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Draft Order
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds
Round 5
Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: April 23, 2026.
Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, LT, Utah 
- Houston continues to beef up their offensive line. One player that had Houston has a lot of interest in is Caleb Lomu. Lomu is in the 140's on my 2026 NFL Draft Simulator with a 89/99 potential grade because I got 138 players with Pro Bowl upside in this draft, but he's a consensus first round prospect. Caleb Lomu is essentially drafted as a swing tackle to Aireontae Ersery at left tackle and Braden Smith at right tackle.
- The 6-6 313 lb Caleb Lomu has the pass blocking, run blocking, and pancake blocking you want in a left tackle. His pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, zone blocking, pull blocking, and cut blockig is a work in progress. He's the final player I had a fourth round grade on, but most people have him going in day 1. His footwork versus Texas Tech was very choppy. Lomu is worth a flyer if he makes it to the fifth round.
- Other Houston Texans Selections
Tennessee Titans: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M 
- Tennessee gets someone to push Cordale Flott for the nickel cornerback job. Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III had a top 30 visit with the Tennessee Titans. Having Alontae Taylor at field cornerback, Chandler Rivers at boundary cornerback, and Will Lee III competing with Cordale Flott for nickel cornerback makes Tennessee's cornerback room a lot stronger heading into next year.
- The 6-1 189 lb Will Lee III had 39 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, 50 total tackles, 8 deflections from pass breakups, 2 tackles for a loss, and 1 sack in 2025. I gave Will Lee III an A grade in man coverage, a C graade in zone coverage, and an A- grade in press coverage. Will Lee III can play in a cover 0, cover 1, and a cover 2 defense.
- Other Tennessee Titans Selections
Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Onyedim, 3-4 LE, Texas A&M
- Arizona gets another 3-4 defensive end. Walter Nolen, Arizona's 2025 first round pick is already showing his injuries from college are carrying over to the NFL at 3-4 right end. Darius Robinson looks like a bust at 3-4 left end after being Arizona's second 2024 first round pick. Dante Stills enters the final year of his rookie deal at 3-4 right end. L.J. Collier is in the final year of his contract at 3-4 left end.
- The 6-3 292 lb Tyler Onyedim had 18 solo tackles, 30 asssted tackles, 48 total tackles, 8.5 tckles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, and 1 forced fumbles in 2025. Tyler Onyedim can play 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 left end with his versatility. Arizona drafts him to be L.J. Colliers replacement.
- Other Arizona Cardinals Selections
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Tennessee Titans: Malachi Lawrence, LE, Central Florida
- Tennessee drafts another defensive end. One guy they brought in for a top 30 visit was Malachi Lawrence. Central Florida defensive end Malachi Lawrence has the versatility to play 4-3 right end and 4-3 left end.
- The 6-4 253 lb Malachi Lawrence had 17 solo tackles, 11 assisted takles, 28 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, 3 deflections from pass breakups, 3 quaterback hurries, and 2 forced fumbles in 2025. His biggest strength is pass rushing and he's not a sack artist despite getting consistent pressures. He also needs to improve as a run stuffer too. He's a project, but has 89/99 potential and the Titans interest in him means they can develop him behind Jermaine Johnson II this season and let him start next to Derrick Moore in 2027.
- Other Tennessee Titans Selections
New York Giants: Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy 
- New York drafts a gadget player here. Eli Heidenreich is the final player on my 2026 NFL Draft Simulator with a 89/99 potential grade ranked 178th on my big board, but the New York Giants worked out the Navy running back at wide receiver. Eli Heidenreich has a higher ceiling than Tyrone Tracy Jr. and would be a good backup to Cam Skattebo.
- The 6-0 206 lb Eli Heidenreich had 77 carries, 499 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 51 receptions, 941 receiving yards, 6 receiving touchdowns, 128 touches, 1,440 total yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns in 2025. Eli Heidenreich is attending day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, so he will get picked somewhere on day 3.
- Other New York Giants Selections
Cleveland Browns: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama 
- Cleveland doubles up at wide receiver in the fifth round. I'm not high on Bernard as a number one wide receiver, but he's the best overall player on my board at this point in the fifth round. Cleveland also brought him in for a top 30 visit. He won't have to be a number one in Cleveland. He would be competing with Cedric Tillman, Isaiah Bond, and Jabari Thrash for the slot receiver job with the three losers of that competition being the three backups on the Cleveland Browns second team this upcoming sesaon.
- The 6-1 206 lb Germie Bernard ha 64 receptions, 862 receiving yards, and 7 receiving touchdowns in 2025. Germie Bernard ran 17/30 routes on the route tree and ran a 4.48 40-yard dash.
