Ideal Pick for Every Team in 1st Round of 2026 NFL Draft
As Mike Tyson famously said, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." When it comes to the NFL draft, the punch is metaphorical based on one team zigging when they're expected to zag, which can throw the subsequent picks into upheaval. Right now, mere days before the 2026 event begins, each organization's plan remains in place.
Every franchise is targeting a specific talent atop its board, as a name they expect to be available once they're on the clock. The right person to fill a need on the roster and enter their situation with a chance to be a future star.
In this exercise, B/R will take a glance at each first-round selection and identify which prospect is the best possible outcome at that particular slot. Since this is the ideal pick for each team and their specific situation, some overlap will exist with certain prospects appearing more than once. Those squads just have to hold their water and see if they're still available when it's time to select.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
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The obvious pick is the correct one for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The organization has been left out in the cold during the last two draft classes despite its continued search for a quarterback. The team completely falling apart in 2025 and needing a quick reboot placed them in position to choose one of the toughest and most poised quarterback prospects in recent memory.
Fernando Mendoza shouldn't be viewed as a Trevor Lawrence- or Joe Burrow-caliber prospect. However, his overall resiliency and ability to deliver in big moments, coupled with prototypical size and above-average arm talent while elevating an entire program to a national championship, make him every bit worthy of this selection.
The Raiders finally get their guy at the game's most important position. The fact it's obvious doesn't make it any less ideal. Quite the opposite.
2. New York Jets: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
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This pick should be a quarterback. Unfortunately, the New York Jets aren't in position to draft one, because none of the remaining options are valued high enough once Fernando Mendoza is off the board with the No. 1 overall pick.
The next step is trying to build an identity for a squad that hasn't experienced a winning season since the 2015 campaign, never exceeding more than seven wins during that stretch. Clearly, a strong defense is the best path forward to follow that template.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is the top-ranked overall prospect on Bleacher Report's draft board, but a former teammate should get the call. The Jets have sunk significant investments in their defensive front seven this offseason and should continue to do so.
Arvell Reese can give the Jets something entirely different as a hybrid prospect capable of playing off-ball linebacker and edge. He can be deployed as a destructive force in numerous different areas and varying personnel packages. He should be a game-defining talent if utilized correctly.
3. Arizona Cardinals: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
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Much like the New York Jets a pick ahead of the Arizona Cardinals, this selection should be reserved for a quarterback. Again, a worthy option isn't available. Though the Cardinals should make a play to draft Alabama's Ty Simpson later in the process.
In this case, the emphasis stays on offense, with the organization helping new head coach Mike LaFleur build a unit that can run his scheme.
Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love automatically provides the Cardinals with an offensive focal point. The reaction here likely revolves around running back being a devalued position and this pick is simply too high to select one.
For Love, he's the second-best prospect on B/R's board regardless of position. He is a weapon capable of churning out rushing yards, serving as a constant big-play threat and contributing as a very capable receiver out of the backfield.
LaFleur is a protege of Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay. Their schemes emphasize the run game. Furthermore, LaFleur saw first-hand how poorly things can go when he was the offensive coordinator with the New York Jets during the 2021 and '22 campaigns without the type of talent to kickstart an offense.
A backfield already featuring James Conner, Tyler Allgeier and Trey Benson isn't enough to surpass a talent of Love's caliber.
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4. Tennessee Titans: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
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A year ago, the Tennessee Titans drafted their offensive leader in quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. This year, they should target their defensive centerpiece.
Robert Saleh has been a beloved defensive play-caller throughout his career. The fact that numerous former players followed him to Tennessee says a lot about him as a coach. The unit has seen significant upgrades this season, but it still lacks a very specific piece that Saleh would surely desire.
Ohio State's Sonny Styles can be the coach's new version of Fred Warner. It's a lofty comparison since Warner is the game's best middle linebacker. No one should expect Styles to step in immediately and play at an All-Pro level. However, the 6'5", 244-pound prospect is a nearly unparalleled athlete at the position, with the football intelligence to wear the green dot as the defensive communicator during his rookie campaign.
