Quarterback value remains an intriguing storyline in this draft, but this class does not offer the same top-heavy certainty like the 2024 and 2020 classes.

There has been significant talk of the Cowboys moving up to No. 3 to take a replacement for Micah Parsons, but they could have other plans. They are one piece away from Super Bowl contention, and could look to address that in this draft.

On the other hand, the Cardinals have signaled they want to move back, and without a franchise quarterback, a certain quarterback in Tuscaloosa could be the answer.

All questions will be answered April 23, and until then, all that can be done is to offer a best projection.

No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft goes to the Las Vegas Raiders, who have one glaring hole in the middle of their offense: quarterback. Geno Smith was arguably the worst starting quarterback last season, and the Raiders haven’t had a true signal-caller for the past three years. Who better to start their next chapter with than the Heisman Trophy winner himself?

Mendoza is the golden boy quarterback of this draft and likely a solid win-now franchise option. At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, Mendoza fits the prototypical build for an NFL starting quarterback, with the traits to match.

Mendoza’s size allows him to absorb big hits, something he showed in the Big Ten Championship and then again on the biggest stage in college football. Every time he hits the ground, he is right back in the huddle, unshaken. It really speaks to his temperament.

He is an accurate thrower who stays composed in the pocket throughout the whole play, which sometimes works to his disadvantage, but he can be mobile if need be. He was in an RPO-heavy scheme at Indiana, so he will need to adjust to Klint Kubiak’s run-dominant offense, but with the character he’s displayed so far, it should be no issue.

With Geno Smith and Pete Carroll gone, Las Vegas is ready for a clean slate, and Mendoza should be a great franchise quarterback for years to come.

No. 2: New York Jets — Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

The Jets canceled their meeting with David Bailey the day of, which could mean two things: They have decided with the utmost confidence that Bailey is their guy at No. 2 overall, or they feel the same way about Arvell Reese. Either way, the management wouldn’t waste their time flying Bailey in if they had already made their decision.

Arvell Reese is an intriguing prospect. He is the best coverage linebacker in the class and easily the most explosive. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, his athletic traits are off the charts. Listed as an edge rusher at the combine, Reese ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash with a 1.58-second 10-yard split, ranking first among edge prospects and tied for first with teammate Sonny Styles among linebackers.

At Ohio State, he was primarily an off-ball linebacker who would line up on the edge depending on the play. At his size, he projects as an edge rusher in the league, but some scouts question that, citing his uneven pass-rush performance in his final season with the Buckeyes.

On paper, he was successful in getting to the quarterback, with 23 total pressures and eight sacks. The issue is a lack of polish as a blitzer. He is late off the line and has only one real way to beat blockers: his speed-to-power move.

Reese’s floor is someone like Isaiah Simmons, a linebacker who never found his footing at one position. Wherever he lands, a team will need to develop him in one area. He is already comfortable as an off-ball linebacker and spy, so that will translate easily. But if a team wants the highest ceiling from Reese, keeping him on the edge and giving him a chance to develop is the way to go.

Trade: Dallas Cowboys acquire No. 3 pick from Arizona Cardinals
No. 3: Dallas Cowboys (from Arizona Cardinals) — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens put on a show last season, combining for 2,569 yards. Now, Pickens is on the franchise tag and potentially holding out; another offensive asset wouldn’t hurt. Two first-round picks are slightly egregious, but for a talent like Love, that is exactly what he is worth.

Las Vegas did not make the right choice in selecting Ashton Jeanty last year. The Raiders had no infrastructure on the offensive line or on defense, and those were crucial positions they needed to fill. In this case, the Cowboys have a solid roster. The offensive line has young pieces up front in Tyler Booker from last year’s draft and Tyler Smith, an elite run blocker at left tackle. First-round running backs are typically reserved for contenders; think of it as the cherry on top.

Jeremiyah Love is best described as an elusive, bullet-train threat in both the run and passing game. In his final season at Notre Dame, he had 1,372 rushing yards on 199 carries for 18 touchdowns, but that was just on the ground. As a receiver, Love had 280 yards on 27 receptions for three touchdowns. He excels in all aspects of the running back position and compares to someone like Alvin Kamara, with the chance to become something even more special. 

