defensive players

It’s here, folks. Draft week is finally upon us. That means time for one more NFL mock draft. The last edition is here. Let’s dive right into it. Who are the projected first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft? 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando MendozaFernando Mendoza (Image Credits: Imagn) Nothing new here, folks. The Raiders have an easy call to take the QB prospect in this year’s draft class.  The signing of Kirk Cousins means Mendoza probably won’t start right away. That’s totally fine. The Raiders can take their time mentoring Mendoza. The sky’s the limit with him, Ashton Jeanty, and Brock Bowers running the offense. 2. New York Jets: Arvell ReeseArvell Reese (Image Credits: Imagn) The Jets need to rebuild their defense from scratch after trading away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner last year. They can start here by taking the workhorse linebacker out of Ohio State in the NFL Draft. Reese would immediately slot in as the new leader of the Jets’ defense. And with plenty of ammunition in this year’s draft, they’d be in a good position to land even more talent around Reese. 3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis MauigoaFrancis Mauigoa (Image Credits: Imagn) Arizona could go anywhere with this pick. But for us, it’s hard to think they’ll wanna pass on the chance to pair Mauigoa with another rising star at offensive tackle, Paris Johnson Jr. Mauigoa is one of the best offensive lineman prospects of the 21st century. We know the Cardinals have a murky QB situation, but that can wait. Their next franchise signal-caller will love playing behind two rock-solid bookends. 4. Tennessee Titans: David BaileyTexas Tech’s David Bailey rushes the Kent State offense during a non-conference football game, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium. Jeffery Simmons is one of the NFL’s premier defensive tackles. Now, if the Titans could just find another playmaker to help him off the edge via the NFL Draft… Mr. Bailey will suffice, thank you very much. New Titans head coach Robert Saleh has worked with many great pass-rushers in his career. With the exception of Nick Bosa, none of them come close to Bailey’s ceiling or skill set. 5. New York Giants: Caleb DownsCaleb Downs (Image Credits: Imagn) John Harbaugh coached Ed Reed in Baltimore. Then Eric Weddle. Then Marcus Williams. And then Kyle Hamilton. In other words, the man knows how to maximize the safety position. Downs’ game is similar to Hamilton’s: A unicorn who can line up all over the field. He’s a beast in coverage, run defense, and sneaky-good at rushing the QB.  New York’s secondary has been an issue for a while. Downs can single-handedly turn this into an elite group. 6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell TateOhio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) catches a touchdown pass during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. The Browns have quickly built up one of the league’s best defensive units. It’s too early to take a QB here. They can focus on the o-line later. So…that means taking the best wide receiver on the board. Jerry Jeudy isn’t a No. 1 receiver. Taking Tate gives Cleveland a real home run threat while shifting Jeudy into a better-suited secondary role. Regardless of who starts behind center in 2026 and beyond, the Browns will now have a well-rounded set of playmakers in Tate, Jeudy, Quinshon Judkins, and Harold Fannin Jr. 7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah LoveJeremiyah Love (Image Credits: Imagn) Last year, Washington learned the hard way that it’s not healthy to have Jayden Daniels run as much as he already has. How do you solve that? By putting a stud to help him out in the backfield, of course! Love is one of the best running back prospects in NFL history — no exaggeration. There’s no telling how explosive their run game would be with Love AND Daniels together. If he’s there at No. 7, Washington can’t hesitate to make this pick. 8. New Orleans Saints: Sonny StylesSonny Styles (Image Credits: Imagn) The Saints’ defense lost Demario Davis and Alontae Taylor. And at this time, franchise icon Cameron Jordan remains a free agent. Their defense is undergoing a big-time makeover. It can start with selecting the Ohio State linebacker via the NFL Draft. Like Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese, Styles is capable of turning an entire defensive unit around on his own. 9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr.Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) warms up prior to the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images The Chiefs’ defense looked much older and slower last year. Clearly, it’s not a wise idea to expect a 32-year-old Chris Jones to mask the other flaws on this front seven again. With Jones nearing the end of his prime years, the Chiefs need to build for the future. A defensive wiz like Steve Spagnuolo should be able to maximize Bain’s production right off the bat. 10. New York Giants (From Cincinnati Bengals): Spencer FanoSpencer Fano (Image Credits: Imagn) The Dexter Lawrence blockbuster trade allows the G-Men to address their other glaring hole in the top-10. Andrew Thomas is among the league’s best offensive tackles, but the rest of the Giants’ o-line has been a mess since he arrived. That can change right here with the selection of Spencer Fano, another plug-and-play guy who perfectly fits the run-blocking system Harbaugh will look to implement in New York. 11. Miami Dolphins: Jordyn TysonSep 20, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) in action against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images With two first-round picks in the NFL Draft, it’d be a stunner if Miami didn’t add a wide receiver on Thursday night. Tate, Tyson, and USC’s Makai Lemon have certainly set themselves apart from the other receivers in this class, though. Miami doesn’t play around here in finding its new WR1 with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle gone. A Malik Willis-Jordyn Tyson-De’Von Achane offensive nucleus suddenly gives Dolphins fans something to be excited about in 2026. 