With week two of free agency nearly in the books, much has changed – team needs have either been filled or become more pressing, setting the stage for a draft landscape that looks much differently than it did just a couple of weeks ago. Without further ado, let’s jump right into my latest projections.
1) Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
With Maxx Crosby back in the fold on top of new offensive upgrades like Tyler Linderbaum, Spencer Burford, and Jalen Nailor, they’ve certainly acquired some help for Mendoza.
2) New York Jets
Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
The Jets already needed edge help, but after trading away Jermaine Johnson II for T’Vondre Sweat, the pass-rushing hole they had became even bigger.
Reese is still developing his arsenal of pass rush moves, but he has elite upside. Plus, he can fill in at middle linebacker as needed, though he’ll be most effective attacking the quarterback.
3) Arizona Cardinals
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
With trade rumors of star edge Josh Sweat circulating and not much production behind him, the Cardinals need to seriously consider adding a top pass rusher with the third overall pick.
Bailey is a better pass rusher than Reese right now and will be able to make an immediate impact with his explosive first step and variety of pass rush moves that keep opposing offensive tackles guessing in the Cardinals’ new multiple scheme.
4) Tennessee Titans
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
With the top edges off the board, Tennessee moves to upgrade their offense and selects Love, the top running back in the draft who many consider to be the best overall player.
The Titans’ offense leaves much to be desired in terms of skill players, even after the Wan’Dale Robinson signing. Starting running back Tony Pollard is nothing special, and adding the dynamic Love would give Cam Ward a massive shoulder to lean on.
5) New York Giants
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
New Giants head coach John Harbaugh knows how valuable safeties are in the modern NFL. He helped develop Kyle Hamilton into the best safety in the league – able to significantly impact the game toward the line of scrimmage and in coverage as a slot corner.
While taking safety this high is unusual, Downs is worth the exception. His range and lateral quickness project him to be as impactful as Hamilton.
6) Cleveland Browns
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Browns have filled most offensive line positions via free agency, but with the current stock of left tackles, it might not make sense to take one at six. What they can do is take the top receiver off the board – another huge need for Cleveland.
It’s obvious Jerry Jeudy isn’t a WR1, and behind him, there’s not much to be excited about. Elite hands and ball skills from Tate provide the Browns’ receiving corps a polished option, which would be a huge help to whoever their starting quarterback ends up being.
7) Washington Commanders
Makai Lemon WR, USC
For the development of Jayden Daniels, it’s scary to think that his second-best receiver option is 2025 fourth-round pick Luke McCaffrey. While there are some decent options left on the receiver market, Washington needs to consider a more long-term investment.
Lemon has quick-twitch agility that allows him to create separation seamlessly, although he isn’t the most explosive receiver you’ll ever see. He may even be better than Terry McLaurin next year if utilized correctly in the slot.
8) New Orleans Saints
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Cornerbacks have always been highly valued by general manager Micky Loomis, though after trading Marshon Lattimore in 2024 and letting Alontae Taylor walk in 2025 free agency, they need to acquire a starting outside option badly.
It makes sense to keep Delane in state here, as he has the long arms and wide wingspan the Saints prefer for the position. If he ends up in New Orleans, he’d create a promising young duo across from Kool-Aid McKinistry.
9) Kansas City Chiefs
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
After the Saints steal the top cornerback in the draft, the Chiefs move to secure the best remaining edge rusher. After losing Charles Omenihu, they badly need to find a starting edge opposite George Karlaftis.
Despite 31-inch arms limiting his length, Bain Jr. has elite natural strength that makes up for it and then some. He’s also still developing his pass-rush arsenal, though he’s already a great run stopper.
10) Cincinnati Bengals
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
After a historically bad defensive showcase in 2025, Cincinnati should take the best defensive player available. That’s exactly what they do here, and it happens to fill a big need.
Styles is an athletic freak – running a 4.46 40-yard dash while weighing 244 pounds, highlighting his tremendous upside while still learning the position. He’s a great fit for the modern NFL, able to cover tight ends and receivers at times, while still remaining a thumper toward the line of scrimmage.
11) Miami Dolphins
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Dolphins signed quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year contract $67.5 million contract, though after trading Jaylen Waddle, releasing Tyreek Hill, and replacing them with Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert, Willis has little chance to succeed.