Styles can man the middle of the Titans defense and cement the style of play Saleh prefers from that side of the ball.
5. New York Giants: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
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Realistically, the New York Giants probably want to trade out of this slot as their ideal setup. They can move out and add extra draft assets, since the team only has two picks among this year's Top 100.
If a deal doesn't materialize, the Giants will find themselves in an odd setup, because the roster doesn't have a major need area to directly address with a top-five pick. Wide receiver makes the most sense based on the current setup.
Carnell Tate isn't a traditional wide receiver option that's usually seen selected this high in the draft process. The 21-year-old prospect isn't the biggest or more explosive option. However, he doesn't need to be since the Giants roster already features Malik Nabers, who will be returning from last year's season-ending ACL tear. Tate can simultaneously offset any rust that Nabers shows early in the season, while providing Jaxson Dart with another talented threat to help in the quarterback's development.
In Tate's case, he's a fantastic route-runner and reliable target to provide the ideal complementary piece in the Giants offense.
6. Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
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There's a glitch in the Matrix, because we just experienced déjà vu.
Carnell Tate serves as the first example of being the ideal draft selection for more than one team. Maybe in the Giants case, they use potential interest from both them and the Browns to entice another organization and trade the fifth overall pick.
Either way, both teams could use Tate's services.
Unlike the Giants, the Browns are looking to add a legitimate WR1. Jerry Jeudy can be an excellent option in the passing game, but he's far too inconsistent to serve as Cleveland's top option. Tate's skill set is far more reliable thanks his ability to consistently create separation and find soft spots in zone coverage.
Cleveland may not have its answer at quarterback, but the addition of the class' WR1 to help in the pass game will help whomever takes the snaps throughout the 2026 campaign.
7. Washington Commanders: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
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The Washington Commanders understood the assignment this offseason, and the organization should be ready to turn in its final draft.
Washington desperately needed added pass-rush juice. The 36-year-old Von Miller led the team in sacks last season. No one else on the roster managed more than 5.5. So, Washington's front office immediately set about to change the setup.
Odafe Oweh agreed to a four-year, $96 million free-agent contract. K'Lavon Chaisson also joined the team on a one-year, $11 million deal. The Commanders shouldn't stop there, especially if Texas Tech's David Bailey is available with the seventh overall pick.
Bailey is the class' best pure edge-rusher. He led the Power Four conferences last year with 14.5 sacks. His pass-rush grade coming out of Texas Tech is on the same level of Myles Garrett and Chase Young upon entering the professional ranks, according to Pro Football Focus.
A trio of Oweh, Chaisson and Bailey has enough potential to make Washington's defensive front one of the league's most dangerous. The incoming prospect could go as high as the second overall pick, but this seventh overall selection is definitely his floor.
8. New Orleans Saints: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
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On the surface, Caleb Downs doesn't feel like a needed addition for the New Orleans Saints. However, two factors must be taken into account as to why he's slotted here as New Orleans' ideal target.
First, Downs is the No. 1 overall prospect on the B/R Scouting Department's draft board.
"Throw positional value out this year," an NFL general manager told ESPN's Peter Schrager regarding Downs.
The 21-year-old defensive back is a field general, with a deep understanding of everything going on in front of him. Furthermore, he's a playmaker once he needs to serve as a defensive eraser.
Second, the Saints aren't exactly set at safety. Justin Reid is the veteran presence. Beyond him, Julian Blackmon missed most of last season with a torn labrum and has a concerning injury history. Jonas Sanker helped picked up the slack, but he may have to bump over to slot coverage full time with Alontae Taylor's departure in free agency.
Downs is too good of a talent to pass up considering the uncertainty found in the Saints' secondary.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
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The arm-length discussion regarding Rueben Bain Jr. borders on absurd.
Would everyone like Bain to have longer levers than he does? Absolutely.
Do those less-than-ideal appendages take away how dominant he was this past season for the Miami Hurricanes? Absolutely not.
Aside from Fernando Mendoza leading Indiana's fairytale national championship run, no collegiate player performed at a higher level than Bain last year. He was a disruptive force at all times.
