check this out<\/a> \u2014 on top of home run capabilities with TD runs of 98 and 94 yards the last two seasons. Love is third in the country with 1,306 rushing yards, second in total touchdowns with 20, and will likely end up a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. I\u2019d vote for him if I had a vote. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR<\/p>\n6. Cleveland (3-8) \u2014 Spencer Fano, T, Utah, Jr.<\/p>\n
One thing has been very clear the last two weeks: Shedeur Sanders should have been starting over Dillon Gabriel all along. Hypothetically, let\u2019s say Sanders shows enough the rest of this season to convince the Browns he\u2019s the guy going forward. Last Sunday, Coach Prime\u2019s progeny was the 42nd different QB to start for Cleveland since the franchise returned to the NFL in 1999, so I assume that would be welcome news for Browns\u2019 fans. Then GM Andrew Berry would immediately pivot to the offensive line as being the team\u2019s top priority.\u00a0There 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. He was just named a finalist for the Outland Trophy. Top needs: QB, T, CB<\/p>\n
7. 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. Downs 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 finalist for the Thorpe Award, Bednarik Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy. He\u2019s the heart and soul of a Buckeyes defense that leads the nation in points (7.6) and yards allowed (206.6) per game this season. Top needs: Edge, LB, CB<\/p>\n
8. Arizona (3-8) \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. Moore is 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 end up as a top-5 pick if he actually stays in the draft. Top needs: OL, DL, WR<\/p>\n
9. Cincinnati (3-8) \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
10. L.A. Rams from Atlanta (4-7) \u2014 Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama, 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, but even if the future Hall of Famer returns, a QB could be the target here.\u00a0Simpson only has 10 collegiate starts to go off of, but the small sample size shows he has an advanced pocket presence, the ability to process defenses quickly, and is accurate under pressure. He sounds perfect for Sean McVay\u2019s offense. However, the list of QBs taken in the first round with fewer than 20 collegiate starts in the past decade: Trey Lance (17), Mac Jones (17), Kyler Murray (17), Dwayne Haskins (14), Anthony Richardson (13) and Mitchell Trubisky (13). 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 the pass rush needs to be addressed as well. Bailey currently leads the FBS in sacks (12\u00bd) and is fifth 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. Bailey, along with teammate Jacob Rodriguez, was recently named a finalist for the Lombardi Award. Top needs: CB, OL, Edge<\/p>\n
12. Minnesota (4-7) \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. Top needs: CB, DL, LB<\/p>\n
13. Dallas (5-5-1) \u2014 Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M, Sr.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s assume the Joneses handle their business and resign wide receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams to long-term extensions. Then next year\u2019s draft will be all about improving the defense. Howell\u2019s (6-2, 248) length is a question mark headed into the draft process, but you can\u2019t argue with his production or explosive traits. He produced 9\u00bd sacks and 10\u00bd tackles for loss in his final season at Bowling Green before joining the Aggies in 2024. After making the leap from the MAC to the SEC, he has 11\u00bd sacks this season (second to Texas Tech\u2019s David Bailey) and 13 tackles for loss for the No. 3 team in the nation.\u00a0Top needs: Edge, S, LB<\/p>\n
14. Carolina (6-6) \u2014\u00a0Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Jr.<\/p>\n
The Panthers\u2019 defense has improved from last season\u2019s historically bad unit, but they\u2019re still missing some pieces in the secondary.\u00a0McCoy 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: Edge, DB, LB<\/p>\n
15. Pittsburgh (6-5) \u2014 Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona St., Jr.<\/p>\n
Aaron Rodgers could very well retire at the end of this season, but regardless of who is under center, the Steelers are severely lacking in playmakers at receiver. Tyson missed three games with a hamstring injury recently, but returned to play against his former team the Colorado Buffaloes last Saturday. He\u2019s pretty much picked up this season where he left off last year. He had 732 yards in the Sun Devils\u2019 final six games in 2024. He has 59 receptions for 689 yards and eight TDs in eight games this season. Tyson is a route-technician with inside-out versatility and the ability to make plays at all three levels. Top needs: QB, WR, CB<\/p>\n
16. Kansas City (6-5) \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 two weeks ago and six receptions for 72 yards and two TDs in a 42-27 win over USC on Saturday. He was just named a finalist for the John Mackey Award. Top needs: RB, DL, TE<\/p>\n
17. Houston (6-5) \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. Many scouts believe he\u2019d be even better on the interior. Top needs: DL, RB, CB<\/p>\n
18. Detroit (7-4) \u2014 Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio St., Sr.<\/p>\n
Jack Campbell is the only linebacker on the Lions who won\u2019t be a free agent after this season.\u00a0Styles is the second freakishly athletic linebacker from the Buckeyes to appear in this mock \u2014 he\u2019s No. 10 on Bruce Feldman\u2019s list. The senior captain 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, LB, CB<\/p>\n
19. Baltimore (6-5) \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. Tate 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. Tate hasn\u2019t played since a Nov. 1 win over Penn St. when he caught five passes for 124 yards and a TD. He reportedly felt some tightness in his lower body during warmups the following week against Purdue, but it sounds like he has a shot at playing against Michigan this weekend. Top needs: Edge, RB, C<\/p>\n
20. Tampa Bay (6-5) \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.\u00a0Top needs: LB, G, Edge<\/p>\n
