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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds
Round 1 Picks 17-32
Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: April 23, 2026.
Detroit Lions: Jacob Rodriguez, ROLB, Texas Tech 
- Detroit gets a replacement to Alex Anzalone. Jacob Rodriguez feels like a Dan Campbell guy and is sixth overall on my 2026 NFL Draft Simulator.
- The 6-1 231 lb Jacob Rodriguez had 63 solo tackles, 65 assisted tackles, 128 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 7 forced fumbles, 6 deflections from pass breakups, 4 interceptions, 1 sack, 1 quarterback hurry, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 defensive touchdown in 2025. Jacob Rodriguez is an amazing fit for a team that wants a 4-3 right outside linebacker and is the best 4-3 outside linebacker in terms of fundamentals in the 2026 NFL Draft as I got a 97/99 for ceiling on Jacob Rodriguez.
- Jacob Rodriguez is productive. His athletic traits leave a little to be desired since he didn't run a great 40 time.
- Other Detroit Lions Selections
Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Hill Jr., 3-4 MLB, Texas 
- Minnesota brought in Texas middle linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. for a top 30 visit. Anthony Hill Jr. is still my top ranked middle linebacker for the 2026 NFL Draft despite the traction that Arvel Reese and Sonny Styles have generated.
- Anthony Hill Jr. grades as a 95/99 for potential. After Roquan Smith who got a 98/99 for potential and Tremaine Edmunds a 97/99 for potential, Anthony Hill Jr. is my highest graded middle linebacker since the top two middle linebackers drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. I have Anthony Hill Jr. tenth on my final big board after having him third on my big board back in August.
- The 6-2 238 lb Anthony Hill Jr. had 59 solo tackles, 54 assisted tackles, 113 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 8 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, 4 forced fumbles, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, and 1 interception as a true sophomore in 2024. Anthony Hill Jr. had 37 solo tackles, 32 assisted tackles, 69 total tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 5 quarterback hurries, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, and 1 forced fumble in 2025.
- Anthony Hill Jr. is the only middle linebacker that can rush the passer, stop the run, and drop back into coverage. Minnesota had a top 30 visit with Anthony Hill Jr. and this is a surprise pick for me in the back half of the first round.
Previous Pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
- Other Minnesota Vikings Selections
Carolina Panthers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 
- Carolina is the hardest team to figure out in the top 20 after the Los Angeles Rams. I believe of all the players they interviewed and visited Jermod McCoy makes the most sense. This would give Carolina Jaycee Horn at field cornerback, Jermod McCoy at boundary cornerback, and Michael Jackson moves to nickel cornerback in this scenario.
- The 6-1 193 lb Jermod McCoy had 26 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 44 total tackles, 9 deflections from pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and 0.5 tackles for a loss in 2024. Jermod McCoy was not targeted once in Ohio State's blowout win over Tennessee in the 2024-2025 College Football Playoff which shows you how much Will Howard respected Jermod McCoy's presence on Tennessee's defense.
- I gave Jermod McCoy an A+ in man coverage, an A- in zone coverage, and an A in press coverage because even though McCoy is deadly in press coverage, he does keep his hands on receivers too long when playing press coverage and that does lead to penalties which is the biggest reason why I gave McCoy an A instead of an A+ in press coverage. Jermod McCoy can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 defense. Jermod McCoy tore his ACL back in January and may not play at all in 2025. Jermod McCoy had a 99.9 game athleticism score on Pro Football Focus and is the first defensive back on Tennessee to score that highly since Eric Berry who went fifth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.
- Jermod McCoy didn't play in 2025. He is healthy and has worked out for NFL teams leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Previous Pick: Spencer Fano, LT, Utah
- Other Carolina Panthers Selections
Dallas Cowboys: Keldrick Faulk, RE, Auburn 
- Dallas gets the top 4-3 right end on the board. Keldrick Faulk is someone that Dallas could realistically target at 20 to replace Micah Parsons.
