Jordyn Tyson

Jordan Katz’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Final

Posted on Updated on

Ladies and Gentlemen, zero hour is upon us. It is officially draft week! If all the reports are true, we are in for absolute chaos this year, and round one is going to be just the start of it. As mentioned in previous mocks, this is a class with a lot of depth, and not a ton of stars. Those are the drafts where General Managers make their money. They need to maneuver the board in a way that lands them “their guys,” which is why these are the kind of drafts that feature a ton of movement.

It has already started with all of the player trades we have seen to this point, and we probably are not done. Eagles star wide receiver AJ Brown is expected to be dealt during the draft, but more on that later. All in all, we are expecting chaos, and this mock is chaos. There are two trades in the top 10, and five first-round trades in total!

The madness did not end in March; it has continued into April! Here is my final mock draft of #DraftSZN!

ROUND ONE

1) Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana

It will be infuriating when Mendoza isn’t selected until 8:22 EST, but I digress. The consensus top pick for months; nothing to see here. Mendoza is the rare quarterback who should start from day one, even if the roster is not ready.

2) New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB Ohio State

Despite all of the David Bailey buzz, Reese still feels like the play. The Jets cooked up the Bailey buzz right around the time that multiple teams were looking into moving up for Bailey. It feels like a classic pre-draft smoke screen based on the timing.

On top of that, the Jets are not in a position to pass on a talent that many deem generational. Reese still makes the most sense for the Jets here.

3) Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, EDGE Texas Tech

The one portion of the Bailey rumor that feels true from above is that teams will have to jump the Titans to get him. That puts the Cardinals in a great position to trade out if they do not want Bailey.

However, why wouldn’t they want him? Arizona’s pass rush was abysmal, and Bailey is the best pure edge rusher in the draft. The Cardinals stay put and take the best player available at a premium position.

4) Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame

The best player in the entire draft, regardless of positional value, is believed to be Jeremiyah Love. He’s a chess piece offensively, flashing elite ability in the open field, as well as skills as a pass catcher. His vision in between the tackles may be his most impressive attribute. The Titans need a game changer to help Cam Ward develop, and Love is that game changer.

5) New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona State

This is a late change for me, but I am going to choose to buy the smoke. Tyson has passed all medical concerns, which means he’s in play to be the top pass catcher taken, and he’s probably a top-10 lock. He makes plays with the ball in his hands, and he’s smooth in and out of his cuts.

On top of that, General Manager Joe Schoen flew out for his pre-draft workout, and then proceeded to acquire the 10th overall pick for Dexter Lawrence. The buzz on Tyson and the Giants feels real, and they will need to pick him at five if they want him that badly.

6) TRADE* Dallas Cowboys (from Browns): Sonny Styles, LB Ohio State

The best player in the entire draft, regardless of positional value, is ACTUALLY Sonny Styles. A 6’5 linebacker who stacks and sheds, and can stick both tight-ends and running backs in coverage, is something we have never seen before. Dallas has long been linked to Styles, and they will need to leapfrog Washington to ensure they get him.

The Trade: The Dallas Cowboys trade the #12, #20, and #112 overall selections to the Cleveland Browns for the #6, #70 and a 2027 3rd round pick.

 7) *TRADE* New York Jets (from Commanders): Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State 

Washington is in a weird spot. Their pick is simple if one of Jeremiyah Love or David Bailey makes it, but that is becoming increasingly less likely.

If he’s not, they become a prime trade-down candidate, with plenty of teams who would answer the call.

The Jets desperately need a playmaker next to Garrett Wilson, and they have the draft capital to go up and get one. On top of that, several mock draft experts have mocked this trade because of the familiarity between the GMs (Moguey and Peters worked together in Denver). 

This looks like a win-win for all parties involved.

The Trade: The New York Jets trade the #16, #44, and a 2027 4th round pick to the Washington Commanders for the Seventh overall selection.

8) New Orleans Saints: Mansoor Delane, CB LSU

While there was buzz around the Saints trading up, it appears that they are locked into this selection. Delane is one of the players they had a pre-draft visit with, and corner is a position of need. He’s a traditional boundary corner with great footwork and the athleticism to trail at the next level.

