2026 NFL Mock Draft V3
With the primary wave of free agency over, and a month away today from the 2026 NFL Draft, here is my third iteration of the mock draft. Expect a gap between this an V4, which will go up around a week before, and V5 behind my final go on Draft Day.
Round 1
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32
V2 Pick: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
V1 Pick: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
The Raiders finally hold the No. 1 pick after years of quarterback instability, and in a thin class they’re poised to bet on Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. The Cal-to-Indiana transfer erupted in 2025, showcasing sharp field vision, precision in the short and intermediate game, and one of the most catchable balls in college football. His 41 touchdowns and 133.2 NFL passer rating led all FBS quarterbacks and appears to be a lock atop the draft.
V1 Pick: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
The Raiders finally hold the No. 1 pick after years of quarterback instability, and in a thin class they’re poised to bet on Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. The Cal-to-Indiana transfer erupted in 2025, showcasing sharp field vision, precision in the short and intermediate game, and one of the most catchable balls in college football. His 41 touchdowns and 133.2 NFL passer rating led all FBS quarterbacks and appears to be a lock atop the draft.
V2 Pick: Arvell Reese (EDGE/LB, Ohio State)
V1 Pick: Arvell Reese (EDGE/LB, Ohio State)
With the Jets in complete rebuild mode - once again - they shouldn’t force a reach on a quarterback here. Arvell Reese is amongst the most gifted players in this class irrespective of position. He has enormous upside as an Explosive hybrid defender who can play SAM. off‑ball LB, or rush off the edge. In this writer’s opinion, another year in college might have helped his game as he’s a one‑year breakout whose production dipped late, but he still profiles as a top‑5 pick in a weak class. Reese could follow a Micah Parsons‑style path as a disruptive hybrid edge/off-ball playmaker.
V1 Pick: Arvell Reese (EDGE/LB, Ohio State)
With the Jets in complete rebuild mode - once again - they shouldn’t force a reach on a quarterback here. Arvell Reese is amongst the most gifted players in this class irrespective of position. He has enormous upside as an Explosive hybrid defender who can play SAM. off‑ball LB, or rush off the edge. In this writer’s opinion, another year in college might have helped his game as he’s a one‑year breakout whose production dipped late, but he still profiles as a top‑5 pick in a weak class. Reese could follow a Micah Parsons‑style path as a disruptive hybrid edge/off-ball playmaker.
V2 Pick: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
V1 Pick: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
Charlie Campbell recently reported that Spencer Fano is a “top candidate” for Arizona at No. 3. Even so, this writer has been highly hesitant to project him there, largely because of real questions about whether he can hold up at right tackle in the NFL. As noted in my V2 mock:
“I have him as the top blocker in this draft class, with a skill set similar to Alijah Vera‑Tucker: strong tape overall, clear developmental upside, and the versatility to thrive in both gap and zone schemes… the question is positional value, and whether he can hold up at tackle. His measurements and film suggest he’s a high‑level guard or perhaps even center, rather than a long‑term right tackle, much like the aforementioned Vera‑Tucker or Peter Skoronski.”
From a roster‑building standpoint, taking Bailey or Reese at No. 3 and then targeting Miller or Iheachanor at No. 34 feels like the better-valued path to this writer. Still, the Cardinals appear genuinely high on Fano. It’s also worth noting that he tested better at his pro day, and under LeFleur the offense is expected to lean more heavily into zone‑blocking concepts—an approach that aligns well with Fano’s athletic profile and play style.
V1 Pick: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
Charlie Campbell recently reported that Spencer Fano is a “top candidate” for Arizona at No. 3. Even so, this writer has been highly hesitant to project him there, largely because of real questions about whether he can hold up at right tackle in the NFL. As noted in my V2 mock:
“I have him as the top blocker in this draft class, with a skill set similar to Alijah Vera‑Tucker: strong tape overall, clear developmental upside, and the versatility to thrive in both gap and zone schemes… the question is positional value, and whether he can hold up at tackle. His measurements and film suggest he’s a high‑level guard or perhaps even center, rather than a long‑term right tackle, much like the aforementioned Vera‑Tucker or Peter Skoronski.”
