Monday Morning Draft – Week 9 2026

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

Los Angeles Chargers:

The Chargers were blown out at home by the Texans, and that dropped Los Angeles to 0-8 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 played the Lions tough but lost at home. The 1-7 Dolphins are still a prime contender to land the No. 1 pick, but they need the Chargers to start getting some wins. Previously, they played the Vikings and Chiefs tough in back-to-back weeks. 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.

Tennessee Titans:

The Titans were on their bye this week. At 1-7, Tennessee is among the worst teams in the league, but they have shown some competitiveness in some games. If Tennessee lands the No. 1 pick, the first question to answer will be whether they want to build around Cam Ward with a trade down or do they want to replace Ward with a new quarterback.

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
• Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph
• Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase
• Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski

Head Coach Hot-Seat Tracker:

• Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen
• New York Jets: Aaron Glenn
• Dallas Cowboys: Brian Schottenheimer
• Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh
• Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles

General Manager Hot-Seat Tracker:

• Tennessee Titans: Mike Borgonzi
• Cleveland Browns: Andrew Berry
• Washington Commanders: Adam Peters
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jason Licht

Let's Play Matchmaker:

New York Giants: K.J. Duff, WR, Rutgers

The Giants got an eight-point win with the Eagles starting backup quarterback Joe Milton. The Philadelphia offense could only muster 11 points, and that allowed New York to get a win even though their offense was struggling. J.J. McCarthy threw his back out while warming up, and Jameis Winston threw the Giants' lone touchdown. New York was led in receiving by Darnell Mooney (3-54) and Isaiah Likely (5-53-1). This offseason, the Giants need to get another receiver for Jaxson Dart to pair with Malik Nabers.

In 2026, Duff has dominated against UMass (9-196-3) and Boston College (8-137-2). He has 45 receptions for 774 yards with nine touchdowns while missing some time with injuries. Duff has generated a nice buzz early in the process after a breakout 2025 season, along with special height, weight, and speed. The advance scouts have him listed at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, with a projected 40-yard time around 4.5 seconds. His speed and size translated to being a chunk-producing receiver in 2025 with an average of 18.1 yards per catch. Duff totaled 60 receptions for 1,084 yards with seven touchdowns. Rutgers fought hard to keep Duff from leaving, and sources say they think Rutgers paid upwards of $3 million to get Duff back in 2026. Duff could be a nice early-round pick for the Giants to pair with Nabers.

Los Angeles Rams: Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina

The Rams got a road win over Washington with Puka Nacua (14-150-1) having a huge game for Los Angeles. Davante Adams is out, but Los Angeles needs more receiver talent. No other Ram had even 21 yards through the air versus the Commanders. On day two of the 2027 NFL Draft, the Rams should target some young receiver talent.

In 2026, Harbor has 24 catches for 404 yards and three touchdowns. Harbor (6-5, 241) is a big receiver who has sprinter speed. For years, scouts have been talking him up to me as a prospect with an elite skill set. In 2025, he had 30 receptions for 618 yards and six touchdowns. Until 2025, Harbor was also a college track competitor, as he is extremely fast, but he stopped running track to focus on football. Harbor has had some issues with his hands and is very raw as a route-runner. In 2024, Harbor had 26 catches for 376 yards and three scores. He has a ton of upside to develop in the NFL, and he could be a steal if he lands with good coaching. Harbor could be a great project for Sean McVay.

New Orleans Saints: Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia

The Saints got an overtime win over the Browns. New Orleans got an efficient game from Tyler Shough even though Shedeur Sanders threw for almost 300 yards. Cleveland’s rookie receiver tandem of Denzel Boston and K.C. Concepcion played well, and Harold Fannin Jr. had a touchdown reception as well. This offseason, New Orleans could use a cornerback to upgrade their pass defense.

In 2026, Robinson has 19 tackles with six passes defended and two interceptions. In 2025, Robinson had a breakout season for the Bulldogs, playing as an effective cover corner. Robinson totaled four interceptions, seven passes broken up, and 20 tackles. Robinson (6-0, 180) could stand to fill out his frame to help him battle pro receivers, but he has advanced coverage skills to run the route and prevent separation. Robinson could be a nice first-round pick for the Saints.

Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana

The Chiefs pulled away over the Jets after being up by only two at halftime. Once again, the Kansas City wide receivers were disappointing. Neither Rashee Rice (5-49) nor Xavier Worthy (6-48) has proven to be a reliable and consistent No. 1 receiver. Kansas City must get more receiving weapons for Patrick Mahomes.

