2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Raiders, Jets get new QBs in top 3

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We're down to less than a week left of the NFL regular season in 2025. All but two of the 14 playoff berths have been secured - leaving many teams on the outside looking in for Week 18.

Before the regular season finale, many fanbases are already looking ahead to the offseason and how their favorite franchise could improve its roster. The best way to do that is through the NFL Draft, thanks to young, inexpensive talent that can develop into team cornerstones over time.

The 2026 NFL Draft class will feature quarterbacks at the top. How many is a question, as some haven't declared for the draft yet. Beyond that, it will be another good class for defensive line and interior offensive line prospects. It's a standout year for linebackers at a time when the league is desperate for more talent at the position.

The top of the draft order changed with Week 17's results. There's a new team at No. 1: the Las Vegas Raiders. They're now in the driver's seat for the top pick entering the regular season finale.

Who they pick and how the rest of the first round will go are burning questions for fans across the country. We've compiled expert predictions from Pro Football Focus, CBS Sports, A to Z Sports and Bleacher Nation to see what every team in the first round could do:

2026 NFL mock draft roundup

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Pro Football Focus: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

CBS Sports: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

A to Z Sports: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Bleacher Nation: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Pro Football Focus: "Las Vegas resets at the quarterback position by selecting Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. The 22-year-old enters the College Football Playoff quarterfinals with an 88.2 PFF passing grade, seventh best in the FBS, alongside 21 big-time throws compared to just nine turnover-worthy plays. That level of ball security will be welcomed, considering the Raiders’ current quarterback, Geno Smith, leads the NFL in interceptions."

A to Z Sports: "It sounds like it’s going to be a complete house cleaning in Vegas, and that means no Pete Carroll or Geno Smith back in town for next season. They were completely outclassed by the Giants, a concerning fact for the near future of this team, but landing a franchise quarterback gets you a lot closer in a rebuild than anything else."

2. New York Giants

Pro Football Focus: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

CBS Sports: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

A to Z Sports: QB Dante Moore, Oregon (traded to Cleveland Browns)

Bleacher Nation: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

CBS Sports: "An explosive, high-motor LB with a versatile skill set that includes elite closing speed vs. both the run and the pass. He is a terror coming downhill, showcasing his strength and athleticism to shoot gaps, shed blocks and collapse the pocket. Reese is a wrap-up tackling machine who consistently plays with an aggressive edge and the versatility to line up across the front seven. One of the biggest risers over the first month of the college season."

A to Z Sports: "The Browns are in complete desperation mode and are willing to pay just about any price to not be stuck in quarterback purgatory again or have to have Deshaun Watson play another snap in a Browns uniform. With their bevy of picks they’ve acquired over the Travis Hunter et al trades, Cleveland gives the Giants whatever they ask for to jump the Jets for a quarterback."

3. New York Jets

Pro Football Focus: QB Dante Moore, Oregon

CBS Sports: QB Dante Moore, Oregon

A to Z Sports: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Bleacher Nation: QB Dante Moore, Oregon

CBS Sports: "Moore is a composed, confident pocket passer who thrives under pressure, consistently working through progressions and delivering accurate, tight-window throws with anticipation. He's highly effective when moving the launch point, showing the arm strength and touch to attack every level of the field -- often off-platform. While not a true dual-threat, Moore's poise, vision and athleticism allow him to extend plays and create when protection breaks down, and he repeatedly shows up in big moments."

A to Z Sports: "Well, this might be worst-case scenario for the Jets if they can’t land a quarterback atop the NFL Draft. They are essentially starting from scratch with one of the most lifeless teams I can recall (and that is saying something, given some of the teams the Jets have put out in recent years), so they might as well take best player available in Arvell Reese and try to improve where they can."

4. Tennessee Titans

Pro Football Focus: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

CBS Sports: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

A to Z Sports: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Bleacher Nation: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

A to Z Sports: "To nobody’s surprise outside of the Titans’ building, the Dan Moore mega deal from last free agency aged like milk. Moore leads the league in blown blocks and is a sieve on Cam Ward’s blind side. The remainder of his guaranteed money on his contract wouldn’t stop me from drafting an upgrade in Spencer Fano and throwing him to the bench."

Bleacher Nation: "The Titans have a ton of holes left to fill on their roster, and EDGE is one of them. Bain Jr. is likely going to end up as the top EDGE on the board, and he was lights out against Texas A&M in Miami’s CFP opener. I think the Titans take him in this spot."