No. 4: Tennessee Titans — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The Titans need help everywhere on defense, so the best choice is to take the best player available at No. 4, and that is Sonny Styles. He is the best overall player in the class and a prototype for a future Hall of Fame linebacker. If not for his combine performance, he might have slipped to the middle of the first round.

He started at safety his freshman year with the Buckeyes, then made the transition to linebacker in his third year and excelled. Now he enters the draft at 6-foot-5, 244 pounds, with 32 7/8-inch arms and 10-inch hands. His tall, lanky build helps him laterally and in coverage, and he showed it at the combine.

Styles finished first in the 40-yard dash, posting a 4.46-second time. He finished second in the vertical jump with a 45.5-inch mark, and first in the broad jump with an 11-foot, 2-inch leap.

All in all, Styles is a special linebacker prospect who shows a strong indication that he will end his career with a golden jacket draped over his shoulders. He can blitz, play in coverage, and has the natural instincts all great linebackers have.

No. 5: New York Giants — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Jaxson Dart appears to be the starter in New York — for now. The next step is bolstering the offensive line.

Francis Mauigoa is not a blue-chip offensive line prospect, but he can step in and provide immediate protection for Jaxson Dart. This is a similar situation to the Patriots last year with Will Campbell, except it is known that Mauigoa can stay at tackle.

Mauigoa is big — 6-foot-5, 329 pounds, with 33-inch arms — and he uses all of it. He has a firm base and can anchor against power rushers. He can direct traffic in the gap with ease and jar defenders with the power he generates from his lower half.

He is a ready-now tackle who can help strengthen Cam Skattebo’s future line — or whoever the running back may be after the injury.

No. 6: Cleveland Browns — David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

In March, the Browns restructured Myles Garrett’s contract, modifying option bonus dates from March to September in 2026-28 while moving $8 million in salary into roster bonuses. This is a telltale sign that Garrett is looking for another way out of Cleveland, and if the Browns want to either entice a return or replace him, then Bailey is a strong option with significant upside.

At 6-foot-4, 251 pounds, Bailey has the size and explosiveness needed at the edge position, and with 33 3/4-inch arms, he checks a box Rueben Bain Jr. does not. Bailey is quick off the snap and wins fast, with quick hands on his ghost move and an effective spin move headlining his arsenal.

Bailey still has some needs to address in the run game, mainly regarding his physical presence, but overall, he’s a safe pick to be a good-to-great pass rusher in the league.

No. 7: Washington Commanders — Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

The Commanders have said they want to pursue an edge rusher in the draft, and with Bailey off the board, this front office will panic and take the next best one. Some argue this is a slide, but Bain Jr.’s arm length is too short to ignore.

With 30 7/8-inch arms, Bain Jr. has the fourth shortest arms in combine history, and with that length, NFL-size tackles will beat him on nearly every snap. To put it in perspective, Micah Parsons’ arms are considered very short at 31 1/2 inches. He is one of the few players who can succeed with that arm length. With Bain Jr. possessing arms 5/8 of an inch shorter, his chances are even lower.

His college tape provides a strong counterargument, as he recorded 54 total tackles in his final season at Miami — 30 solo, 9 1/2 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.

Bain Jr. is a powerful pass rusher who wins at the line with strength to disrupt offensive tackles. He is a physical defender who consistently wins against anyone lined up across from him.

No. 8: New Orleans Saints — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

It is a toss-up for the first receiver off the board, but Carnell Tate is the most polished receiver in the draft, although Makai Lemon is still in that argument.

Tyler Shough turned out to be a strong pick in last year’s draft, helping the team win games late into the year. Now he needs a true primary target to complement Chris Olave, and ironically, Tate is not even the No. 1 option at Ohio State.

In any scenario where Jeremiah Smith is not with the Buckeyes, Carnell Tate would receive the bulk of the targets. Even with his setback, he still recorded 875 yards on 51 receptions for nine touchdowns.