- Keldrick Faulk lined up at 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker at Auburn this past season. Most had Keldrick Faulk as the second best pass rusher behind T.J. Parker, entering the preseason. His draft year was disappointing compared to his plus one draft year.
- The 6-6 276 lb Keldrick Faulk had 29 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 45 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup in 2024. Keldrick Faulk had 23 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 29 total tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 6 quarterback hurries, 5 tackles for a loss, 4 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 sacks in 2025. I wouldn't take Faulk here, but he's a player that Dallas has a lot of interest in at 20.
Previous Pick: Kadyn Proctor, LT, Alabama
- Other Dallas Cowboys Selections
Pittsburgh Steelers: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana 
- Pittsburgh is hosting the 2026 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh is not interested in a quarterback at 21 with the hopes that Aaron Rodgers returns. Wide receiver, left guard, and strong safety are the three positions being considered here. Oregon strong safety Dillon Thieneman is a great fit here. He's the best player on my board that has not been picked yet. I don't have any of the guards in my top 32, but do have one center in my top thirty two. However, I think Pittsburgh drafts a wide receiver. Drafting a third good wide receiver to pair with D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. gives you the foundation to allow any rookie quarterback to succeed once Aaron Rodgers moves on from Pittsburgh.
- The fourth wide receiver in my top twenty and final wide receiver in my top thirty two is Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt. That's who I got Pittsburgh taking at 21. Giving Aaron Rodgers a wide receiver trio of D.K. Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Elijah Sarratt in the slot does wonders for this offense.
- The 6-2 210 lb Elijah Sarratt had 65 receptions, 830 receiving yards, and 15 receiving touchodwns as a freshman at St. Francis in 2022. Elijah Sarratt had 53 receptions, 957 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns under then James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti as a sophomore in 2023. Elijah Sarratt had 82 receptions, 1,191 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns in 2024 in his final season at James Madison as a junior. Elijah Sarratt had 42 receptions, 700 receiving yards, and 13 receiving touchdowns as a senior at Indiana in 2025.
- Elijah Sarratt can run all 30 routes on the route tree. He's not a great separator like Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon, or Carnell Tate. Elijah Sarratt had 44 career touchdowns. He has 10 inch hands and 0 fumbles in four college seasons. Elijah Sarratt has the best ball security of any wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. Elijah Sarratt will be a steal if he goes to a team like Pittsburgh, San Francisco, or New England. He will be a bust if he goes to a team like the New York Jets or the Cleveland Browns. Elijah Sarratt feels like hit or miss if he re-unites with Fernando Mendoza on the Las Vegas Raiders. Pittsburgh gets my twentieth best player at 21 and he is a perfect fit for Pittsburgh cause he can start out in the slot and he will be the number three wide receiver on Pittsburgh until 2030 with Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. being locked up until 2030. Ellijah Sarratt could be Pittsburgh's number one wide receiver in 2030 when Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. are UFA's, but if Pittsburgh drafts Sarratt he's mainly gonna be a slot guy. Pittsburgh is most likely to draft a wide receiver at 21.
- Other Pittsburgh Steelers Selections
Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Parker, 3-4 ROLB, Clemson 
- Los Angeles drafts a pass rusher here. I got a top fifteen grade on T.J. Parker and the Los Angeles Chargers brought him in for a top 30 visit. He could learn under Khalil Mack this year and take over in 2027.
- T.J. Parker entered the year as the best pass rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft before regressing in 2025 after a dominant 2024 sophomore campaign. He can line up at 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right end, 3-4 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker with his versatility.
- The 6-3 263 lb T.J. Parker had 17 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 32 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 7 quarterback hurries, 5.5 sacks, and 2 deflections from pass breakups as a true freshman in 2023. T.J. Parker had 35 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 57 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 5 quarterback hurries, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup as a true sophomore in 2024. T.J. Parker had 19 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 37 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 7 quarterback hurries, 5 sacks, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup in 2025.
