The "Pre-Combine" Factor: How Indianapolis Changes Everything
Before we dive into the picks, it is important to remember that we are in the "eye of the storm." The Super Bowl is over, but the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis hasn't started yet. Historically, this is where the draft board gets turned upside down.
While the game tape is locked in, the Combine will introduce new variables: The 40-Yard Dash could vault a receiver like Denzel Boston into the top 15, and medical checks will be the silent killer of draft stock. This mock reflects what the tape says right now. Once the spandex comes out in Indy, expect these names to shuffle.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders cannot overthink this. They have a roster that is ready to compete but has been held back by a revolving door at quarterback. Mendoza is the cleanest prospect in the class—a National Champion and Heisman winner who operates with surgical precision. He isn't just a "stats guy"; his ability to process defenses pre-snap is elite. He immediately raises the floor of this offense and gives Las Vegas the face of the franchise they have been desperate for since the move to Vegas.
2. New York Jets
New York’s defense took a step back in 2025, specifically in generating pressure without blitzing. Reese is a hybrid defender who destroys game plans. Whether he is rushing off the edge or patrolling the middle of the field, he is an athletic freak who fits perfectly into a defense that values versatility. He allows the Jets to disguise their coverages because he can drop back or rush the passer with equal effectiveness.
3. Arizona Cardinals
When he played, Kyler Murray was running for his life last season, and the Cardinals know they have to protect their investment (if they are still invested). Mauigoa is a massive human being who anchors the right side immediately. He is a road grader in the run game, which fits Arizona's desire to be a physical team, but his pass protection has improved every year at Miami. Pairing him with Paris Johnson Jr. gives Arizona the best young tackle duo in the league.
4. Tennessee Titans
The Titans need a game-wrecker. Bailey has the most explosive first step in the draft and led the nation in sacks. Tennessee’s defense was too often toothless on third downs last year, and Bailey solves that problem instantly. He is a "bend-and-burst" rusher who can dip under tackles and get to the quarterback before they finish their drop. This is a pure talent pick that transforms their front seven.
5. New York Giants
The Giants need weapons for QB Jaxson Dart. Tate is a polished route runner who separates effortlessly. He isn't just a deep threat; he is a technician who wins on slants, digs, and outs. He gives New York a true WR1 who can win at all three levels of the field and serve as a security blanket for the offense.
6. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s offensive line is aging and has been decimated by injuries. Fano is a technician who can slide in at left tackle day one. He plays with excellent balance and rarely gets caught out of position. Keeping the pocket clean is the only way this offense gets back on track, and Fano is the safest lineman on the board—a "set it and forget it" player for the next decade.
7. Washington Commanders
Washington’s secondary was torched repeatedly in 2025. Downs is the best pure football player in this draft. He isn't just a safety; he is a defensive weapon who can play in the box, cover the slot, and erase mistakes on the back end. His football IQ is off the charts, and he brings a leadership presence that the Commanders' defense sorely needs.
8. New Orleans Saints
With the offensive philosophy shifting, the Saints prioritize an offensive weapon here. Tyson was the biggest riser of the 2025 college season, displaying elite body control and deep speed. New Orleans desperately needs a running mate for Chris Olave to open up the field, and Tyson gives them a dynamic "1-2 Punch" at receiver that forces defenses to pick their poison.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs need to get younger on the defensive line. Bain is a power rusher who complements their current speed rushers. He can kick inside on passing downs and push the pocket, making the Chiefs' defense even scarier. He is a high-motor player who fits Spagnuolo's scheme perfectly because of his ability to play the run and the pass.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati got bullied in the run game last year, and the AFC North is a physical division. Woods is a compact wrecking ball who lives in the opponent's backfield. He provides the interior pressure that the Bengals have been missing, collapsing the pocket from the inside out and forcing quarterbacks into the arms of the edge rushers.
11. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins' high-flying offense can’t hide a leaky secondary forever. McCoy is a ball hawk with elite length and instincts. In a division with strong passing attacks, you need corners who can survive on an island, and McCoy is that guy. He tracks the ball well in the air and isn't afraid to come up and tackle in the run game.
12. Dallas Cowboys
After the blockbuster trade of Micah Parsons to Green Bay this past season, the Cowboys are in desperate need of a new defensive identity. Styles is a unique chess piece—too big for safeties to block and too fast for linebackers to cover. He can shadow tight ends or thump in the run game, filling the versatile "joker" role that Dallas is now missing in their front seven.
13. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams continue to rebuild their defense with premium talent. Delane is a sticky man-coverage corner who thrives in aggressive schemes. He gives the Rams a legitimate CB1 to lock down one side of the field, allowing their pass rush to get home. He has the size to match up with the bigger receivers in the NFC West.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore wants to run the ball and bully people—it's their DNA. Ioane is a mauler in the phone booth who fits their gap-scheme run game perfectly. He solidifies the interior of the line and keeps the lanes open for Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. He is a "Ravens type" player: tough, physical, and mean.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs need to generate more organic pressure without relying solely on the blitz. Howell is a twitchy edge rusher with a deep bag of pass-rush moves. He adds juice to a defensive front that looked stagnant at times last season. His ability to bend the edge gives Tampa Bay a closer who can finish games.
