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B/R NFL Scouting Dept. Post-Super Bowl 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Super Bowl LX reaffirmed the importance of building a roster through the draft.
The New England Patriots don't even make an appearance without selecting the MVP runner-up (by one vote) Drake Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 class.
Furthermore, this past year's crop included significant contributors such as left tackle Will Campbell, left guard Jared Wilson, running back TreVeyon Henderson, safety Craig Woodson and kicker Andy Borregales.
While the Seattle Seahawks didn't draft their franchise quarterback, he was protected by an offensive line built through the draft and one undrafted rookie signing.
The team's two offensive playmakers, Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker III, were first- and second-round picks, respectively. Seattle's vaunted defense features multiple high draft picks in defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, defensive end Derick Hall, cornerback Devon Witherspoon and safety Nick Emmanwori.
These lineups are built to last because the foundation is comprised of good, young talent that has been properly supplemented with key free-agent or trade acquisitions. Every other franchise is trying to achieve the same goal, and the 2026 NFL draft will serve as the engine toward that potential success.
The Bleacher Report Scouting Department of Brandon Thorn, Dame Parson, Daniel Harms and Matt Holder return to take a look at which direction each organization should go in the first round after seeing how the latest NFL season concluded.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
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The fates finally fell in the Las Vegas Raiders' favor after multiple years of trying to address the quarterback position. The silver (and black) lining to fielding the league's worst team is the opportunity to select a legitimate franchise quarterback.
Raiders fans may still be experiencing post-traumatic stress from the JaMarcus Russell selection atop the 2007 draft class, which was the last and only time the franchise chose a first-round quarterback in the last three decades. Todd Marinovich's selection predated Russell's failed selection.
The Raiders don't have a good track record of choosing quarterbacks in the opening frame.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza has all the makings of bucking the trend and finally giving Las Vegas a first-round QB worthy of building around and leading the organization to future success.
"Mendoza brings stability to the Raiders' quarterback position," Parson said. "He is an uber-accurate passer, with outstanding ball placement and football IQ, which should elevate the Raiders' passing offense after finishing among the league's bottom five this past season."
2. New York Jets: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
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Even with the second overall pick, the New York Jets find themselves in the worst possible position as a quarterback-starved franchise but no prospect worthy of the selection once Fernando Mendoza is chosen.
Instead, the Jets change course and attempt to build an identity through their defense by getting a wrecking ball of a pass-rusher in Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. While not landing a top-shelf quarterback prospect is disappointing, Bain's inclusion should not be since he was the most consistently disruptive collegiate defender during the 2025 campaign.
"The Jets absolutely should look to improve their pass-rush after finishing 31st this past season with only 26 sacks," Holder said. "Bain's addition allows Will McDonald IV to become more of a third-down rusher, while simultaneously giving New York a good run defender to play opposite Jermaine Johnson II and someone who can get pressure from the inside when McDonald is in the lineup."
3. Arizona Cardinals: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
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The Arizona Cardinals need an identity. The organization has been adrift for far too long. It's now restarting with Mike LaFleur at the franchise's new head coach. His time with the San Francisco 49ers should have taught him the importance of high-caliber offensive tackle performance.
While the Cardinals' quarterback situation remains up in the air, Arizona can build a strong front five to protect whomever lines up behind center by choosing B/R's top-rated offensive tackle prospect, Utah's Spencer Fano.
"Arizona hasn't had a long-term answer at right tackle for years," Thorn said. "With Paris Johnson entrenched on the left side, Fano's selection provides long-term bookends for the team to build around. Fano is a quick-twitch mover with excellent balance, who can match up well with speed-rushers on the edge and be a weapon on the move in the run game."
4. Tennessee Titans: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
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Robert Saleh has already stated he will call the defensive plays for the Tennessee Titans after now doing so during his previous stint as a head coach with the New York Jets.
Last year, the Titans selected their offensive centerpiece in quarterback Cam Ward. Now, Tennessee can add a defensive weapon to thrive in Saleh's system. Ohio State's Arvell Reese isn't a typical linebacker. He can become a chess piece to best represent Saleh's philosophy playing "fast and violent."
"Saleh should love the way this draft plays out because the recent San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator gets a versatile defender who can help in several areas," Holder said. "Whether Reese's best position at the next level is on the edge or as an off-ball linebacker, there's no doubt that he can play and would be a great addition to Saleh's defense in Tennessee."
5. New York Giants: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
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John Harbaugh left a situation in Baltimore where the organization's reputation had been built on tough, physical football. The same approach can work in the Big Apple, with Harbaugh now leading the New York Giants.
