GeorgiaDome Final 2026 Mock Draft

The Lions released Taylor Decker after a decade and need an upgrade at OT. The Lions seem to be the floor for Proctor, who has gained steam over the past week and is seriously being considered by the Browns at #6.

Kayden Proctor is built to be a franchise OT. He has size, strength, and rare athleticism for a man his size. The problem is his performance doesn't match. He whiffs and falls on his heels too much. Everything in his game can be cleaned up with proper coaching and having a mentor like Penei Sewell would benefit his development. This seems like an unsexy but necessary pick for a franchise shedding their losing ways.

*If Proctor is off the board, expect EDGE Keldric Faulk. The Lions are rumored to love him.

Harrison Smith was a Post-June 1st cut ending a solid NFL career. The Vikings need a replacement in the back end.

Dillon Theineman was a fringe 1st rounder at the start of this process but jumped inside the Top 25 after a very solid combine. While I prefer McNeil-Warren from Toldeo, Thieneman is worthy of a 1st round pick and has been linked to the Vikings. He fits what Brian Flores wants in the position and fills a need on the backend. He could go as high as #12 to the Cowboys.

The Panthers, fresh of an NFC South crown, seem to be accelerating their rebuild acquiring Devin Lloyd and Jalen Phillips. However, it might be time to cut bait on Xavier Legette as he has not been dependable enough. McMillan has been a homerun and Coker can hold his own as a WR3. Canales is too bright of an OC to think he has enough to win in the postseason from a skill standpoint and ownership is going to do everything they can to support Bryce Young. For the 3rd straight year, the Panthers go WR and take KC Concepcion.

The Panthers have not been shy in stating that they need an offensive playmaker. KC Concepcion is exactly that. He is bigger than most people think (6' 195) and offers real juice as a versatile chess piece both outside and from the slot. While he is going to have to get better at catching balls over the middle and in traffic, he offers an element to the Panthers that they currently do not have. He also is an electric returner. The Panthers seem to be very high on him.

The Cowboys secured a CB at pick 12 but can now focus on their other three needs of ILB, DE, and OLB. At #20 I see this pick coming down to CJ Allen and Keldric Faulk. While I am a big CJ Allen fan, I think Keldric Faulk is held in higher regard to the Cowboys and would be the pick. The Cowboys could target Jacob Rodriguez, Anthony Hill, or Josiah Trotter later.

The 6'6'' 285 lb Faulk has all the makings of a solid 5 tech in Dallas. Pairing him with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams creates a very strong box that will solve a lot of problems in the backend and in opponents' run game. The Cowboys are rumored to be enamored with him, as well as the Lions, and could take him at #12.

Who is the Steelers QB in 26'?

That is a valid question. Most will mock Simpson here to get him in the 1st round but I am not as high on Simpson and have him out of the first round.

What does matter is surrounding whoever is at QB with protection. The Steelers lost Isaac Seumalo to the Cardinals and could use upgrades at both guard positions. That was until the news of Broderick Jones broke. The LT was already a question mark heading into the season but now had a set back in his recovery and could force the Steelers to pivot to OT in round 1. The Steelers are always built in the trenches and securing the front line must be a point of emphasis for Mike McCarthy.

Freeling's stock is all over the place. Some project him inside the Top 10 and some see him as a late 1st. The reasoning is solid for both. Freeling has all the tools to be a franchise OT/blind side protector but the production doesn't match. As someone married to an UGA alum that watches every Saturday, Freeling was inconsistent in his lone season as a starter for the Bulldogs. He could use some development but the Steelers may be desperate at this point and bank on his potential.

The Chargers need a NT and OL help.

Nose Tackle is not often a position taken in round 1. Vita Vea and Jordan Davis are successful exceptions over recent history. The main reason is it is hard to invest a first round pick in a two down player in modern football. Kayden McDonald may be the only one in this draft worthy of consideration but the Chargers have more pressing needs on the OL.

While Alt and Slater return, their interior could use an upgrade and for the longest time Ioane was the only one that made sense at #22 but should be long gone here. Instead, Los Angeles has been all over other offensive guards such as Rutledge, Pregnon, and Bisontis. Bisontis appears to have pulled away from the rest and would be the pick here.

