{"id":265313,"date":"2025-11-06T10:14:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T10:14:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/265313\/"},"modified":"2025-11-06T10:14:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T10:14:08","slug":"2026-nfl-mock-draft-how-can-jets-cowboys-improve-after-frantic-trade-deadline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/265313\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NFL Mock Draft: How can Jets, Cowboys improve after frantic trade deadline?"},"content":{"rendered":"

After an absolutely wild trade deadline<\/a>, four teams \u2014 the Jets, Cowboys, Browns and Rams \u2014 now hold multiple first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft<\/a>. How will that impact how things play out in late April?<\/p>\n

We still have a long wait until then, but here\u2019s a look at how Round 1 might go.<\/p>\n

1. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, edge\/LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s a football player in this draft reminiscent of Micah Parsons, it\u2019s pretty clearly Reese, the dynamic Ohio State junior. He can play in the box, off the edge or even in the slot in some situations \u2014 he has true do-it-all potential and could be a game-breaker in the NFL.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s zero pressure on the Jets to take a quarterback here, as they now own five first-round picks<\/a> over the next two years.<\/p>\n

This week’s “Arvell Reese is really freaking good” tweet.<\/p>\n

Speed. Burst. Violence. What a weapon. pic.twitter.com\/fnQ1moA83a<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami<\/p>\n

Bain still has a case to be the top prospect in this class, although the more Reese plays, the more he flashes and the harder he is to ignore. Miami hasn\u2019t had its best month, but there\u2019s still time. Bain has a combined 23 tackles for loss and 13.0 sacks in his college career.<\/p>\n

3. New Orleans Saints: Keldric Faulk, DL\/edge, Auburn<\/p>\n

The Saints could look at a quarterback, but they might be better off using their top pick on the best player available and waiting to see what happens with Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler.<\/p>\n

Faulk\u2019s production (2.0 sacks, five tackles for loss) could be better this season, but his potential is off the charts. If he can put together a great closing stretch, he also could be in the No. 1 discussion. He\u2019s an extremely versatile defensive lineman with terrific traits and athleticism.<\/p>\n

4. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

Fano has been my top-ranked offensive tackle all year \u2014 and, as of now, he\u2019s the only prospect at that position I\u2019d be comfortable taking in the top five. He is an elite athlete who could play either tackle spot (and probably even guard, if need be).<\/p>\n

The Giants have some exciting young pieces and could be just a few more away from turning a corner.<\/p>\n

5. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State<\/p>\n

The Dolphins could be in the QB market, too, depending on the coaching situation (among other things). But they also need secondary help, and Downs might be the best overall football player in this class. He won\u2019t just remind you of someone like Ed Reed \u2014 he\u2019s more a blend of Reed and Detroit\u2019s Brian Branch. There\u2019s nothing Downs can\u2019t do in a secondary.<\/p>\n

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/p>\n

The Raiders are in position to draft their quarterback of the future while Geno Smith is still on the roster, which would allow them to ease their next passer into the NFL.<\/p>\n

Mendoza has gotten better every week, flashing as a more athletic version of Jared Goff inside Curt Cignetti\u2019s Indiana offense.<\/p>\n

7. Cincinnati Bengals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami<\/p>\n

Cincinnati likely will have another chance to address its offensive line in this draft, and Mauigoa \u2014 a starter since his true freshman year \u2014 can be a culture changer for a group that really needs it.<\/p>\n

Defensive back or edge could be other possibilities for the Bengals, but offensive line has been a need for a minute. For Joe Burrow\u2019s sake, it might be time to fix that.<\/p>\n

8. Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama<\/p>\n

Of all the quarterbacks in the 2026 class, Simpson has been the most consistent processor, helping to pick Alabama up off the mat after a season-opening loss and climb into College Football Playoff position.\u00a0I don\u2019t believe this is too high for Simpson, either \u2014 he could easily finish the year as QB1.<\/p>\n

9. Washington Commanders: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State<\/p>\n

The Commanders could go with an edge in Round 1, but Jayden Daniels still needs a big-time, future No. 1 receiver who can help set a tone for the rest of the offense. And Tyson is the most complete WR in this draft. He blocks, and wins both in the air and underneath. Tyson does everything \u2014 and does it well.<\/p>\n

