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2026 NFL Mock Draft After Free Agency Signings and Trades
The dust has settled after the whirlwind start of NFL free agency, with the league's landscape looking drastically different today than it did entering the month of March.
The movement didn't stop there. Multiple blockbuster trades occurred as well.
The reigning Super Bowl MVP, Kenneth Walker III, is now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans joined the San Francisco 49ers after 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Malik Willis takes over as the Miami Dolphins' quarterback to replace Tua Tagovailoa, who now plays for the Atlanta Falcons. The Dolphins also traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos just this week. These moves serve as examples of the caliber and breadth regarding the amount of player movement since the new league began on March 11.
With teams addressing areas throughout their respective rosters, draft needs and targets shifted dramatically as well. Multiple organizations did an excellent job adding new personnel to place themselves in a better position once they're on the clock. The same willingness to open their wallets and make big deals likely signals which direction each plan to go, particularly early in this year's class.
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: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
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The Arizona Cardinals feel like they're in a situation where the team is starting almost completely from scratch. That's not exactly the case, but the roster desperately requires an injection of talent in numerous areas.
Instead of forcing a pick here to address a specific need, the Cards simply select a premier talent and an elite athlete in Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles to man the middle of their defense.
"This incoming draft class is weird because it wouldn't be surprising to see positional value get thrown out of the window for a lot of teams," Holder said. "Plus, Styles proved during the season and his performance at the NFL combine that he's a different type of linebacker well-worth a very high draft pick. Styles is an immediate athletic upgrade over Mack Wilson Sr. and a potential defensive leader from Day 1."
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: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
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With right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor returning on a new three-year contract, the New York Giants' concentration shifts with this selection. Instead of looking at possible offensive line fortifications, the team can provide Jaxson Dart with another weapon in order to help spur the quarterback's development.
Ohio State's Carnell Tate may not be a traditional X-receiver often seen as a top-five draft selection. However, his skill set fits in nicely with what the Giants are building offensively.
"Tate can provide Dart with a reliable, QB-friendly receiving threat to pair with Malik Nabers," Parson said. "Tate's route-running nuance and technical prowess will create a balanced duo with Nabers for years to come."
When a healthy Cam Skattebo and recently signed Isaiah Likely are added to the mix, John Harbaugh's offense is taking shape, with significant potential for improvement under new play-caller Matt Nagy.
6. Cleveland Browns: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
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The Cleveland Browns are basically in "left tackle or bust" mode with this year's sixth overall draft pick.
The team entered the new league year needing to replace all five of its starting offensive linemen from last season. They traded for Tytus Howard to man right tackle. Left guard Zion Johnson and center Elgton Jenkins signed as free agents. Teven Jenkins re-signed to become the projected right guard. Now, a blindside protector is necessary, and Georgia's Monroe Freeling fits Cleveland's preferred profile.
"Dawand Jones played left tackle last season," B/R Scout Brandon Thorn said, "but he's best suited at right tackle. In this scenario, he can take over as Cleveland's swing tackle, while Freeling immediately starts at left tackle. The former Bulldog has premier physical traits but an inexperienced background and raw skill-set. This instant starter-role may yield a rocky rookie season, but he has the size and movement skills to incrementally improve and gel alongside Johnson over the next few seasons."
7. Washington Commanders: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
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The Washington Commanders made significant changes on the defensive side of the ball after dropping to dead last in the league.
Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson should prove a significant pass-rush boost. The Commanders also signed linebacker Leo Chenal and safety Nick Cross as free agents to help the second and third levels. Another safety to play over the top of the defense is still needed, and Washington couldn't find a better option than Ohio State's Caleb Downs.
"This defense needs difference-makers," B/R scout Daniel Harms said. "Downs gives them just what they are looking for. Cross is a good player but pairing him with Downs solidifies the secondary and gives Washington someone who could be a green-do player as an on-field play-caller. His instincts, physical style and playmaking ability translate to all three levels of the defense and create an instant impact."
8. New Orleans Saints: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
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Much like the New York Giants three picks earlier, the New Orleans Saints take the same approach by building around their talented sophomore quarterback and giving him another threat in the passing game.
In this instance, the Saints add Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson to pair with Chris Olave. Tyson has a higher upside than Carnell Tate, but he has brings an injury history that's somewhat worrisome. But the Saints should take a risk here, because Tyson is talented enough to open up the entire offense.
"Tyson is the class' most skilled and talented receiver prospect," Parson said. "His combination of twitch, long speed, space creation and route-running upside make him a prime candidate as a future WR1, though that burden is removed at the onset of his career thanks to Olave's presence in the lineup.
