Yes, groups ought to put money into a operating again excessive within the draft — if he’s an all-purpose distinction maker and separates himself amongst his friends. That’s the conclusion Yahoo Sports draft analyst Nate Tice got here to in a podcast episode of “Inside Coverage”when discussing Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, his prime operating again on this NFL Draft class.
“He can play all four downs,” Tice stated. “He can do everything you need him to do, but also he can take the rock to the house. And that’s what the name of the game is. We think of passing explosives, but rushing explosives too.”
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With the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis having begun, right here’s the place we stand mock draft clever. In this mock draft, Tice makes the odd-numbered picks, and Charles McDonald makes the even.
More 2026 NFL mock drafts: 4.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.0
1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This decide appears like an intriguing pairing with new head coach Klint Kubiak. Mendoza is a clear operator whose sheer professionalism might elevate the ground up for a franchise that’s been within the doldrums for oh so lengthy. Mendoza is correct, has good dimension, strikes effectively within the pocket, and consistently finds the proper reply from the pocket (he’s already a standout in conditions like third down, the purple zone and two-minute drives). He’s not an amazing athlete, however can create and scramble for yards when issues go astray.
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The Raiders’ offensive line wants a lot of work, however Las Vegas has an fascinating assortment of younger ability gamers (Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, I’d even embody Tre Tucker right here) that might give Mendoza instant choices as he begins within the NFL. Mendoza’s sport, work ethic and intelligence ought to assist make his transition to the NFL not fairly as daunting (extra beneath heart work however) when in comparison with others leaping from a shotgun-heavy faculty offense. He’s precisely what the silver and black want.
2. New York Jets — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
The Jets would love a quarterback adequate to take right here, however there isn’t one. So that is a good time to go greatest player obtainable, which very effectively could possibly be Bain. He doesn’t have prototypical construct, however he has unimaginable athleticism and ability to be an influence defensive finish within the NFL from Day 1.
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3. Arizona Cardinals — Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami
The Cardinals have query marks at quarterback beneath new head coach Mike LaFleur, and will feasibly draft nearly any place right here and it could make sense given the state of their roster. Other gamers on this class would possibly rise as pure offensive tackles, however Mauigoa has earned the proper for a probability at proper sort out on the subsequent degree. Mauigoa is a mauling run blocker with clear approach who seldom will get caught out of place. Whether he finally ends up at proper sort out or kicks inside to protect, he’s a nice match for a Cardinals group that desperately wants extra expertise up entrance to enrich left sort out Paris Johnson Jr., who has proven flashes of future stardom however acquired caught up on this franchise’s messiness.
4. Tennessee Titans — Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State
Another greatest player obtainable transfer, this time with the Titans drafting somebody who could possibly be thought of the very best player within the draft. Reese is a disruptive, explosive player who has upside as a cross rusher and run defender. He would match proper in Robert Saleh’s defense off the sting and will create a wrecking duo with star defensive sort out Jeffery Simmons.
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5. New York Giants — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Giants have oodles of expertise on their defensive entrance and so they might look to proceed to spice up their (underrated) offensive line, and even add one other weapon to the passing sport and construct round Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers when he returns from damage. Instead, John Harbaugh and the Giants tab Downs because the highest-drafted security since Jamal Adams in 2017. They’ve been leaky to explosive performs over the previous couple of seasons, with their defensive backfield being fixed culprits in permitting these large performs. Downs’ versatility, intelligence and soundness will assist shore up these large performs and be the tip of the spear for nevertheless new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson desires to make use of him.
Cleveland has to rebuild its offensive line beneath new head coach Todd Monken. The Browns are getting a little previous up entrance (and, frankly, unhealthy) so it’s time so as to add expertise at offensive sort out. Fano has the power to begin straight away with long-term growth upside that the Browns want.
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This one is a fairly straightforward pairing. The Commanders are starved for edge rushers, particularly ones who can win one-on-one and get after the quarterback. That’s precisely what Bailey brings to the desk. He’s a dynamo off the sting and brings the warmth play after play. Bailey’s lack of dimension can provide him points in opposition to the run, however he improved in that space throughout his lone season in Lubbock. He’ll instantly inject some juice into a entrance that wants it beneath new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
Tyler Shough did enough to get another year because the beginning quarterback in New Orleans, however the Saints’ large receiver room might use a bit of juice. Tate would make a lot of sense as a robust beginning large receiver throughout from Chris Olave, who isn’t at all times essentially the most obtainable player. The Saints might use one other robust weapon on offense, and Tate may be the very best large receiver on this class.
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9. Kansas City Chiefs — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Chiefs might use one other influence defensive player. But Kansas City wants velocity, and never simply timed velocity however actual sport velocity, at its ability player positions. Love is one of the very best general gamers on this draft class who can take any contact to the home. He would increase the ceiling on Andy Reid’s display screen performs and be a actual weapon behind the Chiefs’ burly offensive line within the run sport, easing some of the burden on Patrick Mahomes to consistently create large performs for this offense. I’m certain new/returning offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can be thrilled to work with such a proficient again.
