We’re headed to Indianapolis for the annual NFL scouting combine next week. With that in mind, this feels like the right time to reveal our first round of mock drafts.

See below for MLive Detroit Lions beat writer Kory Woods’ first mock draft of the offseason:

1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

After a dominant 2025 campaign that resulted in several awards and honors, along with leading Indiana to its first football national championship, Fernando Mendoza was clearly the best quarterback and overall player in college football. Raiders will land a gem who can possibly – and finally – get the franchise headed back in the right direction.

2. New York Jets — Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

Maybe Dante Moore heard Stephen A. Smith speak and took his advice to stay in college, avoiding the constant confusion and turnover within the Jets organization. While Aaron Glenn certainly needs to solve his quarterback problem, the wiser choice would be to take the best defensive player on the board, a heat-seeking missile like Arvell Reese, who can set the edge and play multiple positions at linebacker.

3. Arizona Cardinals — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

The Cardinals need a little bit of everything, but Francis Mauigoa, in my opinion, fits what their locker room will need after a shakeup. He’s good against double teams, an experienced starter, and most appealing, he was a captain for the Hurricanes, potentially bringing leadership to the team.

4. Tennessee Titans — Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

It’s not only back-to-back Hurricanes coming off the board; it’s consecutive years for The Titans looking to “The U” in the first round. Last year, the Titans drafted their offensive cornerstone in Cam Ward. Rueben Bain Jr. finished his final season in Miami with 30 solo tackles, 9.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. And if that doesn’t raise your eyebrows, how about 68 quarterbacks hits and 67 pressures. He’s going to be a problem at the next level and a perfect piece for Robert Saleh to mold.

5. New York Giants — Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Giants protecting their young dynamo in Jaxson Dart should be of the highest priority, before even grabbing him a target. Spencer Fano allowed no sacks or quarterback hits during his final season in Utah, and he was just as dominant the year before, when he moved to right tackle.

6. Cleveland Browns — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

There is a solid argument for who’s the best wideout in this year’s crop, but Carnell Tate is the perfect one for the Browns, regardless of the direction they go in at quarterback. At 6-foot-3 with good leaping ability, he’s snagging most 50-50 balls from defenders. He’s also an excellent defender who can make contested catches, which is something Jerry Jeudy has been unable to accomplish in Cleveland.

7. Washington Commanders — David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Commanders investing in the trenches for a second year – but on the defensive side this time – makes sense. David Bailey had a 21.6% pass rush win rate last season with the Red Raiders, along with 15 sacks, 23 quarterback hits, and an NCAA-leading 73 pressures. He might be the most explosive edge rusher in the draft.

8. New Orleans Saints — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Jordan Tyson had a bit of a down year in 2025 due to injuries, but when he was on the field, he was a handful for defenders. His versatility to play outside or in the slot makes him extra appealing, along with the fact that he’s pretty good when it comes to contested catches. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s a willing blocker.

9. Kansas City Chiefs — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

To steal a line from the movie Trading Places, “Mortimer, we’re back.” The Chiefs need a long-term solution at running back – among a few other things. There is no way Jeremiyah Love, who has been the nation’s best running back for the past two seasons, gets by them. Won’t call it the steal of the draft, but it’s a steal for KC.

10. Cincinnati Bengals — Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State

I like Caleb Downs in Cincinnati for the simple fact that he not only fills a need, but also gives them some identity in their secondary. He has great instincts, plays well against the run, and allowed a 54.5 passer rating. Downs’ performance in 2025 saw him win both the Lott and Jim Thorpe Award, along with earning his second consecutive Unanimous All-American honor.

11. Miami Dolphins — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Mansoor Delane is a versatile cornerback who is a nightmare for offensive coordinators. