check this out<\/a> \u2014 on top of home run capabilities with TD runs of 98 and 94 yards the last two seasons. The favorite to win the Doak Walker Award is fourth in the country with 1,135 rushing yards, and third in total touchdowns with 17. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR<\/p>\n7. Washington (3-8) \u2014 Caleb Downs, S, Ohio St., Jr.<\/p>\n
The Commanders\u2019 biggest problem is they can\u2019t keep Jayden Daniels healthy. Their second biggest problem is they need more playmakers at all three levels of their defense.\u00a0Downs is a top-5 player for me in next year\u2019s draft, but it\u2019s unlikely he gets selected that high as a safety. He was recently named as a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He\u2019s the heart and soul of a Buckeyes defense that leads the nation in points (7.5) and yards allowed (212.6) per game this season. Top needs: Edge, LB, CB<\/p>\n
8. Cincinnati (3-7) \u2014 Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn, Jr.<\/p>\n
What part of the Bengals\u2019 defense doesn\u2019t need to be completely overhauled?\u00a0Faulk is a 6-foot-6, 285-pound edge who was the No. 9 player on Bruce Feldman\u2019s 2025 \u201cFreaks List\u201d, reportedly squatting 700 pounds and benching 415. The likelihood Trey Hendrickson leaves in free agency is very high. Top needs: Edge, CB, G<\/p>\n
9. Arizona (3-7) \u2014 Dante Moore, QB, Oregon, So.<\/p>\n
The Cardinals could be in the market for a QB if they decide to move on from Kyler Murray. Like Simpson, Moore lacks starting experience, and he\u2019s more likely to return for his junior year in Eugene for more seasoning, but the ceiling is very high. He\u2019s accurate, throws a catchable deep ball, and has shown the ability to make plays outside of the pocket. Moore would likely go much higher if he actually stays in the draft. Top needs: OL, DL, WR<\/p>\n
10. L.A. Rams from Atlanta (3-7) \u2014 Spencer Fano, T, Utah, Jr.<\/p>\n
GM Les Snead acquired this pick by trading out of the first round back in April. Snead has to plan for a future without Matthew Stafford at some point. The Rams are a true Super Bowl contender, so we\u2019ll have to let the season play out before we have a better idea of what Stafford\u2019s future plans are. Right tackle could be a top priority for Snead and whoever is under center next season if veteran Rob Havenstein bolts in free agency. There isn\u2019t a Joe Alt or Penei Sewell in this draft class, but Fano is a powerful, athletic anchor in the run game, and his footwork has improved in pass protection this season. Top needs: T, DB, QB<\/p>\n
11. Miami (4-7) \u2014 David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech, Sr.<\/p>\n
Cornerback may be the biggest position of need for the Dolphins, depending how you feel about Tua Tagovailoa, but I\u2019m not seeing a corner in this draft worthy of a top-10 pick. At least until we find out more about the health of Tennessee\u2019s Jermod McCoy, who suffered an ACL injury in January and has yet to play a game this season.\u00a0Bailey currently leads the FBS in sacks (12\u00bd) and is tied for second with 16 tackles for loss. The Stanford transfer features a variety of pass-rush moves, excellent bend and an explosive first step. He\u2019s also improved as a run defender during his time with the Red Raiders. Top needs: CB, OL, Edge<\/p>\n
12. Minnesota (4-6) \u2014 Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, Sr.<\/p>\n
The Vikings need someone to pair with Isaiah Rodgers at cornerback as Byron Murphy continues to struggle mightily this season. Delane doesn\u2019t have elite size (5-11, 191) or deep speed, but he\u2019s sticky, instinctual and can play multiple positions in the secondary. The Virginia Tech transfer has 41 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions this season, and is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back). Top needs: CB, DL, LB<\/p>\n
13. Dallas (4-5-1) \u2014 Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona St., Jr.<\/p>\n
George Pickens is in the final year of his rookie contract, and has likely earned a significant pay raise, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how the Joneses handle this after the negotiations with Micah Parsons went sideways. If the Cowboys get outbid in free agency, they\u2019ll have to target the position early in the draft.\u00a0Tyson has dealt with a hamstring injury recently, but he\u2019s pretty much picked up this season where he left off last year \u2014 he had 732 yards in the Sun Devils\u2019 final six games in 2024. Tyson is a route-technician with inside-out versatility and the ability to make plays at all three levels. Top needs: Edge, S, LB<\/p>\n
