NFL

2026 Mock Drafts

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Browns Select Fernando Mendoza 1st Overall

Mock Trade from: NYG

A New York swap for the top spot in the 2026 draft sees the Jets nab the recent Heisman trophy winner. While Mendoza doesn't fit the "creator" mold that's become popular at the top of the draft, he's a perfect fit to operate the scheme that offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has brought over from Detroit. He's a robotic pocket passer who rarely makes mistakes with the football.

What Moore lacks in experience, he more than makes up for in calm aesthetics. He throws a beautiful football and is throw-for-throw the most accurate quarterback in this class. No one had more perfectly placed passes outside the numbers in this class than Moore. While he hasn't faced many top defenses or faced a ton of pressure, it's easy to see him developing into something special in the NFL.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Titans Select Edge Rueben Bain Jr. 2nd Overall

Bain was the down-in, down-out most impactful defensive lineman in college football. He collapses tackles in both the run game and as a pass rusher. With his body type, Bain could easily be a force as an interior rusher in the NFL, too.

Tate is the kind of vertical X receiver the Browns offense has been missing. He hauled in a ridiculous 11 of his 15 deep targets for 453 yards this fall. His 14.4 yards per target is an eye-popping figure. Most importantly, though, he didn't drop a single pass all season.

Mock Trade from: NYJ

Jaxson Dart goes from having scant receiving options to arguably the most fully loaded receiving corps in the NFL with this pick. Tyson is a crafty, all-around route runner who creates more space for himself than anyone in the class. His only concern is his injury history that's caused him to miss time in three straight seasons.

It was an up-and-down first season as a starter for Goosby, but by season's end there wasn't a better offensive lineman in college football. He was the best player on the field in Texas' upset win over Texas A&M to cap off the regular season. He also has experience on the right side in 2024, as he'd have to flip to that side in Arizona.

Bailey is a twitched-up athlete who can hunt quarterbacks. His 13.5 sacks led all Power Four defenders this fall. The Saints defense has turned a leaf from the Dennis Allen era and could use more speed off the edge instead of power.

Reese is what a modern hybrid linebacker looks like. He can rush the passer, drop deep into coverage, or run sideline to sideline in the run game at a high level. His juice is exactly what the Commanders are missing in their front seven.

The Bengals haven't been right at safety since Jessie Bates III left. That would change in a hurry with Downs back there. He's a do-it-all safety who's also an exceptional tackler.

The Rams won't be drafting top 10 anytime soon as long as Sean McVay is their head coach. Because of that, they may take a swing on their next franchise quarterback to apprentice Matthew Stafford in the meantime. Simpson has shown flaws of late in his first season as a starter, but there's more than enough flashes from him to get excited about what he could become.

Given how this season ended for the Chiefs, the front office may very well want to make sure Patrick Mahomes is never in the firing line behind a UDFA offensive tackle again. Mauigoa would pair with Trey Smith on the right side to create one brutish double-team combo.

Give J.J. McCarthy all the weapons you can give him to take the pressure off the young quarterback. Love would give opposing defensive coordinators a lot to think about in game-planning meetings with Jahmyr Gibbs-esque home run ability.

Sadiq's mixture of speed, YAC ability and physicality in the run game is perfect for Mike McDaniel's offense. He'd be like a souped-up version of Jonnu Smith for them. Athletes like Sadiq are perfect for today's NFL, which so often asks tight ends to block on the move.

Styles is the perfect linebacker for a Matt Eberflus defense. He's not a great blitzer, but Eberflus doesn't send linebackers much. What Styles is is an elite tackler (didn't miss one tackle all season) who has the best range at the second level in the draft class.

The Ravens guard position has been among the worst in the NFL this season. Fano would change that with his fleet feet and quick hands. He starts at right tackle now for the Utes but looks better suited for the interior in the NFL.

