Now that the 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, we can stop with the think pieces and mock drafts, right? Wrong, Mock Draft Season never ends. We have a whole new group of potential draft prospects to look at for the 2026 class. Among them, a much larger group of potential franchise quarterbacks, more impressive EDGE and DL prospects, and an underwhelming group of pass-catchers. Who has a shot at going in the first round?
Because it’s so early (literally 350+ days away), this group likely won’t be the group we see on Draft Night. Some prospects may return to school to cash in on NIL deals. Some players may return and transfer to a new school for a change of scenery. Some of these players will have down seasons and fall down the board. And some players not in this article will outperform preseason expectations, launching themselves into First Round consideration. If even one of these selections ends up coming true, I’ll consider that as a win.
A couple quick notes – I’ll be able to select from any 2026 Draft-eligible player in this exercise. Also, for the order of Round 1, I’m going to stick to the order of the 2025 Draft’s first round. Now, let’s get into it:
If you’re an NFL fan, now is the best chance to learn about your team’s 2025 NFL Draft picks, with the Two-Point Conversion’s Draft Guide!
1. Tennessee Titans – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Under the assumption that new quarterback Cam Ward shows an ounce of potential this season, Tennessee aims at taking the best overall player at a premium position to continue to grow their young team. Peter Woods is an athletic interior force that accounted for 9 TFLs this season. He can be the player to reignite Clemson’s dominant run of sending high-caliber defensive linemen to the league.
2. Cleveland Browns – LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Despite selecting two quarterbacks in 2025, neither were top 75 choices – indicating the need for a potential franchise-changer. While many may expect Arch Manning to be the first quarterback off the board, Sellers has shown much more progression in his time at South Carolina. Sellers is a true dual-threat option at the position, leading the Gamecocks to a Top 25 finish in 2024. With continued growth, he can be one of the best tantalizing options in next year’s draft.
3. New York Giants – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Unlike Cleveland, the Giants selected a quarterback in Round 1 of the 2025 Draft, even trading up to do so. This would indicate that they believe in their young quarterback – at least in the short term. Therefore, the Giants decide to fortify their OL by selecting Proctor. Proctor is a massive human being at 6’7”, 350+ lbs, and can play at either tackle spot. With continually bad right tackle play, and questions about Andrew Thomas’ health, this is a selection that can pay dividends at multiple spots.
4. New England Patriots – TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Another Clemson defensive lineman, Parker was an extremely productive edge rusher for the Tigers last season. After firmly insulating Drake Maye in the 2025 Draft, the Patriots can turn to rebuilding their defensive front. Mike Vrabel’s best teams have come with a stout defense that can get the quarterback on the ground – something Parker did 11 times for Clemson last year.
5. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville) – Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
In this scenario, sending Travis Hunter to Jacksonville pays off with another Top 5 selection. After adding a potential franchise quarterback in Sellers, Cleveland completes the defensive line revamp with Keldric Faulk. A hulking 6’6 270+ lbs, Faulk can join a defensive line with newly-paid Myles Garrett and newly-selected Mason Graham to create one of the most terrifying defensive fronts in the league.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Arch Manning, QB, Texas
It isn’t New York, New Orleans, or any other big market that lands the heir apparent to the league. Instead, Manning lands with the team that Tom Brady partially owns (and runs) as the guy to take over after Geno Smith. With just one year as a starter in college, Manning gets the chance to learn behind a solid starter and from the greatest to ever do it. After adding a decent infrastructure in 2025, Las Vegas goes all the way in for 2026 and beyond.
7. New York Jets – Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
If you haven’t caught on yet, 2026 might be a bit quarterback-heavy. The Jets have been preparing for an eventual franchise quarterback with heavy investment into a young offensive line. After signing Justin Fields to a bridge deal, the Jets select one of the best returning quarterbacks in Allar. While Allar has his lows, he is an athletic specimen with a strong arm that can access every area of the field. This could finally be the quarterback pick that sticks for the Jets.
8. Carolina Panthers – Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State
A run of trench players and quarterbacks have given the Panthers a wide range of options. While I could give them another first round wide receiver for the third consecutive year, the Panthers wind up taking the best player in all of college football, Caleb Downs. Downs is a rangy and physical safety that almost seems to be in three or four places at once at times. He can be the final piece of a Panther’s secondary that needs another enforcer.
9. New Orleans Saints – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, Louisiana State
With all due respect to Tyler Shough, taking a quarterback in the second round that will be 26 years old by the time the 2026 Draft rolls around does not deter the team from selecting a potential franchise-changer. If you look at the Saint’s website and head to the Staff Section, you’ll see that the new Offensive Coordinator is Doug Nussmeier, father of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Family ties aside, (Garrett) Nussmeier is a strong-armed quarterback that makes plays for his offense – something the Saints desperately need.
