49ers 7-Round Mock Draft: San Fran Addresses Areas of Need at WR, Pass Rusher

Barring a trade down or a trade of a player (Brandon Ayiuk, anyone?), the San Francisco 49ers will have their fewest number of picks in a single draft since 2020 in the 2026 NFL Draft. But the 49ers have shown an ability to make the most out of their picks in the past. Of course, San Francisco took quarterback Brock Purdy as Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 NFL Draft. Five years earlier, it landed All-Pro tight end George Kittle in the fifth round. So, what do 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have up their sleeves this April? Well, they have some obvious areas they need to address. They grabbed defensive end Mykel Williams in the first round of last year's draft, when they had a league-high 11 picks.  However, Williams and perirenal All-Pro Nick Bosa both finished 2025 with season-ending knee injuries, so improving the pass rush remains a priority for San Francisco. Along with adding to their pass rush, finding an eventual replacement for future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams should also be high on the list. The 37-year-old Oklahoma product was recently involved in another contract stalemate with the front office before reaching a resolution on Monday. So, with that in mind, let’s map out what the 49ers should do with a seven-round mock draft. Round 1 (No. 27 overall): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington The 49ers finished 12-5 last season and believe they are still in a Super Bowl window, but San Francisco could use more reliable, young playmakers on offense. Mike Evans and Christian Kirk were signed in free agency, but those two are veteran stop gaps and do not serve as a long-term answer for the receiver room. At 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, Boston is a big, physical receiver in the mold of Jauan Jennings who can win contested catches down the field. And with 20 receiving touchdowns over the last two seasons, Boston would help in the red zone. The 49ers have a good mentor for Boston on the roster in Evans, and the Washington product could eventually take over that role once he retires. San Francisco brought Boston in for a pre-draft visit. Round 2 (No. 58 overall): Malachi Lawrence, DE, Central Florida The 49ers finished with a league-low 20 sacks last season and need help off the edge with both Bosa and Williams recovering from knee injuries. Lawrence finished with 20 career sacks in college, so the production off the edge is there. And at 6-4 and 253 pounds with long arms and explosive traits, Lawrence provides the skill set new San Francisco defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is looking for in an athlete mover coming off the edge. He posted a 4.52-second 40 time, along with recording a 40-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump at the NFL Scouting Combine. Lawrence was used to drop in coverage at Central Florida, so he offers versatility in a scheme where Morris will use a variety of defensive looks. The 49ers brought Lawrence in for a pre-draft visit. Round 4 (No. 127 overall): Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami (Fla.) A fifth-year senior for the Hurricanes, Thomas offers physicality and playmaking skills for a San Francisco defensive secondary looking for more athletic bodies. Thomas finished with five interceptions and 11 pass breakups in his final season at Miami. At 6-1 and 211 pounds. Thomas has good size for the position. Thomas is a willing tackler in the running game, and while his 4.57-second 40 time will not wow scouts, he shows decent football instincts and can make plays in space. Thomas also showed the ability to develop into a good blitzer at the next level and can contribute on special teams. Round 4 (No. 133 overall): Alex Harkey, G, Oregon At 6-5 and 308 pounds, Harkey’s versatility is his strong suit. Harkey has the skill set to play all five offensive line positions and played tight end in high school, but he tracks to play guard at the next level. San Francisco offensive line coach Chris Foerster excels at getting the most out of developmental projects and will value Harkey’s unique skill set. The 49ers could use help in the interior of the offensive line, along with a contingency plan should an aging Williams deal with injuries again. Harkey could be part of that development strategy. San Francisco had a pre-draft visit with Harkey and met with him at the NFL Scouting Combine. Round 4 (No. 138 overall): Travis Burke, OT, Memphis Burke would be another developmental prospect for the 49ers to mold into a polished product that can play winning football on game days. At 6-9 and 325 pounds with long arms, Burke has the tools to grow into a consistent contributor along the offensive line for the 49ers. With San Francisco once again in contract negotiations with Williams, Burke would provide another option down the line as a player who could play in a pinch with a couple years of seasoning while working in an NFL facility. Round 4 (No. 139 overall): Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State At 6-5 and 312 pounds with long arms, Jackson has the physical profile to serve as a two-gap defensive tackle who can eat up blocks in the middle of San Francisco’s defense front. He also showed some pass-rush ability two years ago, finishing with 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2024. The 49ers are thin up front defensively and could use a rotational player at defensive tackle. Jackson’s uncle is Dexter Jackson, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety and MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII. Jackson was a teammate of San Francisco GM John Lynch with the Bucs.

