Already looking forward to the 2026 NFL Draft? Union-Tribune draft analyst Eddie Brown predicts every pick in the first two rounds and offers up the top-three positions of need for each team.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide steps back to pass during the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California.
The organizers of the Panini Senior Bowl are fond of saying the draft starts in Mobile. They’re not entirely wrong. Most of the players who are currently practicing in Alabama, and who will compete in the game this weekend, will be drafted or signed as an undrafted free agent. Whether it is the beginning of the draft or not, it’s certainly the culmination of the college football all-star game circuit. While the Patriots and Seahawks are preparing for Super Bowl LX, the rest of the NFL and its fans are already focused on the offseason. The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is just two weeks after the dust settles in Santa Clara. The new league year begins less than two weeks after the combine.Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Pittsburgh :Feb. 17-March 3: Franchise/transition player designation periodEarly March: Colleges can begin hosting pro daysThis is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the current draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I’ll attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do. According to The Huddle Report, I was the second-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print last season. I tied for first overall covering a five-year period between 2019 and 2023. Considering the NFL doesn’t have an offseason, the draft has become the Super Bowl of the league’s second season, and a mock version of said draft is meant to educate, perhaps even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.The Raiders’ owner Mark Davis, minority owner Tom Brady and General Manager John Spytek were all on the sideline to watch Mendoza help the Hoosiers complete a perfect 16-0 season and capture their first-ever national title in football. This feels like a lock at this point. Mendoza has the prototypical size scouts favor, good arm talent and functional athleticism. He’s not a finished product by any means — pressure can affect his footwork and his deep ball accuracy needs refinement — but the Heisman Trophy-winner clearly has the clutch gene.Perhaps GM Darren Mougey packages this selection and the No. 16 overall pick in a swap with the Raiders for Mendoza. Otherwise, the Jets need to replenish their defense after trading their two best defenders away at the deadline. The 6-foot-4, 243-pound uber-athletic Reese primarily played off-ball linebacker for the Buckeyes, but I could easily see him as a full-time edge rusher in the pros.The Cardinals will be in the market for a QB if they decide to move on from Kyler Murray, but they’re unlikely to find his replacement with the third-overall pick. There isn’t a Joe Alt or Penei Sewell in this draft class, but Mauigoa, a former five-star recruit, is big , powerful, athletic and plays with a mauling mentality at the tackle position. There are scouts who believe he’d be even better on the interior, but he’s talented enough to stay at tackle. The first-team AP All-American allowed just one quarterback hit and no sacks for the Hurricanes in four playoff games.Traditionally after drafting a franchise QB with the first overall pick in the previous draft, an organization would utilize the next draft to stockpile offensive talent in support of the QB. If the Titans don’t believe there are any offensive lineman or wide receivers worthy of a top-4 pick in this draft class, then new head coach Robert Saleh would likely prefer they focus on their pass rush here. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Bain doesn’t have prototypical length, but the ACC Defensive Player of the Year was a dominant force in four playoff games against Texas A&M, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Indiana. He had five sacks in those four games and 6½ sacks in his last five.The Titans and Giants are in the same boat. Both have talented quarterbacks headed into their second season in need of support. GM Joe Schoen will need to reinforce Jaxson Dart’s protection, weaponry, and perhaps teach him how to slide to maximize his potential. Considering John Harbaugh’s history with the Ravens, I’m thinking he’d prefer to address the O-line here or even a dynamic defender like Caleb Downs. Fano is a big , powerful, athletic anchor in the run game, and his footwork improved in pass protection his junior season.Could GM Andrew Berry go all-in and trade multiple first-round picks to the Raiders for the No. 1 overall selection to draft Mendoza? Anything is possible, as Kevin Garnett once screamed. The deal would likely need to look similar to what the 49ers gave the Dolphins for the No. 3 overall pick in 2021 in order to move up and draft Trey Lance. Which means it would likely include this pick with multiple future first-rounders. Otherwise, this choice will almost certainly come down to an offensive lineman or wide receiver. Tate showed immense growth in his technical skills this season, especially his route running, which transformed him from an explosive deep threat to a more complete receiver who can threaten a defense at all three levels.The Commanders’ biggest problem this season was keeping Jayden Daniels healthy. Their second biggest problem was an ineffective