GeorgiaDome 2026 Mock Draft

Indiana

Mendoza is going #1. The Raiders made their offseason about adding tools for Mendoza's arrival. The reigning Heisman and National Champion QB projects as a solid NFL starter and might be the only deserving QB to go in Round 1.

Texas Tech

The Jets need the BPA at 2. Anyone of the Top 5 players in the draft would help them but Bailey has the production history to match despite his average on the field workout at the combine. Bailey is the prototypical 4-3 DE with a motor to get to the QB. If the Jets want to have even 1 INT this year, it starts with the pass rush and Bailey has proven that more than the other EDGE guys in this draft. Combining him with McDonald and Ossai makes sense for a team building the defense this offseason and the offense in 27' with a new QB.

Miami

The Cardinals, similar to the Jets, are in a rebuild. Love is tempting but the signing of Allgeier and Connor being on the roster makes this more of luxury than a need. Instead the Cardinals fix their RT position with my top OL on the board. Mauigoa was nothing but productive for the National Runner-Up Hurricanes and gives the Cardinals two bookend tackles with Paris Johnson Jr. to start their build as they look to acquire a franchise QB.

Notre Dame

What is Cam Ward? The Titans are on a mission to find out as evident in their Free Agency acquisitions.

The best way to find out is to give him a chance in the run game and Love is truly a unicorn prospect with game changing effect. Love and Pollard would give the Titans a good look at Ward running a complete offense.

Taking an RB inside the Top 5 is typically taboo in today's NFL. Only 4 have been drafted since 2010 and two were deemed "busts".

2012: Trent Richardson (No. 3, Cleveland Browns)
2016: Ezekiel Elliott (No. 4, Dallas Cowboys)
2017: Leonard Fournette (No. 4, Jacksonville Jaguars)
2018: Saquon Barkley (No. 2, New York Giants)

The other two lived up to their draft status. Love's game could have Derrick Henry/Bijan Robinson types of effect and that is too tempting for teams to pass up especially a HC on his 2nd opportunity.

Ohio State

The Giants do not have the need for the 3 top EDGE rushers and that plays to their advantage in this mock. Mauigoa is the only OL worthy of going in the Top 10 but he is off the board but would have filled a need at RT. Reaching at #5 doesn't make a ton of sense.

Thus, this pick comes down to WR, LB, or S. Downs and Styles are much better prospects than the WRs in this draft and the Giants seem set to go with Nabers, Mooney, and Slaton. While Downs is ranked higher on my board, Safeties don't typically go top 5 and his "degenerative knee" could be an issue for a team looking to make that move in the Top 5.

The Giants signed Tremaine Edmunds but need another LB. Styles has make up to be a defensive chess piece. The former safety could still be used as a "Kyle Hamilton" type piece familiar to what Harbaugh used in Baltimore but is also capable of playing traditional Mike LB or edge in a 3rd down rush package. That level of versatility will appeal to the Giants as they start to rebuild their team in the Harbaugh image.

Ohio State

The Browns seem like they have to go OT and WR with their 2 1st round picks. The question is in what order? Mauigoa is the only OL I think is worthy of a Top 10 pick and the Browns have multiple holes to fill. There is a run of late 1st round prospects that should be available at 24, so instead they look to support whoever they trot out under center in 26' with an effective weapon out wide with Carnell Tate.

Tate has seemingly always been the "other" Ohio St. WR behind Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Marvin Harrison Jr. but is a solid route runner and reliable WR. While he isn't the game breaking prospect we typically see in the Top 10, he projects as a WR that could last for 10-12 years with solid production. That would be a massive upgrade for the Browns.

Ohio State

The Commanders signed 3 EDGE guys in Free Agency but 2 are on short term deals and are depth players. Reese is a productive player with versatility that will appeal to Dan Quinn to play in or outside the box and give a more long-term answer at the position. Should he be gone, I fully expect this pick to be Downs.

Arizona State

The Saints decided to build around 2nd Round QB Tyler Shough and must give him the weapons to have success under Kellen Moore. They accomplished this with RB Travis Etienne but WR is a huge need opposite Chris Olave. Jordyn Tyson has the size and game breaking skills to be a threat to punish teams that try to double Olave. He has the most star power of any WR in this draft and could end up the best in this class.

