DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk NFL Draft 2026 Published Mocks

The latest Dan Brugler mock from The Athletic - I am quite a big fan of Dan's drafting reports on players.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State
3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
11. Miami Dolphins: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
16. New York Jets (from IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
19. Carolina Panthers: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami
20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
25. Chicago Bears: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
28. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)*: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
29. Los Angeles Rams: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
(Note: The Rams have traded this pick to the Chiefs as part of a package for CB Trent McDuffie, a league source told The Athletic.)
30. Denver Broncos: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
31. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson
32. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Given this scenario at #6 and #24 - I'd personally be looking at WR Tate or Caleb Downs at #6. And Ty Simpson would be hard to pass up at 24. It wouldn't address the OL ... Looking at the board I see a lot of love for Freeling. Assuming no trade down maybe Freeling at 6 and Tyson at 24 is a pretty good combination.

As ever I am starting to feel a little optimistic. Stroll on April 23rd.

The athletic latest 1st round - again not sure if it is pay wall so will just post the CLE picks. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/71...l&campaign=711528&userId=4624222

6. Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
A former five-star recruit who lived up to his hype, Mauigoa was a three-year starter for the Hurricanes and team captain of a squad that made it to the national title game. The Browns need a lot of help up front, and the 6-5 1/2, 330-pounder should be a good fit. Some scouts told The Athletic they think he might be better as a guard (he has 33 1/4-inch arms). His coach, Mario Cristobal, has raved about Mauigoa’s versatility, power and technique, saying he could play at any of the five offensive line spots and do well.

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
With the Browns getting some O-line help earlier with Mauigoa, receiver is the big need to help spark a suspect offense. Concepcion’s wheels should help a lot. This guy has dazzling playmaking ability. He’s stronger than you think at 6-0, 196. In 2023, he was the ACC Rookie of the Year at NC State, with 839 receiving yards and 320 rushing yards, averaging almost eight yards per carry. At A&M last season, he averaged 14 yards per offensive touch. He is a terror for opponents as a punt returner, averaging 18.2 yards and taking two back for touchdowns in 2025. He’d be projected to go sooner if his hands were more reliable. Last season, he had seven drops, according to PFF.

“He torches guys with his burst,” said an SEC DC. “You gotta know where he is because he could kill you with bubble screens or slants, and he’s gone before you know it and no one is catching this dude. His hands are shaky. If he can become more consistent, he’ll be a star in the NFL.”

I'd be happy enough with this draft. I think PFF have Mauigoa as the 7th best player in the draft. Tate, Fano and Downs all available in at #6 ... I'd bet on a trade down 2-4 spots if this was the case come draft day. Unless they covet Downs or Tate - I don't think there is a player they gotta take, and a small move down would get you draft capital in 2027 that will possibly be crucial.

Why does this factor not push him out of the first round? Haven't we had enough guys with "potential" who had bad hands in college?

There are a lot of draft reviews out there - this happens to be from the same place as the mock draft simulator:

WR Rank #4

PFF #35 - ESPN #40 - The Athletic #22 - CBS Sports #31


KC Concepcion will be a darling of analytically-minded evaluators after his true freshman breakout at NC State. In his very first collegiate season, Concepcion caught 71 passes for 839 yards and 10 TDs, and added 320 yards on the ground at 7.8 yards per attempt -- good for 1,159 total yards from scrimmage and a total yardage share over 25%. His second season at NC State was much less efficient, but in a new environment in 2025, Concepcion was able to reclaim his standing in the NFL Draft pecking order.

At 5'11", 187 pounds, Concepcion is a human joystick with incredible throttle control, change-of-direction, and spatial feel -- traits that lend well to natural separation, RAC ability, and usage versatility. He can still clean up focus drops at times, but his hand technique and catch-point control is otherwise sound. He's an incredibly dynamic RAC weapon, and he's shown he can beat press coverage with calculated quickness and bouts of targeted physicality, suggesting true impact starter and multi-alignment upside as a movement-Z receiver.

I'd say 24 would not be a reach. If he has burst, separation and can beat press man coverage ... that's no small thing.

Until he beats coverage and drops the ball, then it becomes a big thing.

I don't have him in my top 6 receivers, because of his hands...I have him at #37 overall. So, if he were there at #39, after taking Tate at #6, I would take a flyer on him if someone better doesn't drop down at a place of need. No way I would want to rely on him as the first option. I also don't want to spend a top ten pick on a guard.

