2026 NFL mock draft: After free agency, where do Ty Simpson, Sonny Styles, others go?
2026 NFL mock draft: After free agency, where do Ty Simpson, Sonny Styles, others go?
Nate Davis and Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Mon, March 16, 2026 at 10:32 AM UTC
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2026 NFL mock draft: After free agency, where do Ty Simpson, Sonny Styles, others go?
It's been a week since NFL free agents could begin negotiating their exit strategies − and, boy, did they, the league literally spending billions upon billions over the past week as teams bid to upgrade their rosters with proven talent.
Now, as free agency peters out − aside from a few veteran holdouts, like Kirk Cousins and Joey Bosa − the league's attention will largely shift back to next month's draft, pro day season now in full swing as top prospects try to improve their professional prospects while lesser-known ones attempt to get on the radar.
So, while acknowledging the aftermath of free agency and simultaneously looking ahead, here is USA TODAY Sports' latest 2026 NFL mock draft − and our first two-round edition of the year:
1 / 02026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, trades
OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)
Round 11. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
As if there’s been any mystery surrounding this pick since the 2025 regular season ended, the Silver and Black’s position was further clarified by the trade of QB Geno Smith, who wasn’t even retained as a bridge option to Mendoza. The 6-foot-5, 236-pound Heisman Trophy winner paced FBS with 41 TD passes last season, processes like a microchip and just led the Hoosiers to a magical national championship. His interactions with reporters and his fellow attendees at the scouting combine continued to burnish his reputation as an outstanding person and teammate. Might have been nice for this team to get extra youngsters around Mendoza had the Maxx Crosby trade gone through, yet playing with Crosby could be equally beneficial for the new face of the franchise – on the field and off.
2. New York Jets – OLB/DE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Aside from acquiring Smith, Gang Green spent a fair amount of money in free agency – including on edge players Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. But neither is going to strike the fear of God into opposing quarterbacks. Bailey, a Stanford grad, came into his own with the Big 12 champion Red Raiders in 2025, tying for first in the FBS with 14½ sacks while leading the field with a 20.2% pressure rate and mixing in 19½ tackles for losses. Bailey is scheme diverse, which could also be a boon for a team switching to a three-man front and one that also recently offloaded DE Jermaine Johnson II, who was optimal for Tennessee's 4-3 defense.
3. Arizona Cardinals – OLB/DE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
They've added a lot of players, though primarily on offense. But with a major question at quarterback following Kyler Murray’s departure, Arizona is the proverbial team that could be at least a year away from being a year away − and maybe even two years away from being a year away. Yet if there was a quarterback worthy of the No. 3 overall pick ... then the Jets would have taken him at No. 2. And that means Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort, who traded out of the opportunity to take future All-Pro DE Will Anderson Jr. in 2023, probably needs to be in the business of accumulating blue-chip players – and Reese projects as one. The Micah Parsons comparisons are obviously premature, but Reese, who turns 21 in August, has plenty of time to develop into a full-time pass rusher and maybe justify the comp one day. And getting to the quarterback is especially important in the NFC West, where the Cards are looking way up at their competition right now.
4. Tennessee Titans – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
GM Mike Borgonzi wasn't shy about spending his huge quotient of cap space, importing what appears to be at least a half-dozen new starters. The new-look Titans even have ... a new (old?) look. But what’s the best way to advance the development of QB Cam Ward, last year’s No. 1 overall pick? How about giving him a player perhaps adjacent to Saquon Barkley or Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs in terms of game-breaking ability and versatility? Love is an every-down back, one who’s averaged 6.9 yards per carry and caught 55 passes over the past two seasons. The Titans could keep his usage in check as a rookie with RB Tony Pollard under contract for one more season. But pairing Love and Ward could potentially create an offense primed to surge ticket sales when the Titans move into their new stadium in 2027.
5. New York Giants – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Assuming they skew defensively in the draft, the arrival of LB Tremaine Edmunds on a three-year, $36 million deal seems to be a good indicator of where the Giants might go. Is Downs the best defender in this draft? Arguably. Can he play exceptionally in the slot, box or center field − a skill set Kyle Hamilton provided new coach John Harbaugh in Baltimore? Yep. Yet Downs' ability to anticipate and read the field could really render him a professional game changer at a position that normally isn't drafted this highly.