5. Arizona Cardinals

Pro Football Focus: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

CBS Sports: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

A to Z Sports: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Bleacher Nation: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Pro Football Focus: "Arizona is missing quality depth, particularly in run support, on its defensive line. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. would add an immediate infusion of strength and versatility. Bain is one of just two FBS edge defenders ranked among the top 10 players in PFF pass-rush and run-defense grades. He has tallied 66 pressures and 10 sacks, and his ability to condense inside would be extremely valuable to an Arizona defense ranked in the bottom five in PFF pass-rush and run-defense grades in 2025."

CBS Sports: "Simpson is a big-armed pocket passer who plays with composure and outstanding mental processing both before and after the snap. He plays with an aggressive confidence and excels at navigating muddy pockets, throwing accurately on short and intermediate routes, and ripping tight-window throws with anticipation -- though he has been historically inconsistent on deep balls. Simpson is athletic enough to buy time with his legs to extend plays and move the sticks."

6. Cleveland Browns

Pro Football Focus: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

CBS Sports: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

A to Z Sports: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State (traded to New York Giants)

Bleacher Nation: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

A to Z Sports: "If Joe Schoen does stay as general manager of the Giants, they will undoubtedly look to add talent around Jaxson Dart. They need plenty of weapons around Dart for him to find NFL success, and Carnell Tate is the top wide receiver in the draft this year. He’s taken a significant step forward this season, and I think pairing him with Malik Nabers would be an awesome 1-2 punch in an NFC East full of them."

Bleacher Nation: "I have no idea yet if Cleveland likes Shedeur Sanders enough to keep him around for another year, but they’ve given him the rest of this season, and the 2027 quarterback class is stacked. Would they take the third QB off the board, or go with a piece that they know can really help them? I think it’s the latter."

7. Washington Commanders

Pro Football Focus: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

CBS Sports: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

A to Z Sports: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Bleacher Nation: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

CBS Sports: "Downs could be a Troy Polamalu-level talent in the NFL. He's only 5-foot-11, and he may not end up running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, but I don't care. Not even a little bit. Both Kyle Hamilton and Brian Branch Jr. slipped on draft day because of mediocre 40 times. They're two of the best young defensive backs in football. Downs is a run-game enforcer and has the sideline-to-sideline juice, coupled with the short-area burst, to excel in pass coverage."

A to Z Sports: "Washington’s defense has been a letdown from their strong 2024 season last year, and it’s a combination of a porous secondary and an inconsistent pass rush. With multiple pass rushers hitting free agency, Washington invests in arguably the most disruptive force in college football this season in David Bailey to boost their pass rush."

8. New Orleans Saints

Pro Football Focus: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

CBS Sports: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

A to Z Sports: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Bleacher Nation: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Pro Football Focus: "The Saints rank dead last in the NFL in PFF rushing grade and explosive run rate. Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, whose 93.4 PFF rushing grade this season led the FBS, could fix that. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry and amassed 39 explosive runs across fewer than 200 carries. His game-breaking speed would bring balance to New Orleans’ pass-heavy offense."

A to Z Sports: "The Saints are an odd spot draft-wise, where they could go in just about every direction but OT or QB and I feel like it would be easy to justify. With Cameron Jordan likely retiring and an inconsistent pass rush outside of him, I’d like to see them take another traitsy rusher opposite of Chase Young to bolster their front four."

9. Kansas City Chiefs

Pro Football Focus: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

CBS Sports: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

A to Z Sports: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Bleacher Nation: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Pro Football Focus: "The Chiefs make it back-to-back years in which they select an offensive tackle in the first round. Current right tackle Jawaan Taylor may be a cap casualty, so Miami’s Francis Mauigoa could slot right into that spot. Mauigoa has allowed just 10 pressures and two sacks while recording a solid 78.9 PFF run-blocking grade this season."

CBS Sports: "Love has legit track speed and high-end acceleration. He can stop on a dime and redirect with rare change-of-direction ability, while playing with good contact balance and the footwork to jump-cut to avoid defenders before hitting the crease."

10. Cincinnati Bengals

Pro Football Focus: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

CBS Sports: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

A to Z Sports: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Bleacher Nation: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

Pro Football Focus: "The Bengals’ lone elite pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson, is likely playing elsewhere in 2026 and beyond. Cincinnati replaces his pass-rush production here with Texas Tech’s David Bailey, who leads the FBS with a 93.9 PFF pass-rush grade, 77 pressures and 14 sacks. Bailey could vault himself even further up the board with a big performance against Oregon’s top-ranked pass-blocking unit in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals."