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2026 NFL Draft: Pro Player Comps for Fernando Mendoza, Other Top Draft Prospects

As NFL talent evaluators put the finishing touches on their scouting reports of the 2026 draft class, they'll look at current pros with similar traits as another data point to project how the prospects might perform in the pro game. Most scouts utilize pro comparisons to paint a picture for NFL decision-makers who make the calls when on the clock. With the 2026 draft approaching, here are my pro comps for the top prospects in this year’s class. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana The Heisman Trophy winner is a lock to come off the board as the No. 1 overall pick on Thursday. Mendoza has impressed scouts with his intelligence, toughness and management skills, while also flashing pinpoint accuracy and touch as a rhythm passer. The combination of skills and a winning pedigree makes it easy to envision the Indiana standout thriving as a QB1 for a team running a system that prioritizes mistake-free football and clutch playmaking. Although Mendoza lacks elite physical tools, his superpowers as a high-IQ game manager could result in better performance and production than his natural talent would suggest. Pro comparison: Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State The silky-smooth pass-catcher checks all the boxes as a potential No. 1 receiver. Tate can impact the game as a three-level playmaker, displaying big-play potential as a vertical threat or catch-and-run specialist. Additionally, the Ohio State star shows elite route-running skills by twisting defenders into knots with his electric stop-start quickness and ballerina-like body control. With Tate also flashing ridiculous ball skills and body control as an acrobatic pass catcher, the 6-foot-2, 194-pounder is a dominant weapon on the perimeter with "take over the game" potential as a pro. Pro comparison: Rams WR Davante Adams Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State It is hard to find a safety with a high IQ, positional flexibility, ball skills and a "hit stick" mentality that enables him to play as a center fielder or hybrid linebacker in a multi-faceted scheme. Downs not only excels as a jack-of-all-trades, but he has mastered the art of playmaking in a "see ball, get ball" defensive scheme. While skeptics dismiss his impact potential due to his modest physical traits, the evaluators who love "ball players" easily identify the game-changing skills the Ohio State star brings to the table. Considering how championship-level defenses thrive with a game changer in the middle of the field, Downs’ versatility and adaptability give him a chance to emerge as a star as a designated playmaker in a creative defensive scheme. Pro comparison: Cardinals S Budda Baker David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech The energetic speed rusher took college football by storm during his lone season with the Red Raiders. Bailey terrorized opponents with his speed, quickness and burst, as he showcased a "dip-and-rip" maneuver and slick spin move to harass quarterbacks in the backfield. The persistent pressure and constant chaos created by his relentless approach force offensive coordinators to alter their pass-protection plans when facing the dynamic pass rusher. As Bailey acclimates to the pro game and elite pass protectors, the shifty sack artist could produce double-digit sacks annually as a speed-rushing specialist. Pro comparison: Giants OLB Brian Burns [How One Key Question Changed David Bailey’s NFL Future] Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama The pinpoint, quick-rhythm passer operates like a coach on the field, with his instincts, awareness and anticipation enabling him to pick apart coverages with surgical precision. Simpson’s flawless pocket mechanics and footwork make him a quarterback coach’s dream at first glance. With his strongest supporters citing the 2025 Crimson Tide’s sizzling start and his ridiculous numbers as proof of his franchise quarterback potential, the polarizing quarterback must overcome his inexperience, lack of size and arm talent deficiencies to defy the odds as a lightweight quarterback prospect. While teams have gambled on "newbies" in previous drafts (Mark Sanchez, 2009; Cam Newton, 2011; Kyler Murray, 2019; Trey Lance, 2021; Mac Jones, 2021; and Anthony Richardson, 2023), the disappointing hit rate will require Simpson to play above and beyond expectations to justify his draft day status. In a league in which scheme and play calls matter as much as the supporting cast, Simpson must find his way to a team that features a system that makes the game easier for the quarterback. Pro comparison: 49ers QB Brock Purdy Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State After successfully transitioning from safety to linebacker at Ohio State, Styles could flourish as a designated playmaker dominating the game between the hashes. As a fast-flow linebacker who can stuff running backs in the hole or run with tight ends and slot receivers down the middle, the 6-foot-4, 243-pounder exhibits rare traits as an off-ball linebacker in a passing league. With his size, length and athleticism, which shrink passing lanes down the middle of the field, Styles is a potential difference-maker for a defense employing a "vision-and-break" scheme designed to create more turnovers. Pro comparison: 49ers LB Fred Warner [Will Ohio State Have Four Top-10 Picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?] Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami The disruptive edge defender is a violent butt-kicker with heavy hands and a nasty temperament. Bain outworks and outlasts blockers, showcasing an alpha-dawg mentality reflected in his relentless approach and competitive stamina. With a rugged game that complements his explosive first step and all-out effort, the Miami standout is the junkyard dog no one wants to face on a critical down. In a league where sack production can lead to blind spots for some evaluators, Bain’s energy, effort and physicality make him an essential piece of any defensive puzzle. Pro comparison: Eagles DE Brandon Graham Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson The transformation of the NFL into a pass-centric league has forced coaches and scouts to view the "Nickel" cornerback as the 12th starter. As a high-IQ defender with outstanding ball skills and a devastating knockout punch (forced fumbles), Terrell is the prototypical slot defender every defensive coordinator covets in the starting lineup. While some scouts question his top-end speed and burst, old-school coaches prefer instincts and awareness over athleticism. Terrell’s knack for making plays on the ball and smothering routes as a zone-based cover corner should result in rave reviews from teams seeking a plug-and-play option on the perimeter. Pro comparison: Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Which Team Gets Love and Simpson? What Do Giants Do at No. 10?