- Looking at Germie Bernard's three year projection in Cleveland if he goes to the Browns on day 3, he probably starts out as a backup this year. Wins the slot receiver job next to their first round pick and Jerry Jeudy in 2027 since I got an 89/99 potential grade on Bernard which is higher than the 88 I had on Isaiah Bond or the 87 I had on Thrash coming out of Louisville. It's also possible that Bernard becomes a number two wide receiver next to Cleveland's 2026 first round pick at wide receiver if Cleveland buys out Jerry Jeudy to save $6,322,400 in cap space in 2027 after this season. If Cleveland keeps Jeudy, Bernard would be the Browns number two wide receiver in 2028 next to Cleveland's 2026 first round pick if they double up at wide receiver in this draft unless the Browns get a wide receiver in 2027 too which is a possiblity if the Browns are impressed enough with Shedeur in year two to give him a third year by adding an exceptional talent at wide receiver like Jeremiah Smith.
- Other Cleveland Browns Selections
Washington Commanders: Jalon Kilgore, SS, South Carolina 
- Washington drafts a guy who could honeslty beat out Will Harris for the starting strong safety job while starting Nick Cross at free safety. South Carolina strong safety Jalon Kilgore had a 89/99 potential grade and met with the Washington Commanders multiple times.
- The 6-1 210 lb Jalen Kilgore had 32 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 54 total tackles, 10 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 1 quarterback hurry, and 1 fumble recovery in 2025. I gave Jalon Kilgore an A- grade in man coverage, an A- in zone coverage, and C- in press coverage. Jalon Kilgore can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 scheme.
- Other Washington Commanders Selections
Kansas City Chiefs: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame 
- Kansas City drafts a running back to play behind Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. One guy they met with who has a high potential grade of 89/99 still on the board is Jadarian Price, the Notre Dame running back that played behind Jeremiyah Love.
- The 5-11 210 lb Jadarian Price had 113 carries, 674 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 6 receptions, 87 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns, 117 touches, 761 total yards, and 13 total touchdowns in 2025. Jadrian Price relies mainly on his speed. He's not a good pass catcher or a pass blocker. He could develop into a high end starter, but he's not a guy with Pro Bowl upside and as long as Kenneth Walker III is healthy, Price will always be a side piece in the Kansas City Chiefs backfield. If Price makes the most of this opportunity he could become a starter down the road on a second contract.
- Other Kansas City Chiefs Selections
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Cleveland Browns: Caleb Weaver, FS, Duke
- Cleveland gets a free safety to push Ronnie Hickman for the starting job. One player that really impressed me on tape is Duke free safety Caleb Weaver.
- The 5-11 190 lb Caleb Weaver had 43 solo tackles, 48 assisted tackles, 91 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 2 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptons, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumbles in 2025. I gave Caleb Weaver an A grade in man coverage, an A grade in zone coverage, and a B grade in press coverage. Caleb Weaver can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 scheme. I got an 89/99 potential on Caleb Weaver. There's no question his ceiling is higher than Ronnie Hickman. The only uphill battle for Weaver comes down to whether he can beat out Ronnie Hickman for the free safety job in training camp.
- Other Cleveland Browns Selections
New Orleans Saints: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU 
- New Orleans drafts a quarterback to push Tyler Shough and backup Spencer Rattler in the late rounds. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier finally comes off the board here.
- The 6-2 203 lb Garrett Nussmeier had 4,052 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 3 rushing touchdowns, 32 total touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 64.2% completion percentage after taking over for Jayden Daniels as the starting quarterback at LSU in 2024. Garrett Nussmeier only had 1,927 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 2025. Garrett Nussmeier did less with a weaker supporting cast and only runs two offensive schemes with a shotgun spread offense and a vertical offense. Nussmeier struggled when his first read wasn't open and opposing defenses managed to get pressure on him on the same exact play. This happened quite a bit, but the good outweighed the bad when it came to decision making from Garrett Nussmeier. He did go on to be MVP of the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl.
- Here is film of Garrett Nussmeier against Clemson. You can watch that video below.
- Other New Orleans Saints Selections
Miami Dolphins: Delby Lemieux, C, Dartmouth 
- Miami gets a center here to push Aaron Brewer for the starting center job. Delby Lemieux didn't allow a sack in his final two seasons as the Dartmouth Big Green left tackle. He moved to center and played well there during the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl.
- The 6-5 305 lb Delby Lemieux has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, and zone blocking to be a starting center. He needs to improve his pancake blocking, pull blocking, and cut blocking.
- Delby Lemieux can learn under Aaron Brewer for a year even if he doesn't win the starting center job in camp. He can take over as Miami's starting center in 2027 once Brewer's contract expires.
- Other Miami Dolphins Selections
Dallas Cowboys: Harold Perkins Jr., ROLB, LSU
- The Dallas Cowboys get a right outside linebacker that they met with multiple times. LSU right outside linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. showcased the versatility to play 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, 3-4 right outside linebacker, 3-4 middle linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker with his versatility. He also improved his blitzing, run stuffing, and coverage on tape too.
