Welcome to the tenth(?!) edition of my annual DRAFTPLEX featured content series, Drafting Dallas! In this exercise, I assume front office duties to mock draft the full seven rounds for my favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys, using my DRAFTPLEX Board and the current official draft order.
The first year of the Brian Schottenheimer era had everything and the kitchen sink — high-octane offense, atrocious defense, eye-popping special teams, a bitter divorce, wheeling and dealing, welcome additions, and tragic loss — all culminating in a middling end result of seven wins, nine losses, and the rare tie.
The offseason has followed suit, headlined by the dismissal of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and the celebrated hiring of Christian Parker as his successor. Parker, along with Schottenheimer and the front office, wasted little time putting together a defensive coaching staff more aligned with his vision and aggressively churning the roster to better execute upon it.
The two most impactful transactions on the defensive side occurred via trade with long-time rivals. After unloading superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons ahead of the 2025 season for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round draft picks, Dallas went back to the well with Green Bay to acquire edge Rashan Gary for a 2027 fourth-round pick. And just a year into a four-year, $80 million extension, the Cowboys jettisoned defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to San Francisco for a 2026 third-round pick.
The Cowboys were also active in free agency, inking versatile safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, sticky cover corner Cobie Durant, and interior pluggers Otto Ogbonnia and Jonathan Bullard, among others. Meanwhile, on the offensive side, Dallas rewarded last year’s free-agent find, running back Javonte Williams, with a new three-year contract after a productive prove-it year in hopes that his upward trajectory continues.
But, while there is a lot to feel good about with what the team has done this offseason, there remain glaring needs to address, not to mention another potentially dicey contract situation to sort out, with breakout receiver George Pickens currently attached to Dallas by a non-exclusive franchise tag. At least for the former, there’s an immediate opportunity at hand to solve for those needs — through the 2026 NFL Draft.
With that in mind, I present to you what I believe is a realistic scenario that could play out based on my personal evaluations, my impressions of pre-draft reports, and how the board may fall.
Let’s go on the clock with Drafting Dallas 2026!
Round 1 | Pick 12 Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
As this year’s draft cycle has progressed through the key milestones, the possibility that the Cowboys will find themselves in a veritable no man’s land at #12 has become cause for increasing concern. The cream of the crop in this year’s class is very light and with a desperate need for more defensive help, they could be on the outside looking in when it comes to landing an impact defender from the very top of their board.
That said, all of the outcomes are on the table for Dallas — sit tight and wait their turn, manifesting at least one blue-chip defender to slip through; hold and be wiped out, then be faced with having to dip into the second tier of defensive prospects or make a luxury pick they can’t really afford for an offense that’s arguably set; hope that the phone rings with an opportunity to bail out, but compromising the value of their highest draft position in the process; or making the call and chasing the player they covet up the board, sacrificing valuable draft capital to secure elite talent.
Of those scenarios, the two that I would optimistically forecast playing out would be Dallas seeing do-it-all safety Caleb Downs make it through the minefield to #12, which would either be a gift from the football gods or some earthly combination of positional value, an understated athletic profile, and old-fashioned NFL Draft nonsense. Alternatively, provided that the first five picks were to pass without his name being called, I could see Dallas being aggressive to fill their most urgent need and pursuing uber-athletic linebacker Sonny Styles, most likely in a deal with the Cleveland Browns at #6.
Since I’m not specifically projecting trades in this exercise, it’s Downs who is Dallas-bound.
Trade Considerations: Arvell Reese, OLB, Ohio State (at #3) David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (at #3) Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (at #6)
In the Mix: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Round 2 | Pick 20 (via Green Bay Packers) Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
The Cowboys may not be as light on the edge as they are at linebacker, but they certainly could be considered lean. Between Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Sam Williams, James Houston, and Tyrus Wheat, there’s enough of a platoon to play with today, but Dallas needs more talent to field the kind of pass rush waves that are all the rage in today’s NFL. And I think they will see to that early.
That said, the type of edge that expects to be in play for Dallas is where it gets interesting. Akheem Mesidor, Cashius Howell, and T.J. Parker have all gotten run in draft circles as being possible targets, while Keldric Faulk has been heavily speculated as the favorite option for Dallas, possibly even at #12.
I do think all of these names are in play, but my under-the-radar edge pick, at least where the media is concerned, for the Cowboys at #20 is Zion Young. There are similarities between him and Faulk (who probably gets drafted higher) in terms of physical profile, ability, and scheme versatility, but it’s his alpha energy, motor, and toughness that stand out. He has the right temperament for the trade — and that’s something that I think has been missing from the Dallas defense.
