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

The Lions became a powerhouse through their great offensive line play. That has changed, with one of the reasons being Taylor Decker’s departure. Decker must be replaced.

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.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kadyn Proctor, OT – Another offensive lineman who makes sense for the Lions.

2. Kedric Faulk, DE – We were told long ago that the Lions liked Faulk, but they have bigger needs now.

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The Vikings have a big need for a safety with Harrison Smith no longer with the team. Everyone and their evil stepmother is mocking Dillon Thieneman to the Vikings, but someone I trust about the Vikings was adamant that Thieneman wouldn’t be the pick.

This selection could be one of the highly regarded players who fall to them. Francis Mauigoa has to be high on that list because of the herniated disc in his back. However, he would be a valuable piece for Minnesota’s offensive line because Christian Darrisaw is always hurt, while Brian O’Neill is entering his contract year. If both tackles are healthy, Mauigoa can start at guard and then move to tackle in 2027 and beyond.

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

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Dillon Thieneman, S – This is a popular pick, as the Vikings need a replacement for Harrison Smith.

2. Kedric Faulk, DE – Another spot for Faulk, who could replace Jonathan Greenard.

Pick change; previously Peter Woods, DT

Axe Tepper will do anything in his power to justify the selection of Bryce Young, so you can’t count out an offensive player. However, safety is a big issue for the Panthers, and they can address that with this pick.

Dillon Thieneman is a tough safety who is excellent in run support.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kenyon Sadiq, TE – This seems like Sadiq’s floor. The Panthers could want to add an intermediate target for

2. Kaydn Proctor/Blake Miller/Monroe Freeling, OTs – Some tackles who would make sense at No. 19, given the injury to Ikem Ekwonu.

The Cowboys could easily draft Keldric Faulk at No. 12, so they’d be thrilled if they could snag him at No. 20 after obtaining Sonny Styles earlier in the draft. Faulk would fill an obvious need as an upgrade to the weak pass rush.

Keldric Faulk has a great mix of power and speed on the edge. He didn’t have a great 2025 season, but his upside will make him a potential top-10 pick.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. C.J. Allen, LB – The Cowboys need linebacker help, so Allen could be in consideration at No. 20.

2. Colton Hood, CB – Cornerback is a huge need for Dallas.

Pick change; previously Omar Cooper, WR

The Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr., but they’re still starved for receiver talent. I expect them to upgrade the position unless someone unexpected falls to them. In fact, I could really see them trading up for Makai Lemon.

Omar Cooper is a mid-sized receiver who had huge production with Fernando Mendoza.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Trade Up – The Steelers are strong candidates to trade up for Lemon.

2. K.C. Concepcion/Denzel Boston, WRs – The Steelers have two viable receivers on their roster, so they could stand to add another.

Pick change; previously Francis Mauigoa, OT

The Chargers had massive issues on the offensive line last year. Everyone talks about the tackles, but guard was a big problem as well. Meanwhile, the defensive line must also be addressed to help the Chargers sweep Patrick Mahomes.

Peter Woods is a disruptive interior lineman.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kayden McDonald, DT – The other defensive tackle in play at No. 22.

2. Kedric Faulk/Zion Young/Akheem Mesidor, DEs – Khalil Mack won’t be on the Chargers much longer.

Pick change; previously Kayden McDonald, DT

The Eagles may have to replace Lane Johnson soon, so they may use this pick to do that. Johnson will return for 2026, but he hasn’t been someone who has been reliable to stay on the field.

Caleb Lomu is a tough blocker with solid potential.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Blake Miller/Max Iheanachor, OLs – Some other offensive linemen who make sense for the Eagles.

2. K.C. Concepcion/Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston, WRs – New England’s No. 1 beat reporter says that A.J. Brown will be traded to the Patriots after June 1.

Pick change; previously Blake Miller, OT

As mentioned earlier, Cleveland’s biggest needs are offensive tackle and wide receiver. It feels like they’ll use this pick to select the position they don’t address at No. 6.

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

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Caleb Lomu/Max Iheanachor, OLs – The Browns are desperate for a tackle.

2. K.C. Concepcion/Omar Cooper, WRs – If the Browns don’t draft a receiver at No. 6, they’ll likely target a wideout with this pick.