The Kansas City Chiefs should take about 0.01 second to made a decision if he remains on the board with the ninth overall pick.
Kansas City experienced a significant downturn this past season. Patrick Mahomes' season-ending injury is only part of the discussion. Despite featuring a top-10 defense last season, the Chiefs ranked among the league's bottom 10 in sacks. George Karlaftis requires a legitimate bookend, and Bain is a true three-down defender.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
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An offensive selection is the only thing that would be considered non-ideal with this particular pick. Anyone the Cincinnati Bengals add to the defensive side of the ball will be considered a positive after how badly their unit performed over the last three seasons.
Caleb Downs is the obvious choice as the top possibility, because, again, he's the class' No. 1-ranked player. He can rewire the Bengals' secondary by giving them a brilliant mind and playmaker along the back end. Plus, Cincinnati gets the added bonus of bringing in an Ohio State All-American.
The Bengals don't need someone to come in and create a situation where the defense immediately morphs into a shutdown version. That's too much of an ask. The group simply needs to play complementary football since Joe Burrow and the offense can move the ball and put up points.
Cincinnati's setup is rather simple: Draft the best available defensive prospect. Downs is the obvious answer. Even as a safety, he shouldn't land any further down in the draft order.
11. Miami Dolphins: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
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On paper, the Miami Dolphins have the league's worst roster heading into the NFL draft. The team does own seven draft picks among this year's Top 100, so significant progress can be made.
Multiple areas require drastic overhauls. A wide receiver or offensive lineman would be logical additions in order to build around Malik Willis after the organization singed him as its new QB1. However, the board will likely stack in a way where Miami's woeful secondary could receive the biggest boost.
Two options jump to the forefront. Caleb Downs is an obvious choice, though he's not likely to make it past the New Orleans Saints or Cincinnati Bengals. The same can't be said of LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Though he's in play for those two squads, he may be available depending on how the board falls, particularly since the Saints may be looking to address wide receiver.
Delane can immediately provide the Dolphins with a sticky option as their new CB1, which should thrill head coach Jeff Hafley, whose previous background as a coordinator began as a secondary coach.
When facing Josh Allen and Drake Maye twice per season, the Dolphins would be fortunate to land the class' top corner and help slow those opposing passing attacks.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
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This pairing may be cheating slightly, because David Bailey isn't expected to be on the board when the Dallas Cowboys make their initial first-round selection. However, the organization may get aggressive to ensure it bolsters its pass rush.
Bailey did make an official visit with the team during this process—which indicates the Cowboys do have significant interest. The problem stems from where Dallas may need to go in order to acquire his services.
Earlier, Bailey to the Commanders was referred to as his floor. Obviously, the Cowboys wouldn't want a division rival to land their preferred target. So, Dallas would need to move up to at least the sixth overall pick and that's based on the idea he doesn't go sooner.
Rumors have been floated that Dallas could leap all the way to the third overall pick to swap selections with the Arizona Cardinals and land Bailey. The Houston Texans made the same move three years ago for Will Anderson Jr.
Dallas wants a pass-rusher and a move for Bailey makes the most sense.
If nothing materializes, the team will be forced to pivot. At that juncture, the secondary then becomes the priority, with Tennessee's Jermod McCoy being a viable option. The cornerback shouldn't be a viewed as a consolation prize, either, because he could have been a top-five pick had he been healthy during the 2025 campaign.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
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This year's offensive tackle may lack a bona fide elite prospect, but the upside found within the class remains relatively high. Miami's Francis Mauigoa is a perfect example.
Some questions persist whether Mauigoa will eventually settle at right tackle or guard during his professional career. For the Los Angeles Rams, he's the perfect replacement at right tackle for the retired Rob Havenstein.
Havenstein played 11 seasons with the Rams and made 148 regular-season starts throughout his career. He had been a stabilizing force on the right side of the Rams' front five.
Mauigao may not be an upgrade at first, but he's a better athlete than Havenstein and brings significant power at the point of attack to fit perfectly with the Rams' downhill-heavy run game.