From a roster‑building standpoint, taking Bailey or Reese at No. 3 and then targeting Miller or Iheachanor at No. 34 feels like the better-valued path to this writer. Still, the Cardinals appear genuinely high on Fano. It’s also worth noting that he tested better at his pro day, and under LeFleur the offense is expected to lean more heavily into zone‑blocking concepts—an approach that aligns well with Fano’s athletic profile and play style.
V2 Pick: David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
V1 Pick: David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
The Titans still have a thin roster, but after a free‑agency period heavily tilted toward defensive additions—and with limited true 4‑3 edge fits available at the top of the draft—they look more positioned than ever to take the best player available. If the Titans truly want to elevate Ward and inject elite talent into their offense, that player is Jeremiyah Love. Love is comfortably the top overall prospect in this class in this writer’s opinion, and a true blue‑chip running back, arguably the most complete talent at the position since Saquon Barkley. He’s powerfully built, runs with downhill violence, and pairs that physicality with rare acceleration, sharp vision, and the instincts to thrive in both zone and gap schemes. He’s electric on outside‑zone concepts, slippery in space, and brings value as a pass catcher. No prospect is a guarantee, but Love screams future superstar. Multiple evaluators, including Charlie Campbell and Dane Brugler, have him graded above Ashton Jeanty, who went sixth overall in 2025.
V1 Pick: David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
The Titans still have a thin roster, but after a free‑agency period heavily tilted toward defensive additions—and with limited true 4‑3 edge fits available at the top of the draft—they look more positioned than ever to take the best player available. If the Titans truly want to elevate Ward and inject elite talent into their offense, that player is Jeremiyah Love. Love is comfortably the top overall prospect in this class in this writer’s opinion, and a true blue‑chip running back, arguably the most complete talent at the position since Saquon Barkley. He’s powerfully built, runs with downhill violence, and pairs that physicality with rare acceleration, sharp vision, and the instincts to thrive in both zone and gap schemes. He’s electric on outside‑zone concepts, slippery in space, and brings value as a pass catcher. No prospect is a guarantee, but Love screams future superstar. Multiple evaluators, including Charlie Campbell and Dane Brugler, have him graded above Ashton Jeanty, who went sixth overall in 2025.
V2 Pick: Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
V1 Pick: Francis Mauigoa (IOL/OT, Miami)
The Giants need offensive line and receiver support badly, but in this mock I cannot pass on the elite talent that is Caleb Downs. From what Charlie reported during the combine, it sounds like the Saints wouldn’t pass on Downs at 8 if he got there (and aren’t optimistic they would have that luxury). Given Harbaugh's proclivity for elite safeties during his time at, the Giants feel like an ideal situation for Downs.The word generational gets thrown around far too often, but Caleb Downs is truly generational - the best safety prospect since Eric Berry over a decade ago, offering a complete skill set. Whether he’s patrolling deep, in the box, or working in zone, Downs displays outstanding field vision, instincts, ball skills, and tracking ability. His tape is as clean as it gets for a defensive back, and his versatility gives him the ceiling of an elite NFL defender.
V1 Pick: Francis Mauigoa (IOL/OT, Miami)
The Giants need offensive line and receiver support badly, but in this mock I cannot pass on the elite talent that is Caleb Downs. From what Charlie reported during the combine, it sounds like the Saints wouldn’t pass on Downs at 8 if he got there (and aren’t optimistic they would have that luxury). Given Harbaugh's proclivity for elite safeties during his time at, the Giants feel like an ideal situation for Downs.The word generational gets thrown around far too often, but Caleb Downs is truly generational - the best safety prospect since Eric Berry over a decade ago, offering a complete skill set. Whether he’s patrolling deep, in the box, or working in zone, Downs displays outstanding field vision, instincts, ball skills, and tracking ability. His tape is as clean as it gets for a defensive back, and his versatility gives him the ceiling of an elite NFL defender.
