Race for the No. 1 Pick of the 2026 NFL Draft:
Tennessee Titans:
Tennessee lost to Jacksonville to maintain its hold on the No. 1 pick. As the only one-win team in the NFL, the Titans could land the No. 1 pick for the second straight season. If Tennessee gets the No. 1 pick, it would make sense to auction the pick to load up on draft picks to rebuild the Titans’ roster.
New York Giants:
At 2-10, New York is hot on the heels of the Titans for the No.1 pick. If New York gets the No. 1 pick, it could look to trade down and get a lot of picks to build around Jaxson Dart.
New Orleans Saints:
The 2-10 Saints could easily lose out, and that might land them the No. 1 pick. New Orleans will find out over the back half of the season if Tyler Shough can be the long-term starter, but if they land the No. 1 pick, they should probably target a franchise quarterback to build around.
Las Vegas Raiders:
The Raiders are dealing with the ramifications of years of bad management by Mark Davis. He has made a number of terrible hires at head coach and general manager after allowing the NFL league office to blow up the playoff team that had been built by Jon Gruden.
Top General Manager Candidates:
- Notre Dame general manager Mike Martin
- Atlanta Falcons vice president of player personnel Kyle Smith
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers senior personnel executive Byron Kiefer
- Detroit Lions assistant general manager Ray Agnew
- Detroit Lions senior personnel executive John Dorsey
- Houston Texans assistant general manager Chris Blanco
- Former Indianapolis Colts chief personnel executive Morocco Brown
- New England Patriots senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith
- Buffalo Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray
- Las Vegas Raiders vice president of player personnel Brandon Hunt
Top Head Coach Candidates:
- Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman
- Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard
- Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley
- Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken
- Green Bay Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia
- Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores
Head Coach Hot-Seat Tracker:
- Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon
- Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris
- Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel
Let’s Play Matchmaker:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Damon Wilson II, DE, Missouri 
The Bucs got back on the winning track with a home win over the dismal Cardinals. Tampa Bay almost allowed the Cardinals to pull off a comeback that forced overtime, but Arizona fell short behind backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The Buccaneers could use more edge rush talent to help close out wins and allow them to generate more pass rush without having to blitz.
In 2025, Wilson has 20 tackles, nine sacks, and one interception thus far. Wilson was a rotational backup at Georgia in 2024, totaling 22 tackles with three sacks and two forced fumbles. He transferred to Missouri after the season, and Wilson has been impressive with the Tigers. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Wilson has quality size with speed off the edge. Sources say he has good character as well. Wilson could be a good fit for Tampa Bay.
Green Bay Packers: Will Lee, CB, Texas A&M 
The Packers got a huge Thanksgiving win over the Lions, with Green Bay benefiting from the officials giving them some help with horrible calls against Detroit. Still, Jordan Love took advantage, tossing four touchdowns, and the Green Bay defense did a nice job defending Jahmyr Gibbs. Green Bay really struggled to defend Jameson Williams, and this offseason, the Packers need to get a replacement for Jaire Alexander.
To open 2025, Lee has 43 tackles, one interception, and seven passes broken up. Lee (6-0, 190) has solid size for the NFL. Some sources say he is tough and good in man coverage. In 2024, Lee totaled 42 tackles with two interceptions, 10 passes broken up, and one forced fumble. He had 42 tackles with two picks and six breakups in 2023. Lee could be a nice pick for the Packers in the second round.
Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State 
The Bengals pulled off a surprising road upset in Baltimore on Thanksgiving night. It was not a shocker that Joe Burrow played well in his return to the lineup, but it was not expected to see the Bengals hold the Ravens to 14 points. Lamar Jackson had three turnovers, and the Bengals’ defense limited Derrick Henry and shut down the Baltimore wideouts. The Bengals did struggle to defend the Ravens’ tight end tandem of Isaiah Likely (5-95) and Mark Andrews (4-47). Cincinnati could use a safety upgrade to help defend them, along with the tight end tandems in Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
In 2025, Downs has 52 tackles with two interceptions, one pass broken up, and one sack. In 2024, Downs had 76 tackles with six passes broken up and two interceptions. Downs was phenomenal for Alabama in 2023, recording 107 tackles, two interceptions, three passes broken up, and a forced fumble. After the season, he transferred to Ohio State. Downs (6-0, 205) has the potential to be a safety that is a true first-rounder. He would be a true replacement for Jesse Bates.