Yes, the Rams could use another wide receiver, but the easiest way to keep an aging veteran quarterback happy is by making sure he's properly protected. This particular pairing should be Matthew Stafford approved.
14. Baltimore Ravens: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
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Tyler Linderbaum, Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees were the Baltimore Ravens' primary interior offensive line starters during the 2025 campaign. The first two signed elsewhere this offseason, while the team can upgrade over Vorhees.
Enter Vega Ioane.
Obviously, Linderbaum is the biggest loss after making three straight Por Bowl appearances. However, a center prospect of his caliber simply isn't found in this year's draft class. Instead, the Ravens can shift over one spot, while still strengthening the interior.
Ioane is a powerfully-built, tailor-made NFL guard. He just may be the safest best of any prospect in the class, because his skill set translates so well. The native Samoan can instantly become the unit's new tone-setter on a team that prides itself on being physical.
Plus, a combination of Ioane and the re-signed John Simpson at guard can protect new center Danny Pinter, who lacks some of that same punch.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
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Kenyon Sadiq may not be the most obvious choice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the pick provides a layered response in multiple areas.
Firstly, Sadiq presents tremendous upside with a unique athletic profile. He can develop into a dynamite offensive weapon. His talent supersedes this slot.
Second, the Bucs require a second tight end and another offensive target. Coordinator Zac Robinson likes to use 12 personnel, which will place Cade Otton and Sadiq on the field often.
Third, Sadiq's blocking serves as a tone-setter for an offense. He may not be the biggest player at his position, but his power is obvious and he's more than willing to bury opponents.
Finally, a selection here ensures the rival Carolina Panthers don't upgrade at tight end four picks later since Sadiq should be on their radar as well.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
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Jordyn Tyson is a top-10 talent and arguably the top wide receiver in this year's class. Unfortunately, a string of injuries throughout his collegiate career affected his draft status. The New York Jets can hit a grand slam with this pick if the organization is willing to take a chance on Tyson's upside.
New York's medical staff must clear Tyson after he suffered a major knee injury that cost him part of the 2022 and all of the '23 campaigns, a broken collarbone the year after and hamstring issue last season.
An extra first-round pick allows the Jets to take a risk. If Tyson stays on the field, he and Garrett Wilson can provide dynamic targets, which could get even better if Adonai Mitchell continues in his development.
Granted, the Jets should strongly consider the possibility of trading back into the first round for quarterback Ty Simpson. But Tyson is far too talented not to be the pick at this juncture.
17. Detroit Lions: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
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The Detroit Lions' draft plan changed dramatically when long-time left tackle Taylor Decker asked for his release, which was subsequently granted. The organization's emphasis immediately switched to the offensive line.
Detroit has some flexibility at this slot, because Penei Sewell is an All-Pro right tackle with the natural athleticism and ability to thrive on the left side. Kadyn Proctor's selection makes that point moot.
Proctor is a mountainous blindside protector with movement skills that belie his near-6'7", 352-pound frame. His play-style is also well-suited for Detroit's established culture, because the 20-year-old prospect is powerful and comes with a nasty streak to bury his opponents.
Inconsistencies and possible weight fluctuations may have pushed Proctor out of the top-10 conversation but not entirely so. He may be considered as high as the sixth overall pick to the Cleveland Browns, then be in play with multiple other teams. Detroit should be considered his ideal fit, though.
18. Minnesota Vikings: OL Spencer Fano, Utah
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The Minnesota Viking's discussion often starts with safety and has the last few years because of the uncertainty with long-term veteran Harrison Smith. The Vikes should absolutely consider Oregon's Dillon Thieneman or Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren depending on who is available. A different option could bring a greater return, though.
At this very moment, Utah's Spencer Fano is the class' best offensive lineman. He doesn't have have the upside or length of others in the class, which is why his projection becomes murkier. For the Vikings, he's the best possible player they can land at this juncture and he potentially fills a significant need.