I think that could possibly be at least one of the Plan B options. I think Plan A would be to trade down to accumulate another first round pick for a very rich QB draft next year. If Plan A fails you can always resort to Plan B. Everyone in business should have multiple contingency plans.

Just my opinion ........I have heard a lot of people wanting to trade down, but I think they are going to be disappointed, because I see a small handful of "great" players, and a bunch of guys who are good, and the kind you build your team with, nut not guys you typically rate so highly trhat you go blowing assetts trading up on. I just don't think there will be a lot of trade down opportunities that would bring value.

I think that same thing every time someone says "just trade down". It takes two to tango. There will still be coveted players at 6, the question becomes by whom and is the price of admission high enough.

Definitely not the no-brainer-done-deal a lot of people act like it is.

You still want assets in return that makes it worth the while, and you still want to be almost certain you can grab someone high on your board with the 1st round swap.

I agree with Bone, Y Town and Fate ... would like to trade down. There are a handful of "great" players - and I think one of them will be there at #6 and someone will want to trade up because in all likelihood it won't be a position of high need for the Browns ... it then becomes a question of what we can get in return and does it meet the value we place on dropping down.

This is not a mock - this is the Athletic consensus top 50 players in the draft based on their feedback from NFL insiders.

Player Position School Last Change
1 Jeremiyah Love RB Notre Dame 3 2
2 Arvell Reese LB Ohio State 1 −1
3 Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana 2 −1
4 David Bailey Edge Texas Tech 4 0
5 Caleb Downs S Ohio State 5 0
6 Sonny Styles LB Ohio State 6 0
7 Mansoor Delane CB LSU 7 0
8 Rueben Bain Jr. Edge Miami 9 1
9 Carnell Tate WR Ohio State 8 −1
10 Francis Mauigoa OT Miami 10 0
11 Spencer Fano OT Utah 12 1
12 Kenyon Sadiq TE Oregon 14 2
13 Makai Lemon WR USC 11 −2
14 Olaivavega Ioane IOL Penn State 15 1
15 Jordyn Tyson WR Arizona State 13 −2
16 Monroe Freeling OT Georgia 17 1
17 Keldric Faulk Edge Auburn 18 1
18 Jermod McCoy CB Tennessee 16 −2
19 Dillon Thieneman S Oregon 24 5
20 Kadyn Proctor OT Alabama 23 3
21 Avieon Terrell CB Clemson 21 0
22 Akheem Mesidor Edge Miami 19 −3
23 Omar Cooper Jr. WR Indiana 22 −1
24 Denzel Boston WR Washington 20 −4
25 Caleb Lomu OT Utah 26 1
26 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren S Toledo 25 −1
27 KC Concepcion WR Texas A&M 28 1
28 Kayden McDonald DT Ohio State 27 −1
29 Colton Hood CB Tennessee 31 2
30 Blake Miller OT Clemson 39 9
31 Peter Woods DT Clemson 29 −2
32 Zion Young Edge Missouri 33 1
33 Cashius Howell Edge Texas A&M 32 −1
34 T.J. Parker Edge Clemson 34 0
35 CJ Allen LB Georgia 36 1
36 Ty Simpson QB Alabama 38 2
37 Max Iheanachor OT Arizona State 35 −2
38 Chris Johnson CB San Diego State 42 4
39 Caleb Banks DT Florida 30 −9
40 Jacob Rodriguez LB Texas Tech 47 7
41 Germie Bernard WR Alabama 43 2
42 Anthony Hill Jr. LB Texas 37 −5
43 Lee Hunter DI Texas Tech 46 3
44 Brandon Cisse CB South Carolina 41 −3
45 Malachi Lawrence Edge UCF 60 15
46 Chase Bisontis IOL Texas A&M 45 −1
47 R Mason Thomas Edge Oklahoma 40 −7
48 Jadarian Price RB Notre Dame 44 −4
49 Emmanuel Pregnon IOL Oregon 56 7
50 D'Angelo Ponds CB Indiana 52 2

I have a question for everyone…

What if…

The Raiders had a trade in the works when they traded Maxx Crosby?
If they thought they could get a better pass rusher along with a 2026 first, 2027 first and a 2029 first… if the new rule was passed.

