Re-Drafting the Best Talent from the Last 5 NFL Draft Classes
Bleacher Report's five-year NFL redraft is back for its third edition, and this time it's bigger than ever.
The premise is simple: If every player selected in the last five classes suddenly became available in a megadraft, who would go where?
This year's version expands the exercise to two rounds, which means 64 picks and a much deeper look at how the league's best young talent stacks up.
Before we reveal where stars such as Drake Maye, Will Anderson Jr. and Jaxon Smith-Njigba landed, let's cover the ground rules.
Each team gets one franchise-tag pick to keep the rosters anchored in reality. The catch: The franchised player had to be drafted before 2022.
That made Patrick Mahomes, Justin Jefferson, Myles Garrett and Penei Sewell eligible to be tagged, while stars from the 2022 through 2026 draft classes were back in the pool even if their teams wanted to keep them.
From there, we drafted with a few things in mind:
B/R NFL writers and editors Joey Akeley, Gary Davenport, Jason Dunbar, Ian Hanford, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton, Wes O'Donnell, Allen Strk and Bryan Toporek broke up the drafting duties by division.
With all of that settled, let's get to the picks.
1. New York Jets: QB Drake Maye
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Franchise-Tag Player: S Minkah Fitzpatrick
The Jets get the first pick for having the worst record in the last five seasons. That means they get first dibs on a 23-year-old quarterback who finished second in the 2025 MVP race and took his team to the Super Bowl.
There was no way they were passing on Drake Maye.
Perhaps some would argue for Caleb Williams, especially after signature moments against the Packers and Rams in the 2025 playoffs.
But from a stats perspective, the gap between them is wide.
Maye had an NFL-best 8.9 yards per attempt in 2025, while Williams had an average mark of 6.9.
Considering Maye did this without a star pass-catcher in his prime, there's no telling what he'd do if he got one in this alternate universe. Spoiler alert: The Jets got him one in the second round.
— Akeley
2. New York Giants: QB Caleb Williams
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Brian Burns
With Maye off the board, Jaxson Dart was under consideration here, but the Giants wound up avoiding the longevity concerns and making the upside play for Williams instead. After using their franchise tag on Brian Burns, finding a franchise QB to lead the offense was the next step for New York.
Williams won't have Ben Johnson pulling the strings for the Giants as he does for the Bears, nor will he have the same supporting cast. However, he does have a rising No. 1 WR in Malik Nabers and enough talent to raise the level of everyone around him. Williams' arm talent, ability to play off script and proven clutch play are enough to provide as much upside as any signal-caller in the league. He's just getting started at 24.
The Giants will need to invest in another weapon or two, but Williams has the potential to be special all on his own.
— Hanford
3. Carolina Panthers: Edge Will Anderson Jr.
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Franchise-Tag Player: DT Derrick Brown
Anderson has become one of the league's most ferocious defensive players. His sheer power and relentless style set the tone that every great defense needs. Building your franchise around high-character players who possess a tremendous work ethic is something Carolina has been lacking for years.
They will have that type of franchise cornerstone in Anderson. With multiple double-digit sack seasons at 24 years old, the sky is the limit for the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
— Strk
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4. Arizona Cardinals: QB Jayden Daniels
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Josh Sweat
After a phenomenal rookie season, Jayden Daniels hit a sophomore wall. He played just seven games due to injuries, but even when he was healthy, his numbers were down across the board.
Still, with the fourth selection, you can't pass on a 25-year-old quarterback who led his team to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie season without a strong supporting cast.
What makes this pick even more obvious is the Cardinals' recent history.
Kyler Murray's inability to be a quality pocket passer derailed the offense for four consecutive seasons.
Partially because he is six inches taller, Daniels is a much better pocket passer. And just like Murray, he makes incredible plays with his legs when the pocket collapses.
The Cardinals' only hesitation is that Daniels has injury issues due to his play style, but when he's on the field, he's undoubtedly the best player available.
— Akeley
5. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Maxx Crosby
The Las Vegas Raiders need a real reset, one that involves a potential franchise quarterback on a rookie deal. Enter the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza.
Maxx Crosby is still the face of the Raiders, which is why he's designated for the franchise tag. In the short term, Mendoza will be the guy who brings the Silver and Black back to excellence.
Las Vegas has established a team structure to help Mendoza continue his success in football. First-year head coach Klint Kubiak has helped Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold post legitimate Pro Bowl passing numbers and just won a Super Bowl with the latter. Minority team owner Tom Brady will also be in Mendoza's ear with profound insight.
Easily the top quarterback in the 2026 class, Mendoza will bring his accurate arm and playmaking ability to a Raiders offense that desperately needs a spark after finishing with the fewest points and yards last season.
— Moton
6. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward
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Franchise-Tag Player: DT Jeffery Simmons
The Tennessee Titans used their franchise tag on standout defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, giving the team one core building block on defense. Finding a franchise quarterback, though, remains an obvious need.
With established stars like Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels already off the board, the Titans decide to maintain trust in Cam Ward. Some consideration was given to Bo Nix and Brock Purdy, but Ward's physical ceiling is hard to ignore.
While Ward's rookie numbers left plenty to be desired, he was surrounded by one of the league's worst supporting casts. Tennessee can better prepare in a re-draft to offer more support to maximize his potential.
And the 23-year-old Ward is loaded with upside. With good athleticism, a 6'2", 219-pound frame, and arm talent to spare, Ward has the traits needed to run virtually any offense and the talent needed to attack all areas of the field. Nix and Purdy can be elite game managers when at their best, but Ward has the potential to be truly special.
— Knox
7. Chicago Bears: Edge Aidan Hutchinson
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Franchise-Tag Player: G Joe Thuney
The Chicago Bears couldn't protect Caleb Williams in this re-draft, as he was unsurprisingly long gone by this spot. They could have reached on a quarterback such as Jaxson Dart, C.J. Stroud or Brock Purdy, but they instead decided to go with the best pass-rusher left on the board.
A broken fibula and tibia limited Aidan Hutchinson to only five games in 2024, but he came back with a vengeance last season. The Michigan product racked up a career-high 14.5 sacks, 54 tackles and 35 quarterback hits while playing in all 17 games for the Detroit Lions. He earned his second Pro Bowl appearance along with a second-team All-Pro nod. He finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Hutchinson is an elite athlete who doesn't turn 26 until August. He should be just entering his prime. After piling up 20 sacks across his first two seasons—along with 7.5 in his injury-abridged 2024 campaign—he's already become one of the league's most feared young pass-rushers.
If the Bears can't have an elite quarterback of their own in this re-draft, they might as well terrorize the teams that did get one.
— Toporek
8. Cleveland Browns: QB Bo Nix
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Myles Garrett
The Cleveland Browns have been on a Quixotic quest for a franchise quarterback—one that led the team to make the single worst trade (and contract) decision in the history of the NFL with the acquisition and extension of Deshaun Watson.