The Chargers are still rebuilding in the Harbaugh image and that is running the football with a complementary pass game. Bisontis has seen his interests pick up and now looks to go in round 1. The Texans and Seahawks are rumored to have him on their shortlist. While his isn't as polished as Ioane, he could remind many of Grey Zabel type of effect since Bisontis started at RT before kicking inside. Herbert and Hampton must be the focus in 2026 and Bisontis helps both.

The Eagles usually are proactive in their replacements. RT Lane Johnson can't last forever and an understudy is needed. While WR will be a need when AJ Brown leaves, he is still on the roster and, unless they want to reach, a target can be obtained in round 2.

The Eagles typically would take the risk on more raw prospect with a higher ceiling such as Max Iheanachor but Blake Miller could have the ability to better help the Eagles now. The RT was a 4 year starter at Clemson and could potentially go top 20 tonight, if trades start early and often. Tyler Steen is not a guarantee to start at RG and Miller could overtake him before kicking out to RT when Lane Johnson, who contemplated retirement this year, finally hangs them up. Either way, Miller offers stability along the line should anything happen this year as the Eagles look to reassert themselves back in the Super Bowl picture.

The Browns went with OT at 6 and can now turn to WR at 24.

Denzel Boston has been connected to Cleveland, should they take an offensive lineman with their first pick. He has a prototypical size but inconsistent production especially against top level competition. He gives up chest off line and has legitimate speed concerns. At this stage he is more of a jump ball and contested catch WR that may struggle to separate. However, the Browns currently do not have a WR like him on the roster and many NFL staffers do see him going in Round 1 tonight. I have him as a mid to late 2nd.

The Bears need safety help and a running mate for Montez Sweat. I personally would go safety with Emmanuel McNeil-Warren still available but the Bears have been all over Zion Young to the point where if he is at 25, there is no doubt they take him.

The 6'6'' 262 lb Young is prototypical 4-3 DE and is a powerful rusher capable of folding edges. He struggles with a secondary move and shedding blocks once engaged but has a powerful bull rush to fit the run and can develop moves with NFL coaching. Young could go as high as 15 to the Bucs, which some mocks have him. At the very least, Young adds to the EDGE depth which will help the Bears as they look to make a trip to the Super Bowl in 2026.

The Bills could use help at LB, OG, CB, and EDGE.

I think the Bills plan on being flashy in round 1. There will be some projected 1st round corners here but the Bills have to see what they have in last year's 1st rounder Maxwell Hairston. I think the Bills really need to add to their pass rush or middle LB to be in the mix for the AFC in 26'. I am very high on CJ Allen and have had him mocked at #15 to the Bucs for months. I think his range is 20-32 tonight and the Bills would be thrilled to get him at 26.

CJ Allen ran Georgia's defensive unit the past two seasons and started as a freshman under Kirby Smart. He has production to back it up and covered all speed concerns running 4.4-4.5 at his pro day. He could be a future Ring of Honor type player for one very lucky team.

Every year it's draft a Trent Williams replacement and it never happens. Williams, 37, signed a new deal but he cannot play forever. The 49ers need an offensive lineman as a successor and insurance policy in case of injury. They have been connected to Caleb Lomu.

Lomu isn't a flashy prospect but many believe with an NFL strength program and solid coaching that he can flourish quickly and already has experience as a 2 year starter. He has a higher floor than other OL prospects at the end of round 1.

If KC Concepcion is here at 27, he would most likely be the pick. The 49ers love him but I doubt he falls to 27 tonight.

The Texans need options at OL as they completely rebuild a front that was abused in the playoffs last year by New England. OT's Ersery and Smith are decent pieces but they need competition at all spots to find the best starting five.

I think the Texans like Blake Miller, Chase Bisontis, and Max Iheanachor but the first two have already come off the board. Max Iheanachor is a mammoth of a man but is still learning the game of football. He only is in the first round based on "potential" and has only been playing football a few years. The Texans would prefer instant impact but at this point they need competition and bodies. Iheanachor could be molded in their image and find a home at OT or OG. Either way, the Texans need someone to protect CJ Stroud or he will end up like David Carr.

