The draft order for the top 18 has been set, and with the college football playoff nearing its end, we are beginning to get a clearer picture of what the NFL draft may look like this April. The Raiders have secured the number one overall pick, and the coaching carousel for other teams is now in full swing. There is still a long way to go before the draft, and we will see a lot of change between now and the draft, but for the first time since October, I feel comfortable taking a shot at what I think the draft may look like this year.
1. Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
As much as I want to see the Raiders build up their roster and add a QB in 2026, it’s not going to happen. Las Vegas fired its coach, Pete Carroll, and will look for a complete reset, adding a new quarterback as well. Mendoza is the Heisman winner this season, and his play has made him well-deserving of a top draft pick. This is a team running out of time to start winning, and it would be a disservice to the franchise if they had to move on from Max Crosby, Brock Bowers, or Ashton Jeanty because of a lack of success on the field.
2. Jets – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Moore is my top quarterback in the draft and, if developed properly, can be a perennial Pro Bowler in the NFL. The Jets are a complete dumpster fire, and in this scenario, they add Moore and a veteran, sit him for a bit to learn and develop, and then play him when the time is right. The Jets have a decent coaching staff, and they will run it back with Aaron Glenn again this season. Letting Moore develop allows him to learn the offense, and if Glenn proves he can be the long-term coach, Moore will step into a great situation next season.
3. Cardinals – Spencer Fano, T, Utah
This year’s QB class falls off a cliff after the top two, leaving the Cardinals in a bit of an awkward spot. If they decide to move on from Kyler Murray, they need to know who their QB will be next season BEFORE the draft. Arizona has one of the best left tackles in the NFL with Paris Johnson, and adding Fano secures both sides of the line for years to come. With a new coaching staff, the Cardinals will start from scratch, building their roster with hopes of taking a big step in 2027.
4. Titans – Arvell Reece, EDGE/LB, Ohio State
The Titans need to find out who their new coach will be before anything else, but it is hard to imagine them moving away from their strong 3-4 defense, and Arvell Reece seems like the perfect fit. Reece is arguably the best player in this year’s draft, and the Titans are really in the position to take the best player available, building around their young QB Cam Ward. Reece provides incredible versatility for a team that desperately needs a change, and adding him would be a big-time gift for whoever the new defensive play-caller is in Tennessee going forward.
5. Giants – Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Giants will have a chance to pick up a big receiver in free agency, but at the same time, if they don’t, they will have the opportunity to take the best receiver on their board, as it is doubtful one will go higher than this. Tyson is an all-around threat who would pair perfectly with Malik Nabers, giving a new offensive play caller plenty of weapons to work with going forward.
6. Browns – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs remains as my number one player in the draft this year, and with the Browns looking to do a complete reset of the roster, this feels like the perfect addition for them. The Browns’ defense is anchored by the best defensive player of our generation in Myles Garrett, who just broke the NFL sack record this past weekend. Adding a player like Downs, who can line up in several different spots and can impact the game from anywhere on the field, is incredibly valuable and could make quarterbacks hold the ball just a tick longer, allowing Garrett to get home.
7. Commanders – David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
This may seem bold to some people who have seen other defensive ends or edge rushers at the top of the draft throughout the season, but do not get it twisted, Bailey is a star. Texas Tech made the CFP this season primarily on the back of their dominating defensive line, which was anchored by their star pass rusher, David Bailey. Dan Quinn loves edge rushers who can get to the quarterback, and Adam Peters loves athletic prospects, meaning there is no better fit in this year’s draft for Washington than Bailey.
8. Saints – Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
Just because Bain is not the first DE off the board does not mean he is a poor prospect; he will remain in the top 10. The Saints are a team with a history of big defensive ends, and Rueben Bain Jr will fit that mold perfectly. It is still unclear which DEs will be back for the Saints next season, with Cam Jordan potentially retiring and Carl Granderson needing a restructured deal. Even if Jordan returns, Bain would be a great fit, and he will have an opportunity to learn from one of the best in the NFL.
9. Chiefs – Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson
The Chiefs were the most disappointing team in football this year, going from Super Bowl hopefuls to out of the playoffs in a matter of weeks. Kansas City has had its fair share of issues, but the defensive line was one of the most significant, especially on the interior next to superstar Chris Jones. Steve Spagnuolo’s defense is built around generating pressure, especially up the middle, and adding another talented interior defensive tackle would make a big difference.
10. Bengals – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Love may very well be the best player in the entire draft, but he also plays the least valuable position in the draft, which is what causes him to fall to the Bengals at 10. The Bengals’ RB room has been subpar at best, and they will be looking to bolster their ability to run the ball this season to help keep star QB Joe Burrow healthy going forward. Behind one of the biggest offensive lines in football, Love would be a step in the right direction for the Bengals’ offense.