Fano is a natural right tackle, but he's often projected as an interior blocker, either at guard or possibly center. The Vikings can push him over the ball and allow him to take over for the retired Ryan Kelly. A year or two from now, Fano can move back to right tackle and replace Brian O'Neill. Either way, Minnesota gets a top-notch offensive line prospect to solidify its front five.
19. Carolina Panthers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
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The Carolina Panthers simultaneously need a TE1 and another weapon in the passing game. As a result, Kenyon Sadiq becomes the best-case scenario. Interestingly, his selection could become a race between NFC South rivals.
As mentioned earlier, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should be in play with the 15th overall pick. Even so, last year's divisional runner-up could realistically prefer a defensive option since it has needs among its pass-rush and linebackers. If those positions are Tampa's priority, the Panthers could be very fortunate.
Carolina has brought in multiple young tight ends, with none of them fully claiming the position. Sadiq is something entirely different with his physicality and 4.39-second 40-yard-dash speed.
Wide receiver is another option for the Panthers. Though Sadiq's athleticism portends a potential big-time target is utilized properly, while blocking can also help the O-line. Carolina couldn't ask for more from a pick in the back-half of the first round.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
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What happens with this particular selection depends on the Dallas Cowboys' aggressiveness earlier in the first round. A trade-up to target edge-rusher David Bailey will change the math. As of now, that's not the case.
The Cowboys do have an opportunity to rework their secondary with a pair of top-20 picks. As mentioned in their earlier slot, Jermod McCoy's selection could be a huge addition. Safety brings excellent value eight picks later.
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a far more physical presence than what the Cowboys currently have at the position. He's a standout box defender, who will help stuff the run and make plenty of plays in front of him. At the same time, his instincts when working the deeper portions of the field are underrated.
Any defensive prospect who can step in and improve Dallas' defense is a massive step in the right direction. Two is even better.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have it all wrong. They're not contenders and no longer operate at a Super Bowl standard. They're just good enough to make the postseason without being a real challenger to the AFC's best teams. This outdated perception is exactly why they'll likely move forward with Aaron Rodgers again instead of actually addressing quarterback.
So, this slot will almost certainly be reserved for any other position, when it should be used to potentially find a long-term solution behind center.
Ty Simpson waited his turn at Alabama and started only one season. The 23-year-old looked great through the first half of the 2025 campaign and put a lot on tape that translates to the NFL. He was then beset by injuries, which limited his effectiveness. Still, Simpson has real growth potential in the right situation.
If anything, another year of Rogers, while Simpson is given time to learn and develop behind the four-time NFL MVP, is the ideal setup for both the franchise and prospect.
Pittsburgh needs to consider options that aren't framed as win-now. Instead, the Steelers can once again build long-term sustainability based on their upcoming decisions at quarterback.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
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Sometimes, unexpected offensive linemen sneak into the first round.
Georgia Tech's Keylan Rutledge has generally been viewed as a Day 2 option. There's no shame in admitting he would likely be viewed as a reach this high in the process. Yet fit isn't taken into consideration enough when it comes to a prospect's success or failure.
The Los Angeles Chargers need upgrades at both guard spots. Right now, two failed former first-round picks, Trevor Penning and Cole Strange, are projected to start. The Chargers can't be entirely comfortable with that setup after all of the issues the team experienced last season along the offensive line.
Rutledge has the throwback mentality that's perfect for a Jim Harbaugh offense. He's physical and nasty. At the same time, his movement skills are good enough to mesh what whatever variation of Mike McDaniel's offense is implemented.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
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Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman loves to do three things: Invest in the trenches, add high-end developmental talent and draft former Georgia Bulldogs.
Check, check and check.
Monroe Freeling's growth potential is nearly limitless. The 21-year-old is the best athlete among this year's offensive line prospects. He also has prototypical size and length. But he only started one full season at the collegiate level and lacked consistency with his technique. Freeling is far from a finished prospect, which is exactly why Philadelphia can capitalize this late in the process.
