Re-Drafting 2026 NFL Draft Entering Week 8

The talent found within the 2026 NFL draft class had been downplayed during the process itself. It shouldn't have been then. In retrospect, it definitely shouldn't be now.

Interestingly, five of the first 10 picks remained the same in this redraft, which indicates those teams were accurate in their assessments. Conversely, those individuals considered elite prospects have come to play. In fact, eight of the reworked top 11 include names called among the top-14 picks during April's event.

This specific class serves as a lesson for those who study the NFL draft. A class shouldn't be considered "down" simply because it lacks high-end talent at specific positions. Instead, look closely at what's available and how it can impact the league. From that perspective, the 2026 class has already proved successful entering Week 8.

With that said, some teams would have been in a better position today had they gone in a different direction when they were on the clock this past spring.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

AP Photo/David Becker

Fernando Mendoza has yet to start a game for the Las Vegas Raiders. There's no reason to change this selection since things have mostly gone according to plan for the organization.

Although, Mendoza's insertion to the lineup may happen sooner rather than later since Las Vegas lost its last four games with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins at the helm.

Mendoza was the only quarterback worthy of first-round consideration this year. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is the future of the Raiders offense. Nothing has indicated the team should have gone in another direction, particularly since he's yet to receive significant playing time.

Thus, this pick remains the same as everyone awaits the start of the Mendoza era in Sin City.

2. New York Jets: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

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The best natural pass-rusher in the 2026 NFL draft class has transitioned well into the professional ranks.

From an on-field standpoint, David Bailey has been the league's best rookie regardless of position or draft status. This year's second overall draft pick leads all first-year players in sacks (5.5)—which is tied for fifth among all defenders—and total pressures (26) as the 2026 campaign starts to round its halfway point.

The New York Jets found themselves in a draft position where they couldn't address quarterback after the Las Vegas Raiders made Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, Gang Green found a cornerstone for the team's defense and should be thrilled with the initial return.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Edge Gabe Jacas, Illinois

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

The first major turn occurs with the third overall draft pick. At the time, the Arizona Cardinals' decision to select running back Jeremiyah Love felt like a luxury pick. Instead of going in the same direction, the organization addresses a premium position by selecting arguably the biggest surprise among this year's class.

Gabe Jacas slid to the back end of the second round before the New England Patriots chose him with the 55th overall pick. He's quickly asserted himself as a tenacious pass-rusher. His 21 pressures are second among rookies (behind David Bailey). From a holistic standpoint, Jacas actually led all first-year defenders in pass-rush win rate entering this past weekend's action, according to Pro Football Focus.

Love has been the game's best rookie running back. The Cardinals could have gotten more from this pick had they concentrated on a different position.

4. Tennessee Titans: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

The Tennessee Titans wanted a wide receiver with this year's fourth overall pick, but they may have taken the wrong one.

To be fair, Carnell Tate has shown rapid improvement. The Ohio State product is already the Titans' leading receiver, which is what he should be. However, Tate hasn't displayed the same explosiveness or playmaking ability as Omar Cooper Jr. when the latter has been healthy.

After enduring a short stint on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, Cooper returned to the Jets lineup in Week 6 and immediately posted back-to-back 100-yard receiving games. Unlike Tate's situation, the Jets have other quality targets, specifically Garrett Wilson. Even so, Cooper is the one showing up and dazzling with his performance.

5. New York Giants: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

No one knew exactly where Arvell Reese would play once he joined an NFL defense. He was a hybrid at Ohio State capable of playing off-ball linebacker or working on the edge.

The New York Giants saw potential in his positional flexibility and gladly selected the standout athlete with this year's fifth overall pick. The organization remains quite happy, because Reese has been outstanding.

His usage may not be as varied as expected since he primarily serves in a true linebacker role. Though he still has more than 25 snaps kicking over the slot in coverage and over 80 working along the line of scrimmage.

As a result, Reese leads the team with 56 total tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. Throw in 1.5 sacks, four passes defended and an interception into the mix for good measure.

The Giants linebacker serves as the prime example of this class' top picks not being found at a premium position yet making a significant impact from Day 1.

6. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

AP Photo/Rio Giancarlo

Once the Kansas City Chiefs traded Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, the organization knew it had to replace him with a top-end man-cover corner. It did so when it traded up in this year's first round to select LSU's Mansoor Delane.

True to form, Delane has been sticky in coverage and an immediate positive within Steve Spagnuolo's defensive scheme. The Chiefs coaching staff hasn't been shy about placing the rookie on an opponent's top wide receiver. Obviously, mixed results occur. Still, the decision to do so shows a level of confidence in the first-year defensive back that's rare.

Delane entered the class as its CB1. Nothing has changed at the onset of his professional career, which made this pick the correct choice by the Chiefs.

7. Washington Commanders: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department graded Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as a top-20 prospect on the site's final draft board.

The MAC product fell into the second round, where he was chosen by the Cleveland Browns with this year's 58th overall pick. The Browns organization appears to have committed highway robbery now that he is on the field and making plays all over the place.

Unlike the majority of those included in this redraft, McNeil-Warren has yet to reach full-time starter status. The Browns already fielded two quality safeties before adding the 6'3", 201-pound defensive back. However, Cleveland's coaching staff finds ways to deploy McNeil-Warren.

The rookie safety can be used in a variety of roles, which makes him the ultimate chess piece. For the Washington Commanders, McNeil-Warren could have been the ideal addition to significantly improve a back end that ranks among the bottom five in pass defense for the second straight season, while also helping as an enforcer against the run.

8. New Orleans Saints: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

The New Orleans Saints stick with the wide receiver position, albeit a prospect without a significant injury history at the collegiate level.

Jordyn Tyson was a home run swing to potentially capture greatness because of his immense upside. However, he's yet to play this season because...you guessed it...another injury.

Granted, Tyson has dealt with a hamstring issue and will return this season. However, this scenario gives the Saints a different option with Carnell Tate still on the board.

Tate would have been an ideal complementary target opposite Chris Olave instead of being relied upon as a squad's WR1, which is the case in Tennessee with the Titans. More importantly, Tate has been on the field for every game. If available, he was the better choice despite Tyson's massive potential.

9. Cleveland Browns: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

The Cleveland Browns had no other choice but to draft their left tackle of the future with this year's ninth overall pick, because the team didn't have anyone on the roster who could play the position.

Cleveland selected Spencer Fano with the ninth overall pick, then converted him from right to left tackle. The squad's long-term blindside protector is now in place.

Fano has experienced his share of ups and downs to start his professional career, which is to be expected. As time progresses, the reigning Outland Trophy winner must become more consistent with his technique and improve his play-strength. Even so, Fano doesn't look overwhelmed or incapable of being the answer. His athleticism and movement skills have been particularly impressive.

The Browns made Fano the first offensive lineman off the board during April's draft and nothing should change from that perspective.

10. New York Giants: IOL Vega Ioane, Penn State

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

The New York Giants addressed their offensive line by selecting Francis Mauigoa at this spot. The concept remains mains the same, but a divergent path is taken. The reason for doing so is simple: Vega Ioane has been the game's best interior blocker among the rookie class.

Mauigoa presents significant upside. He's already showed improvement, particularly as of late. However, Ioane has been a standout from Week 1, even when the Baltimore Ravens needed the guard to slide over to center, which was a position he hadn't previously played.

Plus, Ioane brings the same tone-setting mentality and strength at the point of attack that the Giants wanted from Mauigoa. The previous statement isn't an indictment of the latter. Ioane is simply doing so more consistently and at a higher level.

11. Dallas Cowboys: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

The Dallas Cowboys had to address their defense going into the 2026 NFL draft. Despite doing so with a pair of first-round picks, the unit continues to struggle—which is why the Cowboys go in a different direction (sort of).

Originally, Dallas traded up to this slot so it could select safety Caleb Downs, who graded as the No. 1 overall prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's final draft board. Downs will be discussed more in a bit.

Right now, another former Buckeye, Sonny Styles, becomes the selection. Styles has points where his athleticism, length and tenacious downhill play-style make him look like a future All-Pro. His exceptional movement skills allow him to make plays all over the field.