Finally, we have made it to draft week. We've already had some drama — with the New York Giants trading Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick on Saturday night — and you should expect much more drama in the days ahead. Will Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love get drafted earlier than some think he will? My latest intel suggests that might be the case. Can the Dallas Cowboys execute a trade to land a defensive player that I hear they really like? Potentially. Will Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson get selected in the first round? I think so, but someone might have to make a move to get him. Oh, and what will the Giants now do with their two top-10 picks? There's one player I hear they're targeting ahead of Thursday's first round. Let's dive into the answers to those questions in my final mock draft. Remember, I'll be a part of NFL Network's live coverage for the first two nights of the 2026 NFL Draft from Pittsburgh. 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana This is the pick no one's questioning. We know the Raiders are going to take Fernando Mendoza at No. 1. We've known this for the entire process. I've really loved what they've done around Mendoza. They've got running back Ashton Jeanty. They signed All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum, and I love that. Left tackle Kolton Miller should be back after missing the majority of the season with an ankle injury. So, now they've got some juice, and they aren't in dire straits. 2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, edge rusher, Ohio State This is where things get interesting. This should be a three-player discussion at No. 2, with Arvell Reese, edge rusher David Bailey and linebacker Sonny Styles in the mix. I don't think anybody — including those in the Jets' organization — thinks this team will be a top-end competitor this year. When you look at the draft capital they have this year and next, you're building for the future. So, bet and bank on potential here with Reese. He's got the highest upside of anyone in the draft. I think he has the potential to be a Defensive Player of the Year, and he's got Micah Parsons-esque versatility. 3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame The Cardinals are a really interesting selection. Most people believe they're looking to shore up the edge. They probably could and maybe they will, but I can't get out of my head a little thought — and it comes with some intel — of the Cardinals loving Jeremiyah Love. We know they also like Ty Simpson, but this is too rich a spot to draft him. With the thought of potentially making a move for Simpson later in mind, why don't the Cardinals draft Love? A lot of people believe Love is the best non-quarterback in the draft. Arizona would get a running back who can move between the tackles, hit home runs on the outside and catch passes as a slot receiver. 4. Tennessee Titans: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.) I've heard rumblings that there could be some movement along Tennessee's offensive line. I think quarterback Cam Ward's former Miami teammate, Francis Mauigoa, should be the pick if that's the case. Mauigoa was dominant and was huge in Miami's College Football Playoff run. Don't be surprised if this is the fourth overall pick. 5. New York Giants: David Bailey, edge rusher, Texas Tech Are the Giants trying to package their two top-10 picks to move further up? I don't know about that. But I do know they love one of these offensive players in this draft. I think they're moving around and trying to position themselves into a place where they can target and draft Jordyn Tyson. I don't think they'll need to draft him at No. 5, though. I know pass rusher isn't a specific need for the Giants, but if you can get the best pure pass rusher in the draft, you go and do that. I've also been told the Giants aren't in on Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. 6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah The Browns have left tackle questions. The problem? There isn't a pure left tackle good enough to use the No. 6 pick on. Fano, who played right tackle the last two seasons, does have some left tackle experience, at least. Fano's a great player and was the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year this past season. The Browns could move him over and fill that hole on the left side. 7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State Washington needs defense. In this scenario, there are some excellent defensive players on the board. The Commanders would have to be happy that they could get at least one of Sonny Styles or Caleb Downs. They really can't go wrong picking either one, but they can say to themselves, "You mean we can get a Fred Warner-type?" Styles just blew everyone out of the water at the NFL Scouting Combine. He's the perfect combination of height, weight and athleticism. He also has versatility in his background, starting out as a safety before moving down to linebacker. [2026 NFL Draft: Will Ohio State Have Four Top-10 Picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?] 8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State In one of the recent episodes of my digital show, "The Joel Klatt Show," NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah compared Carnell Tate to Saints wide receiver Chris Olave, who is also an Ohio State alum. I like the idea of pairing those two together. I also wonder if the Saints would pick Downs. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley knows how impactful an elite safety can be, as he coached Derwin James during his years as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. But New Orleans needs to give second-year quarterback Tyler Shough some weapons. Giving Shough a steady, downfield threat in Tate would be good. 9. Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU The Chiefs have got to shore up their secondary. I think there's a belief out there that the Chiefs might go for offensive help, which is why the Giants might have to pick Jordyn Tyson at No. 5. So, don't be surprised if the Giants take Tyson at No. 5. But I think If that's the case, maybe Kansas City really needs help on defense — particularly in the secondary. Delane is the top corner in the draft, making this a perfect fit and value for the Chiefs at No. 9. 10. New York Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State Truth be told, I had a previous edition of a mock draft ready to go — until the Giants opted to trade defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the 10th overall pick. That mock draft will never see the light of day, though, and I now know that they're targeting Tyson, like I said before. Tyson's had some injury history, but he's got great athletic bloodlines and teams have really fallen in love with him. He's rising up draft boards as we get closer to the draft. 11. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State First-year head coach Jeff Hafley isn't in a great position. The Dolphins need to build up their roster while carrying a lot of dead salary. One way to overcome that is by drafting the best player available. Remember, Hafley was once Ryan Day's defensive coordinator at Ohio State, meaning I don't think there's any NFL head coach who'll have better intel on Downs than Hafley. Miami has needs everywhere, and Downs can be a tone-setter for the rebuild. 12. Dallas Cowboys: Rueben Bain Jr., edge rusher, Miami (Fla.) The Cowboys have big-time needs at edge and the secondary. Rueben Bain has slipped here in my mock draft, and it's not at all tied to the recent report about his alleged reckless driving incident. Teams have known about that for quite a bit. His fall here is more related to his arm length. Some might think that's not a big deal, but Bain isn't a pure speed rusher. If you're a power rusher, like Bain is, you've got to get into the offensive lineman and extend off it. That's why his arm length matters to some extent. Still, Bain's too good for the Cowboys to pass up. Dallas has to take Bain at No. 12, as long as he's available. Bain plays his butt off on every play and still produced when teams focused on stopping him. 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons): Makai Lemon, WR, USC I do think there's a chance the Rams really love Carnell Tate and try to move up to get him. Don't be surprised if that happens. I also think they'd like Makai Lemon. He's perfect for the Rams' offense, and I think I want to see him in Sean McVay's offense more than anything else in this year's draft. Lemon's spatial awareness is off the charts. He's so good in the middle of the field. He understands coverage and how to create space. He's also an absolute dog at making contested catches. 14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State This, of course, is going to happen. It might not feel like the most Ravens pick of all-time, but it feels like it. The Ravens always sit there and get the biggest no-brainer or best value pick in the draft. Vega Ioane is the best offensive lineman in this draft. He does play on the interior, so that's why he slides a bit, but the Ravens get the toughest and nastiest offensive lineman available at No. 14, running to the commissioner to get the pick in. Baltimore also has to replace Tyler Linderbaum in the interior of that offensive line. 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, edge rusher, Miami (Fla.) I thought about a wide receiver here, with Mike Evans leaving for the 49ers. However, Tampa Bay also has a big need at edge rusher. Akheem Mesidor is relatively old for a top prospect (he'll be 25 when the 2026 season begins). He did produce at a high level, though. That maturity can also pay off for whoever drafts Mesidor. 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee Jermod McCoy would have been a top-10 pick in last year’s draft had he been eligible and not hurt his knee in January.. McCoy worked out at Tennessee's pro day and ran a sub-4.4 in the 40. He's showing in workouts that he's back from the ACL tear he suffered last offseason. [2026 NFL Draft: Joel Klatt's Top 50 Prospects Show Changing of the Guard in CFB] 17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama Former Lions left tackle Taylor Decker was released earlier this offseason, and we know that this is a team that has heavily relied on their offensive line for success in the past. I've been told that Kadyn Proctor won't make it past the Lions at No. 17. The belief has been that right tackle Penei Sewell will move to left tackle in 2026. However, drafting Proctor means the Lions can keep Sewell at the position he has earned three All-Pro nods at, while having Proctor play left tackle. 18. Dallas Cowboys (trade with Minnesota Vikings): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon I love doing trades in mock drafts, but it's hard to work one out that makes sense for both teams. Dallas jumps up a couple of picks because it'll be valuing Dillon Thieneman at safety. Minnesota also has a safety need, but the Vikings might be fine with drafting Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The Vikings would also only move back two picks in this scenario. Thieneman had great tape in his first two seasons at Purdue before transferring to Oregon, where he played a bit more of a different safety position. He played closer to the line of scrimmage this past season and was asked to react and play more instinctively. He didn't do a poor job at that, but he's better served playing free safety. 19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon I think the Panthers should continue to surround quarterback Bryce Young with talent. I know they just drafted Tetairoa McMillan at wide receiver this past season, but the Panthers can also help ease some of the issues with their offensive line and running game by taking Sadiq. He's a great blocker and can be a real red-zone threat. 20. Minnesota Vikings (trade with Dallas Cowboys): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo As I mentioned earlier, the Vikings would probably roll with McNeil-Warren here and get a couple of later-round picks in the process. He's actually excellent at punching the ball out, forcing nine fumbles in his college career. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana I have no inside information on this, but don't you think we'll get Aaron Rodgers news before the draft takes place in Pittsburgh? If you get that, then you give Rodgers something he has always wanted with the Packers: a first-round wide receiver. I love Omar Cooper, especially after calling the game where he made the incredible game-winning touchdown grab against Penn State. He fits what the Steelers want to do, and he's great with the ball in his hands. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Parker, edge rusher, Clemson The Chargers need help along the edge. We know coach Jim Harbaugh wants to build a run well and have his defense work from the inside and out. T.J. Parker was widely considered to be a surefire top-10 pick entering the 2025 season. He didn't have the season that many had hoped for him, though. I don't know what happened at Clemson this past season, but the talent is still there with Parker. 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson Maybe the Eagles go with an edge rusher or a wide receiver with the A.J. Brown trade rumors still lingering. They can also grab Lane Johnson's heir apparent at right tackle with this selection. Miller is a really experienced and good player. We know the Eagles are at their best when their offensive line is leading the way for them. 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington The Browns have a big need at wide receiver, and Denzel Boston can help them in a big way. He's a big-bodied receiver who's terrific down the field and in the red zone. He has had a lot of production in his career, and he'll compete for the ball in 50-50 situations. It's a specific area of need for the Browns, and they can get a quality player late in the first round. 