2026 NFL Mock Draft – Round 1 (17-32) – Charlie Campbell



* Walt taking 2014 and 2018
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst
Last update: Thursday, April 23, 2026. Round 7 added.
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.
Led all NFL media in draft rumor accuracy in ’15, ’16, ’17, ’18, ’20, ’21, and ’22
Led all NFL media in correct picks for the 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2024 NFL Drafts.
2nd Place in all NFL media with correct picks for 2021

2026 NFL MOCK DRAFT – WALT’S | CHARLIE’S ROUND: 1
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NFL Draft Recent Links:
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/23): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/23)
2027 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/23): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2027 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (2/14)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)


17. NFL Team Logo for Lions Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

I think Detroit will take Kadyn Proctor if he gets to 17. He has big-time upside and talent. He could be a power run blocker and has a lot of SEC experience to compete quickly for the Lions. The night before the draft, I heard that the Lions may trade up in the first round for Proctor, but doing so could be too pricey.

If Proctor is off the board, I think this pick will come down to Keldric Faulk, Monroe Freeling, and Jermod McCoy. Faulk is a perfect fit on the field in Detroit’s scheme and exactly what they want in terms of size, strength, and length on the edge. He is also a perfect fit for the Lions’ culture. Freeling and McCoy are in play as well, but I think Proctor is the top choice with Faulk being a close second. If both of them are gone, I think the Lions would take Freeling.

Faulk had 29 tackles with two sacks and three passes batted in 2025. The Tigers’ defensive coaches squandered Faulk’s pass-rush ability by making him two-gap rather than letting him rush upfield. Faulk was a beast for Auburn in 2024, with a big-time presence behind the line of scrimmage. He had seven sacks, 45 tackles, and one forced fumble. He has shown speed and power as a pass rusher while being a big-bodied lineman to defend the run. The 6-foot-6, 270-pounder has upside to develop as he gains experience. Sources say that Faulk is a great kid, a hard worker, and loves football.


Click links to see the Lions' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Lions' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 18  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 28  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 17  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 41  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 24  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 32  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 6

18. NFL Team Logo for Vikings Minnesota Vikings: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Vikings could use more young talent for the interior of their defensive line. Woods would be a great fit in Brian Flores’ defense as a disruptive three-technique, an interior rusher, and a defender who can contribute to the run defense as a nose tackle or a heavy end.

Woods had 30 tackles with two sacks and a pass batted. Woods got his season off to a strong start against Georgia and was more disruptive than the numbers indicate for Clemson. In 2024, he had three sacks and 26 tackles. Woods (6-3, 315) has upside to be better as he gains experience. He is a quick defender at the point of attack who can fire a gap and create inside pass pressure.


Click links to see the Vikings' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Vikings' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 18  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 33  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 23  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 15  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 18  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 19  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 28

19. NFL Team Logo for Panthers Carolina Panthers: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The Panthers could use a safety upgrade, and I think Thieneman will have a big appeal to general manager Dan Morgan. .

In 2025, Thieneman had 92 tackles with five passes batted and two interceptions for the Ducks. Thieneman (6-0, 207) was a tough safety for Purdue over the previous two seasons. He was a good run defender who made some nice plays in coverage as well. In 2024, he had 104 tackles with six passes broken up. The previous season, he had 106 tackles with six interceptions, two passes batted, and two forced fumbles.


Click links to see the Panthers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Panthers' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 19  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 19  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 18  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 19  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 19

20. NFL Team Logo for Cowboys Dallas Cowboys: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

Dallas grabs a linebacker upgrade with a defender who could be their defensive leader for the next decade. Allen is a great run defender who could really help them against their division rivals.

In 2025, Allen had 88 tackles with 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four passes broken up. Allen came on for the Bulldogs during the 2024 season and showed improvement throughout the season. In 2024, he totaled 76 tackles with an interception and four passes broken up. As a freshman in 2023, Allen had 41 tackles with two breakups. The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder is a smart linebacker with instincts, toughness, and versatility.


Click links to see the Cowboys' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 12  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 28  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 12  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 12  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 37  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 40  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 2

21. NFL Team Logo for Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

The Steelers grab an interior offensive line upgrade to protect Aaron Rodgers and open holes for the ground game.

The 6-foot-4, 334-pound Ioane is a strong blocker at the point of attack with the ability to generate movement in the ground game. He is also a reliable pass protector. Ioane is explosive, can mirror speed rushers, and plays with physicality with a nasty streak. Ioane looks like a guard for the NFL and probably does not have the length to kick outside to tackle.