9) Kansas City Chiefs: Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE Miami

The Chiefs are a tough team to predict here because they could do just about anything. Bain has the most traction. They did deep dives on the top three edge players in this class and are in desperate need of an edge rusher opposite George Karlaftis. Keep an eye on Delane or Jermod McCoy, though; the Chiefs do need a number one corner as well.

10) New York Giants (from Bengals): Caleb Downs, S Ohio State

Now the order might prove to be flipped, but I truly believe the Giants will come away with Tyson and Downs on draft night. Downs is a complete safety, and he is one of the best safety prospects we have seen in years. He will make a day-one impact for the Giants on defense.

11) Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OL Utah

ESPN’s Jordan Reid leaked that the Dolphins appear to be infatuated with Spencer Fano, and with good reason. Their offensive line needs a makeover, and Fano could be successful at several spots up front. He has the intelligence and footwork in pass protection to transition to guard effortlessly. I’ll bite on the smoke screen and give Malik Willis some much-needed protection.

12) *TRADE* Cleveland Browns (from Cowboys): Francis Mauigoa, OL Miami

The Browns pull off the perfect draft day trade here. They move down from six, continue to build out their roster, and take the player they would have picked at their original selection. Maugioa’s toughness and run-blocking ability are needed on this offensive line.

The Trade: See Pick #6.

13) *TRADE* Detroit Lions (from Rams via Falcons): Monroe Freeling, OT Georgia

Freeling was one of the big combine winners, and because of that, he has carved out a spot in the top 15. He’s one of the few tackles in this draft who has the size and athleticism that teams are looking for in 2026. Despite only one year of collegiate tape, Freeling’s upside will attract NFL teams. Detroit moves up to grade its right tackle of the future.

The Trade: The Detroit Lions trade the #17, #118, and a 2027 3rd round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for the 13th overall selection.

14) Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, IOL Penn State

The offensive line run ends here with the best offensive lineman in this draft. Ioane should be the selection at six to the Browns, but because he plays guard, and only guard, he could fall. Baltimore gets an absolute steal here at 14.

15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon

Back-to-back steals here. Sadiq can do it all at the tight end position. He wins routes with size and athleticism, he blocks incredibly well, and he can create yards after the catch. This is where many expect Tampa Bay to go in round one.

16) *TRADE* Washington Commanders (from Jets): Makai Lemon, WR USC

The first thought here is, why wouldn’t Washington just take Carnell Tate at seven? Truth be told, outside of Jordyn Tyson, the league views this receiver class as one where the gap between the top players and the next tier is incredibly small. Lemon is the dynamic playmaker this Commanders’ offense needs, and Washington used a pre-draft visit on him. They also need picks in the middle of this draft to help build out their roster.

The Trade: See Pick #7.

17) *TRADE* Los Angeles Rams (from Lions): Omar Cooper Jr., WR Indiana

It’s always nice to trade back, acquire assets, and take the player you would have selected at your original pick. The Rams do just that here.

Cooper is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. NFL circles are very high on his ability to play through physicality at the line of scrimmage, which makes him the pick for the Rams here.

The Trade: See Pick #13.

18) Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Theineman, S Oregon

Pulling off Theineman here is “Option-A” for the Vikings. They need a safety to play opposite Harrison Smith, and they also need one to replace Harrison Smith in the future. Theineman has so much flexibility for any defense. He can play the nickel, split-high, or single high safety. This is a perfect fit.

19) *TRADE* Houston Texans (from Panthers): Kayden Proctor, OL Alabama

Houston is a prime trade-up candidate. They need to continue to revamp their offensive line, and that opportunity will be there. 

Proctor is a menace in the run game, and his strikes knock back defenders. Yes, his pad level is high in pass protection, and his feet are heavy at times. However, Proctor plays with intensity, and his size is something you cannot teach.

The Trade: The Houston Texans trade #28 and #59 to the Carolina Panthers for the 19th overall selection.

20) *TRADE* Cleveland Browns (from Cowboys via Packers): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S Toledo

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has been the draft darling of many mock draft experts during this cycle. He plays every snap as if it’s his last. His best attribute is his ability near the line of scrimmage and his aggressive play downhill. He’s a perfect fit for the Browns’ defense.

The Trade: See Pick #6.

