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.<\/p>\n
The 2026 draft class might not be as concentrated at the very top as last year\u2019s, but there\u2019s promising depth in the defensive backfield. This updated first-round mock \u2014 released after the draft order and the eligible pool were set \u2014 highlights seven DBs who could go early.<\/p>\n
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
\nNew head coach Clint Kubiak reportedly targeted this draft\u2019s best quarterback, and Mendoza fits the profile. He doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
2. New York Jets (3-14): Abel Reese, LB, Ohio State
\nWith Kubiak expected to take the top QB, the Raiders won\u2019t 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 \u2014 an athletic, high-ceiling defender often compared to Micah Parsons.<\/p>\n
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14): Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame
\nArizona\u2019s 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\u2014comparable to elite backs of the past\u2014and could be a true bell-cow back for the Cardinals.<\/p>\n
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14): Sonny Stiles, LB, Ohio State
\nStiles is a polished, NFL-ready linebacker whose athleticism and steady improvement make him an attractive fit in Robert Saleh\u2019s defense. Pairing him with All-Pro Jeffery Simmons could quickly boost Tennessee\u2019s defense in the AFC South.<\/p>\n
5. New York Giants (4-13): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
\nThe Giants\u2019 draft strategy will reflect their new coach\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah State
\nIf 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 \u2014 helpful whether the Browns keep Deshaun Watson or go in a different QB direction.<\/p>\n
7. Washington Commanders (5-12): Tate (WR)
\nWashington needs to bolster its receiving corps to better protect quarterback Jaden Daniels and replace veteran targets leaving in free agency. Tate\u2019s length and vertical ability would give the Commanders a true downfield weapon and lift a unit that\u2019s relied heavily on older veterans.<\/p>\n
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11): Ruben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
\nWith 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\u2019 front seven as they retool.<\/p>\n
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11): Caleb Downs, Safety (Ohio State)
\nTraditional box safeties aren\u2019t 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\u2019d join an unprecedented run of Buckeyes in the top 10.<\/p>\n
10. Cincinnati Bengals (5-12): David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
\nWith 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\u2019s turnaround.<\/p>\n
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
\nMiami\u2019s new regime under GM John-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley inherits a roster with many expiring contracts, including several corners. McCoy \u2014 widely regarded as one of the best corners in the class despite missing 2025 with an ACL injury \u2014 could be a cornerstone of their rebuild.<\/p>\n
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1): Mansour Delane, CB, LSU
\nDallas enters free agency without several corners, and Delane\u2019s ball skills and aggression fit the Cowboys\u2019 needs. His college production \u2014 numerous pass breakups and interceptions \u2014 makes him appealing opposite the team\u2019s current top corner.<\/p>\n
13. Los Angeles Rams (7-10): Marvin Lemon (WR)
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9): Cassius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
\nRe-hiring Jesse Minter signals Baltimore\u2019s intent to re-focus on defense. Howell offers burst, agility and the ability to slide into coverage \u2014 traits that would help elevate a pass rush that struggled in 2025.<\/p>\n
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9): Faulk (Edge)
\nTampa Bay\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
16. New York Jets (8-9): Hood (CB)
\nIf the Jets are to mirror head coach Aaron Glenn\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
17. Detroit Lions (9-8): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
\nThe Lions\u2019 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\u2019s long-time left tackle and could be a cheaper, long-term option.<\/p>\n
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
\nWith defensive coordinator Brian Flores expected to have input on personnel, the Vikings may look for a true second-level enforcer. Allen\u2019s speed, toughness and instincts would fit well in Flores\u2019 system.<\/p>\n
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9): Kevin \u201cKC\u201d Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
\nAdding a second explosive playmaker could unlock more of Bryce Young\u2019s and Tetairoa McMillan\u2019s potential. Concepcion\u2019s burst and elusiveness would complement the Panthers\u2019 young weapons and open up the offense.<\/p>\n
20. Dallas Cowboys (9-8): Jacas (Edge)
\nWhile Micah Parsons remains unique, Dallas won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
\nIf Pittsburgh reunites with Aaron Rodgers, they\u2019ll want another reliable target to thrive against single coverage. Tyson\u2019s route quickness and dependable hands could earn him a prominent role quickly.<\/p>\n
22. Los Angeles Chargers (10-7): Banks (OL)
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6): Mr. Proctor, OL, Alabama
\nWith an outstanding roster already, the Eagles could draft for insurance \u2014 particularly for Lane Johnson. Proctor\u2019s sheer size and power would make him a tempting option to reinforce Philadelphia\u2019s offensive line, though scouts debate his ideal NFL position.<\/p>\n
24. Cleveland Browns (11-6): Boston (WR)
\nUnless 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 \u2014 a solid first addition.<\/p>\n
25. Chicago Bears (11-6): Dillon Thieneman, DB, Oregon\/Purdue
\nThis draft class is deep at defensive back, and the Bears\u2019 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\u2019s rebuild.<\/p>\n
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5): Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
\nA key reason Buffalo moved on from Sean McDermott was the defense\u2019s poor run-stopping. Hunter is a stout, quick interior presence who could anchor the Bills\u2019 run defense alongside a healthy Ed Oliver.<\/p>\n
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5): Sadiq (TE)
\nSan Francisco could use another unique offensive weapon to help Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan, especially with George Kittle returning from a torn Achilles. Sadiq\u2019s size and versatility would add matchup problems for defenses.<\/p>\n
28. Houston Texans (12-5): Olaiba \u201cVega\u201d Ioane, G, Penn
\nTo prevent C.J. Stroud\u2019s progress from stalling, Houston should continue improving its offensive line. Ioane is the top interior lineman in this class \u2014 strong and tough \u2014 and locking him in at left guard could allow other pieces to shift and improve the line overall.<\/p>\n
29. Los Angeles Rams (12-5): Avion Terrell, CB, Clemson
\nLes 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\u2019s preferences.<\/p>\n
30. Denver Broncos (14-3): Kyle Lewis, LB, Pittsburgh
\nWith several linebackers set to leave, Denver could take a tack toward youth at the position. Lewis, slightly undersized for some scouts\u2019 tastes, brings excellent coverage mobility and blitzing pop that could translate well in Vic Fangio-style schemes.<\/p>\n
31. New England Patriots (14-3): Miller (OT, Clemson)
\nNew England\u2019s run to the Super Bowl despite rookie linemen shows the value of depth up front. With veteran Morgan Moses aging, Miller\u2019s balanced power and experience at right tackle in college give him appeal as a potential starter.<\/p>\n
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3): Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
\nSeattle must replace several key defensive backs in free agency, and this class has strong options. Cisse \u2014 just 20 and coming off one full starting season after transferring \u2014 shows pro-level athleticism and competitiveness. While he still needs refinement, his upside fits well in Seattle\u2019s defense.<\/p>\n
Fan Take: This mock shows how the league\u2019s recent defensive back and versatile edge trends are shaping team priorities \u2014 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":42973,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[859],"tags":[860],"class_list":{"0":"post-42972","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nfl","8":"tag-nfl"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42972","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42972"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42972\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42973"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42972"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42972"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42972"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}