We started our mock draft season three weeks ago, and that was late to the game compared to some outlets, but it always feel like the completion of the Scouting Combine is when the exercise starts to feel more focused. And now we are there. The last of the player workouts were on Sunday and the legion of NFL personnel in Indianapolis has now scattered back to various team headquarters.
If "draft stock" actually exists, it was in motion over the course of a week in Indianapolis. Some prospects certainly appeared to help themselves with elite testing; some may have raised question marks with less-than-ideal measurables, 40-times or workouts. As an example, in my first mock draft three weeks ago, I had the Buccaneers landing Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at pick number 15. Now it feels like a pipe dream that Styles would last on the board that long.
So, with reams and reams of Combine information now at our disposal, it's time for another round of mock drafts by me, Staff Writer/Reporter Brianna Dix and Buccaneers.com Contributor Gabriel Kahaian. At this point, if Bri or Gabe choose to predict trades in their mock drafts, that's fine, but I'm going first and I'm going to focus instead on the effects of the Combine results. So, once again, no trades for me except the ones that have already happened in real life.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
There was a time when a team that owned the first overall pick and knew which quarterback it wanted would sign that player before the draft. It happened in back-to-back years with the Cowboys' Troy Aikman and the Colts' Jeff George, in fact. That's not really necessary anymore with the rookie wage scale introduced in 2011, and it doesn't make for as good a TV scene on draft night, so it's a thing of the past. Otherwise, the Raiders should probably already be haggling with Mendoza's agent.
2. New York Jets: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
There has been plenty of disagreement as to whether the top edge prospect in this draft was Bailey, Miami's Rueben Bain or (if he is an edge at the next level) Ohio State's Arvell Reese Bailey certainly made his case for the top spot in Indy, running a 4.50 40-yard dash despite weighing 251 pounds. And if you're wondering about his explosiveness off the line, his 10-yard split of 1.62 seconds was better than Davante Adams time in 2014. Bailey pretty much dominated every jump and drill and I think that puts him squarely on the Jets' radar.
3. Arizona Cardinals: T Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Reese is very, very tempting here and in fact is the pick I gave the Cardinals last time around. This time, however, I'm thinking the need at tackle is a big larger and the Cardinals have their pick of the crop. If I did this again tomorrow, I might flip it back to Reese, though.
4. Tennessee Titans: LB/EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
The Jets just traded for edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, but I still think they find Reese to tempting to pass up here. The Buckeyes star didn't really need a big combine performance to help him land in the top five, but he had one anyway. Whether he ends up on the edge, at off-ball linebacker or some combination of the two, I trust Robert Saleh to get the most out of him.
5. New York Giants: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs didn't take part in Combine testing or workouts, but his tape speaks for itself. Unless he falls flat at the OSU Pro Day, I'm not worried about his stock dropping. Yes, the Giants already have 2024 second-round pick Tyler Nubin and they spent big in free agency on Jevon Holland, but Downs is so versatile that it shouldn't be much trouble getting him on the field anyway. This is a true "best player available" pick.
6. Cleveland Browns: T Spencer Fano, Utah
As I noted three weeks ago, the Browns have essentially their entire offensive line headed to free agency. That hasn't changed since then, so I still think this is one of the most obvious pairings beyond the Raiders and Mendoza.
7. Washington Commanders: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
I said the Giants' pick of Downs was a BPA pick, but that might have been unfair to Styles, who dominated everything in his path in Indianapolis and in might leap over Downs to be the second Buckeye in the top five. For now, he's a style for the Commanders, who sprint their card to the podium. Styles' testing numbers in Indy were so incredible across the board that I'll just cherry-pick a couple of them: He tied Reese for the fastest 40-time among front seven defenders (4.46) and turned in a vertical leap of 43.5 inches, the best by any player weighing 240 pounds or more since at least 2003.
8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Many analysts consider Love the second or third-best prospect in this year's class overall, so it's only positional value that allowed to (unfortunately) last to the Saints' pick. With Bijan Robinson and now Love recently invading the NFC South, the Buccaneers are going to need to keep investing in their defensive front.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Mansoor Delane
The Chiefs are disappointed to get so close but miss out on Love, which would have been a perfect pick for them. They could pivot to wide receiver, but I'm guessing they sign Tyreek Hill, making it a bit less of a pressing need. There's plenty of depth at the position in this year's class anyway. Instead, with Jaylen Watson a potential free agency defection and Trent McDuffie shipped off to the Rams on Wednesday, the Chiefs snag the first cornerback off the board.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Rueben Bain, Miami
Bain's arms were measured at a bit under 31 inches, which could cause some teams pause, but I don't think it's quite enough to knock him completely out of the top 10. His body of work at Miami and his relentless style of play should appeal to the Bengals, who badly need an edge rusher.
11. Miami Dolphins: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Miami got Delane as the first corner off the board in my last mock draft, but here he'sunavailable so the Dolphins pivot to McCoy, because cornerback is still their most pressing need. McCoy did not take part in Combine workouts, which means he last provided some data for NFL scouts at the end of Tennessee's 2024 season. He suffered an ACL tear in a workout in January of 2025 but says he has no limits and will participate fully in Tennessee's Pro Day. McCoy's 2024 tape is so good that the Dolphins will pounce as long as the Pro Day goes well.
12. Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Mesidor did not work out at the Combine but nevertheless the buzz around him continues to grow and he may end up a top-15 pick. Like his Hurricane teammate Bain, Mesidor is a relentless pass rusher who can win with power and speed.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