Dallas Cowboys: Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M
The Cowboys got a huge win over the Chiefs to keep their remote playoff hopes alive on Thanksgiving. Jadeveon Clowney had two sacks, and Dante Fowler added another for Dallas. Through their trades this season, the Cowboys have fortified the interior of their defensive line, but they still could use some long-term edge rush starters.
This season, Howell has 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble, 29 tackles with six passes batted. The 6-foot-2, 248-pound Howell is fast off the edge with a repertoire of pass-rushing moves. Howell’s size might make him an odd fit as a linebacker/defensive end, but his production of getting after the quarterback is going to make him an early-round pick next April. Howell could be a nice speed rusher in the Cowboys’ scheme. Howell could make sense for the Cowboys’ pick that they have from the Packers on the opening night of the draft.
Chicago Bears: Branson Cisse, CB, South Carolina 
The Bears improved to 9-3 with a road win over the Eagles as they ran the ball down the throat of Philadelphia. Chicago won with old-school Bears football of a good running game and a tough defense. Kyle Monangai (22-130-1) and D’Andre Swift (18-125-1) were superb to roll over the Eagles, while the defense only allowed 87 yards rushing and 230 yards through the air. The Bears did struggle with A.J. Brown (10-132-2), and adding more cornerback help would make sense for Chicago.
Cisse has been an impressive cover corner for South Carolina in 2025. He has 27 tackles with an interception, five passes batted, and a forced fumble. In 2024, he had 28 tackles with five passes broken up. The 6-foot, 190-pounder has quality size to go with speed and athleticism. He could be a starting man corner in the NFL. He could be a good fit in Dennis Allen’s defense.
Houston Texans: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami 
The Texans got a huge home win over the Colts, moving one game behind Indianapolis with five games remaining. Houston’s defense continued its hot play, holding Indianapolis to 16 points. C.J. Stroud was efficient in his return to the field, and the Texans are one of the hottest teams in the league. They started to revamp their offensive line last offseason and could use a right tackle to pair with Aierontae Ersery.
Mauigoa was a star recruit and one of the top players in the nation. After choosing the Hurricanes, Mauigoa has been a starting tackle the past three seasons. The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder has a quality skill set with upside, but has not been dominant. Some team sources feel he might be better off moving inside to guard in the NFL, but he could be a starting right tackle or guard as a pro. In the middle to back half of the first round, Mauigoa could make sense for Houston.
New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon 
The Jets got their third win of the season with 13 fourth-quarter points on the Falcons. Tyrod Taylor managed the game well, and new receiver Adonai Mitchell had a huge performance with eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. With Mitchell, Mason Taylor, and Garrett Wilson, the Jets have some skill position talent but still need a franchise quarterback. New York has extra draft pick ammo to move up, but they might be able to stick-and-pick and land a quarterback like Moore in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Moore has been a dynamic point-producer for the Ducks in 2025, making plays with his arm and legs. In 2025, Moore has completed 73 percent of his passes for 2,733 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. Moore (6-3, 203) is a dangerous quarterback who is tough to defend. He has shown impressive arm talent and feel as a passer. Moore throws some beautiful deep balls and shows impressive composure and poise for a young player. Moore could be a fit for the Jets in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Team Draft Report:
In this section, we take a deeper look at specific teams and where they stand regarding the 2025 NFL Draft.
New Orleans Saints:
After Drew Brees retired, New Orleans tried to avoid becoming a massive rebuilding project, but it was inevitable. The roster that won the NFC South over Tom Brady’s Super Bowl championship Buccaneers team aged out. While the Saints tried to avoid a rebuild by bringing in Derek Carr and other veterans, it caught up with them, and now New Orleans is a big project to become a contender in the NFC.