"Another dynamic threat in the passing game can potentially help Tyler Shough reach franchise quarterback status."
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
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The Kansas City Chiefs may be the team pushing the narrative that Rueben Bain Jr.'s arms are too short just to ensure he's available with ninth overall pick.
Bain's tape says he's a top-five player in this year's draft class. He was consistently disruptive as a run defender and pass-rusher. His 156 pressures since 2023 were the most in college football, according to Pro Football Focus. The 21-year-old can be a game-wrecker at the next level, especially as part of Kansas City's excellent defensive scheme.
"Bain fits what coordinator Steve Spagnuolo loves in a defensive end, as a stout run defender who can win with power as a pass-rusher," Holder said. "Additionally, the Ted Hendricks Award winner and consensus All-American was the most dominant defensive player in college football last season, providing great value with the ninth overall selection."
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: WR Makai Lemon, USC
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The idea of the Miami Dolphins trading away Jaylen Waddle then using the organization's top draft pick on a wide receiver may come across as counterproductive. However, the Dolphins must set up new starting quarterback Malik Willis for success. Right now, a wide receiver lineup consisting of Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell simply isn't good enough.
The Dolphins must address this specific position sooner rather than later, and USC's Makai Lemon has the capabilities of being the team's No. 1 target at the onset of his career.
"Lemon is an ideal fit as a volume slot receiver, with the capabilities to play the Z-receiver position," Parson said. "His route-running, ball skills and ironman toughness can give Willis a reliable and quick-winning receiver to pepper with targets and run the offense through."
12. Dallas Cowboys: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
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The Dallas Cowboys made a massive mistake by not getting a long-term contract extension done with Micah Parsons last year, then compounding the problem by trading him to the Green Bay Packers. But the organization continues to rectify the issue by investing in their pass-rush to improve the defense.
Donovan Ezeiruaku provided a promising rookie campaign after being a second-round pick in 2025. The Cowboys acquired Rashan Gary from the Packers this offseason. Now, add the class' best pure pass-rusher in Texas Tech's David Bailey to the rotation and Dallas can really get after opposing quarterbacks.
"This is a case where the best player available approach lines up perfectly with the team's needs," Holder said. "Bailey ranks seventh on B/R's big board, and the Cowboys still need more of a pass-rush. Gary's acquisition could complicate the defensive line rotation to some degree, but a team that finished among the bottom 10 in sacks last season should welcome that problem."
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: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2019, with their string of four-straight NFC South titles snapped. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is also entering the last year of his current contract. The Bucs are in win-now mode, which is exactly why Miami pass-rusher Akheem Mesidor is an option this high in the first round.
"Seemingly, The Buccaneers' Super Bowl window is starting to close and the front office is likely looking to make one more push toward another Lombardi Trophy," Holder said. "As a result, Tampa Bay likely won't be concerned about Mesidor's age, especially since the defense needs an edge-rusher and the soon-to-be 25-year-old is arguably the draft class' most pro-ready pass-rusher."
Neither YaYa Diaby nor Al-Quadin Muhammad should be viewed as a primary pass-rushing threat. Mesidor can be.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
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Some irony exists in the New York Jets trading away Sauce Gardner a year ago only to use the pick acquired from the Indianapolis Colts to select another cornerback. Even so, the Jets have overhauled their defense, as noted earlier when New York chose linebacker Arvell Reese with the second overall pick.
Tennessee's Jermod McCoy is an elite corner prospect, though he didn't play in 2025 due to a torn ACL.
"McCoy is an Aaron Glenn-type at the corner position, with outstanding explosiveness, ball skills and a willingness to come downhill in run support," Harms said. "He's scheme versatile but thrives in man-coverage and competes through the route and at catch point. If the plan is to get back to a state of competitiveness and buy himself some time as the head coach, McCoy's addition, which brings another difference-maker after Reese's selection, is a great start to the Jets' draft class.
17. Detroit Lions: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
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Taylor Decker's release partially broke up the NFL's best front five. Jared Goff's success with the Detroit Lions hinges on his ability to stay clean and pick apart opposing defense. Undue pressure on the 31-year-old quarterback drastically alters his effectiveness from the pocket.
Utah's Spencer Fano is the reigning Outland Trophy winner. He can immediately slide into the starting right tackle spot and give the Lions outstanding young bookends.
"Fano is B/R's highest-rated blocker in this class due to high-end movement skills paired with elite-level competitive toughness," Thorn said. "This pairing signals a high-floor NFL starter regardless of position with the opportunity to play right tackle or possibly move inside later if necessary. Fano's demeanor also fits the culture of a Dan Campbell and Hank Fraley-led offense, as well as allows Sewell to slide over to his natural home at left tackle, mirroring the career arc of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' All-Pro Tristan Wirfs."
18. Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
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Both sides of the ball should look drastically different this fall for the Minnesota Vikings, with Kyler Murray likely leading the offense and Harrison Smith probably not in his spot amongst the defense once he makes a final decision about retirement.
Smith's potential departure could leave a massive hole in the defense because of his schematic flexibility, football IQ and experience. No rookie can fully replicate what Smith brought to Minnesota's roster, but Oregon's Dillon Thieneman has the skill set to give coaching staff plenty of options.
"Thienemen would be an asset in Brian Flores' defense thanks to his versatility and true single-high ability, which would allow the aggressive defensive coordinator to get even more creative with the blitzes and disguises he calls," Harms said. "The Purdue transfer is a great athlete at the position, with range, instincts and robber upside.
"Minnesota is looking to maximize the staff/scheme right now, and this selection can go a long way toward ensuring that happens."
19. Carolina Panthers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
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The Carolina Panthers have sunk plenty into their tight ends without find 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 proven themselves as the solution.
Whereas, Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is easily 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 than 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): LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
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The Dallas Cowboys could and should continued to load up on defense. That side of the ball significantly disappointed in 2025, particularly with the team's offense performing so well.
Earlier, the organization added David Bailey to provide last year's anemic pass-rush. Now, it targets the second line of defensive, with a versatile and athletic linebacker in Cincinnati's Jake Golday, who might just remind Cowboys faithful of a former Dallas defender.
"The Cowboys surrendered a league-high 30.1 points per game last season to completely justify double-dipping with defensive players in this first-round projection," Holder said. "Linebacker was a significant sore spot last year. While Georgia's CJ Allen is graded higher on B/R's board, Golday has better physical traits and the makings of being an every-down linebacker.
"It wouldn't be surprising if owner Jerry Jones sees a lot of Leighton Vander Esch, who Jones chose with the 19th pick in 2018, in the Cincinnati product."
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: OL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
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Everyone is operating under the assumption that Aaron Rodgers will lead the Pittsburgh Steelers offense again this fall. With quarterback out of the way for at least one more year, the organization can instead concentrate on building out what has the potential to be a successful offense, particularly after wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.'s addition to play alongside DK Metcalf.
The Steelers' offensive line isn't entirely settled, though.
"Pittsburgh acquired capable swing interior lineman Brock Hoffman this offseason," Thorn said. "However, his limited ceiling provides an opportunity to find a better long-term answer in the draft, especially if Alabama's Kadyn Proctor is available. He can slot into left guard at the onset of his professional career.
"Proctor's addition also gives the team another option at left tackle to compete with and/or replace Broderick Jones. Proctor offers the incoming class' best blend of size and raw power."
22. Los Angeles Chargers: DL Keldric Faulk, Auburn
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The trenches remain the primary sticking point for the Los Angeles Chargers. Though the attention could finally shift away from the offensive line and flip to the other side of the ball since Odafe Oweh, Otito Ogbonnia and Da'Shawn Hand signed elsewhere in free agency.
Auburn's Keldric Faulk needs the right fit to maximize his immense potential, because he's not a true edge-defender, at least least in the traditional sense. He can thrive working from a 4i- or 5-technique, though.
"The Chargers improved their interior offensive line during free agency by signing Tyler Biadasz, thus reducing their previously glaring need, " Holder said. "Meanwhile, Faulk combines upside with the ability to immediately contribute as a starter over Justin Eboigbe. The Auburn product's pass-rush skills are a work-in-progress, but head coach Jim Harbaugh should be more than excited to work with the 20-year-old's measurables."
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. Case in point, UCF's Malachi Lawrence generally isn't viewed 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): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
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Every decision by the Cleveland Browns will defined by the fact the organization doesn't have a concrete plan at quarterback. The usage of two first-round picks to improve the supporting cast around the game's most important position can only help the setup to some degree.
Earlier, the Browns chose left tackle prospect Monroe Freeling to finish the team's new starting offensive line. Now, the front office lands a dynamic weapon in Texas A&M's KC Concepcion, which fleshes out an underwhelming group of wide receivers.
"Concepcion is one of the draft class' best playmakers," Parson said. "He is instant offense. Concepcion is a good route-runner with dynamic run-after-catch abilities. His explosiveness can take the top off the defense and gives new head coach Todd Monken a new version of Zay Flowers."
Concepcion alongside Jerry Jeudy, Harold Fannin Jr. and a hopefully healthy Quinshon Judkins brings a lot of potential to Monken's offensive setup.
25. Chicago Bears: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
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The Bears lack a second true edge-rusher.
