2026 NFL mock draft: What Dexter Lawrence trade might mean for Giants, first round

Can the 2026 NFL Draft possibly live up to all of the wild trades that have already preceded and shaped it?

Five days before it was set to start, the draft’s outlook was drastically altered again – the New York Giants agreeing to trade Pro Bowl DL Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 overall selection, meaning the G-Men now own a pair of picks in the top 10.

The Giants become the sixth team this year with multiple first-rounders, they and the Jets both set to get two players in the top half of Round 1. Meanwhile, the Bengals get a largely proven commodity in Lawrence – though he is coming off a down year and will need an updated contract – in a year when the draft seems to have relatively few top-tier prospects.

As for how the deal could re-shape the first round at large? Here is my final first-round projection before the real one finally arrives on April 23:

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

On a defense already dotted with stars, Reese rose from an occasional contributor to a bona fide star in his first full season as a starter. The 6-4, 241-pound linebacker exhibited uncommon fluidity for a player of his size, finding equal comfort dropping back in coverage as bullying his way into the backfield. His pass-rush plan is still rather rudimentary at the moment, but he has the toolkit of a double-digit sack artist. In a league where defenses are constantly taxed against the pass and run, Reese displays a unique aptitude for detonating whatever play an offense might throw at him.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

It’s a testament to Mendoza’s impeccable body of work that the pre-draft vivisection of his game has largely only turned up questions of how he’ll fare operating from under center rather than in the shotgun.

No one will confuse the 6-5, 236-pound Heisman Trophy winner with the likes of Cam Ward or Drake Maye, as he’s not particularly creative or dangerous when a play breaks down. But that’s about the only phase in which Mendoza comes up short. He’s as precise as any passer you’ll find from the college ranks, and he comfortably works through progressions and manipulates coverages. His arm strength isn’t otherworldly, but he can attack every level with suitable velocity on his throws. Forcing him off his spot can throw him off his rhythm, but Mendoza rarely loses his cool under pressure and still conjures solutions when things aren’t going his way. Beyond the improvisational shortcomings, he’s the picture of a top-tier quarterback prospect.

More: Why Fernando Mendoza won’t be at NFL draft: Indiana QB staying home

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The hyperbole inherent to NFL draft evaluations doesn’t seem so outlandish when it’s being attached to Love. For the 6-0, 213-pound Heisman Trophy finalist, everything starts with his game-breaking speed, which allows him to turn the corner with ease or jet through even the narrowest of openings on the interior. And once he has a step on the defense, he’s extremely unlikely to be caught. He’s far from just a linear threat, however, as his distinct creativity shines through in the open field – particularly when he unleashes his spin move or hurdle. Operating in a different gear than everyone else has created some inconsistencies in his early pacing, but it’s rarely something that derails him. His elite skill set also carries over to his work as a pass catcher, where he can further vex defenses that won’t likely have an answer when he lines up in the slot or out wide. It’s fair to hold onto questions of positional value for running backs, but Love is unquestionably among a select few who deserve to be seen as this class’ difference-makers.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami

No defender in college football broke open games last season quite like Bain, who led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 83 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-2, 263-pounder frequently took the shortest path possible to the quarterback, uprooting anyone who stood in his way. Bain’s atypical build for an edge rusher – including his short arms – invited plenty of scrutiny about how he might translate to the pro ranks, but he’s already demonstrated he can mitigate the concern. If he’s neutralized, it seems unlikely that it’ll become a common occurrence.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

After arriving at Ohio State as an elite athlete searching for a true position, Styles departs Columbus having developed an unparalleled proficiency for the intricacies of linebacker play. The 6-5, 244-pound former safety could be counted on to be in the right place to plug the run at all times, and he still has room to grow in coverage and as a blitzer. Clean in everything he does, Styles can help be a standard-bearer for whatever defense he joins.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

From his first snaps at Alabama as a five-star freshman to his final push at Ohio State, Downs put himself in a class all his own at safety. The two-time unanimous All-American repeatedly snuffed out plays before they could get started, particularly against the run or near the line of scrimmage. While he doesn’t measure up as a physical marvel like Kyle Hamilton or Derwin James, he could have the same bottom-line effect for a defense, even if he doesn’t match their ball production. His position might prevent him from cracking the top five, but he’ll force offenses to account for him on every down.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