It's time for Cleveland to slay that dragon.
Bo Nix's 2025 season was ended by a broken ankle in the playoffs, but prior to that, the 26-year-old had come into his own. During a 14-win regular season in Denver, Nix led the league with 612 pass attempts, ranked eighth in the league with 3,931 passing yards, was a top-10 quarterback in terms of touchdowns, threw over twice as many touchdowns as interceptions and led the league in sack percentage. Nix also had five fourth-quarter comebacks and an NFL-high seven game-winning drives.
Admittedly, offensive weaponry remains an issue in Cleveland. But having a signal-caller who can actually get the ball to those weapons would be a major step in the right direction.
– Davenport
9. New Orleans Saints: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
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Franchise-Tag Player: RB Travis Etienne Jr.
An efficient wide receiver who can create separation and make difficult contested catches is a player who must be cherished. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has gradually established himself as one of the league's most dominant players.
While his game may not be flashy, his production speaks for itself, with nine 100-yard games in 2025 underscoring just how consistent he was.
If Seattle hadn't often been playing with a lead, he could have pushed for 2,000 receiving yards. New Orleans will be thrilled to have its offense centered around his versatility and dependability.
— Strk
10. Washington Commanders: QB Jaxon Dart
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Franchise-Tag Player: LT Laremy Tunsil
All the QBs the Commanders could or should consider in this scenario are off the board, leaving a not-so-difficult decision here for the up-and-coming Jaxson Dart.
Washington is no stranger to QBs with tantalizing upside coupled with potential injury concerns, so this should feel pretty comfortable overall. If Dart's small sample size from his rookie season is any indication, there is major upside for the QB if he can stay on the field.
— O'Donnell
11. Atlanta Falcons: CB Christian Gonzalez
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Franchise-Tag Player: S Jessie Bates III
The top cornerback debate usually changes after every season. New stars emerge after becoming a commanding figure that limits opposing top wide receivers. Gonzalez entered the conversation with his stellar performances all season. New England was able to construct its defense around playing increased man coverage with him and Carlton Davis on the outside. That allowed Gonzalez to showcase his capabilities.
The Falcons have always prided themselves on having a credible number-one cornerback. DeAngelo Hall, Brent Grimes, Asante Samuel, Desmond Trufant, and A.J. Terrell make up an impressive list over the last two decades. Gonzalez has the potential to surpass them all as he joins forces with Terrell.
— Strk
12. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Puka Nacua
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Trevor Lawrence
With Trevor Lawrence safely under the pre-2022 franchise tag, the Jacksonville Jaguars have their franchise quarterback. In a re-draft, the Jags get Lawrence his new No. 1 receiver.
Some consideration was given to 2024 first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. The LSU product was sensational for Jacksonville as a rookie, finishing with 1,282 yards and a Pro Bowl nod. However, he regularly disappeared from the offense in his sophomore campaign.
Instead, the Jaguars scoop up BYU product Puka Nacua, who was originally a 2023 fifth-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams.
When healthy, Nacua has been a model of consistency since entering the league, racking up 313 catches, 4,191 yards, and 19 touchdowns in 44 career games. Future Hall of Famer Matthew Stafford has certainly aided his production, but Nacua would be a terrific top target for Lawrence, too.
The 6'2", 201-pound pass-catcher is a physical receiver both before and after the catch. With good route skills, reliable hands, and a penchant for plucking contested catches, Nacua would make Lawrence's life a whole lot easier.
— Knox
13. Indianapolis Colts: OT Joe Alt
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Franchise-Tag Player: G Quenton Nelson
The Indianapolis Colts weren't particularly interested in taking a second chance on Florida product Anthony Richardson. While they need a quarterback and gave serious consideration to snagging C.J. Stroud, his struggles over the past two seasons gave Indy some pause.
Instead, the Colts snapped up Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt. Originally drafted fifth overall in 2024 by the Los Angeles Chargers, Alt quickly established himself as a Pro Bowl-caliber talent when healthy.
The 6'8", 322-pound blocker started 16 games as a rookie and even earned Offensive Rookie of the Year votes for his reliable effort. He only made six starts in 2025 before suffering a season-ending ankle injury, but he excelled when on the field.
Pro Football Focus graded Alt 16th overall among qualifying tackles for the 2025 season.
Pairing Alt with franchise-tagged Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson will give Indy the foundation for a powerful offensive line. The Colts will build through the trenches here and hope to find a capable signal-caller either later in the draft or through free agency.
— Knox
14. Houston Texans: QB C.J. Stroud
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Franchise-Tag Player: WR Nico Collins
To be honest, sticking with C.J. Stroud wasn't the easiest decision for the Houston Texans. Given Stroud's inconsistency and turnover issues of the last two seasons, the consistency of Brock Purdy—not to mention the upside of QBs like Tyler Shough and Malik Willis—was tempting.
However, the Texans can't simply forget about the Pro Bowl form Stroud showcased during his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. They can't simply ignore the fact that he's helped deliver playoff wins in three consecutive seasons, either.
There are still plenty of reasons to believe in Stroud, who won't even turn 25 until October. The Ohio State product has an archetypal 6'3", 218-pound frame, throws one of the prettiest deep balls in the NFL and has enough functional mobility to buy time in the pocket and steal the occasional first down.
Injuries at receiver and shaky offensive-line play have done Stroud few favors over the past two seasons. It's not as if his 93.5 career quarterback rating is terrible.
Stroud certainly hasn't been perfect as a pro, but the Texans have seen enough promise to stick by him.
— Knox
15. New England Patriots: QB Brock Purdy
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Franchise-Tag Player: DT Milton Williams
With Drake Maye going first overall, the Patriots needed a quarterback, and one could argue that Brock Purdy was the only quality option left.
The next two QBs taken in the draft were Tyler Shough and Bryce Young. Purdy's numbers blow theirs out of the water.
The question is, how will Purdy do outside of Kyle Shanahan's offense? We may never know in real life, but here, the Pats take the leap of faith that he'd thrive with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
In any case, the perception that Purdy is a product of the 49ers' talent around him is wearing off. San Francisco had major injuries throughout the roster last season, yet Purdy still led the team to a 7-2 regular-season record and a road victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles in the playoffs.
Not too shabby.
— Akeley
16. Miami Dolphins: CB Devon Witherspoon
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Franchise-Tag Player: LB Jordyn Brooks
Devon Witherspoon was PFF's No. 1-graded cornerback in 2025, so no one should be questioning if he was the right cornerback to take here.
What some may be questioning is whether a corner is worth taking over a dominant tight end like Brock Bowers or a dominant receiver like Drake London or Malik Nabers.
Spoiler alert: Nine cornerbacks were taken in this draft. Six went in the first 36 picks.