The question is, what if the Raiders are willing to trade the #1 pick in order to chance they can still get one of the top QBs of 2027?

Would you all be willing to trade #6, #24 and 2027 first for Mendoza? We might not have a chance at a 2027 QB if we win games in 2026. What if we got our QB now instead of waiting?

Raiders have Cousins for 2026. Maybe they are willing to think about it.

I don't hate the idea other than he ends up with no-one to throw to and a mediocre at best OL...

The Oline has already been addressed. I know everyone wants a future LT, but I’m not sure we’re going to find one in this draft whether we use a first rounder on him or not. We would still have the #39 and #70 pick in this draft and the way the chart comes out, LV would have to send their 2nd rounder pick back to us next year. So they would have two first rounders this year and next, while we would have (1) first this year, (1) 2nd this year and (2) 2nds next year.

I ran a mock where Denzel Boston was still available at #39, I was able to get Connor Lew at #70 and Ted Hurst at #107. that along with Fernando Mendoza would be a pretty good draft I think.

If we made the trade early enough, I think Taylor Decker is still available in FA.

Everything is a possibility. Most scenarios, such as yours, are most certainly not a probability.

No, no, no! Did we not learn a lesson about missing multiple years of first round drafting with the Watson trade? Never mind the fact that Watson hasn't panned out so far, just imagine what we could have added ( 3 firsts) to our roster! NEVER....

I do not think this will happen, but I would make that trade. Mendoza is predicted to be a franchise QB. Whether he ultimately will or not we will see. Last year the Browns traded down to get a QB in 2026. I am sure they are disappointed that the QB's fizzled and that plan now needs a plan B. If they were to make that trade, they could add a big receiver like Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell, but he does not project as a #1 but many scouts do not see Tate as a future #1 either. They can still add talent to the WR Room and may have to sign a stop gap LT like Taylor Decker because it would be hard to draft a starter at Left tackle this year. But a franchise QB can hide many holes on a football team.

I agree 100% that it isn't happening. I was just curious where the group stood on finding an upgrade at QB. What that cost would look like.




One has nothing to do with the other. There has been a lot of talk of moving down from #6 in order to get another 2027 first round pick... It would be the same scenario if we waited until next year.

So, just to make it extremely clear, if we pick outside the top ten for the next 10 years, you want them to stay in whatever position they would be and hope and pray that a worthy QB drops to that draft spot? You are unwilling to make any sacrifice to up your odds that you would actually get one that might be much better than the average of the league?

In the scenario above, you would only be out of a first round draft pick for a single season, 2027. Your first rounder in 2026 would be Mendoza, then you would have two second rounders in 2027, but not a first. Then you are back on schedule in 2028. Next year's draft class, I believe you will have to throw the draft chart out the window. There will be so many teams maneuvering for one of these guys that it will take at least an extra future first above the draft chart to move into position. Obviously, all of them in the class could fall flat on their face in 2026, but I would be betting on the opposite. I think there are going to be at least (4) QBs with top ten grades on them. It all depends on how much you care which one you get, but you will have to maneuver inside the top 4, imho.

Now, on the other side of the coin, someone within the Raiders organization would have to have a doubt in their mind about Mendoza and be influential enough to change minds inside the building. I think very highly of Mendoza, which is why I brought it up.

The unknown is very hard to put values on....

I suppose in a "would you or would you not scenario" under your parameters I would. In both a trade down for an extra first next year or your scenario it would take two first round picks at a minimum to secure a QB. And The Odds are we would have to throw in extra picks next year as well. And as you stated, the unknown is not only hard to place a value on, but hard to predict as well.

J/C

At this point it is futile to try to make projections. Darn near every mock out there has the possibility of being fairly accurate, yet hold the possibility of being way off base. The only certainty is we will draft some players. We just don't know the who, when, and at what position.

Heck, even Berry doesn't know those answers. Every pick made before our own pick throughout the draft rounds changes the dynamics of who we will pick. The only thing we know with some degree of confidence is we will probably take a receiver and OT at some point in the first 2-3 rounds.

6. Cleveland Browns
Spencer Fano, OT/G, Utah

Fano is a rare prospect in this draft in that he has true versatility across the entire offensive line. He can play tackle and guard, and he even took snaps at center during the combine. Because he might not be viewed as a pure left tackle, sixth might be seen as too rich. But with two picks in the first round, look for Cleveland to get an O-lineman with at least one of them. And Fano is a talented, moveable piece along that line.