Conversely, there are times when the first-year linebacker's awareness could be better, which is why he slides outside of the Top 10. Though Dallas needs someone capable of making a difference in both phases. Styles already flashed the capability.

12. Miami Dolphins: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

AP Photo/Jason Behnken

Realistically, the Miami Dolphins could have gone in any direction since the organization underwent a regime change this past offseason and the team's roster was so poorly built. However, the franchise's investment in Malik Willis as its new QB1 should have precipitated a much stronger emphasis on adding to its skill positions.

An investment in the offensive line by originally selecting Kadyn Proctor can't be fully argued simply because the foundation needed to be set. With only one offensive lineman off the board at this point, Miami pivots to find Willis a legitimate threat at wide receiver.

Denzel Boston automatically brings the frame and capabilities of a true X-receiver. He currently leads the Cleveland Browns with 372 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions. Both figures would lead the Dolphins, too. Meanwhile, Willis would have a big-framed target to consistently target instead of the mishmash Miami currently features at wide receiver.

13. Los Angeles Rams: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Maybe Ty Simpson will be a franchise quarterback one day. The Los Angeles Rams are all-in for this season, though.

The roster needed help beyond a successor to Matthew Stafford. An instant-impact defender could have gone a long way to helping the Rams right now.

The organization subsequently added Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald to its defensive front, which obviously changed the math. Even so, an opportunity to add someone like Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez should have been under more serious consideration.

Rodriguez would have fit nicely alongside Nate Landman. The rookie currently leads the Miami Dolphins, who selected the linebacker with this year's 43rd overall pick, with 61 total tackles.

Rodriguez has a nose for the football and a penchant for creating turnovers, which could have been the ultimate complementary piece to Los Angeles' offense.

14. Baltimore Ravens: IOL Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Tyler Linderbaum's departure in free agency dictated the Baltimore Ravens' draft course. While Vega Ioane didn't directly replace the Pro Bowl center (at first), the Ravens approached the addition of a high-end guard prospect as fortifying their offensive interior. The logic is sound.

In this scenario, Ioane is already off the board. Keylan Rutledge could provide the same guard-center flexibility along the interior as the team's actual first-round selection.

Eventually, Ioane did have to take over at center due to injuries. Rutledge may have started every game at left guard this season, but he spent extensive time at center during training camp and the preseason. Furthermore, Rutledge brings a rare combination of toughness and power at the point of attack, thus also giving the Ravens exactly what they needed.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Some will argue that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' actual first-round selection, Rueben Bain Jr., is the biggest disappointment from this year's draft class. Though injuries certainly played their part. But no one can deny that Bain has been slow to adjust to the pro game. Thus, the Bucs look at a different edge-rusher with a better track record to start his career.

R Mason Thomas is a relentless pass-rusher. His first-step quickness, closing speed and tenacity already make him a handful for NFL offensive tackles, even as a rookie. Thomas' 19 pressures rank third among his classmates, according to Pro Football Focus.

Thomas lining up opposite YaYa Diaby brings far more juice to Todd Bowles' aggressive defensive approach.

16. New York Jets: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Take a bow, Andrew Berry, because KC Concepcion is now the fourth Cleveland Browns rookie found among the top-16 of this NFL redraft. Concepcion currently leads the Browns with 30 receptions. Cleveland's coaching staff manufactures touches for the first-year pass-catcher because of his open-field explosiveness and ability to create in space.

Those same traits make him an ideal fit alongside Garrett Wilson.

The New York Jets are already getting the same thing from Omar Cooper Jr., at least in recent weeks. But he's not available in this scenario. Concepcion can fill the same role and give the Jets another talented target for whenever the franchise finally finds its long-term answer at quarterback.

The Browns general manager basically took the same approach as the Jets, though Cleveland has proven to be more successful in the short term.

17. Detroit Lions: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

The Detroit Lions' pass defense is atrocious and easily the league's worst, yet the organization chose not to address its secondary until the fifth round. Let's rectify that situation.