This is to say that the value of a great cornerback is as high as ever.
With that as the backdrop, Witherspoon at 16th is great value.
He joins his former teammate Jordyn Brooks to form a solid defensive nucleus for new coach Jeff Hafley, whose expertise is defense.
— Akeley
17. Denver Broncos: QB Tyler Shough
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Franchise-Tag Player: CB Patrick Surtain II
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton stole his former team's starting quarterback after missing out on Bo Nix, who went ninth to the Cleveland Browns.
Don't sleep on Tyler Shough. He started the season in a backup role behind Spencer Rattler and took over the lead role in Week 9. The 26-year-old played a lot of football during his collegiate years. It showed in his poise on the back half of his rookie campaign.
As the runner-up for the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Shough threw for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 67.6 percent completion rate. The New Orleans Saints won four of their last five outings with him under center.
Now, Shough gets to start right away in Denver, which will be key for his early development. With a cohesive offensive line and veteran pass-catchers Courtland Sutton and Evan Engram, he'll get off to a quick start under Payton.
— Moton
18. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Brock Bowers
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Justin Herbert
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is known for fielding tough, hard-nosed teams. He'll see those qualities in tight end Brock Bowers, who's all business between the white lines.
Bowers is an All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler who has broken multiple receiving records while playing with several starting quarterbacks. He flourished on a team that had no offensive identity over the last two years. Now, the premier pass-catching tight end will play under established play-caller Mike McDaniel.
With franchise-tagged signal-caller Justin Herbert under center, Bowers should reach another level of production. The Herbert-Bowers connection will push Patrick Mahomes and the aging Travis Kelce aside to become the league's new No. 1 quarterback-tight end tandem while likely surpassing Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates as an all-time franchise duo.
Both Herbert and Bowers are rare talents at their respective positions. They'll make football magic together in McDaniel's offense.
— Moton
19. Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Nik Bonitto
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Joe Burrow
The Cincinnati Bengals were absolutely atrocious defensively last year—no team in the AFC surrendered more yards per game. Only two teams gave up more points per contest.
The Bengals have tried to address those deficiencies this spring with the trade for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and the signing of edge-rusher Boye Mafe. But it can be argued that both of those deals were overpays, and in this exercise, Mafe went back into the pool.
In any event, swapping Mafe out for Nik Bonitto would be a coup.
Over four seasons in the NFL, Bonitto has developed into one of the NFL's best edge-rushers who isn't talked about as one of the NFL's best edge-rushers. His 14 sacks last year were good for fifth in the NFL, while his 39 pressures were eighth and his 28 quarterback hits tied for fourth.
An inside-out duo of Bonitto and Lawrence would be formidable.
— Davenport
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Bijan Robinson
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Baker Mayfield
The running back value debates will never end, but nobody can deny how sensational Robinson is. It has only taken him three years to become arguably the most complete running back in the sport. His vision, burst, patience, and cuts are a thing of beauty. Defenders are usually left wondering what happened after attempting to tackle him in the open field.
Tampa Bay can't lose out on this opportunity. To have an offensive centerpiece like Robinson is something coaches dream about. The possibilities are endless once you put the ball in his hands.
— Strk
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Bryce Young
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge T.J. Watt
While addressing the media, Steelers general manager Omar Khan said that the Steelers remain unsure whether Aaron Rodgers will return for a second season in the Steel City.
"We've had some great communication with Aaron," Khan said. "Nothing's changed, but it's all been positive and good. I said this to you guys in March, he knows how we feel about him and we know how he feels about us."
We'll make the decision for him—by giving the Steelers more than just a short-term fix under center.
Bryce Young admittedly hasn't exactly lived up to his status as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft. But the team around him didn't help matters any. Last year, Young set career bests in completion percentage, passing yards and touchdown passes while leading the Carolina Panthers to the playoffs.
He's also just 24 years old. Rodgers has socks that are older than that.
— Davenport
22. Detroit Lions: RB Jahmyr Gibbs
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Franchise-Tag Player: OT Penei Sewell
All of the high-end quarterbacks were long gone by this point. The Detroit Lions could have taken a wideout such as Malik Nabers, Drake London or Garrett Wilson to replace Amon-Ra St. Brown, but none of those guys can single-handedly transform an offense. (Just ask the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets of recent years.)
Jahmyr Gibbs can.
The Lions got roasted for taking Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 draft. All Gibbs has done in the three years since is pile up more than 5,000 yards from scrimmage and nearly 50 total touchdowns. He leads the league in the latter category over that span. He's third in yards from scrimmage, trailing only Bijan Robinson and Derrick Henry.
No matter who the Lions wind up getting as their quarterback, having a dominant dual-threat running back like Gibbs can help lift the sails of their offense. He's had at least 900 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in each of his three seasons. Also, he added a career-high 77 receptions for 616 yards and five scores this past year.
— Toporek
23. Seattle Seahawks: S Kyle Hamilton
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Sam Darnold
Kyle Hamilton was the best player available. Mike Macdonald coached him in Baltimore. John Schneider has shown how much he values the safety position by signing Julian Love and drafting Nick Emmanwori.
Macdonald and Schneider would be thrilled to take Hamilton in this spot.
The more interesting debate revolves around the Seahawks' franchise-tag pick.
Most of their best players, such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon, were too young to be franchised in this exercise.
So it came down to Leonard Williams or Darnold.
Williams turns 32 in June. He's one of the best defensive tackles in the league, so it's easy to argue that he'll be more valuable than Darnold in 2026. But Father Time will catch up to him soon.
Meanwhile, Darnold is just 28. He could be Seattle's starting QB for the next decade.
The Seahawks keep Darnold and then draft Hamilton to build the next great defense to help the Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
— Akeley
24. Los Angeles Rams: WR Drake London
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Matthew Stafford
After losing Puka Nacua in this draft, the Rams' priority would be to replace him with another elite receiver, leaving two options.
It was either Drake London or Malik Nabers.
The Rams considered taking the 22-year-old Nabers because he's two years younger, but his knee injury scared them off just enough to go with the 24-year-old London.
Nabers suffered a torn ACL and a partially torn meniscus in 2025. The injury might be a footnote at the end of his career. It's not like London had a super healthy 2025. But London isn't rehabbing from something that serious.
London is also more like Nacua than Nabers with his 6'4" frame and ability to win at the catch point.
Stafford and London would form the most dynamic QB-WR tandem in this alternate reality.
As for franchising Stafford over much younger players like Alaric Jackson, this was a very difficult decision. But ultimately, you keep the MVP quarterback and hope you can convince the 38-year-old to play a few more seasons.
— Akeley
25. Green Bay Packers: DT Jalen Carter
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Micah Parsons
In last year's re-draft, Jalen Carter went seventh overall. One injury-hampered season later, he might be the steal of this year's re-draft.