- The 6-0 220 lb Harold Perkins Jr. had 26 solo tackles, 30 assisted tackles, 56 total tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, 7 quarterback hurries, 4 sacks, 3 deflections from pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble in 2025. I've mocked a lot of 4-3 players to Dallas, but there is also speculation that Dallas will transition to a 3-4 defense in 2026. Harold Perkins Jr. can play in the Dallas Cowboys defense regardless of what scheme the Cowboys run in 2026 making him an ideal fifth round pick since he also is one of a handful of players from 139-178 on my big board with a 89/99 potential grade. Harold Perkins Jr. probably won't be a day 1 starter, but his versatility and ability that has improved everywhere makes him a very good depth piece for a rookie linebacker.
- Other Dallas Cowboys Selections
Green Bay Packers: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State 
- Green Bay could draft either a defensive tackle for depth or a backup quarteback here. The backup quarterack that visited the Packers is my second best quarterback available. For that reason, I'm mocking the defensive tackle here.
- Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. was 337 lbs at the start of the season. He lost two more pounds after Florida State shocked Alabama in week 1 of the College Football regular season. He lost 7 lbs between the end of the regular season so he could get to 328 lbs by the time the weigh in at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl took place. He lost another 13 lbs between the Senior Bowl and the 2026 NFL Combine. You have to give Darrell Jackson Jr. credit for going from 337 lbs to 315 lbs and losing 22 pounds of weight.
- The 6-5 315 lb Darrell Jackson Jr. had 13 solo tackles, 32 assisted tackles, 45 total tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, and 1 quarterback hurry in 2025. Green Bay has Devonte Wyatt playing on a fifth year option after being a 2022 first round pick. Javon Hargrave signed a two year contract.
- All of my players in the 139-178 range of my 2026 NFL Draft Simulator have a potential grade of 89/99. Darrell Jackson Jr. can be eased into a starting role. Devonte Wyatt and Javon Hargrave can start this season. If Wyatt leaves, Darrell Jackson Jr. and Nazir Stackhouse compete for that job with the winner taking over in 2027. If Wyatt gets extended, Darrell Jackson Jr. gets two years to learn the team culture and get acclimated with things before getting an opportunity to start in 2028. I would estimate that Darrell Jackson Jr.'s floor is around a 69 overall at the moment, so two years of developing him feels recommended before starting him in 2028. That's great value in the middle of the fifth round though.
- Other Green Bay Packers Selections
Baltimore Ravens: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson 
- Baltimore grabs a developmental backup quarterback that will start out as a third string quarterback to groom to be Lamar Jackson's backup once Tyler Huntley's contract expires in 2028. Tyler Huntley's two year deal is front-loaded meaning Baltimore can buy him out and save $1.5 million in cap space if the rookie they draft lives up to his ceiling. If Lamar misses a game next year and Tyler Huntley ends up being as bad as Cooper Rush, having someone with more experience ready to step in during the 2027 NFL Season allows you to improve other needs without worrying about a quarterback. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is my top quarterback on the board.
- The 6-2 210 lb Cade Klubnik had 3,639 passing yards, 463 rushing yards, 4,102 total yards, 36 passing touchdowns, 7 rushing touchdowns, 43 total touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 63.4% completion percentage as a junior in 2024. Cade Klubnik had 2,943 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 94 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 3,037 total yards, 20 total touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 2025.
- Cade Klubnik can play in a balanced run first offense, a vertical offense, and a shotgun spread offense. He can run more schemes than Garrett Nussmeier and he's one of the best quarterbacks at throwing on the run in this draft. He beat Drake Maye and North Carolina to win the 2022 ACC Championship as a freshman. His accuracy was inconsistent in the 2024 ACC Championship on tape and that part of Klubnik's game will need to get cleaned up if he's going to succeed in the NFL. Baltimore ends up giving Cade Klubnik the backup role they offered Shedeur Sanders a year ago in this mock draft.
- Other Baltimore Ravens Selections
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Giovanni El-Hadi, LG, Michigan 
- Tampa Bay drafts a left guard that can push Ben Bredeson for the starting left guard job. Giovanni El-Hadi and Ben Bredeson both went to Michigan. I think Giovanni El-Hadi has a higher ceiling in terms of potential as well too as I did not have a 89 on potential for Ben Bredeson coming out of Mchigan like I got with Giovanni El-Hadi as this is my top prospect on Michigan outside of Derrick Moore.
- The 6-5 315 lb Giovanni El-Hadi has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, zone blocking, pancake blocking, and pull blocking. His only area of improvement is cut blocking. He is versatile enough to play both left guard and right guard. He got injured in the week 2 game against Oklahoma, but the two year starter did return from that injury. Unless his medicals from the Combine came back awful I cannot think of any reason not to draft him.
- Other Tampa Bay Buccaneers Selections
Indianapolis Colts: J'Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia 
- The Indianapolis Colts draft another running back for depth. Both J'Mari Taylor and DJ Giddens have ability to develop into starters, but neither will ever be as good as Jonathan Taylor with that Pro Bowl ceiling you want in anNFL running back. Despite this, Indianapolis did visit J'Mari Taylor before the draft and he's certainly an upgrade over Ulysses Bentley IV. I do believe J'Mari Taylor has a higher ceiling than DJ Giddens, but he would have to beat out Giddens in camp for the backup running back job.