25. Chicago Bears: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia I think the Bears would've loved to have drafted one of those safeties involved with the trade I had earlier in this mock draft, but Chicago can still grab a left tackle with a lot of potential. Monroe Freeling is a prototypical left tackle, and you could ideally have him protecting quarterback Caleb Williams' blindside for years to come. 26. Arizona Cardinals (trade with Buffalo Bills): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama The Bills don't have a second-round pick, and someone is going to be itching to get back into the first round to get Ty Simpson. I think this pick is tailor-made to get traded. The Cardinals have the opportunity to not only get Simpson, but also get him on a first-round rookie contract, meaning they would have an extra year of team control. Simpson has been a bit polarizing. I'm high on him, though, and think he's an excellent player. Even though he's a touch undersized, he can make all the throws, especially outside the numbers and down the field. Simpson also knows what it takes to be a leader, showing that when he led Alabama to a comeback victory over Oklahoma in the CFP. My one area of concern for him is that he only started for one season. 27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah Trent Williams isn't going to play at left tackle forever. Lomu would be a good pick here. While he struggled against Texas Tech, Caleb Lomu was mostly excellent at left tackle for Utah this past season. 28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State The Texans could look to bolster their offensive line here, but I think they can look at their defense and say, "How can we get even better?" Defensive tackle is one area they can improve. Kayden McDonald was terrific in his one year as Ohio State's starting defensive tackle. His ability to get off and get into the backfield is enticing. 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams): Keldric Faulk, edge rusher, Auburn When Faulk walks into a room, you know that's what an edge rusher is supposed to look like. The only problem is that his production in college doesn't line up with how he looks. Faulk is 6-foot-6 and weighs 270; he looks like an Adonis. He's got all the athleticism and potential in the world. However, he never led Auburn in sacks or tackles for loss in a season during his time there. That's shocking to me. Maybe it was the turmoil within the program that caused his lack of production, and if there's an organization that might feel confident enough to turn that around for Faulk, it'd be the Chiefs. That organization continues to develop defensive players in a quality way. 30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State Again, the Dolphins need talent. Chris Johnson is a really talented player with lots of ball production and has been a late riser in this draft. Teams like his length as well, and while I'm not sure about the fit here, Johnson should be a first-round pick. 31. New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, edge rusher, Texas A&M Many believe that Eagles wideout A.J. Brown might wind up in New England later this offseason. It also signed Romeo Doubs, so I'm not sure if there's much of a need at wide receiver. I think the Patriots roll with Cashius Howell, who fits what coach Mike Vrabel wants to do on defense. Howell was a stand-up edge rusher with lots of production at Texas A&M. He was electric and unblockable for most of the year. He has short arms, but he doesn't rely on power. 32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame I'm leaning on what Jeremiah told me on "The Joel Klatt Show" last week, which was that Jadarian Price's draft floor and ceiling is pick No. 32. Seattle desperately needs help at running back with Kenneth Walker leaving and Zach Charbonnet rehabbing from his ACL tear. I know Price was Love's backup, but he's clearly the second-best running back in this draft. There really isn't another starting running back in the draft, either. So, they're stuck here. Love can also return kicks, and I think Mike Macdonald will love his mentality.

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2026 NFL Draft: Rankings, Best Team Fits for Top 12 Quarterbacks

Of the top 150 NFL prospects on my final Big Board, you’ll see only eight quarterbacks included, with just three among the first 100. If the draft falls that way, it will be the first since 2000 in which there weren’t at least four QBs among the first 100 players selected. Most years, the first round is the round to watch for quarterbacks. And this year is no exception, as where (and when) Ty Simpson is selected will generate huge ripple effects in this draft. But I expect the biggest run on QBs to transpire in the fourth round. We’ve documented the ups and downs of this year’s class since the beginning and end of the season. Now, with the draft finally upon us, I have grades on the top 12 draftable quarterbacks. Here is how I rank them and why. 12. Mark Gronowski, Iowa Projected round: 7/UDFAPro comp: Jaren HallBest team fits: San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys With an NCAA-record 58 career wins, including two national championships at South Dakota State prior to finishing his collegiate career at Iowa, Gronowski certainly is a winner. And he possesses NFL size, athleticism and toughness, as well. Despite what his career 103-27 touchdown to interception rate and 63% competition percentage suggest, however, Gronowski lacks ideal accuracy. He has the dual-threat ability and intangibles to stick as a backup and developmental project, warranting late-round consideration. 11. Joe Fagnano, Connecticut Projected round: 6-7Pro comp: Bailey ZappeBest team fits: New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints A traditional pocket passer with good anticipation, zip and accuracy to attack short and intermediate zones, Fagnano’s game translates better to the NFL than some of the other Day 3 candidates. However, he’s an older prospect (he turns 25 this month) and one who faced limited competition over his career, playing four seasons at Maine (an FCS school) before transferring to UConn, where his production was boosted by the presence of speedy wideout Skyler Bell. But make no mistake, Fagnano’s production was eye-popping at Connecticut: a 48:6 TD-INT ratio over two seasons as a starter. He varies his release nicely and takes care of the football, rarely putting it in harms way. Fagnano further helped his stock at the East-West Shrine Bowl. 10. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Projected round: 6-7Pro comp: Max DugganBest team fits: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets Padilla is the underdog that draws so many to sports in the first place. He’s a 5-foot-10, 207-pound former zero-star recruit who built himself into a Heisman Trophy finalist and four-time team captain with victories over both Alabama and Auburn in his career. He’s best-suited for an RPO attack, showing courage and craftiness as a runner (31 rushing TDs over his career), as well as good accuracy on the move. However, that accuracy wanes as the passes get deeper, and I think he’ll struggle with the tighter windows in the NFL. He’s at his best playing off script, and not every team will be comfortable with his improvisational style and personality. That said, I love his competitiveness and creativity. 