14. Baltimore (5-5) \u2014 Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio St., Jr.<\/p>\n
Securing Lamar Jackson another weapon on the outside makes sense when you consider DeAndre Hopkins was a short-term addition, and Rashod Bateman has proven to be better suited for a complimentary role.\u00a0Tate produced 733 yards and four TDs on 52 receptions while serving as the Buckeyes\u2019 No. 3 receiver last season. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound playmaker has 711 yards and seven TDs on 39 receptions in only eight games so far, and is half of the best receiver duo in the country, opposite Jeremiah Smith. The wide receiver factory in Columbus, Ohio is tariff-proof. Top needs: Edge, RB, C<\/p>\n
15. Kansas City (5-5) \u2014 Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, Jr.<\/p>\n
Future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce has a wedding to plan and an acting career beckoning. I doubt he\u2019s back in pads next season. Sadiq isn\u2019t in the same class as Brock Bowers or Tyler Warren as a prospect, but he\u2019s an impressive athlete who has showcased downfield playmaking ability and has legit upside as a run-blocker in the pros. Sadiq had eight receptions for 96 yards and a TD in the Ducks\u2019 42-13 blowout of the Minnesota Gophers last Friday. Top needs: RB, DL, TE<\/p>\n
16. Houston (5-5) \u2014 Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami, Jr.<\/p>\n
The Texans\u2019 overhaul of their offensive line that began last year is far from over. Mauigoa, a former five-star recruit, was the only tackle in the FBS with two or fewer knockdowns allowed on 500-plus snaps as a pass-blocker for Cam Ward his sophomore season. He\u2019s big (6-6, 325), powerful, athletic and plays with a mauling mentality at the tackle position. Top needs: DL, RB, CB<\/p>\n
17. Carolina (6-5) \u2014 Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio St., Sr.<\/p>\n
The Panthers\u2019 defense has improved from last season\u2019s historically bad unit, but they\u2019re still lacking a playmaker in the middle to bring it all together. Styles is the second freakishly athletic linebacker from the Buckeyes to appear in this mock. He\u2019s No. 10 on Bruce Feldman\u2019s list. The senior captain won\u2019t turn 21 until next week. Styles is rangy with rare speed and explosiveness for his frame (6-4, 240), and showcases his safety background in coverage by locking down tight ends and running backs in space. Top needs: Edge, DB, LB<\/p>\n
18. Detroit (6-4) \u2014 Zion Young, Edge, Missouri, Sr.<\/p>\n
The Lions probably noticed Young when they were scouting eventual second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. at Mizzou in 2023. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound edge rusher has done nothing but improve since then. He\u2019s already set career highs in pressures (33), tackles for loss (13), sacks (5\u00bd) and forced fumbles (two) this season. Young lacks elite get-off, but he\u2019s relentless in pursuit of the ball, and can play multiple positions on the defensive line. Top needs: Edge, LB, G<\/p>\n
19. Pittsburgh (6-4) \u2014 LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina, So.<\/p>\n
Aaron Rodgers could very well retire at the end of this season.\u00a0It wouldn\u2019t surprise me if Sellers stays in school, but decides to look for a change of scenery through the transfer portal. He has the size (6-3, 242) and elite physical tools NFL teams seek in a modern QB. Top needs: QB, WR, CB<\/p>\n
20. Cleveland from Jacksonville (6-4) \u2014 Makai Lemon, WR, USC, Jr.<\/p>\n
The Browns look like they found building blocks on offense in this year\u2019s draft with running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. They\u2019ll need to reinforce an aging offensive line and add more weapons at receiver if they have any hopes of their new franchise QB succeeding. Lemon (5-11, 195) is a quick, efficient route runner who is a demon in the slot and capable of frustrating tacklers with his abilities after the catch. Top needs: QB, T, CB<\/p>\n
21. Tampa Bay (6-4) \u2014 Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn St., Jr.<\/p>\n
Buccaneers starting left guard Ben Bredeson is a free agent after this season. Ioane has been one of the few bright spots for the Nittany Lions. He features impressive movement skills for a man his size (6-4, 335), and is equally adept in pass protection or as a run blocker. Ioane played every position on offense except quarterback, running back and wide receiver as a sophomore, including all five spots on the offensive line, fullback and 14 snaps at tight end. He\u2019s been utilized in a similar way this season. Top needs: LB, G, Edge<\/p>\n