Right off the snap, Bailey gets offensive linemen on their toes. The 6-4, 251-pound edge rusher’s explosion off the ball can get blockers off balance in an instant, at which point Bailey can attack them by changing course or unleashing a spin move. Bailey’s lean frame can result in him being eradicated in the run game at times, but players who can derail opposing passers with his level of efficiency can’t be ignored. It shouldn’t be long into his NFL transition before his pressure rate ticks up and he takes his place as one of the league’s most threatening matchups off the edge.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

He was never the WR1 in the Buckeyes’ loaded receiver room, but Tate stands above the rest of the pass-catching options in this class. With subtle shifts in his tempo and sudden breaks in his routes, the 6-2, 192-pound target creates separation without much strain. He settles into open spaces against zone and skies over defensive backs to haul in difficult passes down the sideline. He might not look the part of a go-to target, but he measures up to the title in almost every respect.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Not long into his foray into the Southeastern Conference, the Virginia Tech transfer made clear to opponents that he was not to be tested. Delane rapidly earned the title of shutdown corner, with teams almost universally opting to avoid throwing his way. At the next level, he figures to draw comparisons to Trent McDuffie – another cornerback who doesn’t let his size or limited ball production prevent him from being recognized as a first-tier cover man.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

In an earlier era, Lemon might have been dismissed as a slot receiver not capable of being an offensive focal point. Now, however, there shouldn’t be much doubt about how much the Biletnikoff Award winner can shoulder. Lemon is a maestro when it comes to getting open underneath, and he can be counted on to vacuum up any throw that approaches his area. And teams that underestimate his downfield credentials could end up paying if they try to sit on short and intermediate throws.

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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

A torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last January kept McCoy out of commission for all of last season and clouded his pre-draft process. But in a stellar pro day showing, the 6-1, 188-pound corner served up a reminder that he has all the trappings of a top-tier cover man. With superlative ball skills and ample tools to stick with receivers throughout their routes, McCoy can grow into a standout in any defensive scheme.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

After his impressive performance at the NFL scouting combine, Thieneman rocketed into the discussion of this draft’s premier defensive backs. Easy coverage instincts extend his already expansive range, and vigilance is required for any passing attack that throws to his area of the field. He can’t measure up to Downs or some of the other safeties in this class when operating closer to the line of scrimmage, but he shouldn’t be asked to serve in that capacity too frequently anyway.

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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection

13. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

Even with everything crumbling around him in Penn State’s calamitous season, Ioane still held firm. The 6-5, 320-pound left guard is a brick wall in pass protection, but where he really shines is in his forceful displacements in the run game. Ioane will have to figure out a way to handle quick-twitch defensive tackles who will test his fluidity, but he’s one of the more reliable prospects in this class.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami

Solid to the core, the former five-star recruit holds his ground against the pass and forces opposing linemen out of the way with his strong first contact. But while there’s not much mystery to the 6-6, 329-pounder’s play, there are several unknowns about his projection. A move inside could be in his future to safeguard against concerns that he’ll be beaten by rangy edge rushers, but the skill set is there to hang at right tackle.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Smooth movements allow Fano to conjure answers for even the speediest edge rushers. He still could have trouble with rangier defenders, however, as well as ones who can convert speed to power and knock him off base. Like many offensive tackles in this class, he’ll face questions of whether he belongs at the position, with some question of whether he should head to center.