McCoy has already declared for the draft, making him the biggest wild-card prospect in the class. I say that because he didn't play a down of football this fall after tearing his ACL in January. His tape in 2024 was top-10 worthy, but the injury throws a wrench into that projection. For the Panthers, he'd be worth a swing given their need and how scary their secondary would be if McCoy hits his high-end projection.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Cowboys Select 2 Defensive Lineman In 2026

Faulk is a physically imposing defensive end who can play both inside and outside. He's a dynamo in the run game but a work in progress as a pass rusher with only 31 pressures this past fall. His tools are worth taking a chance on developing given how special they are.

Mock Trade from: NYJ

The last time an uber-strong defensive tackle from Clemson fell in the draft, it turned out fairly well for the Giants. You couldn't find Woods outside the top five in a mock draft prior to the season, but a disappointing junior campaign that saw him register a career-low 15 pressures could cause him to slip.

The NFC is trench warfare, and the Bucs are just adding reinforcements here. Ioane was the best true guard in the country this fall. as he was lights out in pass protection all season. He allowed only four pressures on 310 pass-blocking snaps.

The Biletnikoff Award winner slots into an offense in desperate need of a reliable No. 2 receiver. Lemon may be the most reliable receiver in the entire draft class with only a 2.8% drop rate for his entire career.

Defensive tackle may not qualify as a need for the Eagles, but they will continue to pound the trenches as long as Howie Roseman is the GM. Washington is exactly the kind of player Roseman has coveted in his GM tenure: a big, freaky athlete. Washington's first step is elite for a 330-pounder and can be a problem in the right scheme.

Offensive line may be the bigger need, but Allen's tape may be difficult for head coach DeMeco Ryans to pass on. That's because Allen plays the game exactly how you'd want a linebacker to play it. He's a tone-setter on every single play who hits like a brick. It takes a special talent to start at linebacker for Kirby Smart as a true freshman, and that's Allen.

The Cowboys need help anywhere they can get it on their defense, and Delane is just that at corner. He's got the best man-match tape in the draft class this past fall with only 13 catches allowed for 147 yards.

The Bills finally get a Stefon Diggs-esque separator for the first time since his departure from Buffalo.

The Bears have already got the league's best run game with a revolving door at left tackle. Adding Proctor to it would almost be unfair to opposing defenses. He can cave in a double team as well as any college tackle you'll see but comes with some foot-speed concerns in pass protection.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Cowboys Select 2 Defensive Lineman In 2026

McDonald is the kind of immovable nose tackle that Jim Harbaugh would love to plant in the middle of his defensive line. Not only can he eat double teams, but he can also shed to make plays. McDonald led all defensive tackles in college football in run-stop percentage this past fall.

Pregnon is an explosive athlete at left guard who's had a breakout season for the Ducks. His ability to play on the move would be perfect for a Kyle Shanahan scheme. He's allowed only three pressures all season.

Lomu didn't quite fix his play-strength concerns from his sophomore to junior seasons, but his quick feet and crafty hands could still entice a tackle-needy team like the Browns to take him in the first round. The Browns' revolving door of tackles has allowed the most pressures in the NFL this season.

Parker is yet another disappointing Clemson defensive lineman. He was in the top 10 of most mock drafts during the preseason but saw his pressure total fall from 51 last year to 41 this year. There's still a lot to like from him in the run game, but his lack of high-end juice could cause him to fall.

This is likely Tariq Woolen's last season in a Seahawks uniform, which means a cornerback spot should be opening up next year. Terrell's game isn't too dissimilar to current Seahawk Devon Witherspoon. Having two of that player in one secondary feels unfair.

Smith is one of the unsung stars on the No. 1 Hoosiers team. He's been dominant on the left side all season, especially in the run game. He's a left tackle for the Hoosiers, but I could see him slotting in on the right side or inside for the Rams.

Jackson is one of the most intriguing athletes in the draft class. His blend of length, strength, explosiveness and flexibility is what the elites in the NFL look like. His down-to-down effectiveness, though, is not close to what the elites look like. The good news is we've seen progress from him, especially when reduced down on the interior.