22. L.A. Chargers (7-4) \u2014 Caleb Banks, DL, Florida, Sr.<\/p>\n
Banks would pair nicely with 2025 third-round pick Jamaree Caldwell on the interior. He surprised everyone by returning to Gainesville for his senior season. The Louisville transfer features the size (6-6, 325), length and explosive traits NFL defensive coordinators covet and QBs usually lose sleep over. He tends to rely on athleticism over technique, so coaching will be required to unlock his full potential in the pros. Banks was recently cleared from a foot injury that required surgery in September and is attempting to return and play before the end of the Gators\u2019 season. Top needs: OL, Edge, DL<\/p>\n
23. San Francisco (7-4) \u2014 Caleb Lomu, T, Utah, So.<\/p>\n
Future Hall of Famer Trent Williams isn\u2019t getting any younger.\u00a0If Lomu enters the draft, he could go much higher than this. He\u2019s already a technically proficient pass blocker with prototypical size (6-6, 305), elite athleticism and solid footwork. He\u2019ll need to add strength to improve as a run blocker. Top needs: OL, DB, WR<\/p>\n
24. Dallas from Green Bay (6-3-1) \u2014 CJ Allen, LB, Georgia, Jr.<\/p>\n
The Cowboys just traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson at the deadline. Both are solid additions to a terrible defense. There\u2019s still work to do. It\u2019s hard not to see former Bulldog and current Ravens\u2019 All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith when watching Allen. Both are 6-1, 235 pounds and are elite processors. Both are strong finishers against the run, and both are capable pass-rushers when called upon. Allen is currently week-to-week with a knee injury he suffered against Texas. Top needs: Edge, S, LB<\/p>\n
25. Chicago (7-3) \u2014 Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama, Jr.<\/p>\n
The Bears have a glaring weakness at left tackle, where Braxton Jones hasn\u2019t panned out and Theo Benedet has fumbled an opportunity to replace him.\u00a0Proctor took his lumps starting for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman in 2023, but he showed legit improvement down the stretch and that carried over to his sophomore year. His junior season has been a grab bag of inconsistency, but it\u2019s nearly impossible to find 360-pound athletes who are powerful, explosive and surprisingly agile. Proctor was just named as a finalist for the Lombardi Award. Top needs: T, Edge, S<\/p>\n
26. Buffalo (7-3) \u2014 Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Jr.<\/p>\n
The Bills\u2019 cornerback group has been mediocre at best this season. McCoy earned first-team All-SEC recognition last season with four interceptions for the Vols after transferring from Oregon State before tearing his ACL during an offseason training session in January. His 2024 tape showed elite ball skills with fluid athleticism and explosive closing speed. The type of talent who usually goes in the top half of the first round. Top needs: LB, WR, CB<\/p>\n
27. Seattle (7-3) \u2014 Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina, Jr.<\/p>\n
Cornerbacks Tariq Woolen, Josh Jobe and Derion Kendrick are all facing free agency after this season. Kendrick will be a restricted free agent. Cisse\u2019s stock has risen after transferring from N.C. State and holding his own in the SEC. The former track athlete doesn\u2019t have a hard time keeping pace with wide receivers downfield. While his speed is impressive \u2014 Cisse earned the nickname \u201cGlitch\u201d from his new teammates \u2014 it\u2019s the 6-foot, 190-pound corner\u2019s physicality and versatility that should set him apart during the draft process. Top needs: RB, CB, G<\/p>\n
28. N.Y. Jets from Indianapolis (8-2) \u2014 Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon, Jr.<\/p>\n
If the Jets land a QB with their first first-rounder, then they can focus on replenishing the defense, after trading their two best defenders away, with one of the picks they acquired from the Colts for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.\u00a0Uiagalelei had 10\u00bd sacks his sophomore season, and he started strong this year with four sacks in the first five games, but he hasn\u2019t taken down a quarterback since September. Still, his blend of size (6-5, 270), strength and athleticism is what gets a defensive coordinator out of bed in the morning.\u00a0Top needs: QB, CB, DL<\/p>\n
29. Philadelphia (8-2) \u2014 TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson, Jr.<\/p>\n