Jordyn Tyson (8\/126\/2) again did WR1 things last night vs. TCU.<\/p>\n

With his body fluidity and field awareness, Tyson is very skilled at creating pockets of space and plucking the football. pic.twitter.com\/8vQIcRSzeR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 27, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

10. Arizona Cardinals: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Jeremiah Smith is the most talented football player in college football, but Tate continues to make sure people aren\u2019t forgetting about him. The big-bodied junior has had dominant stretches this season, flashing star potential of his own in the process. This would be an elite fit alongside Marvin Harrison Jr., Tate\u2019s former teammate in Columbus.<\/p>\n

11. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Thanks to their deadline trade with the Jets<\/a>, the Cowboys now have a truly elite defensive interior, with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams. They still need more off the edge, however. Corner could be another possibility in Round 1, but Bailey (13 sacks, 55 pressures in nine games) has been electric this season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

12. Houston Texans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

Love, the first running back in Notre Dame history to have two touchdown runs of 90-plus yards, is one of those guys\u00a0\u2014 the type of running back who, like Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and Ashton Jeanty, can be a true three-down weapon in the NFL. He is RB1 in this class, by a mile.<\/p>\n

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n

The Rams could be in outstanding shape<\/a> for the 2026 draft \u2014 even after what\u2019s looking like a very successful 2025 season \u2014 thanks to last draft\u2019s shrewd trade with Atlanta. They should be able to find a quarterback to (eventually) replace Matthew Stafford, a tackle or a new star corner.<\/p>\n

Terrell has been the most consistent defender on a star-studded, but slumping, Clemson squad.<\/p>\n

14. Carolina Panthers: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson<\/p>\n

On talent alone, Woods is a top-10 prospect. But he hasn\u2019t delivered the type of production that we saw during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Woods might flirt with the top five if he bounces back and has a strong finish to the season, or he could be a steal for a team in the teens.<\/p>\n

15. Minnesota Vikings: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

McCoy\u2019s situation reminds me a little of what happened with former Michigan corner Will Johnson last season. Johnson missed most of the season with an injury and ultimately fell out of the first round, but he\u2019s now playing like a first-round corner.<\/p>\n

If McCoy has a productive draft prep cycle, he\u2019ll be gone in Round 1.<\/p>\n

16. Chicago Bears: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama<\/p>\n

The Ben Johnson era in Chicago has already produced major offensive strides, but there\u2019s more work ahead. Adding an offensive tackle, such as the hulking Proctor, would provide a boost.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t rule out a trade-up for Love, either, if Chicago winds up in this range.<\/p>\n

17. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson<\/p>\n

Like Woods, Parker has the talent of a top-10 prospect but hasn\u2019t really played like it this season. The Ravens need more help off the edge, though, especially after trading Odafe Oweh<\/a> earlier this season, and Parker\u2019s upside is still worth betting on.<\/p>\n

18. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville<\/p>\n

Bell has been a legit star this season for Jeff Brohm and Louisville. An explosive and powerful 6-2, 220-pounder with a unique build and enough speed to be a problem inside or out, Bell now has 30 contested catches for his college career.<\/p>\n

19. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon<\/p>\n

This could be another situation in which a team drafts a quarterback and gives him a year to gather himself \u2014 Aaron Rodgers still might have another season left in him.<\/p>\n

That said, don\u2019t rule out the possibility of Moore being ready on Day 1. He\u2019s still very young and inexperienced, but his poise and arm talent are outstanding.<\/p>\n

Dante Moore to Kenyon Sadiq for a 30-yard @oregonfootball<\/a> TD \ud83e\udd86 pic.twitter.com\/x5w3g0Is6I<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

20. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

The 49ers picked up athletic edge rusher Keion White<\/a> a few days ahead of the trade deadline, so that might check off one of their big needs. Offensive tackle is another, especially as the legendary career of future Hall of Famer Trent Williams winds down.<\/p>\n

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zion Young, edge, Missouri<\/p>\n

