Monday Morning Draft – Week 6 2026

Race for the No. 1 Pick of the 2027 NFL Draft:

Los Angeles Chargers:

The Chiefs cruised over the Chargers to drop Los Angeles to 0-6 on the season. All the preseason hype of Mike McDaniel taking over as the offensive coordinator has not led to a high-scoring attack. One would think that Los Angeles has too much talent to go winless or land the No. 1 overall pick, but something seems terribly wrong with the Chargers. If they land the No. 1 pick, they should look to trade down for a boatload of picks with a team that wants a quarterback. If they are forced to stick-and-pick at No. 1, they should draft Jeremiah Smith to give Justin Herbert an elite No. 1 receiver.

Miami Dolphins:

Miami had a bye week but improved their chances of landing the No. 1 pick with the Titans getting their first win of the season. Last week, the 0-5 Dolphins lost to the Bengals after playing the Vikings and Chiefs tough in back-to-back weeks, but have not been able to win. They are a prime candidate to land the No. 1 overall pick. The Dolphins started their rebuild last offseason by moving on from veterans Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Bradley Chubb, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Miami has some young talent, and the new front office had an outstanding 2026 draft class. The young players need time to develop, and the Dolphins look likely to be picking in the top three next April.

Top General Manager Candidates:

• Notre Dame general manager Mike Martin
• Miami Dolphins assistant general manager Kyle Smith
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers senior personnel executive Byron Kiefer
• Detroit Lions senior personnel executive John Dorsey
• Detroit Lions director of college scouting Brian Hudspeth
• Wisconsin general manager Morocco Brown
• New England Patriots senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith
• Baltimore Ravens director of college scouting Joey Cleary

Top Head Coach Candidates:

• Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman
• Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden
• Former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott
• Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Tomlin
• Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores
• Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase

Head Coach Hot-Seat Tracker:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles
• Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen
• Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn
• New York Jets: Aaron Glenn
• Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor

General Manager Hot-Seat Tracker:

• Indianapolis Colts: Chris Ballard
• Tennessee Titans: Mike Borgonzi
• Cleveland Browns: Andrew Berry
• Washington Commanders: Adam Peters
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jason Licht
• Detroit Lions: Brad Holmes

Let's Play Matchmaker:

Carolina Panthers: Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson

The Panthers went on the road and got a win over the reeling Eagles. Bryce Young was efficient, and Carolina is grabbing a firm hold of the NFC South after losses by the Falcons and Buccaneers. Carolina’s wins over the Eagles and Lions have been extra impressive considering the injuries they’ve sustained on defense. This offseason, Carolina could fortify their defense by adding some more secondary help with a big cornerback to pair with Jaycee Horn.

In 2026, Hampton has 19 tackles, one interception, and nine passes broken up thus far. To open 2026, on the second play of the blowout loss to LSU, Hampton had a nice interception of Sam Leavitt. Hampton was excellent versus Miami, showing the speed and twitch to cover the ultra-fast Malachi Toney. That was a huge tape for Hampton to show he can run with speed receivers. Hampton (6-3, 204) is a big cover corner who is long and physical. In 2025, he totaled 45 tackles with eight passes broken up and an interception. He had 27 tackles with two interceptions and five breakups as a freshman. Hampton could make sense for Carolina in the back half of the first round.

Tennessee Titans: Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida

The Titans got their first win of the season on the road at Indianapolis. Cam Ward did not play well, completing 11-of-22 passes for 102 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Tennessee’s defense led the way with two interceptions of Daniel Jones and a fumble recovery. Ward is looking shaky, and it would help the Titans if they improved their rushing offense. Getting an upgrade at running back could give Ward better down-and-distance situations in what could be a make-or-break season for Ward in Tennessee.