- The final point before I break down J'Mari Taylor involves Jonathan Taylor being in a contract year with the Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis has just over $26 million in cap space for 2026 with $88.1 million for 2027 with running back Jonathan Taylor, left guard Quenton Nelson, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner all entering contract years after overpaying both quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce following a decision to trade Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh for hardly anything. Indianapolis wants to attempt to extend all three of those guys after signing their rookies from the 2026 NFL Draft. Nelson and Buckner are the plan a and plan b in terms of extensions with Taylor being the plan C despite Jonathan Taylor winning player of the game eight times on Draft Utopia last year during our NFL Game Recaps. If Taylor is the plan C there's no guarantee he's back with Indianapolis potentially considering a running back tandem of Giddens and a running back they draft especially if that running back turns out to be J'Mari Taylor.
- Jonathan Taylor is only 27 and I think he's earned one more contract before you let him walk even if its only a two year extension. If Taylor was older you could argue its time to move on with how short a running backs lifespan is. As for dynasty advice, this is probably the best time to sell high on Jonathan Taylor. He's coming off a career season where he won player of the game 8 times. If you can get Jeremiyah Love with pick 1.01, Chase Brown, Omarion Hampton, or some combnation of those players which Matthew Rose the owner with worst record has in my friend William Yanish's dynasty league, then you see how much you can get back for Jonathan Taylor before flipping him. Especially if the Colts draft a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft since those running backs will have a playoff window on the right team while Taylor probably won't. The fact that the Colts are prioritizing a 30-year-old Quenton Nelson and a 32 -year-old DeForest Buckner over a 27-year-old running back, whose got 2-5 prime years left signals this is the best time to maximize your return on investment for Jonathan Taylor in dynasty. Now let's finally discuss J'Mari Taylor.
- The 5-10 199 lb J'Mari Taylor had 196 carries, 1,146 rushng yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, 29 receptions, 257 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns, 225 touches, 1,403 total yards, and 17 total touchdowns at North Carolina Central as a junior redshirt in 2024 which led him to getting an offer to transfer to Virginia in the transfer portal in 2025 after a dominant junior redshirt season. J'Mari Taylor had 222 carries, 1,062 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 43 receptions, 253 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 265 touches, 1,315 total yards, and 15 total touchdowns in 2025.
- J'Mari Taylor has the speed, pass catching, and ball carrier vision. He's not as good of a pass blocker as DJ Giddens, but he has a higher ceiling. If the Colts want to let Jonathan Taylor walk or trade him for a 2027 first round pick with no first round picks in next years NFL Draft thanks to the Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner trade, then you would have a situation where J'Mari Taylor is your first and second down back with DJ Giddens as the third down back since he's better in pass protection than J'Mari Taylor.
- Other Indianapolis Colts Selections
Detroit Lions: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor 
- Detroit drafts a tight end here. Sam LaPorta is in a contract year. Detroit brought in Baylor tight end Michael Trigg for a top 30 visit. I actually got Trigg graded higher than I had LaPorta coming out of Iowa. LaPorta did exceed expectations and make a Pro Bowl. Detroit has to decide whether to reload at tight end or risk hurting their cap space even more long-term by overpaying LaPorta. A LaPorta Trigg tight end tandem would rival the Chicago Bears tight end tandem Ben Johnson built with Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland in 2026. Ok neither tight end would be special like those two, but this allows Jared Goff to use more two tight end sets while incorporating more play action passes.
- The 6-3 240 lb Michael Trigg had 50 receptions, 694 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns in 2025. Michael Trigg's potential grade maxes out at 89, but he is the only tight end that I saw run all 30 routes on the route tree which was another trait LaPorta had in 2023. He's just as good of a blocker and run blocker as LaPorta coming out of Iowa too. The drawbacks are he has a medical history as he missed games with injuries in all five seasons. He also got kicked out of two colleges at USC and Ole Miss before maturing at Baylor. He also didn't run a 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine or Baylor's Pro Day. In his defense, he caught every target in the gauntlet drill to make up for this.
- Michael Trigg is a third to fifth round pick in most 2026 NFL Mock Drafts. He's also a second to fourth round pick in most Dynasty leagues.
- I can see why William Yanish has been telling me to move Trigg up my boards for months why he has Trigg as his TE2 behind Max Klare. I can also see why NFL teams would take this guy off their boards entirely with his injury history from medicals, his attitude qustions with maturity of getting kicked out of two schools, and him not running the 40-yard dash.
