* Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/24)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/29): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/28)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)
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Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M |
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The Bengals could target the defensive or offensive line at 17. Stewart is the best lineman available, and he could be the long-term replacement for Trey Hendrickson. This pick gives Cincinnati some insurance in case Hendrickson isn’t re-signed, and if he is extended, then they have a dynamic tandem with Myles Murphy rotating for depth.
Stewart (6-5, 267) is a big, fast, and strong defensive lineman. In 2024, he had 31 tackles with 1.5 sacks and two passes batted. Stewart had 1.5 sacks in each of the 2023 and 2022 seasons. Stewart has a great skill set with a lot of upside, but lacks instincts and is very raw. Stewart was not very productive in college, but he was extremely disruptive. Stewart has the talent to be elite.
Click links to see the Bengals' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Bengals' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 17 | Rd: 4 Pk: 16 | Rd: 5 Pk: 15 | Rd: 6 Pk: 17| 18. |
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Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State |
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I have been tempted to project Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. I know Seattle likes him. They also really like South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori. However, the interior of their offensive line could use help and this regime bet everything on Sam Darnold panning out as their starting quarterback. Zabel gives them a versatile blocker who could start at guard or center for Seattle. He will help protect Darnold, open holes for Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, and is a great fit for offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Hence, I lean towards Zabel.
Zabel (6-6, 305) has started at guard and tackle for the Bison over the past couple of seasons, and he has versatile size for the NFL, where he could compete at either spot as a pro. Zabel had a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl, showing quality size, quickness, athleticism, and strength. He was effective as a run blocker and excellent in the pass-rushing one-on-ones. In Mobile, Zabel looked like a potential starting tackle or center in the NFL. Zabel might be a solid tackle, but could be an excellent center as a pro.
Click links to see the Seahawks' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Seahawks' first second-round pick. | Rd: 2 Pk: 20 | Rd: 3 Pk: 18 | Rd: 4 Pk: 34 | Rd: 5 Pk: 34 | Rd: 5 Pk: 37 | Rd: 7 Pk: 6 | Rd: 7 Pk: 16| 19. |
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama |
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I believe the Bucs would sprint to the podium to take Jihaad Campbell, but I am not confident he gets to Tampa Bay. If Campbell is gone, I think the Buccaneers would aim to trade down and could target UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger. I hear general manager Jason Licht is very high on Schwesinger. In this mock, Campbell gets to their pick and I don’t think Tampa Bay would pass on him.
The 6-foot-3, 244-pound Campbell is a big linebacker with speed and athleticism to go with his size. Campbell showed versatility by dropping into coverage, defending the run well, and rushing the passer off the edge. In 2024, he had 108 tackles with five sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and two passes broken up. Campbell looks like a top-20 talent for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Click links to see the Buccaneers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Buccaneers' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 20 | Rd: 4 Pk: 18 | Rd: 5 Pk: 19 | Rd: 7 Pk: 17| 20. |
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Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina |
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Denver could use an upgrade in the backfield, and Hampton would be a huge asset to help Bo Nix in year two.
In 2024, Hampton averaged 5.9 yards per carry for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns with 38 receptions for 373 yards and two touchdowns. The big back Hampton ran well for North Carolina in 2023, averaging 5.9 yards per carry for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown. The 6-foot, 220-pound Hampton is built well for the NFL, and he is a physical load that breaks a lot of tackles while ripping off a lot of yards after contact.
Click links to see the Broncos' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Broncos' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 21 | Rd: 4 Pk: 19 | Rd: 6 Pk: 15 | Rd: 6 Pk: 21 | Rd: 6 Pk: 32| 21. |
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Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon |
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It remains to be seen if the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers come to an agreement. I think they will, perhaps after the draft, and in the meantime, I think Pittsburgh will target defensive line help. They should have lots of good options at pick 21.
Harmon (6-5, 310) was a solid defender for the Ducks in 2024 with 42 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. Harmon has quality size. He had 40 tackles with 1.5 sacks in 2023 with Michigan State. Harmon is a love/hate prospect as some sources said their teams had him as a mid-rounder, and others said they had him on day two, but feel a team could take him late one. Thus, he is a difficult player to project.
Click links to see the Steelers' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 3 Pk: 19 | Rd: 4 Pk: 20 | Rd: 5 Pk: 18 | Rd: 6 Pk: 9 | Rd: 7 Pk: 12| 22. |
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Los Angeles Chargers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan |
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The Chargers could use a true No. 1 corner, and obviously know Johnson well with Jim Harbaugh. I think Johnson would be an excellent value for Los Angeles at 22.
