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2026 NFL Mock Draft: B/R NFL Scouting Dept.'s Predictions Entering April
As March Madness in college basketball comes to a close, the drive toward the NFL draft kicks into full gear.
In truth, the draft is nearly a year-round process, with evaluations of the latest cycle beginning in August.
As everyone enters the final month of assessing the incoming class, plenty remains to be decided. Pro days are just coming to an end, some medical evaluations cloud the picture for certain individuals, and visits will continue to occur.
Organizations are laying the groundwork behind the scenes for potential trade scenarios. All the while, the clock is ticking toward Thursday, April 23 in Pittsburgh, when the Las Vegas Raiders are ready to make their choice with the No. 1 overall pick.
The Bleacher Report Scouting Department of Brandon Thorn, Dame Parson, Daniel Harms and Matt Holder reconvened to reassess where everything stood during the final three weeks before the destinations for the 2026 crop of talent become official.
In doing so, a shift occurred, with the top-10 projection looking significantly different from what it did just a couple of weeks ago.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
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While so much around the NFL changed within the last two weeks, this year's No. 1 overall pick remains undisturbed. If anything, the Las Vegas Raiders tried to make Fernando Mendoza's life easier as a rookie after bringing in three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to lead the offensive line and help make presnap calls.
The Raiders should add another wide receiver or two via free agency or later in the draft. But this pick feels like the closest thing to a slam-dunk with the No. 1 selection since the Jacksonville Jaguars took Trevor Lawrence atop the 2021 class.
"Accuracy, ball placement, command of the offense, and poise in the pocket are all counted among Mendoza's strengths," B/R scout Dame Parson said. "These traits are important for quarterbacks to be successful in the NFL. More importantly, Mendoza fits Klint Kubiak's system. With the Raiders' young nucleus of weapons, he is the right quarterback to lead this team.
2. New York Jets: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
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The New York Jets continue to load up on defensive talent and shape the roster in Aaron Glenn's image.
The organization already added nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat, edge-rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, linebacker Demario Davis and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Now, New York selects its new defensive centerpiece, with a hybrid defender in Ohio State's Arvell Reese.
"Reese's position flexibility should intrigue a defensive-minded coach like Glenn and the team could have a couple of avenues to deploy him," B/R scout Matt Holder said. "Will McDonald IV and Ossai are both pass-rushers who struggle against the run, creating an opportunity for the former Buckeye to line up on the edge during early downs.
"Meanwhile, New York recognized its need at linebacker and signed Davis, but the 37-year-old is only on a two-year contract to justify adding Reese as a long-term solution at linebacker."
3. Arizona Cardinals: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
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After hiring Mike LaFleur as head coach, offense seems like the logical path forward with this particular selection. However, an argument can be made that LaFleur bringing the Shanahan system to the desert should make everything more friendly for everyone involved, particularly after the unit finished among the bottom half of the league in total offense during the 2025 campaign.
Instead, LaFleur can work his magic on that side of the ball, while the Cardinals continue to beef up the defense. Texas Tech's David Bailey can legitimately provide Arizona with an identity on one side of the ball, particularly after the organization's previous first-round investments in Darius Robinson and Walter Nolen III (with Jordan Burch thrown in for good measure).
"The Cardinals needed pass-rush help before Josh Sweat reportedly asked for a trade," Matt Holder said. "The defense could really use some assistance if its 2025 sack leader is on the way out. Bailey is arguably the best pass-rusher in the draft and would be a good fit as a standup outside linebacker if coordinator Nick Rallis wants to switch to more odd fronts moving forward."
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4. Tennessee Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
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The New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs, who own the eighth and ninth overall picks, respectively, immediately invested in veteran running backs at the onset of this year's free agency. Prior to that point, they were considered the favorites to select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Instead, their actions indicate neither believes he'll be available later in the process.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans need offensive help in the worst way, and Love can enter the lineup as the unit's focal point.