- Charlie Campbell of Walter Football and Dane Brugler both have him going in the fifth round. That's where I have him as well as he was as high as 153 on our 2026 NFL Draft Simulator. At the same token, Charlie has him going early in the fifth round while Dane Brulger has him dropping to Dallas at 180 in the late fifth round. Cleveland could take him, but I already mocked Tanner Kozoil to Cleveland in the third round. I think the Detroit Lions roll the dice on Trigg in the middle of the fifth round. I agree with William's analysis on Trigg after reviewing the tape, but I also agree with the two most reputable NFL Draft Insiders that Trigg is a round 5 guy when taking medicals and his attitude into account. He probably will make an NFL team and be a steal in this draft. I also believe the team that picks him is gonna make Trigg jump through a ton of hoops in Training Camp to make that teams final roster with all the risk he carries.
- Other Detroit Lions Selections
Carolina Panthers: Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech 
- Carolina drafts a quarterback on a rookie deal to groom for the future. Bryce Young will get a fifth year tender starting in 2026 and possibly 2027 assuming Carolina gets back to the playoffs. Kenny Pickett is on a one year contract. Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton is someone Carolina has interest in. In fact, Behren Morton got more top 30 visits than both Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik even though I got those two graded higher on my big board, so there is an outside possibility he's gone. With Green Bay also looking at Morton, Carolina will take him with one of their two fifth round picks if he's still on the board in the fifth round.
- The 6-2 221 lb Behren Morton had 3,335 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 2024. Behren Morton had 2,780 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, and 6 interceptions leading Texas Tech to a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff appearance in 2025.
- Other Carolina Panthers Selections
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Carolina Panthers: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
- Carolina doubles up at center. Auburn center Connor Lew would make a good backup to Parker Brailsford who I mocked to Carolina a round earlier.
- The 6-3 310 lb Connor Lew has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking footowrok, run blocking footwork, pancake blocking, pull blocking, and cut blocking stands out. Zone blocking is his only weakness. He tore his ACL which caused him to miss the regular season, some had him in the first round conversation with guys like Logan Jones, Pat Coogan, and Jake Slaughter before he tore his ACL. Connor Lew did 31 reps at the 2026 NFL Combne on the bench press rep. Honeslty, I got no idea why Carolina signed Luke Fortner. I got a 90/99 potential on Parker Brailsford and a 89/99 on Connor Lew. Lew has a better floor than Brailsford despite his medical concerns, but a lower ceiling. I think both rookie centers would finish ahead of Luke Fortner on Carolina's depth chart if all three got the opportunity to compete for the Carolina Panthers starting center job.
- Other Carolina Panthers Selections
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Green Bay Packers: Eli Blakey, FS, Miami Ohio
- Green Bay drafts a free safety for depth. One guy from the MAC that I love that is getting underlooked is Miami Ohio free safety Eli Blakey. His ceiling is higher than current starting free safety Evan Williams who had a great rookie year before taking a step back in year two.
- The 6-2 208 lb Eli Blakey had 62 solo tackles, 56 assisted tackles, 118 total tackles, 8 deflections from pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 3 quarterback hurries, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 sack in 2025. Eli Blakey has the versatility to play nickel cornerback, strong safety, or free safety after watching his tape.
- I gave Eli Blakey a C grade in man coverage, an A in zone coverage, and a C- in press coverage when watching him in a 24-3 loss to Toledo. Blakey had an interception and fumble recovery in that contest and was the lone bright spot in Miami Ohio's asswhooping at the hands of Toledo despite a strong first quarter when Blakey got an interception when the game was still scoreless. Blakey ran a 4.28 at Miami Ohio's Pro Day. He can play in a cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 scheme. A heavy zone coverage team can use Eli Blakey as a swiss army knife in their secondary. With the Colts and Packers as the two main teams attending Miami Ohio's Pro Day. I believe the Green Bay Packers draft Eli Blakey and stash him hoping it lights a fire under Evan Williams heading into his third NFL season.
- Other Green Bay Packers Selections
Pittsburgh Steelers: Jakobe Thomas, SS, Miami FL 
- Pittsburgh might draft a third safety. One safety they love that is still on the board is Miami FL strong safety Jakobe Thomas.
- The 6-1 211 lb Jakobe Thomas had 46 solo tackles, 30 assisted tackles, 76 total tackles, 76 total tackles, 6 deflections from pass breakups, 5 interceptions, 4 tackles for a loss, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 defensive touchdown on a pick 6 in 2025. I gave Jakobe Thoma a C+ in man coverage, an A+ in zone coverage, a C- in press coverage, and an A+ in blitzing. Jakobe Thomas is raw, but he can be a great chess piece in zone coverage like Eli Blakey the Miami Ohio free safety. Pittsburgh likes Jakobe Thomas and may draft him as a depth piece if he falls to round 5 after a top 30 visit.
- Other Pittsburgh Steelers Selections
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Baltimore Ravens: LT Overton, 3-4 LE, Alabama
- Broderick Washington enters a contract year with the Ravens at 3-4 left end. He's not coming back. Alabama 3-4 left end LT Overton would be a great guy to develop for a year that could replace Washington in 2027.
