
Ultimate 2026 NFL Mock Draft with Every College Player Available
Eventually, the NFL's rule that an individual must be three years removed from high school to be eligible will be challenged again and some judge won't uphold previous rulings, thus creating an avenue for players to turn professional earlier.
The long-term battle over NIL and the current state of college football shows long-entrenched systems can be overturned.
If that happened this past year, the incoming draft class would have looked drastically different. The cries of "wait until next year" have already begun. It's not that this year's crop is poor. Rather, it lacks high-end prospects at premium positions. Whereas, next year's group has multiple quarterbacks with the potential to be top-10 picks, which slants the perception.
Had everyone been available for this week's draft, here's how the first round might take shape.
Welcome to B/R's NFL Mock Draft week. Check out our other installments in the series below:
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Arch Manning, Texas
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Arch Manning was not a better quarterback than Indiana's Fernando Mendoza during the 2025 campaign. However, a shift in draft approaches would occur based on the principle of potential, much like how the NBA draft operates.
Teams would be looking for long-term upside instead of immediate impact.
Manning started slowly during his first season as a full-time collegiate starter. He improved progressively through that campaign. By the end, he looked far more comfortable running the Longhorns offense and earned the Citrus Bowl MVP.
A funny dynamic would exist with a Manning playing for Tom Brady. In this instance, the Raiders are searching for the player they think brings the most growth potential to achieve elite quarterback play. Manning was born to play the position.
2. New York Jets: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
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The most difficult aspect of the New York Jets owning this year's second overall pick is the team desperately needs a quarterback but the class lacks a second option worthy of a top-10 selection.
In this scenario, the Jets are fortunate because that's no longer the case. They can stick at No. 2 and bring in Fernando Mendoza, who can be the perfect fit for what the Jets have been missing.
Mendoza's poise and toughness make him a high-end competitor on the field. Also, he already showed he can help elevate a program that's been through decades of decline.
The Jets have another first-round pick to address another area of the roster, but any additions beyond finally drafting a top-end quarterback prospect is simply icing on the cake.
3. Arizona Cardinals: QB Dante Moore, Oregon
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Dante Moore had a decision to make this offseason. He chose to return to school instead of declaring for the draft and likely becoming the second overall selection.
Moore's return to Oregon will help him clean up his game a little bit and give the 20-year-old more time to mature, while chasing a national championship.
At the same time, he's extremely talented, as both a passer and athlete, hence why he would have been strongly considered near the top of this year's class had he declared.
In this instance, the Arizona Cardinals are about to enter the 2026 campaign with Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback. Nothing would immediately change with Moore's selection, but Brissett would automatically become the veteran bridge preparing the team's future franchise signal-caller.
Until proven otherwise, a succession plan is not currently in place for Arizona.
4. Tennessee Titans: WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
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Once the quarterbacks come off the board, the race to select the actual top talent in college football begins in earnest. Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith can make as strong of an argument as anyone else at that level.
In his two years with the Buckeyes, the 20-year-old wide receiver has been nearly unstoppable. The 6'3", 223-pound target snagged 163 receptions for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns. He's clearly been the most talented player for a pipeline program that won a national championship and made the college football postseason in back-to-back seasons.
The Tennessee Titans currently lack a No. 1 target for last year's No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward. The math is simple with this equation.
5. New York Giants: WR Cam Coleman, Texas
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The idea of pairing Malik Nabers with Cam Coleman is nightmare fuel for NFL defensive coordinators.
The New York Giants are already considering the possibility of choosing a wide receiver with this year's fifth overall pick. Coleman has a much higher upside than Ohio State's Carnell Tate or Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, though.
Coleman, who transferred from Auburn to Texas this year, is a 6'3", 200-pound target. He won't turn 21 years old until after the 2027 NFL draft. During his first two seasons, he performed at a high level despite being stuck in an offense that couldn't feature him properly.
Now, he'll go to Texas as part of a loaded offense, where he can be utilized to his fullest. Expect a huge year, where he'll concretely establish himself as a top talent, if he hasn't already.
6. Cleveland Browns: QB Jayden Maiava, USC
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Jayden Maiava is the latest in Lincoln Riley's quarterback pipeline.
Maiava must continue to hone his craft and become tighter with his mechanics in order to realize his full potential. But the ability to be an NFL starter is present. In his first season as the Trojans' full-time starter, Maiava completed over 65 percent of his passes for 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns. Those numbers could be even better this fall even after Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane's departures.
The Cleveland Browns simply need to invest in the quarterback position again. Deshaun Watson's status should be a non-factor. Shedeur Sanders did flash during his rookie campaign, but he's a fifth-round pick that should have no bearing on the decision if the team's front office is solid on another quarterback prospect.
