2026 NFL Mock Draft: Which Team Gets Love and Simpson? What Do Giants Do at No. 10?

This is where things get interesting. This should be a three-player discussion at No. 2, with Arvell Reese, edge rusher David Bailey and linebacker Sonny Styles in the mix. I don’t think anybody — including those in the Jets’ organization — thinks this team will be a top-end competitor this year. When you look at the draft capital they have this year and next, you’re building for the future. So, bet and bank on potential here with Reese. He’s got the highest upside of anyone in the draft. I think he has the potential to be a Defensive Player of the Year, and he’s got Micah Parsons-esque versatility.

The Cardinals are a really interesting selection. Most people believe they’re looking to shore up the edge. They probably could and maybe they will, but I can’t get out of my head a little thought — and it comes with some intel — of the Cardinals loving Jeremiyah Love. We know they also like Ty Simpson, but this is too rich a spot to draft him. With the thought of potentially making a move for Simpson later in mind, why don’t the Cardinals draft Love? A lot of people believe Love is the best non-quarterback in the draft. Arizona would get a running back who can move between the tackles, hit home runs on the outside and catch passes as a slot receiver. 

I’ve heard rumblings that there could be some movement along Tennessee’s offensive line. I think quarterback Cam Ward’s former Miami teammate, Francis Mauigoa, should be the pick if that’s the case. Mauigoa was dominant and was huge in Miami’s College Football Playoff run. Don’t be surprised if this is the fourth overall pick. 

Are the Giants trying to package their two top-10 picks to move further up? I don’t know about that. But I do know they love one of these offensive players in this draft. I think they’re moving around and trying to position themselves into a place where they can target and draft Jordyn Tyson. I don’t think they’ll need to draft him at No. 5, though. I know pass rusher isn’t a specific need for the Giants, but if you can get the best pure pass rusher in the draft, you go and do that. I’ve also been told the Giants aren’t in on Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

The Browns have left tackle questions. The problem? There isn’t a pure left tackle good enough to use the No. 6 pick on. Fano, who played right tackle the last two seasons, does have some left tackle experience, at least. Fano’s a great player and was the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year this past season. The Browns could move him over and fill that hole on the left side.

Washington needs defense. In this scenario, there are some excellent defensive players on the board. The Commanders would have to be happy that they could get at least one of Sonny Styles or Caleb Downs. They really can’t go wrong picking either one, but they can say to themselves, “You mean we can get a Fred Warner-type?” Styles just blew everyone out of the water at the NFL Scouting Combine. He’s the perfect combination of height, weight and athleticism. He also has versatility in his background, starting out as a safety before moving down to linebacker. 

In one of many current episodes of my digital present, “The Joel Klatt Present,” NFL Community analyst Daniel Jeremiah in contrast Carnell Tate to Saints broad receiver Chris Olave, who can be an Ohio State alum. I like the thought of pairing these two collectively. I additionally marvel if the Saints would decide Downs. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is aware of how impactful an elite security could be, as he coached Derwin James throughout his years as the pinnacle coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. However New Orleans wants to provide second-year quarterback Tyler Shough some weapons. Giving Shough a gradual, downfield menace in Tate could be good. 

The Chiefs have gotten to shore up their secondary. I feel there is a perception on the market that the Chiefs would possibly go for offensive assist, which is why the Giants might need to select Jordyn Tyson at No. 5. So, do not be shocked if the Giants take Tyson at No. 5. However I feel If that is the case, perhaps Kansas Metropolis actually wants assistance on protection — notably within the secondary. Delane is the highest nook within the draft, making this an ideal match and worth for the Chiefs at No. 9. 

Reality be informed, I had a earlier version of a mock draft able to go — till the Giants opted to commerce defensive deal with Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the tenth total decide. That mock draft won’t ever see the sunshine of day, although, and I now know that they are focusing on Tyson, like I stated earlier than. Tyson’s had some harm historical past, however he is received nice athletic bloodlines and groups have actually fallen in love with him. He is rising up draft boards as we get nearer to the draft. 