Tate is not particularly fast, but what he lacks in speed he makes up for with his hands. He has strong late hands and can track the ball over the shoulder with ease. He runs smooth routes and separates well with a burst. Carnell Tate is the prototype general managers are looking for and the prototype that breeds success.

No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Rams overhauled Kansas City’s secondary this offseason, trading for Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson in free agency. Currently, the Chiefs have veteran Kristian Fulton and second-year Nohl Williams at cornerback; neither is a strong option to headline the secondary, but Williams still has upside.

Mansoor Delane is an immediate-impact pick. Last season, he allowed zero touchdowns and committed zero penalties, with two interceptions.

He plays tight coverage throughout the entire play and competes in the run game despite his lack of tackles on the stat sheet. When a quarterback does challenge him over the top, he consistently makes a play on the ball.

Mansoor Delane will be a strong cornerback in the NFL, which leaves one question: Will he fall this far?

No. 10: New York Giants — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

In a surprising move Saturday afternoon, the New York Giants traded Dexter Lawrence II for the Bengals’ No. 10 overall pick in the draft. It would make sense to take a receiver here to pair with Malik Nabers, or a safety like Caleb Downs, but Peter Woods is so similar to Dexter Lawrence II that he would make an immediate impact and a smart move in the long-term.

All of Clemson’s players saw their draft stock fall to new lows after a disastrous season, but Woods is one of the few players who could still go in the first round. He did not have the strongest year, but his flashes still warrant a top-15 pick.

Entering the season, Woods was a surefire top-10 pick and the best interior defensive lineman in the class. He is agile for a 300-pound player and, at 6-foot-3, has the ideal size-to-speed ratio for a defensive tackle.

He does have short arms, measuring 31 1/4 inches, but his lateral quickness allows him to make tackles along the edges of the tackle box.

Overall, he is a risk at No. 10, but his upside makes this a strong pick if Woods lives up to his preseason expectations.

No. 11: Miami Dolphins — Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Dolphins had a confusing offseason. It started with signing Malik Willis, a good decision at the time that, now in hindsight, makes no sense. After that move, Miami traded Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos, leaving the receiver room with Malik Washington as this team’s No. 1 option.

A young quarterback in a new system, no receiving threats and no protection up front. It is possibly the worst situation in the league come Week 1.

Fano is the No. 2 tackle prospect in this draft, just behind Mauigoa because of his arm-length concerns. He measured 32 1/8-inch arms at the combine and will likely slide inside to start his career. He has expressed openness to moving inside, and he took snaps at center during the combine, so experience should not be an issue if a team moves him to an interior position.

Fano is around the same size as Francis Mauigoa, but he excels as a pass protector rather than a run blocker, although he is also proficient in that area. He is quick and often beats rushers out of his stance, but he sometimes gets carried away when he drops back in pass protection. 

This is an offensive lineman who will find his place in the league one way or another. He is the most versatile protector in the class and could go instead of Mauigoa if the Giants value him highly.

No. 12: Arizona Cardinals (from Dallas Cowboys) — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

This pick is straightforward. Caleb Downs at No. 12 is a steal and a strong building block for the start of the team’s next rebuild.

Downs is one of the few true blue-chip prospects in this class and he has been for some time. At the start of the year, Downs was a projected top-five pick, maybe even top-three, but it is not August anymore; it is April, and a lot has changed.

Like running backs, safeties are not typically valued in the top 10 or even the top 15, but Downs is a special prospect. He is a versatile safety with strong instincts. He lined up all over the field at Ohio State, excelling in pass coverage, against the run and as a blitzer.

Downs is a strong prospect and a strong player. He is a surefire starter in Week 1 and arguably the best player in the draft.

No. 13: Los Angeles Rams — Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Rams need help on the offensive line. Currently, their two starting tackles are Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr., and that is not going to suffice in Week 1, especially with Matthew Stafford likely in his final year.

The problem is that after Fano, there is a significant drop-off in talent at the tackle position. Monroe Freeling is a late first-round pick based on what we have seen, and Kadyn Proctor could be the better prospect entering the draft, so the Rams are in a difficult position.

