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The 2026 NFL Draft got even thinner at quarterback when Dante Moore opted to return to Oregon for the 2026 season.
Moore had been a staple atop 2026 NFL mock drafts, with some even opining the Oregon product could emerge as the class' No. 1 signal-caller. However, after being vastly outplayed by Fernando Mendoza during a rocky showing in Oregon's 56-22 College Football Playoff loss to Indiana, Moore has opted to return to the Ducks to continue his development.
Moore's decision wasn't shocking. There was buzz the 20-year-old was mulling his future after starting just 20 total games across his time at UCLA and Oregon.
Still, many were surprised the young quarterback turned down the opportunity to go pro. After all, he was being mocked as the consensus No. 2 overall selection across most mocks, so going back to school meant turning down a hefty payday – though it's worth noting he will make some of that back with his NIL earnings.
But how will NFL teams respond now that Moore isn't available? Here's a look at how the top of the 2026 NFL Draft has been shaken up by the decision and how it could look come April.
Here's what all 32 first-round picks in the NFL draft could look like, according to draft experts from USA TODAY Sports, The Athletic, CBS Sports and Pro Football Network with the 2025 regular-season now in the books.
USA TODAY Sports: "Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, offers the highest floor of any passer in the class with his processing, accuracy, timing and NFL-level arm talent in a prototypical frame."
The Athletic: "Though it’s disappointing for the Jets that Moore isn’t on the board, it gives them an opportunity to select whomever they see as the best non-quarterback in the class – and Reese is a prime candidate. He played a hybrid role for the Buckeyes last season, mostly spying and setting the edge, but he was disruptive when allowed to use his speed and violence as a pass rusher."
CBS Sports: "Woods is a powerful, explosive interior defensive lineman who consistently wins at the point of attack with violent hands, low pad level and exceptional strength."
Pro Football Network: "[Tate] brings an enticing combination of raw size and high speed that makes him a valuable vertical threat, and his body control attacking the ball in the air is tremendous."
The Athletic: "The Giants will be drawn, understandably, to Caleb Downs’ potential impact on the back end of the defense, or to the chance to address their offensive line with Francis Mauigoa. But Tyson would add an immediate offensive playmaker who could help a young quarterback take the next step in his development."
CBS Sports: "Road grader/earth mover in the run game with enormous size and insane athleticism for that size. He plays with an edge and is better vs. the run than in pass protection right now but well above average in both departments. He could play right tackle or kick inside to guard."
USA TODAY Sports: "If given the opportunity, this one feels almost inevitable. Bain is the type of powerful rusher Dan Quinn covets at a position of need. Washington has relied on aging veterans on defense for too long."
USA TODAY Sports: "With the top two wideouts off the board, New Orleans waits to address that position later and instead opts to get the most dynamic player on the board. Love is a home-run hitter with the pass-catching skills to be a difference-maker as both a runner and receiver. Kellen Moore could have fun scheming him up touches in the Big Easy."
The Athletic: "There certainly is a case to be made that a wide receiver (Tate, if he’s available) or tight end (Kenyon Sadiq) could be the weapon Kansas City has been desperately missing on offense. But Downs is a difference-maker, both with his impact on the field and within the culture of the team. One could argue that he is the best safety prospect since Eric Berry, a top-10 pick of the Chiefs 16 years ago."
CBS Sports: "Bailey brings a mix of power and athleticism off the edge, pairing a strong long-arm move and a nasty bull rush with the burst to win around the corner."
USA TODAY Sports: "McCoy missed 2025 due to an ACL injury, but he has incredibly promising tools and impressive tape from 2024. If his medicals are clear, he's the top cornerback in the class."
Pro Football Network: "With an allowed passer rating of just 26.7 in 2025, Mansoor Delane was a shutdown cornerback for LSU all year. He’s my top corner in the 2026 NFL Draft because of his instincts in coverage, impressive fluidity in space, competitiveness at the catch point, and his physicality as a tackler."
USA TODAY Sports: "Simpson's one of the bigger mysteries of the draft. He has just one year of starting experience and has a smaller frame. But there were stretches where he looked like the best quarterback in the class. He'd take time behind Matthew Stafford before growing into the starting role."
The Athletic: "Like last year when the Cowboys drafted Tyler Booker at No. 12, the Ravens selecting a guard wouldn’t get major headlines and might be unpopular with the fan base. But Ioane is a high-floor prospect and should be mentioned among the better players in this class."