In 2026,has averaged 5.7 yards per carry for 763 yards with 13 touchdowns. He has nine catches for 59 yards. In 2025, Baugh averaged 5.3 yards per carry for 1,170 yards with eight touchdowns. He had 33 receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot, 228-pound Baugh flashed serious running ability for the Gators in 2024 as a freshman. While other backs got more carries, Baugh showed a dangerous burst and power to get yards after contact. Baugh averaged 5.1 yards per carry for 673 yards and seven touchdowns. He had four catches for 33 yards and a score. Baugh could be a huge upgrade for the Texans.

New Orleans Saints: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

The Saints went to New Jersey and got their second win of the season. Tyler Shough threw three touchdowns, and the New Orleans defense snatched three interceptions from Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy. Malik Nabers (12-165) had a huge game, and the Saints defense has lacked a No. 1 corner since trading away Marshon Lattimore. Lattimore was a declining malcontent, but they still need more cornerback talent to help their defense.

Moore played well against Wisconsin with five solo tackles, a pass break-up, blanket coverage, and a near interception. In 2026, Moore has 13 tackles with five passes broken up. Moore dealt with injuries but played really well in 2025. He had 31 tackles with five interceptions and seven passes defended. With Benjamin Morrison hurt, Moore was phenomenal in 2024, helping the Fighting Irish reach the National Championship. He totaled 48 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 11 passes broken up as a freshman. Moore (6-2, 195) has an excellent skill set with size, speed, and athleticism, and is a natural football player. He would be a great pick for the Saints in the first round next April.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss

The Steelers improved to 4-2 with a comeback win over the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay blew a lead before they forced overtime, and Pittsburgh struggled to protect Aaron Rodgers, giving up five sacks to the Bucs defense. After putting picks and resources into the offensive line, it is disappointing that they are allowing their quarterback to get hit this much. When they draft Rodgers' replacement, Pittsburgh could target a quarterback with some mobility to help bail out their line.

In 2026, Chambliss has completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,676 yards with 14 touchdowns, four interceptions, and six rushing touchdowns. He led Ole Miss to an epic win over LSU and a late win over Louisville. Chambliss was superb for Ole Miss in 2025, guiding them deep into the college football playoffs, including leading a legendary win over Georgia. In 2025, Chambliss completed 66 percent of his passes for 3,937 yards with 22 touchdowns and three interceptions. The 6-foot, 200-pound Chambliss has a similar style of play to a young Russell Wilson. While he is short and undersized, Chambliss has a quality arm with excellent mobility. Chambliss is fantastic at ad-libbing his team into big plays. Chambliss could make sense for the Steelers' first-round pick.

Kansas City Chiefs: Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State

The Chiefs cruised at home over the winless Chargers with Kenneth Walker continuing his superb season for Kansas City. Pat Mahomes threw for 272 with an interception, and the Chiefs receivers did very little outside of Xavier Worthy (7-73). No other Chiefs wideout had three catches or 28 yards through the air. They badly need more receiving weapons for Mahomes.

In 2026, Robinson has 22 catches for 407 yards with four touchdowns. He was very impressive against Alabama and was superb against Miami. Robinson has mismatch size, but runs really well for a big receiver, with some smoothness as a route-runner and straight-line speed. In 2025, Robinson hauled in 56 catches for 1,081 yards with six touchdowns. While being a mammoth receiver, Robinson showed serious quickness to get downfield with his 19.3 yards-per-catch average. Robinson played at USC in 2023 and 2024. Robinson is a sleeper who went under the radar in 2025 with Florida State struggling. He could be a nice early-round addition for Kansas City.

Chicago Bears: Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State

The Bears were up 31-7 entering the fourth quarter before winning by one score after the Falcons mounted a comeback. Kyle Pitts scored two touchdowns, and Atlanta hit some passes downfield with some other near misses on chunk completions that could have changed the game. The Falcons had some success throwing at Jaylon Johnson, and the Bears have Tyrique Stevenson entering free agency. With contract extensions looming for Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, and others, Chicago could look to add a young, cheap corner to help their defense.

