2026 NFL Mock Draft V2
Post-combine, pre-free agency mock draft. I have included my V1 picks for reference.
Round 1
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32
V1 Pick: Keldric Faulk (DE, Auburn)
This is one of the hardest picks of the 2026 NFL mock, as the Lions tend to march to the beat of their own drum in the draft. They have drafted very well under Brad Holmes, but they often avoid consensus and take quality players regardless of positional value rather than reaching for need. They need an edge rusher alongside Aidan Hutchinson, but the only bigger bodied one that follows their typical drafting philosophy is Zion Young who doesn’t seem like a character fit. I also have to wince not mocking a falling Jermod McCoy, whom - without injury - I have as a top-10 talent. However, in wake of Graham Glasgow’s release, the Lions could be moving Tate Ratledge to center, which would leave a gaping hole at guard. Vega Ionae is one of the safest prospects in this class as a rugged, technically sound pass protector who continues to grow as a run blocker. His strength, balance, and awareness give him true plug-and-play potential at left guard, and his ability to function in multiple blocking schemes only boosts his value. He feels like a Dan Campbell-Lion with his toughness and intangibles.
This is one of the hardest picks of the 2026 NFL mock, as the Lions tend to march to the beat of their own drum in the draft. They have drafted very well under Brad Holmes, but they often avoid consensus and take quality players regardless of positional value rather than reaching for need. They need an edge rusher alongside Aidan Hutchinson, but the only bigger bodied one that follows their typical drafting philosophy is Zion Young who doesn’t seem like a character fit. I also have to wince not mocking a falling Jermod McCoy, whom - without injury - I have as a top-10 talent. However, in wake of Graham Glasgow’s release, the Lions could be moving Tate Ratledge to center, which would leave a gaping hole at guard. Vega Ionae is one of the safest prospects in this class as a rugged, technically sound pass protector who continues to grow as a run blocker. His strength, balance, and awareness give him true plug-and-play potential at left guard, and his ability to function in multiple blocking schemes only boosts his value. He feels like a Dan Campbell-Lion with his toughness and intangibles.
V1 Pick: Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
The Vikings’ veteran additions at defensive tackle — Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave — were adequate stopgaps in 2025, but this defense still lacks young, high-end talent up front who can defend the run adequately. Woods plays with heavy hands, outstanding leverage, and has a good ability to anchor, shed, and squeeze gaps makes him a high-floor defender from day one. While he may not be the twitchiest interior rusher, Woods is the best player on the board at a position of need which paired with Gervon Dexter gives Chicago a young, physical interior duo capable of controlling the line of scrimmage, freeing up their edge rushers. Despite a lackluster 2025 season, Charlie Campbell reported that teams are still high on him and think he could be a Byron Murphy-type player in the NFL, with top-20 grades.
The Vikings’ veteran additions at defensive tackle — Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave — were adequate stopgaps in 2025, but this defense still lacks young, high-end talent up front who can defend the run adequately. Woods plays with heavy hands, outstanding leverage, and has a good ability to anchor, shed, and squeeze gaps makes him a high-floor defender from day one. While he may not be the twitchiest interior rusher, Woods is the best player on the board at a position of need which paired with Gervon Dexter gives Chicago a young, physical interior duo capable of controlling the line of scrimmage, freeing up their edge rushers. Despite a lackluster 2025 season, Charlie Campbell reported that teams are still high on him and think he could be a Byron Murphy-type player in the NFL, with top-20 grades.
V1 Pick: CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)
Ikem Ekwonu has likely played his last down in Carolina, tearing his patellar tendon in the wildcard entering his 5th year option year. Ekwonu was possibly to be extended, but after that brutal injury - which most players don’t ever fully recover from - the Panthers could look to draft his replacement in a critical year for Bryce Young. Since the V1 mock, Monroe Freeling has catapulted up draft boards. Freeling has rare athletic traits, exquisite size and long-term upside at Left Tackle. His movement skills jump off the tape, with great lateral agility, foot quickness and range. Freeling is not a finished product, but the raw tools could give him a chance to grow into a high-end NFL tackle with proper coaching.