7. Washington Commanders: Edge Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
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The seventh overall pick in this exercise might be the lowest Dylan Stewart is projected at any point over the next year. The 20-year-old edge-rusher will be firmly in the conversation, alongside Jeremiah Smith, for the No. 1 overall talent in the 2027 class.
The former 5-star recruit has yet to put up monster numbers early in his collegiate career, but the traits are present to be a blue-chip prospect at a premium position. The 6'5", 245-pound defensive end has the makings of an elite edge-rusher. He produced 22 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks through his first two seasons.
The Washington Commanders did spend lavishly on edge help this offseason, particularly with Odafe Oweh's long-term deal. But K'Lavon Chaisson is operating under a one-year contract. Stewart then becomes the long-term bookend to Oweh.
8. New Orleans Saints: Edge Colin Simmons, Texas
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Colin Simmons has a chance to push Dylan Stewart for the 2027 class' top edge, though the former is a little leaner. At the same time, Simmons was more productive this past season with 15.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks on his way to earning first-team All-SEC recognition.
Simmons is so explosive off the edge that he'll have defensive coordinators salivating over how they can deploy him. For the New Orleans Saints, the organization has made significant investments in the defensive line over the years, yet the position still needs to be addressed.
Carl Granderson turns 30 later this year. Meanwhile, Chase Young played a complete regular season exactly once during his entire professional career. As long as Tyler Shough turns out to be the answer at quarterback, Simmons is the perfect addition to give the team a defensive centerpiece.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
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The Kansas City Chiefs have an organizational belief that they can identify secondary talent, draft it somewhere in the mid rounds and develop it successfully. The belief is rooted in reality. But there are times when reality smacks you upside the head and you should just do the obvious thing, like drafting an elite cornerback prospect in Notre Dame's Leonard Moore.
Moore has a legitimate chance to be the highest-graded cornerback prospect since Patrick Peterson entered the NFL ranks. As Pro Football Focus noted, the unanimous All-American is the first cornerback in the site's history to earn 85-plus grades during his first two seasons.
The Chiefs may be able to draft someone in the fourth round, who will eventually start down the road. That approach doesn't make it the right move, especially after trading away the team's best corner. Moore can step in right away and change Kansas City's entire defensive complexion.
10. New York Giants (via Cincinnati): LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
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The New York Giants have been consistently linked to Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles throughout this year's draft process. Why not his collegiate teammate, Arvell Reese?
Reese is usually projected as a top-three selection, which means he likely won't be available when the Giants are initially on the board with this year's fifth overall pick. However, he should be under consideration if that possibility happens and particularly in this scenario.
New York already signed Tremaine Edmunds and have Micah McFadden coming back from last year's season-ending injury. Reese remains an interesting puzzle piece, because he can play off-ball linebacker next to Edmunds since McFadden is operating under a one-year contract.
Furthermore, Reese's addition might be able to solve two problems since he has edge flexibility and the Giants are considering the possibility of trading Kayvon Thibodeaux.
11. Miami Dolphins: WR Malachi Toney, Miami
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Malachi Toney didn't turn 18 until just before his fourth collegiate game. He already had 18 catches for 228 yards to that point. The true freshman immediately flashed as a playmaker and went on to lead the Hurricanes with 102 receptions, 1,211 yards and 10 touchdown catches.
Interestingly, Toney wasn't a 5-star recruit to immediately deserve so much attention. Nope, he was a 3-star who had a great feel for the game.
Some may argue that a sub-190-pound wide receiver shouldn't be drafted this high without taking into account names such as Jaylen Waddle, who the Dolphins just traded, and Garrett Wilson.
The Dolphins simply need talent. Toney would be the squad's top target from the moment he steps into the building.
12. Dallas Cowboys: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
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The Dallas Cowboys benefit as much as anyone when it comes to the influx of extra talent with this particular setup. The Cowboys get an upgrade at linebacker without trading up for a prospect who'll likely be a top-five pick in a couple of days.
Sonny Styles is an elite athlete as an off-ball linebacker. His combination of size, length and movement skills are truly rare thanks to his previous experience at safety. Even so, Styles triggers quickly and serves as a downhill presence as a tackler.
Dallas already has young linebackers in Shemar James and DeMarvion Overshown, who present significant upside in their own right. Neither comes close to what Styles can do when placed in the middle of the defense. The rookie can immediately wear the green dot and drastically improve the entire unit.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
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The Los Angeles Rams have two obvious paths they can take with this year's 13th overall pick, both of which involve veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. Either the team can add another wide receiver and make last year's No. 1 offense even more potent or find a right tackle to ensure Stafford remains upright.