In order to achieve the goal, the Giants must commit to that brand of football by getting better in the trenches and drafting arguably the class' most physical blocker, Miami's Francis Mauigoa.
"New York is ushering in a new era with Harbaugh and a promising young QB in Jaxson Dart yet just one bona fide building block along the offensive line in left tackle Andrew Thomas," Thorn said. "Last year's starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor is an unrestricted free agent. The team will need a long-term answer at the position regardless if he is brought back or not. Mauigoa is built similarly to Eluemunor but is sturdier and stronger, while possessing an elite anchor."
6. Cleveland Browns: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
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Shedeur Sanders may or may not be Cleveland Browns' future at quarterback. As of now, the organization doesn't have a better option and one isn't available with this pick.
The Browns can't be too disappointed, because they still land the No. 1 overall prospect in the class regardless of position. Safety may not be an immediate need in Cleveland, but Caleb Downs is simply too good to pass up, particularly after the top two offensive linemen already came off the board.
"New Browns head coach Todd Monken just witnessed what having a secondary running through Kyle Hamilton looks like," Harms said. "Downs has the instincts and speed to play on the roof of the defense, as well as the route-recognition and football IQ to come down as a robber or two-high player. He can then man-up on tight ends as a big nickel.
"While Downs isn't an offensive player for the incoming head coach, the talented defensive back makes an already good defense even better."
7. Washington Commanders: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
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The Washington Commanders finished dead-last in total defense this past season. The poor performance on that side of the ball had as much to do with the team's massively disappointing season as Jayden Daniels' injuries.
A season earlier, the Commanders' defense ranked 13th overall on the way to an NFC Championship Game appearance. Obviously, a massive overhaul is necessary after what Washington fielded in 2025, starting with a pass rush that lacks punch.
Texas Tech's David Bailey is coming off a season in which his 14.5 sacks tied for the most in the nation.
"At this point last year, the Commanders were expected to address their pass-rush issue," Holder said. "However, free agency and the draft went by and their only significant addition came courtesy of signing a 36-year-old Von Miller right before training camp. In this scenario, Washington lands arguably the best pure pass-rusher in the draft as Bailey has a deep bag of moves that he can win with to solve one of the team's biggest problems."
8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
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Tyler Shough's play as a rookie gave the New Orleans Saints everything they needed to be hopeful about the team's future.
Previously, the Saints were viewed as having the NFL's worst roster heading into the 2025 campaign. With a potential franchise quarterback emerging, New Orleans can move beyond the game's most important position and properly build around its promising signal-caller.
While the running back position tends to be devalued in today's game, Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is viewed as the top-three prospect in this year's class, according to Bleacher Report Scouting Department.
"Even in a small sample size, Shough proved that he is the guy going forward, at least for 2026," Parson said. "An explosive playmaking talent like Love only accelerates the quarterback's development while taking pressure off Shough to carry the entire offense.
"Love has home run speed, deft pass-catching ability and enough elusiveness to force missed tackles for potential explosive plays."
9. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
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As long as Patrick Mahomes is at quarterback, the Kansas City Chiefs can compete at the highest level. Right now, he isn't healthy and the team is coming off its worst season since he took over the offense.
As a result, the Chiefs have an opportunity to add a top talent and get everything back on track.
In this instance, they have their choice of wide receivers to give Mahomes a more consistent threat.
Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson can be a dominant NFL wide receiver, as long as he remains healthy after suffering multiple collegiate injuries.
"Tyson's medicals will be highly anticipated at the Scouting Combine in a few weeks," Parson said. "Depending on those results, he's the most skilled wide receiver in the draft. Tyson's blend of dynamism, short-area quickness and route-running upside fits well with Andy Reid calling plays. The Chiefs need a potential difference-maker at wide receiver, and Tyson offers exactly that."
10. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
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The Cincinnati Bengals need any help they can get on defense. Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase's effectiveness is mitigated when the other side of the ball can't slow down, let alone stop, opposing offenses.
Mansoor Delane used the transfer portal and this past season at LSU as opportunities to improve his draft standing. He currently has the inside track to be the first cornerback drafted.
"The Bengals desperately need a defensive playmaker," Harms said. "The secondary has long been a sore spot in Cincinnati, and Delane will be a big help. He presents prototypical size at 6'0" and 190 pounds, while showing off impressive football IQ and scheme versatility. All the while, he maintains a physical presence on the boundary against any wide receiver and attacks the catch-point aggressively.