Ikem Ekwonu has likely played his last down in Carolina, tearing his patellar tendon in the wildcard entering his 5th year option year. Ekwonu was possibly to be extended, but after that brutal injury - which most players don’t ever fully recover from - the Panthers could look to draft his replacement in a critical year for Bryce Young. Since the V1 mock, Monroe Freeling has catapulted up draft boards. Freeling has rare athletic traits, exquisite size and long-term upside at Left Tackle. His movement skills jump off the tape, with great lateral agility, foot quickness and range. Freeling is not a finished product, but the raw tools could give him a chance to grow into a high-end NFL tackle with proper coaching.
V1 Pick: Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
The Cowboys’ top need is inside linebacker, as their veteran group are pitiful in 2025. Dallas could be in a difficult position where they are too low to pick Sonny Styles with their 1st pick and too low to pick CJ Allen with their second. Fortunately, needs and other priorities in this V2 mock have made CJ Allen available. Allen is amongst my favourite prospects in this class. He’s an old-school, no-nonsense off-ball linebacker — physical, disciplined, and instinctive. Allen diagnoses plays quickly, tackles with conviction, and brings a calming, stabilizing presence to the heart of a defense. He may not be an elite athlete or a prototype measurables standout, but he projects as a rock-solid MIKE who can anchor a front and will be ready to play Day 1.
The Cowboys’ top need is inside linebacker, as their veteran group are pitiful in 2025. Dallas could be in a difficult position where they are too low to pick Sonny Styles with their 1st pick and too low to pick CJ Allen with their second. Fortunately, needs and other priorities in this V2 mock have made CJ Allen available. Allen is amongst my favourite prospects in this class. He’s an old-school, no-nonsense off-ball linebacker — physical, disciplined, and instinctive. Allen diagnoses plays quickly, tackles with conviction, and brings a calming, stabilizing presence to the heart of a defense. He may not be an elite athlete or a prototype measurables standout, but he projects as a rock-solid MIKE who can anchor a front and will be ready to play Day 1.
V1 Pick: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
Like the Cowboys, the Steelers capitalise on a sliding player and get a great value acquisition at a position of dire need. As a player, there is nothing this writer doesn’t like about Jermod McCoy, as he is my 7th rated prospect in the draft at this juncture with top-10 potential. However, he didn’t play in 2025 after an ACL, then declined to test during the off-season; one believes he could have a moderate slide as a result. When healthy, McCoy’s 2024 tape stands out as one of the most impressive cornerback seasons since Sauce Gardner entered the league in 2022. He’s disruptive, productive, and instinctive, finishing his last healthy season with four interceptions and consistent shutdown play. This would be a slam-dunk pick for Pittsburgh at this juncture.
Like the Cowboys, the Steelers capitalise on a sliding player and get a great value acquisition at a position of dire need. As a player, there is nothing this writer doesn’t like about Jermod McCoy, as he is my 7th rated prospect in the draft at this juncture with top-10 potential. However, he didn’t play in 2025 after an ACL, then declined to test during the off-season; one believes he could have a moderate slide as a result. When healthy, McCoy’s 2024 tape stands out as one of the most impressive cornerback seasons since Sauce Gardner entered the league in 2022. He’s disruptive, productive, and instinctive, finishing his last healthy season with four interceptions and consistent shutdown play. This would be a slam-dunk pick for Pittsburgh at this juncture.