21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Chris Johnson, CB San Diego State

Throughout this process, it has been a mystery of who will be “CB2.” I was never sold on Avieon Terrell, and kept saying it would be someone different. Now there’s speculation that Jermod McCoy may fall farther than expected.

As we approach draft night, Chris Johnson and Colton Hood seem to be the first names off the board behind Delane. Johnson’s competitiveness in man coverage and willingness to tackle make him a perfect fit in Pittsburgh’s defense.

22) Los Angeles Chargers: Keldric Faulk, DL Auburn

I feel this is too low for Faulk, but players fall on draft night, and that happened to Faulk in this mock. The Chargers have been linked to him because of his versatility. They need a run stopper up front with some quickness as a pass rusher.

23) Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor, OT Arizona State

Even with the AJ Brown rumors, offensive line is actually more of a need for the Eagles. They need to control the line of scrimmage for their offense to be successful.

Lane Johnson is entering the back nine of his career (he might be teeing off on 18, if we are being honest). Iheanachor can sit for a year, develop his technique, and take over Johnson’s starting role next year. This is also something that General Manager Howie Roseman has done before.

24) Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars): R Mason Thomas, EDGE Oklahoma

A sneaky round one prospect is R Mason Thomas. He threw together a very nice draft process where he rose up draft boards after the combine. Thomas possesses good dip-and-bend ability off the edge. Cleveland used a top-30 visit on him, and they need a rotational pass rusher. This is a pick that could surprise many in the back end of round one.

25) Chicago Bears: Zion Young, EDGE Missouri

There are a few players in the back end of round one who I think have promises from teams. Zion Young and the Bears is one of those matches. The Bears need a pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat. Whether that is Young or someone else, that is likely the pick here.

26) *TRADE* New York Giants (from Bills): Kayden McDonald, IDL Ohio State

The Giants end a super active round one by moving back into the first round to solidify their defensive front. McDonald eats blockers against the run, and he has some wiggle as a pass rusher. This is an excellent fit for him.

The Trade: The New York Giants trade the #37, #145, and a 2027 3rd round pick to the Buffalo Bills for the 26th overall selection.

27) San Francisco 49ers: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE UCF

Malachi Lawrence is another player who figures to go in round one because of a promise from a team. While we cannot know for sure who that team is, the Niners are a good guess. They need an athletic pass rusher opposite Nick Bosa, and Lawrence showed elite athleticism throughout the draft process.

28) *TRADE* Carolina Panthers (from Texans): Treyden Stukes, DB Arizona

Following the trade down, the Panthers take a playmaking defensive back with elite ball skills. Stukes has nickel and safety versatility, making him a Dillon Theineman-esque chess piece in the back end of the first, or early in the second. Carolina used a top-30 visit on him, making this trade-down scenario a possibility.

The Trade: See Pick #19.

29) Kansas City Chiefs via Rams: Colton Hood, CB Tennessee

Keep an eye on Colton Hood to sneak into the top-20. Hood showed NFL-level physicality in press coverage, and he locates the ball well in the air. If he makes it to 29, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would be foaming at the mouth at the prospect of putting Hood in his defense.

30) Miami Dolphins (via Broncos): Jermod McCoy, CB Tennessee

McCoy making it to 30 would be a home run scenario for the Dolphins. They are rebuilding, so talent over needs will be the draft strategy. McCoy’s medicals are a concern, but if those check out, he is a legitimate “CB1,” at the next level.

31) New England Patriots: Keylan Rutledge, IOL Georgia Tech

The AJ Brown trade to the Patriots is still very likely. However, it will likely be a post-June 1st trade, which means the Patriots will still pick here.

Rutledge has worked his way into a top 40 lock. NFL teams love his intelligence and his flexibility to play multiple positions along the interior. Given the Patriots’ need in that spot, this is a perfect match.

*Trade Scenario* for AJ Brown: The Patriots trade a 2027 conditional second-round pick to the Eagles for AJ Brown.

32) *TRADE* Arizona Cardinals (from Seahawks): Ty Simpson, QB Alabama

This trade-up is layered. Arizona needs to make sure another team that could be interested in Simpson, like the Jets, doesn’t pay a lesser cost to get the former Alabama star. They also need to get the fifth-year option on Simpson in case he hits. 

