Could it be the year of the edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft?

While nothing absolute can be taken from mock drafts in February (or any mock draft anytime, really), they produce potential themes worth watching for, at least.

Eight edge rushers went in the first round of this mock draft, conducted by The Athletic’s NFL beat reporters. Meanwhile, in the same round, six wide receivers were picked, with one going in the top 10. There were also five first-rounders at offensive tackle, too. No reaching for quarterbacks here, either. And while there was plenty of spicy trade talk among our writers, just one deal actually came to fruition between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers.

What else does this mock tell us about what could unfold 63 days from now in Pittsburgh? Check out the results below.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

After fielding some trade offers, nothing came close to moving me. The Raiders have to finally take a quarterback in the first round, something they haven’t done since JaMarcus Russell. Mendoza projects as a great fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense and, hopefully, signals a new era of stability for this franchise. — Ted Nguyen 

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

The Jets need playmakers across the board on defense. In case you haven’t heard, they set NFL records for fewest turnovers (four) and interceptions (zero) in a season. Reese can’t solve all of that, but he has Micah Parsons-esque potential as a college off-ball linebacker with the skills to be a dominant pass rusher. His ability to play at multiple spots would make him a fun chess piece for Aaron Glenn to deploy as he returns to calling plays on that side of the ball. If there was a quarterback worth taking here, the Jets would do it — but unfortunately, there isn’t. — Zack Rosenblatt

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Cardinals had brief discussions* with the Raiders on a package that would include quarterback Kyler Murray and the No. 3 pick for the chance to draft Mendoza. (*By “brief,” we mean we could hear laughter coming through our Slack channel.)  All good. The Cardinals can use free agency to settle their QB situation and the draft to bolster their offensive line. Arizona’s performance up front last season was terrible, so immediate help is needed. At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Mauigoa has great size and a mean streak the Cardinals need. Along with left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., he gives them solid building blocks up front. Baby steps. — Doug Haller

4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Titans were open to trading down and adding to their arsenal of picks but will gladly take Dane Brugler’s No. 6 prospect while addressing their most glaring need — and supplying new coach Robert Saleh’s defense with a player who should fit well. Bailey is a pass rusher who “showed clear improvements as a run defender in 2025,” Brugler said, with more work needed. But Jeffery Simmons needs help on the outside, and last year’s second-round pick, Femi Oladejo, is a glaring question mark. Rueben Bain Jr., Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon and Spencer Fano were other considerations here. — Joe Rexrode

5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

While the Giants front office engaged in preliminary talks to move back, the other team didn’t want to part with as many picks as the Giants would’ve required. So the team stuck at No. 5 and went with, perhaps controversial to some, a safety. But there’s no regret with this choice in New York. Downs is No. 4 in Brugler’s top 100 rankings and he’s “one of the better safeties I have ever evaluated,” Brugler said. Downs’ skills are hard to pass up, especially for a Giants secondary that’s been lacking. — Charlotte Carroll 

6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Browns are completely remaking their offensive line this offseason and would gladly select Fano as a cornerstone piece. Fano, 21, played right tackle over his final two college seasons but also has some experience on the left side. He has the pedigree and athleticism to eventually hold down one spot for a long time and become a top-tier starting tackle. We know the Browns are focused on offense, and for all the arguments about potential answers at quarterback and solutions at wide receiver, there’s no argument about the need to add a rock-solid tackle to the mix. — Zac Jackson

7. Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

The Commanders’ list of roster needs is so extensive that Carnell Tate, Sonny Styles, Mansoor Delane and Jeremiyah Love all would have been upgrades here. But Bain is the clear pick. The Commanders need to rebuild the defense to give Jayden Daniels some support, and it starts up front, where they’ve lacked an elite pass rusher the last two seasons. Enter Bain, a ferocious and complete pass rusher, who knows how to use his power and leverage to dominate tackles. His 30 3/4-inch arms could be a sticking point for some, but his length didn’t appear to be a hindrance; he had an FBS-best 83 pressures to go with 23 run stops in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s the game-wrecker Washington sorely needs. — Nicki Jhabvala

8. New Orleans Saints: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Third-best overall player in Brugler’s top 100 and an offensive weapon for the Saints? Sign me up! Even if Alvin Kamara remains on the roster, there’s no doubt Saints coach Kellen Moore will find ways to use Love within the improving offense led by second-year QB Tyler Shough. And once Kamara is gone, Love will be a true No. 1 back for New Orleans. I pondered either Love or wide receiver Carnell Tate at this slot. I’d be happy with either, but Love feels like a can’t-miss player. — Larry Holder

This was going to be a positive run regardless bc of the blocking. But the burst and proximity awareness of Jeremiyah Love turns it into a 94-yard TD.