An explosive, high-motor LB with a versatile skill set that includes elite closing speed vs. both the run and the pass. He is a terror coming downhill, showcasing his strength and athleticism to shoot gaps, shed blocks, and collapse the pocket. Reese is a wrap-up tackling machine who consistently plays with an aggressive edge and the versatility to line up across the front seven. One of the biggest risers over the first month of the college season.

Downs could be a Troy Polamalu-level talent in the NFL. He's only 5-foot-11, and he may not end up running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, but I don't care. Not even a little bit. Both Kyle Hamilton and Brian Branch slipped on draft day because of mediocre 40 times. They're two of the best young defensive backs in football. Downs is a run-game enforcer and has the sideline-to-sideline juice, coupled with the short-area burst, to excel in pass coverage.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Browns Select Fernando Mendoza 1st Overall

Mendoza is a poised, accurate passer who has plus arm talent, consistently delivering catchable balls on time and in rhythm and excelling on layered second-level routes. He shows NFL-level field vision and coverage recognition, consistently ripping throws with anticipation. While not a true creator, Mendoza navigates collapsing pockets effectively and can make accurate off-platform throws, showing a calm, efficient style reminiscent of Jared Goff.

Woods is a powerful, explosive interior defensive lineman who consistently wins at the point of attack with violent hands, low pad level, and exceptional strength. He's immovable against the run -- stacking, shedding, and disrupting plays in the backfield while maintaining gap integrity -- and can overwhelm interior blockers. Though not reliant on a deep move set, Woods' athleticism, effort, and persistence allow him to collapse pockets and create chaos from multiple alignments.

Moore is a composed, confident pocket passer who thrives under pressure, consistently working through progressions and delivering accurate, tight-window throws with anticipation. He's highly effective when moving the launch point, showing the arm strength and touch to attack every level of the field -- often off-platform. While not a true dual-threat, Moore's poise, vision, and athleticism allow him to extend plays and create when protection breaks down, and he repeatedly shows up in big moments.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Cowboys Select 2 Defensive Lineman In 2026

First, Faulk just turned 20 in September. Second, he's unofficially 6-foot-6 and 288 pounds, and he is already near-elite as a run defender. The power and athleticism with which he plays makes it an easy projection to see him as a dominant pass rusher down the road. Maybe it doesn't happen this season, and maybe it doesn't happen until, say, Year 2 in the league, but when it all comes together, it's going to be scary.

Simpson is a big-armed pocket passer who plays with composure and outstanding mental processing both before and after the snap. He plays with an aggressive confidence and excels at navigating muddy pockets, throwing accurately on short and intermediate routes, and ripping tight-window throws with anticipation -- though he has been historically inconsistent on deep balls. Simpson is athletic enough to buy time with his legs to extend plays and move the sticks.

Fano is an athletic, technically sound right tackle who plays with a strong base, quick feet, and excellent balance in pass protection, consistently mirroring speed rushers and handling stunts with patience and control. He redirects well against bendy edge rushers and anchors effectively despite not being an overpowering mauler. In the run game, Fano excels in wide-zone schemes, using his mobility to reach the second level and finish blocks.

Road grader/earth-mover in the run game with enormous size and insane athleticism for that size. He plays with an edge and is better vs. the run than in pass protection right now but well above average in both departments. He could play right tackle or kick inside to guard.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Titans Select Edge Rueben Bain Jr. 2nd Overall

Bain Jr. is an explosive, violent edge rusher with rare power and bend, capable of turning the corner from wide alignments and overwhelming tackles with speed-to-power. He wins with a deep arsenal of pass-rush moves -- from bull rushes to inside counters -- and plays with exceptional contact balance and hand usage to shed blocks both as a rusher and run defender. Relentlessly disruptive and highly explosive off the snap, Bain consistently collapses pockets, sets a firm edge, and makes impact plays from whistle to whistle.