The Bengals want protection, clearly. However, they’ve spent so many current property alongside the line of defense, perhaps they struggle one other place right here and go cornerback, which additionally they want. Delane would instantly be their most proficient cornerback and provides them somebody who can sustain with large receivers in protection.
11. Miami Dolphins — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy continues to be within the operating to be the primary cornerback chosen regardless of not taking part in this season as a consequence of a knee damage. The Dolphins might draft any place and it could make sense, however they may use a younger cornerback with some pedigree. While quarterback and different place teams (like non-Jaylen Waddle large receivers) are nonetheless query marks, McCoy would assist new head coach Jeff Hafley have a affordable reply at each place on his protection that will probably be tasked with carrying video games throughout his maiden season in Miami.
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12. Dallas Cowboys — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Dallas has a chance to essentially improve its protection right here for new coordinator Christian Parker, and might shore up what has the potential to be a prime entrance seven with the addition of Styles. He’s a quick, bodily linebacker who has all of the expertise on this planet to be an ace starter briefly order within the NFL.
The Rams use the Falcons’ first-round decide to take the brother of a Falcon. Terrell is undersized, which may be one thing the Rams wish to transfer away from of their cornerback room, however his consciousness, twitch and ball abilities greater than make up for his lack of bulk. He would instantly be the Rams’ most proficient back-seven player and his ability set would slot in Chris Shula’s protection completely.
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14. Baltimore Ravens — Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
Jesse Minter was hired to help Baltimore get again to having a stalwart protection, however the Ravens will want a bit extra expertise up entrance to make that a neater job. Faulk is a high-upside challenge who can have an effect on the run sport proper now together with his dimension and energy. This is the reasonable upside play that the Ravens have cashed in on for the previous 30 years.
General supervisor Jason Licht has no qualms with taking a player who will not be at a place of want, so something is in play right here. This is the 12 months the Bucs lastly draft the alternative for the unsinkable Lavonte David. Allen has been a steadying pressure for Georgia’s protection ever since he stepped on the sphere as a freshman. He has intangibles and a well-rounded sport that would slot in Todd Bowles’ protection. And actually any protection, to be truthful.
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16. New York Jets (by way of Indianapolis Colts) — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
This could possibly be a steal right here for the Jets and new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who get so as to add one other high-upside, high-floor prospect right here in Tyson. Figuring out who will probably be throwing them the ball subsequent season is a completely different story, however Tyson and Garrett Wilson is a good one-two punch for any person.
17. Detroit Lions — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
While the middle place may be an important space for the Lions’ offense to enhance this season, a sort out succession plan won’t be too far behind, particularly now that Dan Skipper is retiring. Lomu performs calm with mild toes, and he has a good body however might stand so as to add power to take his sport to the subsequent degree. I’m bullish on Lomu and suppose he might find yourself as a good starter on the blindside as he matures. A timeline behind Taylor Decker with Hank Fraley teaching him can be a perfect scenario.
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18. Minnesota Vikings — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Vikings’ protection was unimaginable final season, however Minnesota nonetheless might use one other hoss within the center of the sphere. McDonald would make a lot of sense as a true nostril sort out expertise in Brian Flores’ defense, creating much more alternatives for Flores to place his gamers in the very best positions attainable for them to interrupt video games.
Woods might go a lot larger than this, or a lot decrease. His flashes are nearly as good as any defensive player on this draft class, however he had a maddeningly inconsistent 12 months on an underwhelming Clemson group. The Panthers have to proceed so as to add needle-movers to their protection and if Woods reaches his ceiling, the Panthers might have a monster entrance with Woods and Derrick Brown. Carolina has additionally had current success with one other defensive draft faller coming off an inconsistent ultimate collegiate season in 2025 second-round decide Nic Scourton.
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20. Dallas Cowboys (by way of Green Bay Packers) — Brandon Cisse, DB, South Carolina
After spending their first decide on Sonny Styles, the Cowboys can add one other piece right here with Cisse. They desperately need assistance at cornerback, particularly after reducing long-time starter Trevon Diggs, and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker lower his tooth partially by teaching the Eagles’ secondary into changing into one of the very best within the league.
The Steelers won’t historically take large receivers within the first spherical, however after their 2025 passing assault faltered again and again exterior of deep forays to DK Metcalf and a bevy of tight finish targets, I believe it’ll be OK for them to interrupt custom and add some juice to their pass-catching group. Lemon’s play model (he was primarily a slot player at USC) pairs properly with Metcalf in addition to Mike McCarthy’s quick-hitting scheme (regardless if Aaron Rodgers returns or not), and offers this offense an beneath weapon who can truly create one thing.