Would’ve been a TD in a two-hand touch game. pic.twitter.com/H4OmQ767Wf

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 2, 2025

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

A sneaky need for the Chiefs is at receiver, where they have only two players under contract beyond 2026 (Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals). This draft fell in a positive way, then, with Tate the first receiver off the board. He’s a good team fit, as well. The Chiefs typically target run-after-catch guys, but too often last year, they were in need of an outside receiver who could create route separation and be a contested-catch option. Tate — he most often draws George Pickens comps from draft analysts — would be a welcome addition for new receivers coach Chad O’Shea, while also giving Patrick Mahomes a QB-friendly option for years to come. — Jesse Newell 

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

This pick came down to Styles and LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. What the Bengals do in free agency might provide the tiebreaker. Styles would be a slam dunk to drop in the middle of the defense, despite rookie linebacker issues last season. If Cincinnati handles linebacker in free agency, Delane would be the ideal pick for a team not in need of an immediate starter but grabbing the top player at a premium position. He’d provide elite depth behind DJ Turner and Dax Hill, both in the last year of their contracts and seeking extensions. Either way, the defense needs more great players and, even at a non-premium position, Styles qualifies. — Paul Dehner Jr.

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Dolphins need talent anywhere they can find it, especially at the start of a hard financial reset. Delane is Brugler’s top-ranked corner in the class and a plug-and-play starter. The Dolphins should be taking the best player available, ideally on defense, and that philosophy would marry with their desperation to find talent in the secondary. Delane didn’t allow a touchdown or commit a penalty in 2025. — Jeff Howe

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

As the picks were coming off the board, the Cowboys appeared to have a good chance at Sonny Styles or Mansoor Delane. There had been conversations with the Pittsburgh Steelers about trading back to 21. With Styles and Delane going right before Dallas, trade talks heated up. But the Steelers’ best offer was No. 21, No. 76 (third round) and No. 159 (fifth round). The Cowboys needed both of Pittsburgh’s third-round picks or, at the very least, a third and a fourth. With that deal off the table, the Cowboys went with the best player available at a position of need. There are some concerns about McCoy missing all of last season with a torn ACL. But if everything checks out medically, McCoy should start immediately, likely alongside DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel. On paper, that would be an upgraded secondary for first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker. — Jon Machota

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Rams’ biggest need by far this offseason is outside cornerback, and it might be one they address in free agency or a trade. Rather than force the position right after the top two options went off the board, the Rams instead pivot to an underrated need at the third wide receiver spot. With Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in high-volume roles, the Rams must find better insurance for those engines than they had last season. Unlike Tutu Atwell, Lemon can find his way onto the field because he’s extremely physical and a strong blocker, which matters so much to Sean McVay. Lemon took his game to another level last season with 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s a perfect future Adams replacement who can duplicate enough of Nacua to manage his snap share and volume load, too. — Nate Atkins

14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

Is a guard the best use of the 14th pick? If your answer is yes, you probably are well aware of the struggles the Ravens had at both guard spots last season. Ioane certainly wouldn’t be a sexy pick, but he would be a very functional one. He’s the top guard in the draft and has Pro Bowl upside. The Ravens could plug him in from Day 1 and not have to worry about that spot for at least five years. That would be a nice luxury to have, particularly for a team that hasn’t gotten enough quality from that position in recent seasons. — Jeff Zrebiec