- The 6-2 278 lb LT Overton had 26 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 42 total tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 4 quarterback hurries, 4 sacks, 1 deflections from pass breakup, in 2025. LT Overton has the size to play in a 4-3 defense, but he played in a 3-4 defense at Alabama.
- Other Baltimore Ravens Selections
Minnesota Vikings: Bryce Foster, C, Kansas 
- Minnesota drafts a center that can push for the startng center job. Blake Brandel is solid, but there may be a center in the late fifth round that can beat him out for the starting center job.
- The 6-5 322 lb Bryce Foster has the run blockng, run blocking strength, and run blocking footwork. Bryce Foster is one of the best run blockers in this draft. He needs to develop as a pass blocker and zone blocker. Still, his ceiling is higher than Brandel, so I wouldn't rule out Bryce Foster starting at some point in 2026 if the Vikings were to draft him.
- Other Minnesota Vikings Selections
Jacksonville Jaguars: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
- One wide receiver that Jacksonville brought in for a top 30 visit is Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams. Antonio Williams would be stashed for depth at wide receiver. If Parker Washington leaves in Free Agency next year, Antonio Williams could be Jacksonville's slot receiver when they go to Orlando in 2027 because I think Travis Hunter will stay as the number four wide receiver mainly playing cornerback being used sparingly on offense moving forward.
- The 5-11 187 lb Antonio Williams had 75 receptions, 904 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns as a sophomore redshirt in 2024. Antonio Williams had 55 receptions, 604 receiving yards, and 4 receiving touchowns as a junior redshirt in 2025.
- Antonio Williams can run 18/30 routes on the route tree. My player comparison for him is Jakobi Meyers whose now on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Other Jacksonville Jaguars Selections
Buffalo Bills: DJ Campbell, RG, Texas 
- Buffalo drafts a right guard for depth. If O'Cyrus Torrence isn't re-signed at right guard, this player could be starting on the Buffalo Bills next year.
- The 6-4 313 lb DJ Campbell has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, and run blocking footwork you want in a right guard. His zone blocking, pancake blocking, pull blocking, and cut blocking could use some work though.
- Other Buffalo Bills Selections
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Jacksonville Jaguars: Jake Retzlaff, QB, Tulane
- Jacksonville's backup quarterbacks to Trevor Lawrence are Nick Mullens and Carter Bryant. Neither of those guys has the ceiling to develop into a starter. I think Jake Retzlaff does and I gave him the same potential grade I gave Jordan Love coming out of Utah State in 2020 which was an 89/99. It's the fifth round and your getting Retzlaff as a backup which is why I don't hate the value here. If Trent Baalke and Gladstone hadn't drafted so many floor players for Lawrence like Brenton Strange and Tuten then maybe Jacksonville could have defeated Buffalo in the wild card last year.
- The 6-1 205 lb Jake Retzlaff had 3,168 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 634 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 3,802 total yards, 31 total touchdowns, and 7 interceptons in 2025. After getting dismissed from BYU he took Tulane to the 2025-2026 College Football Playoff as a group of five team.
- Two teams in day 3 have Jake Retzlaff ranked above my next quarterback Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. One of those teams is the New Orleans Saints. The other team is the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Other Jacksonville Jaguars Selections
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Houston Texans: Pete Nygra, C, Louisville
- Houston doubles up at center. Louisville center Pete Nygra is younger than Iowa center Logan Jones who I mocked in the first round. I think Pete Nygra has a higher ceiling than Houston's current starting center, and the Texans met with Nygra which is the biggest reason I mocked him here.
- The 6-4 300 lb Pete Nygra began his career at Northern Illinois before transferring to Louisville in 2025. I like Pete Nygra's pass blocking and pass blockng strength. His run blocking is a work in progress and he's not great with his feet in pass protection.
- Other Houston Texans Selections
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Buffalo Bills: Mac Harris, 3-4 MLB, South Florida
- Buffalo drafts a 3-4 middle linebacker for depth behind Terrell Bernard and Dorian Williams. South Florida middle linebacker Mac Harris makes a lot of sense here. Mac Harris has the versatility to play 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, and 3-4 middle linebacker.
- The 6-0 230 lb Mac Harris had 54 solo tackles, 49 assisted tackles, 103 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 7 quarterback hurries, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 defensive touchdown on a pick 6 i 2025. Mac Harris can rush the quarterback, stop the run, or drop back into coverage. Linebackers that do all of those things at a high level are rarely available this late in the fifth round.
- Other Buffalo Bills Selections
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Kansas City Chiefs: VJ Payne, SS, Kansas State
- Kansas City brought in Kansas State strong safety VJ Payne for a top 30 visit. Chamarri Conner enters a contract year and I had a backup grade on Jaden Hicksin the 2024 NFL Draft. VJ Payne showed the versatility to play both strong safety and free safety at Kansas State.
- The 6-3 206 lb VJ Payne had 40 solo tackles, 19 assisted tackles, 59 total tackles, 3 deflections from pass breakups, 3 tackles for a loss, 2 forced fumbles, adn 1 interception in 2025. VJ Payne does have a higher ceiling than any current safety on the Chiefs, but he also looks somewhat raw in coverage as this is the first safety I watched that didn't impress me in coverage on tape.