CBS Sports: "Cisse is a versatile corner who can consistently lock down receivers in press-man coverage and showcases elite athleticism, with explosive downhill speed and next-level change-of-direction ability. Whether he's driving on quick routes from off coverage or playing in press, he's consistently in position for pass breakup opportunities."
USA TODAY Sports: "There are few receivers in this class with a higher floor than Lemon. The USC slot receiver is as reliable as it gets and consistently finds space against opposing defenses. He'd be a great compliment to Garrett Wilson for Moore in this scenario."
USA TODAY Sports: "This one almost feels like an inevitability. Proctor's not the top tackle on our board but that doesn't mean he won't be in Detroit. He's an outlier athlete at 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds and can start at guard before eventually moving to tackle if his consistency improves."
Pro Football Network: "Avieon Terrell is a sharp cover man with excellent speed and short-area burst, as well as good route-recognition capabilities."
The Athletic: "Woods didn’t have the 2025 season that evaluators expected, but he is a nimble big man with the agility to threaten gaps and chase the football. One would like to see more proof of concept on his tape, but the flashes show an ascending player."
CBS Sports: "Styles is a fast, physical linebacker who flies downhill and makes plays all over the field. He's tough enough to take on offensive linemen in the box, athletic enough to cover ground in space and smart enough to handle multiple roles across a defense."
The Athletic: "This is going to be a popular pairing in mock drafts over the next four months. The Steelers presumably will be looking for a starting quarterback this offseason, and Simpson is expected to land somewhere in the back half of the first round. Would this be the Kenny Pickett route all over again? Maybe. But Simpson processes his surroundings well, especially considering his meager starting experience."
USA TODAY Sports: "The Chargers' interior offensive line needs a lot of help and Mauigoa may be a perfect fit. He's spent his college career at tackle but may be better at guard long-term with his powerful frame and mauling attitude. Given the Chargers' injury history, his background at tackle could make him a depth option there as well."
CBS Sports: "Sadiq oozes athleticism, will run through arm tackles and is used all over the formation. He can be a quick-game target as an outside WR and is used effectively on jet sweeps. He's also one of the best blocking TEs in college football who is an asset on special teams, too."
The Athletic: "Concepcion is a fluid, gliding athlete who specializes in getting open before the catch and creating after it. He would be an immediate starter (slot or Z)."
USA TODAY Sports: "Overton is a tweener with the size to stick inside or outside at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds. That's the kind of length that Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes at the position. He's a physical presence with a solid bull rush already."
The Athletic: "We can all agree that the Bills must upgrade their defense in the draft. But the way in which they’ll do that is up for debate. One option would be to add an uber-athletic and competitive edge rusher, such as Howell, who might lack ideal size but can scream off the edge with bad intentions. Howell would be an immediate subpackage weapon while he pushes for an every-down role."
Pro Football Network: "A big-bodied weapon at 6-4 and 209 pounds, Denzel Boston is a sure-handed receiver with some of the best hands and physicality in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He has impressive ball skills and coordination to high-point the ball and square up to it properly. As a route runner, Boston uses his hands well through his stems and can attack leverage points by adjusting his footwork to exploit a cornerback’s blind spot."
CBS Sports: "Pregnon is an absolute mauler in the run game, possessing the strength to move defensive linemen at the point of attack and the athleticism to easily get to and handle second-level defenders – he anchors as well as any interior offensive lineman in the class."
USA TODAY Sports: "Lomu is a raw prospect but with some of the best athletic traits in the class at tackle. Like Fano, his lean frame may necessitate a move inside but for now he's a young prospect who could grow into a starter."
The Athletic: "Yes, Mesidor is older (he’ll turn 25 in April), but he won’t need a ramp-up period as a rookie – Mike Vrabel could wind him up and cut him loose on Day 1. New England ranked in the bottom third of the league in sacks and QB hits and should continue to address its pass rush this offseason."
CBS Sports: "Banks is surprisingly explosive for his size, playing with power, juice and a nonstop motor. A foot injury early in the 2025 season has affected him and kept him on the sidelines; the injury will be worth monitoring as the draft process unfolds."
USA TODAY Sports: "The Seahawks could build on a strength with more defensive reinforcements but they really need more help on the interior offensive line. They did well to take a former tackle in 2025 in Grey Zabel and move him inside and that's what they do with Dunker, a college tackle better suited inside, in 2026."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Expert predictions for Round 1
Continue reading...
Moore had been a staple atop 2026 NFL mock drafts, with some even opining the Oregon product could emerge as the class' No. 1 signal-caller. However, after being vastly outplayed by Fernando Mendoza during a rocky showing in Oregon's 56-22 College Football Playoff loss to Indiana, Moore has opted to return to the Ducks to continue his development.
