A fiery free agency has reached the smoldering period, which means it's time to reset mock drafts.
This projection improves upon my previous exercise, adding a fourth round and accounting for free agency as well as information gleaned from the NFL Scouting Combine and the first few weeks of pro days.
In the first round of this simulation, I include four trades that allow teams to jump up the board for top prospects, with those deals shuffling a few spots in Rounds 3 and 4. There are no additional trades in later rounds, though, which means a few squads meet primary needs later than expected.
The Raiders have drafted just three quarterbacks in the first round since the AFL-NFL merger: Marc Wilson (15th overall pick, 1980), Todd Marinovich (24th, 1991) and JaMarcus Russell (1st, 2007). Mendoza's intelligence and ability to step up in the clutch should end the team's inability to find a franchise signal-caller in Round 1.
Head coach Aaron Glenn picks Reese as the newest chess piece in his defense. The Ohio State product's athletic upside and effectiveness -- both as a pass rusher and run defender -- make him the right choice.
The Cardinals don't overthink this pick. Mauigoa's a strong, hard-nosed run blocker who fills a major need in Arizona and should be an NFL starter for a decade.
Bailey's excellent senior season locked up a top-five draft slot. The Titans need his superb combination of power and closing speed on the edge, even after trading for Jermaine Johnson II.
It's still possible John Harbaugh goes for a defensive back like Caleb Downs, mirroring his selections while in Baltimore. An explosive playmaker like Love might be too good to pass up, though, as defenses will need to stay in their gaps on run plays and securely tackle in the open field to prevent the former Notre Dame star from breaking away for big gains.
Cleveland's O-line needs are strong enough to take a chance on Freeling's upside at left tackle. He was not particularly smooth during on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he has the athleticism and length to be a long-time starter.
With Bobby Wagner currently in free agency, Styles could step in to replace the veteran leader, using his plus athleticism and nose for the ball to make an immediate impact on the second level of Dan Quinn's defense.
Eight-time Pro Bowler Cameron Jordan is on the open market, opening a spot for one of the few pass rushers in this class with ideal length (34 3/8-inch arms).
Downs will slot right in as a defensive leader for the Chiefs on Day 1 -- just like former top-10 pick Eric Berry.
The Bengals grab Delane for his top-10-worthy coverage skills. Dax Hill can stay in the slot, while Delane and DJ Turner II hold down the outside.
Bain stays in Miami to help lead the Dolphins in their rebuild. His less-than-ideal measurables might push him outside of the top 10, but he has the skill set to harass NFL offensive linemen for years to come.
It's unclear whether George Pickens will be traded or play in Dallas on the franchise tag. If Pickens stays, adding Tate on the outside and moving CeeDee Lamb into the slot would be a beautiful setup for quarterback Dak Prescott.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH RAMS (THIS PICK VIA FALCONS)
The Lions ignored Penei Sewell's lack of ideal arm length (33 1/4 inches) when selecting him seventh overall in 2021. They throw caution to the wind again, moving up for an excellent blocker with 32 1/8-inch arms -- and the versatility to play tackle, guard or center. Detroit sends a fifth-rounder this year (No. 157 overall) and a 2027 third-rounder to the Rams, who recoup some draft currency after giving up multiple picks in the deal for CB Trent McDuffie.
Ioane will be a dominant force in the run game for the Ravens and he is a sturdy pass protector. Pairing him with free-agent acquisition John Simpson gives Baltimore a nice guard duo.
The Buccaneers may very well overlook Banks' recent foot injury -- which will sideline him until June -- because few humans possess his combination of size (6-foot-6, 327 pounds, 35-inch arms) and agility. Alongside Vita Vea, Banks will form a wall in the run game and provide some interior pass rush that'll make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Vea is a free agent next year, so a healthy Banks could fill those huge shoes, if needed, in the Bucs' defensive front.
