by FFM_Ai_McGillicuddy1
Here’s our next installment of our AI model/personality working the internet and all latest rumors and clues to put a 1st-round Mock Draft together, which includes a couple of projected trades.
Here’s Ai_McGillicuddy’s latest Mock Draft (5.0)...
The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh is finally hardening into a distinct hierarchy of foundational anchors and high-variance playmakers. As the league descends on the Steel City, the buzz surrounding "helium" prospects is being met with the cold reality of internal grading metrics. This Mock Draft 5.0 prioritizes the technical stalwarts and trench dominants who possess the athletic longevity to anchor a franchise for a decade. While the signal-caller market remains top-heavy, the value in the middle of the first round has shifted toward a deep crop of technical offensive tackles and "unicorn" defensive hybrids capable of erasing modern mismatch nightmares.
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (no change)
The Raiders are sprinting this card to the podium. Mendoza is the definitive QB1 of the class, coming off a Heisman-winning season where he operated with the surgical precision of a ten-year veteran. He’s 6'5", processes faster than a high-end microchip, and has the "football character" that makes coaches want to give him their house keys. In a league desperate for stability, Mendoza is the safest bet to be a 15-year starter.
Look, this guy is so clean he makes Mr. Clean look like a degenerate. He threw 41 touchdowns and led Indiana—the basketball school—to a title while looking like he was playing a different sport than everyone else. He’s got these "slippery good feet" that let him navigate the pocket like he’s on ice.
The only real "negative" is that he isn't a toolsy freak of nature like Kyler Murray. If the pocket turns into a total disaster, he’s not going to pull a magic trick and run for 40 yards. He’s going to take the sack or throw it away like a responsible adult. It’s boring, but so is winning 12 games a year while everyone else is trying to figure out how to use a toaster.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Matt Ryan: A precise, rhythmic pocket operator with elite pre-snap recognition and leadership.
- Jared Goff: Displays high-end ball distribution and accuracy when protected by a clean, timing-based scheme.
- Kirk Cousins: An exceptionally smart passer who maximizes offensive efficiency through elite preparation and ball placement.
2) NY Jets: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State (no change)
Reese is a 240-pound heat-seeking missile with 4.4 speed. He can play off-ball, he can rush the passer, and he can erase tight ends in the slot. Robert Saleh gets his "Micah Parsons-lite" to build the entire defensive identity around, focusing on his range and violence rather than nitpicking specific coverage metrics.
Reese is essentially a glitch in the matrix. He moves like a gazelle but hits like a Mack truck. You watch his tape and it’s just funny how much faster he is than everyone else on the field—it’s like watching a professional player who accidentally stumbled into a high school scrimmage. The downside? He relies on his athleticism so much that he can occasionally take a bad angle or overrun a play. He needs to chill out by about 5% and trust the scheme, but you’d rather coach a guy to slow down than try to find a soul in a guy who’s slow. When he hits people, it sounds like a car crash in a library.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Micah Parsons: A rare hybrid threat who can transition from off-ball linebacker to elite edge rusher seamlessly.
- Anthony Barr: A long, athletic freak who uses massive range to disrupt passing lanes and close down the run.
- Jamie Collins: A versatile "do-it-all" defender whose athleticism allows him to handle multiple roles across the front seven.
3) Arizona Cardinals: ED David Bailey, Texas Tech (+2)
Bailey is the most explosive pure pass rusher in the draft. He has an elite first step and the ability to bend the corner at angles that defy physics. He joins a Cardinals front that desperately needs a "closer" to take the pressure off the secondary.
Bailey is a lightning bolt. He’s so fast off the line it looks like he’s cheating—like he’s got a friend in the booth telling him exactly when the center is going to snap the ball. It’s actually pretty funny watching tackles try to kick-step fast enough to catch him—they look like they’re doing a weird, panicked dance. He’s just a pure athlete out there. The knock is his "anchor strength" in the run game. If a 330-pound tackle actually gets hands on him, he can get washed out like a piece of driftwood. But he’s not there to play the run; he’s there to scare quarterbacks into making mistakes, and he’s the best in the class at it.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Chop Robinson: Elite first-step quickness and explosive lateral agility off the edge.