"The improvement of Cam Ward's offensive ecosystem should be high on the Titans' to-do list," Parson said. "Love is an elite prospect with a special combination of running and receiving traits to impact the game on all three downs. He is an explosive homerun threat anytime he touches the football but still runs with enough power and contact balance to churn through longer drives. Ward doesn't need to be thrust into a Superman role this early in his career, while Love can serve as his Batman."
5. New York Giants: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
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This particular slot may be the most likely point where a trade occurs since the New York Giants aren't locked into any specific need. The Giants do own seven draft picks, though four of those fall in the fifth round or later. New York can recoup a few high-draft picks, particularly the third-round selection it gave up last year in order to trade up for quarterback Jaxson Dart.
If nothing materializes with a partner to facilitate a draft-day trade, the Giants can stand pat and select the draft class' No. 1 overall prospect, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
"A lot of differing opinions exist regarding Downs," Daniel Harms said, "but John Harbaugh knows what this kind of prospect can do for a defense. He's spent the last few years watching Kyle Hamilton be a unique chess piece for the Ravens. While the body types are different, their impacts on the defense can be similar. Downs unlocked every defensive player at Ohio State last season with his football IQ, instincts and versatility. He'll be the glue that holds the Giants' defense together and allows everyone around him to flourish."
6. Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
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The Cleveland Browns have a choice to make once they're on the clock with the sixth overall pick, because the team has two screaming needs at left tackle and wide receiver. Fortunately, the organization owns a pair of first-round selections to address both.
What general manager Andrew Berry has to ask himself is which situation stacks more favorably for the team?
In this case, B/R leans toward the addition of the class' top wide receiver. Cleveland already rebuilt the majority of its front five this offseason but has yet to add an adequate target for whoever starts at quarterback.
"Carnell Tate is a technically refined target to immediately contribute as the Z-receiver in an offense," Parson said. "He adds a great blend of perimeter size, detailed route running and springy athleticism, allowing him to high-point contested catches downfield thanks to outstanding field awareness."
7. Washington Commanders: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
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The Washington Commanders already feature two of the NFL's most physical and attacking linebackers after signing Leo Chenal in free agency to join Frankie Luvu. However, both are far better working downhill and being used as aggressive blitzers or rushers.
Whereas, Ohio State's Sonny Styles is the most athletically gifted linebacker to ever enter the NFL ranks–which isn't hyperbole after posting a perfect relative athletic score at this year's NFL combine, according to Kent Lee Platte.
Styles is the ideal piece to play alongside Luvu and Chenal, allowing Dan Quinn to get really creative with his defensive scheme.
"The Commanders' defense could use a linebacker who can drop in coverage, and Luvu is about to enter a contract year anyway," Holder said. "Styles, who converted from safety, brings that and more to the nation's capital. He's a sure tackler, similar to the backer he'd be replacing, Bobby Wagner."
8. New Orleans Saints: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
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The New Orleans Saints have to be excited because they ended the 2025 campaign as a team trending upward and still have a top-eight selection to add a top-tier prospect.
In this particular case, Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. was easily one of the nation's most dominant performers this past season. He should be in the conversation as early as the second overall pick. However, concerns over sub-31-inch arms will follow him until he proves he can be the same type of player at the professional level.
The Saints can take full advantage of Bain's slight drop.
"Edge may not be a major need in New Orleans," Holder said, "but the team could use some help at the position, particularly with Cameron Jordan still unsigned. Furthermore, this pairing is a case where the Saints walk away with the best player available. Bain adds potential to reduce inside on passing situations, creating opportunities for him, Chase Young and Carl Granderson to be on the field at the same time."
9. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
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Two factors should come into play once the Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock with the ninth overall pick.
First, the organization shouldn't expect to draft this high again for some time. Kansas City operates on a Super Bowl standard and should continue to do so with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback.
Second, the Chiefs own a second first-round selection thanks to the Trent McDuffie trade.
General manager Brett Veach should take a big swing here and select a prospect with immense upside. As long as the Chiefs' medical personnel is comfortable with Jordyn Tyson's history of injuries, the team could be adding the class' best wide receiver.