6. Detroit Lions [proposed trade with Cleveland Browns] – OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
The Lions and longtime LT Taylor Decker split up, yet there doesn't appear to be an obvious in-house replacement, nor did one arrive during free agency. Freeling, 21, who was a teammate of Lions G Tate Ratledge in Athens, seems like the obvious choice in the draft − where he's probably got the highest ceiling among all the left tackle prospects, if not a ton of experience with only 16 college starts. But given Detroit is squarely in a championship window, GM Brad Holmes would probably have to get aggressive to obtain Freeling − likely a first-round pick swap with Cleveland and a second-rounder this year and next given the Lions don't have a Round 3 choice in 2026.
7. Washington Commanders – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Washington did a lot of work in free agency. But they don't have a clear-cut No. 2 receiver behind veteran Terry McLaurin, who will be 31 this season and is coming off his least productive NFL campaign. A fellow Ohio Stater like McLaurin, Tate is the latest ready-made wideout product emerging from the Buckeyes' pipeline. His 51 catches in 2025 averaged 17.2 yards, nearly three more than former teammate Jeremiah Smith, and should add another explosive element to an offense that already has QB Jayden Daniels ripping off plenty of big plays.
8. New Orleans Saints – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
With a huge need at the position following the departure of Alontae Taylor, the Saints could solve it by bringing in a guy who's right up the road. Almost certainly the premier corner available this year, the 6-foot, 187-pound All-America has lockdown ability and might even be able to eat up some of Taylor's snaps in the slot – though Delane was rarely used there at Virginia Tech and LSU.
9. Kansas City Chiefs – OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
QB Patrick Mahomes has suffered the highest sack percentage of his nine-year career over the past two seasons and went down a career-worst six times in K.C.’s Super Bowl 59 loss. As he tries to return in time for this year’s regular-season opener, despite rehabbing from a torn ACL, upgrading his protection seems imperative – especially given the release of RT Jawaan Taylor for performance and compensation reasons, plus the fact that Jaylon Moore didn’t wrest a starting OT job in 2025. A three-year starter for the Hurricanes at right tackle, Mauigoa, a 6-foot-6, 329-pound mauler, could be a long-term solution opposite 2025 first-rounder Josh Simmons while vastly improving the odds Mahomes won’t continue running for his life in 2026. Mauigoa might also be the best choice for a team that's invested so heavily in Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who should be Kansas City's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2017.
10. Cincinnati Bengals – LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Arguably the star of this year’s combine given the freakish traits (4.46 40-yard dash, 43½-inch vertical leap) he put on display, the 6-foot-5, 244-pound converted safety is too good to pass up for a defense in transition − and might only fall this far given teams like the Giants, Commanders and Saints invested in off-ball linebacker during free agency. But the Bengals can clearly use some help there, and it wouldn't hurt to have an athletic, cerebral leader like Styles − he's also a native Ohioan − take the reins.
11. Miami Dolphins – OL Spencer Fano, Utah
A rebuilding team could go in any number of directions. But the O-line is always a logical place to start, particularly given the issues this one has had in recent years − to say nothing of the arrival of QB Malik Willis. Fano played both tackle spots for the Utes but almost exclusively on the right side the past two years. He'd probably be a significant upgrade over RT Austin Jackson, who's only under contract for one more year anyway, though Fano is willing to play inside if needed.
12. Dallas Cowboys – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
A torn ACL cost him the entire 2025 season, but McCoy was practicing by the end of it and will be 20 months removed from the injury by the time Week 1 rolls around. DaRon Bland is the only corner with a long-term future on what will be a reimagined Dallas D in 2026 − Cobie Durant signing for just one year. McCoy would be a welcome addition, and Durant's presence could allow him more time to ease into the pros if needed.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Obviously zero need now to reach for a corner here with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson inbound from Kansas City. LA had the league’s No. 1 passing game in 2025 – in large part due to Puka Nacua’s heroics. But Davante Adams, 33, was the only other productive wideout and battled injuries late in the season and is only under contract for one more year. Boston (6-4, 212) is the kind of supersized red-zone target (20 TD catches since 2024) and boundary receiver who could provide an easy transition from Adams while perfectly complementing Nacua.