10. Chicago Bears – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Giving Caleb Williams a chance on offense was the theme of the Bear’s 2025 draft haul. That trend continues here with the selection of Mauigoa, a rangy and finesse-type tackle that should be able to block in space. A mobile tackle fits the style of offense Ben Johnson will want to run, and the style of offense Caleb Williams displays when trying to buy time and create.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Austin Barber, OT, Florida
This could be another quarterback team, but between the indication that Purdy may get paid and a sour taste from the Trey Lance debacle, the Niners stick and pick another area of need. Barber can come in and immediately start on the right side of an offensive line that didn’t add many reinforcements in 2025. He can be the eventual Trent Williams replacement as well.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
After spending an entire offseason preaching about adding receivers for Dak Prescott, the Cowboys have added a grand total of zero players that can push to become starters. That ends with the selection of Tate, another talented receiver in the line of Buckeyes that Brian Hartline has produced. Tate can be the athletic compliment to Ceedee Lamb, opening up opportunities for Lamb to move across the field without restriction.
13. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, DB, Tennessee
Following some wheeling and dealing, Miami made only two selections within the Top 100 picks in 2025, both of which were trenches. Here, the Dolphins address the corner spot with McCoy, a physical corner that accounted for 9 passes defended and 4 interceptions in 2024. Even if Jalen Ramsey isn’t traded, corner is a needy spot for Miami.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Anthony Richardson’s rough returns likely signal a reset in 2026 for the Colt’s organization. With a new Head Coach and General Manger incoming, the Colts add a new quarterback in Cade Klubnik. After a rough start to Klubnik’s career, he led Clemson to an ACC Championship and College Football Playoff berth. Continued improvement will be key, but Klubnik has the arm and athleticism to give a team a chance at a franchise quarterback.
15. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta) – John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
For those unfamiliar with the name, Mateer is the reason Washington State didn’t drop off the map following the departure of Cam Ward. Now at Oklahoma, Mateer has a more national stage to show off what he can do. With a strong arm and the ability to create, Mateer should be an enticing bet in the NFL. The Rams reap the benefits of the Falcons desperation in 2025, adding a quarterback that can learn behind Matthew Stafford in his twilight season, preparing themselves to stay competitive in the future.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Arizona has done a fantastic job (on paper) of rebuilding their defense heading into 2025. The biggest area of improvement now lies in the receiver room. Tyson is a long, speedy receiver that thrives upon winning on the boundary. He can be a perfect compliment to Marvin Harrison Jr. going forward, giving Kyler Murray (or potentially another quarterback) a solid young receiver tandem.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Continuing to build the defense should be the direction Cincinnati proceeds in moving forward. After adding Shemar Stewart in 2025, the Bengals add another large, athletic edge rusher in Uiagalelei. The difference between these two prospects is stark – Uiagalelei actually produced at the college level! Bringing in 10.5 sacks, an interception, and forcing multiple fumbles in 2024, Uiagalelei can be an instant spark while Stewart continues to develop.
18. Seattle Seahawks – Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas
Since coming to Seattle, Head Coach Mike Macdonald has tried to recreate the dominant defense he oversaw in Baltimore. With investments in the defensive front and secondary, the team is close to completing this goal. Adding Hill to the middle of the spine gives Seattle an impact player at every level of the defense. Hill can become the Seahawk’s Roquan Smith variant, impacting the defense in multiple ways.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Suntarine Perkins, LB, Mississippi
In true Tampa Bay fashion, the team adds to the defense again with Perkins. Perkins is an odd profile: he’s similar to Jalon Walker in the fact that he played both on and off ball linebacker. Perkins was much more productive as a pass rusher, bringing in 10.5 sacks in 2024. However, Perkins also currently weighs around 210 lbs; not a super-sustainable number for NFL play. The Buccaneers are known for taking players outside the normal size thresholds, so this could be a match made in heaven.
20. Denver Broncos – Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
Completely opposite from Perkins, Rueben Bain is a large edge rusher at 275 lbs, packed into a compact 6’3” frame. Denver has had success with smaller outside linebackers, but Bain can be someone that splits the difference and can play inside-out. Adding an imposing force to an already elite defense would be unfair.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
Outside of Tennessee, Pittsburgh was one of the most common landing spot for quarterbacks in 2025 Mock Drafts. They did end up selecting a quarterback…in the sixth round. Here, the Steelers bite the bullet and select someone that can be a franchise quarterback with Leavitt. Somebody who has flown under the radar, Leavitt helped lead his team to a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff berth. His name will be one to watch this season as Arizona State looks to maintain its hold on the conference.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Muhammad, DB, Texas
With minor investments in the secondary this offseason, corner projects to be a long term need for the Chargers. Adding Malik Muhammad gives Defensive Coordinator a long, rangy corner that can travel across the field. Muhammad was productive in 2024, tallying 8 passes defended. Bringing that level of production to the Chargers would be imperative to making a strong defense even better.