V1 Pick: Vega Ioane (G, Penn State)
The Chargers - like the Ravens - have a terrible interior OL, but there are better zone-blocking fits like the scheme OC Mike McDaniel will presumably run on Day 2. Meanwhile, they need to bolster their defensive line - both at edge rusher (if Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh leave in free agency), as well as at 3-4 DT. Kayden McDonald was the top run-defending defensive lineman in college football last season, earning an elite 91.2 PFF run-defense grade. He also took a step forward as a pass rusher with 3.5 sacks, though there’s still room for growth in that area only earning a 4% pass rush win rate. Although he had a mixed combine, McDonald’s power, leverage, and consistency would be a welcome addition, and the tape speaks for itself.
The Chargers - like the Ravens - have a terrible interior OL, but there are better zone-blocking fits like the scheme OC Mike McDaniel will presumably run on Day 2. Meanwhile, they need to bolster their defensive line - both at edge rusher (if Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh leave in free agency), as well as at 3-4 DT. Kayden McDonald was the top run-defending defensive lineman in college football last season, earning an elite 91.2 PFF run-defense grade. He also took a step forward as a pass rusher with 3.5 sacks, though there’s still room for growth in that area only earning a 4% pass rush win rate. Although he had a mixed combine, McDonald’s power, leverage, and consistency would be a welcome addition, and the tape speaks for itself.
V1 Pick: Brandon Cisse
The Eagles are one of the hardest teams to pin down in any mock draft, but their offensive line uncertainty stands out. Landon Dickerson is returning for 2026 yet has already floated retirement just five seasons into his career. Lane Johnson is operating year-to-year, and Tyler Steen—an unrestricted free agent in 2027—has not shown enough to be viewed as a long-term fixture. Philadelphia has a long history of drafting linemen a year early to develop behind veterans, and even with Jeff Stoutland gone, that philosophy is unlikely to disappear. Proctor is one of the draft’s most polarizing prospects. Concerns about his weight and maturity create real risk, but his raw talent is unmistakably top-10 caliber, and his 2025 film showed meaningful growth. His size and power are NFL-ready, though inconsistent footwork and issues with pure speed suggest he may ultimately project better at right tackle or guard. Even so, his ceiling is enormous. With proper development, Proctor has the tools to become a multi-contract, Pro Bowl-level offensive lineman.
The Eagles are one of the hardest teams to pin down in any mock draft, but their offensive line uncertainty stands out. Landon Dickerson is returning for 2026 yet has already floated retirement just five seasons into his career. Lane Johnson is operating year-to-year, and Tyler Steen—an unrestricted free agent in 2027—has not shown enough to be viewed as a long-term fixture. Philadelphia has a long history of drafting linemen a year early to develop behind veterans, and even with Jeff Stoutland gone, that philosophy is unlikely to disappear. Proctor is one of the draft’s most polarizing prospects. Concerns about his weight and maturity create real risk, but his raw talent is unmistakably top-10 caliber, and his 2025 film showed meaningful growth. His size and power are NFL-ready, though inconsistent footwork and issues with pure speed suggest he may ultimately project better at right tackle or guard. Even so, his ceiling is enormous. With proper development, Proctor has the tools to become a multi-contract, Pro Bowl-level offensive lineman.
V1 Pick: KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
Be it here, or at 6, the Browns need to put significant resources into their offensive line, which is due a complete overhaul in 2026. Lomu is one of the most intriguing developmental tackles in the class: long, athletic, and exceptionally fluid in space, with the movement skills tailor made for a zone blocking scheme. His foot quickness and natural bend consistently show up on tape, and he’s already comfortable working laterally and climbing to the second level. He still needs to add functional strength and sharpen his hand usage, but the foundational traits are outstanding. Charlie Campbell reported teams are expecting Caleb Lomu to go somewhere in the late-1st round as a raw but physically talented prospect who plays a premium position.
