Final Mock Draft...with 9 trades!
The Draft is in less than 12 hours...it's time to finalize our mock drafts.
It's been nearly 3 weeks since I released my first mock draft. Which, oddly enough, after weeks of news and rumors, I feel strangely good about.
But we're back, on the morning of the draft. And we have our final mock draft, with a lot of trade movement in Round 1.
Before we get into it, let me repeat my disclaimer about trades:
You may have heard of such a thing as the Jimmy Johnson Trade Value Chart. It gives each draft selection a number value, so when creating trades between just draft picks, you can attempt to create an equal value swap.
NFL teams reportedly do use this, and I did as well when creating these hypothetical 1st round draft trades. However, every trade is different. The amount of picks moving up, the way the board lies, and how many offers a team has to move down. They all play a role in how much capital is exchanged in a draft day trade.
If a team doesn't have multiple offers to trade down, the price will be smaller. Another reason why predicting is impossible.
I will also explain my trades at the end of this article.
For the last time before the 2026 NFL Draft, let's get into it!
1). Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana University
Nothing has changed.
This is a simple one, as Raiders fans have come to expect. Now, they did sign Kirk Cousins, but Las Vegas still needs their franchise QB. And Mendoza comes in with an NFL body and arm, it's just a matter of whether or not he excels adjusting to the Kubiak system.
2). New York Jets
David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech University
I flip-flopped so many times on this selection, just like the media did.
In the end, New York gets a pass rusher with an elite get-off who had elite college production.
This Bailey/Arvell Reese debate has been compared to the Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchinson draft. It's not a one to one, but it's a toolsy guy with upside versus the guy with better college pass rush production. Aaron Glenn ended up on the right side of that pick in 2022, and repeats that process here.
I'm trusting the media here, although I don't believe they actually know what's going on at pick two.
TRADE!
The Arizona Cardinals have traded the 3rd overall pick to the New York Giants.
Full Terms: Pick 3 + 104 in exchange for Pick 5 + 37
3). New York Giants
Jeremiyah Love, RB, University of Notre Dame
John Harbaugh is controlling the draft room, and gets a playmaker who massively upgrades the run game next to Jaxson Dart. There is a clear opportunity to trade up here, and New York ensures that they get their guy in Love. It's a bit pricey, but they have the 10th selection as well.
4). Tennessee Titans
Sonny Styles, LB, The Ohio State University
Love is not available, the Titans pass on a pass rusher as well. Instead, new HC Robert Saleh gets his MIKE backer. He's coached Bobby Wagner, Myles Jack, Fred Warner, and C.J Mosley. If anyone knows the importance of a great off ball LB, it's Saleh. This defense all of a sudden becomes dominant up the middle.
The push back here would be that, for one, get Cam Ward some help. And two, Saleh has been able to find great LB play without spending premium capital. All true, but if a prospect who went 2nd or 3rd overall were available, they would likely be the pick here.
Tennessee gets one of the best LB prospects in recent memory and solidify their offseason rebuild of their defense.
TRADE!
The Arizona Cardinals have traded the 5th overall pick to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Full Terms: Pick 5 in exchange for Pick 74 + 109
5). Kansas City Chiefs
Arvell Reese, EDGE, The Ohio State University
A double trade back for Arizona?! Yes, and Kansas City capitalizes on the fall of Reese to jump up without giving up extreme capital. A versatile defender, Reese will play on the edge, and will only get better from here. He would be an outstanding fit in Steve Spagnuolo's defense, with the strength to hold the edge in the run game.
The Chiefs give up minimal capital here, still holding their 29th and 40th overall selections.
TRADE!
The Cleveland Browns have traded the 6th overall to the Los Angeles Rams.
Full Terms: Pick 6 in exchange for Pick 13 + 61 + 207 + 2027 4th round
6). Los Angeles Rams
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State University
Cleveland is looking to move down, and Los Angeles is looking to add to their WR room. So the Rams hop up to 6, getting ahead of the stretch of teams that will have heavy interest in WR. Tyson is easily the best WR in this class to me, and pairing him with Puka Nacua enhances the passing attack now, but also gives Los Angeles an elite duo for the next QB, post-Stafford.
7). Washington Commanders
Carnell Tate, WR, The Ohio State University
An Ohio State deep threat WR who wears number 17? Washington will take another one.