23. Green Bay Packers – Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
The Packers shocked the world in 2025 by taking a receiver in the first round – something they hadn’t done since 2002. In 2026, the team reverts back to recent trends and adds an upside talent to the defensive front. Banks is a strong, twitchy defensive lineman that has some pass rush upside to his game, accounting for 4.5 sacks in 2024. The Packers take on the job of extracting maximum value of of a traitsy defensive player, something they’ve done well over the past decade.
24. Minnesota Vikings – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Now that the Vikings don’t have to pinch pennies with their picks, they add a luxury player to their offense. Love is an extremely talented running back, accounting for 19 touchdowns last season and being the engine of a Notre Dame offense that made it to the National Championship game. The Vikings are okay at the running back spot, but adding Love would bring a new element to their already stacked skill position group.
25. Houston Texans – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Due to the Giants moving back into Round 1 for their quarterback, Houston didn’t make a selection in the first round of the 2025 Draft. Here, they get to add a first round talent in Spencer Fano, a stout tackle that hasn’t missed a game since entering the league. Fano can be a reliable addition to a Texans offensive line that will probably still need improvement at this point next year.
26. Los Angeles Rams – Harold Perkins Jr, LB, Louisiana State
Another linebacker named Perkins, Harold has commanded the LSU defense for the greater part of three seasons. After starting his career as an edge rusher, Perkins has moved to a more off ball role, settling in the middle of the defense. The Rams are the best at utilizing multi-tooled players on defense, and Perkins can fill the role as a middle linebacker and/or weakside blitzer.
27. Baltimore Ravens – Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
It seems as though every few years, the Ravens like to add a first round receiver. After passing on one the past two drafts, they’re due, and Antonio Williams projects to be one of the best in the class. Williams is a speedy, shifty receiver that can win underneath and on the outside. His skillset may end up overlapping with Zay Flowers, but having two receivers that can get open and win after the catch is never a bad thing.
28. Detroit Lions – LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Detroit had an iffy draft process in 2025, not selecting an edge rusher until the sixth round, despite it being a huge need. To rectify this, the Lions add Overton, a colossal 6’5” 280+ lbs edge rusher that collapses pockets with ease. Overton can play second fiddle opposite of Aidan Hutchinson, as the Lions continue to add large humans along the defensive front.
29. Washington Commanders – Domani Jackson, DB, Alabama
In a draft with limited picks, Washington was still able to add a corner early in 2025. Even if Trey Amos becomes a viable starter, the Commanders still need defensive back help. Enter Domani Jackson, who had a strong year for the Crimson Tide in 2024, notching 7 passes defended and 2 interceptions. If opposing quarterbacks targeted him more, those numbers would skyrocket. A young tandem of Amos and Jackson could help seal the backend of the Commander’s defense.
30. Buffalo Bills – Jalon Kilgore, Safety, South Carolina
Safety was one of the more pressing needs for the Bills defense for the 2025 Draft. Obviously, General Manger Brandon Beane didn’t agree with my opinion (he’s probably right), as the Bills deferred to selecting other positions. After passing on one South Carolina safety in Nick Emmanwori, the Bills select his teammate Jalon Kilgore in 2026. Kilgore was everywhere for the Gamecocks last season, adding 3 TFLs, 5 passes defended, and 5 interceptions. The Bills could use his level of production on the backend of their defense.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
It seems like you can’t go wrong with recent Penn State edge rushers, and the Chiefs add the latest here in Dennis-Sutton. The Chiefs have invested pretty heavily at the edge position in recent drafts, with underwhelming results. Dennis-Sutton is a prospect that likely would have been taken within the Top 100 selections in 2025. Instead, he returned to Penn State to hone his craft. If Dennis-Sutton improved from his 2024 production (8.5 sacks, 13 TFLs, 3 passes defended, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles), he could be a much higher pick.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Projecting who the Eagles take simply comes down to what player falls into their lap on Draft Night. Here, the Eagles choose to add to an already strong receiver room with Branch. A very highly-touted recruit at Southern Cal, Branch hasn’t produced as much as he wanted, resulting in him transferring to Georgia. If Branch can up his output against better competition, he has all the athletic tools necessary to be taken on Day 1.
Other Names To Watch in the 2025 College Football Season:
- QB Carson Beck, Miami
- QB Eli Holstein, Pittsburgh
- QB Kaidon Salter, Colorado
- QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
- RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
- RB Kaytron Allen, Penn State
- RB Jadyn Ott, Oklahoma
- RB CJ Baxter, Texas
- WR Denzel Boston, Washington
- WR Kevin Concepcion, Texas A&M
- WR Evan Stewart, Oregon
- WR J. Michael Sturdivant, Florida
- TE Max Klare, Ohio State
- OT Blake Miller, Clemson
- OT Drew Shelton, Penn State
- iOL Parker Brailsford, Alabama
- DL Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
- DL Zane Durant, Penn State
- EDGE Mikail Kamara, Indiana
- EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois
- EDGE Tyreak Sapp, Florida
- LB Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
- LB CJ Allen, Georgia
- DB Will Lee III, Texas A&M
- DB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
- DB Keon Sabb, Alabama
- DB Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