Ohio State's Carnell Tate could easily be WR1 once the actual draft opens for business Thursday in Pittsburgh. He's often projected as the fifth or sixth overall pick depending on situation.
Here, Tate drops to a degree because of the added younger talent. Still, he can thrive in Sean McVay's offense alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Tate should fit right in thanks to his excellent route-running and overall competitiveness.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
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Rueben Bain Jr.'s much-discussed sub-31-inch arms become more glaring when grouped in a class that now features elite talents among the edge options. The irony to the previous statement is Bain still played at a higher level than anyone among his position group.
Turn on any performance from Bain during the 2025 campaign, and you'll see a consistently disruptive performer who excels in both phases of the game. He was a true game-wrecker during his final season with the Miami Hurricanes.
But the reality of evaluation is that certain traits are looked at closely. It's not just his arm length either. Comparatively, the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year is a year older than both Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons. Bain isn't an older prospect since he'll turn 22 as a rookie, but these are the little things can separate talent.
The Baltimore Ravens are just happy to have another outstanding football player fall into their proverbial lap, especially one who can thrive opposite Trey Hendrickson.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
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Jeremiyah Love is arguably the No. 1 overall talent in the 2026 draft class regardless of position. However, his positional value would absolutely come into play among a deeper group of incoming talent, hence why he slid out of the Top 10 all the way to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Love is an offensive weapon capable of affecting games as a ball-carrier and receiver. He has homerun hitting ability from the backfield, plus the frame and natural running instincts to be a workhorse ball-carrier.
The Buccaneers don't need a workhorse when Bucky Irving is already on the roster. Some may argue a running back isn't needed at all. After all, Irving is more than capable, as seen from his 1,122-yard rookie performance. However, he is also undersized and missed seven games last season due to injuries.
Love can be the offensive focal point, with Irving as a complementary option, in an offense that leans more heavily on the run game.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): WR Charlie Becker, Indiana
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This projection may be jumping the gun to some degree, because Charlie Becker has yet to piece together a full season at the collegiate level. Yet he was the Indiana Hoosiers' best target by the end of their magical national championship run.
The 6'4", 204-pound wide receiver caught 27 passes for 522 yards during Indiana's final seven games. More importantly, the freshman made huge downfield catches in the biggest moments.
According to Pro Football Focus, Fernando Mendoza posted a 152.5 quarterback rating when he targeted Becker. Why not keep that connection going after the Jets chose Mendoza earlier in this first round?
Becker isn't a finished product, but he has the size and verticality within his game to help stretch the Jets offense, while having an instant rapport with the squad's new quarterback.
17. Detroit Lions: OT Trevor Goosby, Texas
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Offensive tackle is the only position that didn't receive a boost by making everyone eligible. Trevor Goosby progressed to the point where he could have staked his claim as this year's OT1 but returned to Texas. Even so, he wasn't viewed as a potential top 10 talent before declaring his intentions.
None of this is to say the incoming offensive tackle class is awful. It's not. The current crop simply lacks a true top-shelf standout. Multiple starting offensive tackles will be drafted this year, even without the added caveat found within this exercise.
The Detroit Lions are definitely counted among the NFL organizations looking for a starting bookend. With Taylor Decker no longer with the team, the 6'7", 314-pound Goosby has the size and movement skills to take over at left tackle and keep Penei Sewell on the strong side.
18. Minnesota Vikings: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
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The Bleacher Report Scouting Department ranks Caleb Downs as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class regardless of position. Considering how talented he is, this slotting must come across as a significant disappointment. It really shouldn't.
First, Downs does slide, but he ends up in a situation where he can quickly establish himself as the back-end leader as part of the game's most aggressive defense. He can step into the role vacated by Harrison Smith and thrive, thanks to his high football IQ and playmaking skills.
Second, the two-time All-American will almost certainly experience a slide of some sort based purely on positional value. The safety position simply isn't viewed as a top priority, even if one is good enough to demand such attention.
Granted, Downs slides further here than expected, but he remains in the Top 20 and lands with an organization where he can maximize his capabilities.
19. Carolina Panthers: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
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Mike Jackson has been a competent and reliable option at cornerback for the Carolina Panthers, but he's now 29 and entering the final year of his current deal. The organization has an opportunity to get younger, more athletic and stickier in coverage.
LSU's Mansoor Delane currently stands as the CB1 for the 2026 class. Notre Dame's Leonard Moore would and did surpass him in this projection, but Delane didn't fall too far. The Virginia Tech transfer maximized his time with the Tigers and showed he can be a top coverage option. As such, he remained a top-20 option.