Moore's decision wasn't shocking. There was buzz the 20-year-old was mulling his future after starting just 20 total games across his time at UCLA and Oregon.
Still, many were surprised the young quarterback turned down the opportunity to go pro. After all, he was being mocked as the consensus No. 2 overall selection across most mocks, so going back to school meant turning down a hefty payday – though it's worth noting he will make some of that back with his NIL earnings.
But how will NFL teams respond now that Moore isn't available? Here's a look at how the top of the 2026 NFL Draft has been shaken up by the decision and how it could look come April.
2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Round 1
Here's what all 32 first-round picks in the NFL draft could look like, according to draft experts from USA TODAY Sports, The Athletic, CBS Sports and Pro Football Network with the 2025 regular-season now in the books.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
- USA TODAY Sports (Ayrton Ostly): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
- The Athletic (Dane Brugler): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
- CBS Sports (Ryan Wilson): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
- Pro Football Network (Jacob Infante): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
USA TODAY Sports: "Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, offers the highest floor of any passer in the class with his processing, accuracy, timing and NFL-level arm talent in a prototypical frame."
2. New York Jets
- USA TODAY Sports: Arvell Reese, LB/edge, Ohio State
- The Athletic: Arvell Reese, LB/edge, Ohio State
- CBS Sports: Arvell Reese, LB/edge, Ohio State
- Pro Football Network: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami (FL)
The Athletic: "Though it’s disappointing for the Jets that Moore isn’t on the board, it gives them an opportunity to select whomever they see as the best non-quarterback in the class – and Reese is a prime candidate. He played a hybrid role for the Buckeyes last season, mostly spying and setting the edge, but he was disruptive when allowed to use his speed and violence as a pass rusher."
3. Arizona Cardinals
- USA TODAY Sports: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- The Athletic: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
- CBS Sports: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
- Pro Football Network: Arvell Reese, LB/edge, Ohio State
CBS Sports: "Woods is a powerful, explosive interior defensive lineman who consistently wins at the point of attack with violent hands, low pad level and exceptional strength."
4. Tennessee Titans
- USA TODAY Sports: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn
- The Athletic: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
- CBS Sports: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami (FL)
- Pro Football Network: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Pro Football Network: "[Tate] brings an enticing combination of raw size and high speed that makes him a valuable vertical threat, and his body control attacking the ball in the air is tremendous."
5. New York Giants
- USA TODAY Sports: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
- The Athletic: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
- CBS Sports: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
- Pro Football Network: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
The Athletic: "The Giants will be drawn, understandably, to Caleb Downs’ potential impact on the back end of the defense, or to the chance to address their offensive line with Francis Mauigoa. But Tyson would add an immediate offensive playmaker who could help a young quarterback take the next step in his development."
6. Cleveland Browns
- USA TODAY Sports: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
- The Athletic: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
- CBS Sports: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
- Pro Football Network: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
CBS Sports: "Road grader/earth mover in the run game with enormous size and insane athleticism for that size. He plays with an edge and is better vs. the run than in pass protection right now but well above average in both departments. He could play right tackle or kick inside to guard."
7. Washington Commanders
- USA TODAY Sports: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami (FL)
- The Athletic: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
- CBS Sports: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn
- Pro Football Network: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
USA TODAY Sports: "If given the opportunity, this one feels almost inevitable. Bain is the type of powerful rusher Dan Quinn covets at a position of need. Washington has relied on aging veterans on defense for too long."
8. New Orleans Saints
- USA TODAY Sports: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
- The Athletic: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
- CBS Sports: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
- Pro Football Network: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn
USA TODAY Sports: "With the top two wideouts off the board, New Orleans waits to address that position later and instead opts to get the most dynamic player on the board. Love is a home-run hitter with the pass-catching skills to be a difference-maker as both a runner and receiver. Kellen Moore could have fun scheming him up touches in the Big Easy."
9. Kansas City Chiefs
- USA TODAY Sports: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
- The Athletic: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- CBS Sports: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- Pro Football Network: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Athletic: "There certainly is a case to be made that a wide receiver (Tate, if he’s available) or tight end (Kenyon Sadiq) could be the weapon Kansas City has been desperately missing on offense. But Downs is a difference-maker, both with his impact on the field and within the culture of the team. One could argue that he is the best safety prospect since Eric Berry, a top-10 pick of the Chiefs 16 years ago."