"His lone season at LSU solidified his confidence and showed everyone the talent he already had. He'll step in as Cincinnati's No. 1 cornerback from Day 1."
11. Miami Dolphins: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
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Tua Tagovailoa's impending trade/release will dominate the Miami Dolphins' offseason without taking into account the team became far more competitive after the quarterback took a backseat. The Dolphins discovered a new approach to be successful, with a strong ground game and tenacious defense.
Miami's defense is highly suspect at cornerback, though. Tennessee's Jermod McCoy could have been a top-three draft pick had he been healthy this past season. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL during offseason workouts and never played a down. Still, his skill set is far too good not to take a chance on the cornerback at this juncture.
"McCoy's tape is among the class' best," Harms said. "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 play against a multitude of receivers, while locking down his side of the field. His physicality transitions to the run game, too, as he's a fantastic tackler, who wants to help out in the run game. He's the type of player the Dolphins defense desperately needs."
12. Dallas Cowboys: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
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The NFL draft is rarely predictable, but certain fits seem destined to happen.
In this particular case, Sonny Styles' physical profile and play-style are exactly what the Dallas Cowboys like in their linebackers, while adding enough potential to massively upgrade a disappointing and underachieving defense.
Styles can immediately step in, wear the green dot and become a defensive leader.
"This pairing just makes too much sense," Holder said. "The Cowboys need a lot of help at linebacker, and Styles proved that he's the class' best pure off-ball linebacker, assuming former teammate Arvell Reese takes on more of a hybrid role at the professional level. The former defensive back is a complete player with excellent coverage skills and physicality as a run defender."
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
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Thanks to last year's Day 1 draft trade with the Atlanta Falcons, the Los Angeles Rams have the luxury of adding a position that may not be viewed as an immediate need but can help make the team's offense even more deadly.
Ohio State's Carnell Tate gives a returning Matthew Stafford yet another weapon to expose opposing defenses and possibly improve upon this past season's No. 1-ranked offense. Tate is an ideal fit thanks to his toughness and willingness to do the little things that tend to go unnoticed.
"Davante Adams is not getting any younger (or cheaper), and resetting the wide receiver clock should be a high priority for the Rams," Parson said. "Tate remains in contention to be the class' WR1. His blend of perimeter size, detailed route-running and springy athleticism to high-point contested catches adds yet another element to an already potent offense."
14. Baltimore Ravens: DL Peter Woods, Clemson
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The Baltimore Ravens have a long history of being built around a physical defense. New head coach Jesse Minter comes from a defensive background. While quarterback Lamar Jackson is the driving force behind the team's success, the Ravens get back-to-basics in order to improve upon last year's bottom-10 defensive performance.
Clemson's Peter Woods was once viewed as a top-10 prospect, but he didn't have the dominant final collegiate season many expected. When the Ravens see value with high upside, they tend to strike.
"With uncertainty surrounding Nnamdi Madubuike's future after suffering a neck injury, the Ravens would be wise to grab the class' top defensive tackle," Holder said. "Woods experienced a down year as a pass-rusher, but there's little to no doubt about him operating against the run. Also, he has the traits to be more productive when it comes to getting after the quarterback with good coaching at the next level."
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
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A year ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in the first round, which appeared to be a luxury at the time. It turned out to be a necessity after injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, with the rookie emerging as the team's leading receiver.
Now, Evans and Godwin are scheduled to enter free agency. The Buccaneers need more weapons. Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is by far and away the class' top tight end prospect.
"Cade Otton isn't the most important part of the Buccaneers' offense," Harms said, "but his contract has expired and the unproven players on the depth chart aren't inspiring.
"Sadiq brings a butt-kicking mentality as a blocker and untapped potential as a pass-catcher. The Oregon product's athletic ability has been on display for years. With new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who just helped Kyle Pitts achieve his best season as an NFL player, Sadiq couldn't ask for a better situation."
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): WR Makai Lemon, USC
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The New York Jets are still in need of a quarterback even with a second first-round pick in their back pocket. They can't force a selection, though. Instead, the organization can do everything possible to improve its offensive surrounding cast.
Garrett Wilson is already WR1 for Gang Green. USC's Makai Lemon can be an ideal complementary target because of his reliability, particularly working the middle of the field.
"Lemon is arguably the draft class' safest receiver prospect," Parson said. "He brings a high floor as a pure slot, who can create after the catch with great ball skills. He is a talented and deceptive route-runner who pairs well with the more explosive Wilson, which should ease the offensive transition under new play-caller Frank Reich."