Carter tried to play through injuries to both shoulders last year before undergoing a procedure late in the season. He finished the year with a career-low 3.0 sacks and 33 tackles in 11 games, although he did rack up 12 quarterback hits as well.
We saw what a game-wrecker Carter could be on the Philadelphia Eagles' run to their Super Bowl LIX title in 2024, though. He effectively clinched the game for them against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round with a third-down sack and a fourth-down pressure on the final drive of the game.
When healthy, Carter is such a dominating physical presence that he routinely draws double-teams. Pairing him with Micah Parsons would give the Green Bay Packers the foundation of the league's best defense.
— Toporek
26. Dallas Cowboys: WR Malik Nabers
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Dak Prescott
The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to mega-superstar wide receivers. Playing out in this scenario, with an uncertain future around breakout star George Pickens, and just the way the board fell, Malik Nabers would be a welcome addition.
The soon-to-be 23-year-old would provide both immediate and long-term help in the organization's long, long pursuit of returning to the Super Bowl. There is simply too much talent and upside to let him slide by in this spot.
— O'Donnell
27. Baltimore Ravens: WR Garrett Wilson
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Lamar Jackson
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP and one of the league's best at what he does. But for much of his career, Jackson's passing-game weapons have been an issue. It's also important to note that Baltimore's No. 1 receiver (Zay Flowers) went back into the pool.
Well, buh-bye Zay—because here the Ravens are adding an even better wideout.
Garrett Wilson's 2025 season was admittedly a mess—the former Ohio State standout missed 10 games and failed to eclipse 400 receiving yards. But in each of the three preceding seasons, Wilson tallied 1,000 receiving yards despite playing with a menagerie of meh under center with the New York Jets. Over that span, Wilson averaged 93 catches per year. The 25-year-old was also the 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Wilson had never missed a game before last year. His best football is ahead of him—especially playing with an actual NFL quarterback.
— Davenport
28. Minnesota Vikings: CB Derek Stingley Jr.
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Franchise-Tag Player: WR Justin Jefferson
The Minnesota Vikings already have one of the NFL's best wide receivers—if not the best—in Justin Jefferson. In this re-draft, they wanted to have iron sharpen iron.
Derek Stingley Jr. might not have the same cachet among casual fans as Patrick Surtain II or Sauce Gardner, but he's also one of the NFL's top lockdown cornerbacks. Stingley has allowed fewer than 50 percent of the targets thrown his way to get completed for three years running. Quarterbacks haven't posted a passer rating above 54.0 against him since his rookie season in 2022.
Over the past three years, Stingley has hauled in 14 interceptions and broken up 46 passes. He's been named a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in each of the past two seasons.
Heading into last season, Stingley was 18th on the NFL's top-100 list, which is voted on by fellow players. New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers described him as a "receiver at cornerback" due to his ball skills, while Surtain said he had "one of the best techniques in the game."
Enough said.
— Toporek
29. San Francisco 49ers: RB Jeremiyah Love
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Nick Bosa
The 49ers lost Brock Purdy earlier in this exercise, but the best QB available (Malik Willis? Michael Penix Jr.?) is not worth drafting here.
In this alternate reality, the Niners will take advantage of Kyle Shanahan's ability to make an average QB look good by not taking one in the draft. Who their QB would be isn't clear, but let's just say it would be someone like Mac Jones, if it isn't literally Mac Jones.
The best way to support this QB is to draft the most dynamic player available.
Jeremiyah Love has a chance to make a Bijan Robinson-like impact in the NFL. He has the speed to take any run to the house, while having the receiving chops to be heavily involved in the passing game.
Some might question this pick with a positional value argument, but if Love ends up like Jahmyr Gibbs and Robinson by catching 70-plus balls a season, he'll practically be a running back and a wide receiver.
It's also worth noting that Love is 20 years old. The 49ers would be banking on having nine seasons of elite play before Love starts to break down.
— Akeley
30. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Tetairoa McMillan
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes needs help from more reliable receivers.
Xavier Worthy is still in the five-year draft pool. He's a 5'11", 165-pound wideout who may never develop into a consistent down-to-down threat. Over the last two years, Rashee Rice has missed 22 games because of injuries and a suspension.
The Kansas City Chiefs need a lead receiver who can take over games. Tetairoa McMillan proved he can be the focal point of an aerial attack. Last season, he caught 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns to win the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Going from Bryce Young to Patrick Mahomes, McMillan should be able to post legitimate Pro Bowl-worthy numbers with a chance to win Offensive Player of the Year.
Mahomes hasn't had a true No. 1 receiver since the Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins. With McMillan on the way, Kansas City's passing game will be a powerhouse with more explosive plays and higher efficiency in the red zone.
— Moton
31. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Quinyon Mitchell
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Jalen Hurts
Picking this late in Round 1, the Eagles missed any potential opportunity to move away from Jalen Hurts at QB, choosing to franchise tag the QB. The QB won't be the only player the Eagles will retain as they take star CB Quinyon Mitchell here.
Mitchell allowed a passer rating of 63.7 last season and only allowed one touchdown on 88 targets on his way to All-Pro honors. He's also proved to be durable, playing all 16 games in both seasons to start his career.
Since entering the league, Mitchell has been as lockdown as any CB in the NFL. At just 24 years old, he can be the cornerstone of the Eagles' secondary moving forward and take away the other team's No. 1 option in the passing attack.
— Hanford
32. Buffalo Bills: WR George Pickens
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Josh Allen
How fun would this tandem be?
Among receivers with at least 50 catches last season, George Pickens ranked third in yards per reception (15.4). Now he gets to team up with the quarterback who has the strongest arm in the league.
With all due respect to Stefon Diggs, Josh Allen has never played with a receiver as talented as Pickens.
The only question for the Bills was whether they wanted a player whose effort level has been questioned several times in his career.
But if he keeps putting up 1,400-yard seasons as he did in 2025, the conversations about his perceived lack of effort should be replaced by conversations about his dominance.
— Akeley
33. New York Jets: TE Trey McBride
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Franchise-Tag Player: S Minkah Fitzpatrick
Round 1 Pick: QB Drake Maye
It's no secret that Drake Maye loves throwing to his tight ends. He's turned journeyman Hunter Henry into one of the 10 most productive players at his position.
Imagine what Maye would do with Trey McBride?
The 26-year-old is coming off a 1,239-yard, 11-touchdown season that earned him his first-team All-Pro. He put up those numbers with Jacoby Brissett starting for 12 games.
The only other player worth considering in this spot was Colston Loveland for the simple fact that Loveland (22) is four years younger.
It's a fascinating debate that comes up often in this exercise. Do you take the more established player, knowing he likely has fewer prime years left, or do you take the younger player who may never reach the highs of the established player's prime?
The Jets opt for the more established player here.
