I have Love ranked as my top player in this draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n4. Titans<\/p>\n
Plan A: Reese or Bailey<\/p>\n
Tennessee would really like one of them to fall.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Love<\/p>\n
GM Mike Borgonzi and head coach Robert Saleh have both talked about true one-play game changers, and Love fits that language.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade down<\/p>\n
A modest trade down into the 8-12 range would keep them in range for premium WR or edge options while giving Borgonzi more flexibility.<\/p>\n
5. Giants<\/p>\n
Plan A: Defense<\/p>\n
The G-Men are strongly interested in two Buckeyes: LB Sonny Styles and S Caleb Downs. I\u2019d give Downs the slight edge here if they\u2019re both available.<\/p>\n
Plan B: WR Jordyn Tyson (Arizona St.)<\/p>\n
GM Joe Schoen dined with Tyson before attending his workout. There\u2019s a good chance he\u2019s off the board when the Giants pick again at No. 10.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Love<\/p>\n
GM Joe Schoen called him an \u201coffensive weapon,\u201d and head coach John Harbaugh is especially high on him.<\/p>\n
6. Browns<\/p>\n
Plan A: Trade down<\/p>\n
GM Andrew Berry would prefer to drop down into the 9-12 range for a tackle.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Offensive tackle or wide receiver<\/p>\n
WR Carnell Tate (Ohio St.) is the current betting favorite, but the more likely outcome would be OT Spencer Fano (Utah) if Cleveland stays put.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Reach<\/p>\n
The Browns have spent extended time with both OT Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) and OT Monroe Freeling (Georgia).<\/p>\n
7. Commanders<\/p>\n
Plan A: Tate<\/p>\n
They brought back Dyami Brown and added Van Jefferson in free agency, but Washington still lacks a true WR2 opposite Terry McLaurin. All indications are the Commanders are all in on Tate over Tyson if they go receiver.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Love or Styles<\/p>\n
The only way either player would get past the Commanders is if they were both still available here.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade down<\/p>\n
GM Adam Peters has said Washington is not actively shopping the pick, but it only has two picks in the first 100.<\/p>\n
8. Saints<\/p>\n
Plan A: Tyson<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a matter of when, not if New Orleans drafts a receiver since there\u2019s no proven WR2 next to Chris Olave, and at least half the league has Tyson as the top wideout in this class.<\/p>\n
Plan B: CB Mansoor Delane (LSU)<\/p>\n
Delane would fill a critical void left by the departure of Alontae Taylor in free agency.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade up<\/p>\n
A move-down is possible in theory, but Mickey Loomis has never traded down in the first round in 23 years as GM. The Saints did work on Ohio State\u2019s group, and edge is a real need, so perhaps they pay a premium to go get Reese.<\/p>\n
9. Chiefs<\/p>\n
Plan A: Edge Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami)<\/p>\n
Bain fits what defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes to do, and would address the need for a partner opposite George Karlaftis.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Offensive tackle<\/p>\n
Either Mauigoa or Fano could fill the void left by Jawaan Taylor\u2019s release.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade down<\/p>\n
If the elite edge tier gets wiped out, GM Brett Veach could move down and target a tackle or even TE Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) as Travis Kelce\u2019s eventual successor.<\/p>\n
10. Giants (from Bengals)<\/p>\n
Plan A: Tyson<\/p>\n
He\u2019s the pick if he\u2019s still on the board. Tyson has clear WR1 potential if he stays healthy and would be a nice complement to Malik Nabers.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Defense<\/p>\n
Perhaps they take Styles first and Downs falls into their laps here.<\/p>\n
Wild card: O-line<\/p>\n
Either Mauigoa or OG Olaivavega Ioane (Penn St.) would fill an obvious guard need.<\/p>\n
11. Dolphins<\/p>\n
Plan A: Delane<\/p>\n
The top corner in this class could immediately fill Miami\u2019s void at CB1.<\/p>\n
Plan B: O-line<\/p>\n
The Dolphins have to come out of Thursday with at least one starter in support of new QB Malik Willis and at least one starting-caliber defender. Mauigoa, Fano or Ioane would all be upgrades on a depleted roster.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade down<\/p>\n
GM Jon-Eric Sullivan said they are more likely to move back than move up. It especially makes sense if Delane\/Mauigoa\/Fano\/Ioane are graded similarly on Miami\u2019s board and the Dolphins can move back just a few slots without falling off their cluster.<\/p>\n
12. Cowboys<\/p>\n
Plan A: Trade up<\/p>\n