- T.J. Parker's consistency in terms of production and versatility make him the biggest asset among pass rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft. However his motor isn't as consistent as I would like it to be as this feels like a area of improvement in 2026. T.J. Parker relies on his speed to win one-on-ones as you'd like to see him incorporate some rip and swim moves into his game as a pass rusher. I got a 95/99 for potential on T.J. Parker, but I would say T.J. Parker's floor is closer to an 75 than an 85 meaning he may take four years to develop versus two. I'll give Parker a floor of 80 right now meaning Parker probably reaches his ceiling in year 3 of his NFL career in terms of trajectory. T.J. Parker regressed in 2025, but he did rebound at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl.
Previous Pick: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
- Other Los Angeles Chargers Selections
Philadelphia Eagles: Dillon Thieneman, SS, Oregon 
- Philadelphia drafts a safety here. Dillon Thieneman is the best strong safety in the 2026 NFL Draft while Caleb Downs is the best free safety in this draft. Dillon Thieneman has the versatility to play either safety role like Downs.
- The 6-0 201 lb Dillon Thieneman had 44 solo tackles, 52 assisted tackles, 96 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack in 2025. I gave Dillon Thieneman an A+ in versatility, pass rushing, run stuffing, and zone coverage. I gave him a C in man coverage and press coverage. He does transition well from zone coverage to tracking the football on short passing plays. Dillon Thieneman also ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine. I feel like Philadelphia could upgrade both safety spots makig Dillon Thieneman a perfect fit here.
- Other Philadelphia Eagles Selections
Previous Pick: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, LT, Utah 
- Cleveland needs a left tackle. Dawand Jones can still work at right tackle, but getting a quality blindside for whoever plays quarterback on the Cleveland Browns in 2026, which will most likely be Shedeur Sanders has to be the goal for the Cleveland Browns. Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano makes a lot of sense here. That would give Cleveland an offensive line with Spencer Fano at left tackle, Zion Johnson at left guard, Elgton Jenkins at center, Teven Jenkins at right guard, and Tytus Howard at right tackle.
- The 6-5 311 lb Spencer Fano has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, zone blocking, pancake blocking, pull blocking, and cut blocking you want in an offensive tackle. Having the versatility to play both offensive tackle roles starting at left tackle as a true freshman before moving to right tackle as a true sophomore shows he is versatile enough to plug into either offensive tackle role. The only offensive tackles that have higher ceilings than Fano are Francis Mauigoa and Brian Parker II out of Duke who may move inside to center which is why Fano gets the nod here if he's available at 24.
Previous Pick: Caleb Tiernan, RT, Northwestern
- Other Cleveland Browns Selections
Chicago Bears: Zion Young, RE, Missouri 
- Chicago gets a defensive end to challenge Dayo Odeyingbo an Austin Booker for the starting defensive end job across from Montez Sweat since Chicago has been using Sweat at 4-3 left end instead of 4-3 right end. I got Zion Young at 148 on my draft simulator, but the Chicago Bears love Zion Young and where I have Young ranked really doesn't matter if the Bears organization has a first round grade on him. Zion Young was also a team captain at Missouri.
- The 6-6 262 lb Zion Young was a team captain at Missouri. He was one of the standouts at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl. ion Young had 26 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 48 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 14 quarterbck hurries, 6.5 sacks, 2 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles in 2025.
- Zion Young has the pass rushing and run stuffing you want in a defensive end. He's not a sack artist, but has athletic traits teams covet and good leadership as well as a former captain. I see a high end starter, but not a Pro Bowl defensive end.