A to Z Sports: "The Bengals desperately need to add talent to their defensive line, whether it’s on the interior or outside. Banks missed plenty of time with an injury this year, but I still believe in his talent level, and I think he can be a disruptive force who can collapse the pocket up the middle and draw attention away from Shemar Stewart and the rest of the Bengals’ pass rush."

11. Miami Dolphins

Pro Football Focus: WR Makai Lemon, USC

CBS Sports: OL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

A to Z Sports: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Bleacher Nation: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

CBS Sports: "Proctor is a massive, athletic LT with impressive balance and the ability to move effectively in space, making him a first-round talent in both pass protection and perimeter run schemes. When locked in, he can dominate defensive linemen in the run game and neutralize elite edge rushers in pass protection. While his weight, footwork and consistency can be an issue at times, his size, athleticism and upside make him a potential top-tier tackle when fully focused."

Bleacher Nation: "The Dolphins add arguably the top cornerback in the draft here, which helps fill a big need, despite also needing help in the trenches on both sides of the ball."

12. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)

Pro Football Focus: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

CBS Sports: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

A to Z Sports: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Bleacher Nation: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Pro Football Focus: "While the Rams currently lead the NFL in PFF coverage grade, they have struggled to contain opposing passing games over the past month. With two first-round picks in hand, Los Angeles can afford to take a swing on a talent like Jermod McCoy, who did not play this season due to a knee injury. In 2024, McCoy earned an outstanding 89.6 PFF coverage grade while tallying four interceptions and six pass breakups."

CBS Sports: "A savvy, instinctive CB who excels in both off coverage and press man schemes, Delane is consistently in the WRs' back pocket on intermediate and vertical routes. He has a good understanding of route combinations, will drive on balls in front of him and is a reliable tackler in space."

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pro Football Focus: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

CBS Sports: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

A to Z Sports: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Bleacher Nation: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

CBS Sports: "Cisse is a versatile corner who can consistently lock down receivers in press-man coverage and showcases elite athleticism, with explosive downhill speed and next-level change-of-direction ability. Whether he's driving on quick routes from off coverage or playing in press, he's consistently in position for pass breakup opportunities. He's also one of the best run-defending CBs in this entire class."

A to Z Sports: "Linebacker has been a problem for the Buccaneers for years, despite Lavonte David’s best efforts as an ageless wonder on the field. It feels like it’s finally time he’ll hang it up, and the rest of the room might be the worst unit in the NFL. Linebackers aren’t a “valuable” position, but Sonny Styles is one of the few blue-chip talents in this draft, and this is a no-brainer if he falls here."

14. Dallas Cowboys

Pro Football Focus: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

CBS Sports: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

A to Z Sports: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Bleacher Nation: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

A to Z Sports: "The Cowboys need help pretty much everywhere but defensive tackle. We’ll see if Matt Eberflus survives, but regardless of if he stays or not, Dallas needs blue-chip talent where they can take it. Downs is a versatile, do-it-all safety who would add a veteran-like presence to Dallas’s secondary and is a productive player who seemingly always finds himself around the ball."

Bleacher Nation: "Dallas needs help getting to the QB after trading away Micah Parsons. Keeping David Bailey in the state of Texas in this slot would be a great value for how talented and productive he is at a premier position."

15. Detroit Lions

Pro Football Focus: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

CBS Sports: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

A to Z Sports: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Bleacher Nation: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

CBS Sports: "McCoy is a physical corner who can play man on an island and is also comfortable in zone looks. He's in phase on vertical routes, and in run support he comes downhill looking to thump someone. He's coming off a January ACL injury, and while he's yet to get back on the field, he could end up being the best CB in this class."

Bleacher Nation: "Aidan Hutchinson is great, but the Lions have struggled to find a consistent option opposite him. They could very well take a shot at that here with this pick. I wouldn’t be surprised with a corner going here either, but I think they might rely on getting healthier in that position and drafting an EDGE."

