The NFL tends to copy successful blueprints, so expect teams to chase the same kinds of personnel and schemes that helped the Patriots and Seahawks reach Super Bowl LX. One clear trend from the finalists this season was the strength of their secondaries.
The 2026 draft class might not be as concentrated at the very top as last year’s, but there’s promising depth in the defensive backfield. This updated first-round mock — released after the draft order and the eligible pool were set — highlights seven DBs who could go early.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
New head coach Clint Kubiak reportedly targeted this draft’s best quarterback, and Mendoza fits the profile. He doesn’t have to be rushed into the lineup thanks to veteran Geno Smith, giving Las Vegas a chance to develop Mendoza properly. The Heisman winner has the size, intangibles and physical tools to grow into a franchise signal-caller.
2. New York Jets (3-14): Abel Reese, LB, Ohio State
With Kubiak expected to take the top QB, the Raiders won’t likely trade down, which leaves the Jets needing other solutions. General manager Darren Mousey has made bold roster moves before, and in a class thin on elite names, Reese stands out — an athletic, high-ceiling defender often compared to Micah Parsons.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14): Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Arizona’s quarterback situation will influence this pick, but new coach Mike LaFleur could also prioritize offensive line and skill-position talent. Love is the leading running back prospect in this class—comparable to elite backs of the past—and could be a true bell-cow back for the Cardinals.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14): Sonny Stiles, LB, Ohio State
Stiles is a polished, NFL-ready linebacker whose athleticism and steady improvement make him an attractive fit in Robert Saleh’s defense. Pairing him with All-Pro Jeffery Simmons could quickly boost Tennessee’s defense in the AFC South.
5. New York Giants (4-13): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The Giants’ draft strategy will reflect their new coach’s priorities, and Mauigoa projects as an immediate, physical offensive-line solution. With right tackle Jermaine Eluemana set to hit free agency, protecting the quarterback and building around the offense should be a top priority.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah State
If the Giants take a blocker earlier, this pick gives Cleveland another chance to shore up a line that yielded 51 sacks. Fano offers size, mobility and experience at both tackle spots — helpful whether the Browns keep Deshaun Watson or go in a different QB direction.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12): Tate (WR)
Washington needs to bolster its receiving corps to better protect quarterback Jaden Daniels and replace veteran targets leaving in free agency. Tate’s length and vertical ability would give the Commanders a true downfield weapon and lift a unit that’s relied heavily on older veterans.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11): Ruben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
With a large number of Saints veterans set to hit free agency, Kellen Moore and GM Mickey Loomis may be embarking on a roster overhaul. Bain could become a physical, mental cornerstone on New Orleans’ front seven as they retool.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11): Caleb Downs, Safety (Ohio State)
Traditional box safeties aren’t as valued as they once were, but Downs brings more than just tackling. His instincts and playmaking ability would strengthen a Chiefs secondary that already faces plenty of quality quarterbacks in the AFC West. If he goes here, he’d join an unprecedented run of Buckeyes in the top 10.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (5-12): David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
With their QB healthy and division rivals in transition, the Bengals could be poised to compete. Bailey, the top pass rusher in this class, brings size and production that could accelerate Cincinnati’s turnaround.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Miami’s new regime under GM John-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley inherits a roster with many expiring contracts, including several corners. McCoy — widely regarded as one of the best corners in the class despite missing 2025 with an ACL injury — could be a cornerstone of their rebuild.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1): Mansour Delane, CB, LSU
Dallas enters free agency without several corners, and Delane’s ball skills and aggression fit the Cowboys’ needs. His college production — numerous pass breakups and interceptions — makes him appealing opposite the team’s current top corner.
13. Los Angeles Rams (7-10): Marvin Lemon (WR)
The Rams, close to being a Super Bowl contender, could add another elite target to an already strong receiver room. Lemon, the 2025 winner of the Biletnikoff Award, would give Matthew Stafford another downfield weapon alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9): Cassius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
Re-hiring Jesse Minter signals Baltimore’s intent to re-focus on defense. Howell offers burst, agility and the ability to slide into coverage — traits that would help elevate a pass rush that struggled in 2025.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9): Faulk (Edge)
Tampa Bay’s late-season fade exposed a thin pass rush. Faulk may not have gaudy sack numbers yet, but scouts like his length, strength and upside at just 20 years old.
