs currently lack among among their defensive front.
"Howell is another edge-rusher prospect whose size will be heavily scrutinized, primarily due to a lack of arm length," Holder said. "However, he uses his hands well to overcome his shortcomings. The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year registered 11.5 sacks this past season. NFL organizations that don't get hung up on strict measurement thresholds should be excited about this former Aggie."
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
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After getting a quarterback with the second overall selection, the New York Jets turn to wide receiver.
Obviously, Garrett Wilson is the squad's top option with every expectation of being back next season and healthy. The organization didn't consider Adonai Mitchell a throw-in as part of the Sauce Gardner trade with the Indianapolis Colts. Finally, the Jets add Texas A&M's KC Concepcion, who is dynamite with the ball in his hands—either as a wide receiver or returner.
The Paul Hornung Award winner gives the Jets someone who opponents must fear in two different phases of the game.
"Concepcion is a dynamic, explosive playmaker," Parson said. "This season, he blossomed into a true all-around wide receiver, showcasing his route running, full release package and electric creativity when working in space. As a result, Concepcion is arguable the most difficult receiver to defend among the incoming draft class."
17. Detroit Lions: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
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Jermod McCoy was viewed as a top-five talent for the 2026 draft class, but he never played a down down the '25 campaign after suffering a torn ACL last January.
Even so, the Detroit Lions should see an opportunity to land an elite talent and upgrade a disappointing secondary.
"Despite not playing this past season, McCoy's tape still ranks among the class' best, Harms said after watching the cornerback's 2024 contributions. "He's incredibly athletic and physical, which allows him to play both man and zone with smooth transitions.
"The 6'0", 193-pound corner is long, twitchy and displays excellent closing speed. He can cover multiple wide receiver skill sets, while locking down his side of the field. His physicality transitions to the run game, too, as a fantastic tackler.
"McCoy is the kind of defensive playmaker Lions head coach Dan Campbell will love."
18. Minnesota Vikings: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
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The Minnesota Vikings' decision to move on from Sam Darnold and start JJ McCarthy did not look good for the majority of this past season. Though McCarthy showed improvement during the campaign's final month of regular-season play.
McCarthy came from a run-first collegiate system, and his projection as a passer was based on a limited sample size. The Vikings can try to recreate what made McCarthy successful at Michigan.
Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is the caliber of all-around back, who can be an offensive focal point and take pressure off a young quarterback as he continues to develop.
"Love is by far the best running back in the 2026 class," Parson said. "He offers explosive homerun/breakaway speed to generate big plays with the football. Love is patient, with good vision for finding vulnerable running lanes. Add his pass-catching ability into the equation and a potential star NFL running back emerges. Love can split out of the backfield and run routes creating mismatches for his QB to exploit. He is a high-ceiling, high-floor prospect."
19. Carolina Panthers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
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As the Carolina Panthers continue to build around Bryce Young, the team's front office should do so with the intention of constructing the best supporting cast since the quarterback remains far too inconsistent.
By placing more talent around Young, the team can mitigate whatever shortcomings the quarterback continues to display.
The class' top tight end prospect, Kenyon Sadiq, simultaneously provides the Panthers offense with another weapon, while creating a dual impact.
"Sadiq is one of the class' most ferocious blockers regardless of position," Harms said. "The 20-year-old prospect can play in-line, as a detached blocker or as a receiver. He's also an athletic playmaker in space to create after the catch.
"The tight end's physicality jumps off the screen, which will help inject juice into any offense. Young needs more players like this around him, while Sadiq can also help block for an already potent Panthers ground game."
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
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The Dallas Cowboys already chose linebacker Sonny Styles. It's time to go back to the defensive well and add another feisty prospect capable of immediately helping the franchise's woeful defense.
Avieon Terrell goes out and competes on every down against wide receivers of all shapes and sizes. He's not going to back down from any assignment.
"As if the Cowboys didn't already need cornerback help, they released Trevon Diggs last week and showed the NFL how serious they are about improving their secondary," Harms said. "Terrell is a smaller corner than his older brother, AJ, but he plays with the same mentality and better technique in man and zone.
"The first-team All-ACC performer's football IQ translates as the class' best zone corner, and he routinely takes away route concepts that forces quarterbacks to hold onto the football.
"The quick-twitch ability tied to his footwork and smart eyes gives him the tools to succeed in man coverage, too. He'll be an excellent nickel corner, with the versatility to play inside or outside depending on the situation and need within a defense."
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Makai Lemon, USC
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DK Metcalf's suspension during the regular season's final two games placed a restrictor plate on the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense. The Steelers must become more dynamic at wide receiver or risk not being able to compete against the AFC's best.
Obviously, quarterback remains up in the air. Though Pittsburgh is another spot where a veteran option feels like a good possibility. Whoever takes snaps needs something more than Metcalf in the lineup. Only one other wide receiver on the roster managed more than 200 yards during the regular season. It's an unacceptable setup that requires another legitimate target.
