GeorgiaDome 2026 Mock Draft
Mock Drafts for 20 years. Some published, some not, always pick wrong for your team on purpose.
Round 1
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32
The Lions released Taylor Decker after a decade and need an upgrade at OT. Their position makes it difficult as they are too late for the Top 2 (Mauigoa/Fano) and just early for the next tier. However, Freeling has a wide range from #6-#24 based on teams and has experience as Georgia's LT, which is their current opening.
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 LT 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. The Lions could bank on Goff and Sewell's mentorship to unlock his potential since the physical traits are present.
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 LT 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. The Lions could bank on Goff and Sewell's mentorship to unlock his potential since the physical traits are present.
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.
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.
The Panthers, fresh of an NFC South crown, seem to be accelerating their rebuild acquiring Devin Lloyd and Jalen Phillips. However, Derrick Brown is still being doubled every play. The best way to allow their studs to be studs is to free them up for 1v1 opportunities and acquire a NT. McDonald is the top ranked NT on the board and is a Top 20 player.
Kayden McDonald is not only a run stuffing NT but can rush the passer at a decent rate. He immediately frees up Brown, Scourton, and Phillips to attack an offense, just look at Ohio St. this past season. The Panthers see this twice a year with Vita Vea freeing up Bucs pass rushers and can use their formula against them.
Kayden McDonald is not only a run stuffing NT but can rush the passer at a decent rate. He immediately frees up Brown, Scourton, and Phillips to attack an offense, just look at Ohio St. this past season. The Panthers see this twice a year with Vita Vea freeing up Bucs pass rushers and can use their formula against them.
The Cowboys secured a CB at pick 12 but can now focus on their other three needs of ILB, DE, and OLB. CJ Allen could very well be the pick here but he is gone in this mock. Jacob Rodriguez is a little rich here at 20. Howell/Young won't start over Gary or Ezeiruaku but would add depth but that isn't needed in round 1 for a team looking for starters. Enter Keldric Faulk.
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 alot of problems in the backend and in opponents' run game.
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 alot of problems in the backend and in opponents' run game.
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 believe he is a 2nd round player.
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. Ola Ioane is the top rated guard in the draft and is right down the road from Pittsburgh. The Steelers are always built in the trenches and securing the front line must be a point of emphasis for Mike McCarthy.
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 believe he is a 2nd round player.
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. Ola Ioane is the top rated guard in the draft and is right down the road from Pittsburgh. The Steelers are always built in the trenches and securing the front line must be a point of emphasis for Mike McCarthy.
The Chargers need a NT and OL help. While Alt and Slater return, their interior could use an upgrade but the only G worth taking in round 1 just went the pick before. Instead the Chargers focus on upgrading their defensive line to free up Tart and Tomlinson by taking Banks.
Caleb Banks is an athletic marvel. The 6'6'' 330 lb NT ran 5.04 in the 40 and has every physical trait to succeed. He plays with high hips and can be sloppy at times but the tools are there. He also has an extensive injury history, which is why he is ranked lower than McDonald on my board, but is worth the risk at 22.
Caleb Banks is an athletic marvel. The 6'6'' 330 lb NT ran 5.04 in the 40 and has every physical trait to succeed. He plays with high hips and can be sloppy at times but the tools are there. He also has an extensive injury history, which is why he is ranked lower than McDonald on my board, but is worth the risk at 22.
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.
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 Lane Johnson for a year would benefit his development. This seems like an unsexy but necessary pick for a franchise that has been very good in the draft over the last decade.
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 Lane Johnson for a year would benefit his development. This seems like an unsexy but necessary pick for a franchise that has been very good in the draft over the last decade.
The Browns went with WR at 6 and can now turn to OT at 24.
Blake Miller has been a fast riser this offseason and now looks certain to go at the bottom of round 1. He has good size and tools but needs to clean up his hands and feet at the NFL level. The Browns could very well look at Lomu from Utah as he is a little more clean at this stage in his career but he doesn't possess the potential of Miller or Iheanaschor, who is a little more raw from these two.
Blake Miller has been a fast riser this offseason and now looks certain to go at the bottom of round 1. He has good size and tools but needs to clean up his hands and feet at the NFL level. The Browns could very well look at Lomu from Utah as he is a little more clean at this stage in his career but he doesn't possess the potential of Miller or Iheanaschor, who is a little more raw from these two.
I am starting to see this pick mocked more and I love it.
The Bears lost both starting safeties from 25' in Brisker (Steelers) and Byard (New England). They signed Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis but can't depend on both hitting. A team with Super Bowl aspirations, the Bears need impact players now and McNeil-Warren is my second rated S and carries a first round grade. The Bears obtain an impact player at a position of need as they hunt for the Lombardi Trophy in 26'.