V2 Pick: Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
V1 Pick: Spencer Fano (IOL/OT, Utah)
The Browns have 3 of their 5 future starters in Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson, also re-signing the underrated Teven Jenkins to a 1 year deal. The Browns still need a franchise Left Tackle (Mauigoa and Fano are more right tackles), but with a second pick in the 1st round with more range-worthy appropriate options likely available, I have the Browns instead taking the top receiver in the class and addressing tackle later. Tate began the year viewed as a fringe first-round prospect, but he delivered a breakout campaign at Ohio State, flashing true X-receiver traits, week-to-week reliability, and the kind of explosive playmaking that translates immediately to the NFL. I worry about taking a career No. 2 wide-out in the top-10, but that is more a testament to how special Jeremiah Smith is. Tate is a quality prospect worthy of going in the top-10, who has the upside and ability to become a No. 1 wide-out in the pros.
V1 Pick: Spencer Fano (IOL/OT, Utah)
The Browns have 3 of their 5 future starters in Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson, also re-signing the underrated Teven Jenkins to a 1 year deal. The Browns still need a franchise Left Tackle (Mauigoa and Fano are more right tackles), but with a second pick in the 1st round with more range-worthy appropriate options likely available, I have the Browns instead taking the top receiver in the class and addressing tackle later. Tate began the year viewed as a fringe first-round prospect, but he delivered a breakout campaign at Ohio State, flashing true X-receiver traits, week-to-week reliability, and the kind of explosive playmaking that translates immediately to the NFL. I worry about taking a career No. 2 wide-out in the top-10, but that is more a testament to how special Jeremiah Smith is. Tate is a quality prospect worthy of going in the top-10, who has the upside and ability to become a No. 1 wide-out in the pros.
V2 Pick: Reuben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)
V1 Pick: Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
Washington had, in this writer’s view, the best free‑agency period in the league, addressing every major need with smart, targeted signings. Washington added Odafe Oweh as their marquee free agent signing, then paired him with one‑year additions K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu, so edge rusher. Still, with Chaisson and Omenihu on short‑term deals, the Commanders could easily justify taking the best player available to join the rotation in 2026 before stepping into a full‑time role in 2027.After transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech, he dominated his senior season, leading the FBS in pressures (81), sacks (14.5), pass‑rush grade (93.9), and overall PFF grade (93.1). He’s built to thrive in a 3‑4, but his frame mirrors Micah Parsons almost exactly, and his play strength suggests he can function in a 4‑3 as well. He’s been a top‑two edge rusher in college football for two straight years and, in this writer’s opinion, is a true blue‑chip prospect—better than the more hyped Arvell Reese—with perennial double‑digit sack upside. Also watch out for Sonny Styles here, as he feels like a really good fit and one of the best linebacking prospects in recent memory.
V1 Pick: Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
Washington had, in this writer’s view, the best free‑agency period in the league, addressing every major need with smart, targeted signings. Washington added Odafe Oweh as their marquee free agent signing, then paired him with one‑year additions K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu, so edge rusher. Still, with Chaisson and Omenihu on short‑term deals, the Commanders could easily justify taking the best player available to join the rotation in 2026 before stepping into a full‑time role in 2027.After transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech, he dominated his senior season, leading the FBS in pressures (81), sacks (14.5), pass‑rush grade (93.9), and overall PFF grade (93.1). He’s built to thrive in a 3‑4, but his frame mirrors Micah Parsons almost exactly, and his play strength suggests he can function in a 4‑3 as well. He’s been a top‑two edge rusher in college football for two straight years and, in this writer’s opinion, is a true blue‑chip prospect—better than the more hyped Arvell Reese—with perennial double‑digit sack upside. Also watch out for Sonny Styles here, as he feels like a really good fit and one of the best linebacking prospects in recent memory.