Trade! The Buccaneers trade the 15th pick to the Steelers for the 21st pick and a third-rounder.15. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Tampa Bay): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Steelers stockpiled a projected 12 picks with the initial plan of taking an aggressive swing at quarterback. But as the 2026 QB class collapsed, the focus has shifted to the next biggest need: wide receiver. Rather than waiting for No. 21 to see which receivers were still available, the Steelers used one of their three third-round picks to secure one of the three best players at his position. He could be even higher on some boards and has the flexibility to play all three wide receiver spots, something new head coach Mike McCarthy said he values during his introductory news conference. Tyson’s injury history may give some teams pause, but that hasn’t deterred the Steelers, who have taken their chances recently on others with more significant medical red flags like Payton Wilson and Darnell Washington. Even after the trade, the Steelers still have 10 draft picks, including a second, two thirds and two fourths. Expect GM Omar Khan, who earned his “Khan Artist” nickname for his aggressive maneuvering in his first draft, to continue working the phones. — Mike DeFabo

Arizona State wide receiver Jordan Tyson’s injury history might scare some teams away, but he still ranks as one of the draft’s best talents. (Dustin Bradford / Getty Images)

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

GM Darren Mougey worked the phones looking both to trade up and trade back and either accumulate assets or add a quarterback of the Tanner McKee/Mac Jones ilk. There were bites — especially since the Jets aren’t quite ready to dip into their stock of 2027 draft picks. The Jets hoped for one of Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson to fall here, but because they didn’t, they’ll be just fine with the next-best wideout on the board in Boston, a big-bodied talent who would complement Garrett Wilson well in the new Frank Reich-run offense. — Rosenblatt

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Lions informed the league they’d be open to fielding calls and trading down. Perhaps the teams below us didn’t have service. Ultimately, the decision at No. 17 came down to Freeling and Auburn edge Keldric Faulk. Faulk might be Detroit’s type as a powerful pocket crusher, but you could argue the Lions need an edge with a more refined pass-rush plan. Considering the depth at edge in this class compared with tackle, it felt right to address the offensive line here, with left tackle Taylor Decker mulling retirement. No. 21 in Brugler’s top 100, Freeling (6-7, 315 pounds with 34-inch arms) looks the part of a franchise tackle and can really move in space. He’ll also have former Georgia teammate and current Lions right guard Tate Ratledge to help ease the transition. There’s also a chance Decker sticks around another year to mentor him. — Colton Pouncy

18. Minnesota Vikings: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Vikings have enough positional needs to approach this pick from a best-available perspective. Woods is a fascinating prospect. Brugler ranked him as the No. 1 draftable prospect entering the 2025 season. The interior defender had been dominant the previous two seasons. Then, in 2025, his production dipped. Woods recorded only three sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. Clemson’s defense struggled in its entirety. Questions persist regarding his overall length, but the athleticism is undeniable. Woods moves laterally like a much smaller player than one who is 6-3, 310 pounds. His hands are violent. Plug him into the Vikings’ defensive system alongside Jalen Redmond, and it’s difficult not to envision some serious havoc. — Alec Lewis

19. Carolina Panthers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

General manager Dan Morgan has made no bones about the Panthers’ need to improve their pass rush after finishing at or near the bottom of the league in sacks the past three seasons. Mesidor had huge production as a super senior for Morgan’s alma mater and was a disruptive force during the College Football Playoff. But the Ontario native is 25, and I immediately experienced buyer’s remorse after making this pick because of the age concerns. Georgia linebacker CJ Allen and Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk quickly went off the board after the Panthers picked. I got a little scared off by Faulk’s drop in production last season, but the 6-6, 270-pounder has impressive traits and a ton of upside. I’ll consider this my warm-up mock and will probably look to go younger in the next one. — Joe Person

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

There was a lot to consider at this pick, including a possible trade back with the Philadelphia Eagles at 23 that fell through after the Panthers’ pick. Dallas’ options were then one of the best remaining pass rushers (Keldric Faulk, Cashius Howell, T.J. Parker or Zion Young), a top safety (Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren) or a top off-ball linebacker. The Cowboys’ linebacker play was probably the worst in the league last year. Allen would instantly upgrade the group as their starting middle linebacker, potentially forming a great duo if DeMarvion Overshown can stay healthy. — Machota

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Pittsburgh): Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

