The free agency frenzy reshuffled rosters across the league, while a series of trades addressed (and created) team needs. In the wake of all that player movement -- and a month away from the 2026 NFL Draft -- it's time for my third attempt at forecasting how the entire first round will play out in Pittsburgh.
NOTE: NFL Network and Â鶹¹ú²ú will have live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23-25.
With a flurry of free-agent signings upgrading the roster and Maxx Crosby remaining in silver and black, Mendoza could spark a quicker-than-expected rise to prominence for the Raiders.
If Aaron Glenn sticks to the blueprint that he helped implement in Detroit, he will take Bailey to give the Jets an explosive pass rusher to create chaos off the edge (like former No. 2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson does for the Lions).
BPA at No. 3? General manager Monti Ossenfort could indeed grab the best player available here, adding a dynamic defender to Nick Rallis' unit.
If the team follows offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s script for improving a young quarterback’s play, Love will come off the board at this pick to put a franchise-caliber player in the backfield with second-year pro Cam Ward. Daboll initially helped Daniel Jones take a big step forward by running the Giants' offense through Saquon Barkley. He could look to replicate that strategy with another electric back in Nashville.
Pairing Styles with free-agent signing Tremaine Edmunds behind a salty front that features Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux would give the Giants a rock-solid foundation for a potential top-five defense.
Adding a playmaker is a top priority for the Browns after fortifying the offensive line with several veterans in free agency. Tate immediately steps in as the new WR1, with the acrobatic pass-catching skills to expand the strike zone for whoever's throwing the football in Cleveland.
The signing of Nick Cross won't prevent the Commanders from adding a versatile, high-IQ safety to the rotation to produce more splash plays from the secondary.
With Travis Etienne boosting the backfield in free agency, the Saints need to upgrade the receiving corps in the draft. Tyson is a natural WR1 with all of the tools to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but his injury history makes this the ultimate gamble as a top-10 pick.
After parting ways with Jawaan Taylor, the Chiefs could prioritize finding a long-term solution at right tackle in the 2026 draft. Mauigoa is a terrific option as a heavy-handed edge blocker with quick feet and a nasty temperament.
The talented technician is a plug-and-play starter with the instincts, awareness and movement skills to take on the premier WR1s in the NFL.
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is committed to rebuilding the Dolphins the right way, prioritizing trench upgrades on both sides of the ball. Ioane is a mauler/brawler who can set the tone on Miami's offensive line.
The seasoned pass rusher can energize a veteran-laden front that features Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary. Bain’s rugged game could prompt new defensive coordinator Christian Parker to push for the Brandon Graham-like disruptor.
The Rams need a WR2/WR3 candidate in the fold to eventually replace 33-year-old Davante Adams on the perimeter. Lemon has inside/outside positional flexibility with a polished game that will quickly earn the trust of reigning MVP Matthew Stafford.
If the Ravens stick to their traditional script of taking the best player available at each pick, the Utah standout could contribute as an interior or bookend blocker for a unit that wants to maul and mash defenses at the point of attack.
Taking a flier on a cornerback who missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL is risky, but McCoy’s instincts, awareness and ball skills make it a worthwhile gamble for a team that needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball.
After recording an NFL-worst four takeaways in 2025 -- with zero interceptions -- the Jets could pounce on a turnover producer with outstanding coverage skills. Terrell is a plug-and-play prospect with the high-IQ and refined game that Aaron Glenn needs in the defensive backfield.
The Lions need to find a complementary edge to alleviate some of the pass-rushing burden on Aidan Hutchinson. Despite his advanced age (turns 25 in April), Mesidor is perfect for the role as a high-motor defender with a loaded toolbox.
The Vikings could make a seamless transition at safety by replacing Harrison Smith with a playmaking clone. Thieneman is a natural center fielder with the box-area skills to also impact the game as a run defender or designated blitzer off the edge.
With Ikem Ekwonu recovering from a serious knee injury before a contract season and Rasheed Walker on a one-year deal, the Panthers could make this pick with an eye toward the future at left tackle. Freeling is a premier talent, but he needs some time to develop into a franchise-caliber tackle.
The Cowboys need more playmakers on the perimeter to improve a defense that struggled mightily in 2025. Hood’s instincts, awareness and physicality would make him an ideal fit in the team’s new defensive scheme under Christian Parker.
Perhaps new head coach Mike McCarthy sees a little Randall Cobb in the Texas A&M standout. Concepcion's playmaking skills as a catch-and-run specialist would add a new dimension to the Steelers' passing game.
Khalil Mack signed up to return for another year, but the Chargers need to groom his eventual successor. Parker is a perfect candidate as a disruptive pass rusher with heavy hands and a violent playing style.
With Lane Johnson nearing the end of his career, the Eagles could take the experienced edge blocker from Clemson to provide insurance against the veteran right tackle's departure. Miller is a talented technician with the tools to anchor the position for the next decade.
The former Ute displays the balance, body control and shadowboxing skills to develop into a franchise-caliber left tackle. Lomu's athleticism makes him an intriguing option in the back half of Round 1.
Kevin Byard's departure creates a huge void in the middle of the Bears' secondary. McNeil-Warren is an enticing safety prospect with a rare combination of skills as a center fielder and box-area bandit.
Adding a violent, downhill linebacker should help the Bills shore up their leaky run defense. Allen's instincts, awareness and thump will set the tone for Buffalo's revamped defensive lineup.
and San Francisco's need for depth on the edges make Howell a potential fit here. The Texas A&M standout lacks ideal arm length, but his nonstop motor and natural pass-rushing skills would energize a unit that faces quality quarterbacks in the divisional race.
Slotting in a disruptive defensive tackle between a pair of All-Pro edge rushers (Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.) would made the Texans' defense even nastier.
Despite the fact that Travis Kelce just signed a , the 36-year-old's best days are behind him. But he could show this explosive pass catcher the ropes in Kansas City, where Andy Reid has no problem incorporating multiple tight ends. Sadiq's ultra-athletic game would be a boon to Patrick Mahomes, allowing the quarterback to continue attacking the middle of the field for the foreseeable future.
Having landed this pick by trading Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins could look to add a pass catcher with lead-receiver potential. Cooper is not a traditional WR1, but he is a Day 1 starter with the ability to contribute from the outside or in the slot.
The big-bodied Auburn product displays enough versatility to enable New England to seamlessly transition from a 3-4 front to a 4-3 without a personnel change. As a heavy-handed, run-stopping edge defender, Faulk would elevate the Patriots' early-down defense while adding a developmental pass rusher to the rotation.
The Seahawks rarely turn down the opportunity to add a playmaking cover corner to the lineup. Cisse is an athletic freak with the speed, quickness and skills to carve out an immediate role on the perimeter.