16. New York Jets (8-9): Hood (CB)
If the Jets are to mirror head coach Aaron Glenn’s defensive identity, adding playmakers to the secondary is a must. Hood, who excelled in man coverage and impressed at the Senior Bowl, brings that ball-hawking potential.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Lions’ once-dominant offensive line is showing signs of wear, and moving on from aging veterans could save cap space. Freeling provides a similar frame and skill set to the team’s long-time left tackle and could be a cheaper, long-term option.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
With defensive coordinator Brian Flores expected to have input on personnel, the Vikings may look for a true second-level enforcer. Allen’s speed, toughness and instincts would fit well in Flores’ system.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9): Kevin “KC” Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Adding a second explosive playmaker could unlock more of Bryce Young’s and Tetairoa McMillan’s potential. Concepcion’s burst and elusiveness would complement the Panthers’ young weapons and open up the offense.
20. Dallas Cowboys (9-8): Jacas (Edge)
While Micah Parsons remains unique, Dallas won’t likely leave the first round without boosting its pass rush. Jacas led the Big Ten in sacks, showed up at the Senior Bowl, and brings proven production and athleticism as an edge rusher.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
If Pittsburgh reunites with Aaron Rodgers, they’ll want another reliable target to thrive against single coverage. Tyson’s route quickness and dependable hands could earn him a prominent role quickly.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (10-7): Banks (OL)
The Chargers continually invest in their trenches rather than overhauling them. Banks, who rose his stock with a strong Senior Bowl performance, combines power and mobility that could help protect Justin Herbert.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6): Mr. Proctor, OL, Alabama
With an outstanding roster already, the Eagles could draft for insurance — particularly for Lane Johnson. Proctor’s sheer size and power would make him a tempting option to reinforce Philadelphia’s offensive line, though scouts debate his ideal NFL position.
24. Cleveland Browns (11-6): Boston (WR)
Unless Cleveland finds a veteran difference-maker at receiver, adding young pass-catchers matters regardless of which QB starts. Boston is a tall, smooth-bodied jump-ball threat with strong hands and body control — a solid first addition.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6): Dillon Thieneman, DB, Oregon/Purdue
This draft class is deep at defensive back, and the Bears’ secondary needs a reset with multiple DBs hitting free agency. Thieneman stands out for his instincts and playmaking; he forced 10 turnovers across his college career and could be a core piece of Chicago’s rebuild.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5): Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
A key reason Buffalo moved on from Sean McDermott was the defense’s poor run-stopping. Hunter is a stout, quick interior presence who could anchor the Bills’ run defense alongside a healthy Ed Oliver.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5): Sadiq (TE)
San Francisco could use another unique offensive weapon to help Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan, especially with George Kittle returning from a torn Achilles. Sadiq’s size and versatility would add matchup problems for defenses.
28. Houston Texans (12-5): Olaiba “Vega” Ioane, G, Penn
To prevent C.J. Stroud’s progress from stalling, Houston should continue improving its offensive line. Ioane is the top interior lineman in this class — strong and tough — and locking him in at left guard could allow other pieces to shift and improve the line overall.
29. Los Angeles Rams (12-5): Avion Terrell, CB, Clemson
Les Snead will likely use this selection to add playmaking depth in the secondary, where the Rams have multiple impending departures. Terrell offers toughness and ball skills that align with McVay and Snead’s preferences.
30. Denver Broncos (14-3): Kyle Lewis, LB, Pittsburgh
With several linebackers set to leave, Denver could take a tack toward youth at the position. Lewis, slightly undersized for some scouts’ tastes, brings excellent coverage mobility and blitzing pop that could translate well in Vic Fangio-style schemes.
31. New England Patriots (14-3): Miller (OT, Clemson)
New England’s run to the Super Bowl despite rookie linemen shows the value of depth up front. With veteran Morgan Moses aging, Miller’s balanced power and experience at right tackle in college give him appeal as a potential starter.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3): Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Seattle must replace several key defensive backs in free agency, and this class has strong options. Cisse — just 20 and coming off one full starting season after transferring — shows pro-level athleticism and competitiveness. While he still needs refinement, his upside fits well in Seattle’s defense.
Fan Take: This mock shows how the league’s recent defensive back and versatile edge trends are shaping team priorities — and why depth in the secondary is so prized. For fans, these projected picks hint at which franchises are preparing for immediate contention versus long-term rebuilds, and they could forecast how team identities shift in the coming seasons.