defense. They need more playmakers at all three levels. Bailey tied for first in the FBS with 14½ sacks, and was second with 19½ tackles for loss. He has rare speed for someone who is 6-3, 250, having hit 22.16 mph —There’s still work to do, but the Stanford transfer also improved as a run defender during his one season with the Red Raiders.I’m thinking GM Mickey Loomis is fine with Tyler Shough being the starter next year after drafting him with the 40th overall pick in last April’s draft, but if that’s the case, Loomis needs to surround Shough with more weapons on offense. Tyson was hampered by a hamstring injury this season, but he pretty much picked up where he left off last year when he was on the field. He’s developed into a route-technician with inside-out versatility and has the ability to make plays at all three levels. Tyson will need to overcome an injury-prone label during the draft process to end up in the first-half of the first round.The Chiefs’ dynasty may be over, but the championship window will remain wide open as long as Patrick Mahomes is upright and healthy. Mahomes may not be ready by the start of next season after suffering a torn ACL and LCL in his left leg, but once he is, he’s going to need an effective run game to alleviate some pressure. Eric Bieniemy returning as offensive coordinator, a role he held from 2018 to 2022 with Kansas City, alludes to that being a priority this offseason. Love features elite size , patience and balance on top of home run capability. The Doak Walker Award-winner and Heisman Trophy finalist is explosive, elusive, powerful and versatile.Outside of cornerback DJ Turner, and two talented rookie linebackers, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, who survived their growing pains this season, what part of the Bengals’ defense doesn’t need to be completely overhauled? Faulk is a 6-foot-6, 285-pound versatile chess piece on the D-line in odd or even fronts, and has even shown the ability to standup and play outside linebacker.Cornerback may be the biggest position of need for the Dolphins depending on how new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley feel about Tua Tagovailoa as their QB going forward. Delane doesn’t have elite size or deep speed, but he’s sticky, instinctual and can play multiple positions in the secondary.Let’s assume the Joneses handle their business and resign wide receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams to long-term extensions. Then the draft will be all about improving the defense. Downs won the Thorpe Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy and earned consensus All-American honors this season. He was the heart and soul of a Buckeyes defense that led the nation in points and yards allowed per game, and he finished ninth in the Heisman voting. Downs is a fluid, explosive athlete who’s seemingly always a step ahead of everybody else on the football field. He’d be an absolute steal here.GM Les Snead acquired this pick by trading out of the first round back in April. Snead has to plan for a future without Matthew Stafford at some point. Even if this season’s presumed MVP decides to play another year, a QB could be the target in the first round. Otherwise, cornerbacks Ahkello Witherspoon, Roger McCreary and Cobie Durant are all unrestricted free agents. McCoy earned first-team All-SEC recognition last season with four interceptions for the Vols after transferring from Oregon State before tearing his ACL during an offseason training session last January. His 2024 tape showed elite ball skills with fluid athleticism and explosive closing speed. The type of talent who usually goes in the top half of the first round. NFL teams will scrutinize his medicals at the Combine.The mandate for the Ravens will be clear this offseason: fix the defense. Hiring former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter certainly seems to suggest as much. Woods needs a more diversified pass-rush plan to unlock his full potential, but he already possesses an elite combination of strength and athleticism for his size — he’s No. 5 on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List” — and has flashed disruptive capabilities. Violent hands and elite diagnostic instincts are his weapons of choice.Starting guards Ben Bredeson and Cody Mauch both suffered season-ending knee injuries for the Buccaneers. Ioane was one of the few bright spots for the Nittany Lions this season, earning second-team AP All-American recognition. He’s an elite pass-blocker and a strong anchor in the run game, while featuring impressive movement skills for a man his size .The Jets pair Reese with his much larger, and equally dominant teammate here. McDonald was a game-wrecker for one of the best defenses in the country, earning consensus All-American honors. Anchored by the 6-3, 330-pound devourer of double-teams, Ohio State’s run defense was seventh in rushing yards allowed per game and tied for seventh in yards allowed per carry .Jack Campbell is the only linebacker on the Lions who isn’t facing free agency. Styles is the second freakishly athletic linebacker from the Buckeyes to appear in this mock — he’s No. 10 on Bruce Feldman’s list. The senior captain is rangy with rare speed and explosiveness for his frame , and showcases his safety background in coverage with the ability to lock down tight ends and running backs in space.There’s a good chance the Vikings could cut T.J. Hockenson this offseason. Hockenson