Jerry Jones himself has said that if a player starts to fall, that is when Dallas would start thinking seriously about moving. That player would likely be Styles.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Falling star<\/p>\n
The Cowboys allowed an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game in 2025. Even after adding Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant and P.J. Locke, the defense still needs difference-makers at all three levels. If Downs, Bains or Delane are here, it\u2019s a no-brainer.<\/p>\n
Wild card: S Dillon Thieneman (Oregon)<\/p>\n
This is the ceiling for the consensus No. 2 safety in the draft.<\/p>\n
13. Rams (from Falcons)<\/p>\n
Plan A: Trade<\/p>\n
We all know how GM Les Snead feels about draft picks, so L.A. could be one of the few teams willing to part with 2027 draft capital to move up for either Tate or Tyson. There\u2019s also a significant gap between the Rams\u2019 third and sixth round picks.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Freeling<\/p>\n
They spent extended time with the former Georgia Bulldog during the pre-draft process. He could also be the target if they trade down.<\/p>\n
Wild card: QB Ty Simpson (Alabama)<\/p>\n
Simpson would have been very much in play when L.A. still owned the 29th pick.<\/p>\n
14. Ravens<\/p>\n
Plan A: O-line<\/p>\n
Ioane would help protect Lamar Jackson, stabilize the interior and keep the run game nasty.\u00a0Fano\u2019s versatility and athleticism makes him a possible replacement for Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Sadiq<\/p>\n
He would replace the departed Isaiah Likely.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade down<\/p>\n
Baltimore has 11 picks, including three in the top 80, which already gives GM Eric DeCosta enough flexibility without forcing a deal. But it could still slide a few spots, and still stay in one of its preferred lanes by targeting either WR Denzel Boston (Washington) or OT Max Iheanachor (Arizona St.)<\/p>\n
15. Buccaneers<\/p>\n
Plan A: Edge rusher<\/p>\n
Edge\u2019s Keldric Faulk (Auburn) and Akheem Mesidor (Miami) would both pair nicely with Yaya Diaby.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Trade down<\/p>\n
This is where teams looking to target second-tier tackles or receivers would need to be. GM Jason Licht talked about moving back \u201cone or two\u201d spots if his preferred cluster remained.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Best player available<\/p>\n
Ioane or Sadiq would be hard to pass on if they\u2019re available here.<\/p>\n
16. Jets (from Colts)<\/p>\n
Plan A: Wide receiver<\/p>\n
Garrett Wilson still lacks a dependable running mate. Both WR\u2019s Makai Lemon (USC) and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) make sense here.<\/p>\n
Plan B: CB Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)<\/p>\n
The Jets had only four takeaways in 2025 and became the first team in NFL history to go a full season without an interception. McCoy is expected to fall due to medical red flags surrounding his knee. This could be his new ceiling.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade<\/p>\n
The Jets have reportedly already explored a move into the top 10, most likely for Tyson. A trade down is also very live if the WR board gets wiped and they view the players similarly in the late teens to early 30s.<\/p>\n
17. Lions<\/p>\n
Plan A: Offensive tackle<\/p>\n
Detroit plans to move Penei Sewell to left tackle after Taylor Decker\u2019s release. Proctor, Freeling or even Blake Miller (Clemson) would help GM Brad Holmes refurbish his once powerful O-line.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Defense<\/p>\n
An edge like Mesidor would be the cleanest Aidan Hutchinson running mate if Holmes pivots off tackle. Thieneman could also be in play due to health uncertainty around safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade<\/p>\n
Trade down is slightly more likely than trade up, since the Lions only have two top-100 picks, but neither would be shocking.<\/p>\n
18. Vikings<\/p>\n
Plan A: Defensive back<\/p>\n
Minnesota could view Thieneman as a natural successor to Harrison Smith at safety. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) is a strong alternative if Thieneman is off the board. There\u2019s also a chance the Vikings take advantage of McCoy\u2019s fall or defensive coordinator Brian Flores pounds the table for Chris Johnson (San Diego St.).<\/p>\n
Plan B: Defensive tackle<\/p>\n
Kayden McDonald (Ohio St.) is an old-school trench answer if Minnesota wants to replenish the interior after releasing veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave this offseason. This is also the ceiling for Peter Woods (Clemson).<\/p>\n
Wild card: Playmaker<\/p>\n
Interim GM Rob Brzezinski could throw a BPA curveball if Lemon or Sadiq are still available.<\/p>\n
19. Panthers<\/p>\n
Plan A: Thieneman<\/p>\n
This is the Oregon safety\u2019s floor.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Playmaker<\/p>\n