14. Baltimore Ravens – DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
GM Eric DeCosta claimed he'd hoped to acquire Crosby and sign pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. Picking Bain, who most certainly plays like a Raven − short arms and all − would allow for an alternate fulfillment of that plan. Bain's T-rex limbs didn’t stop him from being extremely productive – often against NFL-caliber offensive tackles – for the ‘Canes. He bulled his way to 9½ sacks and 15½ TFLs last season and was a menace during the College Football Playoff.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
He will be 25 by draft night but could provide instant production – for a team that should be an instant contender and is in win-now mode – after leading the ACC with 12½ sacks in 2025, including 5½ in the CFP. YaYa Diaby was the only Buc with more than 4½ sacks in 2025, and recently signed Al-Quadin Muhammad is only under contract for one year.
16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – WR Makai Lemon, USC
Despite their spending, the Jets still don't have a proven wide receiver beyond Garrett Wilson. With the pick obtained in last year’s trade of CB Sauce Gardner, New York must continue to build out an infrastructure and talent base with which to surround its next potential franchise quarterback – who probably won’t arrive before 2027. The Jets got very little production from the wideout position in 2025 for a variety of reasons, including Wilson missing 10 games. Lemon, a run-after-catch dynamo who typically works out of the slot, has been widely compared to fellow Trojan Amon-Ra St. Brown, whom the Jets’ Aaron Glenn coached alongside in Detroit.
17. Browns [proposed trade with Lions] – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
A rebuilding squad moves down from the No. 6 spot in this scenario − sensible given the lack of elite prospects in this draft coupled with Cleveland's need to continue building out its roster. Tyson, a two-time All-Big 12 choice, is a complete package who could be quite an asset for QB Shedeur Sanders or whomever the long-term answer here is behind center. Despite battling through an array of injuries in college, Tyson caught 136 balls (18 for TDs) over the past two seasons. His size (6-2, 203) is a plus.
18. Minnesota Vikings – S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
With Harrison Smith's future in doubt, Thieneman would make sense as both a short- and long-term solution. One of the combine's standouts, the Ducks All-American is a rangy player who can be weaponized all over the field.
19. Carolina Panthers – TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
The first tight end in combine history to record a sub-4.4 40, Sadiq, who also had a 43½-inch vert, certainly made some money in Indianapolis. And maybe he gest paid in Charlotte, where the Panthers haven't gotten much from their tight ends in recent seasons.
20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – DL Peter Woods, Clemson
A gifted lineman who has yet to approach his maximum potential, the All-ACC performer might be an ideal fit in Dallas, where the Cowboys are switching to a three-man front but just traded Osa Odighizuwa. Woods could settle in alongside Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, and his short arms might not be such an issue while matched up more often against interior blockers.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Could the draft’s host team take a young quarterback to build around in the future? Sure. Is it the best move in a seemingly weaker QB class – especially if the Steelers want to give Aaron Rodgers, assuming he returns, the best chance to take this organization further in 2026? Of course not. Arguably the best blocker in this draft, the 6-foot-4, 320-pound road grading Ioane – one with high RPMs who lined up at tight end in some packages – could move into the spot vacated by Isaac Seumalo.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – OLB/DE T.J. Parker, Clemson
A 6-foot-4, 263-pounder who ran a sub-4.7 40-yard dash at the combine, Parker isn’t Khalil Mack – who is? – but could be a heckuva a Mack-lite backfill for the veteran, who re-signed with the Bolts but just for 2026.
23. Philadelphia Eagles – OT Blake Miller, Clemson
The All-ACC right tackle might be too good to pass up – especially for lineman lover Howie Roseman – given Lane Johnson is in year-to-year mode and missed Philly’s final eight games, including the playoffs, last season.
24. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
A two-year starter at left tackle for the Utes, he’ll need to get a little stronger in the NFL. But Lomu could also nicely provide the final piece to Cleveland’s recently overhauled offensive line.