21. L.A. Chargers (7-4) \u2014 LT Overton, Edge, Alabama, Sr.<\/p>\n
Both Khalil Mack, and Odafe Oweh are free agents after this season, with Mack potentially starting his Hall of Fame clock if he\u2019s had enough of the grind. Overton is a former five-star recruit who spent two years with Texas A&M before transferring to Tuscaloosa in 2024. He\u2019s one of the more versatile defensive lineman in this class, with enough size (6-5, 278) and strength to handle his own on the interior for a team who utilizes hybrid fronts at the next level. Overton already excels as a run-stopper, and can be disruptive as a pass-rusher, but his approach to rushing the passer needs polish. Top needs: OL, Edge, DL<\/p>\n
22. Buffalo (7-4) \u2014 Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr.<\/p>\n
The Bills\u2019 cornerback group has been mediocre at best this season. 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: LB, WR, CB<\/p>\n
23. Cleveland from Jacksonville (7-4) \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, whomever he may be. 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. Lemon\u2019s had a tremendous junior year with 78 receptions for 1,124 yards and 10 TDs for the Trojans, and was just named a Biletnikoff Award finalist. He\u2019s a versatile offensive weapon who has also rushed for two TDs and thrown for another this season. Top needs: QB, T, CB<\/p>\n
24. San Francisco (8-4) \u2014 Caleb Lomu, T, Utah, So.<\/p>\n
Considering the recent news that the 49ers voided the remaining guaranteed money in Brandon Aiyuk\u2019s contract in late July for failing to participate in meetings and other team activities, this pick could very well be a wide receiver come April. However, future Hall of Famer Trent Williams isn\u2019t getting any younger, and finding Williams\u2019 understudy has to be a priority this offseason. If 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
25. Dallas from Green Bay (7-3-1) \u2014 Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon, 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. Thieneman has picked up in his first season with the Ducks where he left off after two great years with the Purdue Boilermakers. He\u2019s a dynamic run defender who also features the athleticism, range and instincts to lineup in two-high, single-high or at nickelback. Top needs: Edge, S, LB<\/p>\n
26. Chicago (8-3) \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. Proctor 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 recently named as a finalist for the Lombardi Award. Top needs: T, Edge, S<\/p>\n
27. N.Y. Jets from Indianapolis (8-3) \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. Uiagalelei had 10\u00bd sacks his sophomore season, and he started strong this year with four sacks in the first five games. He hadn\u2019t taken down a QB since September until his standout performance against the USC Trojans on Saturday. Uiagalelei had seven tackles, two tackles for loss, his fifth sack of the season, and a forced fumble in the 42-27 victory. His blend of size (6-5, 270), strength and athleticism is what gets a defensive coordinator out of bed in the morning. Top needs: QB, CB, DL<\/p>\n
28. Seattle (8-3) \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
29. Philadelphia (8-3) \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. 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 (80.0) and No. 4 in yards allowed per carry (2.67). McDonald was just named a finalist for the Outland Trophy. Top needs: LB, DL, C<\/p>\n
31. L.A. Rams (9-2) \u2014 Isaiah World, T, Oregon, Sr.<\/p>\n
Right tackle could be a top priority for GM Les Snead and whoever is under center next season if veteran Rob Havenstein bolts in free agency. The Lincoln High School grad spent four years at Nevada before joining the Ducks this season. His technique remains raw and will need polish in the pros, but he features all the stuff you can\u2019t teach: prototypical size (6-8, 312), length, athleticism and heavy hands.\u00a0Top needs: T, DB, QB<\/p>\n
32. New England (10-2) \u2014 CJ Allen, LB, Georgia, 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. 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, but was just named a finalist for the Butkus Award, an honor Smith earned in 2017. Top needs: Edge, LB, S<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Despite Cam Ward and the Titans looking much better in their last two games after a bye in…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":71998,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[17641,37222,37230,37252,37251,37234,37246,37244,42241,37245,37228,37238,42243,37233,37226,37235,42242,37236,37248,37242,37243,37255,37231,37241,42244,28998,37237,37250,17640,37223,23139,37249,37225,37224,74,76,75,37240,37232,42240,37227],"class_list":{"0":"post-71997","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-arvell-reese","11":"tag-avieon-terrell","12":"tag-brandon-cisse","13":"tag-caleb-downs","14":"tag-caleb-lomu","15":"tag-carnell-tate","16":"tag-cashius-howell","17":"tag-cj-allen","18":"tag-dante-moore","19":"tag-david-bailey","20":"tag-dillon-thieneman","21":"tag-fano","22":"tag-fernando-mendoza","23":"tag-francis-mauigoa","24":"tag-isaiah-world","25":"tag-jeremiyah-love","26":"tag-jermod-mccoy","27":"tag-jordyn-tyson","28":"tag-kadyn-proctor","29":"tag-kayden-mcdonald","30":"tag-keldric-faulk","31":"tag-kenyon-sadiq","32":"tag-lt-overton","33":"tag-makai-lemon","34":"tag-mansoor-delane","35":"tag-matayo-uiagalelei","36":"tag-nfl-draft","37":"tag-nfl-mock-draft","38":"tag-notre-dame","39":"tag-olaivavega-ioane","40":"tag-peter-woods","41":"tag-rueben-bain-jr","42":"tag-san-diego","43":"tag-san-diego-headlines","44":"tag-san-diego-news","45":"tag-sonny-styles","46":"tag-spencer","47":"tag-tj-parker","48":"tag-ty-simpson"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71997","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=71997"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71997\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/71998"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71997"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71997"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71997"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}