Delane opposite Jaycee Horn provides the Panthers with fantastic options working on the outside to expand their coverage plans, because both can lock onto receivers and make life miserable for those targets.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
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Rumors continue to circulate that the Dallas Cowboys want to trade up in this year's first round, with Texas Tech's David Bailey being the organization's preferred target.
This setup is the best possible outcome for the Cowboys, because they added a unique athlete at linebacker, Sonny Styles, earlier in the round and still have the opportunity to select Bailey—both of whom could very well end up as top-five picks this year.
Despite the expectation of Bailey going as high as second or third overall during Thursday's first round, he remains available with the 20th overall pick. Yes, he's a natural and smooth pass-rusher capable of consistently creating pressure. At the same time, he's going to struggle as an every-down defender early in his career.
When other edge-rushers with far more upside are added to the mix and team needs factor into slotting, the reigning Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year was pushed down the board.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Darian Mensah, Miami
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The Pittsburgh Steelers shouldn't allow Aaron Rodgers' decision to affect how they approach the draft. That applies whether the Steelers are discussing Alabama's Ty Simpson or have other available options, which is the case here.
Darian Mensah has quietly been an outstanding quarterback during his previous two stops with the Tulane Green Wave and Duke Blue Devils. He transferred to the Miami Hurricanes this offseason and follows in the steps of Cam Ward, who went on to become the No. 1 overall pick, and Carson Beck, who helped lead his team to the National Championship Game.
Last season with Duke, Mensah finished second overall with 3,973 passing yards and 34 passing touchdowns. His profile should only grow in Miami thanks to an improved surrounding cast.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Vega Ioane, Penn State
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By the end of this year's cycle, Vega Ioane emerged as the class' top-ranked offensive line prospect.
"His patience, balance and power profile project to an early NFL starter who can control the pocket inside and become a tone-setter in a downhill or balanced run scheme," B/R scout Brandon Thorn wrote.
Thorn's description perfectly fits the Los Angeles Chargers' approach under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Though the scheme could shift slightly under the direction of new coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Ioane may be an incoming rookie, but he's a better bet at guard than the Chargers' current projected starters in Trevor Penning and Cole Strange. The first-team All-American can help solidify a front five that proved to be a complete disaster in 2025 and significantly raise the unit's floor.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
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Opinions are somewhat divided on Francis Mauigoa. Some view him as an offensive tackle capable of sneaking into this year's top five or six selections. Others believe he can be a Pro Bowl-caliber guard at the next level after possibly being the second or third offensive lineman off the board.
Either way, Mauigoa is a talented prospect with significant upside. He's the kind of option the Philadelphia Eagles wouldn't bypass if available.
The Eagles love to invest in their trenches and tend to prepare early for eventual departures. Lane Johnson may be returning for another season, but he's 35 with a significant injury history, including missing seven games last year.
Mauigoa won't be forced into the lineup on Day 1, but he can definitely be Johnson's heir apparent, whether that's required sooner or later.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
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The Cleveland Browns don't have a starting-caliber left tackle on their roster. They desperately need one, especially after drafting a new quarterback earlier in the first round.
Alabama's Kadyn Proctor has top-10 physical attributes. He's a 6'7", 352-pound offensive tackle with rare movement skills for a blocker of his stature. He has the potential to be a dominant blocker, particularly at the point of attack. He latches onto opponents, with the grip and play strength to finish plays consistently.
The biggest concern with Proctor has been his inconsistencies. He seemed to rededicate himself during the 2025 campaign and saw significant improvement over the second half.
The Browns reportedly have interest in Proctor, as early as the sixth overall pick this year. If Cleveland can land both him and a quarterback, as it did here, the team could finally get back on track.
25. Chicago Bears: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
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The Chicago Bears traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason and left a void at wide receiver, with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III expected to take on bigger roles next season. The Bears can stand pat or add arguably the top target in this year's draft class.
Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson is a special receiver. He has the explosive traits to be a top-end weapon, as long as he can stay on the field.
Unfortunately, he hasn't stayed healthy. A significant knee injury early in his career followed by a broken collarbone and hamstring issues prevented him from ever playing a full collegiate season.
Still, the ability to win on the outside and create big plays remain tantalizing, particularly during the back half of the first round. The Bears can field a potentially devastating trio of young targets, which doesn't even include Colston Loveland at tight end. Let Caleb Williams cook.
26. Buffalo Bills: Edge Anthony Smith, Minnesota
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Anthony Smith may be a name many college football fans aren't overly familiar with since he plays for the Minnesota Gophers. He'll be on everyone's radar soon enough.