There is a third element here. The Browns used a top-30 visit on Simpson, and if he makes it to round two, Cleveland might get aggressive. On top of that, the Jets could pull the trigger at 33! Therefore, to ensure their guy, Arizona must jump up to be safe.

The fit of Simpson to the Cardinals is a good one. Arizona has an all-world tight end in Trey McBride, and a receiving corps that includes two talented young playmakers: Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. This move would give Simpson the best chance to be successful at the next level.

The Trade: The Arizona Cardinals trade the #34 and a 2027 3rd round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for the 32nd overall selection.

Jordan Katz’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Posted on Updated on

Welcome back to Draft SZN! It is officially one decade of Mock Draft coverage for me and the Draftstock.net website! I want to thank all of you who have continued to follow along throughout the years. It really means a lot to me that not only do you all continue to take time out of your days to read my Mock Drafts, but you also interact with my mock drafts on various social media platforms. It truly means the world to me.

With that being said, it is now time for the first installment of the 2026 NFL Mock Draft season! We have a very interesting NFL Draft class. Although there may not be many flashy stars, this class boasts some incredibly talented football prospects who have the potential to become outstanding pros.

A few rules for this mock draft that are different than my other mock drafts. I tried to stay away from trades, except for a bold call at the back end of the draft. The order for the playoff teams is also based on winning percentage and strength of schedule.

For those about to mock, we salute you. Let’s go!

ROUND ONE

1) Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana- The Heisman Trophy winner projects as the favorite to be the number one overall selection in April. Mendoza makes NFL-level throws at all three levels, and most importantly, he sees NFL-open windows and delivers the ball accordingly. For me, Mendoza is not a slam-dunk first overall selection if Dante Moore declares. Having said that, he is the selection at this time.

2) New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB Oregon- Dante Moore has a chance to be the top overall selection if he declares. First off, he makes the layup throws (Moore boasted the third-best completion percentage in the FBS). Because the NFL game mimics collegiate progressions in terms of processing one side of the field and moving to the backside (see Kirk Cousins’s outstanding press conference from late in the season), having the ability to quickly get the ball out on time and on target in the 0-5 yard window is incredibly important. Moore can do this. Furthermore, Moore makes off-platform throws look easy, and he changes his arm slot depending on the throw he needs to make. Some question if he has the upper-echelon arm strength needed to be elite, but to me, he has all the makings of a long-time starter in the NFL.

3) Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami- The Cardinals need a franchise quarterback, but no option exists at this spot in the draft. For now (because Arizona likely trades out), Arizona can turn to its next biggest offensive need; the offensive line. Mauigoa should lock down one of the tackle spots for the Cardinals. He’s a beast in the run game, and when he strikes accurately in pass protection, it is game over for edge rushers. I like Mauigoa as a right tackle, or even a guard in the NFL (he could be an all-pro inside, where he gets to attack first with his hands and footwork).

4) Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE Ohio State- One of the biggest risers in 2025 was Arvell Reese. After recording just half a sack in 2024, Reese notched 6.5 sacks in 2025 and 25 pressures as well. He can do it all along the defensive front, showing great ability to stack-and-shed versus the run, and fill the required gap assignments. Reese is probably the best defensive player in the draft class, and the Titans could use playmakers on that side of the ball.

5) New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona State- The Giants need a playmaker opposite Malik Nabers to elevate their offense in 2026. Fortunately, the perfect compliment exists at the top of this draft. Tyson is a contested catch monster. 50/50 balls are more like 75/25 when thrown his way. He’s also a better route runner than he’s given credit for.

6) Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State- “WR-U” has put out another top-tier prospect; Carnell Tate. Tate’s meteoric rise over the last two years has a lot to do with his improvements as a route runner. His downfield ability was always his strength, and at 6’3 with long strides, that portion of his game translates nicely to the NFL. However, his ability to separate at the top of the stem and his footwork in his routes have elevated his play. Tate should be a main attraction on Sundays wherever he’s drafted.

7) Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE Texas Tech- Washington needs pass rushers, and they are in a perfect range in this draft to pick one. Bailey boasts one of the best pressure rates in college football. He has an explosive get-off and the ability to dip-and-bend around the edge. He also has a nose for the football; Bailey has forced eight fumbles in the last two years.