Also Considered: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
In the Mix: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Watch Out For: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Round 3 | Pick 92 (via San Francisco 49ers) Jaishawn Barham, OLB, Michigan
Much like with their positioning at #12 overall, I worry that Dallas is going to be in a dead zone at #92 when it comes to grabbing a starting-caliber linebacker, at least from among the more prototypical off-ball linebacker prospects. This is why trading up early to draft Sonny Styles makes a ton of sense.
However, if Dallas doesn’t move, there are a couple of interesting, hybrid-leaning fits that I suspect could be in play. In my 2026 NFL Draft Super Mock, it was undersized edge Romello Height. For this exercise, I’m projecting a player that was drafted three picks earlier — linebacker-turned-edge Jaishawn Barham.
Both players would provide juice off the edge, but where I favor Barham is his experience as an off-ball defender and developmental upside as a pass rusher. I think this combination would allow Dallas to deploy him in a number of ways and give opposing offenses different looks without changing personnel.
There’s also the established draft pipeline between Dallas and Michigan to consider. It hasn’t worked out well — at all — thus far, but perhaps with Barham, the Cowboys could finally strike it rich.
Also Considered: Romello Height, OLB, Texas Tech
In the Mix: Bud Clark, S, TCU Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn
Round 4 | Pick 112 Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
I think an immediate double-dip is on the table for the Cowboys between #92 and #112, with a similarly versatile, second-level defender being my projection at the top of the fourth round. Harold Perkins Jr. is one of the more complicated evaluations in this draft — an outstanding athlete and disruptive defender, but undersized and without a natural position at the next level.
That said, the Cowboys are reported to have had multiple touchpoints with Perkins during the draft process, so there’s reason to believe the team could have a plan for his talent and translatable skills.
Also Considered: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
I’m not of the mind that Dallas has to draft defense exclusively early, but I also don’t think it’s off-base for the draft to be five rounds in before Dallas even thinks about offense. Once they do, offensive line is where they will most likely look to address the depth chart, specifically offensive tackle, where the future is anything but certain beyond this season with Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele.
Dametrious Crownover is a massive right tackle prospect who the Cowboys have been linked to and reportedly met with during the draft process. Crownover definitely looks the part, checking a lot of boxes physically, but he also comes with a lot to clean up in terms of technique and penalties. Draft and develop would be the plan here.
Also Considered: Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma
Continuing the theme of second-level versatility, I found oversized safety turned linebacker Kendal Daniels to be a really interesting watch and have him on my personal shortlist of Day 3 options for Dallas, as evidenced by taking him under consideration with the pick prior. On my board, I started out with Daniels even higher, but I think opinions on his scheme fit and processing, along with his underwhelming testing numbers, could see him slide.
That said, having been confirmed as meeting with the Cowboys during the draft process, I think Dallas could see traits to tap into and potential to unlock with Daniels.
Cornerback is a position the Cowboys could look to target early, but if the board doesn’t fall in their favor, then l certainly expect them to circle back late to add another name to the secondary mix. As far as I can tell, inside-outside corner Avery Smith hasn’t been directly connected to the Cowboys, but could be a consideration in this range given Christian Parker’s familiarity with the Toledo program.
I gave some consideration to drafting for one of the skill positions at various junctures during Day 3, but ultimately, the Cowboys don’t have an obvious need and could go the entire draft without adding a playmaker of any sort. That said, the one role I did come back to was a third tight end. I think Brevyn Spann-Ford is ready to move into the TE2 role alongside Jake Ferguson, putting former second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker on the bubble.
I added Carsen Ryan to the DRAFTPLEX Board as part of my second wave of evaluations and personally like him more than a number of tight ends who were invited to the Shrine Bowl, Senior Bowl, and NFL Scouting Combine. With a solid combination of blocking ability and pass-catching prowess, I think he finds a home late on Day 3 or possibly as a priority free agent.
Priority Free Agents Rahsul Faison, RB, South Carolina Hank Beatty, WR, Illinois J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida Jordan Hudson, WR, SMU Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston Kobe Baynes, OG, Kansas Cole Brevard, NT, Texas Nyjalik Kelly, EDGE, UCF Wydett Williams Jr., S, Ole Miss Josh Moten, CB, Southern Miss
I also wanted to highlight names that were in consideration for me in making the late-round picks for Drafting Dallas that could be potential priority free agents. These include players I drafted for Dallas in my 2026 NFL Draft Super Mock that I didn’t draft for them here (Koziol and Moten), players they have reportedly met with during the draft process (Sturdivant, Hudson, and Kelly), and players that I personally like and have as draftable, but who may not be drafted (Faison, Beatty, Baynes, Brevard, and Williams).