— Akeley
34. New York Giants: CB Cooper DeJean
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Brian Burns
Round 1 Pick: QB Caleb Williams
With QB handled and an edge-rusher already on the roster, Big Blue opts for an opportunity to add a major difference-maker to the defense here.
It doesn't matter where Cooper DeJean is on the field; as long as he's out there, game-changing plays are possible. The former second-round pick has already proved he should not have been the 40th player on the board in his draft class and makes a leap in this exercise to the upper echelon of defensive players available—right where he belongs.
— O'Donnell
35. Carolina Panthers: TE Colston Loveland
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Franchise-Tag Player: DT Derrick Brown
Round 1 Pick: Edge Will Anderson Jr.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Loveland considered as a top 3 tight end by the end of 2026. His skill set as a tight end is something teams salivate over. How he can line up across different formations to create mismatches and be a consistent threat is hugely valuable. From stretching the field to embracing blocking responsibilities as an in-line tight end, Loveland can do it all.
Carolina will absolutely love having an explosive weapon with blue-collar aspects to his game that make him special. He doesn't mind doing the dirty work for a tight end with spectacular pass-catching ability. That makes him an even more unique weapon. Look for him to explode in a more featured role.
— Strk
36. Arizona Cardinals: CB Sauce Gardner
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Josh Sweat
Round 1 Pick: QB Jayden Daniels
After taking Jayden Daniels, the Cardinals wanted to pair him with an elite pass-catcher, but the board did not fall their way, as McBride and Loveland were taken in the previous three picks.
So instead of reaching for a wide receiver or tight end, the Cardinals pivoted to the available player most valued by NFL decision-makers in Sauce Gardner.
Don't believe me? Just ask the Colts, who traded two first-round picks for him in November.
Since coming into the league in 2022, Gardner has been one of the most feared defensive backs in the sport. He has just three career interceptions, but that has more to do with teams not testing him than any lack of ball skills.
Even in a down 2025 season, Gardner led the NFL in lockdown percentage, per PFF.
— Akeley
37. Las Vegas Raiders: C Tyler Linderbaum
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Maxx Crosby
Round 1 Pick: QB Fernando Mendoza
This Las Vegas Raiders rebuild follows a common-sense approach. After taking a quarterback in the first round, the team makes a move to protect him in his transition into the NFL.
Three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum will help Fernando Mendoza I.D. defensive coverages while keeping pass-rushers out of interior gaps.
According to Next Gen Stats, Linderbaum allowed pressure after an average of 3.64 seconds, which is the second-longest time among centers, while matching up one-on-one for about 50 percent of his pass-blocking snaps.
A rookie quarterback's best friend is a high-IQ pass-blocking center. Pass-catchers come and go. Linderbaum is a foundational roster-building block.
— Moton
38. Tennessee Titans: WR Emeka Egbuka
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Franchise-Tag Player: DT Jeffery Simmons
Round 1 Pick: QB Cam Ward
In Round 2, the Titans give Cam Ward something he didn't have during his actual rookie season—a legitimate go-to receiver.
Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka filled that role for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers early in 2025. Although he eventually hit the rookie wall, he still finished with an impressive 63 catches for 938 yards and six touchdowns.
By comparison, tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo led the Titans with just 560 yards and two touchdowns on 56 receptions.
The 6'1", 205-pound Egbuka is a physical inside-outside target who can consistently get open with route precision and who can turn shorter passes into longer gains. Having a receiver of Egbuka's caliber as a primary target should help significantly accelerate Ward's development.
And at only 23 years old, Egbuka is perfectly suited to form a long-term duo alongside Ward in Tennessee.
— Knox
39. Chicago Bears: RB De'Von Achane
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Franchise-Tag Player: G Joe Thuney
Round 1 Pick: Edge Aidan Hutchinson
After adding a star pass-rusher in Round 1 of this re-draft, the Bears turned their attention to their offense.
With any draft-worthy quarterback long gone, the Bears took a page out of the Lions' book and snagged a do-it-all running back to serve as the foundation of their offensive attack. De'Von Achane might not be quite as much of a floor-raiser as Jahmyr Gibbs, but he has similar ceiling-lifting upside.
Achane is on the smaller side at 5'9" and 191 pounds, but he's been one of the NFL's most explosive tailbacks ever since making his debut in 2023. He averaged an eye-popping 7.8 yards per carry on 103 attempts as a rookie, which was fueled in part by five runs of 40 yards or more.
This past season, Achane led the league with 5.7 yards per carry despite racking up a career-high 238 totes. He had a career-high 1,838 yards from scrimmage and totaled 12 touchdowns for the second straight year despite playing for the moribund Miami Dolphins.
That earned him the first of what figures to be multiple career Pro Bowl nods.
— Toporek
40. Cleveland Browns: WR Chris Olave
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Myles Garrett
Round 1 Pick: QB Bo Nix
The Cleveland Browns addressed the quarterback position in the first round of this draft with the addition of Bo Nix. Now, the team is going to give Nix a No. 1 wide receiver to chuck the rock to.
Over four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Chris Olave has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards three times. Last year, the second-team All-Pro set career-highs in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,163) and touchdown catches (nine).
Olave has yet to turn 26, so he's only just now entering the prime of his career. He's an excellent fit for the Browns at a position of need.
— Davenport
41. New Orleans Saints: QB Malik Willis
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Franchise-Tag Player: RB Travis Etienne Jr.
Round 1 Pick: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
It's time to gamble on a quarterback. Although Willis has limited experience, his recent performances show he's worthy of an opportunity to prove he can be a starter. What he can do with his athleticism is a nice cheat code. The maturation of his decision-making in the pocket is what stood out from his success in Green Bay. Spending time learning in an organization that knows how to develop quarterbacks has paid off nicely for him.
This could end up being a massive steal for the Saints. If Willis continues to grow as a passer and maximize his physical gifts, he can quickly grow into a quarterback that defenses will have headaches trying to contain.
— Strk
42. Washington Commanders: WR Ladd McConkey
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Franchise-Tag Player: LT Laremy Tunsil
Round 1 Pick: QB Jaxson Dart
McConkey is the ninth WR off the board, but the Commanders land the ideal weapon for new QB Jaxson Dart (drafted 10th overall) to force-feed targets.
McConkey may not have the perceived upside of some of the WRs taken before him, or make as many flashy plays, but he has almost 2,000 yards in his two NFL seasons to go with 13 TDs and has earned over 200 targets in the Chargers' offense.
He's seemingly always open, as his style of play should help a young QB in Dart. With the team choosing to franchise tag left tackle Laremy Tunsil to protect Dart's blind side rather than star WR Terry McLaurin, a No. 1 WR option was desperately needed.