Click links to see the Steelers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Steelers' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 12  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 21  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 35  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 21  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 35  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 21  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 35  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 8  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 14  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 21

22. NFL Team Logo for Chargers Los Angeles Chargers: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Chargers could use an upgrade in the secondary, and Hood has upside to be a No. 1 corner for Los Angeles.

Hood had a strong 2025 season for Tennessee, recording 50 tackles with one interception, eight passes broken up, and one forced fumble. Hood (6-0, 195) was supposed to be the No. 2 corner, but with Jermod McCoy out with an injury, Hood ended up being the best cover corner for the Volunteers. Hood had 24 tackles with two interceptions and six passes broken up in 2024. Prior to Tennessee, Hood played for Colorado and Auburn. Hood is a gritty corner with size, speed, and physicality.



Click links to see the Chargers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Chargers' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 22  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 23  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 23

23. NFL Team Logo for Eagles Philadelphia Eagles: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Philadelphia adds a young tackle that could be the long-term replacement for Lane Johnson.

With some talented players ahead of him, it took some time for Freeling to work his way onto the field for the Bulldogs. Freeling started four games in 2024 and rotated into the game, but in 2025, Freeling became the starting left tackle for the Bulldogs. As the season went on, Freeling played better and better as he gained experience. Freeling turned into a reliable pass protector and capable run blocker. At 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, Freeling has good size, and team sources feel he has the physical talent to be a starting tackle in the NFL.


Click links to see the Eagles' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Eagles' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 4  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 34  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 14  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 37  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 13  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 38  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 16

24. NFL Team Logo for Browns Cleveland Browns: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Browns could use more help at receiver, and Todd Monken likes big receivers.

In 2025, Boston had 62 catches for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns. After Washington lost a trio of good receivers to the NFL, Boston enjoyed a breakout season for the Huskies in 2024. He had 64 receptions for 834 yards and nine touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 209-pounder has mismatch size and is phenomenal at winning contested catches. He is a red zone weapon and is very similar to Drake London and Tet McMillan.


Click links to see the Browns' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 6  |  Click here to jump to the Browns' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 6  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 7  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 6  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 9  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 25  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 32

25. NFL Team Logo for Bears Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Chicago grabs an interior run stuffer and disruptor.

McDonald was a disruptive force and a dynamic run defender for the Buckeyes in 2025. He totaled 65 tackles with three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass batted. The 6-foot-3, 326-pounder has size, quickness, and athleticism. With power and tenacity, McDonald could be an excellent starting nose tackle in the NFL. He has upside to improve as he gains experience.


Click links to see the Bears' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Bears' first second-round pick.  |  Rd: 2 Pk: 28  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 25  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 29  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 23  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 25

26. NFL Team Logo for Cardinals Arizona Cardinals: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

TRADE! I have the Cardinals trading back with the Bills to get back into the first round to take Simpson. I could see Arizona trading up to get in front of the Jets pick at 33. Simpson could be their long-term starter and would be a great scheme fit in the new Cardinals offense.

Simpson was very good in 2025, leading the Crimson Tide to big wins against tough opponents and advancing to the College Football Playoff. In 2025, Simpson completed 65 percent of his passes for 3,500 yards with 28 touchdowns, five interceptions, and two rushing touchdowns. Simpson showed serious arm talent, making beautiful downfield throws with superb ball placement to beat tight coverage. In tight games, Simpson made some great passes to lead his team to wins over Georgia and Missouri. However, he was not as good at the end of the season while playing with some injuries. Simpson is accurate, smart, has a strong arm, and throws with timing and anticipation. He also has great character, is intelligent, works hard, and loves football. Simpson showed superb ball security last season as well, with excellent decision-making. Teams that are not high on Simpson (6-1, 211) feel he lacks height, strength, was a one-year starter, and have durability concerns.

“He’s better than J.J. McCarthy, and his tape is a lot better than McCarthy’s was,” said an NFC assistant general manager. “There was a 3-4 game period where Ty’s tape was really good. Then other games where he is not high-end. I would say he is not elite, not a future high-level starter. Perhaps he could be in the winning starter category with good pieces around him.”

“I would say Ty is a better prospect than McCarthy, [Michael] Penix, and [Jaxson] Dart,” said an NFC general manager at the NFL Scouting Combine. “Ty lacks height, strength, and durability concerns with the lack of body armor.”