Let’s be clear: Los Angeles does not need a receiver; it’s a luxury. Davante Adams is still a solid red-zone threat, and he looked strong last year, but when a talent like Lemon falls into a team’s lap, it has to capitalize.

Lemon is slightly undersized at 5-foot-11, 192 pounds, but what he lacks in size he makes up for after the catch. He plays with a high motor and wins contested catches against much bigger defenders.

The league would be making a significant mistake if it lets Sean McVay get Lemon. In a few years, this could become one of the top receiving duos of the Super Bowl era.

No. 14: Baltimore Ravens — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Isaiah Likely left in free agency, and Mark Andrews has been the most discussed player in Baltimore since the 2024 playoffs. Apart from Zay Flowers, this receiving group ranks in the bottom half of the league and continues to limit Lamar Jackson’s production.

Kenyon Sadiq is exactly what teams look for in a tight end, minus his height. At 6-foot-3, 241 pounds, he is sturdy and compact and can hold a block all the way through the end of a play.

As a pass catcher, he is as effective as any wide receiver. He has the explosiveness in his release to separate early on downfield routes, and he consistently brings in passes thrown his way.

No. 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Buccaneers have neglected their front four for too long, and it’s what cost them a playoff berth last season. Unfortunately, that pick is going to have to come in a later round because after Bain Jr., there is a substantial drop-off at the position.

Right now, the Buccaneers’ two starting cornerbacks are coming off their rookie seasons. Jacob Parrish works; Benjamin Morrison does not. Jermod McCoy is talented enough to start on many NFL defenses and would help address Tampa Bay’s second problem: coverage.

McCoy was a blue-chip corner during the 2024 season but suffered an ACL tear, which kept him out for the entirety of last season. If we are going by recent patterns, McCoy could fall much further than this; it happened to Will Johnson last year, but McCoy’s 2024 tape is so elite that this pick is justified.

He looked good at the combine, running a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, and showed scouts he is 100 percent ready for this season, but injuries always have a tendency to linger.

No. 16: New York Jets — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson is a daunting prospect, partly because of his talent and partly because of his health. In 2022, he suffered a torn ACL, MCL and PCL, spending the rest of that season on the sideline and a large portion of the next. In 2024, he broke his collarbone, missing the end of that season. Finally, in 2025, Tyson dealt with a lingering hamstring injury that kept him out of three games and multiple drills at the combine.

The Jets still have Garrett Wilson, and Adonai Mitchell had a strong finish to last season, so they do not really need a receiver. What they really need is a cornerback to replace Sauce Gardner, but McCoy is off the board, so this makes the most sense.

When Tyson is healthy, he is a highlight machine and arguably the highest-upside receiver in the draft. He is excellent on contested downfield throws — if a defensive back even gets a chance at a 50/50 ball — and it all starts with his release off the line.

If it were not for injury concerns, Tyson would be the No. 1 receiver in this draft. It will be interesting to see how far he falls on draft night.

No. 17: Detroit Lions — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Taylor Decker was released by the Lions in March, and now Giovanni Manu is set to start in Week 1. Jared Goff is known to struggle under pressure, so they need to fill that spot, and there are still plenty of tackles available.

This is one of the toughest choices in this mock draft: Kadyn Proctor or Monroe Freeling. Both offer something different, and either could be taken well before or after this pick. The edge goes to Proctor just because of Dan Campbell’s preference for larger players and the Lions’ run attack.

Size cannot be taught, so it is a good thing Proctor has plenty of it. At 6-foot-7, 352 pounds, his weight is a legitimate concern, especially after similar prospects have fallen because of conditioning. Names like Duwand Jones and Mekhi Beckton come to mind.

Proctor’s game is built around using his size to his advantage. In the pass game, he absorbs power rushers and stops their momentum; in the run game, he makes light work of defenders with downfield blocks.