Terry McLaurin is soon to be 31 years old, and the Commanders' WR2 is Luke McCaffrey(good player). Jayden Daniels is one of the better deep ball, outside the numbers, throwers in the NFL. Tate will be an incredibly friendly target, and seamlessly take over for McLaurin when the time comes. Help out your franchise QB!
It may be ideal to trade down for Washington, as they don't have a 2nd round pick. But it's not necessary with Carnell Tate available.
8). New Orleans Saints
Caleb Downs, S, The Ohio State University
I've been locked in on Tyson (obviously not an option) and Mansoor Delane for the Saints. But New Orleans will go with one of the best defenders in the class, and one of the best defenders in college football since he was 18 years old. Downs is an immediate starter and will be appreciated by DC Brandon Staley, who coached Derwin James for 3 seasons.
9). Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauioga, RT, University of Miami
A double trade down, Arizona acquires Picks 9, 37, 74, and 109 in exchange for Picks 3 and 104.
Some extra capital and the Cardinals fill a long-standing hole in their offensive line. They have situated their offense to be fairly QB friendly for whoever they choose to be their next franchise guy. Mauioga does have a herniated disc in his back, but reportedly it is all clean, and most teams anticipate no issues.
TRADE!
The New York Giants have traded the 10th overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens.
Full Terms: Pick 10 in exchange for Pick 14 + 80 + 211
10). Baltimore Ravens
Rueben Bain Jr, DE, University of Miami
The Ravens take advantage of a divisional opponent in Cincinnati no longer being in this slot, hopping up to grab a disruptive defensive end. Bain might be one of the more perfect prospects for new HC Jesse Minter to have in his scheme. A ridiculously strong DE who can hold the point of attack, adding Bain and free agent signing Trey Hendrickson transforms this Baltimore team.
The Ravens have lots of Day 3 capital, allowing them to afford moving off a 3rd round pick to go and get Bain.
11). Miami Dolphins
Spencer Fano, OL, University of Utah
Miami can really go in any direction considering the state of their roster. They have a pair of good offensive lineman, but Fano gives you versatility. He could start at his college position, RT, or fill in one of Miami's weak guard spots.
Not a sexy pick, but starting off a new regime by solidifying the trenches is never a bad decision in my book.
12). Dallas Cowboys
Mansoor Delane, CB, Louisiana State University
Dallas gets blessed with Delane dropping to the 12th spot. A clean corner prospect, Delane starts immediately for Dallas, who now has some more options in the secondary. A 2025 selection, a former Pro Bowler, and a free agent signing doesn't force new DC Christian Parker's hand. Hopefully this changes Dallas' 32nd ranked pass defense.
13). Cleveland Browns
Kadyn Proctor, LT, University of Alabama
In my last mock, I had Cleveland grabbing Proctor as well, but at Pick 20. The Browns redefined their offensive line in the offseason, but it's incomplete, notably lacking a real LT option.
Proctor possesses the power that seems to fit the theme of this new Browns offensive line, and if he is in good enough shape to play LT, this is a fun, athletic blindside option for Cleveland.
14). New York Giants
Olaivavega Ioane, LG, Penn State University
The Giants move back after moving up to grab Jeremiyah Love. They net Picks 3, 14, 80, 104 and 211 in exchange for Picks 5, 10, and 37. So they lost a 2nd to move up to grab Love, but snagged a 3rd, 4th, and 7th to supplement the loss.
Ioane is a rock solid guard prospect, and the Giants interior offensive line is in horrid shape. I would have been comfortable taking him at Pick 10, but New York had options due to the state of their roster, so they moved back and still grabbed Ioane. The Giants traded their best defensive player, so we're punting that side of the ball this offseason. Time to give Jaxson Dart the tools he needs to prove he's your franchise QB.
TRADE!
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have traded the 15th overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Full Terms: Pick 15 + 229 in exchange for Pick 23 + 98 + 197
15). Philadelphia Eagles
Makai Lemon, WR, University of Southern California
Tampa Bay moves back, and the Eagles hop up above some WR needy teams to grab their guy. I'd be lying if I said the A.J. Brown trade rumors weren't a big part of this, but at the same time, even with Brown around, are you comfortable with Dontayvion Wicks or Hollywood Brown as your WR3?
Lemon and Devonta Smith is a fantastic one-two combo at WR, and Philly can comfortably move into the future.