"Tyson's blend of dynamism, short-area quickness and route-running upside fits well with Andy Reid's play-calling," Parson said. "The Chiefs need a potential difference-maker at wide receiver, and Tyson offers all of that and more."
10. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
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Any defensive addition by the Cincinnati Bengals should be viewed a positive.
Obviously, the Bengals are built around quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. It falls on the defense to slow opposing offenses and an addition of the class' top cornerback, LSU's Mansoor Delane, will definitely help a pass defense that finished among the league's bottom seven last season.
"While there have been signs of life at corner for the Bengals, an upgrade can be hugely beneficial," Harms said. "Delane brings a physical demeanor from the boundary, won't back down against bigger receivers and can seamlessly transition from man to zone coverage with little drop off. His football IQ stands out, and he'd walk in as a Day 1 starter at a position where the Bengals need difference-makers as well as depth."
11. Miami Dolphins: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
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When overhauling an offense, three steps serve as the process. First, a quarterback is necessary. The Miami Dolphins made their splash this offseason by signing Malik Willis. Second, a solid front five is necessary to ensure the quarterback can succeed. Finally, a strong supporting cast completes the plan.
Miami finds itself in stage two, hence the selection of Georgia's Monroe Freeling. The Dolphins can add pieces to the skill positions later since talented big bodies are more difficult to acquire.
"The Dolphins have an opportunity to upgrade at right tackle," Brandon Thorn said, "because Austin Jackson is returning from an injury and expects to hit free agency after the 2026 season. This Miami regime also has extensive roots with the Green Bay Packers organization, which typically favors the selection of collegiate left tackles over finding a home for them somewhere else along the line.
"Freeling offers an ideal blend of size and athletic ability at tackle, while Jackson's presence could serve as a bridge before the rookie transitions from the left to the right side."
12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
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The Dallas Cowboys own a pair of first-round picks, and both should go toward the defensive side of the ball after their unit finished among the bottom three last season. Jerry Jones and Co. don't need to overthink this process.
Specifically, the Cowboys finished dead last in pass defense. The secondary requires an overhaul. Tennessee's Jermod McCoy may be a wild card in this year's class, but he has legitimate CB1 potential, and Dallas may be getting awesome value here based on last year's circumstances.
"Dallas' secondary definitely needs work," Harms said. "What better way to start than by adding one of the draft class' most talented corners? McCoy's 2024 tape stands out among incoming defenders for his explosiveness, natural man-coverage acumen and physicality in disrupting receivers downfield at the catch-point.
"There's a little more risk with McCoy after not playing last season due to a torn ACL he suffered in January of 2025. However, he's the type of player worth taking in the top half of a draft when a defense needs a significant talent injection. With his physicality, tackling ability and quick twitch, McCoy can give the Cowboys valuable nickel reps as well."
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
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The Los Angeles Rams understand their window for another Super Bowl with Matthew Stafford at quarterback is closing. Their moves should be done with thought of doing everything possible to make life easier on the 38-year-old reigning MVP.
An investment in keeping the veteran signal-caller upright is the smartest possible decision. Miami's Francis Mauigoa can immediately replace Rob Havenstein, who chose to retire earlier this offseason.
"Mauigoa is widely considered the top offensive lineman in the class," Thorn said. "His availability with the 13th overall pick and inserting him alongside one of the NFL's top right guards (Kevin Dotson) is the ideal outcome. The consensus All-American would have the luxury of operating in one of the league's most offensive line-friendly schemes under head coach Sean McVay, fitting perfectly inside their downhill, duo-based run game."
14. Baltimore Ravens: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
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Penn State's Vega Ioane won't directly replace Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, but the guard's selection helps strengthen an offensive interior that's been weakened this offseason.
Ioane brings a blend of size, strength and play-style that fits perfectly in Baltimore, even if a new coaching staff took the reins this year.
"Baltimore already brought back John Simpson but could still afford to upgrade the other guard spot, especially if the class' top-rated prospect at the position is still on the board," Thorn said. "Ioane provides a stouter presence than the team has had in years, possessing the demeanor and play-strength to reshape the offense's identity.
"The Ravens must dedicate additional resources to their interior line before Week 1 of the 2026 campaign. This addition provides the best-case scenario by addressing a need with value."
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DL Keldric Faulk, Auburn
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive front is somewhat mismatched, with Vita Vea and A'Shawn Robinson presenting similar skill sets along the interior. Meanwhile, Calijah Kancey falls on the opposite side of the spectrum as an undersized, penetrating option. All three could be entering the final years of their current deals as well.
Auburn's Keldric Faulk, who doesn't turn 21 until September, is an ideal piece to place into this rotation. The 6'6", 276-pound defender could give the Bucs what Logan Hall failed to provide after being a second-round selection from the 2022 class.
"Faulk's selection at this spot is more about the Buccaneers' long-term vision than next season," Holder said. "He'd be a great fit as a 4i- to 5-technique and complement Kancey well in odd fronts. Kancey would be the undersized but quick-twitched pass-rusher, while Faulk is the long-limbed run defender. It also doesn't hurt that the latter has good traits to potentially develop into a more complete player down the road."
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): WR Makai Lemon, USC
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The New York Jets' plan at quarterback remains in flux. Will they draft one? Could they trade a later pick for a young veteran like Tanner McKee, Mac Jones or Davis Mills? Is it possible the organization actually moves forward with Geno Smith as the entrenched starter during the 2026 season?
Anything is possible at this point, which makes this pick even more important.
The Jets lack a secondary option at wide receiver. Garrett Wilson is an excellent top target. Though he missed 10 games last season due to injury. Adonai Mitchell does present significant upside, but New York needs a more reliable option.
"Makai Lemon is a dependable and versatile matchup receiver," Parson said. "He is a headache to cover in the slot because of his nuanced route-running and ball skills. He has elite toughness and makes his money creating yards after the catch. Lemon displays outstanding contact balance to pinball off tackles in the open field. He projects as a potential security blanket for a quarterback.
17. Detroit Lions: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
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Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes already opened the door to the possibility of All-Pro Penei Sewell moving from right to left tackle after Taylor Decker's release.
What if the Detroit Lions weren't forced to do so? Sewell has experience at left tackle, and he'd likely thrive on the blind side. At the same time, he's already one of the league's very best at his current spot.
In this scenario, the Lions have an opportunity to draft a left tackle prospect with outstanding physical gifts to complete their front five.
"Detroit favors size, power and physicality in the trenches," Thorn said. "Alabama's Kadyn Proctor fits the mold of what a Hank Fraley-led room has looked like under head coach Dan Campbell, offering the class' best blend of size and raw power. He would also benefit from learning to better harness and refine his physical gifts while working alongside Sewell, as well as receiving extra help, slides and attention in pass protection."
18. Minnesota Vikings: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
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The Minnesota Vikings have an opportunity to land the class' best offensive tackle prospect and then move him to center.
While the approach may come across like a poor use of resources, the type of versatility that Utah's Spencer Fano potentially brings will help the entire offense, while simultaneously upgrading a unit that will be vital as Minnesota attempts to find its long-term solution at quarterback.
"Minnesota has a hole at center following Ryan Kelly's retirement, while right tackle Brian O'Neill is set to hit free agency after the 2026 season," Thorn said. "Fano's profile is reminiscent of current Packers right tackle Zach Tom coming out of Wake Forest.
"While rumors of Tom sliding inside to center never materialized, Fano's would in this scenario. Minnesota is set at the other four spots for the upcoming season. Still, Fano's athletic ability is an instant weapon within Kevin O'Connell's designed run game and offers a potential long-term option at right tackle if O'Neill is not retained."
19. Carolina Panthers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
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The Carolina Panthers have sunk plenty into their tight ends without finding a legitimate answer.
Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans were all mid-round draft picks within the last five years. None of them have proved themselves as the solution.
Whereas, Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is easily the incoming class' TE1.
