With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in the books, we now have another big piece of the NFL draft puzzle to consider. However, prospect stocks and team needs remain fluid, with the free-agency frenzy set to shake up rosters around the league when it officially begins on Wednesday, March 11. Oh, and pro-day season is about to get underway, too.
There are a lot of moving parts, which is why this time of year is so exciting. Trades are sure to be a factor before we get to Round 1 on April 23 in Pittsburgh, but just like in my first mock, I'm keeping all teams in their current draft slots. So, without further ado, here is my second look at how the first 32 picks could shake out.
Never has a player who sat out a workout at the combine been so warmly received by the fans in attendance. I still believe the "Potentate of Hoosier Land" is headed to Tom Brady's Raiders.
In the battle to be the first edge rusher off the board, Bailey gets the nod, with his work at the combine helping him secure a spot with Gang Green.
The Cardinals have many needs, but adding arguably the best player in the draft is a terrific starting point.
The Ohio State lads were highly impressive as a group at the combine. Reese heads to the Music City as the first Buckeye to hear his name called by the commissioner.
Styles’ tape is outstanding. His combine performance was off the charts. The Giants cannot pass on his talent.
After Tate's 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the combine, Bills GM Brandon Beane joked on the NFL Network broadcast that teams probably shouldn’t “take him early.” The Browns laugh at the thought, and they keep Tate in-state.
The Commanders need a pass rusher who can close. Bain can do the job, and with force.
After the Saints’ strong finish to the 2025 season, the addition of Delane should keep the momentum going.
When the Chiefs are at their best, their offensive line is a tenacious group. Mauigoa is a very physical player and might even have the versatility to slide inside to guard, depending on how Andy Reid prefers to line up his best five. In case you missed it, my colleague Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that the team is releasing OT Jawaan Taylor.
Too many passes have gone over the heads of the Bengals’ defensive backs in the last few seasons. Downs makes few mistakes in coverage and is an excellent tackler, as well.
The potential lockdown corner’s pro day will be heavily scrutinized after he missed all of last season with an ACL tear and did not work out at the combine. If he aces the test, the Dolphins will have an immediate starter.
McNeil-Warren offers range, instincts and ball skills in abundance. Dallas needs more players like him on defense.
Lemon can be the shooting guard to star WR Puka Nacua's power forward. Oh, and the Rams still have six-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams. Matthew Stafford approves.
Fano is an easy glider with a big punch. His combine arm measurement (32 1/8 inches) fell below the standard for NFL offensive tackles, so he could move inside to guard. Or could he get a look at center if Tyler Linderbaum departs in free agency?
Head coach Todd Bowles is all about creating pressure. Like Fano, Howell’s arm length fell below the standard for his position (30 1/4 inches), but the Bucs are more interested in his production (33 tackles for loss, including 25 sacks, in the last three seasons).
Would the Jets go with Alabama QB Ty Simpson here? It feels a little early for that move. We don't yet know who will be quarterbacking in New York in 2026, but pairing Tyson with Garrett Wilson will surely help get the offense moving.
I keep eyeing Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor here, as he feels like a Detroit Lion to me. Mesidor fills another pressing need, though, helping Pro Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson in a big way.
Thieneman’s athleticism -- on full display at the combine -- and smarts are top notch. He could be a perfect replacement for one of the best if Harrison Smith decides to retire.
Banks should give Carolina’s interior pass rush a big boost once he settles in next to Pro Bowl DT Derrick Brown.
Dallas doubles down on defense in Round 1, with Hood joining McNeil-Warren to give new DC Christian Parker two talented building blocks in the secondary.
I love Boston’s ball skills, versatility and toughness. He will be embraced in the Steel City.
Ioane might be picked much earlier in Round 1, so the Chargers should be thrilled if he’s still available. He’s exactly what they need up front: a hammer on the interior.
If veteran tight end Dallas Goedert reaches free agency, the Eagles can continue to remake their offense by adding the explosive Sadiq.
I know the Browns are acquiring Tytus Howard from the Texans, but they still need a lot more help for the offensive line. Howard could stay at tackle or make room for Miller by sliding inside to guard, a position Howard has plenty of experience playing.
The Bears should continue to add to their defensive front, with Lee joining a rotation that includes Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett.
Until further notice, I will keep giving the Bills Mafia what it wants, and that's a playmaker on the perimeter. However, if GM Brandon Beane acquires a veteran receiver in free agency, look for the defense to get the attention here.
Yes, presuming the Niners and their All-World OT figure out a way around his $38.8 million cap hit in 2026, Trent Williams will be entrenched at left tackle, but Freeling would get a great opportunity to learn from the best before he’s asked to take over at the position.
Lomu takes a lot of pride in protecting his QB (no sacks allowed in 2025, per Pro Football Focus) and he will be expected to compete right away to keep C.J. Stroud upright.
With the pick they'll obtain from the Rams in the Trent McDuffie trade, the Chiefs invest in a speedy pass catcher with big-play potential. What a gift to welcome back Patrick Mahomes.
The Broncos boasted one of the top defenses in the NFL in 2025, and adding the talented Allen means there will be no dropoff.
A supreme athlete at 352 pounds, Proctor can also be a bully on the field (and I say that with admiration). He should earn a starting spot quickly for New England.
Price was splendid at the combine. With Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III ticketed for free agency and Zach Charbonnet returning from a postseason knee injury, the Golden Domer could shine for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