25. Chicago Bears – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Need a Monster of the Midway? How about a 6-foot-4, 200-pound DB with a penchant for big hits and finding the ball? And it certainly seems like the Bears could use one with All-Pro Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker leaving the back line during free agency. McNeil-Warren and recently signed Coby Bryant could equate to a nice recovery plan.
26. Buffalo Bills – DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Faulk, an intriguing gem in need of some polish, can fill an area of concern given the Bills’ wideout issue seems solved by the trade for DJ Moore. Faulk should be a three-down player who can kick inside on passing downs. He also has a reputation as being an excellent locker-room presence, always a huge bonus.
27. San Francisco 49ers – CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
San Francisco’s corners certainly weren’t helped by the rash of injuries this defense suffered in 2025. Doesn’t mean the Niners couldn’t use some significant help in pass coverage, which Terrell is prepared to provide – whether out wide or in the slot, where he played more often in 2025 for the Tigers.
28. Houston Texans – WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
They invested heavily in (Iowa State) receivers in last year’s draft, but Houston still doesn’t have a proven option behind WR1 Nico Collins. And a team that doesn’t appear to have many glaring needs might decide Cooper, Mendoza’s top target at IU − and one comfortable operating from the slot − might be too good to pass up.
29. Chiefs (from Rams) – CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
With McDuffie and Watson gone, K.C. gets to work rebuilding its secondary with a guy who should be a plug-and-play starter.
30. Denver Broncos – DL Caleb Banks, Florida
The re-injury to his left foot at the combine, after it kept him out for much of the 2025 season while broken, will need to be monitored closely. But Banks (6-6, 327) is monstrously huge and talented with freaky movement skills – if also a bit raw. But he might be too good to pass up at this spot given the loss of DL John Franklin-Myers and need to keep pass rushers like Nik Bonitto clean.
31. New England Patriots – OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
The obvious issue for the AFC champs during the playoffs was protecting QB Drake Maye, who was sacked 21 times in four postseason games, including six times by the Seahawks in Super Bowl 60. RT Morgan Moses is under contract for two more years but also just turned 35. Proctor can block out the sun yet is an impressively nimble athlete at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds. He might remind Patriots fans of former Tom Brady bouncer Trent Brown and could also help launch an already strong ground game to a stratospheric level.
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32. Seattle Seahawks – RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
While they would have liked to retain Walker, other priorities – like re-signing WR/KR Rashid Shaheed – took precedence. But Seattle doesn’t have the luxury of standing pat in the run game, either, given RB2 Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in January. Price is a slasher who starred in a timeshare with Love at Notre Dame and could nicely fill Walker’s role – maybe one of Shaheed’s, too, if the Seahawks opt to make him a bigger part of the offense in 2026.
1 / 02026 NFL Scouting Combine: Athletes show intensity during drillsMissouri defensive back Torinao PrideRound 233. Jets − LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Ageless wonder Demario Davis is now in New York to stabilize the middle of the defense. But he’ll be in his age-37 season this year and can’t be the future at the position. Bringing in a young linebacker to learn alongside him could set the defense up for the future without pressure on Allen.
34. Cardinals − WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Arizona added to its wide receiver room in free agency but still lacks speed in the group. Concepcion is a dynamic threat in the open field and could open up more room for Marvin Harrison Jr. and TE Trey McBride.
35. Titans − OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
Tennessee spent in free agency to bolster its defensive line and secondary. In Round 2, Tennessee gets a left tackle of the future. Tiernan’s length and massive wingspan show up in pass protection and he didn’t miss a snap as a three-year starter for the Wildcats.
36. Raiders − DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Las Vegas added to the offensive line and second level of the defense. But the Raiders still need someone up front to help Crosby, who appears set to stay in Las Vegas in 2026. McDonald is a run-stuffing presence who can help free up new LBs Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean to stop opposing running backs.
37. Giants − WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
New York spent in free agency to bring speed to the wide receiver room with Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin. Fields rounds out the group as a big-bodied outside target to take even more pressure off of Malik Nabers in his return from injury.