— Hanford
43. Atlanta Falcons: QB Ty Simpson
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Franchise-Tag Player: S Jessie Bates III
Round 1 Pick: CB Christian Gonzalez
Similar to when their biggest rivals, the New Orleans Saints, took Tyler Shough, Atlanta has no choice but to gamble on a quarterback here. The Falcons will take a more technically sound, NFL-ready signal-caller back than the last one they drafted, Michael Penix Jr.
Ty Simpson plays with great anticipation and knows how to get the ball in his playmakers' hands on short to intermediate designs.
Despite concerns about his physical traits, he reads the game well and makes the necessary decisions to get the offense moving. That is something the Falcons will be banking on as he goes through the growing pains and learns how to handle playing under pressure with more composure.
— Strk
44. Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Tyler Warren
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Trevor Lawrence
Round 1 Pick: WR Puka Nacua
In 2025, the Jaguars saw just how effective Trevor Lawrence can be with a creative offense and a strong supporting cast. With Puka Nacua now in Jacksonville as WR1, the Jags get Lawrence another target brimming with elite potential.
Penn State's Tyler Warren was originally selected by the rival Colts last season and immediately established himself as one of their biggest offensive threats. During his inaugural campaign, he caught 76 passes for 817 yards and four touchdowns.
With a 6'6", 260-pound frame, top-tier athleticism, and a good amount of alignment versatility, Warren is a mismatch waiting to happen. As a move tight end who can play across the formation and in the slot, he can serve as a proverbial chess piece in Liam Coen's offense.
Snagging Warren here ensures that Lawrence will have two big, reliable targets with which to attack all areas of the field. It also ensures that Indianapolis can't secure him in the re-draft.
— Knox
45. Indianapolis Colts: Edge Jared Verse
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Franchise-Tag Player: G Quenton Nelson
Round 1 Pick: OT Joe Alt
The Colts narrowly missed out on the quarterbacks worth considering in a five-year, two-round re-draft. However, they received an opportunity to consider building from the inside out by adding a legitimate difference-maker to their defensive front.
Jared Verse was originally drafted 19th overall by the Rams in 2024. He immediately established himself as one of the league's preeminent edge-defenders en route to being named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The two-time Pro Bowler hasn't racked up sacks like some of his contemporaries, but he regularly impacts games and ruins the plans of opposing offenses. In 34 career games, he has recorded 124 tackles, 12 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, and a whopping 69 quarterback pressures.
There isn't much that the 6'5", 265-pound Verse can't do as a front-line defender. He can be a defensive cornerstone for the Colts. At only 25 years old, he's just entering his playing prime.
— Knox
46. Houston Texans: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
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Franchise-Tag Player: WR Nico Collins
Round 1 Pick: QB C.J. Stroud
After taking Stroud in Round 1, the Texans strongly considered addressing his offensive line here. However, the temptation to reunite the QB and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was simply too great.
Harrison, originally drafted fourth overall in 2024 by the Cardinals, spent two seasons alongside Stroud at Ohio State, one as a starter. With Stroud at the helm in 2022, Harrison caught 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns. He had similar numbers the following season, but has failed to replicate his collegiate success in the NFL.
Of course, it's entirely fair to question Arizona's quarterback situation and the offenses they've put around Harrison over the past two years. It's hard to believe that the top-ranked player on the B/R Scouting Department's 2024 draft board simply forgot how to be special.
The 6'3", 220-pound Harrison has all the tools and traits to be a perennial All-Pro. Putting him back in a lineup with Stroud—and tagged receiver Nico Collins—might just help him prove it.
— Knox
47. New England Patriots: RB Ashton Jeanty
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Franchise-Tag Player: DT Milton Williams
Round 1 Pick: QB Brock Purdy
Jeanty struggled in his rookie season, averaging just 3.7 yards per attempt. But that had more to do with an awful situation in Las Vegas than Jeanty being overhyped going into the 2025 draft.
The Patriots show here that they believe the hype was warranted and that his talent will shine through in better surroundings.
One thing that bodes particularly well for Jeanty is his rookie-season reception total. He had 55, which is right in line with rookie season totals of Bijan Robinson (58) and Jahmyr Gibbs (52).
Another thing that makes this pick look like a value is his age.
Jeanty is just 22 years old. The next three running backs taken in this draft are 26, 25 and 24.
Jeanty will still be in his prime when these other RBs are declining.
— Akeley
48. Miami Dolphins: RB James Cook
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Franchise-Tag Player: LB Jordyn Brooks
Round 1 Pick: CB Devon Witherspoon
The Dolphins were not in a good position to take a quarterback in this draft. So they pass on the mediocre options remaining—such as Michael Penix Jr. and Shedeur Sanders—and grab a replacement for De'Von Achane, who was taken nine picks earlier.
James Cook led the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards last season. He also ranked second in yards per attempt (5.25) among players with at least 100 carries, trailing only Achane.
The positional value argument will always come up when a running back is taken over, say, an offensive tackle. But note that most of the best OTs were not draft-eligible. In fact, only one OT (Joe Alt) was taken in the first 60 picks.
Meanwhile, 11 wide receivers had already been taken, substantially watering down that position group.
It's safe to say Cook was the most dynamic offensive player available.
— Akeley
49. Denver Broncos: RB Kyren Williams
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Franchise-Tag Player: CB Patrick Surtain II
Round 1 Pick: QB Tyler Shough
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton gets a workhorse running back who can take pressure off his young quarterback and finish drives.
In the last two seasons, Williams has finished within the top nine in rush attempts and scored double-digit touchdowns. Every year since 2023, he's seen an increase in his scrimmage yards totals.
Entering his age-26 season, Williams is in his prime and has only missed one game over the last two years. Quarterback Tyler Shough won't need to force anything downfield with a featured tailback able to pace the offense on the ground.
— Moton
50. Los Angeles Chargers: RB Breece Hall
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Justin Herbert
Round 1 Pick: TE Brock Bowers
The Los Angeles Chargers lost Joe Alt early in this draft process, but they still have two-time Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater, who's recovering from a torn patellar tendon.
So, in addition to first-round pick Brock Bowers, the Chargers add running back Breece Hall, who's coming off a season in which he racked up a career-high 1,065 rushing yards and scored four touchdowns.
Don't worry about Hall's modest scoring totals through four seasons. He'll have more opportunities to reach paydirt in Los Angeles than he had during his time with the New York Jets.
Hall is an underrated tailback who can post Pro Bowl numbers in a better situation. He'll have a full breakout campaign with the Chargers.
— Moton
51. Cincinnati Bengals: LB Sonny Styles
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Joe Burrow
Round 1 Pick: Edge Nik Bonitto
The Bengals have no shortage of offensive weapons, and while running back Chase Brown was placed in this player pool, that's not a difficult position to fill.
So, it's back to the defense—and bolstering a linebacker corps that contributed to Cincinnati fielding the worst run defense in the league a year ago.