Sadiq would add more support for QB Bryce Young. Also, WRs Cooper and KC Concepcion (Texas A&M) make sense if Thieneman and Sadiq are off the board.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Offensive tackle<\/p>\n
Rasheed Walker is on a one-year deal and Ikem Ekwonu\u2019s long-term outlook\/extension cost could force GM Dan Morgan\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n
20. Cowboys (from Packers)<\/p>\n
Plan A: Edge rusher<\/p>\n
Unless they land Bain at No. 12, the targets are likely Faulk or Mesidor here. This might also be the ceiling for Malachi Lawrence (UCF). Dallas recently hired Demeitre Brim as their assistant defensive line coach. Brim coached Lawrence at UCF.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Defensive back<\/p>\n
CB Colton Hood (Tennessee) is a likely fallback option if the Cowboys miss out on Delane or pass on Thieneman earlier in the round.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade down<\/p>\n
Dallas doesn\u2019t pick again until No. 92 and could slide back to target SDSU\u2019s Johnson or LB Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech).<\/p>\n
21. Steelers<\/p>\n
Plan A: O-line<\/p>\n
Broderick Jones\u2019 neck injury setback could force Pittsburgh to think harder about tackle, and I can\u2019t imagine they\u2019d pass on Ioane if he\u2019s still on the board.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Wide receiver<\/p>\n
Both Cooper and Concepcion would complement veterans DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. perfectly. Cooper has ties to current Steelers WR coach Adam Henry.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade<\/p>\n
GM Omar Khan has 12 picks at his disposal, the most in the league. A small move up for Lemon or Ioane makes sense if one slides into range.<\/p>\n
22. Chargers<\/p>\n
Plan A: Trenches<\/p>\n
The interior offensive line is the team\u2019s Achilles\u2019 heel after Bradley Bozeman\u2019s retirement, Mekhi Becton\u2019s release, and Zion Johnson\u2019s exit in free agency. GM Joe Hortiz might do a backflip if Ioane is still available. Otherwise, someone like OG Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M) makes sense. Don\u2019t rule out edge rushers Mesidor, Faulk or T.J. Parker (Clemson) following the departure of Odafe Oweh in free agency.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Trade down<\/p>\n
The Chargers have only five picks this year and no compensatory selections.<\/p>\n
Wild card: McCoy<\/p>\n
Corner is secondary need, but his talent level is considered top-10.<\/p>\n
23. Eagles<\/p>\n
Plan A: Offensive tackle<\/p>\n
I\u2019m expecting GM Howie Roseman to prioritize a long-term successor for All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson, especially after Jalen Hurts was sacked 70 times over the last two seasons.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Wide receiver<\/p>\n
Washington\u2019s Boston almost makes too much sense if the Eagles are drafting with one eye on trading A.J. Brown after June 1.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade up<\/p>\n
Roseman has a history of trading up in the first round, and it would make sense to jump ahead of an expected run on offensive tackles.<\/p>\n
24. Browns (from Jaguars)<\/p>\n
Plan A: Wide receiver<\/p>\n
Cooper, Boston and Concepcion are all in play if Cleveland prioritizes an offensive tackle with their earlier pick.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Defensive back<\/p>\n
This is another spot where McCoy makes sense, and there has been too much smoke surrounding the Browns and McNeil-Warren to ignore.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Sadiq<\/p>\n
The Oregon tight end is the luxury pick of this first round and could go lower than most expect, plus head coach Todd Monken has a history of using two-tight-end groupings.<\/p>\n
25. Bears<\/p>\n
Plan A: Defensive line<\/p>\n
Edge rushers Parker and Zion Young (Missouri) make sense because Chicago still needs a true running mate for Montez Sweat. This could also be a spot for Ohio State\u2019s McDonald or Clemson\u2019s Woods.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Offensive tackle<\/p>\n
Ozzy Trapilo\u2019s injury and the current competition there make tackle a real possibility here.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade down<\/p>\n
The player pool at 25 is unusually broad. A modest move back seems plausible if the Bears see a flat tier across edge, interior defensive line and tackle.<\/p>\n
26. Bills<\/p>\n
Plan A: Edge rusher<\/p>\n
This is spot for Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) or even UCF\u2019s Lawrence if both Faulk and Parker are gone.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Linebacker<\/p>\n
The departure of Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson make LB a critical need. Both Texas Tech\u2019s Rodriguez and C.J. Allen (Georgia) would fit.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Wide receiver<\/p>\n
Keon Coleman could draw trade interest during the draft, which keeps the WR room from feeling fully settled.<\/p>\n