Offensive tackle remains a sticking point without Blake Miller's selection at this slot. The Lions actually passed on Avieon Terrell twice during the draft. The fact the organization did so was surprising, because Terrell was arguably the most competitive individual among his respective position group.

Considering the state of the Lions' secondary and Terrell's play-style, he'd be a natural fit in Detroit. Plus, the Clemson product adds flexibility to the unit since he can play out wide or over the slot. Terrell has allowed the second-lowest passer rating into his coverage among rookies, according to Pro Football Network. Ironically, the Lions' Keith Abney II is first. Though Terrell has played nearly 100 more snaps so far.

18. Minnesota Vikings: DL Gracen Halton, Oklahoma

AP Foto/Stephen Brashear

The Minnesota Vikings wanted an athletic, explosive interior difference-maker for their defensive line, hence the selection of Caleb Banks. But Banks had significant concerns regarding foot issues. So far, Banks has played more than 20 snaps in only one game as the Vikings ease him into the defensive line rotation.

Meanwhile, Gracen Halton already emerged as a starter along the San Francisco 49ers defensive line. Going into this past weekend's contest, Halton graded among the league's top run-stuffers, according to Pro Football Network. The previous statistic wasn't just for rookies, either. Halton is in the same conversation as Jeffery Simmons, Dexter Lawrence, Quinnen Williams and DeForest Buckner.

The fourth-round rookie's snap count may decrease with Buckner's addition to the Niners' lineup, but Halton already proved he's disruptive enough to consistently reset the line of scrimmage.

19. Carolina Panthers: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

The Carolina Panthers' offensive tackle situation was in disarray.

Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu continues to recover from a ruptured patellar tendon. Meanwhile, veteran right tackle Taylor Moton had been diagnosed with blood clots prior to the start of the 2026 campaign.

Carolina did sink this pick into an offensive tackle, Monroe Freeling, but Max Iheanachor was the better bet among the developmental options.

Freeling has an elite athletic profile. He survived when asked to start in Week 1. Conversely, Iheanachor didn't open the season in the Pittsburgh Steelers lineup but eventually became the squad's starting right tackle.

Iheanachor's presence has made a difference. The Steelers are now more athletic and nasty at the point of attack, which gives him the edge for this particular slotting.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Germie Bernard, Alabama

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This specific pairing drips with irony based on how the 2026 NFL draft actually unfolded, but the result is similar.

The Philadelphia Eagles traded ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers when general manager Howie Roseman caught wind of the latter's preference to select wide receiver Makai Lemon. A deal was struck to leap over the Steelers so the Eagles could choose Lemon.

Lemon has been solid in Philadelphia. His toughness working over the middle of the field has been particularly impressive. But Germie Bernard, whom the Steelers chose in the second round after missing out on Lemon's selection, is more explosive and a sharper route-runner.

The fact Bernard has quickly earned the trust of quarterback Aaron Rodgers says a lot about how advanced he is. Thus, he gets the edge to help the Eagles offset AJ Brown's loss.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Makai Lemon, USC

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

In this scenario, the Pittsburgh Steelers land exactly who they originally targeted this past April.

Makai Lemon was the Steelers' original plan to pair with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. Things worked out OK after the team landed offensive tackle Max Iheanachor and wide receiver Germie Bernard in the first two rounds. This situation is different, though.

As a result, the Steelers are fortunate to land their preferred target.

Lemon's fearlessness working the middle of the field would significantly benefit quarterback Aaron Rodgers, especially after Pittman ended up on injured reserve due to a foot injury. The rookie could become the security blanket Rodgers needs since the 42-year-old has struggled to push the ball down the field this season.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Austin Barber, Florida

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

The Los Angeles Chargers drafted a former Florida Gator to address their offensive interior. The organization should have looked elsewhere along the same collegiate unit.

Los Angeles chose Jake Slaughter during the second round to be the starting point of the position's fortifications. The organization drafted four blockers, yet the unit is still not fixed. Once again, injuries have played a significant part, but the position group's depth should have been drastically improved.

Initially, Slaughter was earmarked to play guard, but a season-ending injury to Tyler Biadasz caused the rookie to move back over the ball. Austin Barber doesn't have that same versatility, though he successfully converted from offensive tackle to guard with the Cleveland Browns.