V2 Pick: Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
V1 Pick: Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
Tyler Shough has shown enough promise to warrant a second shot at the starting job next season, but for him to thrive, Kellen Moore must elevate the Saints’ offensive weaponry. They traded away Rashid Shaheed, and Chris Olave has had significant concussion issues in the NFL aso may not have the longest career. One has gone through all of the top-3 receivers here. With Tate of the board, and Tyson’s injury history possibly being a deal-breaker for the reasons above, Lemon could be the safest pick of the remaining top-prospects. Lemon is amongst my favourite on-tape players in this class. His slot-only projection at the next level may cause a minor slide, but the Jets really need a dominant slot. He’s sure-handed, explosive, and the cleanest pure receiver on tape in 2025 — a season that earned him the Biletnikoff Award. It wouldn’t shock me if - as mocked - he ultimately cracks the top 10.
V1 Pick: Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
Tyler Shough has shown enough promise to warrant a second shot at the starting job next season, but for him to thrive, Kellen Moore must elevate the Saints’ offensive weaponry. They traded away Rashid Shaheed, and Chris Olave has had significant concussion issues in the NFL aso may not have the longest career. One has gone through all of the top-3 receivers here. With Tate of the board, and Tyson’s injury history possibly being a deal-breaker for the reasons above, Lemon could be the safest pick of the remaining top-prospects. Lemon is amongst my favourite on-tape players in this class. His slot-only projection at the next level may cause a minor slide, but the Jets really need a dominant slot. He’s sure-handed, explosive, and the cleanest pure receiver on tape in 2025 — a season that earned him the Biletnikoff Award. It wouldn’t shock me if - as mocked - he ultimately cracks the top 10.
V2 Pick: Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)
V1 Pick: Reuben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)
The Chiefs enter the offseason with several roster holes after finally coming back to earth in 2025. Up front, Reuben Bain offers plenty to like: a relentless motor, real toughness, and the kind of play style Steve Spagnuolo gravitates toward. That said, there's a reason this writer is more cautious on Bain than the consensus. His physical limitations — especially his unusually short arms — raise legitimate questions about whether he can hold up as a full‑time edge defender, and his production at Miami fluctuated more than you’d expect from a supposed top‑tier prospect. He’s a strong candidate to slide in the 2026 NFL Draft. Nevertheless, in a weaker class, Bain profiles as a high‑floor player who should carve out a solid NFL career as a strong complementary base end with the versatility to kick inside and attack the B‑gap when needed.
V1 Pick: Reuben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)
The Chiefs enter the offseason with several roster holes after finally coming back to earth in 2025. Up front, Reuben Bain offers plenty to like: a relentless motor, real toughness, and the kind of play style Steve Spagnuolo gravitates toward. That said, there's a reason this writer is more cautious on Bain than the consensus. His physical limitations — especially his unusually short arms — raise legitimate questions about whether he can hold up as a full‑time edge defender, and his production at Miami fluctuated more than you’d expect from a supposed top‑tier prospect. He’s a strong candidate to slide in the 2026 NFL Draft. Nevertheless, in a weaker class, Bain profiles as a high‑floor player who should carve out a solid NFL career as a strong complementary base end with the versatility to kick inside and attack the B‑gap when needed.
V2 Pick: Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
V1 Pick: Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
The Bengals need reinforcements at every level of their defense, but their linebacking corps was historically horrid in 2025, starting two rookies who immensely struggled all season, trading away Logan Wilson for peanuts. The Bengals won’t give up on Demetrius Knight Jr. or Barrett Carter, but it’s clear they need a true tone-setting linebacker, and Sonny Styles fits that projection to a T. (in fact, based on his incredible combine, the Bengals would be fortunate he made it to the 10th pick). Styles is the best pure linebacker prospect in several drafts and offers an elite blend of range, instincts, and command in the heart of a defense. He’s a true tone‑setter — a high‑level zone defender thanks to his background at safety, and a violent, authoritative tackler. He may not play what the league currently labels a “premium position,” but he brings the kind of seismic defensive impact this unit needs. It wouldn’t shock me if Styles is an All-Pro caliber linebacker within his rookie contract.