Love has legit track speed and high-end acceleration. He can stop on a dime and redirect with rare change of direction, while playing with good contact balance and the footwork to jump-cut to avoid defenders before hitting the crease.

Tate is a long strider with a big catch radius and reliable hands who makes contested catches downfield look easy. He flashes quickness and short-area agility to create separation at the top of his route and has the ability to make defenders miss after the catch. His ball-tracking, route-running, and ability to operate in space make him a Day 1 impact player at the next level.

Cisse is a versatile corner who can consistently lock down receivers in press man coverage and showcases elite athleticism, with explosive downhill speed and next-level change-of-direction ability. Whether he's driving on quick routes from off coverage or playing in press, he's consistently in position for pass-breakup opportunities. He's also one of the best run-defending CBs in this entire class.

Proctor is a massive, athletic LT with impressive balance and the ability to move effectively in space, making him a first-round talent in both pass protection and perimeter run schemes. When locked in, he can dominate defensive linemen in the run game and neutralize elite edge rushers pass protection. While his weight, footwork and consistency can be an issue at times, his size, athleticism, and upside make him a potential top-tier tackle when fully focused.

McCoy is a physical corner who can play man on an island and is also comfortable in zone looks. He's in phase on vertical routes, and in run support he comes downhill looking to thump someone. He's coming off a January ACL injury and while he's yet to get back on the field, he could end up being the best CB in this class.

Quincy Rhodes Jr. is a rare size-speed athlete who overwhelms tackles with power and length while flashing advanced pass-rush moves for his age. His long-arm bull rush and explosive inside spin consistently collapse the pocket, and his balance and quickness allow him to chase down mobile quarterbacks. Still just 20 years old, his best football is ahead of him.

Ioane is one of the cleanest prospects in this class, excelling as an earth-mover in the run game, and the athleticism to be effective in both gap and zone schemes. In pass protection, he plays with a strong base, using a well-timed, powerful punch to neutralize the bull rush.

Pregnon is an absolute mauler in the run game, possessing the strength to move defensive linemen at the point of attack and the athleticism to easily get to and handle second-level defenders -- he anchors as well as any interior offensive lineman in the class. In pass protection, a balanced base, strong hands, and smooth footwork allow him to mirror and redirect rushers and he makes it look easy.

Washington is a powerful, athletic defensive lineman who can collapse the pocket or blow up a run play when he fires off low and plays with leverage. He's at his best attacking gaps, where his burst, strength, and motor let him disrupt plays before they develop. When he's locked in, he looks like a true difference-maker who can overwhelm blockers with both quickness and power.

Allen is a consistent problem for offensive linemen trying to block him because of his combination of speed, quickness and power. He has a nose for the ball, rarely takes false steps, and is a reliable, physical tackler who limits yards after contact all over the field. He can more than hold his own in coverage vs. TEs and slot receivers, and he brings juice as a blitzer too.

Tyson is an explosive receiver with the size, speed, and catch radius to win at all three levels. A smooth hands-catcher, he consistently makes contested and high-point grabs look effortless while creating surprising separation at the top of his routes for his size. Tyson can hit top end in just a few steps and shows the type of short-area quickness reserved for smaller, shiftier WRs. He's also an asset in the screen game, making him a dynamic threat both outside and from the slot.

Parker is an explosive, high-motor edge rusher with the juice to both collapse pockets with a bull rush and the bend to win around the corner. He's stout and disciplined against the run, from setting the edge, to blowing up plays in the backfield with his quickness. He shows surprising versatility, with the athleticism to drop into coverage from wide alignments and disrupt passing lanes.

Concepcion is a versatile WR who uses his quickness and burst to consistently get open against man coverage, proving himself a deep threat with the speed to stack defenders. He is a natural hands catcher who runs precise routes to all three levels and adds significant value as a dynamic punt returner with impressive YAC ability.