- Other Kansas City Chiefs Selections
Denver Broncos: Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati 
- Denver drafts a tight end for depth. Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer is my top tight end left on the board at this point in the fifth round.
- The 6-5 247 lb Joe Royer had 50 receptions, 522 receiving yards, and 3 receving touchdowns in 2024. Joey Royer had 29 receptons, 416 receiving yards, and 4 receiving touchdowns in 2025. Joe Royer ran 13/30 routes on the route tree trailing only Michael Trigg and Kenyon Sadiq. He ran more routes than Max Klare after watching his tape.
- Other Denver Broncos Selections
New England Patriots: Zakee Wheatley, FS, Penn State 
- New England drafts a safety for depth behind strong safety Craig Woodson and free safety Kevin Byard. I mocked Iowa safety Xavier Nwankpa to New England in round 4. Zakee Wheatley is the other safety that New England has a top 30 visit on. New England could draft him if he's still on the board in the late fifth round and that would set up a competition between the two rookie safeties in 2027 wth the loser being a backup to Craig Woodson and the rooke that wins that competition.
- The 6-3 202 lb Zakee Wheatley had 51 solo tackles, 23 assisted tackles, 74 total tackles, 3 quarterback huries, 2 takles for a loss, 1 defelection from a pass breakup, 1 interception, 1 quarterback hurry, and 2 forced fumbles in 2025. I gave Zakee Wheatley an A- in man coverage, an A- in zone coverage, a C- in press coverage, and an A+ in run stuffing.
- Other New England Patriots Selections
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New Orleans Saints: Devan Boykin, SS, Indiana
- New Orleans uses this fifth round pick from Seattle to get a safety for depth. Devan Boykin from Indiana is one of my favorite safeties in this draft.
- The 5-10 195 lb Devan Boykin had 37 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 59 total tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack. Devan Boykin is great at pass rushing and run stuffing. He didn't wow me in coverage, but dd create some turnovers for Indiana.
- Other New Orleans Saints Selections
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Baltimore Ravens: Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana
- Baltimore gets this pick 173 in the fifth round for losing cornerback Brandon Stephens. Brandon Stephens signed with New York Jets in Free Agency last year.
- Baltimore drafts a running back here. Roman Hemby began his career at Maryland before transferring to Indiana in 2025.
- The 6-0 207 lb Roman Hemby 230 carries, 1,120 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 17 receptions, 165 receiving yards, 0 receiving touchdowns, 247 touches, 1,285 total yards, and 7 total touchdowns in 2025. Roman Hemby is mainly a downhill runne that relies on his speed. He does have upside to develop into a starter, but he will probably be a the number four running back this year and the third string running back. He could start by 2028 if Derrick Henry doesn't return to Baltimore. A lof of Baltimore's core players are UFA's in 2028.
- Other Baltimore Ravens Selections
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Baltimore Ravens: Isaiah Nwokobia, SS, SMU
- Baltimore gets this pick 174 in the fifth round for losing right guard Patrick Mekari. Patrick Mekari signed with Jacksonville Jaguars in Free Agency last year after being Baltimore's swing tackle for many years.
- Baltimore drafts a safety for depth. Baltimore has two incredible starters in Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks both with Pro Bowl upside. Isaiah Nwokobia will probably be a backup in Balitmore even if the Ravens take him. Baltimore doesn't have a lot of depth at safety though.
- The 6-1 205 lb Isaiah Nwokobia had 41 solo tackles, 39 assisted tackles, 80 total tackles, 7 deflectons from pass breakups, 2 tackles for a loss, and 2 interceptions in 2025. Isaiah Nwokobia has a high ceiling, but it's still lower than Baltimore's two safeties meaning he will be the backup safety and a depth player on a team friendly rookie deal.
- Other Baltimore Ravens Selections
Las Vegas Raiders: Ricardo Hallman, CB, Wisconsin 
- Las Vegas gets compensation pick 175 due to Robert Spillane signing with the New England Patriots at 3-4 middle linebacker last year. Las Vegas switched back to a 3-4 defense, but Spillane was a 4-3 middle linebacker during his stint with the Raiders.
- Las Vegas drafts a cornerback here. Ricardo Hallman is the top cornerback on the board. He could be a number two boundary cornerback next to Eric Stokes this season.
- The 5-9 187 lb Ricardo Hallman had 27 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles, 32 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and a 0.5 tacle for a loss in 2025. I gave Ricardo Hallman an A grade in man coverage, an A+ in zone coverage, and a C- in press coverage. Ricardo Hallma can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 defense.
- Other Las Vegas Raiders Selections
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Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Hill, LG, Colorado
- Kansas City got pick 176 after losng strong safety Justin Reid to the New Orleans Saints in Free Agency last year. Justin Reid is now the New Orleans Saints starting free safety.
