2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 – Picks 17-32

The Lions became a powerhouse through their great offensive line play. That has changed, with one of the reasons being Taylor Decker’s departure. Decker must be replaced.

Kaydn Proctor is a colossal, 360-pound blocker. He has great potential, but has some character concerns.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Vega Ioane/Monroe Freeling/Caleb Lomu, OLs – Some other offensive linemen who make sense for the Lions.

2. Kedric Faulk, DE – We were told long ago that the Lions liked Faulk, but they have bigger needs now.

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The Vikings have a big need for a safety with Harrison Smith no longer with the team. However, they also need help on the defensive line, which is looking rather depressing to someone who has a futures bet on Minnesota.

Peter Woods is a disruptive interior lineman.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Dillon Thieneman, S – This is a popular pick, as the Vikings need a replacement for Harrison Smith.

2. Kedric Faulk, DE – Another spot for Faulk, who could replace Jonathan Greenard.

Axe Tepper will do anything in his power to justify the selection of Bryce Young, so he’ll want to give his quarterback another weapon or superior blocking. Offensive tackle is a need with Ikem Ekwonu coming off a brutal injury, and Taylor Moton turning 32 in August.

Blake Miller is a good athlete with plus quickness. He needs to get stronger for the NFL.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kenyon Sadiq, TE – This seems like Sadiq’s floor. The Panthers could want to add an intermediate target for

2. Kaydn Proctor/Caleb Lomu/Monroe Freeling, OTs – Other tackles who would make sense at No. 19.

Part of the reason the Cardinals want to trade down with the Cowboys is that they can pick up the No. 20 pick and use it on Ty Simpson. This means that they won’t be forced into leaping the Jets from their No. 34 pick.

Simpson is an intelligent quarterback who throws with great timing and anticipation. However, he has just one year of starting experience.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. C.J. Allen, LB – The Cowboys need linebacker help, so Allen could be in consideration at No. 20.

2. Kedric Faulk, DE – If the Cowboys don’t draft an edge rusher at No. 12 (or No. 3 via trade up), they could settle for Faulk with this pick.

Pick change; previously Keldric Faulk, DE/DT

The Steelers lost Isaac Seumalo to free agency, so they have to find an upgrade at guard to ensure that their offensive line is functional next year.

Vega Ioane is an explosive guard with a nasty streak.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. K.C. Concepcion/Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston, WRs – The Steelers have two viable receivers on their roster, so they could stand to add another.

2. Monroe Freeling/Caleb Lomu/Kayden Proctor, OTs – Here are other linemen Pittsburgh could consider at No. 21.

The Chargers had massive issues on the offensive line last year. Everyone talks about the tackles, but guard was a big problem as well. Meanwhile, the defensive line must also be addressed to help the Chargers sweep Patrick Mahomes.

Kayden McDonald is a disruptive defender who has plus athleticism at his big size.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Peter Woods, DT – The other defensive tackle in play at No. 22.

2. Kedric Faulk/Zion Young/Akheem Mesidor, DEs – Khalil Mack won’t be on the Chargers much longer.

The Eagles may have to replace Lane Johnson soon, so they may use this pick to do that.

Caleb Lomu is a tough blocker with solid potential.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Monroe Freeling/Max Iheanachor, OLs – Some other offensive linemen who make sense for the Eagles.

2. K.C. Concepcion/Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston, WRs – New England’s No. 1 beat reporter says that A.J. Brown will be traded to the Patriots after June 1.

As mentioned earlier, Cleveland’s biggest needs are offensive tackle and wide receiver. It feels like they’ll use this pick to select the position they don’t address at No. 6.

Monroe Freeling is a reliable pass protector and a capable run blocker. He has good size and could become a left tackle in the pros.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Caleb Lomu/Max Iheanachor, OLs – The Browns are desperate for a tackle.

2. K.C. Concepcion/Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston, WRs – If the Browns don’t draft a receiver at No. 6, they’ll likely target a wideout with this pick.

Pick change; previously Omar Cooper, WR

The Bears have the worst pressure rate in the NFL. They need help on the defensive line.