No. 18: Minnesota Vikings — Dillion Thieneman, S, Oregon

This is a pivotal year for the Vikings. Justin Jefferson could seek a trade if the Vikings do not resolve their situation at quarterback by the end of the season. If neither Kyler Murray nor J.J. McCarthy makes that happen, then it is time to go back to the drawing board.

Safety is not particularly high on most positional value lists, but Thieneman’s skill set is. He is a Swiss Army knife on defense who played free safety, box safety and slot cornerback at Oregon. He is explosive and instinctive and is exactly what scouts and general managers look for in a safety.

Everything appears strong until the primary concern in his game becomes clear: tackling. Thieneman missed seven tackles last year and has a habit of pursuing ball carriers too aggressively, which leads to missed tackles. It is not a significant enough issue to cause him to fall, but it is still something to monitor as he progresses in his first year.

Thieneman could go earlier than this if the board develops differently on draft night. Overall, he is a special talent who would be unlikely to fall out of the first round.

No. 19: Carolina Panthers — Monroe Freeling, OT, Clemson

The Panthers have already built a strong offensive line with Taylor Moton and Damien Lewis headlining it. It makes sense to continue building it.

Freeling is among the offensive tackles projected for the latter half of the first round, but that does not mean his ceiling is not high. He has an ideal frame for the position, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 315 pounds, with 34 3/4-inch arms.

There is still room for growth, most notably in the strength department, but his upside is his defining trait. A player like Blake Miller would give the Panthers a win-now tackle, but they already have the pieces to protect Bryce Young. Carolina can afford to take a chance on a high-ceiling prospect like Freeling.

No. 20: Arizona Cardinals (from Dallas Cowboys) — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

This is the most polarizing pick in this mock draft, but a realistic one if Arizona trades out of the No. 3 overall pick.

Most analysts view this as a one-quarterback first round, but it is easy to overlook that Simpson was the best quarterback in the country nine games into the season. His performance declined as the season came to a close, and his College Football Playoff performance did not help his stock, but his recent pro day and combine performances show he is back in rhythm.

The main drawback that could keep Simpson out of the first round is his experience. He has only one year as a starting quarterback and no experience in any system outside Alabama’s, but that is why this pick works well for the Cardinals.

Jacoby Brissett is slated to be the starting quarterback next season. That is the same Jacoby Brissett who has played for six different teams and learned under Tom Brady in his rookie season. Brissett is the type of veteran a team wants working with a rookie.

Simpson is not a win-now quarterback. He is a young, inexperienced quarterback with upside and technical skill. A half to full season under Brissett should iron out any decision-making issues and provide a strong foundation to start Simpson’s career.

Trade: Los Angeles Chargers acquire No. 21 pick from Pittsburgh Steelers
No. 21: Los Angeles Chargers (from Pittsburgh Steelers) — Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State

This is a steal at No. 21, and Ioane is one of the best offensive linemen in this class. Tackles are expected to be overvalued in this draft, and the Steelers recognize that, so they move back one spot to take a tackle and acquire an additional pick or two in return.

Los Angeles had a bottom-three offensive line last season in pass protection and run blocking, but on paper, the team’s tackles are solid. The Chargers have Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater on either side of the line, but it is the interior that needs work.

Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane has more than enough size for the position, and his head-down, gritty play style was the catalyst for his success in college. In his final two seasons at Penn State, Ioane allowed zero sacks over 614 snaps, with an overall PFF grade of 80 in his final season.

He has exceptional power in both pass protection and the run game, and he should be much higher on all teams’ draft boards.

No. 22: Pittsburgh Steelers (from Los Angeles Chargers) — Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

As stated earlier, this offensive line class is overvalued, and it is the result of a landscape in which 25 of 32 teams have or will have a young or a franchise quarterback. No. 22 overall is high for Miller, but teams become desperate for protection, especially with tackles coming off the board quickly in this mock.

Miller is experienced at tackle, entering the draft at 22 years old, the oldest among first-round tackle prospects. He has logged just under 3,800 snaps at tackle and more than 50 starts for the Tigers. Miller is a workhorse.

Miller has an ideal frame for tackle with significant length. He is sturdy and quick on the line and not only controls his own movements, but also those of defenders.