Whether the Jets eventually draft another quarterback or bring in a veteran option, Lemon can quickly become their favorite target.
17. Detroit Lions: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami
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Miami's Akheem Mesidor may not even be a first-round pick this year, because he turns 25 before he even hears his name called by an NFL team.
The Detroit Lions' setup is far more conducive to bringing in an older prospect, because the team isn't necessarily looking at its long-term future.
The Lions are built to win now and need the right pieces in place to ensure they can compete at the highest level. The Canadian edge-defender fills a major need in Detroit's lineup.
"Mesidor's age will continue to be a topic of discussion," Holder said. "However, he has the best hand-usage of any pass-rusher in the incoming draft class, while the Lions are looking for a bookend opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
"Mesidor may not present as high of a ceiling compared to other younger prospects, but Detroit's setup provides the best opportunity to maximize the edge-defender's impact."
18. Minnesota Vikings: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
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The Minnesota Vikings were excellent against the pass in 2025, though the team's heavy-pressure package approach played a large part in that success.
The unit can still upgrade in the secondary. Clemson's Avieon Terrell is one of the class' most competitive and well-rounded cornerbacks. He can immediately step into the Vikings' defensive scheme and thrive.
"Brian Flores is back as the Vikings' defensive coordinator, which means havoc for opposing offenses and a need for corners he can trust," Harms said. "Isaiah Rodgers' contract does expire after the 2026 season, but Terrell could come in and play right away on the outside or as the nickel. He's sticky in man coverage, but he shines as a zone defender, with his eyes on the quarterback and letting his natural instincts take over.
"Flores could even use Terrell's speed to blitz off the edge, adding more weapons to his overaggressive play-calling."
19. Carolina Panthers: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
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The Carolina Panthers are finally building something of substance after winning the NFC South for the first time since Cam Newton's MVP campaign.
Granted, they backed into the postseason and needed help to even claim the division title. Still, it was a step in the right direction after seven straight seasons of seven or fewer wins.
Carolina's defense showed marked improvement in 2025 by finishing in the middle of the pack after being dead-last during the prior season. However, room for improvement still exists, particularly after no one among the unit managed more than five sacks.
Clemson's T.J. Parker didn't live up to expectations during his final season on campus, though he looked far better during Senior Bowl week.
"While the Panthers used two top 100 picks on edge defenders last year—Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen—the organization doesn't seem to trust Umanmielen against the run," Holder said. "Meanwhile, Parker is a strong run-defender, who has questions about his pass-rush ability. The Clemson product did a good job turning speed-to-power as a pass-rusher in Mobile."
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
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The Dallas Cowboys defense sure would look good with a top pass-rusher in its midst, wouldn't it?
Less than a year after trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys use the initial first-round pick acquired in the trade to select Parsons' replacement. While it's unfair to place any incoming prospect on Parsons' level, the Cowboys can't worry about public perception since the team desperately needs defensive help at every level.
Texas A&M's Cashius Howell gives Donovan Ezeiruaku a running mate to come screaming off the edges and help slow opponents trying to keep pace with the Cowboys' offense.
"The Cowboys' defense finished dead last by allowing 30.1 points per game last season, meaning they need an overhaul on that side of the ball," Holder said. "Dallas already addressed linebacker problem with the Sonny Styles pick earlier in this projection. Now, it's time to obtain the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Howell had 11.5 sacks in 13 games last season. Between Ezeiruaku and Howell, the 'Boys will feature a pair of good, young edge-rushers to recreate Micah Parsons in the aggregate."
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
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Whether Aaron Rodgers is the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback next fall or not, the team desperately needs a second target capable of threatening opposing defenses.
DK Metcalf remains an tremendous threat when he's on the field. However, last season showed the Steelers lacked another legitimate option capable of consistently creating within the pass game.
In fact, no other wide receiver on the last year's roster even managed 400 receiving yards. Tight end Pat Freiermuth and running back Kenneth Gainwell were the team's second- and third-leading receivers.
Texas A&M's KC Concepcion is an ideal target in today's NFL because of his all-around explosiveness.
"Concepcion is a dynamic and skilled receiving prospect," Parson said. "His ability to create in space will open up ways for Pittsburgh's offense to attack opposing defenses since he's a threat to score at any time."
22. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
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The Los Angeles Chargers will benefit greatly in 2026 simply by getting both of their starting offensive tackles, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, back in the lineup. However, the organization shouldn't think improved health alone is enough to rectify a disastrous performance by its offensive line this past season.
