Bucky Brooks 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0: Cowboys double up on defense; Rams snag QB prospect

The Raiders begin another new era with the Heisman Trophy winner/national champion installed at quarterback. As a classic dropback passer with a winning pedigree, Mendoza is the perfect fit for Tom Brady and the rest of the brass in Vegas.

The do-it-all linebacker (69 tackles, 10 for loss, 6.5 sacks and two passes defensed in 2025) adds more blue-chip talent to a defense that significantly underachieved in Aaron Glenn's debut season as Jets head coach.

The Cardinals must determine if Kyler Murray remains the franchise quarterback. If his time in the desert is indeed done, as many have speculated, the lack of QB depth in the 2026 draft class could prompt the team to look elsewhere for help at the game's most important position. In this case, Arizona adds a foundational piece to its struggling offensive line, which contributed to a 38.7% pressure allowed rate -- the fourth-highest mark in the league in 2025, per Next Gen Stats.

Even if the Titans find a WR1 in free agency, a dearth of perimeter talent (rookie Elic Ayomanor just led Tennessee receivers with 515 yards) could inspire the team to double-dip at the position, with Tate (17.2 yards per catch in 2025) coming aboard as a big-play specialist. 

The Giants get back to their menacing ways under new coach John Harbaugh by fortifying the trenches with fresh talent. Mauigoa is a natural right tackle who specializes in bullying defenders at the point of attack with superior size and strength, and New York could have a hole at the position with Jermaine Eluemunor's impending free agency.

The Browns desperately need to address their offensive line, which surrendered 51 sacks as a patchwork unit in 2025. Lomu is an athletic edge blocker with the nimble feet and quick hands to effectively shadowbox speed rushers on the blind side. 

Deebo Samuel is ticketed for free agency this offseason, and if the veteran receiver leaves, this silky-smooth pass catcher would be a sensible selection for the Commanders. Tyson is a route-running specialist who gives off Jaxon Smith-Njigba vibes on the perimeter. 

Cameron Jordan is 36 and currently without a contract for 2026. Whether he returns to the team or not, the Saints must find an eventual replacement on the edges. Bailey is not a finished product, but his speed, explosiveness and burst give blockers problems in pass protection. 

Chiefs running backs haven't topped 4.1 combined yards per carry in a season since 2022 (4.5) -- Eric Bieniemy's last year as offensive coordinator. With Bieniemy back and Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt both bound for free agency, Kansas City could seek a ball-carrier with the big-play potential to alleviate some of the pressure on Patrick Mahomes to produce explosive plays from the pocket. 

The defense has fallen apart since Jessie Bates III's departure. In 2022, Bates' final season with the team, Cincinnati ranked 16th in yards allowed, then dropped to 31st, 25th and 31st over the next three seasons. Adding a multi-faceted playmaker to the lineup would go a long way to boosting this unit, and Downs is a high-IQ defender who excels near the box or in the deep half as a playmaking specialist. 

With Darren Waller's contract up, the Dolphins could prioritize tight end in the draft. Sadiq is a mismatch creator with the potential to give defensive coordinators headaches as they try to keep up with Miami's speed and explosiveness on the perimeter. 

The Cowboys need more speed and playmaking potential at linebacker. Styles is a freak athlete with the explosiveness to thrive as a sideline-to-sideline defender in a see ball, get ball scheme. 

McCoy is coming off an ACL injury that cost him the 2025 season, making this a risky pick. However, the Tennessee standout is a natural CB1 whose polished game enables him to play in a zone-based scheme that prioritizes ball skills and awareness. The Rams use the first of their two first-round choices to boost their 19th-ranked pass defense. 

The return of former Baltimore assistant Jesse Minter as the team's new head coach could help the Ravens return to their beat 'em up defensive roots, especially if they add an energetic combo player with pass-rush skills. Despite lacking ideal measurables, Bain dominated throughout the College Football Playoff (five sacks), suggesting his skills can translate to the pro game. 

After a hot start to the season, Baker Mayfield's play tailed off down the stretch, with the QB tallying a 10:9 TD-to-INT ratio and 78.9 passer rating over his final eight games. Getting him back on track starts with fortifying the offensive line. Ioane punishes defenders at the line of scrimmage as a road grader, and he also displays the nimble feet to dance in pass protection. 