If not for injury concerns, Tyson would have a chance to be the first receiver off the board. His polished route running and dependable hands make him a potential WR1 in the NFL, alongside his ability to rack up yards after the catch.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Dallas had another poor season overall from its defensive back group, giving up passing yards at will. After finally cutting ties with Trevon Diggs and injury issues surrounding Daron Bland, it’s clear an upgrade is needed at cornerback.
McCoy didn’t play in 2025 due to a torn ACL, but when healthy he brings exceptional instincts and route recognition, as well as fluid coverage movements that will allow him to keep up with nearly any wide receiver lining up against him.
13) Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
While it appears the Rams are loaded at wide receiver with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, that’s not exactly the case. Nacua will soon demand a record-setting contract, restricting the space to bring in talent next to him, and the 33-year-old Adams won’t be around forever.
While this is a bit high for Cooper Jr., his explosiveness and burst off the line are too hard to ignore. His crisp routes allow him to get past cornerbacks easily – something Sean McVay will love.
14) Baltimore Ravens
Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
With Tyler Linderbaum gone, the Ravens badly need to fortify the center position. While Fano primarily played right tackle at Utah, Baltimore asked Fano to work out as both a center and a guard at the combine – something he reportedly excelled at.
Adding to the offensive line allows Baltimore to continue playing through their strengths, with one of them being the power running game.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
With Jamel Dean out of the picture, Tampa’s cornerback depth is dangerously low. While Zyon McCollum has turned out to be a reliable starting option, injuries for 2024 second-round pick Benjamin Morrison make it hard to trust him opposite McCollum heading into the season.
Excellent zone-eyes gives Terrell the ability to jump routes before the quarterback finishes his drop, which provides him with turnover-making potential. He should become a starter relatively early.
16) New York Jets (via Colts)
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The New York Jets currently don’t have a future. They traded for Geno Smith, though he’s less than desirable coming off a terrible season for the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s time they invest in a potential franchise quarterback.
Simpson has all the upside you could ask for. Many of his issues stem from limited playing time, as he started just one year at Alabama. He can make any throw and moves around the pocket well. If he’s developed correctly, which is a big if for the Jets, they’ll have found themselves a guy to build around for the next decade plus.
17) Detroit Lions
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Lions cut ties with long-time left tackle Taylor Decker this offseason, a move that saved $11.6 million in cap space. Losing Decker is a tremendous loss, and while they signed Braxton Jones, they should properly invest in what many consider to be the second most important position on the field.
There’s no question that Freeling is a raw prospect. While he has elite athleticism, there are plenty of times on tape where he doesn’t know where to go. The Lions are excellent at developing offensive linemen and Freeling certainly needs time to learn the game.
18) Minnesota Vikings
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Minnesota went all in last free agency, signing both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to sure up the middle of the defensive line. Fast forward to the present, and both have been cut, making upgrades at the position much needed.
Banks has an NFL-ready frame at 6’6, 325 pounds with rare length for an interior defender. His ability to generate interior pressure makes him a nice replacement, though additional reinforcements will need to be added next to him.
19) Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Panthers took a huge step up in 2025, much of it due to the emergence of Tetairoa McMillan, who helped Bryce Young have his best season as a pro yet. However, former first-round pick Xavier Legette has yet to develop, leaving a need for another offensive weapon open.
Sadiq can line up on the outside to beat cornerbacks and safeties with his speed, strength, and unreal catch radius. Young throws some of the best 50-50 balls in the game, which Sadiq can benefit from.
20) Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Here, the Cowboys double dip in defensive backs to ensure a similar defensive performance to last year isn’t repeated. Plus, they need a replacement for longtime safety Harrison Smith.
Thieneman’s IQ is unmatched, and when combined with his unbelievable range, there’s nearly no spot on the field he can’t get to. In his lone season at Oregon last year, he also showcased quality ability to play in the slot, though he’s best at free safety.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Now that the wide receiver corps in Pittsburgh has been upgraded with Michael Pittman Jr., they can now focus on keeping their likely starter – Aaron Rodgers – off the ground.
Mauigoa is expected to go higher, but falls here due to the drop in value for the offensive tackle market. Many teams could also view him as a better guard than tackle, which makes him a perfect fit to replace Isaac Suemalo.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Though the Chargers re-signed Trevor Penning and brought in Cole Strange, neither are dependable starting options. Justin Herbert was knocked down far too much last year, and they still need to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
Ioane’s massive frame and leverage allows him to sustain blocks through the play, most notably helping open up massive running lanes. He also showcases impressive athleticism and mobility for someone his size.