V1 Pick: Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
The Bengals need reinforcements at every level of their defense, but their linebacking corps was historically horrid in 2025, starting two rookies who immensely struggled all season, trading away Logan Wilson for peanuts. The Bengals won’t give up on Demetrius Knight Jr. or Barrett Carter, but it’s clear they need a true tone-setting linebacker, and Sonny Styles fits that projection to a T. (in fact, based on his incredible combine, the Bengals would be fortunate he made it to the 10th pick). Styles is the best pure linebacker prospect in several drafts and offers an elite blend of range, instincts, and command in the heart of a defense. He’s a true tone‑setter — a high‑level zone defender thanks to his background at safety, and a violent, authoritative tackler. He may not play what the league currently labels a “premium position,” but he brings the kind of seismic defensive impact this unit needs. It wouldn’t shock me if Styles is an All-Pro caliber linebacker within his rookie contract.
V2 Pick: Francis Mauigoa (IOL/OT, Miami)
V1 Pick: Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
It was really, really tempting to take Jordyn Tyson here, as their Dolphins have amongst the worst receiving corps in the NFL. However, their entire roster is comfortably the worst in the NFL, so you could say that about virtually every position. As Charlie reported, the Dolphins have a “preference” for trenches with this pick, and with their pick of the offensive linemen, the Dolphins take a high-floor potential blocker who played at the same stadium in college and address receiver later. In an underwhelming offensive line class, Mauigoa offers as much NFL readiness as any prospect, bringing strong pass protection and run-blocking traits. He may never be a perennial Pro Bowler, but he projects as a powerful, tone‑setting right tackle with the upside to anchor a line for the next decade who could “fail inside” as a guard if push comes to shove. Austin Jackson missed more than half his games at Right Tackle over the past 2 seasons.
V1 Pick: Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
It was really, really tempting to take Jordyn Tyson here, as their Dolphins have amongst the worst receiving corps in the NFL. However, their entire roster is comfortably the worst in the NFL, so you could say that about virtually every position. As Charlie reported, the Dolphins have a “preference” for trenches with this pick, and with their pick of the offensive linemen, the Dolphins take a high-floor potential blocker who played at the same stadium in college and address receiver later. In an underwhelming offensive line class, Mauigoa offers as much NFL readiness as any prospect, bringing strong pass protection and run-blocking traits. He may never be a perennial Pro Bowler, but he projects as a powerful, tone‑setting right tackle with the upside to anchor a line for the next decade who could “fail inside” as a guard if push comes to shove. Austin Jackson missed more than half his games at Right Tackle over the past 2 seasons.
V2 Pick: Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
V1 Pick: Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
The Cowboys will pray Sonny Styles gets to them at 12, but that feels optimistic after that combine performance. Sheesh. Anyway, the Cowboys are still in a position with their pick of the litter in regards to cornerback prospects. Despite his ball‑hawking ability, Trevon Diggs was a liability in coverage for most of his Dallas tenure, and moving on from his massive contract was the right call. Shavon Revel was also a liability recovering from his ACL as a rookie. Delane entered last season as a projected top‑50 pick, but his transfer to LSU took his game to another level. He delivered a 90.7 PFF grade for the Tigers and consistently displayed the instincts, fluidity, and discipline of a future CB1. Quarterbacks posted a miserable 26.7 passer rating when targeting him this year, underscoring just how dominant he was in coverage.
V1 Pick: Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
The Cowboys will pray Sonny Styles gets to them at 12, but that feels optimistic after that combine performance. Sheesh. Anyway, the Cowboys are still in a position with their pick of the litter in regards to cornerback prospects. Despite his ball‑hawking ability, Trevon Diggs was a liability in coverage for most of his Dallas tenure, and moving on from his massive contract was the right call. Shavon Revel was also a liability recovering from his ACL as a rookie. Delane entered last season as a projected top‑50 pick, but his transfer to LSU took his game to another level. He delivered a 90.7 PFF grade for the Tigers and consistently displayed the instincts, fluidity, and discipline of a future CB1. Quarterbacks posted a miserable 26.7 passer rating when targeting him this year, underscoring just how dominant he was in coverage.