16). New York Jets
Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana University
Pretty simple pick at 16 for New York. They do not have a reliable WR outside of Garrett Wilson. They can take their pick at who's remaining at the position, but Cooper Jr makes so much sense. A strong bodied guy who can live in the slot and be great after the catch. He's not confined to the slot either. Cooper will make life easier for any QB at the next level.
17). Detroit Lions
Blake Miller, RT, Clemson University
The Lions have been open about their need for another tackle to bookend with Penei Sewell. And they have also expressed they would be happy with Sewell moving to LT. Miller is the most experienced tackle in the class, with 54 starts and having just turned 22 years old. If his play strength wasn't questioned, he would be the most coveted tackle in this class.
18). Minnesota Vikings
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, University of Oregon
The Vikings don't seem keen to extend Jordan Addison. Jalen Nailor left in free agency. T.J Hockenson's contract was redone and he is a free agent after 2026. The Vikings need pass catching weapons, and Sadiq is the definition. Who knows who starts at QB for Minnesota next season, but let's get them a weapon who can stretch the field as a TE and is great after the catch.
19). Carolina Panthers
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M University
GM Dan Morgan said it himself, "there's no rule against drafting a WR in 3 straight years." I don't mind Carolina going WR, even if it's not the most ideal selection. First off, Concepcion gives them something they don't currently have, with his ridiculous explosiveness and great RAC ability.
And as much as we all love Jalen Coker, he's technically not under contract past this season. Carolina could go into 2027 with only one known quantity in the WR room. Let's change that and get Bryce Young another weapon in the receiving game.
TRADE!
The Dallas Cowboys have traded the 20th overall pick to the Houston Texans.
Full Terms: Pick 20 + 92 in exchange for Pick 28 + 69 + 106
20). Houston Texans
Max Iheanachor, RT, Arizona State University
Dallas moves out of 20th overall with Houston coming up. The Texans fixed up their offensive line fairly well this offseason, signing veterans Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller. But neither is a long-term solution. Iheanachor is not a finished product, with just 5 years of football under his belt, he has incredible feet and is built to play OT.
The critique you could have of this move is, why would Houston move assets to trade up for a prospect that might not even help their team this year? And that's a valid question, especially with how much Houston values their draft capital. But I like Iheanachor in Houston, after losing Tytus Howard and not fixing anything past this season, this is a great fit.
21). Pittsburgh Steelers
Monroe Freeling, LT, University of Georgia
Pittsburgh has offensive line needs...and fills them by taking a project LT? Yes. Maybe not the most flawless fit, but Freeling projects to be an incredible blindside protector, with his insane frame and athleticism. It's imperfect because he won't be able to fill their hole at LG, and maybe this is prematurely pushing out current LT Broderick Jones. But Freeling is the pick for a franchise that values the trenches.
22). Los Angeles Chargers
Dillon Thieneman, S, University of Oregon
Thieneman fills out this Los Angeles secondary in an incredible way. Derwin James has played more of a slot role in recent years, so the Chargers have kind of been make-shifting the backend of their defense(successfully, I must say).
But Thieneman not only provides a surefire solution, but gives exciting versatility along with Derwin James. With no clear option at "deep" safety for the future, the Chargers take Thieneman to secure their secondary.
23). Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Akheem Mesidor, DE, University of Miami
Tampa is able to trade down and still land the dream player. The rumors of Mesidor dropping a bit come to fruition in this mock, but he's selected by the team I would have had him land with earlier regardless.
I highly doubt GM Jason Licht cares about Mesidor's age, just the fact that he's getting a strong end who can align in multiple spots on the defensive front. I'm even hesitant to project a Buccaneers trade back because they're always intent on drafting the best player available at their slot. But I would love this outcome for Tampa Bay.
24). Cleveland Browns
Denzel Boston, WR, University of Washington
The Browns filled their LT need earlier, now they fill the WR need. Boston might immediately be the best WR on the roster, and certainly has the best hands. He's the perfect guy for Cleveland because they need a receiver who can attack the ball and help out whoever is under center. And don't sleep on Boston's separation ability. Again, he will immediately be WR1 in Cleveland. A home run selection.
25). Chicago Bears
T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson University
Chicago needs someone to get after the QB outside of Montez Sweat. Here they add another edge rusher in Parker, a guy who will be able to play all three downs in the NFL. Parker has great power in his rush ability, and the Bears just need any type of rush ability.
Maybe not an eye popping pick, but 8 months from now Parker will be a big part of the reason Chicago won't have a bottom 12 defense.
TRADE!