"It's time to add a true weapon at tight end for Carolina," Harms said. "Sure, Sadiq is on the smaller side. But he's an aggressive-minded blocker with Y-tight end capabilities and one of the best athletes in the class regardless of position. His yards-after-catch ability can be great for quarterback Bryce Young to provide a quick option in the passing game.
"Sadiq is still learning the finer points of route-running, but the upside is sky high. For a team with a quarterback who needs plenty of help to be effective, this tight end's all-around upside is simply too good to pass."
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
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The Dallas Cowboys aren't simply adding a pair of defensive prospects–which is the logical approach for their setup. But they're also going to double-dip with their secondary.
Earlier, Dallas chose Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy to handle the likes of Malik Nabers, Terry McLaurin and DeVonta Smith/AJ Brown within the NFC East. A versatile safety to serve as a backline eraser will further improve the situation, hence Dillon Thieneman's addition.
"Jalen Thompson's signing was a good start for the safety room," Harms said, "but the acquisition of a true roamer on the back end with range, speed and instincts will help take the Cowboys' defense to the next level.
"Dallas can win a championship with the offense it has constructed. Thieneman living on top of the defense can help round out every other piece of the defense to finally play complementary football. While he played closer to the line of scrimmage at Oregon and gained experience as a robber, his best attributes are playing the post and hash. He and McCoy massively upgrade the Cowboys' defense based on talent alone."
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
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The Pittsburgh Steelers operate in a certain manner, and they don't stray too far from what's made them successful over the last 50 years–which is exactly why the organization is once again waiting to see if Aaron Rodgers is coming back for another season and trying to squeak out yet another postseason appearance in 2026.
Despite the franchise spinning its wheels since Ben Roethlisberger retired, it continues to take the same approach. With that in mind, the Steelers have always placed a heavy emphasis on linebacker play and can do so again by selecting Georgia's CJ Allen.
"With trade rumors surrounding Patrick Queen, an opportunity to take advantage of the best linebacker class in years should be on the table," Holder said. "Allen has impressive ball skills for the position and can replace what Queen brought in coverage, while having plenty of upside to develop into a complete backer."
22. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
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The idea of entering the 2026 season with Trevor Penning and Cole Strange—two failed first-round picks—as the Los Angeles Chargers' starting guards is not a comforting thought.
Considering how the Chargers' offensive line collapsed last season, something else must be done to improve the unit.
Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnon is a plug-and-play guard to raise the floor for Los Angeles' front five and give quarterback Justin Herbert a better chance to thrive without constantly carrying the team's offense.
"The Chargers could bypass and wait to address their interior line if the board fell this way and be justified," Thorn said. "However, Pregnon's hulking frame, outstanding power and stout anchor could entice them to address a need anyway. The Chargers must replace Zion Johnson before the season and Pregnon would offer a bigger, more commanding presence while pairing with an excellent left tackle in Rashawn Slater."
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF
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Body types, athletic profiles and growth potential can drastically push a prospect up the draft board.
UCF's Malachi Lawrence generally isn't viewed as a first-round option, but he should be in play because of all the things just mentioned.
"This slotting is much higher than Lawrence's grade dictates," Holder said, "but it also wouldn't be surprising for a team to take a flier based on his traits.
"The UCF product combines a 6'4", 253-pound frame, with 33⅝-inch arms, elite athleticism (9.90 RAS at the NFL combine) and good pass-rush production (19.5 sacks over the last three seasons) to provide tantalizing upside. This pairing feels right up general manager Howie Roseman's alley, especially since the Eagles don't have an immediate need for an edge-rusher but could be in the market next offseason."
The Eagles love to load up on defensive line talent to ensure long-term depth, which is critical to Roseman's preferred roster-building approach.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
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As stated earlier, the Browns had a clear plan that began at wide receiver–Carnell Tate in this case–and led to the selection of a left tackle prospect with their second first-round pick.
Cleveland has fielded a playoff-caliber defense for multiple years now. The fact that Myles Garrett won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year after setting a single-season sack record and Cleveland still won only five games shows how important it is in today's NFL to field a competent offense.
