![]() * Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (2/17)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 11/29): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (1/18)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)
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Cincinnati Bengals: James Pearce Jr., DE/OLB, Tennessee |
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It will be interesting to see if Cincinnati is able to extend Trey Hendrickson. Even if they do, they could use more edge rush talent to upgrade their weak defense.
Pearce had 38 tackles, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass batted and has produced a lot of pressures thus far in 2024. Pearce was a big-time presence for the Volunteers in 2023, making a lot of splash plays and producing a lot of pressure on the quarterback. He totaled 28 tackles with 10 sacks, 14.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, two passes batted, and an interception. Pearce is listed at 6-foot-5, 242 pounds, but that could be inflated. If those numbers are exaggerated, as often is the case, Pearce could fit as an outside linebacker and edge rusher in a 3-4 defense. Pearce would need to gain weight and get stronger to be an every-down defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. Pearce needs to improve his run defense for the NFL.
Click links to see the Bengals' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Bengals' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 1718. |
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Seattle Seahawks: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri |
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Seattle could move on from Tyler Lockett and add a long-term playmaker to go with Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
In 2024, Burden had 61 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns. Burden played really well as a sophomore in 2023, putting up 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. As a freshman, he flashed with 45 catches for 375 yards and six scores. He also ran the ball somewhat that season, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 208-pound Burden is an explosive playmaker and could be a riser for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Click links to see the Seahawks' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Seahawks' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 18The Bucs could use help at linebacker and also more edge rush. Here’s a player that helps them with both issues.
Walker is a dangerous edge rusher for the Bulldogs, showing speed and athleticism off the edge. In 2024, he had 61 tackles with 6.5 sacks and two passes broken up. Walker had five sacks as a rotational player in 2023. The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder is too undersized to be a base edge rusher in the NFL, so he will have to be a linebacker that rotates to rush off the edge in the sub package.
Click links to see the Buccaneers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Buccaneers' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 20Denver could use more weapons for Bo Nix. Here’s a mismatch tight end.
In 2024, Arroyo had 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns showing the talent that he flashed early in his college career. Arroyo had an ACL tear on September 22, 2022, and suffered a setback in the 2023 preseason. He didn’t play until late November and had one catch for 11 yards. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder is a fluid athlete with superb route-running and natural receiving ability. He could be a real weapon in the NFL.
Click links to see the Broncos' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Broncos' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 2121. |
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Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State |
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The Steelers badly need more receiving talent.
In 2023, Egbuka had 81 catches for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder turned in 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022. He emerged as a potential No. 1 receiver or really good No. 2 wideout. At other schools, Egbuka would have had an even bigger year, but he was the No. 2 receiver for Ohio State across from Marvin Harrison Jr. While injuries were a factor in 2023, Egbuka needs a bounce-back season in 2024 as he looked much faster in 2022 compared to his 2023 performance. Thus far in 2024, Egbuka has 70 catches for 896 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Click links to see the Steelers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Steelers' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 19The Chargers could use more talent at cornerback.
Barron is an instinctive corner who is a willing tackler and showed improved ball skills as a senior. In 2024, Barron had 67 tackles with five interceptions and 11 passes broken up. He had 59 tackles with an interception and five breakups the previous season. Barron (5-11, 200) could fit as an slot or outside corner in the NFL.
Click links to see the Chargers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Chargers' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 2223. |
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Green Bay Packers: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame |
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The Packers could use more youth at cornerback given the uncertain future status of Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes.
In 2024, Morrison had 20 tackles and three passes broken up in six games before a hip injury ended his season. In 2023, Morrison totaled 31 tackles, three interceptions, and 10 passes defended. He performed well against Ohio State, helping limit Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Morrison was a freshman sensation in 2022, recording 33 tackles, six interceptions, and five passes defended. The 6-foot, 185-pounder has talent and upside.
Click links to see the Packers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Packers' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 23The Vikings could use some young talent on the inside of their defensive line.
Collins had 55 tackles, one sack, and six passes batted thus far. While Collins is not a sack producer, he does contribute to the rush by getting a push into the pocket. Collins is strong, physical, and very tough as a run defender. Some team sources think he could sneak into the first round. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder is versatile to play outside or inside and a variety of techniques. In 2023, Collins collected 22 tackles, two sacks, and two passes defended.
The Texans could use more talent in the deep middle of the field.
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 Texans' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Texans' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 25The Rams could use a young receiver to pair with Puka Nacua.
Bond has 33 receptions for 532 yards and five touchdowns. Team sources think Bond is a late first-round or early second-round talent. The 5-foot-11, 182-pounder has dangerous speed to challenge defenses deep downfield and is a threat to score on any catch. Bond flashed ability with Alabama in 2023, snatching 48 passes for 668 yards and four touchdowns.
Click links to see the Rams' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 3 Pk: 26Baltimore could use more young defensive line talent.
Turner had 36 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. He has been solid but not dominant. Some team sources say that Turner’s instincts are just okay, he doesn’t know how to use his hands, isn’t overly explosive, and needs to get stronger. Other sources say that Turner is too twitched up to get out of the second round. Turner (6-3, 289) had a strong 2023 season for the Aggies, recording 33 tackles with six sacks and two forced fumbles.
Click links to see the Ravens' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Ravens' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 2728. |
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Detroit Lions: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M |
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The Lions could use more rotational edge rush talent and defensive line depth. Plus, Za’Darius Smith, and Josh Paschal will be in the last year of their contracts in 2025. Here’s a rusher to go with Aidan Hutchinson in the long-term.
Stewart (6-6, 290) 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 he lacks instincts and is very raw.
Click links to see the Lions' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Lions' second-round pick.The Commanders could use more defensive end talent.
Burch has been a talented player for years but inconsistent. In 2024, he put it all together with 31 tackles, five passes batted, one forced fumble, and 8.5 sacks. The 6-foot-6, 295-pounder has good height, length, quickness, and athleticism. He has versatility as he can play end or tackle. As an end he is an intriguing player as a power edge rusher. In 2023, he had 34 tackles with three sacks. The previous season he had 60 tackles with 3.5 sacks.
Click links to see the Commanders' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Commanders' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 32The Bills could use a safety to go with Cole Bishop.
In 2024, Starks had 77 tackles, three passes defended, and an interception. In 2023, Starks racked up 52 tackles, three interceptions, and seven passes defended. He recorded 69 tackles, two picks, and seven breakups in 2022. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder’s size gives him versatility. Starks is a good coverage safety deep down the field, and also has some flexiblity to cover slot receivers.
Click links to see the Bills' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Bills' first second-round pick. | Rd: 2 Pk: 30The Chiefs could add more cornerback talent to go with Trent McDuffie.
In 2024, Revel had two interceptions, two passes broken up, and eight tackles. He played in three games before suffering a torn ACL in practice to end his season. Revel (6-2, 188) is a big cornerback that has impressive speed and athleticism for a big cornerback. In 2023, he had 55 tackles with 12 passes broken up and one interception.
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: 31Super Bowl hero Josh Sweat is a free agent, and the Eagles also need a replacement for Brandon Graham.
In 2024, Tuimoloau had 12.5 sacks, 61 tackles, two forced fumbles, and three passes batted. He is a solid college player but is not a game-wrecker. Some team sources think Tuimoloau (6-4, 270) could become a pro starter, and others think he is more of a backup. Tuimoloau got red hot in the college football playoff, and that has seen his stock rise into being an early-rounder. Tuimoloau totaled 38 tackles, five sacks and two passes broken in 2023. He did not provide a big edge presence for the Buckeyes. He recorded 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and two passes broken up in 2022.