USC's Makai Lemon is the reigning Fred Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation's best receiver. He's also an outstanding NFL prospect.
"Lemon is one of the toughest players in the draft," Parson said. "He is gritty and physical after the catch with contact balance to stay on his feet to create extra yards.
"The unanimous All-American is also a good route-runner, particularly from the slot, with his knowledge of how to attack leverages and off-coverage. His catch radius isn't elite, but Lemon is coming down with a pass if it's in his radius. He will add a chain-moving archetype to an NFL passing attack, with some leftover upside due to his yards-after-catch ability."
22. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
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Justin Herbert is likely counting the days until he gets to play behind Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt once again. The Chargers should have learned an obvious lesson this season: A team can't have too much talent along its offensive line.
Slater and Alt's eventual returns should only be the tip of the iceberg. The Chargers can keep adding to their front five and become the bully they really want to be under Jim Harbaugh's direction.
A team isn't going to find many offensive line prospects bigger and more physical than the 6'7" 360-ish-pound Kadyn Proctor.
"Proctor has been an enigma on tape with more lulls in his play than expected," Thorn said, "but he managed to flash 'special' blocks and stabilize his play enough as the season progressed to likely cement his status as a first-round pick.
"Despite the inconsistencies and concerns about body control, Proctor has the size, body type and power to make a smooth transition as an NFL guard, especially in the Chargers' downhill, run-oriented system. The 20-year-old prospect could slide into right guard, upgrade the position and become the team's third or fourth-best starter over his first few seasons.
"Without much pressure while operating inside a scheme tailored to his skill-set, this projection is an ideal landing spot for Proctor."
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
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When in doubt, the Philadelphia Eagles invest in their defensive line. The approach has continually worked in the organization's favor. There's no reason to stop doing so.
The Eagles will enter the offseason with Jaelan Phillips, Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo set to enter free agency. Brandon Graham should be expected to retire again after the season as well.
Matayo Uiagalelei is a smart addition, whether or not any of those names return in 2026. The 20-year-old prospect gives the Eagles a long-term edge-rush presence to create some stability working alongside Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.
"Uiagalelei is a solid all-around player, who is an excellent value later in the first round," Holder said. "The 6'5", 272-pound defensive end has the size and strength to set the edge against the run and impressive movement skills to make an impact as a pass-rusher."
24. Buffalo Bills: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
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The Buffalo Bills could experience significant upheaval along their offensive this offseason after benefiting from one of the league's most stable units.
Potential movement serves as an opportunity to draft a ready-made guard in Penn State's Vega Ioane to reinforce the front, making life easier on both quarterback Josh Allen and running back James Cook.
"Buffalo is set to have both their left guard and center hit free agency," Thorn said. "The luxury of having one of the game's top line coaches in Aaron Kromer is the Bills do not need to allocate premium assets to their front, but the allure of Ioane's size, punishing demeanor and heavy hands will tempt the organization nonetheless.
"Kromer favors this exact style of guard, with a potential hole at Ioane's natural spot on the left side if David Edwards signs elsewhere. The idea of trading Edwards for a cost-controlled, younger and more explosive guard in Ioane makes a lot of sense when turning over the roster."
25. Chicago Bears: S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
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The Chicago Bears finished among the bottom 10 in total defense during back-to-back seasons despite significant talent among all three levels.
How the organization proceeds to improve that side of the ball will likely depend on its free-agent decisions. As of now, safety will be a glaring hole entering the new league year, hence the addition of a quality all-around prospect in Penn State's Zakee Wheatley to address the back end.
"Chicago's starting safeties will be free agents in 2026," Harms said. "Maybe one or both re-sign. Until then, the position remains a need.
"Even though Penn State's defense experienced an up-and-down campaign, Wheatley played with a ton of effort and showed off the range to make plays. He was always around the football thanks to great instincts and play recognition.
"The 6'2", 202-pound safety presents significant versatility and coordinator Dennis Allen could do a lot with his skill set"
26. San Francisco 49ers: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
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The San Francisco 49ers will get Nick Bosa and last year's first-round pick Mykel Williams back and healthy next season. Is that enough, though?
Obviously, both will help create a far more effective pass rush when they're on the field. But their injuries this season exposed the fact the Niners' lack pass-rush depth. In fact, San Francisco ranked dead last in sacks this season.
A little extra juice off the edge, particularly with the addition of a high-ceiling prospect like T.J. Parker, is definitely needed.
"Parker is another Clemson defender who didn't live up to previous preseason buzz," Holder said. "But his size (6'3", 260 lbs) and strength should immediately make him a good edge-setter against the run in the NFL. It's just a matter of whether he can grow as a pass-rusher, but the traits are present to do so."