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

Malachi Lawrence has a great first step and a variety of pass-rushing moves. He’s a liability in run support, however.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Monroe Freeling/Caleb Lomu/Max Iheanachor, OLs – The Bears could consider using the 25th pick on a tackle.

2. Zion Young/Akheem Mesidor/Cashius Howell, DEs – Other edge players to bolster Chicago’s poor pass rush.

The Bills traded for D.J. Moore – check out our NFL Trade Grades for more – but they still need another receiver to go along with Moore and Khalil Shakir.

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

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kayden McDonald/Peter Woods/Lee Hunter, DT – The Bills had one of the worst run defenses in the NFL last year, so defensive tackle is definitely in play.

2. Denzel Boston/Chris Bell/Omar Cooper, WRs – Other receivers who make sense for the Bills.

Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings are as good as gone, which means the 49ers’ primary receivers are a 34-year-old Mike Evans and injury-prone Ricky Pearsall. San Francisco will be looking for an upgrade at wide receiver. However, they could also target a tackle to make sure they have a plan after Trent Williams calls it a career.

While wide receiver and tackle are both strong possibilities for the 49ers, a safety is a likely option as well. San Francisco has a huge weakness here, as the team failed to replace Talanoa Hufanga.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has a good skill set with plus size, speed, and athleticism.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Caleb Lomu, OT – A potential successor for Trent Williams could be acquired.

2. K.C. Concepcion/Denzel Boston, WRs – Here are receivers the 49ers could target at No. 27.

Pick change; previously Caleb Lomu, OT

The Texans appear to have hit on Aireontae Ersery, so they need to make sure they’re set at tackle and the interior of the front.

Blake Miller is a good athlete with plus quickness. He needs to get stronger for the NFL.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kayden McDonald/Peter Woods, DT – The Texans could deem one of the defensive tackles as the best players available. They could stand to be stronger in this area.

2. Monroe Freeling/Caleb Lomu, OTs – Here are some other tackles the Texans could consider.

Pick change; previously Max Iheanachor, OT

The Chiefs acquired this selection by trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams, so it would make sense to obtain a younger and cheaper replacement. Kansas City could also target a safety because it lost its top player at the position.

Chris Johnson received some mid-round grades early on, but has become a late riser.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S – Kansas City lost its entire secondary, so it could use this pick to take a safety.

2. Max Iheanachor/Monroe Freeling/Caleb Lomu, OTs – The Chiefs have some major blocking issues, so they could select a tackle here if they don’t at No. 9.

The Dolphins acquired this pick for Jaylen Waddle (check out the NFL Trade Grades). They could use this selection to find a replacement, but they could also bolster their anemic cornerback group.

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

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Dillon Thieneman/Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S – The Dolphins have absolutely nothing at safety.

2. Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston/K.C. Concepcion, WRs – Miami almost has to take a receiver with one of its first-round picks.

We all saw how poor New England’s offensive line was throughout the playoffs. Drake Maye took at least five sacks in every postseason contest, which simply can’t be allowed to happen again. If, however, all of the first-round tackles are off the board, the Patriots could target a safety because that’s a weak part of their defense.

Max Iheanachor was a nasty, power run blocker who needs to improve his pass protection.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Caleb Lomu/Blake Miller, OTs – One of these tackles could be available. If so, they’ll be favored to be the pick.

2. Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston/K.C. Concepcion, WRs – Just in case things have fallen through with the A.J. Brown since Dianna Marie Russini’s previous report.

Pick change; previously Chase Bisontis, OT/G

TRADE!

I hate posting trades in my mock drafts, so I’ll only do that if I’m very confident that it could happen. This one makes too much sense. The Cardinals will want to move into the back end of the first round for Ty Simpson because of the coveted fifth-year option. The Seahawks, meanwhile, have just four draft picks, so they’ll be desperate to pick up some more capital. I’ll be pretty surprised if the Seahawks end up drafting at No. 32.

Ty Simpson is an intelligent quarterback who throws with great timing and anticipation. However, he has just one year of starting experience.

*** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Colton Hood/Brandon Cisse/Chris Johnson, CBs – The Seahawks have met with all of the cornerbacks they could possibly take at this pick.

2. Zion Young/Akheem Mesidor/Cashius Howell, DEs – The Seahawks have also met with all of the edge rushers they could select at No. 32.

Pick change; previously Colton Hood, CB (SEA)