All 7 rounds. All 257 selections. All 32 teams. This is the DRAFTPLEX 2026 NFL Draft Super Mock.
Projections are based on the official draft order as of April 6 and my personal impressions of team needs and interests heading into the draft, and do not reflect any potential trade scenarios.
First-round and second-round selections are presented graphically below, followed by the complete seven-round mock draft.
2026 NFL DRAFT SUPER MOCK
Round 1
1) Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 2) New York Jets — Arvell Reese, OLB, Ohio State 3) Arizona Cardinals — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami 4) Tennessee Titans — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame 5) New York Giants — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State 6) Cleveland Browns — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State 7) Washington Commanders — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU 8) New Orleans Saints — Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami 9) Kansas City Chiefs — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 10) Cincinnati Bengals — David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech 11) Miami Dolphins — Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn 12) Dallas Cowboys — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State 13) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) — Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana 14) Baltimore Ravens — Spencer Fano, OL, Utah 15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State 16) New York Jets (via IND) — Makai Lemon, WR, USC 17) Detroit Lions — T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson 18) Minnesota Vikings — Dillon Theineman, S, Oregon 19) Carolina Panthers — Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia 20) Dallas Cowboys (via GB) — Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri 21) Pittsburgh Steelers — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State 22) Los Angeles Chargers — Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami 23) Philadelphia Eagles — Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State 24) Cleveland Browns (via JAX) — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama 25) Chicago Bears — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo 26) Buffalo Bills — Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M 27) San Francisco 49ers — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon 28) Houston Texans — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson 29) Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington 30) Miami Dolphins (via DEN) — Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee 31) New England Patriots — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State 32) Seattle Seahawks — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Round 2
33) New York Jets — Caleb Banks, DL, Florida 34) Arizona Cardinals — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama 35) Tennessee Titans — Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati 36) Las Vegas Raiders — Lee Hunter, NT, Texas Tech 37) New York Giants — Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon 38) Houston Texans (via WAS) — CJ Allen, LB, Georgia 39) Cleveland Browns — Christen Miller, DL, Georgia 40) Kansas City Chiefs — Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois 41) Cincinnati Bengals — Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina 42) New Orleans Saints — Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee 43) Miami Dolphins — KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M 44) New York Jets (via DAL) — Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU 45) Baltimore Ravens — Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana 46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas 47) Indianapolis Colts — Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF 48) Atlanta Falcons — Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech 49) Minnesota Vikings — Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State 50) Detroit Lions — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 51) Carolina Panthers — Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt 52) Green Bay Packers — Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State 53) Pittsburgh Steelers — Blake Miller, OT, Clemson 54) Philadelphia Eagles — Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama 55) Los Angeles Chargers — Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech 56) Jacksonville Jaguars — R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma 57) Chicago Bears — Zachariah Branch, WR, USC 58) San Francisco 49ers — Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M 59) Houston Texans — Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan 60) Chicago Bears (via BUF) — Chris McClellan, DL, Missouri 61) Los Angeles Rams — Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt 62) Denver Broncos — Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor 63) New England Patriots — Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson 64) Seattle Seahawks — Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
Round 3
65) Arizona Cardinals — Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri 66) Tennessee Titans — AJ Haulcy, S, LSU 67) Las Vegas Raiders — Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame 68) Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ) — Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State 69) Houston Texans (via NYG) — Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma 70) Cleveland Browns — D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana 71) Washington Commanders — Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State 72) Cincinnati Bengals — Max Klare, TE, Ohio State 73) New Orleans Saints — Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State 74) Kansas City Chiefs — Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa 75) Miami Dolphins — Keionte Scott, DB, Miami 76) Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL) — Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke 77) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee 78) Indianapolis Colts — Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State 79) Atlanta Falcons — Chris Bell Jr., WR, Louisville 80) Baltimore Ravens — Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia 81) Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET) — Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State 82) Minnesota Vikings — Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas 83) Carolina Panthers — Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona 84) Green Bay Packers — Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas 85) Pittsburgh Steelers — Jalen Farmer, OG, Kentucky 86) Los Angeles Chargers — Bud Clark, S, TCU 87) Miami Dolphins (via PHI) — Deshaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss 88) Jacksonville Jaguars — Sam Roush, TE, Stanford 89) Chicago Bears — Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan 90) Miami Dolphins (via HOU) — Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan 91) Buffalo Bills — Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina 92) Dallas Cowboys (via SF) — Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech 93) Los Angeles Rams — Drew Allar, QB, Penn State 94) Miami Dolphins (via DEN) — Kage Casey, OL, Boise State 95) New England Patriots — Keyon Crawford, EDGE, Auburn 96) Seattle Seahawks — Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State 97) Minnesota Vikings (Compensatory) — Sam Hecht, OC, Kansas State 98) Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory) — Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State 99) Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory) — Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State 100) Jacksonville Jaguars (Special Compensatory; via DET) — Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Round 4
101) Tennessee Titans — Connor Lew, OC, Auburn 102) Las Vegas Raiders — Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern 103) New York Jets — Matt Gulbin, OC, Michigan State 104) Arizona Cardinals — Tim Keenan III, NT, Alabama 105) New York Giants — Tyler Onyedim, DL, Texas A&M 106) Houston Texans (via WAS) — Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin 107) Cleveland Browns — Jake Slaughter, OC, Florida 108) Denver Broncos (via NO) — Keagen Trost, OT, Missouri 109) Kansas City Chiefs — Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest 110) Cincinnati Bengals — Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina 111) Denver Broncos (via MIA) — Jack Kelly, LB, BYU 112) Dallas Cowboys — Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU 113) Indianapolis Colts — Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU 114) Philadelphia Eagles (via ATL) — Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia 115) Baltimore Ravens — Logan Jones, OC, Iowa 116) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana 117) Las Vegas Raiders (via MIN thru JAX) — Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska 118) Detroit Lions — Carson Beck, QB, Miami 119) Carolina Panthers — Brian Parker II, OL, Duke 120) Green Bay Packers — Trey Zuhn III, OL, Texas A&M 121) Pittsburgh Steelers — Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan 122) Atlanta Falcons (via PHI) — Rayshaun Benny, DL, Michigan 123) Los Angeles Chargers — Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC 124) Jacksonville Jaguars — Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas 125) New England Patriots (via CHI thru KC) — Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College 126) Buffalo Bills — Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State 127) San Francisco 49ers — J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois 128) Detroit Lions (via HOU) — Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami 129) Chicago Bears (via LAR) — Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State 130) Miami Dolphins (via DEN) — Jager Burton, OL, Kentucky 131) New England Patriots — Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama 132) New Orleans Saints (via SEA) — Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State 133) San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory) — Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State 134) Las Vegas Raiders (Compensatory) — Kamari Ramsey, S, USC 135) Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory) — VJ Payne, S, Kansas State 136) New Orleans Saints (Compensatory) — Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut 137) Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory) — Justin Joly, TE, North Carolina State 138) San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory) — Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State 139) San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory) — Devin Moore, CB, Florida 140) New York Jets (Compensatory) — Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
Round 5
141) Houston Texans (via LV thru CLE) — Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas 142) Tennessee Titans (via NYJ thru BAL) — Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa 143) Arizona Cardinals — Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC 144) Tennessee Titans (via LAR) — Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M 145) New York Giants — CJ Daniels, WR, Miami 146) Cleveland Browns — Tacario Davis, CB, Washington 147) Washington Commanders — Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC 148) Kansas City Chiefs — Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M 149) Cleveland Browns (via CIN) — Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State 150) New Orleans Saints — Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah 151) Miami Dolphins — Austin Barber, OT, Florida 152) Dallas Cowboys — Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M 153) Philadelphia Eagles (via ATL) — LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama 154) Baltimore Ravens — Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana 155) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati 156) Indianapolis Colts — Travis Burke, OT, Memphis 157) Detroit Lions — Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon 158) Carolina Panthers (via MIN) — Brandon Cleveland, DT, North Carolina State 159) Carolina Panthers — Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri 160) Green Bay Packers — DeMonte Capehart, DL, Clemson 161) Pittsburgh Steelers — Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin 162) Baltimore Ravens (via LAC) — Jordan van den Berg, DL, Georgia Tech 163) Minnesota Vikings (via