16. New York Jets (via IND)
After grabbing a defender at #2, the Jets get a weapon for the offense. Lemon is a versatile playmaker who excels after the catch. He adds a dynamic element to the slot that the Jets have been missing. He is fearless over the middle and turns short passes into long gains, taking pressure off the quarterback.
17. Detroit Lions
The Lions love building from the trenches out. Detroit's coaching staff is the perfect group to refine Miller's technique and turn him into a dominant guard or tackle. He fits the "grit" culture perfectly as a massive people-mover.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota's secondary needs an infusion of talent, specifically at corner. Hood is a scrappy, competitive corner who plays bigger than his size. He fits the Vikings' defensive culture of aggression and toughness. He has great ball skills and contests every catch, making him a nuisance for opposing receivers. He should step into a starter role right away.
19. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers need a safety valve for their quarterback to help sustain drives. Sadiq is a matchup nightmare—too fast for linebackers and too big for safeties. He instantly becomes the best red-zone threat on the roster. He can split out wide or play in-line, giving the offensive coordinator a fun toy to play with.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
Using the draft capital acquired from the Parsons trade, Dallas makes a splash. With the running back room in flux (Javonte Williams possibly testing free agency), Jerry Jones grabs the most electric back in the draft. Love is a dual-threat weapon who can score from anywhere on the field, giving the Cowboys a new "star" to market and a focal point for the offense.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers finally take a swing at a quarterback. Simpson has the arm talent and mobility that Pittsburgh covets in the modern game. He might sit for a few games to learn the system, but he has the highest upside of the Tier 2 quarterbacks. His ability to extend plays fits the "Ben Roethlisberger" mold that fans love.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh loves building the defensive front—it's how he wins games. Hunter is a powerful interior lineman who eats double teams for breakfast. He'll allow the Chargers' linebackers to flow freely to the ball. He isn't flashy, but he is the glue that makes the run defense work.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles can never have enough pass rushers; it's their organizational philosophy. Faulk is a polished, high-motor player who fits their rotation immediately. He ensures that there is no drop-off when the starters need a breather. He is technically sound and plays the run well on the way to the quarterback.
24. Cleveland Browns (via HOU)
Cleveland uses their second first-rounder to completely overhaul their tackle spots. Lomu is an athletic blocker who excels in space. By drafting Fano and Lomu in the same round, the Browns fix their biggest weakness in one night. This signals a commitment to protecting the quarterback at all costs.
25. Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen needs reliable separators who can get open quickly. Concepcion is a route-running savant who creates open windows instantly. He isn't the biggest guy, but he moves the chains and keeps the offense on schedule. He is the perfect complement to the bigger targets Buffalo usually prefers.
26. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons need to protect the QB to let their passing game flourish. Freeling is a plug-and-play starter. He brings a physical identity to the offensive line that Atlanta needs to establish the run. He is a safe, high-floor pick who will start for a decade.
27. San Francisco 49ers
With salary cap casualties looming at receiver, the Niners reload. Boston is a tall, long strider who can take the top off a defense. He fits perfectly into Shanahan's play-action heavy scheme, where he can catch deep crossers and run for days. He offers a different skill set than what they currently have.
28. Houston Texans
Houston needs depth on the offensive line to keep C.J. Stroud upright. Proctor is a high-upside tackle who can develop into a stalwart starter. He provides insurance against injuries and future flexibility. You can never have too many quality linemen when you have a franchise quarterback to protect.
29. Los Angeles Rams (via MIA)
The Rams use their extra capital to double-dip at defensive back. McNeil-Warren is another long, physical DB who complements Delane well. In a passing league, you can never have enough cover and secondary guys. This pick solidifies a secondary that was a question mark heading into the offseason.
30. New England Patriots
Coming off a Super Bowl loss, the Patriots look to get stouter on the edge. Mesidor is a versatile lineman who can play the run and the pass equally well. He fits the mold of a smart, disciplined defender who does his job. He adds depth to a rotation that wore down late in the season.
31. Seattle Seahawks
The Super Bowl Champs add depth to their "Legion of Boom 2.0." Cisse is a fluid athlete with great ball skills. He doesn't need to start immediately, which is a luxury for the champs. He can contribute on special teams and learn the system before taking over a starting role.
32. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay is always looking ahead on the offensive line. Iheanachor is a powerful right tackle prospect who can step in immediately or provide elite depth. Protecting Jordan Love remains the priority, and Iheanachor has the pedigree and power to be a long-term starter at Lambeau.
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