Since the organization seems (inexplicably) content with what it currently has at quarterback for the upcoming season, all Andrew Berry can do is select Utah's Caleb Lomu here and complete the offensive line's offseason overhaul.
"Cleveland grabbed one of the last viable blindside protectors remaining in the class," Thorn said. "Lomu may not be ready to start on Day 1—Dawand Jones may be given one more shot in the meantime—but he has the movement skills and pass protection ability to compete with most opponents as he gains play-strength over his first couple of seasons. This selection addresses a glaring need, while adding a high-side upside player at a premium spot."
25. Chicago Bears: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
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Interestingly, the Chicago Bears allowed both of their starting safeties to leave in free agency. So far, the organization has added only one option as an adequate replacement.
Coby Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million contract. The collegiate corner is best served as a free safety. Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren can provide the Bears' secondary with a more imposing safety.
"The losses of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker in the same offseason aren't ideal after Chicago's successful turnaround during the 2025 campaign," Harms said. "However, McNeil-Warren adds a much-needed physical presence and a defender who can float between the hash and box. His instincts are better than he gets credit for, and the 6'3", 201-pound defensive back brings a unique body-type to the secondary, with the ability to mix it up with NFL tight ends and tackle in the run game."
26. Arizona Cardinals (via Buffalo): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
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TRADE: The Arizona Cardinals flip this year's 34th overall pick, 65th and a 2027 third-round selection to the Buffalo Bills for the 26th pick. (It's basically the same deal the New York Giants made with the Houston Texans to draft Jaxson Dart.)
Typically, Bleacher Report doesn't project draft-day trades. In this case, the Cardinals must be aggressive to ensure they land their potential franchise quarterback in Alabama's Ty Simpson.
As it currently stands, the Cardinals find themselves just behind the New York Jets near the top of the draft's second round. Both teams should have interest in Simpson as the class' QB2. While the Jets are poised to try and win this fall, Arizona has a little longer runway to rebuild, which should include a significant investment in the quarterback position.
"Arizona has the offensive infrastructure for a young quarterback to properly develop with head coach Mike LaFleur, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and quarterbacks coach Matt Schaub," Parson said. "A trade back into the first round allows the Cardinals to grab their top-rated player with the third overall pick, then select the quarterback who best fits their offensive system.
"Simpson is accurate and plays with more polish than his experience level. His ball placement and ability to layer the football between the numbers will complement Marvin Harrison Jr.'s and Trey McBride's skill sets."
27. San Francisco 49ers: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
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Just two years ago, the San Francisco 49ers entered the NFL draft with Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings at wide receiver. Since Jennings remains unsigned in free agency, none of the three are with the team.
Expectations revolve around Ricky Pearsall taking on a bigger role in Year 3, while the organization also signed Mike Evans and Christian Kirk as free agents. Even so, the Niners could use more firepower in the passing game, particularly with an electric option that can create after the catch.
"KC Concepcion is one of the draft's most dynamic receivers," Parson said. "He feels like a seamless fit for Kyle Shanahan's West Coast offense. Concepcion is great in space by using his playmaking ability from multiple alignments to create coverage mismatches. He is an easy separator and a three-level threat for quarterback Brock Purdy to attack man and zone coverages."
28. Houston Texans: DL Peter Woods, Clemson
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The Houston Texans defense is outstanding, and the team can continue to build on a strength with the addition of Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods.
He can provide a long-term answer along the interior, with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter working off the edges.
"While the Texans re-signed Sheldon Rankins, the soon-to-be 32-year-old is only on a two-year deal," Holder said. "Also, Tommy Togiai is about to enter a contract year. Houston will likely be in the defensive tackle market sooner rather than later, and this pick is about maintaining the league's No. 1 defense.
"Woods' draft stock has taken a big hit over the last several months, but he's a good run defender who would be a great scheme fit as a 3-technique in DeMeco Ryans' defense."