A big-bodied edge with great length and natural body twitch, Young (6-5, 260) moves like a 230-pounder. He can be a flash player, but his traits are special and could be worth investing in early.<\/p>\n

22. Los Angeles Chargers: A\u2019Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon<\/p>\n

Stop me if you\u2019ve heard this one before: Another young Oregon defender is climbing the draft board. A load at 6-3, 330 with good length, quickness and upper-body strength, Washington has the athletic ability to fill multiple gaps along a defensive front. He hasn\u2019t come close to his ceiling yet.<\/p>\n

23. Detroit Lions: Matayo Uiagalelei, edge, Oregon<\/p>\n

The Lions could look for offensive line help in the first round (either tackle or interior O-line), but a long-term answer opposite Aidan Hutchinson still remains at least a possibility.<\/p>\n

Uiagalelei, yet another young Oregon defender, has the ability to convert speed to power while playing multiple spots up front. He\u2019d be a perfect Hutchinson complement.<\/p>\n

24. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Georgia team feels like the epitome of a Kirby Smart squad: relentless and never out of a fight. This isn\u2019t the most talented or seasoned Bulldogs team we\u2019ve seen, but it\u2019s one of the toughest \u2014 and Allen, a hyper-athletic and physical stack linebacker, is the defense\u2019s heartbeat. He could be a tad bigger, but the 235-pounder moves like a basketball player and doesn\u2019t miss tackles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

25. Seattle Seahawks: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Wide receiver might not be as big of a need for the Seahawks, depending on how Rashid Shaheed pans out<\/a>. The Seahawks could go with a corner, but more explosion off the edge also wouldn\u2019t hurt.<\/p>\n

Howell (6-2, 248) is all gas off the edge. He has 10 sacks (34 pressures) in nine games with a crazy 24.7 percent win rate.<\/p>\n

CASH MONEY pic.twitter.com\/sRXyDP7KNh<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) October 25, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

26. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon<\/p>\n

This feels like cheating, because I had Sadiq at No. 8 on my midseason Top 50<\/a>. That ranking might\u2019ve been a touch high for some, but I think Sadiq absolutely belongs among the 15 best prospects in the class. He\u2019s one of the most athletic tight ends we\u2019ve seen in some time, so this would be perfect timing for the Chiefs with Travis Kelce entering the twilight of his career.<\/p>\n

27. New England Patriots: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington<\/p>\n

This might be too low for Boston, who continues to put up huge numbers. A big-bodied receiver who\u2019s quick enough to win underneath, Boston has made at least five catches in six of Washington\u2019s nine games. Could he be Drake Maye\u2019s new best friend?<\/p>\n

28. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU<\/p>\n

The Cowboys obviously don\u2019t have Micah Parsons anymore, so we\u2019ll see how this new-look defensive front works out. As mentioned, though, Dallas is in great position to make serious improvements via the draft.<\/p>\n

Delane has been one of the few consistently bright spots for LSU this year.<\/p>\n

29. New York Jets (from IND): LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina<\/p>\n

It\u2019s pretty tough to slot Sellers right now. He may be better served by spending another year in college (possibly even in a new offense somewhere), but he\u2019s also the most physically gifted quarterback in this class. This would be a draft-and-stash situation, but the Jets have great flexibility now.<\/p>\n

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Quincy Rhodes Jr., edge, Arkansas<\/p>\n

A huge edge defender with length and burst, Rhodes (6-6, 275) is probably still more potential than finished product \u2014 but the ceiling is very high. He\u2019s already made seven sacks for Arkansas this season, adding 24 run stops as a very active edge setter.<\/p>\n

31. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

When Concepcion\u2019s playing with consistent hands, he\u2019s one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the country. A wide receiver who\u2019s extremely explosive and almost always open, he\u2019d be a lot of fun \u2014 and add a weapon on special teams \u2014 in Buffalo.<\/p>\n

32. Los Angeles Rams: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon<\/p>\n

After fleecing the Falcons last year, the Rams are in position to make a very good team even better.<\/p>\n

World (6-8, 309) is one of the most intriguing tackle prospects in this class, and he\u2019s allowed just one sack and six pressures in his debut season at Oregon.<\/p>\n