Sonny Styles admittedly hasn't played a down of NFL football yet. But the 6'5", 244-pounder has ideal size, ran a 4.46-second 40 in Indy and was unbelievable in combine workouts.
He also played some safety in college, so his coverage skills should be significantly better than most young linebackers.
— Davenport
52. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Joey Porter Jr.
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Baker Mayfield
Round 1 Pick: RB Bijan Robinson
One of the most physical cornerbacks in the league joins one of the most beloved, aggressive defensive play-callers. Questions can be raised about Todd Bowles' situational management. What must be acknowledged is how he normally maximizes his defenses with savvy in his methods. Pairing his defense with a talent like Porter Jr. is a match made in heaven.
There is no backing down with Porter Jr. in man coverage. He makes opposing wide receivers uncomfortable with his length and physicality. The range he plays with will be crucial in covering up ground when Bowles runs his signature blitzes. Porter Jr. lacks the playmaking ability you'd like from a number one corner, but he more than makes up for it as a tone-setter who takes on all challenges.
— Strk
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Trent McDuffie
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge T.J. Watt
Round 1 Pick: QB Bryce Young
We got the Steelers a long-term quarterback (hopefully) in Bryce Young in Round 1. But with Joey Porter Jr. off the board in this draft, the second pick is about addressing a pass defense that allowed the fourth-most yards per game in 2025.
The Los Angeles Rams just made Trent McDuffie the highest-paid cornerback in the league, and for good reason—McDuffie was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team All-Pro the following season.
McDuffie is still just 25 years old. He is a legitimate "shutdown" corner with a career passer rating against of less than 90.
— Davenport
54. Detroit Lions: Edge Byron Young
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Franchise-Tag Player: OT Penei Sewell
Round 1 Pick: RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Given all of the big names on the Los Angeles Rams' offense, Byron Young tends to fly under the radar. He's also already 28 years old, which puts him on the older end of players in this re-draft.
With that said, Young is fresh off racking up a career-high 12.0 sacks, 82 total tackles and 29 quarterback hits this past season. He has yet to miss a game in his three-year NFL career. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2025 as well.
Young has tallied at least 7.5 sacks, 60 tackles and 10 quarterback hits in each of his first three seasons. He benefits from playing alongside other stud pass-rushers like Jared Verse and Kobie Turner, but he ranked ninth among 115 edge defenders in overall grade from Pro Football Focus this past season.
Since the Lions lost Aidan Hutchinson to the Bears in this re-draft, they needed to firm up their pass rush somehow. Young was the most established option left on the board at this point.
— Toporek
55. Seattle Seahawks: LB Arvell Reese
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Sam Darnold
Round 1 Pick: S Kyle Hamilton
Just like the Jets in the 2026 NFL draft, the Seahawks had to decide between Arvell Reese and David Bailey.
Though Bailey comes to the NFL with more collegiate production, most analysts believe Reese has the higher ceiling.
"Say less," Mike Macdonald might say.
The Seahawks have the perfect coaching infrastructure to develop a player with elite traits. For example, Nick Emmanwori (who was also considered for this pick) fell to the second round of the 2025 NFL draft because his play didn't always match his 10.0 Relative Athletic Score.
But it didn't take long for him to thrive with some Seahawks coaching.
If Reese hits his ceiling, there's no telling what he could become. At the very least, one could expect annual double-digit sack totals for the 20-year-old.
— Akeley
56. Los Angeles Rams: Edge David Bailey
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Matthew Stafford
Round 1 Pick: WR Drake London
This exercise shows just how good the Rams have it in real life. Jared Verse (45th pick), Kyren Williams (49th pick), Trent McDuffie (53rd pick) and Byron Young (54th pick) were taken in the second round before the Rams got on the clock.
They still could have taken one of their own players, as Kobie Turner would have been a reasonable pick here. But instead, they opted for the most accomplished pass-rusher in the 2026 draft.
David Bailey led college football in sacks last season with 14.5. The knock on the 22-year-old is that his size (6'4", 251 lbs) could be exploited by bigger offensive lines in the run game.
On his NFL.com draft profile, his pro-player comparison is Nik Bonitto, who was 6'3" and 248 pounds when he got drafted. Since then, Bonitto has become one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL and was taken with the 19th pick in this draft.
If Bailey matches Bonitto's production, getting him here would be a steal.
— Akeley
57. Green Bay Packers: S Nick Emmanwori
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Micah Parsons
Round 1 Pick: DT Jalen Carter
The Packers already have the foundation of a dominant defense between Micah Parsons and Jalen Carter. They decided to go all-in on that side of the ball by adding Nick Emmanwori, the chess piece who helped the Seattle Seahawks allow the fewest points per game in 2025 en route to their second-ever Super Bowl title.
Emmanwori finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting to Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger despite starting only 11 games. He finished his rookie campaign with 81 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, 2.5 sacks and one interception.
"He's one-of-one," Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon said about Emmanwori, per NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "... The guy can blitz, he can take on tackles, set the edge, blitz through the B-gap, I mean, literally the guy can do anything. He can cover the slot, cover the tight end. Everything you want him to do, he can do. When we've got our guy out there, it's kind of hard to game-plan against him."
Having a versatile piece like Emmanwori roaming the secondary with Parsons and Carter bearing down on the quarterback would put offenses in the seventh circle of hell.
— Toporek
58. Dallas Cowboys: S Brian Branch
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Dak Prescott
Round 1 Pick: WR Malik Nabers
The Cowboys addressed the offensive side of the ball by taking Malik Nabers with their first pick to get Dak Prescott a young superstar WR. This time, they find the leader of their defense in safety Brian Branch.
Dallas desperately needs an anchor in its secondary, and Branch gives them just that. With seven interceptions and 258 tackles since entering the league in 2023, he's a versatile and smart safety who can make plays in coverage as well as a tackler in the box. He's also forced three fumbles and has 4.5 sacks. His nose for the ball and penchant for making big plays make him an asset, despite being overlooked in favor of other safeties on a regular basis.
— Hanford
59. Baltimore Ravens: S Caleb Downs
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Lamar Jackson
Round 1 Pick: WR Garrett Wilson
Ohio State's Caleb Downs was the highest-ranked player on Bleacher Report's NFL Draft Big Board this year. He's a player who B/R's Daniel Harms said is a "plug and play starter in any defense he's drafted to. He'll raise the floor and ceiling of any defense."
There have been rumblings that Downs isn't an elite athlete. That his size and traits don't scream top-10 NFL draft pick. But that is rubbish. Downs is the best football player in this year's draft class. He's about as close to a sure thing as you'll get in the Class of 2026.
With Kyle Hamilton long gone in this redraft, Downs is an excellent replacement at the back of Baltimore's defense.
— Davenport
60. Minnesota Vikings: CB/WR Travis Hunter
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Franchise-Tag Player: WR Justin Jefferson
Round 1 Pick: CB Derek Stingley Jr.