You don't see many drafts anymore where the first receiver taken is all the way down at pick number 13, but there are just so many standout defenders available that I think this could happen. It would certainly be a win for the Rams. Three weeks ago, I picked an offensive tackle here with the theory that the Rams could then use their later pick on a receiver…and it didn't really work out very well. I'm not making that mistake again. Tyson can fly, runs precise routes and he measured in at 6-2 and 203 pounds so he's as big as Carnell Tate.
14. Baltimore Ravens: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
This is one of the few picks that I'm sticking with from my first mock draft. The Ravens have a knack for staying put and having a top prospect at a position of need fall to them. Ioane is the clear number-one at guard this year and Baltimore needs to upgrade from failed project Daniel Faalele.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Like Bain, Howell's arm measurements were the main takeaway from the Combine. He accurately points out that his shorter arms have never stopped him from producing big numbers at the college level. Some NFL teams are reportedly not willing to go beyond certain measurables, but given that the Buccaneers drafted Luke Goedeke and Calijah Kancey with similar arm-length question marks it doesn't appear they are one of those teams. Goedeke has worked out well as an above-average right tackle and while injuries have curtailed Kancey's production over three seasons he has definitely shown he can rush the passer at the NFL level when healthy. Edge rusher is, obviously, a huge need for the Buccaneers, and I think they are thrilled to have Howell make it to this spot.
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis): WR Makai Lemon, USC
The Jets got the top edge rusher with the second-overall pick and now add some much-needed pass-catching help for whoever their next starting quarterback will be. Lemon didn't test at the Combine but he did measure in with an impressive wingspan of more than 73 inches and he looked very smooth in positional drills.
17. Detroit Lions: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
Parker's final season at Clemson wasn't as strong as expected but he did have a late-season three-sack game against South Carolina and then was very impressive at the Senior Bowl. The upward trajectory continued in Indy, as he finished with a top-five relative athleticism score at his position and ran a 4.68 40-yard dash with a very nice 1.61-second 10-yard split. The Lions get the complement to Aidan Hutchinson they badly need.
18. Minnesota Vikings: DL Caleb Banks, Florida
Banks was one of the Combine's biggest winners, and here it makes him the first interior defensive lineman off the boar, ahead of the likes of Peter Woods and Lee Hunter. Banks measured in at 6-6 and 327 pounds with an incredible wingspan of nearly 86 inches, the longest for any IDL since at least 2003. His 1.76-second 10-yard split as part of a 5.05-second 40-yard dash suggests the kind of short-area explosiveness teams covet in interior linemen. The Vikings plan to release defensive tackle Javon Hargrave if they can't trade him, so there's a spot for Banks to slide right into.
19. Carolina Panthers: LB C.J. Allen, Georgia
Allen reportedly impressed teams during interview sessions, though he chose not to participate in any onfield work. He's still the consensus number two linebacker after Styles (assuming Reese is an edge), however, and the Panthers have a need with Christian Rozeboom and Krys Barnes as pending unrestricted free agents.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay): CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
The Cowboys reportedly plan to spend big in free agency this year, but there isn't a deep group of cornerbacks likely to be available. Better to address this need in the draft. Terrell didn't run the 40 or do other measurable testing but he did take part in on-field drills and looked very smooth. He showed off sure hands and the quick change-of-direction skills so crucial to the position.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Tate didn't have a great week in Indy, but maybe that's good news for the Steelers, who in this exercise get a player at number 21 who has sometimes been mocked in the top 10. Tate's 4.53-second 40-yard dash time doesn't sound that bad but it was 27th among the receivers who ran this year. He should definitely get credit for choosing to run the 40 when some of the other top prospects did not, and high-end speed was never considered his top trait anyway. It's not like many teams have regretted drafting Ohio State receivers in recent years.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Faulk had a fine week in Indianapolis. He didn't run the 40 but he did well in the vertical leap (35 inches) and the broad jump (9-9). He also had the longest wingspan among the assembled edge rushers at a little over 82 inches. Both Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh are pending free agents so the Chargers could use a recharge at the edge position.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
The Eagles and Dallas Goedert made it work for one more year in 2025 but this could be the year he departs in free agency. Three of the Eagles' four tight ends, in fact, are pending free agents. Meanwhile, Sadiq did nothing to hurt his already strong draft stock in Indianapolis, blowing away the tests including a 4.39-second 40-yard dash that set a Combine record at the tight end position. He joined DK Metcalf and Nick Emmanwori – notable Combine freaks – as the only players ever to run a sub-4.4 40, exceed 40 inches in the vertical leap and surpass 11 feat in the broad jump. If A.J. Brown is indeed on the way out of Philadelphia, Sadiq would give the team another big and dynamic pass-catcher.
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville): WR Omar Cooper, Indiana
This might be a bit of an aggressive prediction for Cooper, but the Browns desperately need help at receiver and the Indiana star helped himself at the Combine. He didn't do the onfield drills but he did answer questions about his speed with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash that included an explosive 1.55-second 10-yard split. Plus, I can't get that game-winning catch against Penn State out of my mind; the mid-air body control is insane.
25. Chicago Bears: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Thieneman is another player whose stock seems to be on the rise. Among his impressive Combine exploits was a 4.35-second 40 and a 41-inch vertical leap. The Bears might consider Peter Woods or another defensive tackle here, as their run defense needs help, but they also have virtually their entire safety corps hitting free agency.