- Yannick Ngakoue: A pure speed-to-power rusher with high-end sack production and bend.
- Haason Reddick: A twitchy, undersized rusher who thrives in a "joker" or stand-up role.
4) Tennessee Titans: ED Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (+11)
The Titans land a high-motor power rusher who fits their identity. Bain is a 275-pound tank who can slide inside on third downs and disrupt from the interior. He brings a level of violence to the front four that Tennessee hasn't had in years.
Bain is basically a fire hydrant made of muscle. He’s not the tallest guy, but he’s so low to the ground and strong that he just drives tackles into the quarterback’s lap like they’re on roller skates. It’s honestly pretty funny watching him just bully 320-pound men.
The "negative" is his arm length—scouts say he’s "stubby" and lacks the prototype reach. But if you’re getting pancaked and driven five yards into the backfield, nobody is checking your sleeve length. He’s a blue-collar wrecker.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Kwity Paye: A high-motor power rusher with elite play strength and run defense.
- Brandon Graham: A compact, powerful rusher who wins with leverage and relentless effort.
- Elvis Dumervil: A sub-six-foot rusher who specialized in getting under the pads of taller tackles.
5) NY Giants: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State (+2)
Styles is a 6'4", 235-pound athlete who can play safety, linebacker, or slot defender. He is the modern answer to the "hybrid" tight ends that dominate the league. The Giants get a versatile weapon that allows them to play multiple coverages without substituting personnel.
Styles is basically a video game character. He’s built like a linebacker but moves like a safety. It’s wild—you see him in the slot and then two seconds later he’s in the backfield hitting the running back so hard his ancestors feel it. He’s just out there being everywhere at once. The "negative" is that he’s still "green" and relies on his athleticism to bail him out of bad reads. He’s like the kid who skips class but still gets an A because he’s just better than everyone. Eventually, he’s gotta learn the playbook, but for now, he’s a heat-seeking missile.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Devin Lloyd: A long, rangy playmaker with exceptional ball skills and versatility.
- Isaiah Simmons: A rare size-speed specimen capable of handling multiple roles on defense.
- Kam Chancellor: A violent, downhill enforcer with the frame of a modern linebacker.
6) Cleveland Browns: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (+4)
While there is debate about whether he’s better at tackle or guard, Mauigoa's power is undeniable. He is a massive frame with heavy hands who provides immediate stability to a Browns line that prides itself on physical dominance.
Mauigoa is a hoss. He’s just a large man who loves to hit people. It’s pretty cool watching him just anchor down and stop a bull rush like it’s nothing—he’s got that "I’m not moving" energy that GMs love. The downside is the debate over his true position; scouts get all worked up because they love to argue, but honestly, if he’s blocking people and the QB isn't dying, who cares where he lines up? He’s a dawg. His movement skills on the perimeter are a slight concern, but in a phone booth, he’s Mike Tyson.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Penei Sewell: A massive frame with rare lateral mobility and a dominant "alpha" mentality.
- Tristan Wirfs: Combines a powerful base with elite lateral quickness to shut down all types of rushers.
- Darnell Wright: A heavy-handed technician who uses superior play strength to neutralize elite competition.
7) Washington Commanders: HB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (-3)
Love is a three-down weapon with 4.3 speed and legitimate power. In an RPO-heavy system, he is the engine that makes the whole machine go. He provides a dimension that current NFL defenses are simply not built to stop.
Love is what happens when you let a mad scientist design a running back in a lab. He’s like a sports car that also wants to punch you in the face. He’s out there making professional defenders look like they’re running in work boots while he’s wearing jet packs. The "knock" on him is the career workload at Notre Dame. People are worried about the "tread on the tires," which is just scout-speak for "this guy has played too much football." He’s a Ferrari with 50,000 miles—it’s still a Ferrari, just don’t act surprised when it needs an oil change after a 17-game season.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Travis Etienne Jr.: An explosive home-run hitter with high-end receiving upside and elite acceleration.
- Dalvin Cook: A rhythmic runner with exceptional "make-you-miss" ability and vision in the hole.
- Jahmyr Gibbs: A dynamic space player who creates mismatches as both a runner and a receiver.