PHI) — Hezekiah Masses, CB, California 164) Jacksonville Jaguars — Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon 165) Buffalo Bills (via CHI) — Billy Schrauth, OG, Notre Dame 166) Jacksonville Jaguars (via SF thru PHI) — Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor 167) Houston Texans (via PHI) — Febechi Nwaiwu, OL, Oklahoma 168) Buffalo Bills — Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington 169) Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) — Zane Durant, DL, Penn State 170) Denver Broncos — Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington 171) New England Patriots — Jack Endries, TE, Texas 172) New Orleans Saints (via SEA) — Jeremiah Wright, OG, Auburn 173) Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory) — Adam Randall, RB, Clemson 174) Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory) — Jalen Huskey, S, Maryland 175) Las Vegas Raiders (Compensatory) — TJ Hall, CB, Iowa 176) Kansas City Chiefs (Compensatory) — Genesis Smith, S, Arizona 177) Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory) — Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma 178) Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory) — Eric McAlister, WR, TCU 179) New York Jets (Compensatory) — Micah Morris, OG, Georgia 180) Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory) — Josh Moten, CB, Southern Miss 181) Detroit Lions (Compensatory) — Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
Round 6
182) Buffalo Bills (via NYJ thru CLE/JAX/LV) — Malik Benson, WR, Oregon 183) Arizona Cardinals — Ar’maj Reed-Adams, OG, Texas A&M 184) Tennessee Titans — Diego Pounds, OT, Ole Miss 185) Las Vegas Raiders — Pat Coogan, OL, Indiana 186) New York Giants — Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama 187) Washington Commanders — Trey Moore, OLB, Texas 188) Seattle Seahawks (via CLE) — Justin Jefferson, LB, Alabama 189) Cincinnati Bengals — Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech 190) New Orleans Saints — Michael Taaffee, S, Texas 191) New England Patriots (via KC) — Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas 192) New York Giants (via MIA) — Isaiah World, OT, Oregon 193) New York Giants (via DAL) — Deven Eastern, DL, Minnesota 194) Tennessee Titans (via BAL thru NYJ) — Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll 195) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Devon Marshall, CB, North Carolina State 196) Minnesota Vikings (via IND) — Zxavian Harris, DL, Ole Miss 197) Philadelphia Eagles (via ATL) — Beau Stephens, OG, Iowa 198) New England Patriots (via MIN thru HOU/MIN/SF) — Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina 199) Cincinnati Bengals (via DET thru CLE) — Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana 200) Carolina Panthers — Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor 201) Green Bay Packers — Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana 202) New England Patriots (via PIT) — Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois 203) Jacksonville Jaguars (via PHI thru HOU/PHI) — Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Oklahoma 204) Los Angeles Chargers — Bryson Eason, DL, Tennessee 205) Detroit Lions (via JAX) — Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech 206) Cleveland Browns (via CHI) — Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech 207) Los Angeles Rams (via HOU thru LAR/TEN) — Toriano Pride Jr., CB, Missouri 208) Las Vegas Raiders (via BUF thru NYJ) — Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan 209) Washington Commanders (via SF) — Lander Barton, LB, Utah 210) Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) — Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame 211) Baltimore Ravens (via DEN thru NYJ/MIN/PHI) — Brett Thorson, P, Georgia 212) New England Patriots — Wydett Williams Jr., S, Ole Miss 213) Detroit Lions (via SEA thru JAX) — Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky 214) Indianapolis Colts (Compensatory; via PIT) — Rene Konga, DL, Louisville 215) Atlanta Falcons (Compensatory; via PHI) — Carver Willis, OL, Washington 216) Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory) — Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M
Round 7
217) Arizona Cardinals — Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati 218) Dallas Cowboys (via TEN) — Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston 219) Las Vegas Raiders — David Gusta, DT, Kentucky 220) Buffalo Bills (via NYJ) — Michael Heldman, EDGE, Central Michigan 221) Cincinnati Bengals (via NYG thru DAL) — Scooby Williams, LB, Texas A&M 222) Detroit Lions (via CLE) — Aaron Graves, DT, Iowa 223) Washington Commanders — Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky 224) Pittsburgh Steelers (via NO thru NE) — Kaden Wetjen, WR/KR, Iowa 225) Tennessee Titans (via KC thru DAL) — Bobby Jamison-Travis, DT, Auburn 226) Cincinnati Bengals — Landon Robinson, DT, Navy 227) Miami Dolphins — George Gumbs Jr., OLB, Florida 228) New York Jets (via DAL thru BUF/LV) — Bryan Thomas Jr., OLB, South Carolina 229) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson 230) Pittsburgh Steelers (via IND) — Cameron Ball, DL, Arkansas 231) Atlanta Falcons — J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida 232) Los Angeles Rams (via BAL) — Garrett DiGiorgio, OL, UCLA 233) Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET) — Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M 234) Minnesota Vikings — Emmanuel Henderson Jr., WR, Kansas 235) Minnesota Vikings (via CAR) — Max Bredeson, FB, Michigan 236) Green Bay Packers — Karson Sharar, LB, Iowa 237) Pittsburgh Steelers — Markel Bell, OT, Miami 238) Miami Dolphins (via LAC thru TEN/NYJ) — Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech 239) Chicago Bears (via PHI thru JAX/CLE) — Shad Banks Jr., LB, UTSA 240) Jacksonville Jaguars — Barion Brown, WR/KR, LSU 241) Chicago Bears — Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana 242) New York Jets (via BUF thru CLE) — Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana 243) Houston Texans (via SF) — Jam Miller, RB, Alabama 244) Minnesota Vikings (via HOU) — Logan Taylor, OL, Boston College 245) Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR thru HOU) — Cole Brevard, NT, Texas 246) Denver Broncos — Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke 247) New England Patriots — Kobe Baynes, OG, Kansas 248) Cleveland Browns (via SEA) — J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia 249) Indianapolis Colts (Compensatory) — Caden Barnett, OG, Wyoming 250) Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory) — Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas 251) Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory) — Keyshawn James-Newby, OLB, New Mexico 252) Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory) — Parker Brailsford, OC, Alabama 253) Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory) — Ceyair Wright, CB, Nebraska 254) Indianapolis Colts (Compensatory) — Chip Trayanum, RB, Toledo 255) Green Bay Packers (Compensatory) — Anez Cooper, OG, Miami 256) Denver Broncos (Compensatory) — Louis Moore, S, Indiana 257) Denver Broncos (Compensatory) — Uar Bernard, DL, Nigeria