A big, physical WR with a massive catch radius, contested-catch ability, and the speed to separate quickly and hit top-end velocity in 2–3 steps. Boston is an effective route runner at all three levels, will run through arm tackles in space, and can outmuscle defenders in the red zone. While primarily an outside threat, his size, strength, and hands make him a potential matchup problem in the slot too. Added bonus: he's a legit threat as a punt returner.

Terrell has NFL bloodlines -- his brother is former first-round pick AJ Terrell. Avieon plays bigger than his listed size (see his matchup in 2024 against former Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor). He can stay in phase on vertical routes and has good ball skills and he will try to bait QBs into making throws. In run support, he plays outside CB like he's a strong safety

Smith is a smooth and athletic pass protector who hasn't allowed a sack this season, he excels at mirroring speed rushers and seamlessly handles stunting defensive linemen. He plays with a strong anchor and heavy hands, flashes lateral quickness and change of direction that allows him to get to the second level or blowing up defenders in the screen game.

Hood, who is still 20 years old, is a physical, aggressive CB with excellent man and zone coverage skills, consistently in phase and creating opportunities for PBUs and interceptions. He shows elite change-of-direction ability in space, drives on quick routes and screens, and is a reliable wrap-up tackler who can limit YAC against shifty ball carriers.

Neal is a long-striding, physical corner who excels in vertical coverage, using his height and makeup speed to consistently stay in phase and be in position for pass-breakup opportunities downfield. He's comfortable in both man and zone schemes, is a red zone asset due to his size and physicality, and his willingness to come downhill and tackle like a safety makes him a reliable run defender.

McNeil-Warren is a sideline-to-sideline missile who is an explosive thumper coming downhill. He offers versatility and range on the back end, using his closing speed and ball skills to make at all three levels of the defense.

Styles is a fast, physical linebacker who flies downhill and makes plays all over the field. He's tough enough to take on offensive linemen in the box, athletic enough to cover ground in space, and smart enough to handle multiple roles across a defense. Whether he's blitzing, filling a gap, or dropping into coverage, he plays with urgency, confidence, and the kind of versatility coaches love.

There was a reason the Utes felt comfortable enough moving Spencer Fano to the right side and giving the LT job to Lomu. He has a long frame and plays with surprisingly good footwork, and while he had his struggles vs. Texas Tech ... so did every other offensive line that had to see Romello Height and David Bailey. Lomu's a high-upside, athletic offensive lineman.

Bailey brings a mix of power and athleticism off the edge, pairing a strong long-arm move and a nasty bull rush with the burst to win around the corner. At 247 pounds, he's lighter than some, but his strength, motor, and variety of pass-rush moves make him a constant problem for tackles who don't anchor well.

Edge rusher is certainly not New York's biggest need, but the selection is more of a statement that Arvell Reese is the best player in the draft. His presence would allow the team to consider trading Kayvon Thibodeaux while maintaining depth and applying a bit of pressure to Abdul Carter. In reality, the Giants are fielding calls for a team looking to move up for a quarterback.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Browns Select Fernando Mendoza 1st Overall

Fernando Mendoza was the most pro-ready quarterback coming into the college football season and he has been the most consistent quarterback throughout. As Tom Brady looks for a quarterback who has proven that he can elevate a team in less than optimal situations and is not afraid of big moments, Fernando Mendoza is likely to stand out above the rest.

Tennessee knows there is something there with Cam Ward, but his receivers have been wildly unreliable and unavailable all season. Carnell Tate is a polished route runner who gives the franchise an opportunity to make plays above the rim.

Dante Moore started as a true freshman at UCLA, so while it is true that he has been on an Oregon team with superior athletes to its opponents, that is not the full picture. Also, in a lesser discussed narrative, Moore was born in East Cleveland. There has been a lot of talk about him returning to Eugene for another season, but it would be tough to deny top-5 overall money after offensive coordinator Will Stein left to take the head coaching job at Kentucky. The door is open for Shedeur Sanders to earn an extended look as well, but the sample size is small thus far.