Smith led the Big Ten Conference last season and tied for third overall with 12.5 sacks. He was recognized as a first-team All-Big Ten performer as a result.
The returning redshirt senior has an interesting and different physical profile compared to other edge prospects. Minnesota lists its top defender at 6'6" and 285 pounds. His build fits perfectly into the Buffalo Bills' scheme change under new coordinator Jim Leonard.
Smith has the size and length to line up as a 4i- or 5-technique and then play off the edge in other personnel groupings. Buffalo currently finds itself in that phase where the existing talent on the roster doesn't necessarily match the situation.
27. San Francisco 49ers: OL Spencer Fano, Utah
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Spencer Fano is a natural right tackle, though his movement skills and body type indicate he can play anywhere along the line of scrimmage—which makes him an ideal addition to the San Francisco 49ers.
Fano could realistically unseat Colton McKivitz at right tackle, though he's more likely to switch to the left side and be the eventual replacement for Trent Williams. Another possibility exists where he slides inside and challenges to start at left guard or even center.
The reigning Outland Trophy winner presents multiple opportunities for San Francisco to strengthen its front five as a group. Individually, Fano can be weaponized by Kyle Shanahan as a move blocker and provide the 49ers with another schematic advantage, thus expanding what the offense can do.
28. Houston Texans: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
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The Houston Texans are still in the market for offensive line help. They might as well add the most reliable option among this year's draft class.
Blake Miller started 54 straight games at Clemson, all of which came at right tackle. The Texans did sign veteran Braden Smith and brought Trent Brown back. However, Houston can continue to strengthen the unit. Smith hasn't started a full slate of games since the 2019 campaign, and Brown can serve as the squad's swing tackle.
Miller may not start his career the same way he did in college by taking over a spot from Day 1. But he could easily be an insurance policy at right tackle before locking in and becoming Aireontae Ersery's long-term bookend.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LA Rams): WR Makai Lemon, USC
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Typically, the Kansas City Chiefs love to add speed merchants to their wide receiver room. The organization needs to tweak its approach and just add quality, reliable threats in the passing game.
Last year's receiver corps wasn't good enough, yet Kansas City is set up to run it back with Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton. Rice's season ended last year because of lingering concussion symptoms, which only exacerbates the situation.
Makai Lemon's play-style is much closer to Rice's than the other two options. He's fearless working underneath and over the middle of the field, as well as creates after the catch.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes requires a receiving threat beyond the aging Travis Kelce whom he can count on and provide a consistent target. Kansas City will be hard-pressed to find a better option than the reigning Fred Biletnikoff Award winner.
30. Miami Dolphins: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
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Jermod McCoy should be in play for the Miami Dolphins with this year's 11th overall pick. An opportunity to select him near the end of the first round is a steal.
The Dolphins have the league's worst secondary on paper. Earlier, they addressed wide receiver, because the same can be said of that position group. McCoy could have easily been a top 10, possibly even top five, prospect this year had he played during the 2025 campaign.
Unfortunately, the 2024 second-team All-American suffered a torn Achilles tendon during offseason workouts and was never fully cleared.
However, his athletic profile and previous performance portend a top-notch cover corner for whichever team is willing to take a risk on the 20-year-old prospect.
31. New England Patriots: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
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Now that Drake Maye allowed New England Patriots faithful to move beyond Tom Brady, the organization must find its current quarterback his version of Rob Gronkowski.
Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is something entirely different at the tight end position. He's a rocked-up 6'3", 241-pound prospect with record-setting 4.39-second 40-yard-dash speed and a violent nature as a blocker to bury his opponents whenever the opportunity arises.
Obviously, Sadiq isn't built like Gronk, but the incoming prospect has his own unique style, with the potential to be something greater at the next level since the Ducks never fully utilized their tight end as an offensive weapon.
Furthermore, the Patriots' current tight ends simply lack explosive traits to make a difference in both phases of the game.
32. Seattle Seahawks: RB Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
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Jeremiyah Love may have been the clear-cut top running back during the 2025 collegiate season, but Missouri's Ahmad Hardy wasn't too far behind him.
In fact, Hardy, not Love, led all Power Four runners with 1,649 yards. To be fair, Love is far more natural as a receiver and more likely to create a big play. However, Hardy is packed like dynamite in his 5'10", 210-pound frame. He also led all running backs last season with 1,181 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Seattle Seahawks allowed Kenneth Walker III to leave in free agency after he was named Super Bowl LX MVP. Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in January. He certainly won't be full speed for the start of the season.
The Seahawks may like Emanuel Wilson and George Holani, but Hardy is a clear upgrade for a squad that wants to establish the run first and foremost.





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