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

The Panthers have the worst linebacker play in the NFL, so perhaps they’ll rectify that problem with this pick.

Arvell Reese is a special player because of his incredible instincts and athleticism.

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The Lions suddenly have a very shaky interior line. They need help at guard and center.

Drew Shelton is an athletic lineman who has played every position at Penn State.

The Browns will give Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders a shot at some point. If they both fail, they’ll look to select a quarterback with one of their two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

John Mateer is very accurate and mobile. Charlie Campbell’s sources compare Mateer to Baker Mayfield.

The Buccaneers really need to improve their pass rush if they don’t want to be shredded by Michael Penix Jr.

Harold Perkins is a beast who broke on to the scene with 7.5 sacks as a freshman. He’s an explosive player with tremendous instincts.

Pick change; previously Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE

The Steelers can’t block, so they may try to resolve that problem with this pick.

Jude Bowry is an athletic tackle with plenty of upside and toughness.

Pick change; previously Isaiah World, OT

The Chargers have a weak group of cornerbacks that must be addressed.

Will Lee has great length and size.

It sounds like the 49ers were hoping Kelvin Banks would fall to them. They need a long-term left tackle once Trent Williams retires.

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

If Tyler Guyton continues to play like a bust, the Cowboys will need to find a new tackle.

Francis Mauigoa has immense upside as a potential left tackle in the NFL. His brother was just drafted in the fifth round.

Rueben Bain was very productive as a freshman and has a ton of upside.

Pick change; previously Denzel Boston, WR

Keon Coleman continues to be a big disappointment. The Bills need a legitimate No. 1 receiver.

Carnell Tate didn’t do much as a freshman, but the tall receiver had a breakout sophomore campaign.

Pick change; previously Denzel Boston, WR

Kenneth Walker is an impending free agent. If he leaves, the Seahawks will need a running back to pair with Zach Charbonnet.

Jeremiyah Love is a powerful, downhill runner with plus receiving ability.

This new pick for the Jets could be anything. It could even be Sauce Gardner.

Amari Jackson has plenty of potential with his cover cornerback ability.

Rob Havenstein is an impending free agent following the 2025 season, so the Rams may need to find a new right tackle.

Caleb Lomu is a tough blocker with solid potential.

New England’s offensive line is in rough shape. Lots of help is needed to protect Drake Maye. We just saw two teams – Jets, Saints – draft tackles in consecutive years, and New England could do the same.

Xavier Chaplin has massive size and great movement skills for such a big offensive lineman.

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

Earnest Greene is a massive right tackle and a powerful run blocker.

The Broncos could stand to bolster their defensive line so they can improve against the run.

A’Mauri Washington is a big nose tackle who has surprising athleticism for someone his size.