Tyler Shough has brought some magic to New Orleans. The Saints continue re-shaping the defense with the selection of Peter Woods, whose season has not gone as well as hoped, but remains a top talent.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Titans Select Edge Rueben Bain Jr. 2nd Overall

Rueben Bain Jr. is Dan Quinn's type of pass rusher. He is a power prospect with a thick lower body build who plays with effort and sets the edge in the run game.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Cowboys Select 2 Defensive Lineman In 2026

The Jets' roster should be viewed as a clean slate. If an edge rusher is the best player available, then New York is going to take that player. Keldric Faulk is a long, young prospect who will help set the tone for Aaron Glenn's defense.

Arizona has big decisions to make this offseason with its quarterback and leadership. However, the offensive line is an area in need of attention. Spencer Fano plays right tackle at Utah, but could move inside if the team deems that his best position irregardless of who is at quarterback.

Los Angeles gets its right tackle of the future, which is a pick who supports the present goals with Matthew Stafford, but also is a nod to the future. Injuries have taken a toll on that part of the Rams' roster.

Jeremiyah Love is a luxurious pick for a team who struggles to stop anyone on defense. It could be argued that no single player would make a greater impact on Cincinnati next season than the running back.

Minnesota would not consider a quarterback in the first round, would they? As it stands, Caleb Downs is the best prospect on the board and the Vikings have a need in the secondary.

Tyreek Hill will almost certainly move on from this roster in the offseason, which essentially leaves Jaylen Waddle to shoulder the burden of Miami's pass attack. Jordyn Tyson is a versatile player who will continue to allow the Dolphins to be explosive.

Baltimore has looked for a bigger body; even trying veteran Deandre Hopkins in 2025. It seems as though this will be tight end Isaiah Likely's last season with the team, so Boston gives them the size they desire as well as youth on a rookie contract.

Sonny Styles may get overlooked because of Arvell Reese's play, but Styles is playing as well as any other defender in the country. He has good size and could finally quench Dallas' thirst for impactful play at the linebacker position.

Travis Kelce's career is coming to an end sooner rather than later. It would not be surprising if he hung up his cleats after this season. Noah Gray has been a useful piece, but lacks the dynamic presence that Kelce has been and Kenyon Sadiq would be in that offense.

Carolina signed Jaycee Horn to a long-term extension, but the rest of the unit was patched with glue and construction paper. Jermod McCoy's 2025 season was top-10 overall caliber, but he has been absent all season due to an injury; a situation that could ultimately be to the Panthers' gain.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Cowboys Select 2 Defensive Lineman In 2026

Houston's priority should be the offensive line, but Kayden McDonald represents greater value at this stage of the round. Reaching for need is the best way to get worse value for the same asset. The Texans' defense will be stingy against the run while trotting out one of the league's best pass rushing duos in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.

Aidan Hutchinson returned to his terrifying, impactful form, but injuries continue to hamper the position group as a whole. Plus, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal and Al-Quadin Muhammad are all scheduled to become free agents. The selection of David Bailey is an investment in the position.

D.K. Metcalf is locked in with Pittsburgh long-term, but the team has been searching for a complimentary skillset. Makai Lemon is that predominant slot player, who can make plays in space and create yards after the catch.

Linebacker is viewed as a non-essential position, but so often a linebacker can set the tone for a defense that lacks an identity. Lavonte David is the Tom Brady of defense in the sense that he has outlasted all of the players drafted to replace him. Allen is a smart player who ensures Tampa Bay remains accountable on defense.

New York traded away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. Those are obvious positions of need for Aaron Glenn's team, and fortifying the defensive line will go a long way towards instilling the culture the program seeks. The selections of edge rusher Keldric Faulk and now Caleb Banks go a long way towards bringing that vision to reality.

