![]() * Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (3/17)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 2/19): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (2/22)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)
17. |
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Cincinnati Bengals: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina |
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The Bengals have really missed Jesse Bates since he left for Atlanta. Here is a true replacement and a difference maker on the back end.
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 Bengals' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Bengals' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 16 | Rd: 4 Pk: 21 | Rd: 5 Pk: 2518. |
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Seattle Seahawks: Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia |
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The Seahawks could use more young talent at linebacker and edge rusher. Walker can help them at both positions and is a great scheme fit in Seattle.
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 Seahawks' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Seahawks' first second-round pick. | Rd: 2 Pk: 20 | Rd: 3 Pk: 17 | Rd: 5 Pk: 8 | Rd: 5 Pk: 44 | Rd: 5 Pk: 4719. |
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama |
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The Bucs could use help at linebacker and also more pass rush. Here’s a player that helps them with both issues.
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: 19 | Rd: 4 Pk: 23 | Rd: 5 Pk: 2920. |
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Denver Broncos: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri |
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Denver could use more weapons for Bo Nix. Here’s a mismatch receiver.
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 Broncos' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Broncos' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 20 | Rd: 4 Pk: 2421. |
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Pittsburgh Steelers: Alfred Collins, DE/DT, Texas |
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The Steelers badly need youth on 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.
Click links to see the Steelers' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 3 Pk: 18 | Rd: 4 Pk: 25 | Rd: 5 Pk: 2822. |
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Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan |
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The Chargers could use a mismatch weapon at tight end to help Justin Herbert.
In 2024, Loveland had 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns. He had a fumble and drop in the loss Texas. Michigan had more experienced tight ends, but Loveland was so good that he forced his way onto the field. In 2023, he caught 45 passes for 649 yards and four touchdowns. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder would be capable of producing more if he played in a passing offense. Loveland has the potential to be a riser.
Click links to see the Chargers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Chargers' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 21 | Rd: 4 Pk: 27 | Rd: 5 Pk: 3023. |
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Green Bay Packers: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame |
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Given the uncertain future status of Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes, the Packers could use more youth at cornerback.
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: 22 | Rd: 4 Pk: 26 | Rd: 5 Pk: 31The Vikings could use some young talent on the inside of their defensive line.
In 2024, Nolen had 48 tackles with 6.5 sacks and two passes batted. Nolen was a highly recruited player who was considered to have star potential. In 2023, he flashed at times with four sacks and 37 tackles with Texas A&M, but Nolen also had a lot of bad tape with plays of him getting destroyed. The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder has a good skill set with a ton of upside. However, Nolen is a love/hate prospect with team sources as he has a good skill set but character concerns to go along with the bad tape from his time with the Aggies.
Click links to see the Vikings' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 3 Pk: 32 | Rd: 5 Pk: 10 | Rd: 5 Pk: 3225. |
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Houston Texans: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri |
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The Texans take their replacement for Laremy Tunsil.
Membou (6-3 325) is talented with quickness, athleticism, and some strength. Membou was a multi-year starter for the Tigers, and he has an interesting body type for the NFL. Membou could compete to be an undersized tackle, like Dion Dawkins, or he might need to move inside to guard because of his lack of length. Some team sources say that Membou has a good skill set, but his lack of finish was one of the reasons why they had him graded on day two.
Click links to see the Texans' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Texans' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 24 | Rd: 3 Pk: 31 | Rd: 4 Pk: 30 | Rd: 5 Pk: 38The Rams could use more young talent at cornerback.
Thomas (6-2, 198) is a big cornerback who played well for the Seminoles in 2024. His strong play went under the radar with Florida State having a rough season, but Thomas provided tight coverage on receivers all season. He totaled 53 tackles with an interception and four passes broken up. In 2023, he had 29 tackles with 10 passes batted. Multiple team sources think Thomas could be a first-rounder next April.
Click links to see the Rams' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 3 Pk: 25 | Rd: 4 Pk: 4 | Rd: 4 Pk: 2927. |
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Baltimore Ravens: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M |
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Baltimore 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: 26 | Rd: 4 Pk: 31 | Rd: 5 Pk: 7 | Rd: 5 Pk: 48Detroit takes the best player available and adds to their defensive line. D.J. Reader is in the last year of his contract, Alim McNeill is coming off an ACL, and Levi Onwuzurike will probably leave in free agency.
In 2024, Williams has 38 tackles and 2.5 sacks thus far. Williams can push the pocket with power or speed while also being a stout run defender. Williams flashed interior rush ability in 2021, putting up five sacks and 16 tackles. In 2023, he played solid football, recording 54 tackles, three sacks, and five passes defended. Williams (6-2, 320) made a number of impressive plays against Notre Dame, getting the better of left tackle Joe Alt. Some team sources think Williams is extremely talented and is not getting the attention he deserves.
Click links to see the Lions' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Lions' second-round pick. | Rd: 4 Pk: 5 | Rd: 5 Pk: 129. |
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Washington Commanders: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State |
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Deebo Samuel is nearing the end of his contract, and the Commanders could use more weapons for Jayden Daniels.
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 Commanders' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Commanders' second-round pick.30. |
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Buffalo Bills: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia |
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The 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: 30 | Rd: 4 Pk: 12 | Rd: 5 Pk: 3 | Rd: 5 Pk: 41 | Rd: 5 Pk: 42 | Rd: 5 Pk: 4531. |
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Kansas City Chiefs: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami |
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The Chiefs take the best player available and grab an understudy for Travis Kelce.
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 Chiefs' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Chiefs' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 2 | Rd: 3 Pk: 30 | Rd: 5 Pk: 432. |
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Philadelphia Eagles: James Pearce Jr., DE/OLB, Tennessee |
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Super Bowl hero Josh Sweat is a free agent, and the Eagles also need a replacement for Brandon Graham. The Eagles also don’t have qualms with drafting players with character concerns.
Pearce had 38 tackles, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass batted and produced a lot of pressures 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 a fast edge rusher with good length, and his run defense was improved in 2024. Pearce has serious character concerns that have some teams dropping him off their board.