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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection

Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

From his massive frame (6-7, 315 pounds) to his quickness, Freeling checks off some of the most notable boxes for a high-end left tackle. As a one-year starter, his technique is still a work in progress, with some bad habits sapping his efficacy. But he’s clearly on an upward trajectory, and teams might be eager to buy on an ascendant blocker.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Few receivers are true separators at all three levels. Concepcion qualifies as just that, with more than enough quickness and speed to free himself from coverage at any point on the field. Drops have dogged him, but he could shake the issue in short order. Versatile and dynamic, Concepcion is more refined than he gets credit for, and he could become a vital part of an aerial attack with more polish.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The ultimate seam threat, Sadiq accelerates in a manner not seen from 6-3, 241-pound pass catchers. Though he’s proven himself after the catch, much of his value remains somewhat theoretical, as his experience and workload in the downfield passing game haven’t aligned with his capabilities. But as an instant mismatch creator and aggressive run blocker, he can change the complexion of whatever offense he joins.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Some will see a 6-4, 210-pound body and assume Boston relies on pulling down jump balls in close quarters. But while tilting those throws in his favor is his best feature, it’s far from his only one. Boston has impressive fluidity for a player with his physical make-up, and his tracking and midair adjustments make him an even more confounding coverage assignment.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Though he might not be an all-around coverage maven, McNeil-Warren is comfortable exerting his will from several different vantage points. He rallies to the ball in a hurry in run support, working his way through traffic to deliver big hits. And though his 6-4, 201-pound build limits his comfort zone in coverage, he can give both quarterbacks and receivers pause on attempting any throws over the middle.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Once seen as the clear-cut favorite to be the first receiver selected, Tyson now might be the most polarizing pass catcher in this class. Quick and crisp when he’s dialed in, he has a robust set of maneuvers to beat man coverage from various spots. But medical concerns from various ailments muddle his draft outlook, and he can be inefficient with his footwork.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami

Having just turned 25 with an extensive injury history, Mesidor enters the draft with red flags that might tank other prospects’ stock. Teams that look past those issues, however, will see an advanced and unrelenting pass rusher with a deep bag of tricks to beat blockers. Mesidor might be one of the most divisive prospects in this class in his projection, but there’s not much to object to with the on-field product.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

With McCoy sidelined, Hood did a commendable job of filling in as the Volunteers’ primary asset in coverage. The Colorado transfer kept the competitive juices flowing in shutting down tight-window throws as well as making his presence felt against the run. He can’t match McCoy in overall fluidity, but he still sizes up as a meaningful counter in man coverage for bigger receivers.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Other receivers are sure to be more vexing coverage matchups than the 6-0, 199-pound target. Cooper, however, has a truly distinct aptitude for slipping tacklers in the open field. His penchant for racking up yards after the catch should carry over to the NFL and endear him to his future quarterback, as should his aggressive approach to fighting through contact and operating in traffic.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

In a class rife with right tackles and expected guard converts, Lomu stands out as a true blindside protector. Bulking up will be an essential step for the 6-6, 313-pounder to hold his own against more powerful edge rushers, but there’s considerable room for growth on top of the enticing glimpses of his potential he’s already displayed.

1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

This is one pick that won’t be traded, Silver and Black GM John Spytek saying Tuesday that, “We’ve gotten a few calls, and those teams know where they stand right now.” He added, “There’s only one team that can get the exact person that they want. And we have that option available to us this year, if we so choose.”

Oh, they’ve chosen, if not yet officially. Mendoza, the Hoosiers’ championship-minted Heisman Trophy winner, will be the man charged with leading the Raiders back to Super Bowl glory more than four decades after they last hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. And credit to Spytek for quickly trying to rebuild the infrastructure that will support Mendoza, including the addition of veteran QB Kirk Cousins – his presence ensuring Las Vegas won’t have to play their prize before it’s time.

2. New York Jets – OLB/DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

The team’s recently canceled 30 visit with the Red Raiders star essentially seemed to confirm Bailey will be the choice here – and it would make some sense that the NYJ would opt for a more proven player, and one with substantial upside and athleticism, over Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. At some point soon, the Jets themselves need to convert potential into production, and Bailey could be a bellwether on that front. A Stanford grad, Bailey came into his own with the Big 12 champion Red Raiders in 2025, tying for first in the FBS with 14½ sacks while leading the field with a 20.2% pressure rate and mixing in 19½ tackles for losses. Though scheme-diverse, Bailey might have to prove a bit against the run.