The Chargers have already taken one college offensive tackle and played him at guard (Mekhi Becton). Although that has not necessarily worked out for them, the idea is that they get younger at the position. It would also give them another option in the event they deal with wholesale injuries to their offensive tackles again.

The cornerback role opposite Quinyon Mitchell has been an adventure, which is not all that unexpected. Mansoor Delane's presence would allow them to keep Cooper DeJean in the slot. It would not be surprising if the team parted with A.J. Brown this season and pursued a wide receiver in Round 1 as well.

Chicago's defense has shown improvement, but run defense has been the primary issue. However, between interior defenders and linebackers, the prospects who would support the spine of a defense will be off the board by the time Chicago picks. Instead, the Bears draft a prototypical edge rusher to bring depth to the room.

Who is Buffalo building around at receiver? Chris Bell has great size to win down the field, but is explosive to force missed tackles in open space. The offense has hardly been the same since having a Stefon Diggs-type talent at the position.

For years, the 49ers invested in their defensive line with the likes of Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and Javon Kinlaw. San Francisco took some shots on Day 2 last year, but is still looking for long-term solutions on that front. The hope is that Washington, a young, ascending player, would be a mainstay on a defense that has gotten a jolt from the return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator.

With its quarterback in hand, Cleveland needs to divert all assets towards the offensive line and wide receiver. Play strength is somewhat of a concern in regards to Caleb Lomu, but he is young and the upside is immense. A run at wide receiver has already taken the top options off the board.

Dallas has invested a lot of resources into the game's most volatile position, and it has not paid off for them. The selection of Aveion Terrell allows the Cowboys to get younger and more inexpensive. Moving on from Trevon Diggs would save nearly $13 million towards the salary cap next season. The team addressed its need at linebacker earlier in the round.

Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen are free agents. The Seahawks could allow one or both to walk. In that event, Seattle may need reinforcements in the secondary. Colton Hood's abilities in man coverage allow the team to play the way Mike Macdonald wants.

Offensive guard is not the weakest aspect of the team, but Sean Payton has historically heavily invested in the offensive line. By adding an offensive lineman, it allows the Broncos to build depth and stave off injury at a critical position.

There has been significant discussion about Brennan Sorsby returning to school as one of the most coveted quarterback options in the transfer portal. If he receives early-round feedback from the College Advisory Committee, then it will be tough to turn it down. Sorsby is a bit volatile, but he offers everything a team would want out of its franchise quarterback. He becomes the heir apparent to Matthew Stafford.

Mike Vrabel turned to some of his former Titans players to revamp the Patriots pass rush, but that feels like part of the operation that will deteriorate in a hurry. T.J. Parker was never an elite prospect, and his 2025 sack numbers were inflated, but he's a productive player who can be useful to New England moving forward.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Titans Select Edge Rueben Bain Jr. 2nd Overall

I'd expect the Titans to trade the pick to a QB-needy team, but Bain is a plug-and-play disruptive edge who has delivered a dominant season in both phases. He's powerful and twitchy off the edge and offers versatility to kick inside if needed.

The Giants will likely shop this pick to a quarterback-needy team, but Reese provides versatility on defense. He can stay on the field every down as an outside linebacker and also has the ability to rush the passer.

Moore may or may not declare, but he should, given his poise, accuracy and ability to use his legs as a weapon. He has a big arm and delivers the ball with anticipation, particularly in tight windows and clutch moments.

Simpson has produced strong tape in his lone season as a starter, showing quick processing and the ability to anticipate and hit tight windows at all levels. He offers big upside with multiple NFL-caliber traits.

Fano is a consistent left tackle who will likely kick inside despite his impressive résumé manning the blind side over the last few seasons. He shows great feet and balance and displays power in the run game.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Browns Select Fernando Mendoza 1st Overall

The Jets, like the Browns, keep swinging and missing, and Mendoza remains a big question mark as a potential elite quarterback in the NFL. He's an accurate passer with adequate athleticism to extend plays. Mendoza processes well, gets the ball out on time and brings good experience and production.