Utah

The Chiefs pivot seeing both WR's off the board here to protection for Patrick Mahomes, who is coming off a torn ACL and might not start the season. I have said multiple times that Mauigoa is the only OL worthy of a Top 10 pick but Fano is not far off. Fano is being downgraded for having shorter arms than Will Campbell, who had a solid season for New England but struggled in the postseason. That alone is the reason for him falling outside the Top 10 on my board. Fano is a great player and immediately slides into an open spot at RT for Kansas City. Remember, Andy Reid and Kyle Whittingham (his college coach) were teammates at BYU.

Ohio State

*Bengals Fan Alert*

This is the dream scenario for Cincinnati. The Bryan Cook signing solves 1/2 the problem in the backend and drafting Downs completes it. Jordan Battle and Geno Smith were huge liabilities for Cincy last year and one of the reasons the team fell out of the playoff push with a historically bad defense. Smith is now in Buffalo and Battle shouldn't be depended on in 2026. He did a better job of obtaining turnovers but still makes way too many mistakes.

Downs and Cook allow Cincinnati to have a much better pass defense in 2026 alongside DJ Turner and Dax Hill. If the unit could just be average, Cincinnati could be an 10-13 win team. There is still the issue at LB but that can be addressed in Round 2-3 (crossing fingers for Jacob Rodriguez). Downs is a Top 3 prospect in this draft and the "degenerative knee" flagged at the combine shouldn't scare Cincinnati from taking a very high level safety prospect of need at 10.

Miami

Rebuild Mode. Miami only has 3 players from their 2023 roster. That is insane considering that was only 2 seasons ago. The Dolphins truly are rebuilding from the ground up and have needs at every position. Should a Top 10 target fall, Miami should look a just acquiring the BPA. There is an argument that is is Rueben Bain, who could go as high as 4 to Tennessee.

Bain is a tweener DT/DE in a 4-3 scheme but has no problem causing issues. The good news is Miami may be moving to a 3-4 and he can be very effective as a 5 tech. His impact is a major reason Miami went to the title game this past year. Bain allows new HC Jeff Hafley, former Packers DC, to have a solid building block as Miami looks at a multi-year rebuild.

LSU

The top rated CB in the draft, Delane has all the makings of an All-Pro CB. Dallas, much like Cincinnati, are rebuilding their entire defense but are doing it at a faster speed. Having a true talent opposite DaRon Bland is needed and Delane is a better option than Durant or Revel.

USC

The Rams have been exploring WR targets around the league. Adams is another year older and, as exciting as McVay has been with his 13P package, another WR is needed to balance out the offense, especially if Adams or Nacua ever goes down.

Lemon is the last of the round 1 WR prospects on my board. In my opinion, the drop off from the Top 3 to the next tier (Boston, Conception, Lane, Fields) is pretty significant. The Rams will see Puka qualities in Lemon, who does not have to move far from his college home. Lemon will be asked to be a piece and not the savior which will alleviate the pressure as he adjusts to the league and media interviews.

Oregon

The Ravens chose the player over the coach this offseason and nothing has been done to support the player. Instead the Ravens let guys walk out the door and seem like a team doing a soft rebuild rather than chasing Super Bowls.

Flowers needs a running mate, as Bateman has been inconsistent and new staff has no ties to him, but all 3 1st round WRs are off the board. The Ravens lost Isaiah Likely to the Giants this offseason and 31 year old Mark Andrews is showing his age.

Sadiq is a flex TE that rounds out the Ravens offense and gives them a true secondary threat opposite Flowers. He is an average blocker that can also help their 12P game. At 6'3'' 241 lbs. and 4.3 speed, Sadiq can be a match-up problem for teams already having to account for Lamar, Henry, and Flowers.

Georgia

The Bucs always seem to have an athletic, productive, and smart Mike LB. Derrick Brooks, Lavonte David, and Devin White are just a few over the past 20 years. The Bucs signed Alex Anzalone but he still needs a running mate.