9. Haynes King, Georgia Tech Projected round: 6Pro comp: Tyrod TaylorBest team fits: Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, Denver Broncos It isn’t often that a quarterback leads a Power Four conference in rushing touchdowns, but that was the case with King, whose 15 scores on the ground was one more than he threw last season. Those numbers belie King’s intriguing accuracy (and willingness to test tight windows) on short to intermediate throws. He can throw the ball with zip and touch alike. He lacks the arm strength of some of this year’s other draftable quarterbacks, however, and, as such, is a bit scheme dependent. As his rushing totals suggest, King is a dynamic athlete for the quarterback position, clocking in at 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He began his college career as a four-star prospect for Texas A&M but struggled with injuries there before transferring to Georgia Tech, where he steadily developed into one of the most productive quarterbacks in school history. His work ethic, competitiveness and dual-threat abilities could help him find a niche in the NFL, though likely as a backup. 8. Cade Klubnik, Clemson Projected round: 5 (No. 145 prospect rank)Pro comp: Brett HundleyBest team fits: Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings Quarterbacks often get too much of the praise when things go wrong and Klubnik is a perfect example of how they can get too much of the blame when a team struggles. He was far from faultless for the Tigers’ disappointing 2025 campaign, watching his passing touchdowns plummet from 36 as a junior to just 16 (in 12 games), despite his completion percentage jumping to a career-high 66%. At 6-foot-2, 207 pounds, Klubnik lacks ideal size and possesses only average arm strength. But he's a quality athlete with good accuracy on short to intermediate passes, including on the move. Like a lot of athletic passers, he has a tendency to stick too long on his initial read, then skip too quickly through secondary progressions and then start to drift out of the pocket, dropping his eyes and looking for an escape route. He got into some bad habits trying to put a Clemson offense that didn’t have the dynamic playmakers it once had onto his back. I still see starter-level potential, but Klubnik needs some refining and a better supporting cast to get back to his prior playmaking self. 7. Drew Allar, Penn State Projected round: 4 (No. 120 prospect rank)Pro comp: Landry JonesBest team fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers If one were to draw up the prototypical NFL quarterback, it might look a lot like Allar. He checks in at a solid 6-foot-5, 228 pounds, and he has an absolute bazooka of a right arm. He can make every throw in an NFL playbook and enters the league as a three-year starter with a sterling 61:13 TD-INT ratio. But as I told FOX's Eric Williams in his piece on this year's Most Underhyped and Overhyped Prospects, I’ve yet to see Allar show the requisite instincts to translate his talent into consistent high-level play. He gets frazzled when his initial read is taken away and too often resorts to checkdowns, rather than trusting his arm (or teammates) to make critical plays. He looked like a future first-round pick back in 2023 but he's regressed since, and his senior campaign was abruptly cut short due to a broken ankle that kept him from participating in the All-Star games and pre-draft workouts. There is no denying Allar’s allure. No one should be surprised if he is drafted earlier than my ranking. But I think he’s further away than his traits and stats suggest. 6. Cole Payton, North Dakota State Projected round: 4 (No. 116 prospect rank) Pro comp: Jake LockerBest team fits: Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers Payton is similar in many ways to the aforementioned Taylen Green in that he is a classic dual-threat quarterback whose ability as a runner is every bit as valuable as his current passing skills. His first start at the collegiate level, in fact, came at running back, not quarterback. He is a left-handed power thrower still learning the nuances of passing the ball with timing and precision. But there are some "wow" throws on tape — and an intriguing variety of them — including the standard verticals that require vision and arm strength, but also post-corners needing touch and rollouts that show off his ability to throw accurately on the move. A physical, determined runner, Payton gives off some Taysom Hill vibes, but I think he has more upside as a passer. He’ll require patience, but he is arguably the most intriguing developmental quarterback of this class. 5. Taylen Green, Arkansas Projected round: 4 (No. 113 prospect rank) Pro comp: A mix of Randall Cunningham and Anthony RichardsonBest team fits: Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles There are few players in this draft at any position with more highlight reel plays than Green, a remarkable 6-foot-6, 227-pounder who enters the NFL with a staggering 94 overall touchdowns scored over four seasons spread between Arkansas and Boise State. His explosive playmaking ability was obvious on tape, but the numbers he produced at the Combine were stunning nontheless — including a 4.36 40-yard dash and 43.5-inch vertical jump. Teams looking for a true dual-threat quarterback could see Green as a potential superstar. The concern is that Green remains quite raw as a pocket passer given his 46 career starts. He typically waits for his receivers to get open, rather than anticipating windows, staring down his primary targets and allowing defensive linemen opportunities to bat down more balls than you’d expect for a quarterback of his height. He is too quick to drift out of the pocket and drop his eyes to scramble rather than stepping up against pressure to allow pass-catchers time. Green is a lottery ticket that could pay off big, but he requires an offense catered to his skill set and there are only so many of those in the NFL. 4. Carson Beck, Miami Projected round: 4 (No. 107 prospect rank)Pro comp: Mason RudolphBest team fits: Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders Beck personifies the philosophical divide about this year’s quarterback class. Critics are quick to point out that Beck struggled in big moments. Optimists can easily counter that his cerebral play and precision passing out of pro-style offenses are why his teams consistently played in big games in the first place. Those who believe in "QB wins" as a metric note that Beck was 37-6 as a starter over his career at Georgia and Miami. Beck looks the part at nearly 6-foot-5, 233 pounds, with a snappy over-the-top delivery and good accuracy to all levels of the field. He is as good throwing the ball off play-action as any quarterback in this class, showing the pre-snap recognition that comes with facing elite competition (in games and practices) over his career. Beck is a classic rhythm passer who is fantastic when he feels comfortable in the pocket, but hasn’t consistently shown the "ice in his veins" poise to project as a frontline NFL starter. 