Woods' addition gives the Texans a prospect with massive growth potential to become even better at the professional level than what he showed at Clemson.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LA Rams): Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
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Logically, the Kansas City Chiefs could add secondary help after trading Trent McDuffie and losing Bryan Cook, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams in free agency. But the Chiefs believe in their ability to draft and develop defensive backs. Plus, they signed Alohi Gilman and Kader Kohou to offset a couple of those losses.
Furthermore, the team's defensive approach is built upon the philosophy of creating pressure to make life easier on those in coverage.
"The Chiefs' defense needs help on the edge," Holder said, "but defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is pretty picky, favoring defensive ends who can play the run and win with power as a pass-rusher. Those traits describe T.J. Parker rather well. This selection can also be seen as a great value pick since many had the Clemson product as the top edge-defender entering the 2024 campaign. Obviously, Parker's draft stock lost some steam during the season, but that trend happened for multiple prospects coming from a disappointing Clemson program."
30. Miami Dolphins (via Denver): CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
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The Miami Dolphins simply have to address cornerback sooner rather than later, and the extra first-round pick acquired from the Denver Broncos for Jaylen Waddle is a perfect time to do so.
Currently, the Dolphins' cornerback depth chart primarily consists of Storm Duck, JuJu Brents, Jason Marshall Jr., Lonnie Johnson Jr. and Darrell Baker Jr. It's not pretty, particularly for a new head coach in Jeff Hafley, who used to be a secondary coach.
"Duck is likely the best corner that Miami currently has on the roster, which must change," Harms said. "Clemson's Avieon Terrell brings inside-and-outside versatility, shows incredible instincts in zone coverage and is sticky and competitive in man coverage. He's relentless in pursuit and a capable tackler when he wants to be.
"Terrell's addition to the defensive back room is a great step forward for a team looking to rebuild from the studs by adding studs."
Terrell, who didn't take part in Clemson's pro day, aggravated his hamstring injury during Monday's private workout, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. While it would have been nice to get one final look at the 21-year-old in a workout setting, his tape justifies a late-first-round selection.
Game speed beats track speed, and Terrell's injury shouldn't impact his long-term NFL outlook.
31. New England Patriots: DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
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While this particular selection may be dangled to obtain AJ Brown, the wide receiver remains a member of the Philadelphia Eagles for now.
Instead, the New England Patriots use the draft pick to fortify the defensive interior after losing Khyiris Tonga in free agency.
Kayden McDonald was the tip of the spear for the nation's best defense during the 2025 campaign. The Ohio State Buckeyes featured a loaded unit with multiple NFL draft picks at every level, but McDonald set the tone up front.
"A nose tackle from Ohio State, who is physical and nasty against the run, just feels like a Mike Vrabel pick," Holder said. "Due to the current construction of the Patriots' defense, McDonald could come in and start from Day 1."
Let's not forget that the Seattle Seahawks ran for 141 yards and averaged 4.4 yards per carry, with running back Kenneth Walker III winning MVP honors, during Super Bowl LX.
32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
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Super Bowl champions tend to be ravaged the following offseason. Pending free agents look to maximize their value after experiencing the highest form of professional success, and other franchises want a piece of a top-notch roster.
The Seattle Seahawks are no different. Running back Kenneth Walker III, edge-defender Boye Mafe, cornerback Riq Woolen and safety Coby Bryant left in free agency.
While Seattle still has a strong remaining core, general manager John Schneider can add multiple different pieces. However, the Seahawks own only four draft picks, so they need to identify and prioritize specific target areas. The secondary is an obvious unit to address.
"Josh Jobe played well for Seattle last season," Harms said, "but Chris Johnson's addition can keep an extremely talented secondary near the top of the NFL since the San Diego State product is a technician at corner, tackles well and can play a variety of coverages on the boundary.
"Johnson's pre-draft process has been excellent. His work ethic, paired with his natural talent, should be an attractive asset for head coach Mike Macdonald, whose defense thrives on executing complex disguises and various looks."
*The previous Bleacher Report Scouting Department Mock Draft can be found here.
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