The Chiefs lost both starting CBs to the Rams this offseason and seem to be continuing the model of trading them for early round picks and drafting successors. CB is an obvious need in Kansas City and there will be a few available at 29 for them and the fastest riser has been Chris Johnson.

As teams finalize their boards, Johnson has emerged as CB3 in this draft and has a pretty good shot of landing in round 1. The 2nd Team All-American enjoyed a strong season at San Diego St. and is a disciplined corner that doesn't beat himself. He does struggle in jump balls against bigger WRs but the rest of his game is worthy of a first round pick. He is projected as an immediate contributor and that appeals to many teams.

The Dolphins continue to take the BPA as they continue their rebuild and taking a chance on a falling prospect is well worth the risk at #30 with Jermod McCoy.

McCoy is a true question mark of a prospect. His film from 2024 was solid and worthy of a 1st round pick, which leads to a projection of having the skills to be successful in the NFL. The problem is he tore his ACL in Jan of 2025 and missed the entire season. He has missed 1.5 years of competitive football, which in a position of constant movement against elite athletes is concerning. He also has been flagged by teams for a "degenerative knee" post surgery. The Dolphins should not care, as they are not competing for the postseason anytime soon. If McCoy hits, they have a Top 15 talent at #30. Miami is one of the teams that can take the risk

The Dolphins have a huge need at WR but I don't see them taking them here at 30 unless they fall in love with one of them. There will be many WRs available in round 2 such as Fields, Lane, Branch, or Bell to choose from.

The Patriots will be looking for a OT to pair with Will Campbell since Morgan Moses could be in his final season but I have 7 OT's taken so far and the next one is Gennings Dunker, who is a mid to late 2nd rounder. Instead the Patriots prioritize value and address their need at EDGE with Cashius Howell.

If there is one thing about Howell, he knows how to get to the QB. Howell is a little undersized as a traditional DE but as a 3-4 rush LB, he fits the mold. He is best off the edge with a quick first step and relentless motor to the QB. He could start as sub package guy and 3rd down rusher that can builds to a full-time starter. Howell helps the Patriots now and keeps them competitive in the deep AFC playoff race.

The Seahawks lost Riq Wooden to the Eagles and resigned Josh Jobe but need depth and competition are needed at CB. Hood is a popular mock here and it fits his range. He stepped up for McCoy this past season. I do think that if Seattle stays at 32, they take a CB but honestly have no idea who. I've had Cisse here for a while but this is the least confident pick I have here.

I firmly believe Seattle trades back and grabs a RB such as Jadarian Price or Mike Washington in the middle or late round 2 and pockets a pick for next year.


Other Notable Prospects not taken in Round 1:

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toldeo- 2nd rated safety on my board behind Downs and graded as a Top 30 player. Think the Panthers, Bears, and Chiefs could all target him in round 1 but slips to round 2 based on this mock and needs. Will not be there long.

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio St.- Top rated nose tackle in the draft slips because of position and needs of teams. Still think range is #19-#48. Won't be there long. Falcons could really use him at #48. That seems to be his floor.

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson- Not his brother but similar game. His slight build will see him struggle with bigger WRs and in the run game especially those that are faster than him (4.64 40). He struggles anticipating break points as well. Round 2-3 graded.

Ahkeem Mesidor, DE, Miami- Lack of length, Injury history, 25 year old rookie. Expect him mid-round 2.

Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech- 2 down player, relies on size over technique, lack of 1st step quickness. Similar to McDonald, Expect late 1 if DT run starts earlier to early 2nd round.

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama- Just not a round 1 QB. Takes sacks, got beat up in 1 season of college may not be able to handle entire season, had poor eye discipline late in the season, struggles with layered throws, and taking check downs. Graded as a Round 2-3 QB by most but I honestly wouldn't even think about him until round 5 with the 2027 draft class on deck. I'd rather role with Drew Allar.

TJ Parker, DE, Clemson- Tends to stall in run fits or be forced wide, much better in 24 than 25, needs to develop rush tools and run fits or he will be kicked a bunch. Round 2.

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech- Coverage issues, can be bullied in vertical run game by bigger OL, overruns plays. Actually a top 32 player on my board and see him being like Matt Milano but looks like a late 1st or early 2nd.