- Kansas City gets a left guard for depth. Colorado left guard Xavier Hill would be a good depth piece here behind Kingsley Suamatia.
- The 6-4 320 lb Xavier Hill has the pass blocking and pass blocking footwork you want in a left guard. He needs to get stronger and improve as a run blocker despite having the potential to develop into a future starter at left guard.
- Other Kansas City Chiefs Selections
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Dallas Cowboys: Kentrel Bullock, RB, South Alabama
- Dallas got this compensation pick at 177 for Demarcus Lawrence leaving the Dallas Cowboys to sign with the Seattle Seahawks. Demarcus Lawrence made a seamless transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense.
- South Alabama running back Kentrel Bullock could develop into an NFL starter with his ceiling. In fact, I think he could beat out last years two rookies for the third string job if the Dallas Cowboys doubled up at running back.
- The 5-10 205 lb Kentrel Bullock had 218 carries, 1,085 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 14 receptions, 53 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 232 touches, 1,138 total yards, and 15 total touchdowns in 2025. He did not fumble once throughout his career at South Alabama and has incredible ball security.
- Other Dallas Cowboys Selections
Philadelphia Eagles: Omar Aigbedion, RG, Baylor
- Philadelphia got this compensation pick at 178 after Mekhi Becton left the Philadelphia Eagles to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers last offseason. Philadelphia drafts a second right guard that redshirts this year before becoming the backup right guard when Tyler Steen leaves.
- Philadelphia doubles at right guard. Omar Aigbedion is the final player with a 89/99 potential grade.
- The 6-3 310 lb Omar Aigbedion has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, and run blocking footwork. Omar Aigbedion did 31 reps on the bench press at Baylor's 2026 Pro Day.
- Other Philadelphia Eagles Selections
New York Jets: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
- New York gets pick 179 after losing right tackle Morgan Moses to the New England Patriots. Morgan Moses made a Super Bowl after leaving the New York Jets. New York has four quality offensive tackles on the roster, so I doubt they take an offensive tackle here.
- New York drafts the second quarterback that they interviewed multiple times in the fifth round. I gave the Jets Diego Pavia in round two and now I'm giving them Drew Allar in round 5 with the Jets replicating what the Cleveland Browns did in last years draft with Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
- The 6-5 235 lb Drew Allar had 3,327 passing yards, 302 rushing yards, 3,629 total yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 6 rushing touchdowns, 30 total touchdowns, 8 interceptions, and a 66.5% completion percentage in 2024. Drwe Allar had 1,100 passing yards, 8 passing touchdowns, 172 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 1,272 total yards, 11 total touchdowns, and 3 interceptions before a season ending injury in 2025. Both Cade Klubnik and Drew Allar were five star recruits coming out of High School. Klubnik started halfway through his true freshman season while Allar didn't start full-time until his sophomore season in 2023.
- Drew Allar can play in any offensive scheme whether its a shotgun spread, a balanced run first offense, a west coast offense where he is under center, or a vertical offense. Allar is the only quarterback that has shown me he can play in any offensive scheme. His production is slightly below Nussmeier and Klubnik. He can make a 5-step drop in addition to a 1-step and 3-step drop, but in addition to inconsistent accuracy, Allar also displays choppy sloppy footwork on throws at times.
- Other New York Jets Selections
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Dallas Cowboys: Monroe Freeling, LT, Georgia
- Dallas got this compensation pick at 180 for Jourdan Lewis signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dallas still has Da'Ron Bland, Caelen Carson, and Shavon Revel Jr. at cornerback even with the loss of Lewis.
- Dallas drafts a left tackle for depth. Georgia left tackle Monroe Freeling is 180 on my big board and most have him going four rounds too early.
- The 6-7 315 lb Monroe Freeling has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, and pass blocking footwork. Monroe Freeling is a liability as a run blocker and his ceiling will max out at an 88/99. I'm laughing at every mock draft that has this guy ahead of Northwestern left tackle Caleb Tiernan whose just a far superior prospect on tape. Freeling has a good floor and he is one of the top 180 players in this draft. There's at least 178 players I like more though with an 89/99 potential or higher making Freeling a reach before this spot. He's also a one year starter as Georgia's left tackle.
- Other Dallas Cowboys Selections
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Detroit Lions: Tyreak Sapp, LE, Florida
- Detroit got pick 181 as a compensation pick after losing Kevin Zeitler last year. Kevin Zeitler signed with the Tennessee Titans and Detroit drafted Tate Ratledge in the 2025 NFL Draft as his replacement.
- Detroit drafts a defensive end to compliment Aidan Hutchinson. Tyreak Sapp the son of Warren Sapp can play 4-3 right end, 4-3 defensive tackle, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right end, and 3-4 left end with his versatility.
- The 6-2 273 lb Tyreak Sapp had 12 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 34 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 3 quarterback hurries, 1 sack, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup in 2025. Tyreak Sapp has the pass rushing and run stuffing to succeed in the NFL.
- Other Detroit Lions Selections