V2 Pick: Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
V1 Pick: Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
OL is a popular projection here, but with Warren McClendon playing at such a high level in 2025 and being cheap, it’s hard to imagine the Rams not handing him the starting right tackle job next season (in this mock both Francis Mauioga and Spencer Fano are off the board, anyway). The Rams have few real needs, so using this rare high first‑round pick on the best player available could make the most sense. Davante Adams is in the final year of his deal and battled injuries in 2025, and their remaining slot options are uninspiring. Tyson comes with some durability concerns, but he’s the last legitimate WR1-caliber prospect on the board: a polished route runner who can separate, win physically, and create mismatches on the perimeter. The Rams are in a reasonably safe position to take a swing here given the strength of their roster and track-record of draftee player development.
V1 Pick: Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
OL is a popular projection here, but with Warren McClendon playing at such a high level in 2025 and being cheap, it’s hard to imagine the Rams not handing him the starting right tackle job next season (in this mock both Francis Mauioga and Spencer Fano are off the board, anyway). The Rams have few real needs, so using this rare high first‑round pick on the best player available could make the most sense. Davante Adams is in the final year of his deal and battled injuries in 2025, and their remaining slot options are uninspiring. Tyson comes with some durability concerns, but he’s the last legitimate WR1-caliber prospect on the board: a polished route runner who can separate, win physically, and create mismatches on the perimeter. The Rams are in a reasonably safe position to take a swing here given the strength of their roster and track-record of draftee player development.
V2 Pick: Spencer Fano (IOL/OT, Utah)
V1 Pick: Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
The Ravens need help on the edge and along their odd‑front defensive line, making Keldric Faulk and Peter Woods logical fits. But their interior offensive line is in even worse shape, as it was arguably the weakest in the league last year. 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.
V1 Pick: Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
The Ravens need help on the edge and along their odd‑front defensive line, making Keldric Faulk and Peter Woods logical fits. But their interior offensive line is in even worse shape, as it was arguably the weakest in the league last year. 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.
V2 Pick: Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
V1 Pick: Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
The Buccaneers could go in a variety of directions. Their pass rush is putrid, and despite re-signing Cade Otton, the Bucs could do with another weapon after losing Mike Evans to the 49ers in free agency. However, CJ Allen is one of the safer projections in this class to replace the presumably departed Lavonte David. 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. Allen projects as a rock‑solid MIKE who can anchor a front and will be ready to play Day 1.
V1 Pick: Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
The Buccaneers could go in a variety of directions. Their pass rush is putrid, and despite re-signing Cade Otton, the Bucs could do with another weapon after losing Mike Evans to the 49ers in free agency. However, CJ Allen is one of the safer projections in this class to replace the presumably departed Lavonte David. 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. Allen projects as a rock‑solid MIKE who can anchor a front and will be ready to play Day 1.
V2 Pick: Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
V1 Pick: Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
The further we get into the pre-draft process, the more one believes the Jets could roll with Geno Smith and address QB with one of their 3 first round picks in a (much, much better) 2027 class. Heavily in the midst of a rebuild, the Jets could opt to go BPA this entire draft. After foolishly trading away Sauce Gardner, they at least recoup some value back here drafting his replacement Jermod McCoy. 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. His pro day will be important, though, as he hasn’t played for 15 months due to an ACL tear and did not work out at the combine. McCoy could be justified in the top-10, or could have a Will Johnson-esque slide depending on the medical.
V1 Pick: Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
The further we get into the pre-draft process, the more one believes the Jets could roll with Geno Smith and address QB with one of their 3 first round picks in a (much, much better) 2027 class. Heavily in the midst of a rebuild, the Jets could opt to go BPA this entire draft. After foolishly trading away Sauce Gardner, they at least recoup some value back here drafting his replacement Jermod McCoy. 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. His pro day will be important, though, as he hasn’t played for 15 months due to an ACL tear and did not work out at the combine. McCoy could be justified in the top-10, or could have a Will Johnson-esque slide depending on the medical.
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32