10. Cincinnati Bengals
- USA TODAY Sports: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
- The Athletic: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami (FL)
- CBS Sports: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
- Pro Football Network: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
CBS Sports: "Bailey brings a mix of power and athleticism off the edge, pairing a strong long-arm move and a nasty bull rush with the burst to win around the corner."
11. Miami Dolphins
- USA TODAY Sports: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
- The Athletic: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
- CBS Sports: Kayden Proctor, OL, Alabama
- Pro Football Network: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
USA TODAY Sports: "McCoy missed 2025 due to an ACL injury, but he has incredibly promising tools and impressive tape from 2024. If his medicals are clear, he's the top cornerback in the class."
12. Dallas Cowboys
- USA TODAY Sports: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
- The Athletic: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- CBS Sports: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
- Pro Football Network: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Pro Football Network: "With an allowed passer rating of just 26.7 in 2025, Mansoor Delane was a shutdown cornerback for LSU all year. He’s my top corner in the 2026 NFL Draft because of his instincts in coverage, impressive fluidity in space, competitiveness at the catch point, and his physicality as a tackler."
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
- USA TODAY Sports: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- The Athletic: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
- CBS Sports: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
- Pro Football Network: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
USA TODAY Sports: "Simpson's one of the bigger mysteries of the draft. He has just one year of starting experience and has a smaller frame. But there were stretches where he looked like the best quarterback in the class. He'd take time behind Matthew Stafford before growing into the starting role."
14. Baltimore Ravens
- USA TODAY Sports: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson
- The Athletic: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
- CBS Sports: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
- Pro Football Network: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Athletic: "Like last year when the Cowboys drafted Tyler Booker at No. 12, the Ravens selecting a guard wouldn’t get major headlines and might be unpopular with the fan base. But Ioane is a high-floor prospect and should be mentioned among the better players in this class."
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- USA TODAY Sports: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
- The Athletic: Keldric Faulk, egde, Auburn
- CBS Sports: Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
- Pro Football Network: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
CBS Sports: "Cisse is a versatile corner who can consistently lock down receivers in press-man coverage and showcases elite athleticism, with explosive downhill speed and next-level change-of-direction ability. Whether he's driving on quick routes from off coverage or playing in press, he's consistently in position for pass breakup opportunities."
16. New York Jets (via Colts)
- USA TODAY Sports: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- The Athletic: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- CBS Sports: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- Pro Football Network: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
USA TODAY Sports: "There are few receivers in this class with a higher floor than Lemon. The USC slot receiver is as reliable as it gets and consistently finds space against opposing defenses. He'd be a great compliment to Garrett Wilson for Moore in this scenario."
17. Detroit Lions
- USA TODAY Sports: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
- The Athletic: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
- CBS Sports: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
- Pro Football Network: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
USA TODAY Sports: "This one almost feels like an inevitability. Proctor's not the top tackle on our board but that doesn't mean he won't be in Detroit. He's an outlier athlete at 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds and can start at guard before eventually moving to tackle if his consistency improves."
18. Minnesota Vikings
- USA TODAY Sports: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
- The Athletic: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
- CBS Sports: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
- Pro Football Network: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Pro Football Network: "Avieon Terrell is a sharp cover man with excellent speed and short-area burst, as well as good route-recognition capabilities."
19. Carolina Panthers
- USA TODAY Sports: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- The Athletic: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
- CBS Sports: Olaivavega Ioane, G/C, Penn State
- Pro Football Network: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The Athletic: "Woods didn’t have the 2025 season that evaluators expected, but he is a nimble big man with the agility to threaten gaps and chase the football. One would like to see more proof of concept on his tape, but the flashes show an ascending player."
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
- USA TODAY Sports: Trade back to No. 28
- Texans select Spencer Fano, OT, Utah.
- The Athletic: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
- CBS Sports: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- Pro Football Network: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
CBS Sports: "Styles is a fast, physical linebacker who flies downhill and makes plays all over the field. He's tough enough to take on offensive linemen in the box, athletic enough to cover ground in space and smart enough to handle multiple roles across a defense."
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
- USA TODAY Sports: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
- The Athletic: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- CBS Sports: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
- Pro Football Network: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Athletic: "This is going to be a popular pairing in mock drafts over the next four months. The Steelers presumably will be looking for a starting quarterback this offseason, and Simpson is expected to land somewhere in the back half of the first round. Would this be the Kenny Pickett route all over again? Maybe. But Simpson processes his surroundings well, especially considering his meager starting experience."