11. Dolphins – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Drafting an Ohio State reciever is like betting on the sun to rise in the morning, and the Buckeyes ability to develop reciever talent has been on full display this season. Tate is a big-bodied, well-rounded receiver whose skill set will fit in seamlessly alongside Jaylen Waddle in the Mike McDaniel offense. Regardless of who the QB is in Miami this upcoming season, Tate will provide them with a reliable target who can create separation and play through contact at the highest level.
12. Cowboys – Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Faulk seems to be a polarizing prospect at the moment, with many fans unable to get past his sack numbers and pressure rate. But when you watch the film, Faulk is one of the most consistent contributors on the edge in all of college football. His size and power make him one of the most dominant run defenders in the nation, exactly what the Cowboys defense needs going forward. We do not know who the defensive coordinator will be in Dallas next year, but regardless, stopping the run will be a top priority.
13. Rams – Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami
Mauigoa was my top tackle for most of the season, but concerns about his arm length have caused him to move down the board for most scouts. The Rams’ offensive line has been solid this year, but they have several upcoming free agents and will need to bring in reinforcements. The Rams have worked with Alaric Jackson, who has been rumored to have sub-33″ arms, and they could do the same with the bigger Mauigoa. The Rams make a safe pick here, knowing they can move him to guard if needed.
14. Ravens – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
CB 1 for most scouts. Jermod McCoy’s draft stock has taken a hit because of his injury, which has forced him to miss this whole season, but not enough to keep him out of the top 15. The 2024 tape from McCoy is incredible and has proven to be more than enough for him to not only be a first-round corner but also to give many teams confidence in his ability to make an immediate impact. His health will matter, and if his injury is not healing as NFL teams hope, he could slip. But as of today, we have not seen any indication of that, which is why the Ravens grab him here at 14.
15. Buccaneers – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Most of the debate for who has earned the title of CB 1 in this year’s draft has revolved around Jermod McCoy and Mansoor Delane. With McCoy off the board, the Buccaneers swoop in and grab the other top corner in this year’s draft, who feels like an exceptional fit in coach Todd Bowles defense. The Tampa Bay secondary has struggled mightily this season, and Delane will be one step in the right direction.
16. Jets – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Lemon is one of my favorite prospects in this year’s draft, and he will be an easy guy to root for in the NFL. He has had a massive breakout this year, proving himself as one of the best receivers in the nation, with an elite ability to create separation immediately at the line of scrimmage. Lemon has an elite skillset, and despite being just 5’11, maybe smaller, he is able to haul in anything thrown his way. His catch radius is incredible, especially for someone of his stature, and he has proven to be a reliable target in his career at USC. Now he pairs up with Dante Moore in New Your to help transform their offense.
17. Lions – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Styles is a star and is widely seen as the best “pure off-ball linebacker” in this year’s draft, and has been one of the biggest leaders on the Buceyes defense for each of the last three seasons. Styles could have declared last season but chose to return for 2025, and it has proven to be a good investment, as he has all but solidified himself as a first-round pick. The Lions need an anchor for their defense, and Styles would step in and make an immediate impact.
18. Vikings – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Even if Brian Flores is hired to become a head coach, the Vikings have a clear need at corner, especially on a defense that relies heavily on aggressive defensive formations. Avieon (the younger brother of AJ) is the younger of the Terrell siblings, but is very similar to his older brother as far as play style goes. He is an incredible man coverage corner who is aggressive on the ball, and he is also more than capable of playing the flat and making impact tackles. He would be a great addition to the Minnesota secondary from day one.
19. Panthers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Sadiq is the clear top TE in the class, and with the breakout of Bryce Young this season, the Panthers will be aggressive in building around him this season. Last year, the Panthers added Tetairoa McMillan in the first round, and now they will open up the offense by adding a reliable target across the middle. Sadiq is just an average blocker, but his receiving skill set will fit very well into the Carolinda offense.
20. Cowboys – Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
The Cowboys traded away Micah Parsons in part because they wanted to be better at stopping the run, and if Jerry Jones was serious about that, Banks feels like their guy. Banks is a massive man who is one of the most athletic players in the 2026 NFL draft, and many scouts are comparing him to the Bills’ 2025 pick Deone Walker, who slipped into the fourth round last year. Walker has been one of the best rookies in the NFL, and I cannot imagine Dallas will let that happen again.