CJ Allen ran Georgia's defensive unit the past two seasons and started as a freshman under Kirby Smart. He has production to back it up and just screams Buccaneers LB. While his range is mid to late 1st round, the Bucs and Todd Bowles know they have to secure a target like this as it has been ingrained in their DNA.

Clemson

The Jets made their EDGE pick at 2 and now they can focus on the BPA. This offseason has seemed like the Jets are prioritizing their defensive makeover and focusing on the offense in 27'. That trend continues at 16, where the Jets can take their replacement for Quinnen Williams in Peter Woods.

Woods, a former 5 star prospect, wasn't as productive this past year at Clemson but has to tools and flashes to be a solid player in the league with the right coaching. Onyemata is a short term fix. The Jets need talent and Woods has it, just has to be unlocked.

Georgia

The Lions released Taylor Decker after a decade and need an upgrade at OT. Their position makes it difficult as they are too late for the Top 2 (Mauigoa/Fano) and just early for the next tier. However, Freeling has a wide range from #6-#24 based on teams and has experience as Georgia's LT, which is their current opening.

Freeling's stock is all over the place. Some project him inside the Top 10 and some see him as a late 1st. The reasoning is solid for both. Freeling has all the tools to be a franchise LT but the production doesn't match. As someone married to an UGA alum that watches every Saturday, Freeling was inconsistent in his lone season as a starter for the Bulldogs. The Lions could bank on Goff and Sewell's mentorship to unlock his potential since the physical traits are present.

Oregon

Harrison Smith was a Post-June 1st cut ending a solid NFL career. The Vikings need a replacement in the back end.

Dillon Theineman was a fringe 1st rounder at the start of this process but jumped inside the Top 25 after a very solid combine. While I prefer McNeil-Warren from Toldeo, Thieneman is worthy of a 1st round pick and has been linked to the Vikings. He fits what Brian Flores wants in the position and fills a need on the backend.

Ohio State

The Panthers, fresh of an NFC South crown, seem to be accelerating their rebuild acquiring Devin Lloyd and Jalen Phillips. However, Derrick Brown is still being doubled every play. The best way to allow their studs to be studs is to free them up for 1v1 opportunities and acquire a NT. McDonald is the top ranked NT on the board and is a Top 20 player.

Kayden McDonald is not only a run stuffing NT but can rush the passer at a decent rate. He immediately frees up Brown, Scourton, and Phillips to attack an offense, just look at Ohio St. this past season. The Panthers see this twice a year with Vita Vea freeing up Bucs pass rushers and can use their formula against them.

Auburn

The Cowboys secured a CB at pick 12 but can now focus on their other three needs of ILB, DE, and OLB. CJ Allen could very well be the pick here but he is gone in this mock. Jacob Rodriguez is a little rich here at 20. Howell/Young won't start over Gary or Ezeiruaku but would add depth but that isn't needed in round 1 for a team looking for starters. Enter Keldric Faulk.

The 6'6'' 285 lb Faulk has all the makings of a solid 5 tech in Dallas. Pairing him with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams creates a very strong box that will solve alot of problems in the backend and in opponents' run game.

Penn State

Who is the Steelers QB in 26'?

That is a valid question. Most will mock Simpson here to get him in the 1st round but I am not as high on Simpson and believe he is a 2nd round player.

What does matter is surrounding whoever is at QB with protection. The Steelers lost Isaac Seumalo to the Cardinals and could use upgrades at both guard positions. Ola Ioane is the top rated guard in the draft and is right down the road from Pittsburgh. The Steelers are always built in the trenches and securing the front line must be a point of emphasis for Mike McCarthy.

Florida

The Chargers need a NT and OL help. While Alt and Slater return, their interior could use an upgrade but the only G worth taking in round 1 just went the pick before. Instead the Chargers focus on upgrading their defensive line to free up Tart and Tomlinson by taking Banks.

Caleb Banks is an athletic marvel. The 6'6'' 330 lb NT ran 5.04 in the 40 and has every physical trait to succeed. He plays with high hips and can be sloppy at times but the tools are there. He also has an extensive injury history, which is why he is ranked lower than McDonald on my board, but is worth the risk at 22.