27. 49ers<\/p>\n
Plan A: Trade down<\/p>\n
GM John Lynch openly floated the idea because the Niners only have six picks: 27, 58 and then four fourth-rounders.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Edge rusher<\/p>\n
This is another spot for Howell and Lawrence considering the team recorded an NFL-low 20 sacks last season and faces health uncertainty with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams.<\/p>\n
Wild card: O-line<\/p>\n
Despite Trent Williams\u2019 recent extension, finding his long-term successor remains a critical need. Left guard still lacks a clear-cut starter as well. Arizona State\u2019s Iheanachor or Caleb Lomu (Utah) could be the target if either survived the tackle run.<\/p>\n
28. Texans<\/p>\n
Plan A: Offensive tackle<\/p>\n
Adding a long-term starter at right tackle like Clemson\u2019s Miller, Arizona State\u2019s Iheanachor or Utah\u2019s Lomu remains a priority.<\/p>\n
Plan B: D-line<\/p>\n
Selecting Clemson\u2019s Woods, Ohio State\u2019s McDonald or even Christen Miller (Georgia) would be the rich getting richer.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Rodriguez<\/p>\n
Securing the linebacker position before key starters hit free agency in 2027 makes sense.<\/p>\n
29. Chiefs (from Rams)<\/p>\n
Plan A: Cornerback<\/p>\n
I\u2019m anticipating Tennessee\u2019s Hood being gone by now, but SDSU\u2019s Johnson or Avieon Terrell (Clemson) might still be on the board.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Wide receiver<\/p>\n
Either Boston or Concepcion would bolster Patrick Mahomes\u2019 weaponry and provide good value here.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade<\/p>\n
The Chiefs could move up or down from here to secure a starter-level edge, cornerback or receiver. They\u2019d have to move up for a tackle.<\/p>\n
30. Dolphins (from Broncos)<\/p>\n
Plan: Wide receiver<\/p>\n
The stripped-down receiver room needs rebuilt.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Cornerback<\/p>\n
Tennessee\u2019s McCoy or SDSU\u2019s Johnson would make a lot of sense if Miami misses out on Delane earlier in the round.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade down<\/p>\n
This could be a place for the Cardinals to jump back into the first round and take Alabama\u2019s Simpson, allowing the Dolphins to accumulate even more top-75 talent.<\/p>\n
31. Patriots<\/p>\n
Plan A: Edge rusher<\/p>\n
Mesidor, Howell and Young all fit New England\u2019s defensive mold.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Offensive tackle<\/p>\n
Head coach Mike Vrabel personally worked out Arizona State\u2019s Iheanachor at his pro day.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Trade<\/p>\n
The Patriots have enough ammo to move into the mid-20s without touching future picks if they love someone. A trade-down also makes sense with the value at 31 expected to flatten out.<\/p>\n
32. Seahawks<\/p>\n
Plan A: Trade down<\/p>\n
Seattle has only four picks \u2014 Nos. 32, 64, 96 and 188 \u2014 and GM John Schneider has been unusually public about wanting more volume.<\/p>\n
Plan B: Cornerback<\/p>\n
SDSU\u2019s Johnson fits head coach Mike Macdonald\u2019s zone-heavy scheme perfectly, but another name to watch is Treydan Stukes (Arizona). Stukes could help replace the size\/speed void left by Riq Woolen while also offering some safety flexibility after Coby Bryant\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n
Wild card: Running back<\/p>\n
If the Seahawks stay put, it\u2019s most likely for Jadarian Price (Notre Dame). It would mark the first time in history that the top two running backs drafted came from the same school if Love and Price both go in the first round on Thursday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By the time the NFL Draft arrives, every argument has been stretched to its breaking point. Traits are…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":282218,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[17641,37234,37226,121280,37236,121025,121281,37223,121282,74,76,75,37240],"class_list":{"0":"post-282217","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-san-diego","8":"tag-2026-nfl-draft","9":"tag-caleb-downs","10":"tag-fernando-mendoza","11":"tag-first-round-nfl-draft","12":"tag-jeremiyah-love","13":"tag-nfl-draft-primer","14":"tag-nfl-draft-rumors","15":"tag-nfl-mock-draft","16":"tag-round-1-preview","17":"tag-san-diego","18":"tag-san-diego-headlines","19":"tag-san-diego-news","20":"tag-sonny-styles"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/282217","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=282217"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/282217\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/282218"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=282217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=282217"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=282217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}