22. Los Angeles Chargers
- USA TODAY Sports: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
- The Athletic: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
- CBS Sports: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
- Pro Football Network: Gennings Dunker, G, Iowa
USA TODAY Sports: "The Chargers' interior offensive line needs a lot of help and Mauigoa may be a perfect fit. He's spent his college career at tackle but may be better at guard long-term with his powerful frame and mauling attitude. Given the Chargers' injury history, his background at tackle could make him a depth option there as well."
23. Philadelphia Eagles
- USA TODAY Sports: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
- The Athletic: Kaydn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama
- CBS Sports: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
- Pro Football Network: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
CBS Sports: "Sadiq oozes athleticism, will run through arm tackles and is used all over the formation. He can be a quick-game target as an outside WR and is used effectively on jet sweeps. He's also one of the best blocking TEs in college football who is an asset on special teams, too."
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
- USA TODAY Sports: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
- The Athletic: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
- CBS Sports: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
- Pro Football Network: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Athletic: "Concepcion is a fluid, gliding athlete who specializes in getting open before the catch and creating after it. He would be an immediate starter (slot or Z)."
25. Chicago Bears
- USA TODAY Sports: LT Overton, edge, Alabama
- The Athletic: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
- CBS Sports: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson
- Pro Football Network: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
USA TODAY Sports: "Overton is a tweener with the size to stick inside or outside at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds. That's the kind of length that Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes at the position. He's a physical presence with a solid bull rush already."
26. Buffalo Bills
- USA TODAY Sports: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
- The Athletic: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M
- CBS Sports: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- Pro Football Network: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Athletic: "We can all agree that the Bills must upgrade their defense in the draft. But the way in which they’ll do that is up for debate. One option would be to add an uber-athletic and competitive edge rusher, such as Howell, who might lack ideal size but can scream off the edge with bad intentions. Howell would be an immediate subpackage weapon while he pushes for an every-down role."
27. San Francisco 49ers
- USA TODAY Sports: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
- The Athletic: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
- CBS Sports: R Mason Thomas, edge, Oklahoma
- Pro Football Network: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Pro Football Network: "A big-bodied weapon at 6-4 and 209 pounds, Denzel Boston is a sure-handed receiver with some of the best hands and physicality in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He has impressive ball skills and coordination to high-point the ball and square up to it properly. As a route runner, Boston uses his hands well through his stems and can attack leverage points by adjusting his footwork to exploit a cornerback’s blind spot."
28. Houston Texans
- USA TODAY Sports: Trade up to No. 20.
- Cowboys select Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M
- The Athletic: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
- CBS Sports: Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon
- Pro Football Network: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
CBS Sports: "Pregnon is an absolute mauler in the run game, possessing the strength to move defensive linemen at the point of attack and the athleticism to easily get to and handle second-level defenders – he anchors as well as any interior offensive lineman in the class."
29. Los Angeles Rams
- USA TODAY Sports: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
- The Athletic: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
- CBS Sports: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
- Pro Football Network: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
USA TODAY Sports: "Lomu is a raw prospect but with some of the best athletic traits in the class at tackle. Like Fano, his lean frame may necessitate a move inside but for now he's a young prospect who could grow into a starter."
30. New England Patriots
- USA TODAY Sports: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
- The Athletic: Ahkeem Mesidor, edge, Miami (FL)
- CBS Sports: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
- Pro Football Network: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M
The Athletic: "Yes, Mesidor is older (he’ll turn 25 in April), but he won’t need a ramp-up period as a rookie – Mike Vrabel could wind him up and cut him loose on Day 1. New England ranked in the bottom third of the league in sacks and QB hits and should continue to address its pass rush this offseason."
31. Denver Broncos
- USA TODAY Sports: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
- The Athletic: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
- CBS Sports: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
- Pro Football Network: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
CBS Sports: "Banks is surprisingly explosive for his size, playing with power, juice and a nonstop motor. A foot injury early in the 2025 season has affected him and kept him on the sidelines; the injury will be worth monitoring as the draft process unfolds."
32. Seattle Seahawks
- USA TODAY Sports: Gennings Dunker, G/C, Iowa
- The Athletic: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
- CBS Sports: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
- Pro Football Network: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
USA TODAY Sports: "The Seahawks could build on a strength with more defensive reinforcements but they really need more help on the interior offensive line. They did well to take a former tackle in 2025 in Grey Zabel and move him inside and that's what they do with Dunker, a college tackle better suited inside, in 2026."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Expert predictions for Round 1
Continue reading...