Selections by Team
Arizona Cardinals 3) Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami 34) Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama 65) Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri 104) Tim Keenan III, NT, Alabama 143) Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC 183) Ar’maj Reed-Adams, OG, Texas A&M 217) Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati
Atlanta Falcons 48) Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech 79) Chris Bell Jr., WR, Louisville 122) Rayshaun Benny, DL, Michigan 215) Carver Willis, OL, Washington 231) J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida
Minnesota Vikings 18) Dillon Theineman, S, Oregon 49) Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State 82) Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas 97) Sam Hecht, OC, Kansas State 163) Hezekiah Masses, CB, California 196) Zxavian Harris, DL, Ole Miss 234) Emmanuel Henderson Jr., WR, Kansas 235) Max Bredeson, FB, Michigan 244) Logan Taylor, OL, Boston College
New England Patriots 31) Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State 63) Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson 95) Keyon Crawford, EDGE, Auburn 125) Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College 131) Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama 171) Jack Endries, TE, Texas 191) Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas 198) Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina 202) Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois 212) Wydett Williams Jr., S, Ole Miss 247) Kobe Baynes, OG, Kansas
New Orleans Saints 8) Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami 42) Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee 73) Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State 132) Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State 136) Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut 150) Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah 172) Jeremiah Wright, OG, Auburn 190) Michael Taaffee, S, Texas
New York Giants 5) Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State 37) Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon 105) Tyler Onyedim, DL, Texas A&M 145) CJ Daniels, WR, Miami 186) Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama 192) Isaiah World, OT, Oregon 193) Deven Eastern, DL, Minnesota
New York Jets 2) Arvell Reese, OLB, Ohio State 16) Makai Lemon, WR, USC 33) Caleb Banks, DL, Florida 44) Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU 103) Matt Gulbin, OC, Michigan State 140) Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati 179) Micah Morris, OG, Georgia 228) Bryan Thomas Jr., OLB, South Carolina 242) Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana
Philadelphia Eagles 23) Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State 54) Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama 68) Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State 98) Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State 114) Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia 137) Justin Joly, TE, North Carolina State 153) LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama 178) Eric McAlister, WR, TCU 197) Beau Stephens, OG, Iowa
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 15) Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State 46) Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas 77) Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee 116) Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana 155) Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati 195) Devon Marshall, CB, North Carolina State 229) Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Tennessee Titans 4) Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame 35) Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati 66) AJ Haulcy, S, LSU 101) Connor Lew, OC, Auburn 142) Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa 144) Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M 184) Diego Pounds, OT, Ole Miss 194) Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll 225) Bobby Jamison-Travis, DT, Auburn
DRAFTPLEX 2026 NFL Mock Draft: 1.0 Edition projections are based on the current first-round draft order and personal impressions of team needs and interests as of March 24, and do not represent any potential trade scenarios.
With the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft now complete, I am pleased to present my 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Day 2 Edition. These second-round and third-round projections are based on the draft order as it currently stands and my personal impressions of remaining team needs and interests, and do not reflect any potential trade scenarios.
With 2025 NFL Draft now upon us, I am pleased to present my 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Final Edition. These first-round projections are based on the current draft order and my personal impressions of team needs and interests entering the draft, with consideration given to potential trade scenarios.
Enjoy the draft!
1 | Tennessee Titans — Cam Ward, QB, Miami The Titans were admittedly willing to listen to offers, but in the end, came to a consensus to go on the clock and expect to select quarterback Cam Ward.
2 | Cleveland Browns — Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado The Browns were reportedly considering quarterback Shedeur Sanders and edge Abdul Carter early, but in the end, expect to take two-way talent Travis Hunter.