Jim Harbaugh's approach is about consistently winning at the point of attack and physically grinding down opponents. While his philosophy is more difficult to achieve in the NFL, it's still possible, as long as the right pieces are in place. A tone-setter at guard, like Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane, to go along with those returning tackles will go a long way to improve the Chargers' current setup.
"The Chargers desperately need to gain strength and stability along the interior of their offensive line to raise the floor of their offensive output," Thorn said. "Ioane is the draft class' clear-cut top 'true' guard. He brings ideal size and strength to the position, with better pass protection skills than he's often given credit. He would slide in at right guard among this particular unit to form a dynamic duo alongside Alt (assuming Rashawn Slater stays at left tackle)."
23. Philadelphia Eagles: IOL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
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The Philadelphia Eagles are undergoing a massive overhaul along their offensive line, with the need to add more talent and overcome Jeff Stoutland's unexpected departure.
Alabama's Kadyn Proctor was viewed as a potential top-10 draft pick entering the 2025 campaign. A slow start caused concern, though the 20-year-old prospect played much better during the second half of the season. Still, the massive blocker remains a work-in-progress with immense upside if placed in the right situation to properly develop.
"The Eagles lost their renowned offensive line coach, which means losing their premier developmental pipeline," Thorn said, "However, they still feature three elite-level starters, including at both tackle spots and left guard. This setup places Proctor at right guard for at least a season and his tackle background provides insurance against the sooner-rather-than-later retirement of perennial All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson."
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
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The Cleveland Browns basically have nothing along their offensive line at this point in time.
Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller and Teven Jenkins are all pending free agents. Jack Conklin has dealt with multiple injuries and the team should move on from the veteran right tackle.
Center Luke Wypler may be the only keeper among the team's current group of blockers, hence the desperation to select one at this juncture. Utah's Caleb Lomu presents significant potential to become a long-time, high-end blindside protector.
"Cleveland's pending blank slate signals premium draft capital will be allocated to offensive line," Thorn said. "Lomu isn't as far along in his skill-set as a few other tackles in the upcoming class, but he has good physical traits and natural pass protecting skills to provide significant upside within his rookie contract.
"Considering the Browns' low short-term expectations and built-in patience for development across the roster, Lomu should theoretically have time to add weight and play-strength, while also having the benefit (or hindrance) of facing the best edge-rusher in football, Myles Garrett, every day in practice to help hone his skills."
25. Chicago Bears: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
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The Chicago Bears featured a tremendous pair of safeties last season in Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard III. Neither is under contract this offseason.
Obviously, the Bears probably want to bring one, if not both, back for at least another year. Until that plan is determined, safety remains at the top of Chicago's needs.
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren isn't well-known on the national level after playing four years in the MAC. However, his skill set makes him a solid first-round bet.
"McNeil-Warren played seemingly everywhere for Toledo's defense and excelled this past season," Harms said. "He has underrated instincts driving on the football, mirroring the quarterback well, and packs a punch at the point of contact.
"Typically, McNeil-Warren plays a ton in the box, because he's a plus-defender against the run. The 6'2", 202-pound safety also presents a unique body type with exceptional length and physicality to serve as a big plus in Chicago."
26. Buffalo Bills: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
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Terry Pegula's awkward and inexplicable decision to throw 22-year-old wide receiver Keon Coleman under the bus as part of the reasoning behind the owner's decision to fire head coach Sean McDermott while retaining general manager Brandon Beane tells everyone exactly what he thinks of the Buffalo Bills' current state at wide receiver.
Notre Dame's Malachi Fields is on an upward trajectory as the incoming draft class barrels toward the 2026 NFL combine. Fields was the best player on the field during Senior Bowl week and finally showed how dangerous he can be as an all-around target.
"The Coleman experiment has been a failure," Parson wrote. "As such, the situation only exacerbates a need already found on Buffalo's roster. Fields offers similar tools, size, strength and high-pointing ability to rectify the situation. Comparatively, he also plays with more awareness as a short-to-intermediate target. Plus, Fields is a more dominant ball-winner that Josh Allen can trust."
27. San Francisco 49ers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
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Not so long ago, the San Francisco 49ers featured an embarrassment of riches among their wide receiver room. That's no longer the case.
Kyle Shanahan's success as an offensive play-caller speaks for itself considering the recent turnover found at the position, but the Niners could benefit greatly from a consistent and reliable threat working out wide.