23) Philadelphia Eagles
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
While the interior of the Eagles’ defensive line has continued to play well, they’ve lost pieces off the edge in recent years, notably Jaelen Phillips and Haason Reddick. If they want to make another deep playoff run, they’ll have to upgrade at the position.
Mesidor will be 25 when the season begins, which means a couple of things: instant pass rush will be added to the group, but he won’t have much room to develop. At times, Mesidor outshone Bain Jr. Regardless, it’s worth it for the Eagles, who are in win-now mode.
24) Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
With the receiver need taken care of earlier, Cleveland stays patient to wait for their left tackle of the future. With Lomu now off the board, the Browns complete a huge overhaul of their offensive line.
Lomu has prototypical NFL size, with length that he uses to widen pass rush angles. He’s also right on his feet, able to move well even against the speediest edge rushers.
25) Chicago Bears
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Bears lost both Kevin Byard III and and Jaquan Brisker in free agency, and have only found one true replacement for their production – Coby Bryant. While they signed Cam Lewis from Buffalo, he’s not someone who should be a day-one starter.
While McNeil-Warren is great in coverage, he’s also competent in run support and is a solid tackler in space. He’s even able to line up in the slot if needed, always playing with high energy and effort.
26) Buffalo Bills
Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn
The Bills’ defensive line lacked in both pass rushing and run stuffing last year, something they need to solve as soon as possible if they want to take advantage of Josh Allen’s prime. While they did swap Bradley Chubb for Joey Bosa, one can argue that it’s barely an upgrade.
Faulk is long and well-built, with the potential to keep adding on strength being at only 20 years old. He generates a strong initial pop on contact and can drive blockers backward easily, making him an ideal fit to compliment Ed Oliver.
27) San Francisco 49ers
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The 49ers had a chance to pick up Trent Williams’ $10 million option, and declined. While that doesn’t mean he won’t be playing 49ers in 2026, San Francisco should certainly be looking at replacement options given his age and recent health issues.
Miller is technically sound and able to recognize stunts and blitzes quickly, allowing him to rarely be caught out of position. He has experience on both the left and right side, plus can slide inside to start his career to get him on the field early.
28) Houston Texans
Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
Houston has shifted their offensive line significantly, moving on from Tytus Howard and acquiring both Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith. They still have a need at left guard, which is likely to be addressed early in the draft.
Proctor is a massive human at 6’7, 366 pounds, playing tackle at Alabama, though he projects best as a guard due to his nasty mauler mentality. In this scenario, Proctor figures to be a plug-and-play at left guard, completing Houston’s starting offensive line.
29) Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams)
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
If you played cornerback for Kansas City a couple of weeks ago there’s a decent chance you’re now playing the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams picked up Trent McDuffie via trade and Jaylen Watson via free agency, leaving cornerback as a huge need for the Chiefs.
Hood played remarkably well, filling in for teammate Jermod McCoy who was hurt last year, showcasing his well-rounded skillset. Comfortable both in man and zone, Hood has some of the best movement skills in the class.
30) Miami Dolphins (via Broncos)
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
After the previous Miami regime traded Jaelen Phillips, they never replaced him. The new regime has yet to either, even with losing another edge rusher in Bradley Chubb. It’s time they address the position.
Parker had a much better 2024 than 2025, showcasing a quick first step off the snap, along with an ideal frame. His high energy should translate to quick pass rush wins early.
31) New England Patriots
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
New England’s defensive line of Milton Williams, Christian Barmore and, Khyiris Tonga was a huge reason why they made the Super Bowl in Mike Vrabel’s first year as head coach. Since losing Tonga in free agency to Kansas City, they badly need a run stuffer in the middle.
McDonald is that and a bit more, with underrated pass-rush juice. His big, sturdy frame gives him the natural strength to hold up on the inside, which would free up Williams and Barmore while McDonald takes on double teams.
32) Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
The Seahawks’ running back room has been completely destroyed after their playoff run. Zach Charbonnet went down with a torn ACL, leaving his 2026 availability in question, and Kenneth Walker III signed with Kansas City in free agency.
While Price likely isn’t the best player available, the Seahawks’ Super Bowl window is still open, and they need a starting running back to take advantage of it. Despite playing behind Love, Price was able to display big-play ability and vision that rivaled his running mate at times.
Best Players Available:
Peter Woods, Cashius Howell, CJ Allen, Max Iheanachor, and KC Concepcion