Click links to see the Cardinals' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 3  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 1  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 4  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 3  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 2  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 1

27. NFL Team Logo for 49ers San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The 49ers could use some youth at tackle. Here’s an understudy for Trent Williams, and Lomu is a great scheme fit for Kyle Shanahan.

Lomu formed a formidable tackle tandem for the Utes with Spencer Fano. Lomu is an athletic blocker who could be a good pro left tackle. The 6-foot-6, 304-pound Lomu is agile, nimble, quick, and has natural size. Lomu needs to improve on his technique and get stronger as a run blocker, but he has upside to work with. Lomu is very adept at handling speed rushers and protecting the blindside of his quarterback.


Click links to see the 49ers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the 49ers' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 27  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 33  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 38  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 39

28. NFL Team Logo for Texans Houston Texans: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

The Texans could use an upgrade on the offensive line. Miller could compete at guard or right tackle for Houston.

The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Miller was a solid starting tackle for Clemson with 54 consecutive starts. He is a good athlete with quickness and agility on the edge. Miller could stand to get stronger and play with more physicality, but he has the ability to develop into a solid pro starter.


Click links to see the Texans' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Texans' first second-round pick.  |  Rd: 2 Pk: 27  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 5  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 6  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 1  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 27  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 27

29. NFL Team Logo for Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

The Chiefs need more cornerback talent, and Johnson has the skill set and upside to be a true No. 1 for Kansas City.

In 2025, Johnson had 48 tackles with four interceptions, eight passes broken up, and one forced fumble. He had 65 tackles with an interception, three breakups, and three forced fumbles in 2024. Some team sources say they gave Johnson a mid-round grade. Johnson (6-0, 185) could compete to be a nickel corner and then potentially grow into being a starter in the base defense.



Click links to see the Chiefs' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 9  |  Click here to jump to the Chiefs' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 10  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 9  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 8  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 29  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 36  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 29

30. NFL Team Logo for Dolphins Miami Dolphins: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Miami grabs a cornerback upgrade, and Terrell could be a plug-and-play upgrade for the Dolphins.

Terrell had 48 tackles with four forced fumbles, a sack, and nine passes batted. Terrell (5-11, 180) is a fast and fluid cover corner who is extremely adept at running the route to prevent separation. He has excellent ball skills, instincts, and plays bigger and stronger than his size. The size and future durability are the biggest concerns for the NFL. Terrell worked his way onto the field as a freshman and had five starts. He recorded 19 tackles with four passes broken up and an interception. In 2024, Terrell started every game and totaled 58 tackles with two interceptions, 12 passes broken up, three forced fumbles, and 4.5 tackles for a loss. Terrell is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell.


Click links to see the Dolphins' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 11  |  Click here to jump to the Dolphins' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 11  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 23  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 26  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 30  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 30  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 11  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 11  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 22

31. NFL Team Logo for Patriots New England Patriots: K.C. Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Patriots need more receiving weapons, and Concepcion could be a weapon on offense and special teams. I could also see New England taking Caleb Lomu if he got to their pick. Other players I think in contention include edge rushers Cashius Howell, Malachi Lawrence, and Zion Young.

Concepcion caught 61 passes for 919 yards and nine touchdowns, and returned two punts for touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder is a quick and shifty receiver who is very dangerous with the ball in his hands, over two seasons at N.C. State, Concepcion flashed some ability with the Wolfpack. In 2023, he had 71 receptions for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also ran for 320 yards that season on 41 carries. In 2024, he had 53 catches for 460 yards and six scores.


Click links to see the Patriots' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Patriots' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 31  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 25  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 31  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 31  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 10  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 17  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 21  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 31  |  Rd: 7 Pk: 31

32. NFL Team Logo for Seahawks Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

The Seahawks get a replacement for Kenneth Walker.

In 2025, Price averaged six yards per carry for 674 yards with 11 touchdowns. He had six catches for 87 yards and a touchdown. He was also a dynamic kick returner, recording two touchdowns on returns. Price would have been a starter at most schools, but at Notre Dame, he was stuck behind Jeremiyah Love. Price is a tough runner with speed, good instincts, and elusiveness. In 2024, Price averaged 6.2 yards per carry for 746 yards with seven touchdowns. Price has the speed to break off long runs, power to get yards after contact, and good vision and instincts. He could be a very good starter in the NFL.


Click links to see the Seahawks' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Seahawks' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 32  |  Rd: 6 Pk: 7