First-year head coach Jeff Hafley is not in an important place. The Dolphins have to construct up their roster whereas carrying plenty of lifeless wage. One approach to overcome that’s by drafting the most effective participant obtainable. Keep in mind, Hafley was as soon as Ryan Day’s defensive coordinator at Ohio State, which means I do not suppose there’s any NFL head coach who’ll have higher intel on Downs than Hafley. Miami has wants in every single place, and Downs could be a tone-setter for the rebuild.  

The Cowboys have big-time wants at edge and the secondary. Rueben Bain has slipped right here in my mock draft, and it is under no circumstances tied to the current report about his alleged reckless driving incident. Groups have recognized about that for fairly a bit. His fall right here is extra associated to his arm size. Some would possibly suppose that is not a giant deal, however Bain is not a pure pace rusher. If you happen to’re an influence rusher, like Bain is, you have to get into the offensive lineman and lengthen off it. That is why his arm size issues to some extent. Nonetheless, Bain’s too good for the Cowboys to move up. Dallas has to take Bain at No. 12, so long as he is obtainable. Bain performs his butt off on each play and nonetheless produced when groups centered on stopping him.

I do suppose there’s an opportunity the Rams actually love Carnell Tate and attempt to transfer as much as get him. Do not be shocked if that occurs. I additionally suppose they’d like Makai Lemon. He is excellent for the Rams’ offense, and I feel I need to see him in Sean McVay’s offense greater than anything on this yr’s draft. Lemon’s spatial consciousness is off the charts. He is so good in the course of the sector. He understands protection and the way to create house. He is additionally an absolute canine at making contested catches.  

This, in fact, goes to occur. It won’t really feel like essentially the most Ravens decide of all-time, but it surely feels prefer it. The Ravens at all times sit there and get the largest no-brainer or finest worth decide within the draft. Vega Ioane is the most effective offensive lineman on this draft. He does play on the inside, in order that’s why he slides a bit, however the Ravens get the hardest and nastiest offensive lineman obtainable at No. 14, operating to the commissioner to get the decide in. Baltimore additionally has to interchange Tyler Linderbaum within the inside of that offensive line.

I considered a large receiver right here, with Mike Evans leaving for the 49ers. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay additionally has a giant want at edge rusher. Akheem Mesidor is comparatively previous for a prime prospect (he’ll be 25 when the 2026 season begins). He did produce at a excessive stage, although. That maturity may also repay for whoever drafts Mesidor. 

Jermod McCoy would have been a top-10 decide in final yr’s draft had he been eligible and never harm his knee in January.. McCoy labored out at Tennessee’s professional day and ran a sub-4.4 within the 40. He is displaying in exercises that he is again from the ACL tear he suffered final offseason. 

Former Lions left deal with Taylor Decker was launched earlier this offseason, and we all know that it is a workforce that has closely relied on their offensive line for achievement prior to now. I have been informed that Kadyn Proctor will not make it previous the Lions at No. 17. The idea has been that proper deal with Penei Sewell will transfer to left deal with in 2026. Nevertheless, drafting Proctor means the Lions can maintain Sewell on the place he has earned three All-Professional nods at, whereas having Proctor play left deal with.

I like doing trades in mock drafts, but it surely’s onerous to work one out that is sensible for each groups. Dallas jumps up a few picks as a result of it will be valuing Dillon Thieneman at security. Minnesota additionally has a security want, however the Vikings is perhaps tremendous with drafting Toledo security Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The Vikings would additionally solely transfer again two picks on this situation. Thieneman had nice tape in his first two seasons at Purdue earlier than transferring to Oregon, the place he performed a bit extra of a distinct security place. He performed nearer to the road of scrimmage this previous season and was requested to react and play extra instinctively. He did not do a poor job at that, however he is higher served enjoying free security. 

I feel the Panthers ought to proceed to encompass quarterback Bryce Younger with expertise. I do know they simply drafted Tetairoa McMillan at broad receiver this previous season, however the Panthers may also assist ease a few of the points with their offensive line and operating recreation by taking Sadiq. He is an important blocker and could be a actual red-zone menace. 

As I discussed earlier, the Vikings would in all probability roll with McNeil-Warren right here and get a few later-round picks within the course of. He is really wonderful at punching the ball out, forcing 9 fumbles in his faculty profession. 