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Concepcion is a do-everything wideout who averaged 15.1 yards per catch in 2025 and can also be a key playmaker in the return game. I've had multiple sources compare Concepcion to Zay Flowers. New offensive coordinator Travis Switzer and new coach Todd Monken both had Flowers in Baltimore, and they could get creative with how they use Concepcion in this offense. I had the Browns going with an offensive tackle at No. 6, but they need a playmaker, too.

First OT taken: Francis Mauigoa- Giants
First WR taken: Jordyn Tyson- Chiefs

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/...ider-intel-first-round-picks-predictions

\x

I'm on board with those two picks

Dan Brugler has these guys as his top 10 overall - and his big draft analysis called 'The Beast' is out.

1
Arvell Reese
EDGE 1
Ohio State
A versatile defender who has the physical traits to become a dominant pass rusher.

OVERALL2
Jeremiyah Love
RB 1
Notre Dame
One of the draft’s top athletes: explosive, with a remarkable blend of balance and burst.

OVERALL3
Fernando Mendoza
QB 1
Indiana
The clear QB1: intuition, throwing accuracy and confidence are superpowers.

OVERALL4
Sonny Styles
LB 1
Ohio State
Freaky athlete on track to be an impact linebacker.

OVERALL5
Caleb Downs
S 1
Ohio State
An elite tackler who did not allow a touchdown for two years; a surefire NFL starter.

OVERALL6
Mansoor Delane
CB 1
LSU
An alpha competitor who projects as a starter despite his average size.

OVERALL7
David Bailey
EDGE 2
Texas Tech
Likely to be a versatile NFL starter: quick-twitch, disruptive, powerful and explosive.

OVERALL8
Spencer Fano
OT 1
Utah
When Utah needed a yard, it ran behind No. 55; he projects as an immediate starter.

OVERALL9
Rueben Bain Jr.
EDGE 3
Miami
Not a prototypical edge, but his power and play style will still disrupt NFL backfields.

OVERALL10
Carnell Tate
WR 1
Ohio State
A Day 1 NFL starter and potential Pro Bowler.

We'll see.

I agree Memphis, there will be more trades than usual and I believe a lot will aimed at stocking picks for 2027, and I believe that will be the Browns focus, thats why I see us trading down at #6 and possibly #24!

Dane Brugler - The Athletic. . . . These are just the CLE highlights.

6. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE*): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
*Projected trade: Browns receive Nos. 12, 20 and a 2027 fourth-round pick; Cowboys receive Nos. 6 and 39*

The Cowboys could sit at No. 12 and have an impact defender fall to them, but it won’t be surprising if the organization gets aggressive. Styles would not only be an immediate starter at a position of need, but also wear the green dot as a rookie.

In this projected trade, the Cowboys surrender two of the first-rounders they hold this year (plus a 2027 pick), but they get back into Round 2.

12. Cleveland Browns (from DAL*): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Mendoza going No. 1 and the Browns looking to trade back — those are about the only two things we for sure know will be happening early in Round 1. Fano will be high on the Browns’ wish list if they stick and pick at No. 6, and he’s a no-brainer at No. 12 in this trade-back scenario.

20. Cleveland Browns (from DAL*): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Draft the offensive lineman first, then the receiver? Or vice versa? The answer for Cleveland is debatable, but it works out well in this scenario. After selecting Fano earlier, adding Concepcion’s dynamic inside-outside versatility is a good fit here.

24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Toledo coaches brought McNeil-Warren from Florida to Ohio, and the Browns would love to keep him in the state. He is a tall, rangy safety with the athleticism and ball skills that will translate well to an NFL secondary.

70 Browns
Derrick Moore Edge Michigan

107 Browns
Markell Bell OT Miami

146 Browns
Will Kacmarek TE Ohio State

149 Browns (from CIN)
Jadon Canady CB Oregon

206 Browns (from CHI)
David Gusta DT Kentucky

248 Browns (from SEA)
Karson Sharar LB Iowa

I loathe this trade idea.

I think that there is a sizable difference in talent between 6 and 12. 20-39? Not so much. If Dallas wants #6 they can give us their 2 1st rounders, and a 2nd next year in return for #6 and a 3rd next year. There is no sense trading down if you aren't getting a clear and sizable value in return.