The Eagles are constantly restocking their pass rush. Parker\u2019s bull rush is devastating and he\u2019s already a solid run defender. While this season hasn\u2019t lived up to an eye-popping sophomore year where he had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, his size (6-3, 265), advanced pass-rush repertoire, and ability to convert speed to power places him firmly in the first-round discussion. Top needs: T, TE, Edge<\/p>\n
30. L.A. Rams (8-2) \u2014 Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr.<\/p>\n
The Rams\u2019 secondary could look substantially different next year with three cornerbacks (Ahkello Witherspoon, Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary) and their starting strong safety (Quentin Lake), who also plays nickelback, all about to become free agents. Terrell could follow in his brother A.J.\u2019s footsteps as a first-round cornerback from the Tigers. He\u2019s a much better run defender than his brother, despite being a bit undersized (5-11, 180). His route-recognition and ball skills helped him earn second-team All-ACC honors as a sophomore, and he\u2019s mastered the \u201cPeanut Punch\u201d with six forced fumbles the last two seasons. Top needs: T, DB, QB<\/p>\n
31. New England (9-2) \u2014 Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas, Jr.<\/p>\n
The Patriots need to continue adding juice to an improved pass rush, and also add a playmaker to pair with linebacker Robert Spillane. Hill could do both. He plays off-ball linebacker at a high level, and can generate a pass-rush off the edge or as a blitzer. He earned first-team All-American recognition after producing 113 total tackles (17 tackles for loss), eight sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception as a true sophomore. The Bednarik Award semifinalist is currently in the midst of another solid season for the Longhorns with 69 total tackles (seven tackles for loss), four sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions through 10 games. Hill could miss this week after suffering a fractured fifth metacarpal in his hand against Georgia on Saturday. Top needs: Edge, LB, S<\/p>\n
32. Denver (9-2) \u2014 Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio St., Jr.<\/p>\n
The Broncos might have to address their stellar defensive line if John Franklin-Myers leaves in free agency. Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson continues to churn out NFL-ready prospects. McDonald has been a game-wrecker for one of the most dominant defenses in the country. Anchored by the 6-3, 330-pound devourer of double-teams, Ohio State\u2019s run defense is No. 2 in rushing yards allowed per game (81.4) and No. 8 in yards allowed per carry (2.76). Top needs: LB, DL, C<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2026 quarterback class will likely only end up with two being worthy of a first-round investment by…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":61574,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[17641,37222,37254,37230,37252,37251,37239,37234,37246,37244,37245,37228,37238,37233,37226,37235,37236,37248,37242,37243,37255,37231,37241,37229,28998,37237,37250,17640,37223,23139,37249,37225,37224,74,76,75,37240,37232,37253,37227,37247],"class_list":{"0":"post-61573","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-2026-nfl-mock-draft","10":"tag-anthony-hill-jr","11":"tag-arvell-reese","12":"tag-avieon-terrell","13":"tag-brandon-cisse","14":"tag-caleb-banks","15":"tag-caleb-downs","16":"tag-caleb-lomu","17":"tag-carnell-tate","18":"tag-cj-allen","19":"tag-dante-moore","20":"tag-david-bailey","21":"tag-fano","22":"tag-fernando-mendoza","23":"tag-francis-mauigoa","24":"tag-jeremiyah-love","25":"tag-jermod-mccoy","26":"tag-jordyn-tyson","27":"tag-kadyn-proctor","28":"tag-kayden-mcdonald","29":"tag-keldric-faulk","30":"tag-kenyon-sadiq","31":"tag-lanorris-sellers","32":"tag-makai-lemon","33":"tag-mansoor-delane","34":"tag-matayo-uiagalelei","35":"tag-nfl-draft","36":"tag-nfl-mock-draft","37":"tag-notre-dame","38":"tag-olaivavega-ioane","39":"tag-peter-woods","40":"tag-rueben-bain-jr","41":"tag-san-diego","42":"tag-san-diego-headlines","43":"tag-san-diego-news","44":"tag-sonny-styles","45":"tag-spencer","46":"tag-tj-proctor","47":"tag-ty-simpson","48":"tag-zion-young"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61573","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=61573"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61573\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61574"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61573"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61573"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}