Be it here, or at 6, the Browns need to put significant resources into their offensive line, which is due a complete overhaul in 2026. Lomu is one of the most intriguing developmental tackles in the class: long, athletic, and exceptionally fluid in space, with the movement skills tailor made for a zone blocking scheme. His foot quickness and natural bend consistently show up on tape, and he’s already comfortable working laterally and climbing to the second level. He still needs to add functional strength and sharpen his hand usage, but the foundational traits are outstanding. Charlie Campbell reported teams are expecting Caleb Lomu to go somewhere in the late-1st round as a raw but physically talented prospect who plays a premium position.
V1 Pick: Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
The Bears presently don’t have a single safety on the roster, with Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard both free agents. Meanwhile, there are two fringe-1st round options available to them in Emmanuel McNeill-Warren and Dillon Thienemann. This writer has late 1st round grades on both, McNeil-Warren fits the profile of safety the Bears covet - rangy, physical, and versatile enough to handle multiple roles in coverage and run support. McNeill is a dominating physical presence, who has explosive closing speed. strong tackling discipline and versatility, allowing him to rotate between deep safety and playing in the box.
The Bears presently don’t have a single safety on the roster, with Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard both free agents. Meanwhile, there are two fringe-1st round options available to them in Emmanuel McNeill-Warren and Dillon Thienemann. This writer has late 1st round grades on both, McNeil-Warren fits the profile of safety the Bears covet - rangy, physical, and versatile enough to handle multiple roles in coverage and run support. McNeill is a dominating physical presence, who has explosive closing speed. strong tackling discipline and versatility, allowing him to rotate between deep safety and playing in the box.
V1 Pick: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)
Note - KC Concepcion is a receiver, not a safety - site still hasn't updated this.
The Bills cannot go into 2026 with Khalil Shakir as their top wideout. With Keon Coleman being a total bust, they will likely target a Mike Evans/Alec Pierce type in free agency and look to supplement the pick with another early-round selection. Concepcion really impressed this writer in 2025 and went up the draft board with his elusive running ability, deep threat ability, speed and route-running prowess. On top of this, he’s also adept with the ball in his hands and can do real damage after the catch. Concepcion is a candidate to be a real riser during the pre-draft process.
Note - KC Concepcion is a receiver, not a safety - site still hasn't updated this.
The Bills cannot go into 2026 with Khalil Shakir as their top wideout. With Keon Coleman being a total bust, they will likely target a Mike Evans/Alec Pierce type in free agency and look to supplement the pick with another early-round selection. Concepcion really impressed this writer in 2025 and went up the draft board with his elusive running ability, deep threat ability, speed and route-running prowess. On top of this, he’s also adept with the ball in his hands and can do real damage after the catch. Concepcion is a candidate to be a real riser during the pre-draft process.
V1 Pick: KC Concepcion (Texas A&M)
The 49ers enter this draft with several needs, but two stand out more than the rest: adding true vertical speed at receiver and rebuilding an explosive pass rush after finishing with the league’s lowest sack total in 2025 following Nick Bosa’s injury. Wide receiver is the more likely direction, but with the top options already off the board in this scenario, the 49ers pivot to reinforcing their defensive front. With Raheem Morris taking over as defensive coordinator, San Francisco gains more flexibility in body types and usage. Even so, the 49ers traditionally value length, power, and run-game sturdiness on the edge, and Zion Young fits that prototype cleanly. Young is one of the most intriguing projection players in the class. His length, first-step burst, and natural leverage give him a raw but enticing foundation. He’s far from a finished product - his hand usage is inconsistent, and teams will need to vet the character concerns stemming from his DUI arrest - but the upside is undeniable. In a rotation with a healthy Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, Young could be brought along at the right pace while still offering immediate value as a sub-package rusher.