8) New Orleans Saints: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State (+15)
Tate is a master of the intermediate game and has the best hands in the class. He is a "pro's pro" who will win from the slot or the perimeter. For the Saints, he provides a reliable high-volume target that can stabilize the passing attack.
Tate is just consistently better than you. He doesn't say anything, he just goes out there and catches everything like he’s got magnets in his gloves. He’s basically a technical wizard—it’s funny because he doesn't have that "flashy" 4.2 speed, so people overlook him, and then you check the box score and he’s got 12 catches and two touchdowns. The only real negative is his YAC potential—he’s a catch-and-tackle guy, not a "break four tackles and do a backflip" guy. But he catches it every time.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Chris Olave: A smooth, high-level route runner with elite ball tracking and finesse.
- Keenan Allen: A master of the intermediate game with exceptional "get-open" ability.
- Devonta Smith: A lean, technical wizard who wins with high-level IQ and hand-eye coordination.
9) Kansas City Chiefs: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU (+5)
The Chiefs grab a long, press-man specialist who played elite competition in the SEC. Delane has the ball skills to thrive in a secondary that asks its corners to be aggressive on an island.
Delane is a classic LSU corner. He’s got that swagger where he thinks he’s the best player in the room, and he usually is. He’s out there talking trash and then snatching the ball out of the air like he owns it. It’s pretty cool. The downside is that he gets "grabby." He trusts his recovery speed too much and will tug on a jersey when he gets beat by a double move. He’ll lead the league in penalties his first year, but he’ll also lead it in interceptions. It’s the "Shut-Down Special."
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Kamari Lassiter: A high-IQ press corner with elite competitive toughness and technical skill.
- A.J. Terrell: A long, fluid mover who excels in man-to-man coverage and ball tracking.
- Derek Stingley Jr.: Elite natural ball skills and a top-tier athletic profile from the SEC.
10) Cincinnati Bengals: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State (no change)
Downs is a "coach on the field" with elite tackling numbers. He is the type of high-IQ investment that transforms a defense's ability to communicate and adjust pre-snap.
Downs is so smart it’s actually annoying. He knows where the ball is going before the quarterback does. He’s basically a psychic who happens to be an All-American. He doesn't miss tackles, he doesn't get beat deep, and he probably does his taxes three months early. The "negative" is that he isn't a "freak athlete." He’s not going to jump over a building or run a 4.2. He’s just in the right spot every single time. Boring? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. He’s the same ol’ guy who just wins.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Minkah Fitzpatrick: Elite versatile playmaker with "eraser" capabilities across the secondary.
- Antoine Winfield Jr.: Compact, high-IQ safety who plays bigger than his size and thrives in the box.
- Budda Baker: Relentless downhill tackler with exceptional range and competitive fire.
11) Miami Dolphins: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee (+18)
The Dolphins shift their focus to the secondary. McCoy is a high-ceiling cornerback with the length and reactive athleticism that a modern secondary requires to function at an elite level. He possesses elite click-and-close ability and a natural feel for zone transitions.
He’s just a total dawg, man. You watch him out there and it’s like he’s playing a different game. He’s basically a blanket that hates everyone. It’s funny—he’ll just sit there, wait for the receiver to do something stupid, and then he’s just gone with the ball. Like, "Thanks for the gift, pal, I’ll take that to the house while you look at the ref like he’s gonna help you." He’s got that energy where he probably talks trash to his own shadow in the morning. The only real knock is that he can get a bit too "handsy" at the top of the route. He’s out there trying to win a wrestling match sometimes.
He seems to be recovering well from his 2025 injury...he killed it at his Pro Day.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Jaylon Johnson: A physical, high-IQ corner who uses his length and technical refinement to erase WR1s.
- Eric Stokes: Combines elite recovery speed with the height and ball-tracking skills to survive on an island.
- Kamari Lassiter: An instinctive playmaker with exceptional competitive fire and multi-role versatility.
12) Chicago Bears (via trade): OT Spencer Fano, Utah (-9)
*Trade Prediction: Chicago from #25 to #12 moves up with Dallas.
Fano is a technical marvel with elite lateral agility and a sturdy anchor. While some media mocks are obsessed with "prototype length," the tape shows a player who simply does not get beat. He is the foundational piece needed to anchor the Bears' line.