No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

A.J. Brown is likely to leave for New England in June or July, and if the Eagles want to compete while they still have Barkley and this offensive line, a receiver must be in play in the draft. There are no receivers in this class that directly replicate Brown’s role in the Eagles’ offense, but Boston is the closest comparison.

At Washington he filled the physical boundary X receiver role, using his frame to play through contact and secure contested catches. A.J. Brown is 6-foot-1, and Boston is 6-foot-4, which makes Boston more intriguing in that aspect, but Brown’s compact frame helps him after the catch.

A.J. Brown plays with a level of explosiveness that Boston does not have, so it is not a perfect replacement, but in two to three years, the Eagles could be right back on the big stage with Boston leading this receiving group.

No. 24: Cleveland Browns — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Browns need help on offense, especially if they consider Shedeur Sanders the long-term option in Cleveland. 

This could be a pivotal year for Sanders, especially with how the organization has handled his career. If they want to give him a chance, they need to develop a more reliable offensive line.

Spencer Fano’s counterpart at Utah, Lomu, is a solid prospect who gets the job done. He has good size at 6-foot-6, 313 pounds, but he lacks the ideal strength for a first-round offensive tackle.

Lomu plays loose and aggressively, and that is partially what’s keeping him in the first round, but the strength concerns are relevant and could cause him to fall further.

No. 25: Chicago Bears — Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

The Bears had the worst pressure rate in the league last season, and if they want to be in contention, it is a hole they need to address this offseason.

Akheem Mesidor is a win-now pass rusher, exactly what the Bears need. He plays with a high motor and significant power, consistently knocking offensive tackles aside. His game is built on power and force, and it is effective. Against the run, he works quickly, beating offensive tackles off the edge and finishing plays in the backfield.

He had a strong final season at Miami, recording 12.5 sacks, 63 total tackles — 38 solo and 25 assisted.

He will enter his rookie season at 25 years old, which is a concern, but the Bears need immediate help on the defensive line, and Mesidor can provide it.

No. 26: Buffalo Bills — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

For the first time since 2023, the Bills have a solution at receiver. This offseason, they sent a 2026 second-round pick (No. 60 overall) to the Chicago Bears for D.J. Moore. Now Buffalo must shift its focus to the defense, which has been depleted over the past few seasons.

The Bills had a bottom-half run defense in 2025, and this coaching staff wants to win now. Although an edge rusher like Keldrick Faulk, who excels against the run, would make sense here, he is still a raw prospect with significant development remaining.

On the other hand, Kadyn McDonald is a prospect who can step in and improve the run defense immediately. At Ohio State, his primary focus was stopping the run, and he was used primarily on run-focused downs. In his final season with the Buckeyes, he posted 65 total tackles, three sacks and nine tackles for loss.

McDonald has good size for the position, although he could be slightly taller, and he has a violent strength that defines his play style. Similar to Faulk, McDonald struggles as a pass rusher, but that was not his role in college, and it will not be his role in the NFL.

Either Faulk or McDonald is a strong pick here, but McDonald better fits what Buffalo is building.

No. 27: San Francisco 49ers — Keldrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The 49ers had a difficult time pressuring the quarterback last season, partly due to Nick Bosa’s injury, but also because the rest of this pass rush is not effective.

Keldrick Faulk is an interesting edge prospect because of his pass-rushing ability — or lack thereof. He is widely considered a high-upside project as a pass rusher, mainly due to his frame, but he already has a strong foundation as a run defender.

He is big and lanky, measuring 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds with 34 3/8-inch arms, and that is exactly what the 49ers value on their defensive line: size and length. His long arms help him set the edge against the run and are a key reason he can generate success as a blitzer.

Overall, Faulk has significant upside as a run defender and could develop into a pass rusher at the next level.

No. 28: Houston Texans — Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon

It is difficult to identify a crucial need for the Texans, but there is one area they can improve. Their offensive line struggled last season but is projected to be better this year. They acquired Wyatt Teller this offseason, and Aireontae Ersery will be going into his second year after building on starting reps from last season.

