15. **MOCK TRADE** New England Patriots (via Tampa Bay): WR Makai Lemon, USC

The Patriots were knocking on the door of an NFL-record seventh Super Bowl and just fell short. Believing they are one step away, New England makes an aggressive move up the board, finding a trade partner with the Buccaneers. The deal does not come cheap, costing a 2027 first-round pick and a mid-round selection in 2026 for the swap, but that is the price to climb 16 spots in Round One. Even after adding Romeo Doubs, NFL Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel wants to give his MVP-candidate quarterback the best chance to succeed. That effort leads to Makai Lemon, leap-frogging the Jets in the process. The 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner heads to Foxborough with the opportunity for his jersey to go platinum across fraternities in the northeast for years to come.

So why does Tampa Bay feel comfortable enough to drop to No. 31? At this point in the draft, a cluster of edge rushers remains on the board, giving the franchise the flexibility to choose from a similar tier of talent. However, none of the available players at this spot are captivating enough to decline New England’s offer. Licht can gain a king’s ransom of capital while still selecting a quality defensive player at the bottom of the round. If none of the mocked first-round defensive ends are available when the Buccaneers are on the clock, it is an outcome they can live with, given the depth of talent still available to address the position in Round Two.

16. New York Jets (via. Indianapolis): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Well, that was annoying watching a divisional rival shoot up the board to grab one of the top wide receivers. The Jets do not break a sweat and still grab their guy, Denzel Boston. Boston will have no problem creating leverage and using his frame to high-point balls. He will be a threat on the outside or in the slot.

17. Detroit Lions: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

The Lions are another team that capitalize on the slide of offensive linemen and grab what is considered to be the best guard in the draft.

18. Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

As Minnesota awaits Harrison Smith’s official decision on retirement, Dillon Thieneman stands out as a natural fit. The Oregon safety has solidified himself as a first-round talent and the Vikings would be more than happy to acquire his services in the secondary.

19. Carolina Panthers: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

The Panthers continue to add to the middle of their defense and draft a certified run-stuffer in CJ Allen. Allen joins Devin Lloyd as Carolina continues to build a formidable front seven.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via. Green Bay): EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Keldric Faulk possesses the traits of a future Pro-Bowl edge rusher. Jerry Jones pairs him with Rashan Gary as the Cowboys used the first round to improve their defense.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: T Monroe Freeling, Georgia

With Monroe Freeling falling into their lap, the Steelers take the opportunity to upgrade at left tackle.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Jim Harbaugh falls in love with the intensity of Akheem Mesidor’s game. The Chargers expect Mesidor’s extensive collegiate experience to translate right away at the next level. He has the size and skill to help bring the AFC West title to La La Land for the first time.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Jaelan Phillips receiving a massive contract from Carolina leads the Eagles to add another body to the defensive line. Despite being undersized, Cashius Howell has proven he can get to the quarterback, totaling 11.5 sacks in 2025 and becoming the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year in the process.

24. Cleveland Browns (via. Jacksonville): T Caleb Lomu, Utah

It is clear the Browns need reinforcements on the offensive line. Caleb Lomu is a great addition to their line of scrimmage, boasting the consistency to keep Cleveland’s quarterback upright in 2026.

25. Chicago Bears: DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

The Chicago Bears land the top defensive tackle on their board, with no other team having tapped into the position group at this point in the draft. Kayden McDonald gets the call based on his strength against the run.

26. Buffalo Bills: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Omar Cooper Jr. is one of the biggest risers from the draft process and is most likely to become Josh Allen’s new best friend. If you have time to search his ridiculous game-winning grab at Penn State last year, please do. It is one of the most insane collegiate catches I have ever seen.

27. San Francisco 49ers: DL Peter Woods, Clemson

Even with San Francisco investing heavily into their defensive line as of recent, they cannot let Peter Woods pass. Despite being a defensive tackle, Woods has flashed the ability to be a productive pass rusher. His addition will certainly help the 49ers bottom-of-the-league sack total in 2025.

28. **MOCK TRADE** Arizona Cardinals (via. Houston): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

The Cardinals do not feel comfortable waiting until the second round to grab their quarterback. Simpson impressed during the NFL combine and reports say scouts have attributed a Round-One grade to his name. Arizona can spend their third-round pick providing protection for their new rookie quarterback. This move would mark the second-straight year the Houston Texans trade out of the first round, allowing another team to select the face of its franchise. With offensive linemen sliding down the board, Houston feels comfortable moving back six spots, confident it can still land a first-round caliber talent early on Day Two. The Texans gain the Cardinals’ 104th pick in this year’s draft, along with a 2027 third-rounder, thanks to Arizona’s move for a quarterback.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams): EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson

Kansas City lands huge value late in the first round, selecting T.J. Parker out of Clemson. Parker’s size and versatility allow him to line up inside or outside, depending on the matchups Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wants to exploit. The defensive end has the potential to be a thorn in the side of opposing offensive lines early in Arrowhead.

30. Miami Dolphins (via. Denver): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

The Dolphins still need to find themselves a rookie wide receiver but elect to wait another day. Miami turns to Colton Hood to become their new CB1. His play speed flashes on tape, allowing him to stay connected on vertical routes. The Dolphins look his way over Clemson’s Avieon Terrell due to Hood’s higher ceiling as an outside cornerback at the next level.

31. **MOCK TRADE** Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via. New England) LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Even after trading all the way back, the Buccaneers are still able to land a cornerstone for their defense for the foreseeable future. Jacob Rodriguez’s production, work-ethic and makeup make him an excellent addition to the front seven. Last season, Rodrgiuez finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting, along with winning the Nagurski Award, given to the nation’s best defensive player. While at the combine, the All-American displayed the athleticism that allowed him to rank as PFF’s best coverage linebacker in 2025. Rodriguez has consistently climbed up draft boards and Tampa Bay does not want to live in a world where he gets past them. The Bucs will have an opportunity to add an edge rusher with plenty of valuable names remaining in Round Two. Rodriguez has the potential to become Lavonte David’s successor, anchoring the middle of the defense for 2026 and beyond.

32. Seattle Seahawks: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

After losing Coby Bryant this offseason, the defending Super Bowl champions add one of the top safeties in the draft. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren will allow Nick Emmanwori to continue wreaking havoc as the Seahawks’ nickel back.