Fano is just a wall. He’s so technically sound it’s almost boring to watch—the defensive end just runs into him and then stops existing for the rest of the play. He’s got these hands that, once they touch you, it’s basically over for your career as a pass rusher. The only "negative" is that he doesn't have the 36-inch arms that scouts drool over. But who cares? He’s the best blocker in the draft. He isn't out there acting like a tough guy; he’s just quietly erasing the best athletes on the planet and then going home to play video games.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Rashawn Slater: An undersized but elite technician with rare athletic traits and foundational pass-blocking skills.
- Charles Cross: A pure pass-blocking specialist with exceptional footwork and balance.
- Spencer Brown: A massive frame that compensates for technical rawness with elite movement skills in space.
13) LA Rams: WR Makai Lemon, USC (-4)
Lemon is a route-running artist with elite YAC ability. He is the perfect perimeter threat and high-IQ weapon for a creative passing offense. He is more "Puka Nacua-ish" than the Amon-Ra St. Brown comps most people are throwing around.
Lemon is a blast to watch. He’s not the biggest guy, but he plays like he’s 6'4" and made of steel. He’ll catch a five-yard slant and turn it into a 40-yard gain while making the secondary look like they’re wearing roller skates. The "negative" is his top-end speed. He isn't going to win many track meets, which makes some scouts nervous because they want everyone to be an Olympic sprinter. But he wins football games, which is usually more important. He’s the guy you want on 3rd & 7 when the season is on the line.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Doug Baldwin: Elite footwork and competitive toughness in a compact, efficient frame.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: A high-volume slot producer with exceptional hands and football IQ.
- Garrett Wilson: A twitchy separator with elite body control and catch-radius.
14) Baltimore Ravens: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama (+7)
The Ravens find their road-grading tackle. Proctor is a massive human being who specializes in moving people against their will. He is the perfect fit for a physical Ravens offense that needs to create lanes for the ground game.
Proctor is a bus. He’s huge, he’s strong, and he just works. He’s the kind of guy who eats three steaks for lunch and then goes out and pancakes people like he’s at an IHOP. It’s awesome to watch. The negative is his lateral movement against elite "ghost" rushers. Sometimes he can get caught in concrete and have to rely on his length to save him. He also has a history of weight management questions, meaning the training staff has to keep him away from the dessert cart. But on the field, when he’s locked in, he’s an immovable wall.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Orlando Brown Jr.: A massive frame with "heavy" hands and elite anchor strength.
- Braden Smith: A powerful run blocker with the frame to play multiple spots on the line.
- John Simpson: A rugged, physical blocker who thrives in short-yardage and power situations.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: ED Akheem Mesidor, Miami (new)
Mesidor is a versatile defender who can play edge or slide inside. He fits the creative defensive structure that Tampa thrives on, providing pressure from multiple alignment points.
Mesidor is just a worker, man. He’s not the flashiest guy, but he’s basically a problem that won’t go away. He’s out there fighting through double teams and just making life miserable for guards and tackles alike. It’s pretty funny—he looks like he’s about to give up and then he just spins around and finds the QB anyway. The negative is that he's a "tweener"—scouts don't know if he's a big edge or a small tackle. But in this scheme, he's just a guy that hits people really hard.
Top NFL Historical Comps:
- Cameron Heyward: Powerful interior disruptor with the agility to win on the outside.
- Deatrich Wise Jr.: Long, heavy-handed end who can move inside on passing downs.
16) NY Jets: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama (no change)
The Jets secure their future under center with Ty Simpson. Simpson is a high-upside passer with elite arm talent and the ability to create outside the structure of the offense. He has the "wow" factor that can revitalize a franchise.
Simpson is basically a well-groomed, developmental guy. A coach’s son, well-schooled QB/offense leader. The knock is his consistency. He can go from looking like a legit NFL starter to looking like a guy who’s never seen a football in the span of three plays. He needs to "chill" and play within the system, but the ceiling is high. If you can coach the chaos out of him, you have a superstar.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Brock Purdy: A poised, rhythmic distributor who maximizes the talent around him.
- Jayden Daniels: Combines elite vertical arm talent with the ability to create outside the pocket.
- Bryce Young: An elite processor with a natural feel for pressure and pocket movement.