21. Steelers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Concepcion is another undersized, but efficient reciever in this year’s draft who is likely to go in the first round. He was one of the top players in the portal this offseason when he landed with the Aggies and has taken a massive step forward, proving to be a much more polished receiver than people expected. In Pittsburgh, KCC will be the perfect player to put next to DK Metcalf in the Steelers’ WR room and should make an immediate impact for their offense.
22. Chargers – TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Coming into this season, if you had told me Parker would slip out of the top 20, I would have laughed and called you crazy…, but here we are. Clemson was one of the most disappointing teams in football this year, and many people have concerns about Parker’s impact on a loaded defensive line. But on tape, he shows flashes of being one of the best edge guys in the nation, and with the right coach, I could see him becoming an exceptional pass rusher in the league.
23. Eagles – Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
Similar to Parker, if you told me Kadyn Proctor would slip out of the top 20, I wouldn’t have believed you for a second… but here we are. Proctor had a rough start to the year, raising concerns about his weight impacting his anchor and quickness to get out of his stance, but he showed consistent improvement as the year went on. The Eagles need a replacement for Lane Johnson when he retires, and could also use another guard, meaning Proctor could be a fit at either of those spots. Not to mention, who better to teach him than Jordan Mailata?
24. Bills – Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
McDonald has been a big-time riser for me this season in his first year as a full-time starter with the Buckeyes. He is a complete wrecking ball on the interior and is one of the hardest players to contain in the entire draft. The Bills have seen some flashes from rookie Deone Walker, and plugging McDonald in next to him will only help the production of McDermott’s defense.
25. Bears – Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Matayo is the younger brother of DJ Uiagalelei, who is currently on the Chargers practice squad after a college career at Clemson, Oregon State, and Florida State. Matayo is a skilled athlete on the edge, and his blend of size and physicality will be very appealing to NFL scouts. The Bears’ defense is led by Dennis Allen, who runs a strict 4-3 scheme and relies heavily on bigger defensive ends, and Matayo U will be a great fit in Chicago.
26. 49ers – Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
My player comparison for Bell is former 49ers WR Debo Samuel, who became a superstar in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Bell is a true playmaker with the ball in his hands, and his ability to make plays in space is elite, a trait Shanahan will value. Bell is a top 25 prospect for me, but a knee injury could throw a wrench into his plans this offseason. But if healthy, he will be a top reciever prospect this season.
27. Texans – Christian Miller, IDL, Georgia
Miller is one of my favorite prospects in this year’s draft with real superstar upside on the defensive line. On film, you can see Miller line up in a wide range of positions, ranging from 0-5 tech on the Bulldogs’ defensive line. Demeco Ryans is one of the best defensive minds in the sport, and while he already has the best DE room in the NFL, building the interior will be strong.
28. Browns – Blake Miller, T, Clemson
Miller is the perfect pick for the Browns precisely because he is so raw as a player that he will need some time to develop his skills before he can truly excel as a starter. Cleveland has no intention of winning the Super Bowl next season, and the Browns will spend a lot of draft capital building their roster for the future. Miller is one of the highest upside tackles in this year’s class, and the Browns will provide him an opportunity to start, watch film, and learn from his mistakes in a low-pressure environment to start his promising career.
29. Patriots – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
For over a decade, the Patriots have been trying to find a WR 1 and have spent a lot of draft capital to do so. They will try again this year with Denzel Boston, who is one of the most fascinating true outside WR prospects this class has to offer. At 6’4, Boston has a great frame and reliable hands, but what really impresses me is his movement skills and ability to separate at that size. He immediately becomes their best offensive weapon and gives Drake Maye a partner in crime on the offense.
30. Rams – Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Iggy is one of my favorite prospects in this year’s class, and I recently wrote about why I have him graded as my CB 1 in this year’s draft. He is a well-rounded corner who will give defenses the flexibility to run a variety of defensive schemes successfully and keep offenses on their toes. The Rams need help on the boundary, and Igbinosun will immediately provide them with a strong presence on the outside.
31. Broncos – Anthony Hill, LB, Texas
This year’s LB class is one of the most talented groups I have ever seen, but for whatever reason, Hill has been flying under the radar. Coming out of high school, Hill was a 5-star recruit, and during his career at Texas, he has lived up to that hype, playing like a star. The Broncos need a stronger presence in the interior of their defense, and Hill would bring that immediately.
32. Seahawks – Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
The interior of the offensive line is the Seahawks’ biggest weakness, and now they get their pick of the bunch, taking the first guard in the draft. Bisontis is my top guard in this year’s class and is someone I think will be a late riser up boards over the next several weeks/months. While he is a bigger player, Bisontis has a great ability to bend his knees, get low, and impact the game in a wide variety of ways. He will be a day one starter in Seattle.
