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

The Lions could go with an offensive lineman with this pick, but defensive line makes a lot of sense as well. Aidan Hutchinson is amazing, but the Lions need a bookend for him.

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.

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!

Pick change; previously Caleb Lomu, OT

The Vikings could stand to improve their secondary, so cornerback or safety must be addressed soon. A replacement is needed for Harrison Smith, so the second-rated safety in this class could be the pick.

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

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.

T.J. Parker had a breakout sophomore campaign. He has impressive instincts and was very productive.

The Steelers lost Isaac Seumalo to free agency, so they have to find an upgrade at guard to ensure that their offensive line is functional next year.

Vega Ioane is an explosive guard with a nasty streak.

Pick change; previously Avieon Terrell, CB

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.

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

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.

The Browns signed a right tackle in free agency, but they still need a left tackle to replace Jedrick Wills.

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.

Pick change; previously Makai Lemon, WR

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.

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.

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

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

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

The Texans appear to have hit on Aireontae Ersery, so now they need to address the interior of their offensive line.

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

Pick change; previously Caleb Lomu, 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 an upgrade for its troublesome offensive line.

Caleb Lomu is a tough blocker with solid potential.

Pick change; previously Colton Hood, CB

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.

Pick change; previously C.J. Allen, LB

The Patriots have reportedly tried to trade for A.J. Brown, but it sounds like Philadelphia’s asking price was too high. One way or another, the Patriots need to give Drake Maye better weapons.

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

The Seahawks lost Tariq Woolen in free agency, so that has created a need for a cornerback opposite Devon Witherspoon.

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