3. Arizona Cardinals – LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

The Cards would probably love to deal out of this spot. The question is, who’d come up this high given Mendoza is the only perceived franchised quarterback available this year? Even a swap with the Giants, who select fifth overall, feels rich given their numerous needs and lack of draft ammo beyond the second round. So in what feels like a probable stick-and-pick scenario, the Cards should probably take arguably the player with the most upside in this draft in Reese. He split time playing off the ball and rushing the passer for the Buckeyes, hence the inevitable Micah Parsons comparisons. Reese, who turns 21 in August, has plenty of time to develop into a full-time pass rusher and maybe justify the comp one day. And getting to the quarterback is especially important in the NFC West, where the Cards, who surrendered the fourth-most points in the league in 2025, are looking way up at their competition right now.

4. Tennessee Titans – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Sorry, but I’m going to take credit for the Love-to-Tennessee momentum that started five minutes after the scouting combine ended. Could new coach Robert Saleh lobby GM Mike Borgonzi for another defensive cornerstone like LB Sonny Styles? Of course. But – more importantly – what’s the best way to advance the development of QB Cam Ward, last year’s No. 1 overall pick? How about giving him a player perhaps adjacent to Saquon Barkley or Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs in terms of game-breaking ability and versatility? Love is an every-down back, one who’s averaged 6.9 yards per carry and caught 55 passes over the past two seasons. (Yes, he could probably survive as a pure receiver in the league.) The Titans could keep Love’s usage in check as a rookie with RB Tony Pollard under contract for one more season. But pairing Love and Ward could potentially create an offense primed to surge ticket sales when the Titans move into their new stadium in 2027.

5. New York Giants – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

The Lawrence blockbuster gives the G-Men options. Trade up for Love perhaps? Take a receiver of their choice? Plenty on the table to choose from … yet probably little incentive for new coach John Harbaugh to rush into a potentially rash direction given the amount of work to do here. Is Downs the best defender in this draft? Arguably. Can he play exceptionally in the slot, box or center field − a skill set Kyle Hamilton provided Harbaugh in Baltimore? Yep – though don’t confuse Downs for the type of imposing physical specimen Hamilton is. Yet Downs’ ability to anticipate and read the field and ability to play chess in real time could really render him a professional game changer at a position that normally isn’t drafted this highly. With Jaxson Dart installed as the Giants’ new franchise quarterback, Downs would be a worthy defensive counterpart.

6. Cleveland Browns – OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)

It’s another tricky spot to anticipate. GM Andrew Berry has already signaled he’d like to trade down – and, yeah, it’s fun to connect the dots given the smoke that’s formed around a potential swap with the Cowboys. But such a deal makes a whole lot more sense for Cleveland than Dallas … and surely someone will speak truth to power (Jerry Jones) in Big D. Barring such a gambit, the most sensible move for the Browns here is probably to complete this year’s offensive line overhaul … by taking this year’s best offensive lineman. And while the mauling Mauigoa was purely a right tackle the past three seasons for the Hurricanes, he’s the kind of tone-setter any offense would want – and Berry has said Cleveland pays little attention to the right tackle vs. left tackle debate. But installing Mauigoa on the right side would be plug-and-play while recently acquired Tytus Howard could man left tackle, which he’s done before in the NFL. If that doesn’t work? Howard kicks inside a year from now, and Berry makes a run at another left tackle.

7. Washington Commanders LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Getting another wide receiver for QB Jayden Daniels here has to be tempting. But it’s one of the few deep positions in this draft, and there are still some veteran options that could be obtained to play opposite WR1 Terry McLaurin, who’s coming off his worst pro season. As for Styles? He’s widely compared to Fred Warner, whom GM Adam Peters helped bring to San Francisco. Yet, in addition to being a cerebral player, Styles is a luminary athlete who could assume the role in the middle of Washington’s defense given ILB Bobby Wagner has not re-signed – and neither recently signed Leo Chenal nor Frankie Luvu, who’s under contract for one more year, seem like ideal fits to fill his void.