3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Projected round: 2-3 (No. 70 prospect rank)Pro comp: Drew LockBest team fits: New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers Given where he is likely to be drafted, Nussmeier could very well prove the best value of this year’s quarterback class. That is a bold statement, indeed, given that he was benched for the final month of his final campaign. But similar to Ty Simpson, Nussmeier wasn’t surrounded by the typical LSU supporting cast — the Tigers struggled with drops, inconsistent blocking and a poor running game. An abdominal strain suffered early on limited Nussmeier’s arm strength, but that didn’t stop him from taking the risky throws into coverage that had earned him a first-round grade in my initial QB Tiers article entering the season. Nussmeier lacks ideal size at just under 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, and his gunslinger mentality is as likely to get him into trouble as it is to help him succeed, but I want that kind of "let it rip" confidence at quarterback. The son of an NFL (and CFL) quarterback and current offensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints, Nussmeier enters the league as mentally prepared for the complexities of the pro game as anyone on this list. At worst, I see a longtime quality backup with a chance to "surprise" as much more. 2. Ty Simpson, Alabama Projected round: 2 (No. 33 prospect rank) Pro comp: Jimmy GaroppoloBest team fits: Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams Undersized and entering the NFL with just one season as a starter, Simpson’s faults are easy to see. But so too are his strengths, including the quick mental processing that comes from being a coach’s son, as well as impressive accuracy both in the pocket and on the move. He is a talented passer with as many "big-time throws" in 2025 as any quarterback in this class. And while Alabama is perennially loaded with talent, Simpson wasn’t blessed with the same caliber of a supporting cast as his recent Crimson Tide predecessors, often throwing his receivers open rather than having them break off the huge plays on their own that can pad a QB’s statistics. The track record for quarterbacks entering the NFL with less than 20 collegiate starts is frightening, and the 6-foot-1, 212-pound Simpson (15 starts, all in 2025) was beaten up by the end of this season. It takes some faith to project him as a future franchise quarterback — but the passing ability and moxie are there. 1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Projected round: 1 (No. 4 prospect rank) Pro comp: A mix of Jared Goff and Andrew LuckBest team fit: Las Vegas Raiders At nearly 6-foot-5, 236 pounds, Mendoza certainly looks the part of an NFL quarterback, and he possesses the arm strength and accuracy to star at the highest level, as well. It is his intangibles, however, that have me most excited. The composure he showed in guiding Indiana to its first national championship project well to handling the mental rigors he’ll face at the next level. There is no denying that Mendoza was aided by a relatively simple RPO-based Hoosiers offense, but too often his critics fail to mention how quickly he adapted to this scheme after beginning his career at Cal, where he also showed future NFL starter ability. No one should expect Mendoza to be a franchise savior — he lacks the elite physical traits of No. 1 overall candidates of prior years. But he’s smart, tough, determined and poised. If he’s given a quality supporting cast, the Mendoza magic can continue in the NFL.

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2026 NFL Draft Odds: Could Carson Beck Remain in the Sunshine State?

Carson Beck is from Florida, spent his final collegiate season in Florida, and may very well begin his professional career in Florida. Apparently, the sunshine is a fan of Beck. Let's check out the odds for where Beck will land in the 2026 NFL Draft, at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 19. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Which team will Carson Beck be drafted by? Dolphins: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)Steelers: +400 (bet $10 to win $50 total)Jets: +425 (bet $10 to win $52.50 total)Cardinals: +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)Eagles: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)Rams: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)Texans: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)Lions: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)Broncos: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)Browns: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total) After winning Florida Mr. Football back in 2018, Beck took his talents to Georgia for college. After redshirting in 2020, he served in a backup role in 2021 and 2022, becoming the starter in 2023. In his first year as a starter, he led the Bulldogs to a 13-1 record, but they missed the four-team College Football Playoff. In his second season starting, the Bulldogs went 11-2 and were the 2-seed in the CFP, but fell to Notre Dame in the quarterfinals. Beck then transferred to Miami for his sixth and final season in college, guiding Miami to a 13-3 overall record, including a berth in the CFP title game, where the Hurricanes lost to Indiana. Last year, Beck, 23, threw for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He completed 72.4% of his passes. FOX Sports NFL analyst Bucky Brooks has Beck ranked as the third-best quarterback heading into the draft, and had this to say about the super senior: "Beck's toughness and tenacity make it easy for scouts to fall in love with his potential as a game-manager-plus for a winning team. While his limitations as a passer (arm strength) could shrink the field for the offense, his winning pedigree from guiding championship-caliber teams at Miami and Georgia could help him lead a competitive squad to wins as a substitute QB1. "Given the recent success of experienced young quarterbacks, the 23-year-old Beck is an intriguing Day 2 prospect in the 2026 class." Topping the oddsboard is the Miami Dolphins, meaning if the odds hold true, Beck won't have to move far. The Dolphins drafted Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He went 44-32 in 76 regular-season starts and 0-1 in the playoffs before he was released by Miami in March of this year. The Dolphins then signed Malik Willis to a three-year deal in free agency, making him their new starter, meaning Beck, if he lands in Miami, will likely serve as a second- or third-string QB.