8) New Orleans Saints: Reuben Bain Jr, EDGE Miami- The top three edge rushers in this draft are fairly interchangeable. It will be great “draft theater,” debating who is the best between Bailey, Bain, and Keldric Faulk, but all three have NFL tools with inconsistent collegiate production (Bailey has one breakout season). Bain’s ability to dip-and-bend off the edge, combined with his quick first step, should make him a quality pass rusher at the next level.

9) Kansas City Chiefs: Spencer Fano, OT Utah- The Chiefs’ regression in 2025 had a lot to do with the struggles of their offensive line. Fano’s ability to play left tackle and right tackle makes him an attractive NFL prospect, but I would leave him on the right side. He mirrors edge rushers nicely when kicking out in pass protection. 

10) Cincinnati Bengals: Keldric Faulk, EDGE Auburn- The Bengals’ defense was historically bad in 2025, so expect them to pursue that side of the ball heavily in the offseason. Faulk generates pressure in a multitude of ways, but it’s his ability to play the run that jumps off the page for me. He’s disciplined and can win with power or finesse. 

11) Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S Ohio State- Until Miami figures out what they plan to do on the offensive side of the ball, I’m going to mock defensive playmakers at this spot. Downs would be a top-five selection if the NFL valued safeties in that fashion. He’s a good open field tackler, he makes impact plays downhill, and he makes good reads from the back.

12) Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB LSU- The cornerback group is probably the most wide open position group in the draft in terms of who will be first off the board. Delane, Avieon Terrell, and Jermod McCoy could all be the first selection. For now, Delane’s ability to be sticky in man-coverage and react quickly in off-coverage gives him the advantage.

13) Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon- Keep an eye on the Rams moving out of this spot, either forwards or backwards. They have very few needs and can make a move for a game-changer at the top of the draft or future assets. 

If they stay put, Sadiq would add another dimension to their already dynamic offense. He wins with size and quickness at the top of the route, and he’s an elite threat in the red zone.

14) Baltimore Ravens: Jeremiah Love, RB Notre Dame- Love to the Ravens is my early bold prediction of this mock draft cycle. Derrick Henry’s age did start to show during the 2025 campaign. Adding Love to not only be his successor, but to create a tandem at the position, is exactly what Baltimore needs to become Super Bowl contenders again in 2026.

15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: .Jermod McCoy, CB Tennessee- Despite an ACL tear and missing all of 2025, McCoy still has first-round buzz. He has the best ball skills of the big three cornerbacks in this draft, and arguably the best instincts. If the medicals come back clean at the Combine, he could sneak into the top 10. 

16) New York Jets (from Colts): Makai Lemon, WR USC- Of the big three receivers in this class, the best statistically in 2025 was Lemon. He runs routes without fear, he plays bigger than his size (5’11), and he is tough to tackle in the open field. Lemon also shows late hands when catching the ball, which is my favorite trait for receivers to possess. 

17) Detroit Lions: Peter Woods, IDL Clemson- Woods had an up-and-down 2025 campaign, but he is an explosive athlete along the interior with the ability to win from multiple spots along the defensive front. I think he’s a player who crushes the draft process and winds up higher than mock draft experts expect.

18) Minnesota Vikings: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL Penn State- I do not expect the Vikings to be picking in round one of this draft. They make the most sense to acquire a veteran quarterback on the trade market if one becomes available. 

If they choose to stick with JJ McCarthy, they need to improve the interior of their offensive line with this selection. Ioane gave up just two sacks in his collegiate career at Penn State; he’s NFL-ready in terms of pass protection. 

19) Carolina Panthers: Sonny Styles, LB Ohio State- Despite having improved drastically in 2025, the Panthers’ defense can still take another step next year. Styles can sure up the second level. He diagnoses well, he’s quick to attack downhill, and he makes impact plays in the run game. My favorite part of his game is his sideline-to-sideline speed; he’s an elite athlete who covers a lot of ground.

20) Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): Cashius Howell, EDGE Texas A&M- Following the trade of Micah Parsons, Dallas is in desperate need of help off the edge. Howell boasted 11.5 sacks in 2025 because of his athleticism off the edge and ability to run the arch to the quarterback. This is a very natural fit in the middle of round one.