16. Baltimore Ravens

Pro Football Focus: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

CBS Sports: Edge R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma

A to Z Sports: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Bleacher Nation: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Pro Football Focus: "Baltimore has struggled to disrupt quarterbacks in the pocket all season. Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell has made a living at the college level pressuring opposing quarterbacks, no more so than this season. Howell earned an elite 90.3 PFF pass-rush grade while accruing 41 pressures and 12 sacks in 2025."

CBS Sports: "Thomas wins with twitch and a relentless motor. He's explosive off the snap, bends the corner with ease and keeps coming even when the first move doesn't work, which explains his knack for turning pressures into sacks. He can beat OTs with speed or power (or both in the same rep), collapse the pocket from different alignments, and is the definition of playing with 'your hair on fire.; He might be undersized by typical NFL edge rusher standards, but we all said the same thing about former Sooner Nik Bonitto."

17. Minnesota Vikings

Pro Football Focus: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

CBS Sports: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

A to Z Sports: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Bleacher Nation: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Pro Football Focus: "The Vikings haven’t gotten what they were hoping for in run defense from veterans Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen in 2025. Both players are also in their early 30s, so the addition of someone like Clemson’s Peter Woods could be a smart long-term play. Woods endured a bit of a down year in 2025, but he earned PFF overall grades above 83.0 in each of his first two seasons, so the elite potential is there to be unlocked."

Bleacher Nation: "Brian Flores’ defense needs some help on the interior D-line despite the Vikings’ spending spree there last offseason, but they need help at cornerback even more. They get one of the top players on the board at that position.."

18. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)

Pro Football Focus: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

CBS Sports: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

A to Z Sports: WR Makai Lemon, USC

Bleacher Nation: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

CBS Sports: "A big, physical WR with a massive catch radius, contested-catch ability and the speed to separate quickly and hit top-end velocity in 2-3 steps. Boston is an effective route runner at all three levels, will run through arm tackles in space, and can outmuscle defenders in the red zone. While primarily an outside threat, his size, strength and hands make him a potential matchup problem in the slot, too. Added bonus: he's a legit threat as a punt returner."

A To Z Sports: "Even though the Jets don’t have a rookie quarterback in this scenario, I think they would be wise to fill out their wide receiver room for whoever does play under center next season. Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell can be the perimeter threats, opening up Lemon to be peppered with targets as a reliable chain mover and after the catch weapon out of the slot."

19. Carolina Panthers

Pro Football Focus: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

CBS Sports: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

A to Z Sports: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Bleacher Nation: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Pro Football Focus: "Carolina’s tight ends rank 31st in the NFL in PFF receiving grade and have produced the fourth-fewest receiving yards through Week 17. With the blocking foundation already in place, a versatile option such as Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq could add a dynamic element to the position group. Sadiq leads all FBS tight ends in touchdowns with eight while averaging an excellent 1.87 yards per route run."

CBS Sports: "Ioane is one of the cleanest prospects in this class, excelling as an earth mover in the run game and showing the athleticism to be effective in both gap and zone schemes. In pass protection, he plays with a strong base, using a well-timed, powerful punch to neutralize the bull rush."

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pro Football Focus: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

CBS Sports: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

A to Z Sports: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Bleacher Nation: WR Makai Lemon, USC

A to Z Sports: "Who knows who will take over under center next season for the Steelers, but whoever it is will need more weapons than what the Steelers can offer right now. Concepcion can step in as the WR2 essentially right away and would add a strong element of explosiveness they don’t have outside of DK Metcalf."

Bleacher Nation: "The Steelers’ offense is stagnant, and they desperately need help alongside DK Metcalf. Lemon would add a dangerous, versatile weapon to a Pittsburgh team that could really use one."

21. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)

Pro Football Focus: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

CBS Sports: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

A to Z Sports: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

Bleacher Nation: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Pro Football Focus: "With a cornerback already addressed, Dallas could turn to Georgia’s CJ Allen as a new leader at linebacker. Allen has emerged as a key figure in an elite Georgia run defense and ranks fourth among qualified FBS linebackers in PFF run-defense grade (90.9). He also brings added value as a blitzer, as he has recorded 13 pressures and four sacks this season."

Bleacher Nation: "At this point of the first round, Dallas might be in “best player available” territory, and Sonny Styles is a really good one. While he doesn’t play at a premier position, he’s incredibly talented and would help Dallas on that side of the ball."