Previous Pick: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
- Other Chicago Bears Selections
Buffalo Bills: Christen Miller, 3-4 LE, Georgia 
- Buffalo is moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. Buffalo gets a defensive tackle that is versatile enough to play 3-4 right end, 3-4 nose tackle, and 3-4 left end to compliment Ed Oliver at 3-4 right end and Deone Walker at 3-4 nose tackle. Christen Miller is the only other defensive tackle outside of Peter Woods with a first round grade. Buffalo has Bradley Chubb at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Greogry Rosseau at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Buffalo has Terrell Bernard and Dorian Williams at 3-4 middle linebacker. Christen Miller is a way better prospect than T.J. Sanders, so this is the guy Buffalo drafts to complete the front 7 of their new 3-4 defense. Buffalo still needs a left guard and nickel cornerback, but the Bills can address those needs with their third and fourth round picks. If Buffalo fixes 3-4 left end, left guard, and gets someone with a higher ceiling than Dee Alford to push Alford to remain nickel cornerback, all the pieces will be there for the Buffalo Bills to win their first Super Bowl this upcoming season.
- The 6-4 321 lb Christen Miller had 10 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 23 total tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 2 quarterback hurries, and 1.5 sacks in 2025. His versatility as a defender is the one thing that makes Miller a first round prospect.
Previous Pick: Dontay Corleone, 3-4 RE, Cincinnati
- Other Buffalo Bills Selections
San Francisco 49ers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington 
- Logan Jones is the best player on my board at this point. Jake Brendel is in a contract year. I don't think San Francisco will select a 24-year-old center over my fifth best wide receiver. I do have a second round grade on Denzel Boston despite him being my fifth best wide receiver. This is a situation though where Denzel Boston may end up maturing with a veteran wide receiver like Mike Evans there with Boston startng out as the number two wide receiver where he's groomed to be the number one wide receiver similar to the Jerry Rice Terrell Owens dynamic that San Francisco had in the late 90's until Jerry Rice left San Francisco. Ricky Pearsall would move to slot receiver with Christian Kirk as your main depth piece, but those two would compete for the slot receiver job in camp with the loser being the fourth best wide receiver and main backup that would get promoted if one of San Francisco's top three wide receivers got injured. Jordan Watkins goes from a promising number our to a defacto number five with Jacob Cowing as your new number six wide receiver.
- The 6-3 210 lb Denzel Boston had 62 receptions on 95 targets with 33 passes that were either incompletions or drops, 881 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns in 2025. Denzel Boston is the son of former NFL wide receiver David Boston. Was voted a team captain at Washington. He runs all 30 routes on the route tree and blocks well. Denzel Boston was also used as a punt returner on special teams. Probably the best wide receiver outside of Jordyn Tyson and Elijah Sarratt when it comes to catching in traffic. He talks way too much shit for me to take him in the top 32, but is my fifth best wide receiver ranked thirty seventh on my big board. When he trailed Maryland 20-3 in the fourth quarter he began talking shit with his team down by 10.
Previous Pick: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
- Other San Francisco 49ers Selections
Houston Texans: Logan Jones, C, Iowa 
- Houston drafts a center on the offensive line. Logan Jones is my only first round center. I got a 94/99 for potential on Logan Jones which ties him for second best offensive lineman from an upside standpoint with Brian Parker II the Duke left tackle, who might move inside.
- The 6-3 299 lb Logan Jones has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, zone blocking, pancake blocking, pull blocking, and cut blocking you want in a center. The only drawback to this years Rimington Award Winner is that he turns 25 during his rookie season.
- Houston desperately needs to upgrade at center and Logan Jones is in the top 20 of my big board. Jones gives Houston a day 1 starter on what is a pretty stacked team when everyone is healthy. Houston can add depth pieces to push current starters in rounds 2-7.
- Houston's offensive line now has Aireontae Ersery at left tackle, Wyatt Teller at left guard, Logan Jones at center, Ed Ingram who got a three year extension at right guard, and former Colts right tackle Braden Smith at right tackle. That is probably Houston's starting offensive line for the next two seasons with Teller and Smith both signing two year contracts during the duration of C.J. Stroud's rookie deal.
- Other Houston Texans Selections
Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State 
- Kansas City traded Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams to get this pick. One cornerback that had a top 30 visit with the Kansas City Chiefs is San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson my fifth best cornerback.