The Bears lost both starting safeties from 25' in Brisker (Steelers) and Byard (New England). They signed Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis but can't depend on both hitting. A team with Super Bowl aspirations, the Bears need impact players now and McNeil-Warren is my second rated S and carries a first round grade. The Bears obtain an impact player at a position of need as they hunt for the Lombardi Trophy in 26'.
The Bills could use help at OG, CB, and EDGE.
No guard available is worth #26. While there will be some 1st round corners here, 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 to be in the mix for the AFC in 26'. As of now they only have Chubb (injury prone) and Rousseau as consistent options.
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. As a sub package guy that can build to Chubb's replacement, Howell helps the Bills now.
No guard available is worth #26. While there will be some 1st round corners here, 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 to be in the mix for the AFC in 26'. As of now they only have Chubb (injury prone) and Rousseau as consistent options.
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. As a sub package guy that can build to Chubb's replacement, Howell helps the Bills now.
Every year it's draft a Trent Williams replacement and it never happens. However, it now is becoming a contract issue and this could force the 49ers to seriously look for a successor.
Caleb Lomu was Utah's LT over Spencer Fano. While not as solid as Fano, there is a reason Utah put them there as he could more than shoulder the load as a LT. Lomu is a smart football player and has the frame to add more weight. He is more pro ready now than Proctor, Miller, or Iheanaschor, but his ceiling isn't quite as high. San Francisco still plans on contending in the NFC by signing Mike Evans and Lomu is more ready to contribute now.
Caleb Lomu was Utah's LT over Spencer Fano. While not as solid as Fano, there is a reason Utah put them there as he could more than shoulder the load as a LT. Lomu is a smart football player and has the frame to add more weight. He is more pro ready now than Proctor, Miller, or Iheanaschor, but his ceiling isn't quite as high. San Francisco still plans on contending in the NFC by signing Mike Evans and Lomu is more ready to contribute now.
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. The problem is their need is interior after free agency and there isn't a prospect worth taking at 28 outside of Chase Bisontis, who I have as a mid-2nd rounder. I could see them pursuing at Keylan Rutledge in round 2 or trading back to take Bisontis.
If the Texans can't trade this pick (for a team looking at Ty Simpson) then expect them to draft value over need and look at a prospect they have been linked to in Christian Miller.
Miller is a former 5* prospect that enjoyed a rise in the offseason and now could be a late 1st round pick. Despite the Texans defense being the strength of the team, they are gutted at DT with Rankins and Togiai projected as their starters. If they want to keep their defense at a high level then the team could look to upgrade the interior of their defensive line in round 1 and address OL the next few rounds.
If the Texans can't trade this pick (for a team looking at Ty Simpson) then expect them to draft value over need and look at a prospect they have been linked to in Christian Miller.
Miller is a former 5* prospect that enjoyed a rise in the offseason and now could be a late 1st round pick. Despite the Texans defense being the strength of the team, they are gutted at DT with Rankins and Togiai projected as their starters. If they want to keep their defense at a high level then the team could look to upgrade the interior of their defensive line in round 1 and address OL the next few rounds.
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. The best of the bunch is McCoy.
McCoy is an interesting case. He could be the Top CB in the draft but hasn't played football in over a year (ACL last Jan). I think that will hurt him more than the media mock drafts think. He still is CB2 for most teams. His film from 24' was solid and he demonstrates ability to impact games. The Chiefs have shown they are willing to take shots on players and McCoy would be a great fit in KC.
McCoy is an interesting case. He could be the Top CB in the draft but hasn't played football in over a year (ACL last Jan). I think that will hurt him more than the media mock drafts think. He still is CB2 for most teams. His film from 24' was solid and he demonstrates ability to impact games. The Chiefs have shown they are willing to take shots on players and McCoy would be a great fit in KC.
The Dolphins continue to take the BPA as they continue their rebuild and that starts at CB, which was a major weakness for the team last year.
Avieon Terrell is a "sticky" CB similar to his brother, Atlanta Falcons CB AJ Terrell. While AJ was a better prospect, Avieon has a similar game and is projected to be a late 1st or early second CB. I have him at CB4 behind Cisse.
The Dolphins have a huge need at WR but I don't see them taking them here at 30. They could at 11 if they like Lemon or Tyson/Tate fall but at 30 the next options are Bell (coming off injury), Boston, Conception (slot WR/returner), Cooper (route running concerns), or Fields ( I like Fields). All of them are typically 2nd rounders including Boston, who has had a dreadful offseason and none are projected to be a guy who can carry a team.
Avieon Terrell is a "sticky" CB similar to his brother, Atlanta Falcons CB AJ Terrell. While AJ was a better prospect, Avieon has a similar game and is projected to be a late 1st or early second CB. I have him at CB4 behind Cisse.
The Dolphins have a huge need at WR but I don't see them taking them here at 30. They could at 11 if they like Lemon or Tyson/Tate fall but at 30 the next options are Bell (coming off injury), Boston, Conception (slot WR/returner), Cooper (route running concerns), or Fields ( I like Fields). All of them are typically 2nd rounders including Boston, who has had a dreadful offseason and none are projected to be a guy who can carry a team.
The Patriots will be looking for a OT to pair with Will Campbell since Morgan Moses could be in his final season. They could like OT Max Iheanaschor from Minnesota but he is a project and the team is looking for impact players now after a surprise run to the Super Bowl last year. Instead the Patriots pivot to EDGE to push newly acquired Dre'Mont Jones and offer depth. They have shown interest in this classes EDGE prospects.
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 once developed. 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 Patriots as they look to make a return trip to the Super Bowl in 2026.
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 once developed. 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 Patriots as they look to make a return trip to the Super Bowl in 2026.
The Seahawks lost Riq Wooden to the Eagles and resigned Josh Jobe but need depth and competition at CB. Cisse is my CB3 but will need development but has great physical tools and fits the mold of a Seattle CB. NFL.com's anonymous AFC scout said it best “You draft him more for tomorrow’s tools and not for today’s tape. The bad reps are going to get corrected. I like his makeup and his speed.”
Seattle has often been mocked an RB here and could take Jadarian Price or Mike Washington but the signing of Emanuel Wilson and the use of George Holani may be deemed enough to get them through until Charbonnet comes back. I do expect them to take one at some point in the draft.
Other Notable Prospects not taken in Round 1:
Ahkeem Mesidor, Miami, DE- Lack of length, Injury history, 25 year old rookie. Expect him mid-round 2.
Max Iheanaschor, Arizona St., OT- Not been playing football long, good physical skills but needs refinement and not projected as a year 1 starter. Expect him late 1 (if a team falls in love or run starts earlier) or early 2.
Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana, WR- Concern getting in and out of breaks and route running. Poor blocking WR. Expect Mid-Round 2.
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech, DT- 2 down player, relies on size over technique, lack of 1st step quickness. Expect late 1 if DT run starts earlier to early 2nd round.
Ty Simpson, Alabama, QB- 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 but draft always pushes these guys higher.
Denzel Boston, Washington, WR- Production inconsistent especially against top level competition, gives up chest off line, speed concerns, more of a jump ball/size WR. Round 2 WR.
KC Concepion, Texas A&M, WR- Slot WR that struggles over the middle with drops, lack of variance in speed, not much of a blocker. More of a luxury pick and gadget player than need. Early round 2.
TJ Parker, Clemson, DE- 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, Texas Tech, LB- 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.
Chris Bell, Louisville, WR- WR 1 make up and athleticism but coming off a late season ACL tear, route running needs work, and below average ball skills. Round 2 flier for potential.
Seattle has often been mocked an RB here and could take Jadarian Price or Mike Washington but the signing of Emanuel Wilson and the use of George Holani may be deemed enough to get them through until Charbonnet comes back. I do expect them to take one at some point in the draft.
Other Notable Prospects not taken in Round 1:
Ahkeem Mesidor, Miami, DE- Lack of length, Injury history, 25 year old rookie. Expect him mid-round 2.
Max Iheanaschor, Arizona St., OT- Not been playing football long, good physical skills but needs refinement and not projected as a year 1 starter. Expect him late 1 (if a team falls in love or run starts earlier) or early 2.
Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana, WR- Concern getting in and out of breaks and route running. Poor blocking WR. Expect Mid-Round 2.
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech, DT- 2 down player, relies on size over technique, lack of 1st step quickness. Expect late 1 if DT run starts earlier to early 2nd round.
Ty Simpson, Alabama, QB- 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 but draft always pushes these guys higher.
Denzel Boston, Washington, WR- Production inconsistent especially against top level competition, gives up chest off line, speed concerns, more of a jump ball/size WR. Round 2 WR.
KC Concepion, Texas A&M, WR- Slot WR that struggles over the middle with drops, lack of variance in speed, not much of a blocker. More of a luxury pick and gadget player than need. Early round 2.
TJ Parker, Clemson, DE- 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, Texas Tech, LB- 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.
Chris Bell, Louisville, WR- WR 1 make up and athleticism but coming off a late season ACL tear, route running needs work, and below average ball skills. Round 2 flier for potential.
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32