In my latest mock 2026 NFL Draft, I have the Saints taking Alabama’s Ty Simpson, and he could be a true franchise quarterback to replace Brees. In the final four games of the season, the Saints have to figure out if Tyler Shough can be their starter next season. If they are not convinced that he is going to be a good starter, New Orleans should target a quarterback. Aside from Simpson, the Saints could consider other options like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore, or South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers.
If Shough plays well enough to prove to be the starter in 2026, then the Saints should target more help for their offense. They lack playmakers, and they will need to add weapons to help their young trigger man. Moving down and taking a wide receiver would be ideal if they don’t need to draft a quarterback. Some wide receiver options to consider include Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Washington’s Denzel Boston, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, and Louisville’s Chris Bell. Any of that group would be a nice receiver to pair with Chris Olave.
New Orleans could also consider taking one of the best players in the draft, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Alvin Kamara is declining, and the Saints could extend his career and effectiveness by pairing him with a bellcow back like Love. If they are sticking with Shough, a good plan could be to take Love in the first round and then one of those receivers at the top of the second round. Other day two wideouts they could consider include USC’s Makai Lemon, South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor, and Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields.
Defensively, the Saints could consider adding some young talent in the back seven. They have some solid veteran talent on the defensive line. However, New Orleans’ offense is worse off, and they have to help their young quarterback.
The Saints are a huge rebuilding project, and they are going to need to draft well over the next few years and make some smart free agency signings to improve their roster. The 2026 NFL Draft is going to be a huge opportunity for New Orleans to lay a foundation for becoming a playoff contender again.
Carolina Panthers:
Even if the Carolina Panthers fall short of the playoffs this season, there is no doubt that the Panthers are vastly improved from where they were two years ago, when they had the worst record in the NFL. General manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales have turned the worst team in the league into a competitor in the NFC South and NFC, as evidenced by Carolina knocking off the Rams yesterday. A strong 2026 offseason could put Carolina in a position to win the division next season.
Carolina has invested heavily in the offense with recent first-round picks, and as a result, they need a lot of help on defense. Owner David Tepper did not want to pay defensive end Brian Burns, and that was a big mistake. Burns is a dynamic speed rusher, and the Panthers have not found an adequate replacement since trading Burns to New York. Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen could be solid pro ends, but they could be better as complementary rushers. The Panthers could use a lead dog edge rusher to lead their defense. In my latest mock 2026 NFL Draft, I have the Panthers taking Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, and he would be a nice addition for Carolina. Other first-round ends they could consider include Texas Tech’s David Bailey, Miami’s Rueben Bain, Missouri’s Zion Young, Missouri’s Damon Wilson, and Clemson’s Will Heldt. Adding more pass rush would make a lot of sense for Carolina.
Along with improving the pass rush, the Panthers could consider adding help for pass coverage. They gave a huge contract to Jaycee Horn, but they could use an upgrade across from him. Having their other starting cornerback on a cheap rookie contract would make sense with how much Horn is commanding. In the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, some good cornerback options to consider would include LSU’s Mansoor Delane and South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse. On the second day of the draft, Clemson’s Avieon Terrell or Alabama’s Domani Jackson could be good candidates to consider.
Offensively, the only position that could make sense in the first round is offensive tackle. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is hitting free agency after this season, and right tackle Taylor Moton is in his 30s. Some tackle options they could consider in the first round include Oregon’s Isaiah World, Alabama’s Kayden Proctor, and Utah’s Caleb Lomu. If the Panthers decide to move on from Ekwonu, left tackle will be a huge hole, and they will need a competent blind side protector for Bryce Young. Thus, free agency is going to have a big impact on the draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft is going to be critical for the Panthers to make a move from being a .500 caliber team to a true contender in the NFC. Morgan and Canales have made progress, but now they have to push the team to new heights.