At 6-2, 248 pounds, Howell doesn’t have ideal size, which is why he may be available this late. What he has is a track record of production against elite competition. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year had 25 sacks in three seasons and 11.5 in 2025. He may not be a difference-maker against the run, but Howell should make an immediate impact on passing downs. Howell would fill the Bucs’ most pressing need, but we should consider that general manager Jason Licht doesn’t always draft a player who fills what everyone else thinks is a need. (See Emeka Egbuka.) Howell, though, might be too good to pass up. — Dan Pompei

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Since taking over in 2024, GM Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh have not taken a defensive player in the first two rounds of the draft. That was a fine strategy when they had Jesse Minter, a defensive coordinator who proved capable of doing more with less from a personnel standpoint. But now Minter is gone, and the Chargers have a first-year play caller in new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary. They need to invest in defensive talent. As it stands, edge rushers Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack are headed for free agency. Even if the Chargers re-sign both players, they should start planning for life after Mack, who is entering his age-35 season. Faulk gives the Chargers a player to groom in the edge room. He has alignment versatility that will pair well with the flexible Tuli Tuipulotu, who has been very successful kicking inside on pass-rush downs in his career. — Daniel Popper

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

​​This pick came down to value for the Eagles. The slick sleuths discovered behind the scenes that they’d have their choice between Sadiq or an unnamed offensive lineman. (There will be other mocks!) GM Howie Roseman stayed at 23 after working the phones and landed the best player at his position. The Eagles don’t have a primary tight end under contract for the 2026 season and arguably should have drafted one last year. Sadiq, at 6-3, 245, enhances the passing game as a potential mismatch and fits a new offense that is expected to feature the play-action game. The Eagles pick a tight end on Day 1 for the first time since drafting Keith Jackson at No. 13 in 1988. Jackson earned All-Pro honors in his first three seasons. — Brooks Kubena and Zach Berman

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Drafting for need is rarely ideal, but it’s necessary here. The Browns need playmakers, multiple, and after going with Fano in the top 10, they use their second first-round pick on Concepcion. The Cleveland offense is getting what might end up as a complete overhaul, but Concepcion fits in any version of the remodel because he’s explosive and can contribute at multiple wide receiver positions. There’s a chance new Browns coach Todd Monken, the former Baltimore offensive coordinator, views him as at least a little like Zay Flowers. The Browns are focused on the future and can see Concepcion becoming a big part of their path forward. — Jackson

25. Chicago Bears: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

The temptation here is to pour resources into the defensive front. But with a deep class in that regard, it’s easier to wait when a player like this at a position of need remains available. Proctor seems ready-made for the Bears, a three-year starter and an All-American last season. At 6-7, 366, he is massive, has impressive length and would be an immediate asset to the running game. His agility helps in pass protection. Just like that, the Bears add a player who can help both quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Ben Johnson be at their best. — Dan Wiederer

26. Buffalo Bills: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, OLB, Oklahoma

Buffalo has several pressing needs with pass rusher and wide receiver ranking among them. With their first pick, they take an impact edge player who will help bolster new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s front. The 6-2, 249-pound Thomas is explosive, athletic and strong. He also brings good versatility, which will enable him to move around and capitalize on mismatches. — Mike Jones

27. San Francisco 49ers: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Unlike most general managers, we are going to be honest. The board did not go our way, the seven players we wanted were all gone and we panicked a little and took who we guessed was the best value. Better than taking a defensive back or a raw offensive tackle, right? Parker has the length, power and technique to contribute right away, and while the three-year starter didn’t have a great 2025 season, he did show very well at the Senior Bowl. He is very good against the run and had 21.5 career sacks. This pick makes it easier to waive Bryce Huff and save some more salary-cap space to sign an offensive lineman and receiver. Actually, turns out this was a great pick. — Vic Tafur

28. Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

It’s no secret that pass protection ranks among the Texans’ biggest weaknesses. A year after drafting left tackle Aireontae Ersery in the second round, Houston revisits its offensive line by taking Lomu with its first pick of the 2026 draft. The 6-6, 304-pound Utah product has some developing to do, but he should eventually serve as a quality bookend to Ersery and help bolster C.J. Stroud’s line. — Jones

29. Los Angeles Rams: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Rams avoided the urge to fill their biggest need when the board didn’t line up at No. 13, but it falls into place here. Hood is a force in press-man and contested catch-and-run defense settings, bringing a different flavor to what the Rams tried out at this spot last season in Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Los Angeles has a nice track record with draft acquisitions from Tennessee, including linebacker Byron Young and safety Jaylen McCollough. If Hood can be a CB2 from the jump, it could set the Rams and, notably, their pass rush up to take a leap on this side of the ball. — Atkins

