Bucky Brooks 2026 NFL mock draft 2.0: Jets grab edge rusher, receiver; Rams double dip on DBs

The Raiders kick off the Klint Kubiak era with a perfect match at quarterback. Mendoza's pinpoint passing skills and clutch playmaking ability should energize an offense that already has blue-chip talents in place at running back and tight end.

With Aaron Glenn taking over the defensive play-calling duties, the Jets could opt for a pass rusher to generate more takeaway opportunities in 2026 and beyond. Bailey is a spectacular sack specialist with the explosiveness to wreak havoc on quarterbacks.

With or without Kyler Murray, the Cardinals need to find a tackle to man the right side opposite athletic LT Paris Johnson Jr. Mauigoa is a talented edge blocker with the size, strength and nastiness to bully opponents at the point of attack.

Robert Saleh cannot resist the opportunity to take a chance on building a defense around an explosive athlete with natural playmaking skills as an off-ball linebacker and edge rusher. Reese's overall development could take some time, especially considering he only served as a full-time starter for one season at Ohio State, but the Titans' defensive-minded head coach could unlock his enticing potential.

Given his success with All-Pro safeties (Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton) in the lineup, John Harbaugh could push for a multi-faceted defensive playmaker to fortify a unit that disappointed in 2025. Downs' IQ, communication skills and playmaking potential could significantly boost a Giants defense that doesn't lack talent.

The Browns must revamp their offensive line to control the trenches. Fano is an athletic people mover with the quickness and agility to play in a zone-based or gap scheme.

The high-motor defender is a relentless pass rusher with a power-based game that could remind Dan Quinn of a young Dante Fowler Jr. Bain's disruptive potential exceeds his production, making him the perfect complement to a more traditional edge rusher.

Adding a dynamic playmaker should help Tyler Shough make a leap in Year 2. Love could spend a season serving as a true apprentice to Alvin Kamara or team with the five-time Pro Bowler to form a formidable 1-2 punch in the Saints' backfield.

The acrobatic pass catcher could add another dimension to the Chiefs' passing game as a big-play threat. Tate's speed and explosion would enable Kansas City to run various combination routes with Xavier Worthy and the Ohio State standout creating and exploiting mismatches on the perimeter. 

Despite his unrefined game as a pass rusher, Faulk could be in play for the Bengals due to his disruptive potential on the edge. As a rugged run defender with explosive strength and power, the Auburn product could thrive as a base end in Al Golden's scheme.

The talented technician would help the Dolphins match up with the high-powered offenses around the league. Delane's instincts, awareness and versatility mesh well with Jeff Hafley's vision-and-break scheme.

The Cowboys' installation of a Vic Fangio-like scheme under new DC Christian Parker could make the high-motor edge defender a top priority. Mesidor's energy, effort and relentlessness, combined with his advanced pass-rushing skills after six years in college, could make him a double-digit sack artist early in his pro career. 

If McCoy shows evaluators that he is fully recovered from the ACL tear suffered in January of 2025, the Tennessee standout could be a steal for the Rams as a CB1 with ballhawk potential.

Ioane feels like a perfect fit for a team that wants to build a bully at the line of scrimmage. The Penn State product is a mauler/brawler with a nasty temperament and dominant game that would help Baltimore continue to run the rock at a high level.

With Lavonte David mulling retirement, Styles could perfectly slide into the role of run-and-chase linebacker in Todd Bowles' attacking defense. 

If the Jets find a quarterback via trade or free agency, they could add another perimeter weapon to the mix to alleviate some of the pressure on WR1 Garrett Wilson. Tyson's injury history is a concern, but the Arizona State star is a polished route runner with outstanding hands and ball skills.

The gargantuan Alabama product needs to smooth out the rough parts of his game, but he displays the potential to develop into a franchise-caliber tackle in time.

The long, rangy playmaker is an ideal fit in Brian Flores' aggressive scheme. McNeil-Warren is a rare find as a box-area banger with top-notch skills as a center fielder.

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

After grabbing an edge rusher at No. 12, Dallas can address another big need on its broken defense. Terrell isn't the biggest corner, but I think he's a natural playmaker with the speed and quickness to match up with WR1s on the outside. 

If Mike McCarthy gets Aaron Rodgers to stick around for another year, the Steelers could take a wideout with exceptional running skills to elevate a passing game that will feature more short and intermediate throws. Lemon is a versatile playmaker with a game that will enable him to work effectively from out wide or in the slot at the pro level.

Given Jim Harbaugh's and Mike McDaniel's affinity for athletic tight ends, this Oregon product could be the Bolts' top target. Sadiq is a mismatch creator with the speed, quickness and burst to excel in an offense that will feature more catch-and-run concepts on the perimeter in 2026. 

Whether or not Philly keeps A.J. Brown, the offense needs a bursty separator to help Jalen Hurts and the passing game. Concepcion's RAC ability (run after catch) could allow the Eagles to bring back the RPO game that helped their franchise quarterback flourish during two Super Bowl runs. 

If the Browns are committed to building a basketball team on the perimeter, with a variety of wide receivers possessing different skills, the need to acquire a big-bodied pass catcher could make Boston the pick. 

McDonald's disruptive presence as a beefy defensive tackle would quickly help the Bears shore up a lackluster run defense.

The Bills must continue to throw resources at the wide receiver position. Fields is a supersized playmaker with the tools to blossom as an "X" receiver in a pro-style offense. 

The most natural left tackle prospect in the draft could give the 49ers an enviable long-term plan at the crucial position. Lomu's nimble feet and quick hands would make him the perfect eventual replacement for Trent Williams on the blind side.

Banks' superior size, strength and disruptive potential would enhance a front that already features a pair of wildly destructive bookends on the edges. 

The Rams' struggles in coverage could prompt general manager Les Snead to commit multiple top picks to the defensive backfield. Thieneman is a natural center fielder with the range, instincts and awareness to thrive as a playmaker in Chris Shula's umbrella scheme.

With Alex Singleton on the verge of free agency, adding a thumper to the lineup could be at the top of Denver's draft wish list. Allen's old-school game fits Vance Joseph's aggressive scheme and approach. 

After feeling the offensive line's struggles throughout the postseason, the Patriots could opt for a developmental prospect with tremendous upside.

The Seahawks' success with a deep pass-rush rotation could result in another bona fide QB hunter hitting the roster. Howell's slick pass-rushing maneuvers and non-stop motor make him a fine fit with a Seattle defense that outworks opponents on the edges.