has dealt with injury issues recently, and hasn’t really shown much chemistry with J.J. McCarthy. The move would save Minnesota nearly $9 million in cap space before June 1 and $16 million if it’s designated after June 1. Sadiq isn’t in the same class as Brock Bowers or Tyler Warren as a prospect, but he’s an impressive athlete who has showcased downfield playmaking ability and has legit upside as a run-blocker in the pros.GM Dan Morgan could seek to upgrade nickelback and/or free safety this offseason. Terrell could follow in his brother A.J.’s footsteps as a first-round cornerback from the Tigers. He’s a much better run defender than his brother, despite being a bit undersized . His route-recognition and ball skills helped him earn second-team All-ACC honors as a sophomore, and he’s mastered the “Peanut Punch” with eight forced fumbles the last two seasons. He also had three sacks this season.The Cowboys traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson at the deadline. Both were solid additions and key to rebuilding this defense, but there’s still work to do. Mesidor had 9½ sacks in two years at West Virginia before joining the Hurricanes in 2022. He’s an older prospect , but he’s been highly productive for two different programs, including 12½ sacks and 17½ tackles for loss this season. Mesidor’s size , explosiveness and violent hands will make him a valuable chess piece for defensive coordinators in the pros, enabling him to be deployed anywhere along the D-line. His skillset translates well to both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive fronts.Mike McCarthy becoming the Steelers’ fourth head coach since 1969 may mean Aaron Rodgers postpones retirement for one more season. Regardless of who is under center or coaching, Pittsburgh is severely lacking in playmakers at receiver. Lemon is a quick, efficient route runner who is a demon in the slot and capable of frustrating tacklers with his abilities after the catch.Both Khalil Mack, and Odafe Oweh are free agents, with Mack potentially starting his Hall of Fame clock if he’s had enough of the grind. Parker’s bull rush is devastating and he’s already a solid run defender. While this season didn’t live up to an eye-popping sophomore year where he had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, his size , advanced pass-rush repertoire, and ability to convert speed to power places him firmly in the first-round discussion.Five-time All-Pro tackle Lane Johnson is under contract through the 2027 season, but he’s 35 years old and missed eight games this season while battling neck and back issues before suffering a Lisfranc injury in Week 11. The Eagles were 3-5 without Johnson, including a 23-19 season-ending loss in the wild-card round to the 49ers. Lomu earned Freshman All-American honors in 2024, and possesses this draft class’ highest ceiling at offensive tackle. He’s already a technically proficient pass blocker with prototypical size , elite athleticism and solid footwork. He’ll need to add strength to improve as a run blocker, and hold his own against powerful pass rushers in the pros.The Browns look like they found building blocks on offense in last year’s draft with running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. They’ll need to reinforce an aging offensive line and add more weapons at receiver if they have any hopes of their new franchise QB succeeding, whomever he may be. Iheanachor caught my eye by holding his own against Texas Tech’s dynamic pass rush. His technique will require refinement , but his impressive blend of size and athleticism is worth a shot for a team in the beginning stages of a rebuild.Almost every safety on the Bears’ current roster is facing free agency, including starters Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. McNeil-Warren is an explosive, rangy defender with sound tackling technique, and a violent finisher. He features exceptional length and size for the safety position, and has an undeniable nose for the football. He has five interceptions and nine forced fumbles in four years with the Rockets.This is an obvious need , and considering how far Bills owner Terry Pegula threw second-year receiver Keon Coleman under the bus, I’d expect it to be addressed one way or the other. Boston’s size and physicality enable him to win more than his fair share of jump balls, but the Huskie wideout is also a polished route-runner , especially on slants and comebacks. Boston also features the versatility to lineup outside or become a mismatch in the slot.The 49ers will release or trade Brandon Aiyuk this offseason, which means this pick could very well be a wide receiver come April. However, they also need to find a successor to groom behind future Hall of Famer Trent Williams at left tackle. Freeling features rare lateral movement skills for a tackle his size . He needs polish, but the former four-star recruit developed into one of the better pass protectors in the SEC this season.The Texans’ overhaul of their offensive line that began last year isn’t over. Proctor took his lumps starting for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman in 2023, but he showed legit improvement down the stretch and that carried over to his sophomore year. His junior season was a grab bag of inconsistency, but it’s nearly impossible to find 360-pound athletes who are as powerful, explosive and surprisingly agile as he is .Simpson is the son of a longtime college coach, and he’d be