8. New Orleans Saints – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

What a win it would be for them to get the pick of the wideout litter in a bid to support second-year QB Tyler Shough. A fellow Ohio Stater like the Saints’ Chris Olave, Tate is the latest ready-made wideout product emerging from the Buckeyes’ pipeline. His 51 catches in 2025 averaged 17.2 yards, nearly three more than former teammate Jeremiah Smith. And while Tate might have been Robin to Smith’s Batman, he and Olave could complement one another nicely as WR1 and WR1A – Tate better suited to work on the boundary, while Olave can do a lot of damage from the slot.

9. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

On one hand, it would make a lot of sense to do anything at this spot in a bid to help QB Patrick Mahomes – both long term and in a bid to ease his recovery from a torn ACL and LCL. On the other, a secondary that was raided during free agency also needs reinforcements, and Delane appears to be a cut above the competition at corner. The 6-foot, 187-pound All-America has lockdown ability and might even be able to eat up some of some of the snaps departed Trent McDuffie used to provide in the slot – though Delane was rarely used there at Virginia Tech and LSU.

10. Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals) – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

A lot of dots being connected between the Giants and Tyson given the Lawrence deal was struck just a day after GM Joe Schoen attended the wideout’s belated workout in Arizona. Tyson’s injury history is certainly problematic, but he’s also widely considered this draft’s best receiver otherwise. And New York certainly has a need at the position following WR2 Wan’Dale Robinson’s departure during free agency combined with WR1 Malik Nabers’ recovery from ACL and meniscus injuries – Harbaugh recently indicating his availability for Week 1 could be in doubt. Regardless, a Nabers-Tyson combo would be one heckuva way to set Dart up for long-term success.

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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

New Orleans Saints

Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

New Orleans Saints

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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

Washington Commanders

Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates with Jayden Daniels #5 after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.

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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

New York Giants

Jaxson Dart #6 and Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants celebrate after Skattebo carried the ball into the endzone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

Tennessee Titans

Head coach Brian Callahan talks with Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.

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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott #4 and CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after their touchdown connection against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.

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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

Las Vegas Raiders

Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a missed field goal during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 07, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

Miami Dolphins

De’Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins rushes for yards against Brandin Echols #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid interact against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

New York Jets

Head coach Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 09, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

11. Miami Dolphins – WR Makai Lemon, USC

WR Jaylen Waddle’s departure leaves a massive hole in the Fins’ passing game. Lemon would have been worthy of consideration here even prior to Waddle’s trade to Denver after catching 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 TDs during his final college season. A slot machine extraordinaire, Lemon would immediately provide new Miami QB Malik Willis with a high-volume target – and, given the widespread comparisons he draws to fellow former Trojan Amon-Ra St. Brown, might also be the kind of culture influencer a rebuilding organization badly needs.

12. Dallas Cowboys – DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)

Jones covets Styles, per reports, but almost certainly can’t expect him to fall here. But barring an aggressive move up, the Cowboys almost surely have to do something else to redress the D, Dallas failing to play “a lick of defense” in 2025, per Jones. Bain’s T-rex limbs didn’t stop him from being extremely productive – often against NFL-caliber offensive tackles – for the ‘Canes. He bulled his way to 9½ sacks and 15½ TFLs last season and was a menace during the College Football Playoff. He’s also a high-motor player who could play extensively opposite recently acquired Rashan Gary in Dallas’ new 3-4 front while potentially allowing Donovan Ezeiruaku’s snaps to more focused on passing downs – when Bain could rush from the interior.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

He’s the kind of win-now player – coming off the Hoosiers’ national championship run – the Rams seem likely to target in a clear win-now season that could be league MVP Matthew Stafford’s last. The shifty, sure-handed Cooper can do extensive damage from the slot, which would allow Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to do more of their damage outside.

14. Baltimore Ravens – G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Any number of directions this team could go. But reloading the middle of the offensive line – especially with a guy who truly “plays like a Raven,” the ever-important mantra to this organization – makes so much sense as Baltimore tries to get QB Lamar Jackson back on an MVP trajectory. And the thought of RB Derrick Henry running behind Ioane? Truly terrifying.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)

He will be 25 by draft night but could provide instant production – for a team that should be an instant contender despite falling off its NFC South throne last season – after leading the ACC with 12½ sacks in 2025, including 5½ in the CFP. YaYa Diaby was the only Buc with more than 4½ sacks last season, and recently signed Al-Quadin Muhammad is only under contract for one year.