3 | New York Giants — Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State The Giants created some late buzz by holding a private workout with quarterback Shedeur Sanders, but in the end, expect to pick pass rusher Abdul Carter.
4 | New England Patriots — Will Campbell, OT, LSU The Patriots likely prefer to be higher or lower in the draft order to maximize their pick value, but in the end, expect to address their primary need and walk away with left tackle Will Campbell.
5 | Chicago Bears (via JAX)* — Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State * Projected trade up with Jacksonville Jaguars * The Jaguars could very well stand in and make this pick, while their prospective trade partner could wait patiently and hope to make it, too. But, I think Jacksonville is open for business and the cost to move up shouldn’t be prohibitive for Chicago. In the end, the Bears go up and get stud running back Ashton Jeanty.
6 | Las Vegas Raiders — Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia The Raiders remain the favorite to draft Ashton Jeanty and have been linked to offensive tackle Armand Membou as of late, but in the end, I think the window for hybrid defender Jalon Walker starts and ends with Las Vegas.
7 | New York Jets — Mason Graham, DL, Michigan The Jets have mainly been mocked tackle Armand Membou and tight end Tyler Warren, who are both still on the board. But, these scenarios almost always assume this third, and possibly preferred, prospect is not. I think it could still be any one of the three, but in the end, if available, I would expect the Jets to grab defensive lineman Mason Graham.
8 | Carolina Panthers — Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia The Panthers have been one of the teams most commonly paired with linebacker Jalon Walker, but in the end, I think this scenario might have the war room pounding the table for his teammate, edge Mykel Williams.
9 | New Orleans Saints — Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State The Saints started the process with many needs and only seem to have added more, but in the end, I think tight end Tyler Warren might present more value to them here than tackle Armand Membou, edge Shemar Stewart, or a quarterback.
10 | Jacksonville Jaguars (via CHI)* — Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona * Projected trade down with Chicago Bears * The Bears move up and the Jaguars move down in this projected trade, but both teams could stay put and end up taking the same players. I do think running back Ashton Jeanty and defensive lineman Mason Graham remain in play for Jacksonville, but in the end, I think there is something to the late smoke about the team liking receiver Tetairoa McMillan, especially in a trade back.
11 | San Francisco 49ers — Armand Membou, OT, Missouri The 49ers will most likely look to address their defensive line here, but might be presented with a scenario they didn’t expect. I think Mason Graham in a slide or Walter Nolen in a late rise are both still possible options, but in the end, the scales could tip to offensive tackle with Armand Membou still on the board.
12 | Dallas Cowboys — Matthew Golden, WR, Texas The Cowboys have been connected to more names in the past few days than in the months leading up to the draft and I’m convinced it could be any one of them or none of them. I’m actually of the mind that they might prefer to trade back than stand in and pick here, but in the end, I’m sticking with my original and only pick for them this draft season, be it here or down the board — receiver Matthew Golden.
13 | Miami Dolphins — Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas The Dolphins were my original fit and remain my landing spot for offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr., with cornerback Will Johnson as my secondary consideration. While there’s certainly a chance they will be beaten to the punch, in the end, I think they get their player of choice.
14 | Indianapolis Colts — Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan The Colts reportedly covet a tight end and might just end up with both top options still on the board. It didn’t quite work out that way in this scenario, but in the end, I do think they come away with either Tyler Warren or, more likely, Colston Loveland.
15 | Atlanta Falcons — Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall The Falcons appear to be fully in the market for a pass rusher, either on the edge or the interior, but I wouldn’t rule out a trade up or trade down ahead of Atlanta making their selection. In the end, I think the intersection of need and value still points to Mike Green if they stay put.
16 | Arizona Cardinals — Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss The Cardinals could go in a number of different directions here, including capitalizing on the injury discounts expected to be attached to linebacker Jihaad Campbell and cornerback Will Johnson. But in the end, I think defensive tackle Walter Nolen makes sense from both a fit and a value perspective.
17 | Cincinnati Bengals — James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee The Bengals are on the hunt for defensive upgrades, with both edge and interior defenders expected to be in play. I actually gave strong consideration to safety Nick Emmanwori as an outside-the-box pick, but in the end, I think this might still be where polarizing pass rusher James Pearce Jr. hears his name called.
18 | Seattle Seahawks — Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina The Seahawks could look to reinforce the trenches here, with Grey Zabel being the most likely consideration. However, they might view the mid-second, where they have two selections, as the sweet spot for interior offensive line. Meanwhile, adding elite athleticism, traits, and versatility to the defense might be more appealing early. In the end, I think safety Nick Emmanwori might be the match here in terms of vision and value.