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Pro Football Focus: IOL Olaivavega Ionae, Penn State

CBS Sports: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

A to Z Sports: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

Bleacher Nation: IOL Olaivavega Ionae, Penn State

Pro Football Focus: "The Chargers’ tackle spots should be stabilized by the return to health of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, but the interior offensive line remains an area of need. Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane profiles as a first-round talent who could help immediately. If protecting Justin Herbert is the priority, Ioane fits the bill, ranking 12th among qualified guards in PFF pass-blocking grade (87.3) while allowing just four pressures all season."

A to Z Sports: "Mauigoa plays offensive tackle for the Hurricanes, but I think he would be better served inside at guard. In Los Angeles, Mauigoa would be a seamless fit in their power run game and actually boasts an anchor to prevent the pocket from collapsing, something Justin Herbert would no doubt be grateful for.."

23. Buffalo Bills

Pro Football Focus: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

CBS Sports: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

A to Z Sports: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

Bleacher Nation: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

Pro Football Focus: "Buffalo’s interior defensive line has struggled against the run throughout the season. There may be no better solution in college football than Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald. McDonald leads all qualified FBS defensive linemen in PFF run-defense grade (92.2) entering the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, and his 30 total defensive stops rank seventh among all defensive tackles."

CBS Sports: "Allen is a consistent problem for offensive linemen trying to block him because of his combination of speed, quickness and power. He has a nose for the ball, rarely takes false steps, and is a reliable, physical tackler who limits yards after contact all over the field. He can more than hold his own in coverage vs. TEs and slot receivers, and he brings juice as a blitzer, too."

24. Los Angeles Rams

Pro Football Focus: DT Christen Miller, Georgia

CBS Sports: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

A to Z Sports: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Bleacher Nation: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

CBS Sports: "Concepcion is a versatile WR who uses his quickness and burst to consistently get open against man coverage, proving himself a deep threat with the speed to stack defenders. He is a natural hands-catcher who runs precise routes to all three levels and adds significant value as a dynamic punt returner with impressive YAC ability."

A to Z Sports: "Kam Curl has been a replacement-level starter this year, and there’s no argument to keep him around in Los Angeles anymore. Worst still, the rest of this room doesn’t look much better with some stark regression from Kam Kinchens. The Rams can capitalize on a solid safety class to add an easy upgrade to their secondary in Dillon Thieneman, who would give them the range they desperately need in the back end while also giving them the run defense they thought they were getting out of Curl."

25. Philadelphia Eagles

Pro Football Focus: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

CBS Sports: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

A to Z Sports:TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Bleacher Nation: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Pro Football Focus: "The Eagles have one weak spot at cornerback and several ways to address it. Drafting Clemson’s Aveion Terrell would give them flexibility, either keeping him on the outside or moving him inside and sliding current slot cornerback Cooper DeJean out wide. Terrell is an undersized playmaker who has broken up 15 passes over the past two seasons while earning a PFF run-defense grade of at least 86.0 in both years."

Bleacher Nation: "If Dallas Goedert does indeed leave in free agency, this would feel like a nice replacement, giving the Eagles a playmaker at tight end."

26. Houston Texans

Pro Football Focus: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

CBS Sports: IOL Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon

A to Z Sports: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Bleacher Nation: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

CBS Sports: "Pregnon is an absolute mauler in the run game, possessing the strength to move defensive linemen at the point of attack and the athleticism to easily get to and handle second-level defenders -- he anchors as well as any interior offensive lineman in the class. In pass protection, a balanced base, strong hands and smooth footwork allow him to mirror and redirect rushers, and he makes it look easy."

Bleacher Nation: "Whoever the Texans view as the top offensive lineman on their board here is who they should take. They’ve gotten so much better as the year has gone on, but they still need help up front."

27. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)

Pro Football Focus: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

CBS Sports: OL Carter Smith, Indiana

A to Z Sports: CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State (traded to New York Giants)

Bleacher Nation: OT Gennings Dunker, Iowa

CBS Sports: "Smith is a smooth, athletic pass protector who hasn't allowed a sack this season. He excels at mirroring speed rushers and seamlessly handles stunting defensive linemen. He plays with a strong anchor and heavy hands, flashes lateral quickness and change of direction, and can get to the second level or blow up defenders in the screen game."

A to Z Sports: "Deonte Banks still hasn’t proven himself to be worth the first-round investment the Giants gave him years ago, and I think the secondary still needs plenty of work. Abney is undersized, but he’s physical, athletic, and a strong playmaker who can play on the outside or in the slot."