12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor DelaneSep 13, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) reacts to Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (not pictured) making an incomplete pass during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images With Trevon Diggs long gone and DaRon Bland struggling to stay healthy, cornerback is Dallas’ biggest weakness right now. If the board plays out in their favor, though, Jerry Jones can land the best corner in this year’s class. Delane had 11 pass breakups and two picks in his final season at LSU. His coverage skills and all-world ball-hawking abilities could give Dallas its next All-Pro cornerback to finally turn this defense around. 13. Los Angeles Rams (From Atlanta Falcons): Monroe FreelingNov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) blocks during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images The Rams don’t have any pressing weaknesses in the draft, so they can think long-term with this pick. Sean McVay may not wish to replace Warren McClendon Jr or Alaric Jackson just yet, so the Rams can take precious time developing Freeling until he’s ready to take over as a starter. 14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega IoaneOlaivavega Ioane (Image Credits: Imagn) The interior of the o-line took a big-time blow when star center Tyler Linderbaum left for the Raiders in free agency. This year’s class is weak on centers, but getting a day-one starter to shore up the guard position would still be a nice piece of work for GM Eric DeCosta. Ioane is easily the best interior lineman in this class. With Ronnie Stanley also getting up there in age, the Ravens need to prioritize the long-term outlook of the o-line. 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric FaulkAuburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) blitzes as Auburn Tigers take on Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Ball State Cardinals 42-3. If Todd Bowles’ squad is to reclaim the NFC South, the pass rush is going to have to take big steps forward. The Bucs love to use their day-one picks on offensive linemen or pass-rushers, and Faulk just feels like the ideal pick for Tampa’s ultra-aggressive defense that needs more playmakers. Faulk, YaYa Diaby, and Vita Vea are rushing the QB together. Now we’re talking. 16. New York Jets (From Indianapolis Colts): Jermod McCoyJermod McCoy (Image Credits: Imagn) Ty Simpson was a tempting pick here in the 2026 NFL Draft. But this is an ideal opportunity for the Jets to find Sauce Gardner’s replacement. And it’s only fitting if they find it here, having received this very pick from Indy in the Gardner trade. With McCoy joining a rebuilt defense that just landed Arvell Reese, this Jets defense would quickly have the makings to emerge as a top-five unit. 17. Detroit Lions: Akheem MesidorAkheem Mesidor (Image Credits: Imagn) The Lions could go with an offensive lineman here, but they sorely lack a capable secondary pass-rusher to help Aidan Hutchinson. They can solve that right here by taking the Miami product who nearly led the Hurricanes to a national championship triumph. Mesidor’s big-game experience would be a nice bonus to a Detroit team trying to get over the playoff hump. 18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon ThienemanDillon Thieneman (Image Credits: Imagn) The Vikings had the league’s No. 2 pass defense last season, but why stop there? Adding Thieneman would give Brian Flores’ group a secondary with the depth and star power to be as dangerous as the Seattle Seahawks “Dark Side” group. And yeah, a Swiss Army Knife safety like Thieneman would be very helpful in a division with Jared Goff, Jordan Love, and Caleb Williams. 19. Carolina Panthers: Caleb LomuOct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils with Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images The Panthers are one of the great mysteries at this NFL draft. We could see them adding another pass-catcher or addressing the defense. But it would be wise to continue building upon an o-line that improved mightily in 2025. Lomu has experience playing guard, too, so the Panthers could place him there if they want to continue rolling with Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu at the bookends. Either way, Lomu is a safe pick here. 20. Dallas Cowboys (From Green Bay Packers): T.J. ParkerT.J. Parker (Image Credits: Imagn) We love the way Jerry Jones has reshaped his defense since the Micah Parsons blockbuster trade. Quinnen Williams was a beast after coming over in a trade deadline deal with the Jets…and getting Rashan Gary in an offseason trade for a fourth-round pick was tidy business. Now, let’s complete the defensive makeover by adding the Clemson defensive end. Parker is another NFL-ready draft prospect who could help Williams and Gary get this defense back to an elite level that we once saw under Dan Quinn. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty SimpsonTy Simpson (Image Credits: Imagn) The Steelers might have to trade up for Simpson. But in this exercise, the No. 2 QB in the class slides down the board and into the waiting arms of Mike McCarthy’s group. As usual, Aaron Rodgers is dragging on the announcement about his playing future. Even if he comes back to Pittsburgh, it doesn’t hurt to line up his succession plan. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Cashius HowellNov 15, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) reacts after a defensive play during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Chargers are leaning on a 35-year-old Khalil Mack to lead the pass rush again. With Mack well past his prime, it might be wise to consider investing in a young stud here with long-term upside. Howell might not be a day-one starter, but this is a young defense that’s developed into one of football’s best under Jim Harbaugh. Howell can be deployed as a rotational piece, if needed, before becoming a full-time starter. 23. Philadelphia Eagles: K.C. ConcepcionKC Concepcion (Image Credits: Imagn) With the Eagles reportedly planning to trade AJ Brown to the New England Patriots after the draft, Nick Sirianni’s squad has to take a receiver here. Lots of enticing guys to choose from here, but Concepcion’s speed and ability to stretch the field would make him a lethal No. 2 receiver to DeVonta Smith. 24. Cleveland Browns (From Jacksonville Jaguars): Kadyn ProctorKadyn Proctor (Image Credits: Imagn) The Browns’ offensive line has undergone a massive turnover. A youth injection is necessary, and they can get started in the NFL Draft by taking the 2025 consensus All-American and Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner. Proctor comes from a winning program at Alabama. His big-game experience could help the young Browns’ offense come together and take that next step under first-year head coach Todd Monken. 25. Chicago Bears: Peter WoodsPeter Woods (Image Credits: Imagn) Montez Sweat led the Bears with 10 sacks last season. He didn’t have much support, with no other Chicago player topping six sacks. That could change here with Peter Woods, a well-rounded defensive tackle who can shore up the run defense and interior pass rush. 26. Buffalo Bills: Avieon TerrellAvieon Terrell (Image Credits: Imagn) Buffalo had the league’s No. 1 pass defense in 2025. But their secondary had a knack for getting lit up against quality opponents. See: The Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos. The Bills haven’t had an elite shutdown corner since prime Tre’Davious White. They could get on here in Terrell. A secondary with him, Maxwell Hairston, and Christian Benford carries a lot of long-term promise. 27. San Francisco 49ers: Max IheanachorMax Iheanachor (Image Credits: Imagn) With Trent Williams nearing the end of his NFL career, the 49ers have a chance to draft and groom his successor. The 49ers probably wouldn’t want Iheanacho to start right away, but there’s no problem betting on his upside here. He can learn from one of the all-time greats for a year before getting thrust into a starting job. 28. Houston Texans: Blake MillerClemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) during Spring Practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, March 24, 2025. We know CJ Stroud was a disappointment last season, but very few QBs would be productive behind that abhorrent offensive line. Just sayin’ The Texans already have the league’s best defense and a nice set of playmakers for Stroud. What they need is better pass protection to get over the Divisional Round hump. At this part of the draft, Clemson tackle Blake Miller is the best remaining guy.  29. Kansas City Chiefs (From Los Angeles Rams): Denzel BostonOct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after the Huskies comeback victory over the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images Rashee Rice could be facing more legal troubles, and 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy has yet to break out. With two first-round picks, GM Brett Veach can afford to bet on another wide receiver. The Chiefs rely too much on speed in their offense. Let’s add a big-bodied receiver and contested catch specialist to balance out the skills of Patrick Mahomes’ weaponry. 30. Miami Dolphins (From Denver Broncos): Kenyon SadiqKenyon Sadiq (Image Credits: Imagn) Sadiq deserves to go higher than this, but it’s always difficult to project how much teams will value tight ends in round one. If Sadiq falls? You bet the Dolphins should double down on pass-catchers. Sadiq is far and away the best tight end in the 2026 class. If he and Tyson can live up to their ceilings early, the Miami offense will be a juggernaut in the post-Mike McDaniel era. 31. New England Patriots: Zion YoungZion Young (Image Credits: Imagn) With the Patriots about to complete a trade for AJ Brown, that takes a wide receiver off the board here. This could be a “take the best player available” mentality, but the defense could use another potent edge rusher like Young. Having once played for the great Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel knows you can never have too many pass rushers. Young, Christian Barmore, and Milton Williams would be a nightmare trio for opposing linemen. 32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton HoodSep 27, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Colton Hood (8) runs with the ball after an interception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images The Seahawks bid farewell to Coby Bryant and former All-Pro Riq Woolen in free agency. Their secondary is still set up to dominate for years to come, but it wouldn’t hurt to add another quality cover corner like Hood.