The Eagles would make this selection knowing that Freeling isn't a plug-and-play option. Instead, the organization can bank on his upside, while learning from the man he'll eventually replace, Lane Johnson. If Johnson gets dinged again, as he has throughout his career, the rookie can get some experience without being expected to play at the same level as the All-Pro.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
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Back-to-back picks with the same prospect makes this stretch quite fascinating.
Unlike the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cleveland Browns' selection will be based on immediate need. The latter doesn't have a starting-caliber left tackle on their roster. Monroe Freeling will almost certainly experience his share of "Welcome to the NFL" moments early in his first season, but his potential is far too tempting when the need is so great. Whereas, the Eagles can always look to address their defensive line.
Due to Freeling's natural traits and upside, the Browns could realistically considered him with the sixth overall pick. Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate is the safer and smarter pick if available. Besides, Cleveland's need at wide receiver is just as great as it is at left tackle. How the Browns stack those two positions in the first round is the biggest question.
Cleveland operates differently than most franchises since it's so heavily reliant on the analytics department. The Browns love younger breakout prospects with high athletic ceilings. Freeling may not be a fully formed blocker, but he's everything the organization prefers with its draft picks.
25. Chicago Bears: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
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The Chicago Bears lost both of their starting safeties in free agency. Only one has been replaced. It's a logical position to draft in this year's first round and receive an immediate return.
With Coby Bryant's signing, the Bears addressed free safety. Bryant, who was a collegiate cornerback, isn't going to be the most physical defender, though. He becomes Kevin Byard's replacement.
Now, the Bears must address the other spot and find Jaquon Brisker's successor.
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren definitely fits the role left by Brisker. He's going to set the tone by flying downhill and making plays. The Bears must wonder if the former Rocket will be available since he should be in play starting with the 18th overall pick and the rival Minnesota Vikings.
Chicago did finish among the bottom four defenses last year. The organization's decision to move past two veteran defensive backs isn't a bad one. It simply has to reinforce a weakened area by adding much-needed talent.
26. Buffalo Bills: Edge Gabe Jacas, Illinois
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A run on pass-rushers should be expected in this year's first round. Teams can never have too many defenders who can make a quarterback's life miserable.
The Bills could have multiple options available, with Miami's Akheem Mesidor, Clemson's TJ Parker, Texas A&M's Cashius Howell and UCF's Malachi Lawrence all possibly in place.
Illinois' Gabe Jacas hasn't been viewed as a first-round option. However, a few of factors must be considered.
Mainly, he's a consistent presence off the edge. As Pro Football Focus noted, his 141 quarterback pressures since 2022 led all Big Ten defenders. Second, he has experience playing from a two-point stance and dropping into coverage, which will help a transition into coordinator Jim Leonard's defensive scheme. Finally, Leonard has ties to Jacas. He served as the Wisconsin Badgers' defensive coordinator when the defender was named a Freshman All-American, then joined the Fighting Illini staff the following year.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF
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The San Francisco 49ers drafted Mykel Williams last year's 11th overall pick to provide Nick Bosa with a long-term bookend. A year later, the team is still looking for pass-rush help.
Granted, both Bosa and Williams suffered season-ending injuries in 2025. Their absences were greatly felt since the Niners' 20 sacks ranked dead last. No one managed more than four.
Even with a healthy Bosa and Williams in the lineup, San Francisco needs far more juice.
The 49ers' setup is perfect for UCF's Malachi Lawrence, because he's not an every-down defender at this point in his development. However, he has the physical tools and athletic profile to instantly boost San Francisco's defensive front on passing downs.
Lawrence can primarily serve as a designated pass rusher early in his career and enter the lineup as part of sub-packages, where Williams reduces down into an interior role, thus getting the team's three biggest defensive line investments on the field at the same time.
28. Houston Texans: DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
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The Houston Texans already feature the NFL's best defense. Even so, the team's front office can build on the strength.
The Texans' edge-defenders are spectacular. Defensive tackles Tommy Togiai and Sheldon Rankins work well within the scheme but they're marginal contributors. Granted, a bit of anonymity tends to come with playing along the interior. Still, the Texans can place a legitimate top talent in the middle and make life even more miserable for every opponent.