In 2026, Marsh has 38 catches for 669 yards and eight touchdowns. Marsh was highly targeted in the transfer portal, and Indiana won the bidding war to add him to their 2026 roster. In 2025, Marsh had 59 receptions for 662 yards with six touchdowns at Michigan State. The 6-foot-3, 203-pound Marsh is very talented and has a ton of upside. In 2024, he caught 41 passes for 649 yards and three touchdowns. He could be a good first-round pick for the Chiefs.

Dallas Cowboys: Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson

The Cowboys were fortunate that they had a Jonathan Taylor fumble to help them get a road win. The Dallas defense gave up yardage, and rookie running back Seth McGowan had a nice game as he auditions to be Taylor’s replacement with the trade deadline looming. This season the Cowboys defense has been a disappointment, and they could use more talent in the middle.

Thus far in 2026, Brown has 59 tackles with two sacks and one pass broken up. In 2025, Brown had 106 tackles with five sacks, one forced fumble, an interception, and five passes broken up. Brown impressed in 2024 with 80 tackles, five sacks, and three passes broken up. The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder has decent instincts and is a tough run defender. He reads his keys well and flows to the ball. Brown could make sense as a third-round pick for Dallas, who could compete quickly after getting a lot of playing time in college.

Denver Broncos: Greg Johnson, G/C, Minnesota

The Broncos improved to 7-2 with a road win at Carolina thanks to 13 fourth-quarter points. Denver’s receivers did not produce a big day, and their rushing attack was held to only 3.0 yards per carry with only 82 yards on 27 attempts. Denver could use more strength and talent on the offensive line. A blocker like Johnson would improve their pass protection and help them run the ball.

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 is worthy of being a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, according to team sources. Johnson could be a nice addition for Denver.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Emmanuel Oyebadejo, DT, Florida

With Lamar Jackson out with a right hand injury, the Jaguars cruised over Baltimore on Thursday Night Football. While they won by 23, the Ravens did put up 172 yards rushing on Jacksonville. If Jackson had been playing, that number probably would have been much higher. The Jaguars have some good edge rushers, but they could use more run stuffing and pass rush from the inside of their defensive line.

Florida has had some young defensive linemen emerge as really good players this season, and Oyebadejo has been a disruptive force. The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder has shown explosion at the point of attack and an ability to rush the passer with speed, power, and athleticism. He has 17 tackles with 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and four passes batted. In 2025, Oyebadejo had 41 tackles with 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and five passes batted with Jacksonville State. Oyebadejo is raw, as he has had limited exposure to football, but he has a ton of upside to develop with a tremendous skill set. He could be a good first-round pick for Jacksonville late in 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.

Cincinnati Bengals:

Throughout the offseason and preseason, I had the Bengals as a top Super Bowl contender in the AFC, and they are playing like it this season. Halway through the regular season, Cincinnati is one of the top teams in the AFC, and they should remain in Super Bowl contention as long as Joe Burrow stays healthy.

The Bengals have a strong roster with good depth, so they do not have a lot of huge needs to fill. However, keeping Burrow healthy is absolutely vital to have any hopes of winning a title while they have players like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins playing in the prime of their careers. Thus, adding young talent to the offensive line in the 2027 NFL Draft would make sense. In the first round of my latest mock 2027 NFL Draft, I have the Bengals taking Utah offensive tackle Zereoue Williams, and he would be a great fit as a twin tower to go with Amarius Mims. Orlando Brown is aging and expensive. The Bengals could get younger and cheaper at left tackle with Williams, and he is a massive left tackle similar to Brown. Cincinnati won’t be picking high enough for LSU’s Jordan Seaton, but they could have a shot at Williams and maybe Texas’ Trevor Goosby. Indiana’s Carter Smith could also end up getting late first-round consideration.

Chase Brown has not had the big season that many expected, and the Bengals could land an upgrade if they were to draft Florida’s Jadan Baugh in the first round of the draft. Baugh could be a dynamic runner to attack soft tackle boxes with defenses using their safeties downfield. However, Baugh could easily go too high for the Bengals to have a shot at him.

The Bengals defense could also consider adding some cornerback talent. They have some solid pros, but Cincinnati could target a potential true No. 1 corner. Some cornerback prospects for the back half of the first round could include Mississippi State’s Kelley Jones, Clemson’s Ashton Hampton, Nebraska’s Andrew Marshall, and Michigan’s Zeke Berry. Adding cornerback talent is never a bad idea for depth as well as starting talent for a playoff team.

Cincinnati has a strong roster, so going with the best player available could get consideration. Adding to the offensive line and secondary would be the ideal spots, but the Bengals are true Super Bowl contenders this year, and they should be next year as well.