Completely agree. No way do I give up 39 & 6 to get their 12 & 20. Also, KC Concepcion. His worst weakness on profiles I see are drops/hands. No thanks. The main job of a WR is to catch. Doesn't matter how fast, how good he runs routes or elusive he is etc if he doesn't end up with the ball. I would rather risk Tyson with his injuries. Now, if Dallas wants to throw in a first next year instead of #20, maybe I am interested.

Maybe 6-12 isn't that big of a difference is most draft classes, but many feel it is this year.

Yes, I might give them #70 if they want #6, even though the NFL Value Chart Shows 1600 for #6 and 510 for #39 Total 2110 While Dallas #12 1200 #20 850 Total 2050 ... #70 is worth 240 points

I think the odds of a trade out of the #6 are pretty high this year - in an ideal world it will be for 2027 draft capital because I suspect we will looking to draft a FQB next year. That said - we'll see what 'extra' value we get above and beyond the draft value board. At the moment - and it's worth highlighting #6/#24 = 2110 points .... and Cowboys #12/#20 and next years round four is about 2080 points assuming you assign a value of one round later to the future pick. That definitely seems short, you would expect the team trading up to over pay slightly (or a lot) not the other way around.

Interesting enough, but I'd replace these;

12. with Freeling LT GA or Lomu LT UT

70. Brazzell WR TN

149. Payton QB NDSU

When it comes to trades, don't be surprised if it is lower than the 12th pick because that is the only way they are getting a 2027 first round pick, which is what I think Berry covets. OR, somewhere between 6 and 12 and Berry gets a 2027 second round pick.

The simple Cowboys rumor of 12 and 20 for 6 and 39 and an extra middle of the draft pick, I don't think is on the table. If we are talking to Dallas, I see a more complicated scenario like:

Cowboys get: #6, #149 and Browns 2027 4th round pick

Browns get: #12, #112 and Cowboys 2027 second round pick

Is anyone willing to do this?

What is the threshold for moving down, I'm curious where everyone's thoughts are?

Personally, I am way too high on Tate, Love, Styles and Downs. These are all players that would help transform the team. Downs and Styles into the future, so there isn't as much of a drop off as current players get older and leave for FA.. Tate and Love immediate offensive booster right here and now.

At #12, I just don't have the same feeling of team boost now or into the future. Especially when we are throwing around names like Fano and Freeling.

If we dropped to #12, my hopes would be that Tyson or Lemon are still on the board and if it's Tyson, then we start praying for his health every year.. These three receivers are capable of being a #1 receiver, not that they will achieve it, but I see it in their play. I also see it in Denzel Boston, but I am on an island with him. I do not see it in Concepcion, Cooper or any other receiver in the draft. I think there are about 8-10 receivers in this draft that could become great complimentary receivers in this league, but I don't see them as the player that will carry a WR room or elevate a QB.

I know a lot of my opinions are in the minority.

Thoughts on perhaps the rams trading up?
Either for Love or to get the Wr of their choice

I don't disagree at all, which is why I think it might be tough to even pull off a trade in order to do so. I think a lot of teams expecting to be below average in 2026 are thinking the same way that Berry is, in that, 2027 is the draft to get a QB. One team that might do something with Berry is the Rams and their "F 'dem picks" approach. They have the 13th pick and could mortgage next year's first round pick if they like Jordyn Tyson and trust the medicals. Essentially, get D. Adams replacement and potentially have two really good WRs.

I did a quick Google search to see what the most draft capital a team ever gave up for the #6 pick in the draft and was astounded by the answer. I know this isn't the common trade or anywhere close to it for that matter but it is certainly an indication that the price a team is willing to give up in such a trade heavily depends on just how much they covet a player........................

The most draft capital ever paid in a trade to acquire the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft belongs to the Atlanta Falcons in 2011, who executed a massive blockbuster with the Cleveland Browns to draft future Hall of Fame wide receiver Julio Jones.

What the Falcons Gave Up:

2011 1st Round Pick (No. 27 overall)
2011 2nd Round Pick (No. 59 overall)
2011 4th Round Pick (No. 124 overall)
2012 1st Round Pick
2012 4th Round Pick

What the Falcons Received:

2011 1st Round Pick (No. 6 overall – used to select WR Julio Jones)