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2026 NFL Draft Odds: Draft Positions for Caleb Downs, Jeremiyah Love, More

Fernando Mendoza is the biggest name, but not the only big name in the 2026 NFL Draft. Let's check out the Over/Under odds (at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 19) for where some of the biggest names in this year's draft might land. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Jeremiyah LoveNotre Dame — RB Over 5.5: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)Under 5.5: -240 (bet $10 to win $14.17 total) What to know: The last time a running back went in the top five was back in 2018, when the Giants selected Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick. Ashton Jeanty went sixth to the Raiders last season. Caleb DownsOhio State — S Over 9.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)Under 9.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total) What to know: No safety has gone top-10 in the NFL Draft since Jamal Adams went sixth to the Jets back in 2017. Minkah Fitzpatrick went 11th to the Dolphins in 2018. Malaki Starks was the first safety selected last season, going 27th to Baltimore. Ty Simpson Alabama — QB Over 24.5: -320 (bet $10 to win $13.13 total)Under 24.5: +225 (bet $10 to win $32.50 total) What to know: Only two quarterbacks went in the first round last season, after the first three picks of the 2024 NFL Draft were QBs. The last Alabama QB to go in the first round was Bryce Young back in 2023, when he was selected No. 1 by the Panthers. Carnell TateOhio State — WR Over 7.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)Under 7.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total) What to know: If you count Travis Hunter as a wide receiver, then two wide receivers went in the top 10 in 2025: Hunter to Jacksonville at No. 2, and Tetairoa McMillan to Carolina at No. 8. Three wideouts went in the top 10 in 2024: Marvin Harrison Jr. to Arizona at No. 4, Malik Nabers to the Giants at No. 6 and Rome Odunze to Chicago at No. 9. Sonny StylesOhio State — LB Over 5.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)Under 5.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total) What to know: The last linebacker to go in the top five just so happens to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, Will Anderson Jr. He went to the Texans with the third pick in 2023. Now, Anderson mostly plays edge rusher for Houston. Rueben Bain Jr. Miami FL — DL Over 8.5: -320 (bet $10 to win $13.13 total)Under 8.5: +230 (bet $10 to win $33 total) What to know: Defensive linemen always go in the top 10. Since 2013, only twice has the top 10 not featured a defensive lineman — back in 2021 and then again in 2024. Kenyon SadiqOregon — TE Over 15.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)Under 15.5: -150 (bet $10 to win $16.67 total) What to know: Colston Loveland (No. 10 to Chicago) and Tyler Warren (No. 14 to Indianapolis) both went in the top 15 last season. Brock Bowers went 13th to Las Vegas in 2024, and Kyle Pitts went fourth to Atlanta in 2021. In other words, the tight end position is on the rise when it comes to the first half of the first round.

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2026 NFL Draft Rumors: Ty Simpson Status, Dexter Lawrence Trade Price, More

The NFL Draft is a beast. Rumors flying all over the place. Trade talk concerning players across the sport, which could involve draft picks in the coming draft. We need a place to store this buzz. And with that, here's a tracker for the latest 2026 NFL Draft rumors: Dexter Lawrence trade price The New York Giants are seeking a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft or a first-round pick plus more draft compensation in any trade for the star defensive lineman, according to the New York Post. Lawrence, who reportedly requested a trade earlier this month in hopes of signing a new contract, totaled career-lows in sacks (0.5), combined tackles (31) and quarterback hits (eight) in 2025. Still, the 28-year-old is a three-time Pro Bowler who logged nine sacks across 12 games in 2024. Lawrence has two seasons remaining on a four-year, $90 million contract. Ty Simpson a first-rounder? The Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback is gaining traction to be selected in the first round, according to CBS Sports. After serving as a backup quarterback for three seasons (2022-24), Simpson was Alabama's starter for the 2025 season. In said year, he totaled 3,567 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, five interceptions and a 145.2 passer rating, while completing 64.5% of his passes. Simpson and the Crimson Tide reached the quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff before losing to the Indiana Hoosiers. Most likely New York Jets pick The Jets, who own the No. 2 and 16 picks in the first round, are expected to select either Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese or Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey with the second pick, per CBS Sports. Last season, Reese logged 6.5 sacks, two passes defended and 69 combined tackles, while earning All-American honors; Bailey, who spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career playing for the Stanford Cardinal, racked up a Big 12-high 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, three passes defended and 52 combined tackles in 2025. Jeremiyah Love to the desert? There has been "significant buzz" surrounding the Arizona Cardinals selecting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back with the No. 3 pick, per SNY. Love, who finished third in the voting for the 2025 Heisman Trophy Award, rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 6.9 yards per carry last season, while tallying 280 receiving yards and three receiving scores. He rushed for 17.5 touchdowns per season from 2024-25 on a combined 6.9 yards per carry.

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