Barber has started every game at right guard so far. Conversely, the Chargers have already started three different left guards. Or the rookie could be an outright upgrade over right guard Cole Strange. Either way, Los Angeles' front five would be better than it is now.

23. Dallas Cowboys: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

The Dallas Cowboys passed on Caleb Downs earlier in favor of linebacker Sonny Styles, who was still available in this scenario. The team doubles back and still lands Downs.

Once again, the Ohio State safety entered the draft class as its No. 1 overall prospect regardless of position. His value was predicated on his football IQ and ability to serve as an eraser along the back line. Due to the Cowboys' scatterbrained approach defensively, Downs hasn't created as much of an impact as expected. Though he's still been quite good when looking at his performance in a vacuum.

Downs leads the Cowboys with 48 total tackles and three forced fumbles. He can be the field general for the entire unit, but his standing within the group remains a work in progress as he feels his way through coverage responsibilities.

24. Cleveland Browns: WR Antonio Williams, Clemson

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

The Cleveland Browns have drafted extremely well over the last two years, which is a significant reason why the team currently owns a 5-2 record and sits atop the AFC North.

Case in point, five different Browns have already been mentioned in this redraft. So, the team is forced to look elsewhere and lands on a different wide receiver since KC Concepcion is no longer available.

Cleveland had two glaring needs entering the 2026 draft class. Offensive tackle was already addressed. The roster also required significant help at wide receiver, hence the Concepcion selection.

Clemson's Antonio Williams brings a similar skill set as a receiver using his explosiveness and athleticism to create after the catch. With Terry McLaurin now out for the season, Williams should experience a significant usage increase with the Washington Commanders, but the flashes of what he can do to opposing defenses have already been apparent.

25. Chicago Bears: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

The Chicago Bears knew they didn't have enough along their defensive front, hence why the team jumped at the opportunity to add Jeffery Simmons prior to this year's trade deadline. Granted, Simmons is one of the league's best defenders. At the same time, the Bears had a glaring need up front, specifically at defensive end, and failed to properly address it.

Even after Simmons' addition, the Bears could have still done more at defensive end.

Entering this past weekend's game, Cashius Howell ranked second among rookies in pass-rush win rate. The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year is smooth and fluid turning the edge, with a motor that doesn't stop. He has a pass-rush plan and attacks. Howell may not have started—he hasn't with the Cincinnati Bengals—but he would have added significant juice as part of sub-packages.

26. Houston Texans: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

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The Houston Texans have found themselves in the upside-down. Preseason expectations have been completely flipped.

The Texans defense was supposed to dominate, while the offense was questionable. Well, the opposite has happened this fall. Still, Houston's offense features less talent overall, hence the selection of Jeremiyah Love.

Yes, the Texans traded for David Montgomery this offseason. Love is a different type of running back, whose value adds to both phases of the game. As a result, he was graded as the No. 2 overall prospect entering the draft by the Bleacher Report Scouting Department.

Love leads all rookies with 67 carries and 245 yards. The Arizona Cardinals have used him sparingly as a pass-catcher despite investing this year's third overall pick in the reigning Doak Walker Award winner.

Most teams earlier in the process had other areas that could be addressed, with options that have flourished. The Texans find themselves in a fortunate situation where they can select a running back capable of being the team's offensive focal point.

27. Miami Dolphins: IOL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

AP Photo/Doug Murray

The Miami Dolphins originally drafted Kadyn Proctor with this year's 12th overall pick. He's been solid, with flashes of what he could become as a physical tone-setter for Miami's offense. The 6'7", 352-pound rookie also experienced his fair share of mistakes to start his career, which is expected. The up-and-down nature of Proctor's rookie performance made the decision to look at a different position during Miami's initial first-round selection more realistic.

Earlier, the Dolphins added wide receiver Denzel Boston to provide quarterback Malik Willis with a legitimate No. 1 threat in the passing game. Proctor's availability later in the process is a fortunate outcome to ensure the trenches still get built properly.