Tyson is a dynamic and speedy receiver who can stretch the defense. He's also capable of making tough contested catches to move the chains.

Downs is one of the top prospects in the draft but may fall due to safety not being viewed as a premium position. He's a high-IQ player who has competed in three elite defensive systems. Downs is strong in coverage and physical in the box as well.

Love is one of the safest bets in the draft with elite traits across the board. He's a dynamic player with elite speed and vision and is also a receiving weapon.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Cowboys Select 2 Defensive Lineman In 2026

Faulk has not produced the dominant stats that I expected, but he has been effective at pressuring the quarterback with his length and ability to convert speed to power. He also offers positional versatility to play inside.

Mauigoa is a thick and powerful right tackle who could move to any position on the offensive line except left tackle. He's strong at the point of attack in the run game and maintains a solid anchor against power.

Delane has returned to his 2023 form and has been an eraser in coverage. He shows excellent change of direction and competitiveness at the catch point and should transition well to the next level.

Lemon plays with a defensive mentality at the catch point and brings a competitive edge. He's a problem in the slot due to his ability to create separation and make plays after the catch.

Howell is a twitchy edge rusher who has put it all together in 2025. He has an explosive get-off and the ability to convert speed to power.

Mike Renner's Mock Draft: Cowboys Select 2 Defensive Lineman In 2026

McDonald is a strong run stuffer who can clog interior gaps with leverage and explosive lower-body strength. He also shows some upside as a pass rusher.

Tate is a savvy and experienced route runner who plays beyond his years. He demonstrates excellent spatial awareness and dependable hands, projecting as the next OSU receiver to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Loane brings excellent size and experience. He's a powerful run blocker with heavy hands and physicality at the point of attack and has improved his pass protection in 2025.

Jones is a rare 6-foot-4 corner with both athleticism and range. He excels in press coverage and shows quickness and the ability to run with receivers on in-breaking routes.

Washington is a dominant run stuffer who can reset the line of scrimmage and shows lateral quickness on stunts. He brings excellent power as a rusher and has upside.

Bailey is an explosive rusher with elite get-off and natural pass-rushing instincts. His run defense has improved, but he should contribute immediately as a situational rusher.

Mesidor may lack ideal size and length, but he consistently dominates with refined hand usage and the ability to bend the edge and reach the quarterback.

World is a massive prospect who has developed rapidly in his year at Oregon and is trending in the right direction. He possesses elite length and power at the point of attack.

Lomu is a fluid and athletic right tackle who is effective in both the run and pass game. He displays sound technique and footwork and has the versatility to play multiple positions.

Cisse is a sticky coverage defender with fluid hips and strong change-of-direction ability. He mirrors routes well and contests throws with strong hands.

Proctor is a jumbo but inconsistent player who will likely transition inside to guard. He is a strong run blocker with experience and offers some positional versatility.

Bell is an explosive, big-bodied receiver who presents matchup issues wherever he aligns. He's a high-upside player who would be a national name if he were in an offense that funneled him the ball more consistently.

Woods is a raw but high-upside interior defender who may rise in a weaker defensive tackle class. His 2025 film is streaky but shows flashes of twitch and functional power and moves well.

McCoy was one of the better corners in 2024 but missed the 2025 season recovering from an ACL injury. He brings length and man-coverage ability and is expected to return fully healthy.

McNeil-Warren shows strong range and closing ability in space. He is a high-ceiling defender with length and versatility, providing valuable flexibility to a secondary that often deals with injuries.

Sadiq is an explosive and dynamic tight end who can stretch the middle of the field and move the chains. He has reliable hands and generates yards after the catch and is also an adequate run blocker.

Boston is a long and fluid receiver who can stretch the field outside and create separation in the slot. He has strong production and is a red-zone threat due to his contested-catch ability.

Concepcion brings elite speed and versatility to stretch defenses vertically while also working effectively on short and intermediate routes. His return ability on special teams adds additional value.