16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – OL Spencer Fano, Utah

With the pick obtained in last year’s trade of CB Sauce Gardner, New York must continue to build an infrastructure and talent base with which to surround its next potential franchise quarterback – who probably won’t arrive before 2027. Fano might optimally fill the bill – especially in a scenario where a lot of the top wideouts are off the board, and the Jets can easily find second-tier options with their multiple Round 2 selections. Fano played both tackle spots for the Utes but almost exclusively on the right side the past two years. Yet his arm length (32⅛ inches) might necessitate a move inside – something he seemed open to at the combine, where he even worked out at center. Regardless, he’d be an immediate starter with the position flexibility of ex-Jet Alijah Vera-Tucker, who recently bolted for New England. Adding Fano would also give the Jets three first-round blockers on rookie contracts, a nice welcoming gift to the presumed QB the team drafts next year.

17. Detroit Lions – OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

The 21-year-old may be the best pure left tackle prospect in this draft. But with only 16 college starts, he’d have to get up to speed quickly in order to fill in for departed Taylor Decker immediately. But, don’t forget, the Lions plucked starting RG Tate Ratledge out of Athens a year ago. Detroit could also move RT Penei Sewell to QB Jared Goff’s blind side and let Freeling adapt to the right side.

18. Minnesota Vikings – S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

With Harrison Smith’s future in doubt, Thieneman would make sense as both a short- and long-term solution. One of the combine’s standouts, the Ducks All-American is a rangy player who can be weaponized all over the field – especially by an imaginative coordinator like Brian Flores.

19. Carolina Panthers – TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The first tight end in combine history to record a sub-4.4 40, Sadiq, who also had a 43½-inch vert, certainly made some money in Indianapolis. And maybe he gets paid in Charlotte, where the Panthers haven’t gotten much from their tight ends in recent seasons and could use another weapon that would provide an easy target for QB Bryce Young. Sadiq is also a willing blocker in the run game.

20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

This is currently slotted as Dallas’ last pick until the Cowboys resurface at No. 92. A team in need of corner help would have to sift through some checkered options here – though Johnson, the Mountain West Conference’s co-Defensive Player of the Year, who’s stock has been surging in recent months, looks pretty clean and pretty promising as a long-term fix. DaRon Bland currently is the only corner with a long-term future on what will be a reimagined Dallas D in 2026 − Cobie Durant signing for just one year.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

He’d nicely thread the needle of being an immediately helpful asset to presumed QB1 Aaron Rodgers while also being a long-term building block for an organization that refuses to embrace a full-on reboot. Concepcion would slide right into the slot here between outside behemoth receivers DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. and would provide plenty of juice both as a run-after-catch demon and a punt returner.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

The Bolts have a few areas to address but certainly need to get younger and better on the back line – particularly when Derwin James is deployed as a nickel. A 6-foot-4, 200-pound DB with a penchant for big hits and finding the ball seems like a good fit for a team that also prizes physicality.

23. Philadelphia Eagles – WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Maybe EVP/GM Howie Roseman opts for a pass rusher or a successor to RT Lane Johnson, who will be 36 in May. Either position would be on brand in Philly. But the 2026 season is also shaping up as the latest prove-it year for QB Jalen Hurts, whose deteriorated relationship with WR A.J. Brown has signaled the latter’s departure later this spring, when Brown’s contract becomes easier to trade from a salary cap perspective. Boston (6-4, 212) is the kind of supersized red-zone target (20 TD catches since 2024) and boundary receiver who could provide an easy transition from Brown while giving Hurts quite a margin for error on 50-50 balls. Boston would also nicely complement the skill sets of DeVonta Smith and recently acquired Dontayvion Wicks.

24. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

So this scenario has unfolded in such a way to suggest that maybe Cleveland needs to strongly consider taking a wideout at No. 6 and wait until here to see what’s available from an offensive line perspective. But, at this point, better to re-evaluate the receivers at No. 39 and go best available. And McCoy could be a steal at this spot – especially for a team that’s in more of a long-term planning phase and doesn’t need to rush him as his recovery from a torn ACL that cost him the 2025 season continues. The 4.37 40-yard dash he ran at the Vols’ pro day was a great sign he’s on track, if not all the way back – though McCoy was practicing by the end of his final year in Knoxville.