Ohio State's Kayden McDonald is the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's highest-rated defensive tackle. He's also a true nose tackle. He served as the tip of the spear for the Buckeyes' loaded defense during the 2025 campaign. He can do the same in Houston.
A talented widebody capable of resetting the line of scrimmage, making stops in the backfield and collapsing the pocket on occasion will only make Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter even more effective.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LA Rams): OT Blake Miller, Clemson
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The Kansas City Chiefs remain in the trenches with their second first-round pick. They can get tougher and more reliable along the defensive line with the Rueben Bain Jr.'s selection earlier in the process. Clemson's Blake Miller can provide the same on the opposite side of the ball.
Miller was an ironman during his time with the Tigers program. He started 54 straight games as Clemson's right tackle, starting in Week 1 of his true freshman season.
Obviously, the Chiefs aren't settled on the strong side after Jawaan Taylor's release. Jaylon Moore remains on the roster, but Kansas City can clearly upgrade at the position. Miller can be inserted into the lineup as a rookie and forgotten, thus giving the Chiefs a pair of first-round offensive tackles to protect Patrick Mahomes over the long haul.
30. Miami Dolphins (via Denver): WR Chris Bell, Louisville
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A defensive back is a good bet for the Miami Dolphins with their 11th overall pick, whether it turns out to be Mansoor Delane, Caleb Downs or Jermod McCoy. Later in the first, Miami must turn its attention to the offensive side of the ball.
After the Jaylen Waddle trade, which handed the Dolphins this particular selection, Miami's roster doesn't include an NFL-caliber starter at wide receiver. Tight end Greg Dulcich is the squad's top returning receiver. He managed 335 yards last season.
At this point, it's probably too much to ask for one of the class' top four or even five wide receiver prospects to be available. Similarly to the rival New York Jets earlier, the Dolphins have the draft capital to take a chance on a special talent.
Chris Bell would have easily been in the first-round conversation had he not suffered a torn ACL in November. He may "potentially return by training camp."
A healthy Bell is a freight train in the open field. The 222-pound wide receiver is built like a running back and more than capable of creating after the catch, which should make him a favorite target for quarterback Malik Willis once he's ready to go.
The Dolphins' timeline provides them the opportunity to wait for the gifted target.
31. New England Patriots: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
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This draft pick could ultimately end up with the Philadelphia Eagles depending on whether Howie Roseman is willing to ship out wide receiver AJ Brown before June 1. If the Eagles aren't willing to eat a massive dead-cap hit, the Patriots can address a different position.
K'Lavon Chaisson developed into one of the NFL's better stories last season. The former first-round bust finally found his footing and became a consistent presence off the edge, particularly during the Patriots' run toward Super Bowl LX.
Chaisson left in free agency to sign with the Washington Commanders, though.
Texas A&M's Cashius Howell was one of the nation's finest defenders during the 2025 campaign. In face, he became the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after an 11.5-sack performance. But his draft standing has been hurt primarily based on his lack of length.
The Patriots already proved that arm length and wingspan aren't critical factors in their evaluations after taking left tackle Will Campbell with last year's fourth overall pick. Howell is far too explosive and tenacious as a pass-rusher for the Patriots to pass.
32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
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Avieon Terrell's predraft misfortune could turn into the Seattle Seahawks' favor.
Terrell is a legitimate top-20 prospect in this year's class had he been healthy throughout the process. Unfortunately, he's dealt with a hamstring issue, which didn't allow him to piece together a full predraft workout.
Soft-tissues injuries are tricky and can be chronic. It depends on the situation, though. Terrell may just need proper time to heal and return to his old self, as one of the most fluid and competitive cover corners among the incoming crop.
A significant opportunity could fall into the Seahawks' proverbial lap if Terrell is still on the board, because he wasn't expected to be originally. Thus, the reigning Super Bowl champs could switch out Riq Woolen for Terrell. The latter doesn't present the same size, length or skill set, but he brings a different level of stickiness in coverage that should allow Seattle's secondary to remain among the league's best.
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