The 49ers enter this draft with several needs, but two stand out more than the rest: adding true vertical speed at receiver and rebuilding an explosive pass rush after finishing with the league’s lowest sack total in 2025 following Nick Bosa’s injury. Wide receiver is the more likely direction, but with the top options already off the board in this scenario, the 49ers pivot to reinforcing their defensive front. With Raheem Morris taking over as defensive coordinator, San Francisco gains more flexibility in body types and usage. Even so, the 49ers traditionally value length, power, and run-game sturdiness on the edge, and Zion Young fits that prototype cleanly. Young is one of the most intriguing projection players in the class. His length, first-step burst, and natural leverage give him a raw but enticing foundation. He’s far from a finished product - his hand usage is inconsistent, and teams will need to vet the character concerns stemming from his DUI arrest - but the upside is undeniable. In a rotation with a healthy Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, Young could be brought along at the right pace while still offering immediate value as a sub-package rusher.
V1 Pick: Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama)
Houston’s offensive line remains a major concern, and losing Tytus Howard via trade has only underscored the issue. Iheanachor is a new entrant to this mock draft, as he has had a red-hot pre-draft process and now appears to be a likely top-40 pick. Iheanachor is very raw as he came to football reasonably late, but he has incredibly impressive athleticism - arguably being the most athletic lineman in the entire class, and looks like he has his best football ahead of him. He’d slide in very well at Right Tackle to replace veterans Tytus Howard and Trent Brown, and although his drafting team will need to be patient, Iheanachor could end up being one of the better tackles in this class if coached up sufficiently.
Houston’s offensive line remains a major concern, and losing Tytus Howard via trade has only underscored the issue. Iheanachor is a new entrant to this mock draft, as he has had a red-hot pre-draft process and now appears to be a likely top-40 pick. Iheanachor is very raw as he came to football reasonably late, but he has incredibly impressive athleticism - arguably being the most athletic lineman in the entire class, and looks like he has his best football ahead of him. He’d slide in very well at Right Tackle to replace veterans Tytus Howard and Trent Brown, and although his drafting team will need to be patient, Iheanachor could end up being one of the better tackles in this class if coached up sufficiently.
V1 Pick: Aveion Terrell (CB, Clemson)
The Rams have rebuilt their defense with smart, value-driven picks over the past few years, but the secondary still needs an injection of young talent — especially at corner. Colton Hood is a fluid, instinctive corner with the footwork and transitional quickness to mirror receivers in man coverage. His ball skills flash on tape, and he plays with the kind of competitive edge the Cowboys covet on the perimeter. While he’ll need to add strength and refine his press technique, his movement skills and feel for routes give him legitimate starting upside.
The Rams have rebuilt their defense with smart, value-driven picks over the past few years, but the secondary still needs an injection of young talent — especially at corner. Colton Hood is a fluid, instinctive corner with the footwork and transitional quickness to mirror receivers in man coverage. His ball skills flash on tape, and he plays with the kind of competitive edge the Cowboys covet on the perimeter. While he’ll need to add strength and refine his press technique, his movement skills and feel for routes give him legitimate starting upside.
V1 Pick: Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)
The Broncos have a good, but not great repertoire of offensive weaponry. In particular, they lack a big bodied contested catch threat who can be a mismatch for opposing offenses. Omar Cooper Jr. has been on a meteoric rise recently, as he is the type of receiver his offense has been missing: a physical, fearless, chain-moving target who can also create explosive plays after the catch. Cooper enters the 2026 class as one of the most polished wideouts available, with 69 catches, 937 yards, and 13 touchdowns in his last season for Indiana . His profile blends toughness, versatility, and clutch playmaking — traits that consistently show up in his scouting reports across major outlets.
The Broncos have a good, but not great repertoire of offensive weaponry. In particular, they lack a big bodied contested catch threat who can be a mismatch for opposing offenses. Omar Cooper Jr. has been on a meteoric rise recently, as he is the type of receiver his offense has been missing: a physical, fearless, chain-moving target who can also create explosive plays after the catch. Cooper enters the 2026 class as one of the most polished wideouts available, with 69 catches, 937 yards, and 13 touchdowns in his last season for Indiana . His profile blends toughness, versatility, and clutch playmaking — traits that consistently show up in his scouting reports across major outlets.