26. Buffalo Bills: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Concepcion was a big-play machine for the Aggies and he didn't hurt his draft pedigree at the Combine. He didn't run a 40-yard dash but there isn't really any question about his speed. He did do the onfield workouts and looked very polished while not dropping any passes. The Bills could really use a burner to diversify Josh Allen's array of weapons.
27. San Francisco 49ers: DL Peter Woods, Clemson
Woods is another Clemson defender who may not have had the 2025 season expected of him, but he could be a value pick this late in the first round. Jordan Elliott is a pending free agent and the 49ers like to use their top draft assets on their defensive front.
28. Houston Texans: T Monroe Freeling, Georgia
The offensive line depth in this year's draft is a good thing for the OL-needy Texans, who could opt for Freeling, Caleb Lomu or Kadyn Proctor. Freeling has been a riser in mock drafts of late and that trend should continue after a Combine in which he produced the second-best relative athleticism score of any offensive lineman since 1987.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from L.A. Rams): EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
This pick was part of the compensation the Chiefs got from the Rams in the McDuffie trade, and here they turn it around and apply it to another part of their defense. I already gave them a cornerback with the ninth pick, and while Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would be tempting here (Bryan Cook is a pending free agent). The Chiefs have already announced their intention to release defensive end Mike Danna and could use a bookend for George Karlaftis. Young's draft stock seems to be rising quickly; he didn't do the measurables tests in Indianapolis but he did participate in position drills and was fast and fluid. He also sets the edge well against the run.
30. Denver Broncos: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Boston didn't run a 40 at the Combine and his vertical leap of 35 inches was middle of the pack. He also dropped a couple passes in the onfield drills. I had him going to the Steelers at 21 in my first mock draft but now I think he could slide to the point where he can help out a Broncos pass-catching group that could use a big-bodied, physical receiver of his ilk.
31. New England Patriots: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Stowers was widely considered the second-best option at tight end in this class after Sadiq, but not necessarily a first-round pick. That thinking may change after a Combine in which he not only matched Sadiq's impressive performance but in some instances exceeded the Oregon star's numbers. That included the vertical leap, in which he quickly followed up Sadiq's incredible mark of 43.5 inches with a Combine record 45.5-inch elevation. He didn't match Sadiq's blazing 40 time but still turned in a 4.51 that is eye-opening for the position. He may be something of a big receiver without the high-end blocking chops, but the Patriots need pass-catching weapons of any stripe.
32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Hood had a very good Combine, beginning with a 4.44-second 40, a 40.5-inch vertical leap and a broad jump of 10 feet and five inches. He also had a strong performance in the "gauntlet" drill, showing off his hands and acceleration. The Seahawks have a strong roster across the board, obviously, but two of their top three cornerbacks, Josh Jobe and Tariq Woolen, are pending free agents.
View the top players selected in our third mock draft of 2026.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) reacts after Indiana defeated Miami in a College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey (31) rushes in during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa lines up for a play during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Ohio State and Miami Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano (55) takes his stance during an NCAA football game against UCLA on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against UCLA during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

FILE - LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane warms up before the start of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams, File)

Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal game against Mississippi, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Alabama tight end CJ Dippre (81) is tackled by Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor rushes in during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Ohio State and Miami Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, front,is tackled by a Mississippi State defender after catching a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane #71 looks for someone to block against SMU during the first half in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell (9) runs out on to Kyle Field as part of Senior Day before the start of an NCAA college football game against Samford on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs with the ball during an NCAA college football game against UCLA Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) plays against Syracuse in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

American Team defensive tackle Caleb Banks (88), of Florida, runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Georgia inside linebacker CJ Allen (3) defends during the first half of an NCAA football game against Kentucky on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) hypes up the crowd before an NCAA college football game against Furman, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Ohio State's Carnell Tate catches a touchdown pass during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Indiana in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) defends during the first half of an NCAA football game against Ball State on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq celebrates after a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Montana State, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Lydia Ely)

Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman calls to teammates during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Montana State, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Lydia Ely)

Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion points to the crowd after scoring a touchdown during the second half an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods (11) plays during an NCAA college football game between Clemson and LSU Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) sets up to block against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)


Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates his touchdown during the LA Bowl NCAA college football game against Boise State Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers plays against Utah State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)