21) Pittsburgh Steelers: A’Mauri Washington, IDL Oregon- If a third quarterback emerges, expect Pittsburgh to pursue them heavily (I doubt whomever it is would have enough juice to be worthy of a top-10 selection). If not, “BPA,” is probably a viable draft strategy for the Steelers.

The discourse around Washington reminds me a lot of Arik Armstead from back in the day. His one year of production was so great, and he showed so much on tape, that he could find himself in the top 10-15 picks come April. Keep an eye on his combine testing, because his athleticism jumps off the page on tape.

22) Los Angeles Chargers: Kelley Jones, CB Mississippi State- Right now, the only mock draft analyst banging the proverbial drum for Jones is Mel Kiper. However, I think that is simply because many feel he won’t declare. At 6’4 with elite athleticism and NFL length, I think Jones could fly up draft boards if he chose to declare.

23) Philadelphia Eagles: KC Concepcion, WR Texas A&M- It may finally be time for the AJ Brown divorce from Philadelphia. If it is, Concepcion is a perfect fit in Philly’s offense. His best ability is with the ball in his hands, and Head Coach Nick Sirianni likes it when Jalen Hurts gets the ball out quickly. Concepcion’s playmaking in space should make him an attractive top 50 selection in April. 

24) Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR Washington- Everything the Bills hoped Keon Coleman would be, Denzel Boston is. He’s a contested catch monster, he’s a threat vertically from the “X-position,” and he’s dynamic in the red zone. This is the most obvious fit in the back end of round one, and this pick will stay throughout the draft cycle for me, assuming Boston tests well at the combine. 

25) Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, IDL Ohio State- While he lacks a consistent level of collegiate productivity, McDonald was one of the biggest breakout stars of 2025. He showed elite athleticism for his size, which helped him notch 8.5 sacks this season. McDonald could go much higher than experts expect if he has a quality showing during the draft process.

26) San Francisco 49ers: Zachariah Branch, WR Georgia- This draft has several quality playmakers with the ball in their hands, and Branch is no exception. He’s great in space, and as an added dimension, he handles returns, which now has a much bigger NFL impact than in years past. I expect him to be a top 40 selection if he tests well at the Combine in March.

27) Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT Utah- Lomu has some of the best footwork in the class in pass protection. He’s quick to kick out off the snap, and he cuts off edge rushers trying to run the arch. He has average strength in the run game, he doesn’t drive defenders, and his hands are inconsistent. However, if a team falls in love with his athleticism, they could take him in the top 20. 

28) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Trevor Goosby, OT Texas- The Browns need to reload on their offensive line, whether they find a quarterback in this offseason or they do not. Goosby has great size and NFL length, and could fly up draft boards during the process. 

29) Los Angeles Rams: Kayden Proctor, OL Alabama- Many are in love with Proctor’s length and powerful grip strength, but I think his lower body needs developing. His feet are heavy at times in pass sets. A team like the Rams, who does not need to start him right away, makes perfect sense for him in this draft.

30) *TRADE* Philadelphia Eagles (from Patriots): Zion Young, EDGE Missouri- Eventually, if I keep calling AJ Brown to be traded, I will be right at some point… right?

The AJ Brown saga had many twists and turns during the 2025 campaign. Ultimately, I cannot imagine him going through another season in an offense where he is not featured.

If Brown is put on the trade block, keep an eye on the Patriots. Not only would Brown elevate the Patriots’ offense even further, but Head Coach Mike Vrabel has familiarity with Brown. Plus, Stefon Diggs has a very movable contract (or cutable if the off-the-field issues get worse).

This trade feels like a perfect match, and one that could come to fruition in a few months.

The Trade: The New England Patriots trade the 30th overall selection to the Philadelphia Eagles for AJ Brown and a 2027 conditional 3rd round pick.

31) Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB Georgia- There are a few standout off-ball linebackers in this draft class, and one of them is CJ Allen. Allen racked up 88 combined tackles in 2025, but more importantly, he misses very few tackles that he should make. He’s an elite athlete, and it shows in coverage when matched on tight ends and slot receivers. Allen can be a difference maker in the middle of the defense at the next level.

32) Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell, CB Clemson- Seattle needs to continue to revamp the secondary to elevate their defense even further. Terrell does not have elite ball skills, but he is sticky in man-coverage and shows good footwork.