perfect for any team running a variation of Kyle Shanahan’s or Sean McVay’s offense. He only has 15 collegiate starts to go off of, but the small sample size shows he has the ability to process defenses quickly, and is accurate under pressure. However, the list of QBs taken in the first round with fewer than 20 collegiate starts in the past decade is uninspiring to say the least: Trey Lance , Mac Jones , Kyler Murray , Dwayne Haskins , Anthony Richardson and Mitchell Trubisky .Broncos’ linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are both free agents. It’s hard not to see former Bulldog and current Ravens’ All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith when watching Allen. Both are 6-1, 235 pounds and are elite processors. Both are strong finishers against the run, and both are capable pass-rushers when called upon. Allen was also named a finalist for the Butkus Award, an honor Smith earned in 2017.The Patriots’ only edge rushers under contract next season are Harold Landry, Anfernee Jennings and rookies Bradyn Swinson and Elijah Ponder. Howell’s length is a question mark headed into the draft process, but you can’t argue with his production or explosive traits. He produced 9½ sacks and 10½ tackles for loss in his final season at Bowling Green before joining the Aggies in 2024. After making the leap from the MAC to the SEC, he earned the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year with 11½ sacks this season and 14 tackles for loss.Cornerbacks Tariq Woolen, Josh Jobe and Derion Kendrick are all facing free agency after this season — Kendrick will be a restricted free agent. After transferring from Colorado, Hood helped the Volunteers fill the void created by the absence of Jermod McCoy. He’s a fiery, aggressive press corner who features the size , speed and physicality to make plays in a man-heavy scheme. However, his instincts make him an ideal fit for the type of zone defense the Seahawks deploy under coach Mike Macdonald.35. Tennessee — Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia, Jr.39. Cleveland — Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego St., Sr.41. Cincinnati — Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona St., Jr.45. Baltimore — Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.47. Indianapolis — Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati, Sr. Germaine Pratt’s impending free agency and Zaire Franklin’s significant regression could make linebacker a pressing need this offseason for the Colts. Golday, a former unranked recruit who began as an edge defender at FCS program Central Arkansas, has three-down potential in the NFL because of his size , physicality and elite athleticism.Newly crowned Falcons’ President of Football Matt Ryan hired Kevin Stefanski to replace Raheem Morris as head coach. Ryan’s search for a GM is ongoing, but the priority this offseason will be to fortify the roster around core talent like Bijan Robinson, Drake London and A.J. Terrell. Adding a versatile threat like Williams to complement London could elevate the entire offense.51. Carolina — Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon, Sr.While the return of Micah Parsons and Devonte Wyatt should help an inconsistent run defense next season, there’s still a major need for a massive, run-stuffing nose tackle in the trenches. The Louisville transfer features the size , length and explosive traits NFL defensive coordinators covet and QBs usually lose sleep over. Banks tends to rely on athleticism over technique, so coaching will be required to unlock his full potential in the pros. He missed nine games with a foot injury that required surgery in September, but was able to return and play against Tennessee and Florida State. That’s impressive considering the Gators’ season was over long ago.55. L.A. Chargers — Chase Bisontis, OL, Texas A&M, Jr. Injuries and inconsistency has plagued guard Mekhi Becton once again. Bisontis is a big , powerful, elite athlete who has twice earned a spot on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List.” The former four-star recruit started 12 games at right tackle as a freshman before switching to left guard, where he earned third-team All-SEC recognition this season.Devin Lloyd is all set to cash-in on his All-Pro season in free agency. Louis is a bit undersized , but he features the speed, athleticism and coverage skills the league covets for the linebacker position these days.59. Houston — Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa St., Sr.Right tackle could be a top priority if veteran Rob Havenstein bolts in free agency. Miller has been an iron man at the position with 54 career starts for the Tigers. He followed his Freshman All-American season in 2022 with three straight All-ACC seasons. Miller features prototypical size , functional athleticism and elite processing skills.PrintSDCE condos have insurance canceled; HOA board pays $900,000 to settle 2024 lawsuit At 82, retired teacher and former marathon runner has discovered his next chapter doesn’t require a busy social calendar At 82, retired teacher and former marathon runner has discovered his next chapter doesn’t require a busy social calendarProposal to tax San Diego vacation rentals and second homes up to $12,000 fails in council committeePacific Beach’s largest apartment building set to become even biggerDefense carries shorthanded San Diego State past Colorado State
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