The Buffalo Bills have traded the 26th overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals.
Full Terms: Pick 26 + 126 in exchange for Pick 34 + 74 + 183
26). Arizona Cardinals
Ty Simpson, QB, University of Alabama
Are the Cardinals bidding against themselves here? Maybe. Can they afford to jump up and get the 5th year option for Ty Simpson because of their previous trade downs? Yes!
Arizona has quality pass catchers, signed a good RB, (hopefully) have bookend tackles, and a new HC who runs the Shanahan system. Dropping Simpson into this environment is almost as good as it gets for rookie QBs. And Simpson should, in theory, be more comfortable in this type of offense because of the offense he ran at Alabama.
TRADE!
The San Francisco 49ers have traded the 27th overall pick to the Miami Dolphins.
Full Terms: Pick 27 in exchange for Pick 30 + 130
27). Miami Dolphins
Jermod McCoy, CB, University of Tennessee
The Dolphins have a ridiculous amount of draft capital and ship out a Day 3 pick to jump a pair of teams so that they can select the falling McCoy. Even in the doomsday scenario, where McCoy needs another knee surgery and misses this season, Miami can afford this. They have a 5th year option and aren't winning anything the next two seasons.
New HC Jeff Hafley gets a potential lockdown CB that he never had calling plays in Green Bay.
28). Dallas Cowboys
Keldric Faulk, DE, University of Auburn
The Cowboys grab a massive defensive lineman on top of some picks in their move back to 28th overall. Faulk is big and strong, a Jerry Jones staple. It's a matter of how you view him, whether a team believes they can get the best out of him on the edge or if he'll rush from the inside.
Regardless, Dallas accomplishes multiple goals by upgrading their secondary, grabbing more draft capital, and adding a high upside, big body to their defensive front.
29). Kansas City Chiefs
Caleb Lomu, LT, University of Utah
Andy Reid reportedly is not a fan of their current offensive line. And it checks out, at least at RT. Jaylon Moore is the slated starter, and he doesn't even have 6 career starts at the position. He's also a free agent after the year. Now, Lomu is a career LT, and while he's flawed, his athleticism makes him a solid bet.
Maybe not a perfect match, but this is playing off the fact that Lomu will be a 1st round pick and the Chiefs are interested in upgrading the offensive line.
30). San Francisco 49ers
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, University of Central Florida
San Francisco picks up another 4th rounder in moving back, and drafts more help off the edge. The worst pass rush in 2025 had Bryce Huff retire, the 49ers need more juice. Lawrence will now step into the role of being a full-time pass rusher as a rookie, as with a pair of starters coming off injuries, he won't be thrust into a big role.
31). New England Patriots
C.J. Allen, LB, University of Georgia
The 1st round love C.J. Allen was receiving has fallen off a bit recently, but this is a gorgeous fit with the Patriots. New England could use a commander in the middle of the field, and Allen is exactly that. Allen can manage coverage calls and has range as a tackler, whether sideline to sideline or splitting gaps downhill.
Allen just turned 21 years old and was a 3 year starter at Georgia. Throwing this player into the middle of New England's defense will be an upgrade fans didn't know they needed.
TRADE!
The Seattle Seahawks have traded the 32nd overall pick to the New York Jets.
Full Terms: Pick 32 in exchange for Pick 33 + 179
32). New York Jets
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson University
The Jets hop up one spot to secure a 5th year option for DT Peter Woods. The Jets have attempted to rebuild their defense this year through veteran acquisitions, but they still lack another interior defender who can attack at the line of scrimmage, and Woods gives you exactly that.
Woods played at different weights at Clemson, hence the wildly different seasons from 2024 to 2025. I believe many teams will have a vision for how they want to use Woods, and the Jets grab him at the end of Round 1.
The perfect mock draft is complete!
Let's further explain some of these trades:
Arizona Cardinals - Double Trade Down:
I think it's obvious why this could be good. Here's the unexplained flaw:
It is very likely, whether it's Bailey or Reese available at 3rd overall, that some team will be wanting to hop up to Pick 3. I would assume Arizona takes this deal, as it would likely hold more value, rather than choosing a small slide back to Pick 5.
I suppose in this world we are assuming nobody came close to the Cardinals asking price at 3, so they settle for dropping back to 5. Then, with Reese still available, the price is more reasonable.
Not an unthinkable scenario, but also likely a bit unrealistic.