30. Denver Broncos: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

There is one particular line on Brugler’s recent scouting report about Cooper that jumped out: “His run-after-catch skills will help separate him on draft boards.” It could carry even more weight in receiver evaluations for the Broncos, who would certainly benefit from more middle-of-the-field production in the passing game. Cooper is the kind of tough, physical receiver coach Sean Payton covets. He can move around the formation and could even have pop coming out of the backfield, a wrinkle the veteran coach likes to use frequently in his offense. — Nick Kosmider

31. New England Patriots: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

This mock draft didn’t turn out great for the Patriots. We were hoping one of Brugler’s top-5 offensive tackles or top-6 wide receivers or top-7 edge rushers would fall to the 31st pick. Alas, none did. This would be a good spot for the Patriots to trade back, but since we couldn’t find any takers, we went with Young. Some teams may view him as undersized, but he would fit what the Pats are looking for at edge rusher and boost one of their weakest positions entering the offseason. — Chad Graff

32. Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Seattle has only four 2026 picks, so I tried to trade back from No. 32 but didn’t get any nibbles. Comfortably the best remaining player on Brugler’s board (No. 18), Terrell lacks the size of his brother (Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell), but GM John Schneider drafted an undersized corner early in 2023, and it’s fair to say Devon Witherspoon has worked out. Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe are pending free agents (as is safety Coby Bryant). The Seahawks could re-sign one to start opposite Witherspoon (with Nick Emmanwori in the slot), but having another corner in the rotation would maximize coach Mike Macdonald’s options. It’s hard to find athletic cornerbacks with instincts and playmaking ability like Terrell’s beyond the early rounds. — David DeChant

Round 2 (teams without a first-round pick)47. Indianapolis Colts: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

The Colts desperately need to upgrade at linebacker, especially from a coverage standpoint, and Rodriguez would be a good foundational player to bolster that unit. The former Texas Tech standout was a turnover-forcing machine in college, and his comfort level in space would surely be welcomed in Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system. Veterans Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt struggled mightily in coverage last season, and it seems like a formality that at least one of them will be playing elsewhere in 2026. That likely departure opens the door for Rodriguez to step right in as a ready-made replacement. — James Boyd

48. Atlanta Falcons: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

New Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham has described himself as a “best available” drafter who won’t chase positions of need at the expense of a better player. The good news in this exercise is that both things align in Bernard, who is Brugler’s No. 45 overall player. The 6-1, 209-pounder is an all-around player with a high floor who would be a huge upgrade at the No. 3 receiver spot or could even step in right away as the No. 2 target if the Falcons release veteran Darnell Mooney to save $12 million in cap space. Mooney is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season in which he had the second-lowest yardage total of his career (443). — Josh Kendall

Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard caught 64 passes for 862 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)

52. Green Bay Packers: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

According to TruMedia, the Packers ranked 23rd in defensive rush EPA per snap on first and second down last season. To reclaim the NFC North’s top spot from the run-savvy Chicago Bears and to earn their first home playoff game since 2021, the Packers might need to improve against the run, especially if defensive end Micah Parsons and/or defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt miss time again. Getting Parsons and Wyatt back will certainly help — the Packers didn’t have either for the last two games in Chicago last season — but another mauler up front wouldn’t hurt. Brugler thinks Hunter will be an “asset on early downs” because of his prowess against the run at 320 pounds with near-35-inch arms. Each of the Packers’ top three defensive tackles, Wyatt, Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks, are also entering contract years, so it would behoove the Packers to backload the position in case they lose multiple interior defensive linemen in 2027 free agency. — Matt Schneidman

56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

The Jags must address the secondary this offseason, and Igbinosun’s 6-2, 195-pound frame is ideal for an outside cornerback. He plays with a level of physicality that has exposed him to penalties, but that can be harnessed by coach Liam Coen and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, who should love the playing style. Coen also has a relationship with Ohio State coach Ryan Day, so he should be plenty familiar with the program’s draft prospects. Igbinosun should start immediately. — Howe