I’ve no inside data on this, however do not you suppose we’ll get Aaron Rodgers information earlier than the draft takes place in Pittsburgh? If you happen to get that, then you definately give Rodgers one thing he has at all times needed with the Packers: a first-round broad receiver. I like Omar Cooper, particularly after calling the sport the place he made the unimaginable game-winning landing seize in opposition to Penn State. He suits what the Steelers need to do, and he is nice with the ball in his fingers. 

The Chargers need assistance alongside the sting. We all know coach Jim Harbaugh desires to construct a run properly and have his protection work from the inside and outside. T.J. Parker was extensively thought of to be a surefire top-10 decide coming into the 2025 season. He did not have the season that many had hoped for him, although. I do not know what occurred at Clemson this previous season, however the expertise remains to be there with Parker. 

Perhaps the Eagles go together with an edge rusher or a large receiver with the A.J. Brown commerce rumors nonetheless lingering. They will additionally seize Lane Johnson’s inheritor obvious at proper deal with with this choice. Miller is a extremely skilled and good participant. We all know the Eagles are at their finest when their offensive line is main the best way for them. 

The Browns have a giant want at broad receiver, and Denzel Boston may also help them in a giant manner. He is a big-bodied receiver who’s terrific down the sector and within the crimson zone. He has had plenty of manufacturing in his profession, and he’ll compete for the ball in 50-50 conditions. It is a particular space of want for the Browns, they usually can get a top quality participant late within the first spherical.

I feel the Bears would’ve beloved to have drafted a kind of safeties concerned with the commerce I had earlier on this mock draft, however Chicago can nonetheless seize a left deal with with plenty of potential. Monroe Freeling is a prototypical left deal with, and you could possibly ideally have him defending quarterback Caleb Williams’ blindside for years to come back. 

The Payments do not have a second-round decide, and somebody goes to be itching to get again into the primary spherical to get Ty Simpson. I feel this decide is tailored to get traded. The Cardinals have the chance to not solely get Simpson, but in addition get him on a first-round rookie contract, which means they’d have an additional yr of workforce management. Simpson has been a bit polarizing. I am excessive on him, although, and suppose he is a wonderful participant. Regardless that he is a contact undersized, he could make all of the throws, particularly exterior the numbers and down the sector. Simpson additionally is aware of what it takes to be a pacesetter, displaying that when he led Alabama to a comeback victory over Oklahoma within the CFP. My one space of concern for him is that he solely began for one season.

Trent Williams is not going to play at left deal with without end. Lomu could be decide right here. Whereas he struggled in opposition to Texas Tech, Caleb Lomu was largely wonderful at left deal with for Utah this previous season.

The Texans might look to bolster their offensive line right here, however I feel they will have a look at their protection and say, “How can we get even higher?” Defensive deal with is one space they will enhance. Kayden McDonald was terrific in his one yr as Ohio State’s beginning defensive deal with. His means to get off and get into the backfield is engaging. 

When Faulk walks right into a room, you recognize that is what an edge rusher is meant to seem like. The one drawback is that his manufacturing in faculty does not line up with how he seems to be. Faulk is 6-foot-6 and weighs 270; he seems to be like an Adonis. He is received all of the athleticism and potential on the earth. Nevertheless, he by no means led Auburn in sacks or tackles for loss in a season throughout his time there. That is surprising to me. Perhaps it was the turmoil throughout the program that brought about his lack of manufacturing, and if there’s a company which may really feel assured sufficient to show that round for Faulk, it might be the Chiefs. That group continues to develop defensive gamers in a top quality manner. 

Once more, the Dolphins want expertise. Chris Johnson is a extremely gifted participant with a lot of ball manufacturing and has been a late riser on this draft. Groups like his size as properly, and whereas I am undecided concerning the match right here, Johnson needs to be a first-round decide.

Many consider that Eagles wideout A.J. Brown would possibly wind up in New England later this offseason. It additionally signed Romeo Doubs, so I am undecided if there’s a lot of a necessity at broad receiver. I feel the Patriots roll with Cashius Howell, who suits what coach Mike Vrabel desires to do on protection. Howell was a stand-up edge rusher with a lot of manufacturing at Texas A&M. He was electrical and unblockable for a lot of the yr. He has quick arms, however he does not depend on energy.