Washington's Denzel Boston pieced together back-to-back 800-yard campaigns with 20 total touchdowns. He is a big-bodied target with the skill set to produce at an even higher level as part of San Francisco's scheme.
"With Brandon Aiyuk on his way out and Jauan Jennings ready to enter free agency, a significant void exists at the position," Parson said. "Boston has X-receiver size, elite ball skills and hands to uncover on back-shoulder fades or inside the red zone. The 6'4", 209-pound target can work the in-breaking routes that Brock Purdy excels at throwing over the middle of the field."
28. Houston Texans: DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
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The automatic assumption is that the Houston Texans will start building around quarterback C.J. Stroud instead of investing in what's already a top-notch defense.
However, the Texans' current contract situations make the defensive interior a priority until proved otherwise.
Texas Tech nose tackle Lee Hunter played as well as anyone not named Fernando Mendoza during the recent College Football Playoff. He's not a traditional space-eater. Instead, the 320-pound defensive tackle can be a disruptive force as part of a defensive front that already unleashes hell on opposing backfields.
"While the Texans featured a strong defensive line this past season, starting defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins and Tim Settle are about to hit free agency," Holder said. "This pick maintains the Texans' defensive dominance.
"With Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter working the edges and Hunter up the middle, no team will be running on Houston's defense for the foreseeable future."
29. Los Angeles Rams: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
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As stated, Matthew Stafford's announcement that he'll return in 2026 places the Los Angeles Rams' plan to win now into overdrive.
Earlier, B/R projected the Rams to take Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate and give the quarterback another weapon to make the NFL's No. 1 overall offense even more dangerous.
However, the most important aspect of Stafford starting is keeping him upright and healthy, so an investment in Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling seems more likely.
"Rams veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein is nearing the end of a solid playing career and will be a free agent in March," Thorn said. "Backup Warren McClendon was serviceable when replacing an injured Havenstein last season, providing the team with a stopgap option. An addition of the inexperienced, raw and talented Freeling gives the unit a long-term option with significant upside, plus the runway to develop slowly with McClendon in place.
"Along with the Rams having an ultra-friendly offensive line scheme under head coach Sean McVay, this setup is an ideal landing spot for a prospect with Freeling's profile."
30. Denver Broncos: DL Keldric Faulk, Auburn
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While the Denver Broncos' season ended in disappointment thanks to Bo Nix's injury and a Mile High snowstorm, the franchise features one of the NFL's best all-around rosters.
At this juncture, Denver can look for the best available talent that fits the team's preferences.
Auburn's Keldric Faulk presents massive upside, but he's not a traditional defensive end or defensive tackle. He's a long, lean and powerful lineman who requires a plan to be successful at the next level. The 20-year-old should fit well in Denver's system.
"The Broncos' defensive line has been one of the NFL's best units, leading the league in sacks during each of the last two seasons," Holder said. "John Franklin-Myers has been a key factor in the unit's success, but he's a pending free agent.
"Faulk is a perfect replacement, falling into a 'tweener type of role. Besides, the Auburn product is a better pass-rusher from the interior."
31. New England Patriots: DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
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Big bodies win in the NFL. New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel understands this as well as anyone considering his history as a player and coach. The Patriots also have a long history of success fielding big, physical nose tackles from Ted Washington to Vince Wilfork, who serve as the defense's tone-setter.
New England already features significant talent at all three defensive levels. Ohio State's Kayden McDonald can step in and be the anchor in the middle for everyone around him to thrive.
"Wilfork actually serves as Bleacher Report's comp for McDonald," Holder said. "Wilfork played alongside Mike Vrabel with the Patriots. Also, Vrabel is an Ohio State alum, connecting the coach and prospect even more. Beyond playing Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, the Patriots should be in the market for a nose tackle since Khyiris Tonga's contract is about to expire."
32. Seattle Seahawks: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
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The Seattle Seahawks' secondary may undergo a significant overhaul this offseason, with Coby Bryant, Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe set to enter free agency.
Mike Macdonald's defense blossomed in 2025 and earned its standing as the game's top-scoring unit. By adding a talent such as Oregon's Dillon Thieneman, the Seahawks can retain significant flexibility within their defensive scheme, particularly after Nick Emmanwori's emergence.
"Thieneman's experience in Oregon's secondary as a robber adds something extra in Seattle," Harms said. "Plus, he adds further appeal as a true center-fielder.
"The Purdue transfer is a physical, downhill defender against the run, with the ability to execute a variety of roles on the back end. The addition of another versatile weapon will have the Seahawks defense flying around and sustaining a high level of play."
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