The spectacular slot receiver from USC would add some juice to a passing game that desperately needs it. Lemon's ability to turn short passes into long gains should help whoever plays QB for the Jets produce more explosive plays, especially if the team utilizes a quick-rhythm passing attack.

The Lions' O-line was hit hard by center Frank Ragnow's sudden retirement last year, and now left tackle Taylor Decker is mulling his future, as well -- which could make offensive tackle a top priority. Proctor needs to smooth out the rough parts of his game, but his potential to develop into a franchise-caliber tackle would make the gamble worth the risk at this point. 

Having just signed a contract extension, defensive coordinator Brian Flores needs a technician with a diverse game who can play man or zone from a bump-and-run or off position. Delane's versatility, instincts and awareness make him the perfect fit for a defense designed to create chaos for opponents with creative pre-snap disguises and exotic blitz patterns. 

Finding a disruptive playmate for Derrick Brown could elevate the Panthers' defense in 2026. Woods' athleticism and explosiveness could create problems for opponents attempting to attack between the tackles. 

The void left by the trade of Micah Parsons might prompt the Cowboys to load up on pass rushers in the offseason. Faulk is a bit of a project as a pure QB hunter, but his explosive traits could intrigue a coaching staff that believes in a draft-and-develop philosophy. 

In 2025, just one Steelers player (DK Metcalf) topped 500 receiving yards. With the offensive-minded Mike McCarthy taking over as head coach, Pittsburgh could add another weapon to the lineup to increase the unit's explosiveness. Branch is a catch-and-run specialist with quickness and wiggle, which would add a dynamic dimension to the passing game. 

The energetic pass rusher would make the perfect replacement for Khalil Mack, who is staring at both free agency and potential retirement. As a power rusher with outstanding instincts, Mesidor would complement Pro Bowler Tuli Tuipulotu on the edges. 

Adding a playmaking cover corner to replace impending free agent Adoree' Jackson in a lineup that features Quinyon Mitchell at CB1 and Cooper DeJean as the nickel should solidify the Eagles' defensive backfield. 

Without a consensus first-round quarterback available at this pick, the Browns could add another weapon to an offense that gained a league-worst 4.3 yards per play in 2025. Concepcion is an electric playmaker with outstanding ball skills and RAC (run after the catch) ability. 

Beefing up the interior will help coordinator Dennis Allen improve a porous run defense that ranked 29th in rushing yards allowed per carry (5.0) in 2025. McDonald's disruptive presence as a supersized defensive tackle could quickly help the Bears solve their biggest defensive problem. 

If general manager Brandon Beane still believes enough in the talent within the WR room to look elsewhere here, he could opt for an instinctive linebacker to solidify the middle of the Bills' defense.

At 37 years old, left tackle Trent Williams is nearing the end of a Hall of Fame career -- which makes finding an eventual successor a top priority. Freeling is far from a polished product, but his physical tools and upside make him an intriguing developmental prospect. 

The Texans could lean into a strength-on-strength philosophy by adding another building block to their championship-caliber defense. Banks' superior size, strength and disruptive potential would enhance a front that features a pair of destructive bookends in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr..

Simpson was a starter for just one season at Alabama. Still, despite his limited experience, the QB could intrigue Sean McVay as a potential successor to Matthew Stafford. As a mobile playmaker, Simpson fits the Baker Mayfield mold, which has worked within this Rams system. 

Adding a playmaking safety will enable the Broncos to continue suffocating opponents with sticky coverage. McNeil-Warren is a rangy defender with the instincts and awareness to eliminate deep throws between the hashes. 

The impending free agency of K'Lavon Chaisson (7.5 regular-season sacks) could leave a void at one of the Patriots' edge-rusher spots. Howell might be an ideal replacement as a sub-package specialist with dynamic pass-rushing skills. 

Despite their offensive success in 2025 (ranked third in points and eighth in yards), the Seahawks could still stand to add a pass catcher to the lineup to complement Jaxon Smith-Njigba. As a supersized playmaker with outstanding leaping ability and ball skills, Boston looks like an unstoppable red-zone weapon.