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With the 2026 NFL Draft now less than two weeks away, the buzz around this year's selection process is picking up. And much of that speculation has built around some possible movement atop the board.
So, which teams could make the first round all the more interesting?
Here, headlined by three huge swings, is our latest one-round mock . . .
The Raiders signed four-time Pro Bowler and prolific bag-getter Kirk Cousins since our last round of projections. His presence, similarly to what the Carolina Panthers did with Andy Dalton and Bryce Young back in 2023, should serve as a resource to the eventual No. 1 overall pick in Mendoza.
Texas A&M’s David Bailey has suddenly become a hot name for the Jets here at No. 2. But despite Bailey's more pro-ready pass-rushing ability, Reese and his sky-high upside still feel like the better fit for New York’s scheme and timeline.
Projected trade: Dallas receives No. 3, 2027 fourth-round pick; Arizona receives No. 12, No. 20, 2027 third-round pick
Speaking of timelines, 2026 could present the Cowboys with a prime opportunity to recapture an NFC East crown. So, they make a jump to secure the nation’s leading sack artist in Bailey.
Projected trade: Kansas City receives No. 4; Tennessee receives No. 9, No. 40, 2027 third-round pick
Now that Dallas has sprung for one of only two top-tier pass rushers from this class, Kansas City does the same before the stock runs out. The Chiefs, thanks to their trade of cornerback Trent McDuffie, have a bit of extra ammunition that can afford them this leap for Bain.
Projected trade: Los Angeles receives No. 6, New York receives No. 13, No. 61, 2027 second-round pick
That’s right—three trades in a row! This time, it’s the Rams, with some uncertainty this offseason surrounding Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who launch up the board to add the class’ top wideout in Tate.
Cleveland and general manager Andrew Berry would probably love to move down, but that well has grown dry after the movement that just took place. They’ll “settle” for the athletic Fano, whose versatility squeezes right into the Browns’ blueprint for their revamped offensive line.
While Love sits atop many a board as the No. 1 prospect in this entire draft, the value of the running back position could ding his stock. That shouldn’t be an issue for the Commanders, who find themselves an exciting complement to quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Although Saints fans may roll their eyes at the prospect of their team selecting an offensive lineman with a third straight first-round pick, they can't hate on the effort to elevate second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Right guard is a weak spot, and one that the tenacious Mauigoa could fortify.
Like we just did with New Orleans, Tennessee should look to build around their young quarterback (2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward). But Styles, who may remind new head coach Robert Saleh of All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, might be too good to pass up.
Downs sticks around in Ohio to help patch up one of the league's worst defenses.
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
12. Arizona Cardinals (via DAL): Monroe Freeling, OL, Georgia
13. New York Giants (via LAR): Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (via TB): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
16. New York Jets (via IND): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
19. Philadelphia Eagles (via CAR): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
20. Arizona Cardinals (via DAL): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via PIT): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Blake Miller, OL, Clemson
23. Carolina Panthers (via PHI): Kevin "KC" Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
25. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
26. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Max Iheanachor, OL, Arizona State
31. New England Patriots: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
32. Seattle Seahawks: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, Central Florida
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft: Cowboys, Chiefs, Rams trade up into top 5
Continue reading...
So, which teams could make the first round all the more interesting?
Here, headlined by three huge swings, is our latest one-round mock . . .
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders signed four-time Pro Bowler and prolific bag-getter Kirk Cousins since our last round of projections. His presence, similarly to what the Carolina Panthers did with Andy Dalton and Bryce Young back in 2023, should serve as a resource to the eventual No. 1 overall pick in Mendoza.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Texas A&M’s David Bailey has suddenly become a hot name for the Jets here at No. 2. But despite Bailey's more pro-ready pass-rushing ability, Reese and his sky-high upside still feel like the better fit for New York’s scheme and timeline.
3. Dallas Cowboys (via ARZ): David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Projected trade: Dallas receives No. 3, 2027 fourth-round pick; Arizona receives No. 12, No. 20, 2027 third-round pick
Speaking of timelines, 2026 could present the Cowboys with a prime opportunity to recapture an NFC East crown. So, they make a jump to secure the nation’s leading sack artist in Bailey.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (via TEN): Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
Projected trade: Kansas City receives No. 4; Tennessee receives No. 9, No. 40, 2027 third-round pick
Now that Dallas has sprung for one of only two top-tier pass rushers from this class, Kansas City does the same before the stock runs out. The Chiefs, thanks to their trade of cornerback Trent McDuffie, have a bit of extra ammunition that can afford them this leap for Bain.
5. Los Angeles Rams (via NYG): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Projected trade: Los Angeles receives No. 6, New York receives No. 13, No. 61, 2027 second-round pick
That’s right—three trades in a row! This time, it’s the Rams, with some uncertainty this offseason surrounding Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who launch up the board to add the class’ top wideout in Tate.
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
Cleveland and general manager Andrew Berry would probably love to move down, but that well has grown dry after the movement that just took place. They’ll “settle” for the athletic Fano, whose versatility squeezes right into the Browns’ blueprint for their revamped offensive line.
7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
While Love sits atop many a board as the No. 1 prospect in this entire draft, the value of the running back position could ding his stock. That shouldn’t be an issue for the Commanders, who find themselves an exciting complement to quarterback Jayden Daniels.
8. New Orleans Saints: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (Fla.)
Although Saints fans may roll their eyes at the prospect of their team selecting an offensive lineman with a third straight first-round pick, they can't hate on the effort to elevate second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Right guard is a weak spot, and one that the tenacious Mauigoa could fortify.
9. Tennessee Titans (via KC): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Like we just did with New Orleans, Tennessee should look to build around their young quarterback (2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward). But Styles, who may remind new head coach Robert Saleh of All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, might be too good to pass up.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs sticks around in Ohio to help patch up one of the league's worst defenses.
Picks No. 11 to No. 18
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
12. Arizona Cardinals (via DAL): Monroe Freeling, OL, Georgia
13. New York Giants (via LAR): Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (via TB): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
16. New York Jets (via IND): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Picks No. 19 to No. 32
19. Philadelphia Eagles (via CAR): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
20. Arizona Cardinals (via DAL): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via PIT): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Blake Miller, OL, Clemson
23. Carolina Panthers (via PHI): Kevin "KC" Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
25. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
26. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Max Iheanachor, OL, Arizona State
31. New England Patriots: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
32. Seattle Seahawks: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, Central Florida
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft: Cowboys, Chiefs, Rams trade up into top 5
Continue reading...
