With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview, it's time for my second mock of the first round.
Which prospects boosted their draft stock in Indianapolis? Who created more questions? Those developments helped shape the projection you see below.
NFL free agency -- which officially begins at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 11 -- obviously will impact team needs. But where do things stand right now? Here is my updated forecast.
Ultra-accurate quarterback who is able to pick apart defenses -- provided he gets proper protection.
In my first mock of this draft cycle, I had the Jets taking Arvell Reese. This time around, New York grabs a more game-ready pass rusher who can pile up pressures and sacks.
Sure, offensive tackle is a need for Arizona, but so is edge -- and the latter clearly offers better talent than the former at No. 3 overall.
Delane lacks top-end physical traits, but his coverage skills are the best you will find in this year's draft. Tennessee fills a big need for new coach Robert Saleh.
The Giants take a swing on a high-upside cornerback who missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from an ACL tear.
The Browns' trade for Tytus Howard was a start, but needs abound across Cleveland's offensive line. Mauigoa or Howard could get a look at left tackle, with the other manning the right side -- or Mauigoa could bump inside and lock down a guard spot for years to come.
This pick would fade the historical norm for edge defenders with shorter arms, but Bain can rush the passer and is a block destructor against the run. Just a damn-good football player.
Love instantly reduces the workload from Tyler Shough's shoulders as a three-down home run hitter.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
New York dips into its deep draft capital to leap up the board for an enticing prospect. Aaron Glenn saw what a difference Brian Branch made in Detroit, so the second-year head coach pounces on this fiery safety to help change the culture of his defense.
Styles is an explosive athlete with elite traits and three-down talent to impact the game as a rusher, run defender and cover man.
Tate's lack of top-end speed at the NFL Scouting Combine (4.53 40-yard dash) was a little surprising relative to the rest of the group, but the Ohio State product runs great routes and catches everything. He's a baller.
Faulk has impressive size at 6-foot-5 7/8 and 276 pounds with 34 3/8-inch arms. He can play base end on early downs before reducing inside to mismatch guards with his pass rush. The upside trumps the underwhelming 2025 production.
The Rams could look for a safety or cornerback here, but adding more firepower to the receiving corps makes good roster sense, especially with 33-year-old Davante Adams in the final year of his contract.
Wide-bodied drive blocker who has continued to refine his physique and improve his overall quickness and consistency.
Sure, Mesidor will be a 25-year-old rookie, but his pass-rush bag is as deep as a 15th-year veteran's. The Bucs must produce more pressure, and Mesidor can supply that quickly.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH NEW YORK JETS
Following the release of Jawaan Taylor, Brett Veach moves back and takes one of the most athletic tackles in the draft. Freeling joins last year's first-round pick, Josh Simmons, to give Patrick Mahomes a pair of young, talented bookends.
The Lions could target a veteran Band-Aid for the edge spot opposite Aidan Hutchinson. If not, Proctor could step in and compete for a starting job at guard right away before bouncing back outside to tackle whenever Taylor Decker hangs 'em up.
The tape already showed an instinctive safety with the ability to maneuver around the field, but after Thieneman's incredible combine performance, it will be hard for the Vikings not to see the next Harrison Smith.
Young is currently a better run defender than pass rusher, but he's also a big culture player. Missouri coaches say the relentless edge practices like he's in the middle of a game.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH DALLAS COWBOYS
Ryan Poles gets aggressive and moves up the board to grab a long, rangy safety capable of laying the lumber or taking the ball away from a variety of alignments.
A strong 40 time at Arizona State's pro day could take Tyson off the board before this pick, but for now, he's easily the best available player at a position of need for the Steelers.
Banks is one of the most physically gifted defenders in this draft, but durability has been the question. Still, it could be difficult for the Chargers to pass on his high-end traits and talent.
I know there are needs in many areas for the Eagles, but Sadiq is a unicorn with rare explosiveness for the position. He has a chance to become a high-leverage pass catcher who can get the same kind of targets on the first two levels that A.J. Brown has seen in Philly.
Cooper is big, strong and has the ability to add yards after the catch. He's also talented enough to work all three levels of the field.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH CHICAGO BEARS
Hood is an aggressive press cornerback capable of handling his business both in coverage and as a run defender who loves to get after it. The Cowboys could use that type of player -- and in this trade-down scenario, they add an extra pick for good measure.
Buffalo needs to find a true WR1, and Boston might just be the guy. The Washington product is not fast or shifty, but he has elite ball skills, providing Josh Allen with a big target he can depend on.
Short arms have been a big discussion point since the Super Bowl and might cause Fano to slip, but I'm not sure the 49ers would allow him to get past them, considering the athletic talent and scheme fit he could provide at right tackle or a guard spot.
Lomu needs to improve as a run blocker, but he has the potential to become a very good NFL pass protector. The Texans could look to bring him along slowly or immediately plug him in at left tackle and slide Aireontae Ersery over to the right side.
Terrell is a sticky man-cover corner with the ability to irritate the catch point as a true nickel who can swing outside in a pinch.
Hill hasn't been getting much buzz up to this point of the draft process, but he should be. He's fast, is consistent as a find-and-finish linebacker and provides a quality rush/blitz option.
The Patriots shocked the world last season, but they will need to keep improving now that they are the hunted. Concepcion is a tremendous separator who can give Drake Maye plenty of clean looks from the slot.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Texans GM Nick Caserio loves to get loose on the phone lines during the draft. This time, he jumps up from the second round to target a young run-stuffer with significant upside.