Still, another guard on the right side would help, and Teller is advancing in age.

This is high for Pregnon, but Max Iheanachor is the next-best tackle, and he is not a plug-and-play player at this time. The Texans could trade out of the first round and look for a tackle later in the draft.

Emmanuel Pregnon played for three different schools during his college career and logged more than 3,200 snaps. This past season with the Ducks was his best, as he allowed zero sacks, just three pressures, and posted an 88.4 overall PFF grade, second among qualified interior linemen.

Pregnon is a balanced, athletic guard who excels in zone schemes. He moves well for his size, standing at 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, and that size helps him anchor in pass protection.

Pregnon should make an immediate impact on the Texans’ offensive line, and his pass protection skill set fits Houston’s pass-heavy scheme.

No. 29: Kansas City Chiefs — T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

The Chiefs addressed their need at cornerback with the No. 9 overall pick. Now it is time to shift focus to the pass rush, which ranked No. 18 by PFF with a 70.3 overall grade.

Parker’s best trait is his strength at the point of attack. He projects as an every-down edge rusher in the league who can generate pressure immediately. His success against the run comes from his hands, which strike at the right moment and disengage in time to finish plays in the backfield.

There are regression concerns after Clemson’s disappointing season, but that was expected. Parker lacks an elite trait. His first step is adequate, his bend is average, and his speed is solid, which limits his ceiling in the NFL. The reason he did not build on his breakout year in 2024 is that there was little left to develop.

No. 30: Miami Dolphins — KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Dolphins’ strange offseason activity was addressed with their earlier pick, so now it is time to manage their second roster need.

Without Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins have little depth at wide receiver. Malik Washington is slated to be the No. 1 wide receiver entering Week 1, and that will not work if they want to give Malik Willis a chance.

It is too late for Miami to secure a true X receiver and replace Hill, but the team needs to add depth at the position, and can at least replace one of the departures.

KC Concepcion has a similar build to Waddle as both hover right under 6 feet and project as No. 2 receivers. Both receivers display strong breakaway speed, but their differences lie in their route trees. Waddle is a deep threat, while Concepcion is more effective on underneath routes and on intermediate routes than stretching the field vertically.

He is not a perfect replacement, but Miami needs additional offensive weapons outside of De’Von Achane.

No. 31: New England Patriots — Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

Drake Maye took at least five sacks in every playoff game, which is not acceptable for a Super Bowl-caliber team with a young franchise quarterback. The Patriots selected Will Campbell with the No. 4 overall pick in last year’s draft, but that was not enough, so they are ready to add more help along the offensive line.

Iheanachor moved to Los Angeles from Nigeria when he was 13, and did not begin playing football until junior college. He has only been playing football for four years, including his time in college, and is now considered a first-round prospect.  

His value comes from his traits. He has a prototypical edge frame with rare explosiveness for his size, and he looks fluid for someone still learning the game. Some scouts view his lack of experience as an advantage because of the room for improvement, so that is likely what will make him a first-round pick, but many still do not agree.

The question is whether Max Iheanachor is a first-round talent or even a Day 2 talent. The answer is no; this is a reach, but the Patriots need to protect Drake Maye.

No. 32: Seattle Seahawks — Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Seahawks got their revenge in Super Bowl LX last February, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 on a Sunday night in Santa Clara. Now they have the final pick in the draft with several needs to address.

Seattle lost four key players in free agency: Kenneth Walker III, Tariq “Riq” Woolen, Coby Bryant and Boye Mafe. If Mike Macdonald wants to preserve his version of the Legion of Boom, a cornerback is likely in play here.

Hood has good size for a cornerback with fast, fluid movement. He has loose hips in transition and can flip and run with ease. From a coverage standpoint, his hips allow him to operate in man and zone coverage, but his strength is in zone. He is certainly not as fast as Woolen, but Hood is physical, similar to Woolen. 

Colton Hood might not be the ideal replacement for Riq Woolen, but he could be a solid cornerback behind Devon Witherspoon for the next few years.