It's still not entirely clear what Travis Hunter's optimal position is in the NFL. Is he a full-time cornerback? A full-time wide receiver? Or can he really play both?
During his rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hunter played 324 snaps on offense and 162 snaps on defense before he suffered a season-ending LCL tear in his right knee. He was fresh off a game in which he hauled in a career-high eight passes on 14 targets for 101 yards and his first touchdown.
According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, the Jaguars plan to use Hunter as a full-time cornerback and a part-time wide receiver moving forward. They believe he "can be elite at cornerback and still be an impact player on offense."
In this re-draft, the Vikings already have an elite player at both spots between Justin Jefferson and Derek Stingley Jr. That would allow Hunter to slot in as a CB2 and/or a WR2, which could open up opportunities for him on either side of the ball.
— Toporek
61. San Francisco 49ers: OT Charles Cross
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Franchise-Tag Player: Edge Nick Bosa
Round 1 Pick: RB Jeremiyah Love
After taking Jeremiyah Love to be their running back for the next decade, the 49ers support the passing and running games with their left tackle for the next decade.
Charles Cross is coming off another very good season with the Seahawks. PFF ranked him the 17th-best tackle with at least 700 snaps.
Among the top 10 tackles on the PFF list, only Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann, who ranked 10th, was available in this draft.
So Raimann was heavily considered, but ultimately the 49ers went with Cross because he's three years younger at 25 years old.
In real life, if the 49ers could magically turn Christian McCaffrey (29) and Trent Williams (37) into Love (20) and Cross, they'd do it in a heartbeat. Love and Cross may never reach the highs of those two, but they have the talent to get close.
— Akeley
62. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Tyler Smith
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Patrick Mahomes
Round 1 Pick: WR Tet McMillan
In this five-year redraft, the Kansas City Chiefs have vacancies at left tackle and left guard. Fortunately, Tyler Smith can play both positions, which makes him the ideal pick for this club on the back end of the second round.
In 2022, with the Dallas Cowboys, Smith started his pro career at left tackle before transitioning to left guard, where he became a Pro Bowl player for the next three seasons.
The Chiefs must protect Mahomes once he's back from a torn ACL. Smith will be just as valuable as the team's first-round pick, Tetairoa McMillan, in elevating the aerial attack. Smith's reliable pass-blocking will keep Kansas City's pass-heavy offense in rhythm, allowing Mahomes to pick apart defenses.
That said, Smith must cut down on penalties. He's committed at least eight infractions that the opposing team accepted in three of his four seasons. If the 25-year-old sharpens up on his technique, he'll be an All-Pro.
— Moton
63. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Darnell Wright
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Jalen Hurts
Round 1 Pick: CB Quinyon Mitchell
The Eagles started preparing for the future in the 2026 NFL draft, but didn't address the tackle position until the third round. In this scenario, Darnell Wright—a right tackle entering his age-25 season who had his fifth-year option picked up by the Bears as the No. 10 overall pick in 2023—is the ideal long-term plan.
This Philadelphia team needs one on the offensive line once Lane Johnson hangs up his cleats. As a second-team All-Pro in 2025, Wright's future looks bright.
— O'Donnell
64. Buffalo Bills: Edge Kobie Turner
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Franchise-Tag Player: QB Josh Allen
Round 1 Pick: WR George Pickens
The Bills conclude the draft with a versatile defensive lineman who fell through the cracks.
As a 3-4 defensive end, Kobie Turner is considered an interior defensive lineman by PFF. Among 134 interior defensive linemen, Turner ranked sixth by them in 2025.
The only draft-eligible interior DL ranked higher was Jets nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat.
The Bills favored Turner for his ability to rush the passer. The 26-year-old has 24 sacks in his three seasons and is a pressure-creating machine.
Buffalo's plan would be simple: get a lead with Josh Allen and George Pickens leading the aerial attack and close out games with Turner sacks.
— Akeley
Players Selected by Team
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If you're wondering who has the deepest talent pool from the 2022-2026 classes, look no further than the Rams.
L.A. GM Les Snead nearly doubled the amount of players taken from the next closest teams with Puka Nacua, Ty Simpson, Jared Verse, Kyren Williams, Trent McDuffie, Byron Young and Kobie Turner.
Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love (Pick No. 29), Trey McBride (33), Marvin Harrison Jr. (46)
Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson (20), Drake London (24)
Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton (23)
Buffalo Bills: James Cook (48)
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young (21), Tet McMillan (30)
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams (2), Colston Loveland (35), Darnell Wright (63)
Dallas Cowboys: George Pickens (32), Caleb Downs (59), Tyler Smith (62)
Denver Broncos: Bo Nix (8), Nik Bonitto (19)
Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson (7), Jahmyr Gibbs (22), Brian Branch (58)
Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr. (3), C.J. Stroud (14), Derek Stingley Jr. (28)
Indianapolis Colts: Sauce Gardner (36), Tyler Warren (44)
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter (60)
Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (5), Brock Bowers (18), Tyler Linderbaum (37), Ashton Jeanty (47)
Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt (13), Ladd McConkey (42)
Los Angeles Rams: Puka Nacua (12), Ty Simpson (43), Jared Verse (45), Kyren Williams (49), Trent McDuffie (53), Byron Young (54), Kobie Turner (64)
Miami Dolphins: Malik Willis (41)
New England Patriots: Drake Maye (1), Christian Gonzalez (11)
New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough (17), Chris Olave (40)
New York Giants: Jaxson Dart (10), Malik Nabers (26), Arvell Reese (55)
New York Jets: Garrett Wilson (27), De'Von Achane (39), Breece Hall (50), David Bailey (56)
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Carter (25), Quinyon Mitchell (31), Cooper DeJean (34)
Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr. (52)
San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy (15)
Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (9), Devon Witherspoon (16), Nick Emmanwori (57), Charles Cross (61)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka (38)
Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward (6)
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (4), Sonny Styles (51)
QB, WR Class Distribution
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Here's a quick look at how the quarterbacks in this pool were distributed. It's no surprise that the 2024 group dominated the top of the board with Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix all going in the top eight.
Check out the receiver distribution. The 2022 class dominates with four wideouts in our redraft.
Drake London, Garrett Wilson, George Pickens and Chris Olave all landed between picks 24 and 40, while the 2023 class punches in earliest with Jaxon Smith-Njigba at No. 9 and Puka Nacua at No. 12.
Full Order
67 of 67.jpg?w=684 "Union Report Cards Football")
Here's how the overall board took shape:
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.jpg?w=600 "Absurd Simpson-McVay Story 😅")
.jpg?w=600 "Pickens' Trade Ultimatum")
.jpg?w=600 "Jags Tried Trading 2027 1st 😳")
.jpg?w=600 "Other Teams Eyeing Pavia")