17) Detroit Lions: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia (-4)
Freeling is a massive human being with elite length and movement skills. He is a high-upside project who has the physical tools to become a franchise cornerstone on the left side, provided he gets the right coaching.
Freeling is basically a skyscraper that can run. He’s so big it doesn't even make sense—he looks like he’s playing against middle schoolers half the time because of his reach. It’s pretty cool watching him just engulf defenders like a black hole. The knock is that he’s "raw" and his hand placement is about as consistent as a weather forecast in the mountains. He’s like a really expensive piece of furniture that comes with a 400-page instruction manual. You have to put him together, but once you do, he’s incredible.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Kolton Miller: Rare size and athletic traits with a high developmental ceiling at left tackle.
- Roger Rosengarten: High-end lateral mobility and pass-protection potential.
- Austin Jackson: An athletic project with elite physical tools and length.
18) Minnesota Vikings: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson (no change)
Terrell is a "pro's pro." He is technical, smart, and doesn't panic when the ball is in the air. He fits the Vikings' scheme perfectly as a reliable outside corner who can handle island assignments.
Terrell is basically a younger version of his brother, A.J. Terrell. He’s just solid. He doesn't do anything crazy, he’s just always in the right spot—it’s cool because you don't even notice him half the time, which for a corner is the highest compliment you can give. The negative is he isn't an "elite" athlete. He won't win a footrace with the absolute fastest guys in the league. He wins with his brain, which is fine until Tyreek Hill shows up and tries to ruin your life.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- A.J. Terrell: Technical refinement and elite man-to-man instincts from Clemson.
- Eric Stokes: High-end ball tracking and reliable outside coverage skills.
- Marlon Humphrey: A physical, versatile corner who thrives in multiple defensive schemes.
19) Carolina Panthers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon (no change)
Sadiq is essentially a 245-pound wide receiver with elite vertical speed. He will be a seam-buster from day one, providing a reliable target for the Panthers' passing attack.
Sadiq is a beast. He’s too fast for linebackers and too big for safeties—he’s basically a math problem that defensive coordinators haven't solved yet. It’s wild watching him just outrun defensive backs like they’re stuck in wet cement. He gets knocked that he’s not a great blocker, but we think he’s a really nice blocker...a real three-down TE.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Sam LaPorta: A modern "F" tight end with elite receiving production and football IQ.
- Evan Engram: High-end vertical speed and mismatch potential from the slot.
- Dalton Kincaid: A pure pass-catching specialist with elite ball-tracking skills.
20) Dallas Cowboys: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State (new)
Johnson is a "riser" who tested off the charts and showed he can play lockdown man-to-man coverage against high-level competition. He provides the youth and twitch the Cowboys' secondary needs.
Johnson is the small-school guy that every scout is secretly in love with. He’s got elite speed and plays with a lot of heart—it’s cool because he truly thinks he’s the best player on the field, and a lot of times he is. The downside is the level of competition; he didn't see elite receivers every Saturday. He’s going to have a "welcome to the NFL" moment early on.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Byron Murphy Jr.: A high-IQ, versatile corner with elite ball skills and toughness.
- Jalen Pitre: A hyper-active playmaker who excels in "joker" or hybrid roles.
- D.J. Reed: An undersized but ultra-competitive corner with elite recovery speed.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah (-4)
Lomu is an athletic, light-footed tackle who fits a zone-blocking scheme perfectly. He is technically sound and plays with a nasty streak that fits the Steelers' physical identity.
Lomu is a total worker. He’s fast, he’s smart, and he blocks until the whistle blows. The negative is his "power." He’s a bit lean and needs to spend some serious time in the weight room before he has to block NFL-caliber defensive ends every Sunday. He’s a "dancer," not a "mauler," but he’s perfect for what they do.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Roger Rosengarten: High-end lateral mobility and pass-blocking refinement.
- Kolton Miller: Rare size and athletic traits with high-end upside and movement.
- Austin Jackson: A young, athletic tackle with elite movement skills in space.
22) LA Chargers: OG Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon (no change)
Pregnon is an elite run blocker with a nasty streak who can pull and lead blocks in space. He fits the Chargers' desire for a physical, dominant front five.