Alabama

The Eagles usually are proactive in their replacements. RT Lane Johnson can't last forever and an understudy is needed. While WR will be a need when AJ Brown leaves, he is still on the roster and, unless they want to reach, a target can be obtained in round 2.

Kayden Proctor is built to be a franchise OT. He has size, strength, and rare athleticism for a man his size. The problem is his performance doesn't match. He whiffs and falls on his heels too much. Everything in his game can be cleaned up with proper coaching and having a mentor like Lane Johnson for a year would benefit his development. This seems like an unsexy but necessary pick for a franchise that has been very good in the draft over the last decade.

Clemson

The Browns went with WR at 6 and can now turn to OT at 24.

Blake Miller has been a fast riser this offseason and now looks certain to go at the bottom of round 1. He has good size and tools but needs to clean up his hands and feet at the NFL level. The Browns could very well look at Lomu from Utah as he is a little more clean at this stage in his career but he doesn't possess the potential of Miller or Iheanaschor, who is a little more raw from these two.

Toledo

I am starting to see this pick mocked more and I love it.

The Bears lost both starting safeties from 25' in Brisker (Steelers) and Byard (New England). They signed Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis but can't depend on both hitting. A team with Super Bowl aspirations, the Bears need impact players now and McNeil-Warren is my second rated S and carries a first round grade. The Bears obtain an impact player at a position of need as they hunt for the Lombardi Trophy in 26'.

Texas A&M

The Bills could use help at OG, CB, and EDGE.

No guard available is worth #26. While there will be some 1st round corners here, the Bills have to see what they have in last year's 1st rounder Maxwell Hairston. I think the Bills really need to add to their pass rush to be in the mix for the AFC in 26'. As of now they only have Chubb (injury prone) and Rousseau as consistent options.

If there is one thing about Howell, he knows how to get to the QB.

Howell is a little undersized as a traditional DE but as a 3-4 rush LB, he fits the mold. He is best off the edge with a quick first step and relentless motor to the QB. As a sub package guy that can build to Chubb's replacement, Howell helps the Bills now.

Utah

Every year it's draft a Trent Williams replacement and it never happens. However, it now is becoming a contract issue and this could force the 49ers to seriously look for a successor.

Caleb Lomu was Utah's LT over Spencer Fano. While not as solid as Fano, there is a reason Utah put them there as he could more than shoulder the load as a LT. Lomu is a smart football player and has the frame to add more weight. He is more pro ready now than Proctor, Miller, or Iheanaschor, but his ceiling isn't quite as high. San Francisco still plans on contending in the NFC by signing Mike Evans and Lomu is more ready to contribute now.

Georgia

The Texans need options at OL as they completely rebuild a front that was abused in the playoffs last year by New England. OT's Ersery and Smith are decent pieces but they need competition at all spots to find the best starting five. The problem is their need is interior after free agency and there isn't a prospect worth taking at 28 outside of Chase Bisontis, who I have as a mid-2nd rounder. I could see them pursuing at Keylan Rutledge in round 2 or trading back to take Bisontis.

If the Texans can't trade this pick (for a team looking at Ty Simpson) then expect them to draft value over need and look at a prospect they have been linked to in Christian Miller.

Miller is a former 5* prospect that enjoyed a rise in the offseason and now could be a late 1st round pick. Despite the Texans defense being the strength of the team, they are gutted at DT with Rankins and Togiai projected as their starters. If they want to keep their defense at a high level then the team could look to upgrade the interior of their defensive line in round 1 and address OL the next few rounds.

Tennessee

The Chiefs lost both starting CBs to the Rams this offseason and seem to be continuing the model of trading them for early round picks and drafting successors. CB is an obvious need in Kansas City and there will be a few available at 29 for them. The best of the bunch is McCoy.

McCoy is an interesting case. He could be the Top CB in the draft but hasn't played football in over a year (ACL last Jan). I think that will hurt him more than the media mock drafts think. He still is CB2 for most teams. His film from 24' was solid and he demonstrates ability to impact games. The Chiefs have shown they are willing to take shots on players and McCoy would be a great fit in KC.