- The 6-0 193 lb Chris Johnson had 36 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 49 total tackles, 9 deflections from pass breakups, 4 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns, 2 quarterback hurries, 1 sack,and 1 forced fumble in 2025.
- I gave Chris Johnson an A+ in man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage. He can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 scheme. He's got excellent poise and change of direction ability. If Chris Johnson entered the transfer portal and went to a bigger school there's zero doubt in my mind he's the first cornerback off the board. I'm sure Kansas City is very happy to get my fifth best cornerback at 29 even though I only got three first round cornerbacks. Kansas City would have Chris Johnson at field cornerbck, Kristian Fulton at boundary cornerback, and Kader Kohou and Nohl Williams competing for the nickel cornerback job.
Previous Pick: Eric Rivers, WR, Georgia Tech
- Other Kansas City Chiefs Selections
Miami Dolphins: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, FS, Toledo 
- Miami gets a free safety that could have a huge impact on their secondary. Toledo free safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has the versatility to play both free safety and strong safety even though his main position is free safety.
- The 6-3 201 lb Emmanuel McNeil-Warren had 38 solo tackles, 41 assisted tackles, 77 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 5 deflections from pass breakups, 3 quarterback hurries, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown, and a 0.5 in 2025. I gave Emmanuel-McNeil Warren a B- in man coverage, an A+ in zone coverage, a C in press coverage, an A+ in run stuffing, and an A+ in pass rushing. He's the third first round safety behind Caleb Downs and Dillon Thieneman.
Previous Pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
- Other Miami Dolphins Selections
New England Patriots: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt 
- New England drafts a tight end that can start out as the tight end two and become the number one tight end down the road. The Patriots reportedly love Eli Stowers, but haven't communicated much with him because the organization does not want to tip their hand. He's the one player in my top 32 along with Michigan pass rusher Derrick Moore that I could see New England drafting here.
- I had a 95/99 for potential on Keyon Sadiq. I had a 92/99 on Eli Stowers at the beginning of the season, but that improved to a 93/99 by the end of the year. Eli Stowers makes a lot of sense for New England if they want a future number one tight end on a rookie deal. There's speculation that Eli Stowers could move to wide receiver
- The 6-3 239 lb Eli Stowers had 49 receptions, 638 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns in 2024. Eli Stowers ran 10/30 routes on tape as Eli Stowers is excellent in terms of blocking for a tight end as he is an excllent run blocking tight end and an excellent pass blocking tight end pancaking a cornerback coming in on a cornerback blitz. Eli Stowers had 62 receptions, 769 receiving yards, and 4 receiving touchdowns in 2025. Eli Stowers had a 45.5 vertical among tight ends at the 2026 NFL Combine and ran a great 40 yard dash. He also caught every target thrown his way at the Combine and at Vanderbilt's Pro Day.
Previous Pick: Mikail Kamara, 3-4 ROLB, Indiana
- Other New England Patriots Selections
Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
- Getting a nickel cornerback to compliment Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe, strong safety Nick Emmanwori, and free safety Julian Love has to be a priority at 32. Avieon Terrell is my fourth best cornerback in this draft as well as the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell.
- The 5-11 180 lb Avieon Terrell had 45 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 58 total tackles, 12 deflections from pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack in 2024. Avieon Terrell had 30 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 48 total tackles, 9 deflections from pass breakups, 5 forced fumbles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks,and 1 fumble recovery in 2025.
- I gave Avieon Terrell an A+ in man coverage, a C+ in zone coverage, and a A+ in press coverage. Avieon Terrell can play in a cover 0, cover 1, or cover 2 defense. Avieon Terrell will struggle in cover 3 if he is playing zone coverage and will absolutely struggle in cover 4 since zone coverage is his weakness. Seattle plays a lot of man and press coverage making Avieon Terrell a ideal scheme fit for the Super Bowl 60 Champions.
Previous Pick: Kyle Louis, ROLB, Pittsburgh
- Other Seattle Seahawks Selections