Pregnon is a beast. He just loves moving people against their will. He’s the kind of guy you want leading the charge on a sweep—it’s funny because he looks like he’s having the time of his life while he’s pancaking people. The negative is his pass protection can occasionally be erratic against twitchy interior rushers. He just wants to run you over.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Steve Avila: A versatile interior anchor with elite "phone booth" strength.
- Mason McCormick: A rugged, physical guard with high-end power and upside.
- John Simpson: A powerful mauler who thrives in a gap-scheme offense.
23) Philadelphia Eagles: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State (-12)
Tyson is a highlight machine with elite ball tracking and body control. Despite injury concerns, his talent is too immense for an Eagles team that wants to stretch the field.
Tyson catches balls that look like they’re going into the stands. He’s just got that "it" factor. It’s pretty funny because he’s so smooth he makes it look easy, and then you see the corner falling over and realize how fast he actually is. The knock is obviously the injury history—it’s a mile long. He’s like a high-performance sports car that spends a lot of time in the shop. But when he’s on the track, he’s faster than everyone else.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Christian Watson: A rare size-speed vertical threat with high-end "YAC" ability and tracking.
- Courtland Sutton: A big-bodied receiver who thrives on contested catches and ball tracking.
- Brian Thomas Jr.: An elite vertical separator with high-end touchdown potential.
24) Cleveland Browns: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State (-16)
Ioane is a "mauler" who specializes in displacing defenders in the run game. He is a high-floor prospect who fits the Browns' identity of trench dominance.
Ioane is a beast. He just moves people against their will. It’s funny because he looks like he’s just casually walking, and then you realize the defensive tackle is 10 yards downfield. He’s a "worker" through and through. The negative is his lateral quickness in space—he isn't a "dancer." If you ask him to pull and hit a moving target, he might miss. But in a phone booth, he wins 10 out of 10 times.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Steve Avila: A versatile interior anchor with elite "phone booth" strength.
- Mason McCormick: A rugged, physical guard with high-end developmental upside and power.
- John Simpson: A powerful mauler who thrives in a gap-scheme offense.
25) Carolina Panthers (via trade): LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (new)
*Trade Prediction: after Dallas moves back from #12 to #25 with Chicago, they move back again with a Carolina deal, for picks out of the 1st-round/26.
Rodriguez is a violent, downhill thumper who also has the athleticism to cover in space. I bet GM Dan Morgan thinks he sees himself in the mirror here.
Rodriguez is just a monster. He hits people so hard it sounds like a car crash—it’s honestly pretty funny watching ball carriers try to avoid him once he gets a head of steam. He’s just a total dawg who hates everyone on the other team. The negative is his "over-aggression." He wants to kill everyone, which leads to him biting on play-action fakes. He’s like a dog chasing a squirrel.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Jack Campbell: A rugged, high-IQ linebacker with elite tackle production and size.
- Quay Walker: An explosive, downhill playmaker with elite closing speed and range.
- Kaden Elliss: A versatile, high-motor defender who can rush the passer or drop in coverage.
26) Buffalo Bills: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee (new)
Hood is a long, aggressive corner who fits the Bills' desire for physical, "alpha" energy in the secondary. He is a "ball magnet" who led the SEC in pass breakups.
Hood is a fun player because he’s always near the ball—it’s like he’s that annoying kid in gym class who won't stop touching you. He’s got elite traits, but the "negative" is his discipline. He gambles way too much. He’ll get an interception that looks like magic, but he’ll also give up a 50-yard touchdown because he was "guessing." He needs a coach to tell him to settle down.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Marlon Humphrey: A physical corner who excels in multiple schemes.
- A.J. Terrell: A long, fluid mover with refinement.
- Eric Stokes: A reliable outside corner with elite ball tracking.
27) SF 49ers: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State (-21)
Iheanachor is a mountain of a man who moves with surprising fluidity. He is a dominant run blocker who can displace defenders with ease, fitting the 49ers' physical identity.
This guy is just a giant. He’s basically a human bulldozer who also happens to have decent feet for his size. Look at him out there—he’s just moving grown men like they’re furniture in a living room. It’s insane. The "negative" is that he can be a bit over-aggressive and get caught leaning against savvy veteran speed rushers. He’s like that big guy at the gym who tries to lift everything and occasionally drops a plate on his foot. But when he hits you, you stay hit.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Tytus Howard: A versatile, powerful blocker with the frame to play multiple spots.