38. Texans (from Commanders) − DT Christen Miller, Georgia
Houston’s fearsome defense got even more reinforcements on the line. But Logan Hall and Dominique Robinson aren't necessarily long-term solutions. Miller could be with his anchor and overall strength. His lack of pass rush production in college matters less on a line with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
39. Browns − QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Cleveland’s new-look offensive line is complete by picking Lomu in Round 1 and adding Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins and Tytus Howard in free agency. With Tyson on the roster as well, in this scenario, conditions are solid to take a shot at quarterback in Simpson. He’s the best option on the board for a team that might want an option at the position beyond Sanders and Deshaun Watson.
40. Chiefs − TE Max Klare, Ohio State
Two of the Chiefs’ biggest needs were addressed in Round 1, and they’ve plugged holes on the defensive line and running back. Travis Kelce will return for 2026 but anything beyond that is a question mark. Klare could end up a much better NFL tight end than in college because he played with arguably the best wide receiver room in the country. He could grow into a bigger role with the Chiefs and take over for Kelce.
41. Bengals − G Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
Cincinnati brought in Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe for the defensive, line but they can’t forget the offense. Joe Burrow has to be protected in 2026 for the Bengals to contend, and Bisontis would be a big help. He has experience at tackle but is best as a guard at the next level. He could contend for a starting role immediately.
42. Saints − WR Chris Bell, Louisville
New Orleans hasn’t been very busy in free agency but made a few key signings on offense in G David Edwards, RB Travis Etienne Jr. and TE Noah Fant. But second-year QB Tyler Shough still could use another target in the passing game. Why not bring in a familiar face in Bell, Shough's former Louisville teammate? He’s got linebacker size with impressive speed. Once he’s fully healed from his ACL injury, he could be a versatile piece for Kellen Moore’s offense.
43. Dolphins − CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Miami spent to add lots of players on defense in free agency but could use even more help in the secondary. Cisse offers great size and speed at the position which will serve him well in man coverage.
44. Jets (from Cowboys) − S Kamari Ramsey, USC
New York has young options to develop at nickel (Jarvis Brownlee Jr.) and outside cornerback (Azareye’h Thomas). They could use a premium pick at safety, though, and Ramsey fits the bill. He’s best in zone coverage and can line up in multiple spots.
45. Ravens − G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
The John Simpson signing doesn’t preclude the Ravens from adding to the interior offensive line. New OC Declan Doyle just saw how a strong interior can help an offense in Chicago. Pregnon offers great size and an ideal anchor for pass protection and run blocking. He’ll be a potential upgrade over Andrew Vorhees for 2026.
46. Buccaneers − LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Tampa Bay signed Alex Anzalone in free agency but could use more off-ball linebackers. Golday could contend for starting snaps as a rookie for a much-overhauled defense. He has the size, speed and length to be a good coverage linebacker sooner than later. Franchise icon Lavonte David, 36, may return for another go-around in 2026, but Tampa Bay has to plan ahead.
47. Colts − WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Indianapolis spent big money to retain WR Alec Pierce but could use another contributor outside with Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh. Sarratt lined up at slot and outside in college, and his lack of game-breaking speed won’t matter as much alongside Pierce and Josh Downs.
48. Falcons − CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Atlanta misses out on the top wide receivers given how the chips fell. The Falcons spent on the defensive line and linebacking corps in free agency but didn’t touch the secondary. Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. look like building blocks, but Atlanta could use more reinforcement from a standout like Johnson.
49. Vikings − CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
Minnesota’s been quiet in free agency aside from signing quarterback Kyler Murray. The Vikings could continue to build the secondary in the draft, this time at cornerback. Igbinosun is a long, speedy prospect who thrives in press coverage with excellent ball production.
50. Browns [proposed trade with Lions] − CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
It’s been all offense so far for the Browns in this draft. They’ve made a few key additions in free agency, but their talented defense could use another capable cornerback. Ponds is undersized at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, but he’s an outstanding athlete with ball production and an ideal attitude to thrive in the slot.
51. Panthers − S A.J. Haulcy, LSU
Carolina hasn’t been shy about bolstering its defense while landing top free agents Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd. With Haulcy, Carolina gets a versatile safety with speed and size whom DC Ejiro Evero can deploy extensively.
