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

Taylor Decker may retire, so he’ll obviously need to be replaced if that happens. If he waits a year, the Lions can put their new lineman at guard until Decker leaves the team.

Caleb Lomu is a tough blocker with solid potential.

Follow @walterfootball for updates. Also, you can Support Us on Patreon here!

Also, if you’d like to support the site, check out my book! It’s available on Amazon, and it’s called A Safety and a Field Goal.

Take a look:

You can buy it here. It has some NFL Draft-related topics, so like I said, if you want to support the site, this is a great way to do it!

The Vikings could stand to improve their secondary, so cornerback or safety must be addressed soon.

Brandon Cisse has been an impressive cover cornerback. He has nice size and plus speed and athleticism.

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.

Kenyon Sadiq has upside as an athletic tight end.

The Cowboys almost have to use both of their first-round picks on defense, given their inability to stop anyone last year. Their edge rush was particularly anemic.

Zion Young has good size and length. There’s plenty of upside.

The Steelers had major problems stopping the pass last year, thanks to some poor play they had at cornerback. They could find an upgrade with this pick.

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

The Chargers had massive issues on the offensive line last year. Everyone talks about the tackles, but guard was a big problem as well.

Ola Ioane is an explosive guard with a nasty streak.

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

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

Jerry Jeudy likely won’t be on the roster much longer, so here’s a potential No. 1 receiver.

Makai Lemon wins on contested catches even though he’s a bit shy of six feet.

Pick change; previously R. Mason Thomas, DE/OLB

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

Cashius Howell is fast off the edge and has several impressive pass-rushing moves.

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

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

Pick change; previously Makai Lemon, WR

The 49ers have a dreadful pass rush. They could stand to add some talent in the defensive interior.

Caleb Banks is a big interior defender who has quality pass-rush ability for his size.

The Texans have great edge players, but they could stand to improve the interior of their defensive line.

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

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

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.

Good teams tend to like to strengthen a strength. That’s what the Broncos would be doing here, which they can afford to do because they don’t have many needs.

R. Mason Thomas is a speedy and dynamic edge rusher.

Pick change; previously Akheem Mesidor, DE

The Patriots could use an upgrade at linebacker next to Robert Spillane.

C.J. Allen is a smart, tough, and instinctive linebacker.

The Seahawks traded for Rashid Shaheed, but he’s an impending free agent. Cooper Kupp, meanwhile, doesn’t have much time remaining in the NFL. The Seahawks need a new receiver to play across from Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

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

Pick change; previously Denzel Boston, WR