The collegiate offensive tackle transitioned to guard relatively well, while retaining significant growth potential.

28. New England Patriots: Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Caleb Lomu will be Will Campbell's long-term bookend as the New England Patriots' right tackle. However, the idea of the Patriots investing in a third offensive tackle (also behind veteran Morgan Moses) coming off a losing Super Bowl trip, while trading up to do so, is the height of hubris.

Yes, Lomu is talented. Yes, Moses is in his mid-30s. Yes, the rookie has started a game already due to injuries. But this team had glaring deficiencies despite their run to Super Bowl LX and a developmental offensive tackle could have been taken later.

Specifically, the Patriots' medical staff would have informed team decision-makers about Harold Landry's ongoing knee issues. A quick glance at the depth chart would then have shown the team needed to beef up its pass rush. Fortunately, Gabe Jacas was available in the second round. He's not in this scenario.

Malachi Lawrence has the length, athleticism and flexibility to eventually be a premier edge-rusher. He's definitely flashed getting after opposing quarterbacks, which is exactly what the Patriots need.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Unlike the New England Patriots, who actually chose Caleb Lomu a pick earlier, the Kansas City Chiefs desperately needed to address offensive tackle.

In an ironic twist, Kansas City may have found a solution to one of its offensive tackle spots in undrafted free agent Kahlil Benson, who required a rookie minicamp tryout to get signed. Benson isn't included in this redraft despite holding down Kansas City's left tackle spot, because he often requires significant help from the offensive scheme to protect him as a pass-blocker.

By contrast, Lomu's natural movement skills made him into a first-round draft pick despite subpar play-strength. Thus, the Chiefs would be set at one and possibly both offensive tackle spots depending on Josh Simmons' maturation.

30. New York Jets: TE Eli Raridon, Notre Dame

AP Photo/David Banks

Raridon is a more natural in-line option to play alongside Mason Taylor, who has taken more snaps from the slot than first-round rookie Kenyon Sadiq this season.

Sadiq's upside is immense. He's an athlete unlike any other at the tight end position. But athleticism only goes so far depending on how it's utilized. In this particular case, the New York Jets could have added a prospect that made more sense within the scope of their personnel and offensive scheme.

At this point, the third-round tight end has slightly more receiving yards despite fewer reps in the pass game compared to the class' actual TE1.

Raridon does benefit from playing alongside quarterback Drake Maye. But he also capitalizes more often when opportunities arise, while presenting the type of skill set that would mesh nicely in New York.

31. Tennessee Titans: OT Markel Bell, Miami

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

The Tennessee Titans chose to trade back into the first round for a developmental defensive lineman, Keldric Faulk, who hasn't performed particularly well in a rotational role.

Instead, the Titans could have fortified a porous offensive front to help in quarterback Cam Ward's development. At best, left tackle Dan Moore Jr. is a replacement-level performer.

In Markel Bell, the Tennessee Titans could have gotten another massive blocker to bookend right tackle JC Latham and likely given Ward a wider pocket from which to work.

Bell has been forced to replace Lane Johnson after the future Hall of Fame inductee's abrupt retirement. But the 6'9", 346-pound rookie's performance over the last four games has been promising.

It's not surprising either, because Bell showed tremendous growth over the entirety of the 2025 campaign as the Miami Hurricanes' left tackle. He's continued that ascending path.

32. Seattle Seahawks: RB Kaelon Black, Indiana

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The Seattle Seahawks didn't have a choice but to draft a running back after Kenneth Walker III left in free agency and Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in January.

The franchise settled on Notre Dame's Jadarian Price. Unfortunately, Price injured his chest, which forced an early-season trip to the injured reserve. With Jeremiyah Love already off the board, third-round ball-carrier Kaelon Black has been the league's second-best rookie runner.

Black served as the Indiana Hoosiers' closer during their national championship season. The 5'9", 211-pound back makes decisive cuts and always falls forward through contact. Despite Christian McCaffrey on the same roster, the San Francisco 49ers coaching staff has made sure to get Black involved and take some pressure off their 30-year-old lead back. The RB2's 233 rushing yards are only 12 behind Love's output.