Montez Sweat posted back-to-back 10-sack seasons, but no other edge on the roster managed more than 4.5 in 2025. A healthy Dayo Odeyingbo is better as a base end, who reduces inside as an interior pass-rusher. Austin Booker flashes yet remains wildly inconsistent. Whereas, Clemson's T.J. Parker came into this year as a potential top-five pick. Despite some disappointment in his performance, Parker has all of the necessary tools to be an outstanding starter.
"General manager Ryan Poles confirmed that the Bears were involved in the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes, which isn't surprising since the team has been looking for a defensive end to play opposite Sweat for a while now," Holders aid. "The need remains and Parker fits what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes at the position as a physical run defender who can win with power as a pass-rusher."
26. Buffalo Bills: DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
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A new coaching staff with a different philosophies brings change. In the case of the Buffalo Bills, Joe Brady previously served as the team's offensive coordinator so some continuity exists on that side of the ball. Defensively, it's a different story, with Jim Leonard taking over as play-caller and instituting a new scheme.
At this point in time, the pieces already in place don't necessarily fit what the Bills want to do on that side of the ball. Ohio State's Kayden McDonald can be the tip of the spear for the entire unit.
"The Bills are switching to a 3-4 base defense with Leonard joining Brady's staff," Holders aid. "One problem is the defense doesn't currently have a quality nose tackle who can two-gap. McDonald brings that skill set, while preventing Deone Walker, who is a good interior pass-rusher but struggles against the run, from playing out of position."
27. San Francisco 49ers: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
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The current construction of the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver room doesn't quite look like it used to, with Mike Evans being a very different type of target compared to previous years with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. The Niners could use someone like the latter two, though.
Christian Kirk's signing mitigates the need to some degree. However, Kirk signed a one-year, prove-it deal and hasn't produced over 400 receiving yards since the 2023 campaign.
Whereas, Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. has an ideal skill set to truly flesh out San Francisco's offense.
"Cooper is a tough run-after-catch receiver with 4.4-second 40-yard-dash speed and the ability to high-point passes," Parson said. "Cooper fits the Kyle Shanahan mold for a power receiver who can create after the catch and win at all three levels of the field."
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," Holders aid. "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): WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
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The Kansas City Chiefs need to take some responsibility off of Patrick Mahomes' shoulders, particularly as he comes back from a devastating knee injury.
The organization started this process by signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to place a greater emphasis on the run game. This approach should simultaneously allow the offensive line to be more effective, while opening up the play-action passing game.
With Tennessee's Chris Brazzell II as part of the wide receiver rotation, the Chiefs can go back to a more physical offense, with big-time, quick-strike ability.
"Brazzell is a physically gifted and vertical playmaker with top-end speed," Parson said. "The Chiefs' offense needs more talent at the receiver position. Brazzell is more than a deep threat. He's a smooth route-runner and mover with deceptive pacing and tempo. He has a high ceiling if properly developed."
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 mist change," Harms said. "Clemson's Aveion 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."
31. New England Patriots: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
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With K'Lavon Chaisson leaving in free agency to the join the Washington Commanders, the New England Patriots are looking for a bookend to Harold Landry III.
Chaisson played extremely well last season, particularly during the team's run to the Super Bowl. He presence will be missed. Texas A&M's Cashius Howell can provide a similar skill set from the moment he walks into the building.
"We know the Patriots aren't an organization that will automatically write off a draft prospect due to a lack of arm length, as evidenced by Will Campbell's selection with the fourth overall in last year's draft then reaffirming their commitment to him as the franchise left tackle after the Super Bowl," Holder said. "So, Howell should remain on New England's radar despite his 30¼-inch arms. Also, the defense needs some pass-rush help, which the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year can immediately provide."
32. Seattle Seahawks: Edge Zion Young, Missouri
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The Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX primarily because of their defense. The unit needs to be maintained after losing Boye Mafe, Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant in free agency.
Missouri's Zion Young can immediately slot in the spot left by Mafe, so the Seahawks can continue to be as aggressive with how they attack opposing offenses.
"As noted, the champs lost a handful of key defensive players in free agency," Holders aid. "Also, Derick Hall and Uchenna Nwosu are entering contract years, while DeMarcus Lawrence is about to turn 34 as further justification to address the position. On top of that, Young fits the mold that general manager John Schneider likes among his edge-defenders, profiling similarly to Lawrence and Hall."
No Seattle defender finished with more than seven sacks during the 2025 regular season. But all four starters along the defensive front each had at least six. Young can add even more juice as part of the rotation.
*The latest Bleacher Report Scouting Department Mock Draft can be found here.
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