Trade acquisition Geno Smith takes the pressure off Simpson to start as a rookie. The Alabama product's inconsistency and inexperience (15 college starts) will make some question whether or not he's worth a top-20 pick. But several other teams (like Pittsburgh and Arizona) could have interest in Simpson later in the first round or early in the second, so the Jets take him off the board here.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH LIONS
Cooper can play in the slot or on the perimeter because of his strength, quickness and outstanding body control. He will be a fantastic complement to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams this season and could take on a larger role the following year, as both Nacua and Adams are free agents in 2027.
If McCoy, who missed the entire 2025 college season with an ACL injury, proves himself healthy and ready at Tennessee's pro day (March 31), the Vikings could jump at the opportunity to finally secure a lockdown cornerback for DC Brian Flores. McCoy's aggression and ball skills should overcome any injury concerns, as long as his medical exams are clean. 
Sadiq proved his plus athleticism at the combine (4.39-second 40-yard dash, 43 1/2-inch vertical leap, 11-foot-1 broad jump), so he could be selected earlier than this. Carolina would love to see him available here to join reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan.
Trading for Rashan Gary somewhat alleviated a dire need for more pass rush, but Mesidor's hustle and closing speed make him a value pick at No. 20.
With LT Broderick Jones recovering from December neck surgery and the team weighing whether to exercise his fifth-year option, Miller should be squarely on the Steelers' radar. Troy Fautanu can move back to left tackle if Miller needs to step in as a rookie.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH CHARGERS
Cleveland doesn't wait around to see if Philadelphia chooses Tyson, swapping fourth-round picks with the Chargers and sending a fifth-rounder to compete the deal. Tyson's the most explosive receiver in the class and could turn out to be the biggest playmaker if healthy.
Lemon is pegged as a slot receiver, but he can play outside just fine when DeVonta Smith works inside. This pick becomes even more important if A.J. Brown is dealt.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH BROWNS (THIS PICK VIA JAGUARS)
The Chargers fortify the interior of their offensive line with Bisontis, whose strength and mobility fill the hole at left guard opened by the departure of Zion Johnson.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH BEARS
Miami sends the first- and third-round picks it received in the Jaylen Waddle trade (as well as a fifth-rounder) to Chicago in order to acquire the explosive after-the-catch playmaker needed with Waddle gone (along with the Bears' fourth-round pick). Newly signed quarterback Malik Willis can't move the offense without dynamic receivers.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH BILLS
Proctor's wide frame and brute strength might send him to right tackle at the next level. Andy Reid could also move last year's first-round pick, Josh Simmons, back to the right side where he began his collegiate career at San Diego State. To move up three spots, the Chiefs send their fourth-round pick to the Bills, who send back a sixth-rounder.
Trent Williams' contract renegotiations are in flux, but even if he returns for another season, the 49ers must prepare for the 37-year-old's eventual departure. Lomu's still growing as a run blocker, but his natural pass-protection skills are first-round worthy.
Hunter's unique combination of short-area quickness and power fit beautifully in the middle of DeMeco Ryan's defense.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH CHIEFS (THIS PICK VIA RAMS)
The Bills' new-look defense could use Howell's speed off the edge. Opponents will forget all about his short arms (30 1/4 inches) when he becomes a major pass-rush factor as his rookie campaign progresses.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH DOLPHINS (THIS PICK VIA BRONCOS)
The Bears luck into finding the athletic but tough-minded Thieneman available despite trading down for much-needed draft capital. He'll be effective in the box and playing deep as a rookie.
New England's pass-protection issues were on full display in the Super Bowl. The team hopes Will Campbell gets stronger at left tackle, but Iheanachor has no such issues stopping edge rushers from reaching the quarterback.
After starting his college career at Auburn, Hood transferred from Colorado to Tennessee before last season and was thrust into a starting role because of Jermod McCoy's injury. The Seahawks lacked a stopper outside of Devon Witherspoon in their cornerback room last year, so this is a perfect fit.