27. Houston Texans: DL Keldric Faulk, Auburn
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The Houston Texans already feature the league's best defense. When concern areas persist on offense, the idea of adding another first-round defender may come across as counterintuitive.
In this specific case, the pairing is about the right talent still being available to fit what the Texans need, while maximizing the organization's previous investments in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
Keldric Faulk presents significant upside to be a long-term building block along Demeco Ryans' impressive defensive front.
"Faulk is a lot more traits and potential than a proven commodity or finished product," Holder said. "However, the latter is intriguing. The 20-year-old has great size (6'6", 288 lbs) and length as raw tools to eventually succeed.
"Even in a worst-case scenario, Faulk can be a plus-run defender lined up as a 4i-technique."
28. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
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Whether Shedeur Sanders or someone else is pulling the Cleveland Browns' offensive trigger next season, the team's offense lacks size and physicality from its wide receivers.
Jerry Jeudy and Isaiah Bond combined for 910 yards this past season. Granted, an unstable quarterback setup didn't help matters. Still, neither should be viewed as a No. 1 target, even taking Jeudy's 2024 performance under consideration.
Whereas, the 6'4", 209-pound Denzel Boston gives any quarterback a larger margin for error and a potential security blanket based on his wide catch radius.
"Boston is a prototypical X-receiver with elite ball skills, body control and hands to dominate defenders at the catch point," Parson said. "Boston is more fluid than his frame suggests. He forces missed tackles after the catch and as a punt returner. Boston dominates on contested catches in the red zone, too. He projects as an impact boundary and QB-friendly wide receiver."
29. Los Angeles Rams: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
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The Los Angeles Rams looked toward the future with the extra first-round pick acquired from the Atlanta Falcons in last year's draft trade. Now, general manager Les Snead addresses a need in the secondary by selecting a defensive back with a varied skill set in Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
The Toledo product may have worked in relative anonymity, but that setup didn't stop former teammate Quinyon Mitchell from being a first-round pick. McNeil-Warren presents similar upside, albeit at safety instead of cornerback.
"With Kamren Kinchens' play falling off in 2025 and Kam Curl set to enter free agency, the Rams could use a hard-hitting talent along the back end," Harms said. "McNeil-Warren has played seemingly everywhere for Toledo's defense and excelled. He has underrated instincts driving on the football and mirroring the quarterback. He definitely packs a punch when tackling, as a plus-defender against the run.
"The 6'2", 202-pound safety presents a unique body type with exceptional length and physicality that would be a big plus for the Rams."
30. New England Patriots: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
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The New England Patriots' selection of Will Campbell with last year's fourth overall draft pick doesn't make this pairing a redundancy. Instead, the organization can think of Drake Maye's long-term health by preparing for life without right tackle Morgan Moses.
Moses is a quintessential veteran and leader among the Patriots' offensive line. But the front office can't overlook the fact he turns 35 later this year, with an escalating salary-cap charge over the next two seasons.
New England's front office can invest in another first-round offensive tackle, who presents a fantastic skill set but may need a little time before he's up to speed.
"Caleb Lomu's buttery smooth movement skills are evident," Thorn said. "At the same time, his raw footwork, positional leverage and play-strength are as well. This mix of traits make his projection more varied than most tackle prospects. Even so, his natural ability in pass protection could realistically push him into the opening frame.
"New England can buy Lomu some time before taking over at right tackle. The first-team All-Big 12 performer requires significant development, but he's excellent value and a strong bet for the Patriots at this juncture."
31. Denver Broncos: DL LT Overton, Alabama
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The Denver Broncos' success over the last two seasons has been built around their defense. As a whole, the team's roster is counted among the league's best and doesn't present any glaring holes. However, the possibility of adding more to its defensive front is strong, particularly with John Franklin-Myers set to hit free agency after the season.
Alabama's LT Overton provides flexibility to the Denver's front seven because he has the skill set to produce from multiple spots.
"Any team that wants a versatile defensive lineman should be interested in Overton," Holder said. "He can line up anywhere from a 3-technique to base end and be effective. The Alabama product does lack a defining trait and could fall into the 'Jack of all trades, master of none' category, but his skill set can be maximized with a creative defensive coordinator."
32. Seattle Seahawks: DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
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Certain prospects scream ideal fit for a scheme. Case in point, Ohio State's Kayden McDonald is the perfect widebody to complete the Seattle Seahawks defensive front.
Byron Murphy II has played well as the team's starting nose tackle, but his skill set can allow him to do more if he's moved up and down the line of scrimmage. Whereas, McDonald is a prototypical nose tackle to control the offensive interior and make life easier on Murphy and Leonard Williams.
"The selling point for McDonald is obvious: He's a big dude (6'3", 326 lbs), who is powerful and displays impressive movement skills for his size," Holder said. "The Buckeye's technique and pass-rush arsenal need development, but he should be able to contribute as a run defender from Day 1 in the NFL."
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