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The Chargers, once more, need assistance up entrance after a brutal displaying within the postseason that noticed their Super Bowl hopes finish after one sport, and it cost offensive coordinator Greg Roman and O-line coach Mike Devlin their jobs. It’s not possible to foretell shedding so many offensive linemen to damage, however having extra of them at the least provides a chance to construct some much-needed depth up entrance.
Freeling has been a large riser over the again half of the faculty season and would possibly go even larger than this when this cycle is all stated and performed. He has good dimension with lengthy arms and a body that might add much more bulk. Freeling is a straightforward mover (his basketball background exhibits up consistently) whose approach and polish sharpened shortly after he acquired wholesome this previous season. He even confirmed improved power and skill to anchor within the final month of the season, and that solely provides to his attraction. Freeling might need performed on the left aspect in faculty, however his athleticism ought to permit him to flip sides if wanted. Howie Roseman loves investing within the trenches and this could give the Eagles a Lane Johnson succession plan, which is all of the extra vital with grasp O-line coach Jeff Stoutland leaving the team.
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24. Cleveland Browns (by way of Jacksonville Jaguars) — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Browns grow to be the Ty Simpson group. Simpson struggled over the again half of his ultimate faculty season as a consequence of accidents, however Todd Monken and the Browns have nothing at quarterback in a powerful division to not have one. Simpson will not be the highest-upside man on the market, however he provides Cleveland a probability for some a lot wanted, bare-minimum competency with upside to get higher.
25. Chicago Bears — Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
The Bears’ protection had admirable late-season performances, notably in opposition to the Rams within the divisional spherical, however that group must grow to be extra stout in opposition to the run. Luckily, that is a good defensive sort out class, particularly for run-first guys. Hunter is one of these proficient inside defenders, and he would give the Bears a burly defender who can eat blocks but additionally get into the backfield. He even has upside as a cross rusher. Hunter has to work on down-to-down consistency, however there aren’t a lot of gamers with this dimension who can transfer as simply as Hunter does.
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26. Buffalo Bills — T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
Buffalo’s protection improved because the season hit the waning moments, however the Bills nonetheless want extra expertise in any respect three ranges for new coordinator Jim Leonhard. That’s a tall ask, however they’ll dip their toes within the edge rusher market with the choice of Parker, an athletic defensive finish.
Miller is a proper sort out with good dimension, quickness and light-weight toes as a cross protector. His agility would make him a nice match for a Shanahan offense that likes to have its linemen consistently on the transfer. Trent Williams retains staving off any large drop in play however is getting up there in years, and whereas the 49ers prolonged proper sort out Colton McKivitz lately, he isn’t a needle-moving player. Miller’s dimension and run-game blocking ought to assist him fill any non-center spot on the offensive line till the 49ers determine their long-term plan at each sort out spots.
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28. Houston Texans — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Texans’ offensive line continues to be a downside, so Houston can take a huge swing right here to repair it with the 6-foot-7, 370-pound Proctor. He has to reply questions on his conditioning, but when he can keep in form on the subsequent degree he has a probability to faucet into the athleticism that has scouts and followers so enthusiastic about his upside.
29. Los Angeles Rams — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Rams have reportedly poked round about shifting up within the draft and deciding on a pass-catcher excessive lately (Tetairoa McMillan in 2025, Brock Bowers in 2024), and this time they stand pat with their unique choice and get Boston on the tail finish of the primary spherical. Boston is a large large receiver with the ability set of a true “X” large receiver who can win in remoted conditions. He would give the Rams a behemoth beginning large receiver trio with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to go together with their deep tight finish room. A half-dozen energy forwards with Matthew Stafford firing the football can be a dream, and provides Nacua a perfect long-term operating mate who would permit him to get moved round and used nevertheless Sean McVay desires.
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30. Denver Broncos — Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
An extended-term linebacker prospect is precisely what the Broncos want and so they get a proficient one right here in Hill. He was injured to shut the season, however the Broncos can use his abilities right here to offer them a extra full protection with younger expertise in any respect three ranges.
A group selecting within the prime 5 the previous two drafts all of a sudden made the Super Bowl. And whereas the Patriots nailed their recent free-agency class, they may stand so as to add some extra constructing blocks, particularly on offense round their star quarterback Drake Maye. While Sadiq is a tight finish, the Patriots want cross catchers, particularly ones who can create explosives with the ball of their arms. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels loves to make use of tight ends, and Maye has beloved throwing the ball to Hunter Henry in his first two seasons. Sadiq would give them a weapon who can flip these screens and beneath routes into large performs. He has the velocity and receiving skill to stretch the protection, and in addition some actual grit as a blocker that Mike Vrabel would love.
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32. Seattle Seahawks — Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The Seahawks have hit the “no-clue-let’s-mock-them-a-pass-rusher” degree of their roster constructing. They don’t have too many holes that may instantly be plugged right here, so let’s simply give them one other entrance seven player so as to add to that protection.