28. San Francisco 49ers

Pro Football Focus: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

CBS Sports: WR Makai Lemon, USC

A to Z Sports: Edge Zion Young, Missouri

Bleacher Nation: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Pro Football Focus: "The 49ers rank an uncharacteristically low 28th in yards after catch per completion this season. One player who could add an element of explosiveness to the offense is Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion. Concepcion earned an 81.2 PFF receiving grade while totaling 440 yards after the catch this season, both of which rank among the top 30 marks for FBS wide receivers."

A to Z Sports: "Here’s the list of 49ers defensive ends who are under contract for 2026 and have no injury questions heading into the offseason: Bryce Huff & Keion White. Even though they will have Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams back, this room still feels like a giant question mark for the future. They’ve long tended to prefer these long, physical defensive ends with great size, something Young checks every box for."

29. Chicago Bears

Pro Football Focus: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

CBS Sports: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

A to Z Sports: DT A'Mauri Washington, Oregon

Bleacher Nation: Edge Gabe Jacas, Illinois

A to Z Sports: "The Bears need improvements all along the defensive line, as it’s been a glaring weakness of Ryan Poles’ tenure. EDGE rusher is a need for sure, but that spot dries up way earlier than the Bears will pick. Washington can be a disruptive three-down defender to plug right into the middle of their defense and draw attention away to free up their edge rushers."

Bleacher Nation: "As of now, he’s still a bit of a first-round reach, but I’ve been saying the past few weeks, and I mean it, that I think he’s going to rise up draft boards due to his measurables and athleticism. He had 11 sacks for the Illini this season, can play the run well, and is truly an explosive football player on the defensive line. The Bears desperately need help getting to the quarterback, and I think this is a fit, especially with Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen, who likes bigger-framed players at EDGE."

30. New England Patriots

Pro Football Focus: Edge Romello Height, Texas Tech

CBS Sports: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

A to Z Sports: OT Trevor Goosby, Texas

Bleacher Nation: Edge Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon

CBS Sports: "When Iheanachor is locked in, he can make pass rushers disappear -- he plays with light feet, calm hands and the kind of balance that lets him mirror twitchy edge rushers without panicking. If he gets his hands inside, the rep is basically over; he can absorb power, reset against counters and ride speed rushers right past the quarterback. He's not flashy, but he's reliable, athletic and tough to beat clean -- the kind of pass protector coaches trust on an island."

Bleacher Nation: "TThe Patriots have had an awesome year, but they still have a few holes to fill, and Edge is one of them. Uiagalelei’s sack numbers haven’t been super flashy for Oregon this year, but his ceiling is intriguing, and he’s someone Mike Vrabel would probably jump at the chance to develop."

31. Denver Broncos

Pro Football Focus: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

CBS Sports: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

A to Z Sports: WR Chris Bell, Louisville

Bleacher Nation: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

Pro Football Focus: "Denver could be in a tight spot this offseason, with linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad both set to enter free agency. That could create a need for another starter alongside Dre Greenlaw, and Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. could be a candidate near the end of the first round. Hill is an outstanding athlete who has missed just three tackles this season and has earned a strong 79.7 PFF run-defense grade, following up an 80.1 run-defense grade posted in 2024."

A to Z Sports: "Denver doesn’t have a lot of “priority” needs, in my opinion, which means they can take a swing for a luxury position or gamble. Chris Bell tore his ACL at the end of the season, so it will be some time before he’s ready to see the field, but he’s an outstanding playmaker on the perimeter who would complement Courtland Sutton well and give Bo Nix another weapon."

32. Seattle Seahawks

Pro Football Focus: OL Gennings Dunker, Iowa

CBS Sports: CB Julian Neal, Arkansas

A to Z Sports: IOL Olaivavega Ionae, Penn State

Bleacher Nation: CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State

CBS Sports: "Neal is a long-striding, physical corner who excels in vertical coverage, using his height and makeup speed to consistently stay in phase and be in position for pass breakup opportunities downfield. He's comfortable in both man and zone schemes, is a red zone asset due to his size and physicality, and his willingness to come downhill and tackle like a safety makes him a reliable run defender."

A to Z Sports: "The interior of Seattle’s offensive line remains a problem, as it has for the last few seasons, and it’s frequently killing promising drives for the Seahawks’ offense. Ioane can plug-and-play right into the middle and finally nip that problem in the bud."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Experts predict Raiders go QB at No. 1

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