In 2024, Johnson recorded 14 tackles, two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), and three passes defended. He returned 86 yards for a touchdown. Johnson played really well for the Wolverines in 2023 and provided very good coverage late in the year during their championship run. He totaled 27 tackles, four interceptions, and four passes defended. In 2022, he recorded 27 tackles, three interceptions, and three passes broken up. The 6-foot-2, 202-pounder has a good skill set and upside. However, he has some minor character concerns, and teams don’t like his slow workout times. He also did not run the 40. Hence, team sources think Johnson could slide into the middle or even late portion of the first round.
Click links to see the Chargers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Chargers' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 22 | Rd: 4 Pk: 22 | Rd: 5 Pk: 20 | Rd: 6 Pk: 5 | Rd: 6 Pk: 23 | Rd: 6 Pk: 33 | Rd: 6 Pk: 38 | Rd: 7 Pk: 36| 23. |
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Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas |
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The Packers have receivers coming off injuries and need more weapons for Jordan Love. Here is a speed receiver that will inject playmaking potential into their offense.
With Isaiah Bond dealing with an injury, Golden has stepped up late in the season to provide some clutch receptions for Texas. Golden has shown the speed to get vertical and is a scoring threat. In 2024, Golden had 58 catches for 987 yards with nine touchdowns. The 6-foot, 195-pounder has enough size and speed to be a potential No. 2 or 3 receiver in the NFL.
Click links to see the Packers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Packers' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 23 | Rd: 4 Pk: 21 | Rd: 5 Pk: 21 | Rd: 6 Pk: 22 | Rd: 7 Pk: 19 | Rd: 7 Pk: 30| 24. |
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Minnesota Vikings: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina |
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The Vikings could use more young talent at safety, and this could be a steal late in the first round.
Emmanwori had 83 tackles, two passes broken up, and four interceptions with two returned for a touchdown. He had an interception returned for a touchdown against Kentucky, another returned for a score against Oklahoma, and had a 102-yard touchdown pick-six that had the return whipped out on a suspect penalty versus LSU. Emmanwori (6-3, 220) is a huge safety with rare coverage ability for a player that big. He has been a steady contributor for the Gamecocks for the past two seasons. In 2023, he had 71 tackles, 10 passes broken up, and two interceptions in 11 games. The previous season, he totaled 85 tackles as a freshman. Emmanwori is a freak athlete with instincts and speed and can flash some physicality.
Click links to see the Vikings' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 3 Pk: 33 | Rd: 4 Pk: 36 | Rd: 5 Pk: 22 | Rd: 6 Pk: 11| 25. |
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Houston Texans: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon |
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The Texans grab a long-term left tackle to replace Laremy Tunsil. Conerly could start out competing at guard and then eventually replace stop-gap tackle Cam Robinson.
Conerly was an excellent pass protector at left tackle for the Ducks in 2023, allowing only one sack all season. Conerly showed quickness and athleticism on the edge to keep a clean pocket. It was only his first season as a starter, and it will be interesting to see if Conerly gets stronger and more forceful as a run blocker. Conerly has upside, and could get stronger as he matures while gaining more experience. Some team sources think Conerly should move inside to guard.
Click links to see the Texans' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Texans' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 25 | Rd: 3 Pk: 32 | Rd: 4 Pk: 25 | Rd: 5 Pk: 28 | Rd: 7 Pk: 18| 26. |
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Los Angeles Rams: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky |
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The Rams have done a nice job of putting together a functional group of corners to make the playoffs the last two seasons, but Los Angeles could use some long-term starters. Here’s a plug-and-play competitor for Los Angeles.
Hairston was excellent for Kentucky in 2023, recording 66 tackles with six passes broken up and five interceptions. The 5-foot-11, 183-pounder has a good skill set and is instinctive. In 2024, Hairston had 19 tackles with an interception, one sack, and one forced fumble while playing in five games. He was phenomenal at the NFL Scouting Combine, showing great speed and athleticism. Hairston has ability, but could stand to add some strength for the NFL. Team sources say that Hairston is the best man-to-man cover corner in the draft to run the route and prevent separation.
Click links to see the Rams' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 3 Pk: 26 | Rd: 3 Pk: 37 | Rd: 4 Pk: 24 | Rd: 6 Pk: 14 | Rd: 6 Pk: 19 | Rd: 6 Pk: 25 | Rd: 6 Pk: 26| 27. |
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Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan |
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Baltimore could use more young defensive line talent. Here’s a disruptive nose tackle with a ton of upside.