19 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Will Johnson, CB, Michigan The Buccaneers expect to draft defense here, with linebacker Jihaad Campbell, defensive backs Will Johnson and Jahdae Barron, and edge Shemar Stewart among the names potentially in the mix. All would come with questions, but in the end, I think this is the floor for Will Johnson.
20 | Denver Broncos — Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina The Broncos are reportedly inquiring about moving up, but how far and for how much are both more of a question than for who. That said, I think the cost might be too rich to climb the board as rumored for Ashton Jeanty, so in the end, they ride with Omarion Hampton.
21 | Buffalo Bills (via PIT)* — Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan * Projected trade up with Pittsburgh Steelers * The Steelers are short on picks and might not be so committed to any particular player — quarterbacks and defensive linemen included — to where they wouldn’t trade back if the opportunity presents itself. Meanwhile, the Bills are loaded with picks that they could package to move up for a player they want. Given the speculative interest in Kenneth Grant on the part of both the Bills and the Chargers, Buffalo could consider striking a deal to jump Los Angeles. In the end, I think they partner with Pittsburgh and take the big defensive tackle just in front of the Bolts.
22 | Los Angeles Chargers — Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama The Chargers are reportedly interested in defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and it makes sense, both in terms of need and familiarity. But, with the projected trade between Pittsburgh and Buffalo, Los Angeles would have to pivot from perhaps their preferred pick. In the end, I think they still look to the trenches, but on the offensive side — adding another massive offensive lineman in plug-and-play guard Tyler Booker.
23 | Green Bay Packers — Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky The Packers prioritize tools and traits, including speed, and there are a few options that could be in play here. I did give strong consideration to sticking with edge Shemar Stewart, but in the end, I went with competitive cornerback Maxwell Hairston as my first-round fit for Green Bay.
24 | Minnesota Vikings — Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State The Vikings are the the team that would benefit most from trading down, as they have the fewest picks in the entire draft. If they hold here, expect them to target an immediate starter on the offensive line or in the secondary. In the end, I think versatile offensive lineman Donovan Jackson could be at the top of their board when they come up on the clock.
25 | Houston Texans — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State The Texans are among the expected landing zones for the second wave of offensive linemen and are reportedly interested in moving up to be in the mix for the first. It makes sense, but in the end, I think this might be the spot for receiver Emeka Egbuka, who would be a personnel and a personality fit for Houston.
26 | Los Angeles Rams — Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas The Rams could be a wildcard and look at taking a quarterback — or could be a potential partner for a team looking to move up to get one. However, I think they will still see value across their board here and, in the end, might see a blinking light next to the name of versatile defensive back Jahdae Barron.
27 | Baltimore Ravens — Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State The Ravens expect to have multiple top targets available here. While I feel my initial selection, safety Malaki Starks, still makes total sense, in the end, I shifted to offensive lineman Grey Zabel as the pick for Baltimore.
28 | Detroit Lions — Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M The Lions taking anything other than a guard or an edge rusher would be somewhat of a surprise, so with both Tyler Booker and Grey Zabel off the board, edge rusher is the play. I did give consideration to Donovan Ezeiruaku as the pick in this scenario, but in the end, I went with Shemar Stewart, knowing he could very well go much higher.
29 | Washington Commanders — TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State The Commanders could go with a pass rusher or a cornerback, especially with the options still available in this scenario. But in the end, I still think they are the team that takes running back TreVeyon Henderson off the board in the first round.
30 | Pittsburgh Steelers (via BUF)* — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado * Projected trade down with Buffalo Bills * The Bills move up and the Steelers move down in this projected trade, but the outcome is the same as it would have been even if they didn’t. I think Pittsburgh stands to gain by moving down and while there’s obviously risk involved that they could miss out on Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, or both by doing so, they still have their pick of the two quarterbacks in this scenario. In the end, although Dart projects to be a better scheme fit, it still feels to me like Sanders might be the one who ends up with the Steelers.
31 | Kansas City Chiefs — Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon The Chiefs remain firmly in the mix for an offensive tackle, especially having their choice of either Josh Simmons or Josh Conerly Jr. here, but I still think interior defensive line is the play. In the end, I think the projection ranges for Walter Nolen and Derrick Harmon have flipped, which puts Harmon within reach for Kansas City.
32 | Philadelphia Eagles — Malaki Starks, S, Georgia The Eagles may end the night with the final pick or could be on the move up. While I was initially set on this being tight end Mason Taylor, in the end, I changed my mind and went with safety Malaki Starks, who could be yet another first-round steal for Philadelphia in the making.