Keldric Faulk has a great mix of power and speed on the edge. He didn’t have a great 2025 season, but his upside will make him a potential top-10 pick.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Monroe Freeling/Caleb Lomu/Max Iheanachor, OLs – The Bears could consider using the 25th pick on a tackle.

2. Zion Young/Akheem Mesidor/Cashius Howell, DEs – Other edge players to bolster Chicago’s poor pass rush.

Pick change; previously Zion Young, DE

The Bills traded for D.J. Moore – check out our NFL Trade Grades for more – but they still need another receiver to go along with Moore and Khalil Shakir.

Denzel Boston is a huge receiver with big-play potential.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kayden McDonald/Peter Woods, DT – The Bills had one of the worst run defenses in the NFL last year, so defensive tackle is definitely in play.

2. K.C. Concepcion/Omar Cooper, WRs – Other receivers who make sense for the Bills.

Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings are as good as gone, which means the 49ers’ primary receivers are a 34-year-old Mike Evans and injury-prone Ricky Pearsall. San Francisco will be looking for an upgrade at wide receiver.

K.C. Concepceion is a quick, shifty receiver.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kayden McDonald/Peter Woods, DT – The 49ers had one of the weakest pass rushes in the NFL last year. Nick Bosa’s absence was obviously a factor, but defensive tackle was a big need.

2. Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston, WRs – Here are other receivers the 49ers could target at No. 27.

The Texans appear to have hit on Aireontae Ersery, so they need to make sure they’re set at tackle and the interior of the front.

Max Iheanachor was a nasty, power run blocker who needs to improve his pass protection.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kayden McDonald/Peter Woods, DT – The Texans could deem one of the defensive tackles as the best players available. They could stand to be stronger in this area.

2. Monroe Freeling/Caleb Lomu, OTs – Here are some other tackles the Texans could consider.

Pick change; previously Monroe Freeling, OT

The Chiefs acquired this selection by trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams, so it would make sense to obtain a younger and cheaper replacement. Kansas City could also target a safety because it lost its top player at the position.

Dillon Thieneman is a tough safety who is excellent in run support.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Colton Hood/Brandon Cisse/Chris Johnson, CBs – Kansas City lost its entire secondary, so it could use this pick to take a cornerback.

2. Max Iheanachor/Monroe Freeling/Caleb Lomu, OTs – The Chiefs have some major blocking issues, so they could select a tackle here if they don’t at No. 9.

The Dolphins acquired this pick for Jaylen Waddle (check out the NFL Trade Grades). They could use this selection to find a replacement, but they could also bolster their anemic cornerback group.

The younger brother of A.J. Terrell, Avieon Terrell is a very instinctive cornerback who plays bigger than his 5-foot-11 size.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Dillon Thieneman/Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S – The Dolphins have absolutely nothing at safety.

2. Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston/K.C. Concepcion, WRs – Miami almost has to take a receiver with one of its first-round picks.

We all saw how poor New England’s offensive line was throughout the playoffs. Drake Maye took at least five sacks in every postseason contest, which simply can’t be allowed to happen again. However, if all of the first-round tackles are off the board, the Patriots could target a safety because that’s a weak part of their defense.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has a good skill set with plus size, speed, and athleticism.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Max Iheanachor/Monroe Freeling/Caleb Lomu, OTs – One of these tackles could be available. If so, they’ll be favored to be the pick.

2. Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston/K.C. Concepcion, WRs – Just in case things have fallen through with the A.J. Brown since Dianna Marie Russini’s previous report.

Pick change; previously Max Iheanachor, OT

The Seahawks are likely to trade down because they have just four draft choices, but they could always stay put and draft a talented pass rusher to help them defeat the Rams once again, or a cornerback to help replace the departed Tariq Woolen.

Colton Hood stepped up for the injured Jermod McCoy and became a great cover corner.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Brandon Cisse/Chris Johnson, CBs – The Seahawks have met with all of the cornerbacks they could possibly take at this pick.

2. Zion Young/Akheem Mesidor/Cashius Howell, DEs – The Seahawks have also met with all of the edge rushers they could select at No. 32.