52. Packers − OLB/DE Zion Young, Missouri
Green Bay could use more help on the offensive line after losing some pieces in free agency, but the value isn’t there on the board at this point. At 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds − and with good production in 2025 (6½ sacks and 16½ TFLs) − Young could step in for departed OLB Rashan Gary here.
53. Steelers − WR Germie Bernard, Alabama
Pittsburgh’s trade for Pittman gives DK Metcalf a running mate outside, but new coach Mike McCarthy has to want more out of the position group. Bernard doesn’t wow you with any elite traits but does everything very well, something that should please Rodgers if he returns to Pittsburgh. Bernard’s size and smooth athleticism mean he can operate outside or from the slot if needed.
54. Eagles − OLB/DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Philadelphia loves to plan ahead but may need to go with an immediate need here. Howell's arm length is a huge question mark, but the Eagles can make it work thanks to his bend and burst off the edge. He’d help make up for losing Phillips from the pass rush.
55. Chargers − OLB/DE Derrick Moore, Michigan
Los Angeles needs more difference-makers on defense, especially after losing coordinator Jesse Minter to the head coaching job in Baltimore. Moore’s speed and burst off the edge would be a good complement to Parker’s power. A pair of young rushers to build around could ensure the defense takes another step − particularly if Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu aren’t re-signed for 2027.
56. Jaguars − LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Jacksonville lost Lloyd in free agency and has to shore up the position. Rodriguez won the Butkus Award as the best linebacker in college football and showed off surprising speed at the combine. He’s a turnover machine with a solid floor as a rookie.
57. Bears − OLB/DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Chicago’s defense relied heavily on turnovers in 2025 and can’t bank on that in 2026. The Bears addressed safety in Round 1 after losing Byard and Brisker. Here, they get a power-based rusher in the archetype defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes. Dennis-Sutton sets the edge well in run defense and has the power to become a better pass rusher with time.
58. 49ers − OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
San Francisco’s offensive line is in flux with Trent Williams' tenure likely to wind down soon. The 49ers addressed other areas in free agency and via trade, especially on defense and outside wide receiver. They need more reinforcements up front, though. Iheanachor is raw but has intriguing traits and athleticism. He could start out at guard before moving to tackle with time.
59. Texans − IOL Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
Houston signed Braden Smith in free agency to shore up one of the tackle spots but could use more options on the interior to improve the unit as a whole. Rutledge is an athletic mover who can get to the second level as a run blocker. His pass protection needs work, but the tools are there − as is his punch and overall hand usage.
60. Bears (from Bills) − WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
Chicago uses the pick it got from dealing DJ Moore to select a player to fill his role. Brazzell’s one of the longer wide receivers in the class with burst off the line to threaten defenses vertically. At 6-foot-4, he’s a contested catch guy who can complement recent draftees Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze.
61. Rams − OLB/DE Gabe Jacas, Illinois
LA spent a lot (both monetarily and draft capital-wise) in acquiring McDuffie and Watson. That means there could be less money to spend on extensions for the team's young pass rushers. Jacas (19 sacks, 26½ TFLs since 2024) is one of the most productive edges in the class.
62. Broncos − OLB/DE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
Denver gets great value by grabbing one of this year's top pass rushers. Thomas is a bit undersized, so he'd likely start out on sub packages with his attacking attitude and presence.
63. Patriots − TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
New England needs more dynamic weapons on offense for Maye. Stowers is an elite athlete, if undersized for his position, but OC Josh McDaniels could get creative moving him throughout the formation. Stowers' smaller frame (6-4, 239) may show up more in run blocking, but the Patriots have the bodies at the position, like Hunter Henry's, to make up for it.
64. Seahawks − S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
Seattle lost Bryant in free agency, and the interior offensive line options aren't great at this spot. The Seahawks have lots of faith in Ty Okada, but some extra depth on the back end can’t hurt for the defending champions. Wheatley’s a thumping presence in run defense and took a big step in coverage last season.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL mock draft: After free agency, is Ty Simpson in first round?
Source: “AOL Sports”