25. Chicago Bears – OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Proctor’s performance at the Tide’s pro day, when he was clearly in optimal shape, helped showcase the kind of player and athlete he can be – which is to say one who could very nicely safeguard QB Caleb Williams … and maybe catch a pass or two in the red zone given coach Ben Johnson’s propensity for gadget plays. And, at a time when Chicago is facing patchwork options at left tackle after Ozzy Trapilo ruptured his patellar tendon in the playoffs, why not solidify the spot for the long term with a player who has so much potential.

26. Buffalo Bills – DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

An intriguing gem in need of some polish, Faulk can bolster an area of concern given the Bills’ wideout issue seems solved by the trade for DJ Moore. Faulk should be a three-down player who can kick inside on passing downs. He also has a reputation as being an excellent locker-room presence, always a huge bonus.

27. San Francisco 49ers – DE Malachi Lawrence, Central Florida

A team that’s typically at its best when rolling deep on the D-line – but had a league-low 20 sacks in 2025 – adds depth off the edge with a player who has 19½ sacks over the past three years and could be even more productive as a pro.

28. Cardinals [Proposed trade from Houston Texans] – QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Could Arizona be the team that comes up for the highly scrutinized ‘Bama quarterback, though Simpson is still widely regarded as this draft’s clear-cut No. 2 passer? It could make sense given veteran Jacoby Brissett remains in place as an ideal bridge option, and the weapons are fairly plentiful when you’ve got the league’s best receiving tight end (Trey McBride) and a solid group of backs and receivers − and that’s potentially an understatement if Marvin Harrison Jr. blossoms. And for anyone infatuated with the sterling tape Simpson compiled – in the first part of last season anyway – he could be a steal, especially at a time when clubs are more comfortable pivoting from Round 1 QBs anyway. Though Simpson only started for one season, he did throw (473) and complete (305) more passes than anyone in the SEC last year, so he did pack a fair amount of experience into 2025.

Maybe the Cards need to jump the Jets at No. 33 and maybe not. But coming up here from No. 34 probably only costs GM Monti Ossenfort a fourth-rounder while also conferring the fifth-year option that comes with being a first-rounder.

29. Chiefs (from Rams) – OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

A spectacular, strong, promising prospect, if one who’s fairly new to football, he could be the guy to better safeguard Mahomes into the future after he was too often running for his life in 2025 … until he wasn’t.

30. Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) – OT Blake Miller, Clemson

With Lemon already on the way in this scenario, Miami’s next move – with the pick obtained for Waddle – could and should be bolstering the protection around Willis. Miller, an All-ACC right tackle might be too good to pass up – especially with Dolphins RT Austin Jackson, who’s never truly asserted himself at the NFL level, entering the final year of his contract.

31. New England Patriots – OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

The obvious issue for the AFC champs during the playoffs was protecting QB Drake Maye, who was sacked 21 times in four postseason games, including six times by Seattle in Super Bowl 60. RT Morgan Moses is under contract for two more years but just turned 35. A two-year starter at left tackle for the Utes, Lomu will need to get a little stronger in the NFL. But he might not need very long to displace Moses opposite LT Will Campbell.

32. Seattle Seahawks – RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

While they would have liked to retain Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, other priorities – like re-signing WR/KR Rashid Shaheed – took precedence. But Seattle doesn’t have the luxury of standing pat in the run game, either, given RB2 Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in January. Price is a slasher who starred in a timeshare with Love at Notre Dame and could nicely fill Walker’s role – maybe one of Shaheed’s, too, if the Seahawks opt to make him a bigger part of the offense in 2026. And it does make sense to get a back in Round 1 and the option of a fifth year of contractual control if he pans out.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL mock draft: Dexter Lawrence trade alters Giants’ plans

2026 NFL mock draft: What Dexter Lawrence trade might mean for Giants, first round

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