V1 Pick: Cashius Howell EDGE, Texas A&M)
The Patriots’ defensive overhaul has been impressive, but their 2025 pass rush — while serviceable — leaned heavily on aging veterans. Harold Landry isn’t the player he once was, and K’Lavon Chaisson, who finally broke out this past season, is set to hit free agency. Adding a young, explosive edge presence makes a lot of sense. Cashius Howell is one of the most dynamic speed rushers in this class. If he were a bit taller and carried more functional strength, he’d be a top-20 lock. Instead, his smaller frame may push him into Day 2. Even so, Howell’s production as a 3-4 outside linebacker, paired with his electric first step, acceleration, and natural bend, gives him real impact potential. He can contribute immediately as a situational rusher while he develops, and his long-term ceiling is that of a double-digit sack producer. Much like Mesidor, he’s a Round 2 talent who could sneak into the late first because of positional value and the overall weakness of this year’s class.
The Patriots’ defensive overhaul has been impressive, but their 2025 pass rush — while serviceable — leaned heavily on aging veterans. Harold Landry isn’t the player he once was, and K’Lavon Chaisson, who finally broke out this past season, is set to hit free agency. Adding a young, explosive edge presence makes a lot of sense. Cashius Howell is one of the most dynamic speed rushers in this class. If he were a bit taller and carried more functional strength, he’d be a top-20 lock. Instead, his smaller frame may push him into Day 2. Even so, Howell’s production as a 3-4 outside linebacker, paired with his electric first step, acceleration, and natural bend, gives him real impact potential. He can contribute immediately as a situational rusher while he develops, and his long-term ceiling is that of a double-digit sack producer. Much like Mesidor, he’s a Round 2 talent who could sneak into the late first because of positional value and the overall weakness of this year’s class.
V1 Pick: Emmanuel Pregnon (G, Oregon)
The Seahawks have a lot of exiting free agents at cornerback, and a true lockdown corner to pair with Devon Witherspoon would be ideal with the options available. Whilst Cisse’s production is modest and his game still needs refinement, he’s reportedly impressed scouts throughout the season. He’s a tough, willing tackler and a strong run defender, and he excels in press coverage. Cisse uses his length effectively, plays with real physicality, and his ability to turn, locate, and play the ball at full speed is considered among the best in the class. He’d be a great press-man fit for Seattle.
The Seahawks have a lot of exiting free agents at cornerback, and a true lockdown corner to pair with Devon Witherspoon would be ideal with the options available. Whilst Cisse’s production is modest and his game still needs refinement, he’s reportedly impressed scouts throughout the season. He’s a tough, willing tackler and a strong run defender, and he excels in press coverage. Cisse uses his length effectively, plays with real physicality, and his ability to turn, locate, and play the ball at full speed is considered among the best in the class. He’d be a great press-man fit for Seattle.
V1 Pick: Emmanuel Pregnon (G, Oregon)
The Seahawks have a lot of exiting free agents at cornerback, and a true lockdown corner to pair with Devon Witherspoon would be ideal with the options available. Whilst Cisse’s production is modest and his game still needs refinement, he’s reportedly impressed scouts throughout the season. He’s a tough, willing tackler and a strong run defender, and he excels in press coverage. Cisse uses his length effectively, plays with real physicality, and his ability to turn, locate, and play the ball at full speed is considered among the best in the class. He’d be a great press-man fit for Seattle.
The Seahawks have a lot of exiting free agents at cornerback, and a true lockdown corner to pair with Devon Witherspoon would be ideal with the options available. Whilst Cisse’s production is modest and his game still needs refinement, he’s reportedly impressed scouts throughout the season. He’s a tough, willing tackler and a strong run defender, and he excels in press coverage. Cisse uses his length effectively, plays with real physicality, and his ability to turn, locate, and play the ball at full speed is considered among the best in the class. He’d be a great press-man fit for Seattle.
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32