Jones (6-3, 196) is a big cornerback with impressive coverage skills. In 2026, Jones has 21 tackles with seven passes broken up. Jones is long, physical, and has speed. On top of coverage skills, Jones is a willing tackler and run defender. In 2025, Jones had 34 tackles with two interceptions and 11 passes broken up. He had 28 tackles as a freshman. Jones would make a ton of sense for the Bears’ first-round pick.

Denver Broncos: Greg Johnson, G/C, Minnesota

The Broncos blew a fourth-quarter lead to Seattle, but ended up winning in overtime thanks to their excellent defense getting a huge interception of Sam Darnold. Denver’s offense really struggled with Bo Nix throwing for only 107 yards. They also were completely ineffective on the ground with a putrid 74 yards rushing on 28 attempts (2.6 average) for Denver. This offseason, the Broncos could use more offensive line talent to help protect Nix and open holes at the point of attack.

Johnson has been excellent for Minnesota playing guard and center. He is a power run blocker who can generate movement at the point of attack. He is also reliable in pass pro to stop bull rushes or move with speed. Johnson (6-6, 327) was a rock-solid blocker for the Gophers in 2025, showing effectiveness in both phases. Johnson has size and power as a run blocker, with quickness, athleticism, and an ability to anchor in pass protection. He looks like he could be a very good starting guard in the NFL with a long career. In 2025, Johnson was the Gophers' left guard, but he also filled in with a start at left tackle and one at right tackle. As a sophomore in 2024, Johnson started all 13 games at center for Minnesota. He has versatility and could be worthy of being a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, according to team sources. Johnson could be a nice addition for the Broncos in the back half of the first round.

Team Draft Report:

In this section, we take a deeper look at specific teams and where they stand regarding the 2025 NFL Draft.

San Francisco 49ers:

The 49ers will probably improve to 6-0 later tonight as they take on a struggling team that was formerly known as the Redskins. San Francisco has been the most complete team to open the 2026 season, and it will be interesting to see if the 49ers can run the table. Teams that start the season hot are often not the hot team come January, but San Francisco has a lot of talent and excellent coaching. The 49ers need to have good fortune with injuries, but they should be Super Bowl contenders in 2027 regardless of what happens this season.

The 49ers defense has been gritty this season, and Raheem Morris was an excellent hire at defensive coordinator. San Faranicsco could use more young talent at a few spots. Depending on how some young players play, finding an upgrade at safety could make sense. In the first round of my latest mock 2027 NFL Draft, I have the 49ers taking Texas safety Jelani McDonald, and he would be a nice fit in Morris defense. They could also consider other good safety talents like Georgia’s K.J. Bolden or Notre Dame’s Tae Johnson.

Up front, San Francisco could use more young talent on the inside of the defensive line. Former first-round pick Javon Kinlaw was a bust, and Javon Hargrave left in free agency. Alfred Collins was lost for the season to injury, but they could use more young talent to go with him. In the first round, getting a tackle could make sense. The 49ers won’t be picking high enough to land Tennessee stud tackle Xavier Gilliam, but there could be some other good options to consider, like Ole Miss’ Will Echoles, Miami’s Ahmed Moton, and Oklahoma’s David Stone.

San Francisco could consider adding more young talent at wide receiver. Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel are not long-term starters, while Ricky Pearsall has been unable to stay healthy. Rookie De’Zhaun Stribling is injured, but even when healthy, they will need more receiving weapons to go with him. The 49ers will not be picking high enough to land Ohio State phenom Jeremiah Smith and will miss out on other top receivers like Texas’ Cam Coleman and Indiana’s Charlie Becker. However, there should be other good options to consider like Rutgers ’ K.J. Duff, Alabama’s Ryan Coleman-Williams, Indiana’s Nick Marsh, or Arizona State’s Reed Harris. Adding one of those receivers could give them a nice young trio, and more options in case Stribling and Pearsall are unable to stay healthy.

Giving Purdy another weapon at receiver would be a good route to go unless there are better values available at tackle or safety. The 49ers could continue to build a championship roster around Brock Purdy with a good draft next April.