Clemson

The Dolphins continue to take the BPA as they continue their rebuild and that starts at CB, which was a major weakness for the team last year.

Avieon Terrell is a "sticky" CB similar to his brother, Atlanta Falcons CB AJ Terrell. While AJ was a better prospect, Avieon has a similar game and is projected to be a late 1st or early second CB. I have him at CB4 behind Cisse.

The Dolphins have a huge need at WR but I don't see them taking them here at 30. They could at 11 if they like Lemon or Tyson/Tate fall but at 30 the next options are Bell (coming off injury), Boston, Conception (slot WR/returner), Cooper (route running concerns), or Fields ( I like Fields). All of them are typically 2nd rounders including Boston, who has had a dreadful offseason and none are projected to be a guy who can carry a team.

Missouri

The Patriots will be looking for a OT to pair with Will Campbell since Morgan Moses could be in his final season. They could like OT Max Iheanaschor from Minnesota but he is a project and the team is looking for impact players now after a surprise run to the Super Bowl last year. Instead the Patriots pivot to EDGE to push newly acquired Dre'Mont Jones and offer depth. They have shown interest in this classes EDGE prospects.

The 6'6'' 262 lb Young is prototypical 4-3 DE and is a powerful rusher capable of folding edges. He struggles with a secondary move and shedding blocks once engaged but has a powerful bull rush to fit the run and can develop moves once developed. Young could go as high as 15 to the Bucs, which some mocks have him. At the very least, Young adds to the EDGE depth which will help the Patriots as they look to make a return trip to the Super Bowl in 2026.

South Carolina

The Seahawks lost Riq Wooden to the Eagles and resigned Josh Jobe but need depth and competition at CB. Cisse is my CB3 but will need development but has great physical tools and fits the mold of a Seattle CB. NFL.com's anonymous AFC scout said it best “You draft him more for tomorrow’s tools and not for today’s tape. The bad reps are going to get corrected. I like his makeup and his speed.”

Seattle has often been mocked an RB here and could take Jadarian Price or Mike Washington but the signing of Emanuel Wilson and the use of George Holani may be deemed enough to get them through until Charbonnet comes back. I do expect them to take one at some point in the draft.


Other Notable Prospects not taken in Round 1:

Ahkeem Mesidor, Miami, DE- Lack of length, Injury history, 25 year old rookie. Expect him mid-round 2.

Max Iheanaschor, Arizona St., OT- Not been playing football long, good physical skills but needs refinement and not projected as a year 1 starter. Expect him late 1 (if a team falls in love or run starts earlier) or early 2.

Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana, WR- Concern getting in and out of breaks and route running. Poor blocking WR. Expect Mid-Round 2.

Lee Hunter, Texas Tech, DT- 2 down player, relies on size over technique, lack of 1st step quickness. Expect late 1 if DT run starts earlier to early 2nd round.

Ty Simpson, Alabama, QB- Just not a round 1 QB. Takes sacks, got beat up in 1 season of college may not be able to handle entire season, had poor eye discipline late in the season, struggles with layered throws, and taking check downs. Graded as a Round 2-3 QB but draft always pushes these guys higher.

Denzel Boston, Washington, WR- Production inconsistent especially against top level competition, gives up chest off line, speed concerns, more of a jump ball/size WR. Round 2 WR.

KC Concepion, Texas A&M, WR- Slot WR that struggles over the middle with drops, lack of variance in speed, not much of a blocker. More of a luxury pick and gadget player than need. Early round 2.

TJ Parker, Clemson, DE- Tends to stall in run fits or be forced wide, much better in 24 than 25, needs to develop rush tools and run fits or he will be kicked a bunch. Round 2.

Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech, LB- Coverage issues, can be bullied in vertical run game by bigger OL, overruns plays. Actually a top 32 player on my board and see him being like Matt Milano but looks like a late 1st or early 2nd.

Chris Bell, Louisville, WR- WR 1 make up and athleticism but coming off a late season ACL tear, route running needs work, and below average ball skills. Round 2 flier for potential.