In 2024, Grant had 32 tackles, three sacks, and five passes batted. It took time for Grant to work his way onto the field behind Kris Jenkins. However, Grant flashed as a sophomore. In 2023, Grant put up 29 tackles, four passes batted, 3.5 sacks, and an interception in backup duty. The 6-foot-3, 339-pounder has a rare combination of speed, athleticism, and strength. Grant has top-notch ability with a surprising ability to bend his big body. He can play strong when he wants or needs to, and Grant is fast with the ability to run plays down. Grant has a ton of upside, and he is not as dominant as he can be. He could be a better pro than a college player, and Grant is a true wild card in the 2025 NFL Draft as he could go in the top-10 or slide into the 20s. According to sources, Grant will fit some schemes better than others, and he has a quirky personality that may not fit some teams.
Click links to see the Ravens' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Ravens' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 27 | Rd: 4 Pk: 26 | Rd: 4 Pk: 33 | Rd: 5 Pk: 38 | Rd: 6 Pk: 7 | Rd: 6 Pk: 27 | Rd: 6 Pk: 34 | Rd: 6 Pk: 36 | Rd: 7 Pk: 23| 28. |
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Detroit Lions: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama |
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Booker is too good for the Lions to pass up. Not only is he a dominating blocker that fills a long-term need at guard, but he is a perfect culture fit for Dan Campbell. Booker and Christian Mahogany give the Lions a pair of young cheap guards, and this will allow them to move Graham Glasgow back to his ideal role as a center/guard backup.
In his second season as a starter with the Crimson Tide, Booker (6-5, 325) turned into a dominant performer up front who consistently wins his blocks in impressive fashion. As a pass protector, Booker has no issues stonewalling bull rushes and mirroring speed rushers. Booker is a beast and extremely strong as a run blocker. He constantly generates movement at the point of attack and drives defenders out of their gap in a violent fashion. The powerful Booker can get a serious push at the line with brute physicality and power. He is a people mover in the ground game and looks like a plug-and-play starter. On top of his excellent ability, Booker is known to be a high-character individual who is a motivational team leader with outstanding makeup.
Click links to see the Lions' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Lions' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 38 | Rd: 4 Pk: 27 | Rd: 6 Pk: 20 | Rd: 7 Pk: 11 | Rd: 7 Pk: 24| 29. |
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Washington Commanders: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss |
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I believe Washington would love to get Maxwell Hairston, or Tyler Booker, but both are off the board. Washington could use a corner to pair with Marshon Lattimore and give Dan Quinn two corners capable of playing man coverage.
Amos flashed on tape for Alabama in 2023, and he has picked up where he left off after transferring to Ole Miss. In 2024, Amos had 50 tackles with three interceptions and 13 passes broken up. Amos (6-1, 190) has good size, speed, and athleticism. He could be a solid first-rounder or a steal in the second round.
Click links to see the Commanders' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Commanders' second-round pick. | Rd: 6 Pk: 29 | Rd: 7 Pk: 25| 30. |
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Buffalo Bills: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas |
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Buffalo could use more cornerback talent, and Barron is a good scheme fit for Buffalo.
Barron is an instinctive corner who is a willing tackler and has shown improved ball skills as a senior. In 2024, Barron recorded 67 tackles along with five interceptions and 11 passes broken up. He had 59 tackles, an interception, and five breakups the previous season. Barron (5-11, 200) could fit as a slot or outside corner in the NFL.
Click links to see the Bills' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Bills' first second-round pick. | Rd: 2 Pk: 30 | Rd: 4 Pk: 7 | Rd: 4 Pk: 29 | Rd: 5 Pk: 31 | Rd: 5 Pk: 32 | Rd: 5 Pk: 35 | Rd: 6 Pk: 1 | Rd: 6 Pk: 30| 31. |
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Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State |
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The Chiefs take a potential solution at left tackle.
Simmons was on his way to being a first- or second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft before suffering a season-ending ACL tear against Oregon. Simmons is an athletic left tackle with quickness, agility, and good size and strength. Simmons started his collegiate career playing two seasons at San Diego State. In 2023, he had a strong debut season starting at left tackle for the Buckeyes. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Simmons might need a redshirt season coming off the ACL and adjusting to the NFL, but he could become a starting left tackle.
Click links to see the Chiefs' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Chiefs' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 2 | Rd: 3 Pk: 31 | Rd: 4 Pk: 30 | Rd: 7 Pk: 9 | Rd: 7 Pk: 31 | Rd: 7 Pk: 37| 32. |
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Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan Ezeiruaka, OLB, Boston College |
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The Eagles lost some veteran pass rushers. Here is more rotational edge rush talent for Philadelphia.
Ezeiruaku was a pass-rushing force for Boston College in 2024. He had 16.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 80 tackles, and one pass broken up. In 2023, Ezeiruaku had two sacks, but he had 7.5 sacks and 60 tackles in 2022. Ezeiruaku (6-2, 247) is undersized, but he fights hard as a run defender.