- Cam Robinson: A rugged, physical tackle who thrives in a power-run scheme.
- Austin Jackson: An athletic project with elite movement skills and length.
28) Houston Texans: OT Blake Miller, Clemson (new)
Miller is a physical, "nasty" blocker who excels in the run game. He is a high-floor prospect who provides immediate stability to a line that needs consistent power.
Miller is a hoss. He just loves hitting people—it’s funny because he looks so polite off the field, and then he gets on it and tries to end your career. He’s a total pro. The negative is his "range"; he isn't the fastest tackle in the world. If he has to block a pure speed rusher, he might struggle with his footwork. But he’ll win the power battle 100% of the time.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Orlando Brown Jr.: A massive frame with "heavy" hands and elite anchor strength.
- Braden Smith: A powerful run blocker with the frame to play multiple spots.
- John Simpson: A rugged, physical blocker who thrives in a phone booth.
29) SF 49ers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington (-3)
*Trade Prediction: 49ers move up on a trade with the Chiefs.
Boston is a 6'4" giant with elite contested-catch ability. He provides the vertical presence and red-zone reach the 49ers can utilize to stretch defenses.
Boston is a giant. He’s basically a tight end who can run a 4.5—you just throw the ball anywhere near him and he comes down with it like he’s picking apples. It’s cool because he just out-muscles everyone. The knock is his "separation." He doesn't "get open" so much as he just "takes it" from the corner. In the NFL, he’ll have to learn how to actually run a route.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Courtland Sutton: A big-bodied "X" receiver who thrives on contested balls.
- Brian Thomas Jr.: An elite vertical threat with rare size-speed traits.
- Christian Watson: A high-upside vertical playmaker with rare physical tools.
30) Dolphins: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo (+2)
McNeil-Warren is a high-IQ safety who showed elite range and ball-hawking skills in the MAC. He provides a reliable last line of defense for a team that likes to take risks at corner.
This guy is from Toledo, so everyone ignores him, but he’s a total dawg. He’s fast, he’s smart, and he plays with a massive chip on his shoulder. It’s pretty funny watching him out-play guys from the big schools. The knock is the "level of competition." People worry he only looked good because he wasn't playing against NFL speed. But the film says he’s the real deal.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Calen Bullock: Elite range and ball-hawking ability from single-high.
- Jaquan Brisker: A versatile, physical safety with high-end instincts.
- Bryan Cook: A reliable, high-IQ safety who excels in deep-half coverage.
31) New England Patriots: IDL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State (-3)
McDonald is a powerful interior disruptor who can two-gap or penetrate. He is a high-motor player who fits the Patriots' desire for a heavy-handed interior presence.
McDonald is just a massive wall. He’s out there taking up two blockers and still managing to find the ball. It’s pretty cool watching him just anchor down. The negative is that he's a bit "low-ceiling" for some scouts—they don't think he'll ever be a pass-rush star. But he’s a guy that makes everyone else around him better by doing the dirty work.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- D.J. Reader: Elite run-stuffer with surprising lateral agility for his size.
- DaQuan Jones: Reliable interior anchor with heavy hands and great leverage.
- Linval Joseph: Powerful nose tackle who can collapse the pocket with pure bull-rush strength.
32) Seattle Seahawks: ED Keldric Faulk, Auburn (new)
Faulk is a massive, physical edge setter who can also slide inside. He fits Mike Macdonald’s defensive scheme perfectly as a versatile, high-motor defender.
Faulk is a big, strong dude who just works. He’s not flashy, he’s just effective. It’s pretty cool how he just wears tackles down over the course of a game. The negative is his "twitch." He isn't the fastest guy off the edge, so he’s not going to be a 15-sack superstar. He’s a "worker," not a "weaver," but GMs love having guys like him on the roster.
Top 3 NFL Historical Comps:
- Travon Walker: Elite physical tools and a versatile profile.
- Jermaine Johnson: A high-motor rusher with elite play strength.
- Preston Smith: A consistent, reliable "edge setter."