New York Giants - Trade Up, Trade Down:
The price to move up to Pick 3 is reasonable, in my opinion. Especially when drafting arguably the best player in the draft that supports your young QB. They hop Tennessee and ensure Arizona doesn't take Love as well, grabbing their RB.
Moving down isn't necessary at pick 10. But like I mentioned, the Giants roster is bad. With no clear pick to make at 10, I assume they wouldn't take another defensive end, they can move down, recoup some assets they lost in the Love trade, and still land a prospect that can immediately contribute.
Kansas City Chiefs - Trade Up for Reese:
Pretty self-explanatory here. A great player that they desperately need falls, and they didn't have to part with a 1st or 2nd round pick. Easy decision for Kansas City.
Cleveland Browns - Move Down:
Browns fans might get upset they moved down so far, out of the range of the clear top tier of the draft. But, in my mind, the Browns are attacking LT with that first pick, out of fear there might not be one available at Pick 24. They can comfortably trade down, collect bonus capital, and still pick one of the top tackles.
Los Angeles Rams - Jump Up for Tyson:
I explained this in their selection description. Give up your 2nd rounder (f*** them picks, right?) to go get the top WR in the draft, which they have been loud about trying to upgrade.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Slide Down:
I mentioned this with their pick at 23, but Tampa is more of a, stick and pick the best player team. But moving down instead of going with another pass catcher or an unnecessary tackle seemed like a smart idea. Even if Mesidor, my favorite fit for TB, is gone, it's still a good move in my opinion.
Philadelphia Eagles - Move Up for Lemon:
Philly jumped above New York to grab a fantastic compliment to Devonta Smith. Again, even if A.J. Brown sticks around, this is still a great pick and trade. But, it does smell like Brown will be gone. I would have full confidence in this new WR room for Philadelphia.
Dallas Cowboys - Move Down from 20:
Dallas' desire to move down from Pick 20 has been floated around in the media. And I think it's a good idea, as they only have one Day 2 pick, and it's all the way at 92nd overall. They end up with Faulk, and there has been reported interest with him as well.
Houston Texans - Trade Up for Iheanachor:
After(please believe this) I wrote up a mock of this mock draft, there have been some rumors that Houston does want to move up. I felt as though Iheanachor would be a great fit, and their may not be a good tackle option available at Pick 28.
As stated in their description, it does seem a bit flawed that the Texans would give up assets for a player that might not contribute in 2026. Could they move up for a defensive lineman they like?
Arizona Cardinals - Moving Up for Simpson:
As stated, this might not be a necessary move. They seem to be the only team truly in on Ty Simpson. But they have the capital to move up, and find their partner in Buffalo. You might say, why all the way to 26th? But that may be the only team willing to move down. SF and SEA probably won't be keen on letting a divisional opponent trade up.
Buffalo Bills - Drop Out of the 1st:
The Bills were the trade partner for Simpson, and it works well for Buffalo. They don't have a 2nd round pick, leaving their only Day 2 selection all the way down at 91. Now they have two Day 2 picks.
The Dolphins - 49ers trade was so minimal it doesn't deserve it's own descriptions. Miami wanted to jump ahead of KC/DAL to get an elite CB prospect that fell, SF could use more picks.
And for NYJ, I already said the reason under Pick 32.
Seattle Seahawks - Drop Out of Round 1:
Currently, the Seahawks have 4 draft picks. They need more than that. They drop one slot and pick up a 5th rounder. I would be a bit surprised to see Seattle stick and pick with their limited draft capital, but they could be willing to fall very far for the right price.
A final note about draft day trades:
In the end, this is impossible because we don't know teams' draft boards.
Look at the Bengals trade!
The public may see a draft slot and say, "wow, team x has lots of good options at Pick _!" But in reality, team x may not feel strongly about the prospects available, hence a trade. Maybe it's a trade up to go get a prospect they feel good about. Maybe they trade the pick away for an established NFL veteran. Or maybe, another team does like the players available in their slot, and team x gets to trade down
Without having a clear vision of every teams' draft board, we can't know what they feel comfortable doing on draft weekend.
That is all for pre-draft season everybody! I enjoyed every second of it, as I will the NFL Draft.
Thank you for reading through this intense mock draft article!
I will likely have a few articles come out this weekend and into next week about the draft. We'll "grade" each draft class, talk about my favorite drafts, as well as some of my favorite draft day landing spots.
Stay tuned for more NFL and 49ers articles, news, and opinions!
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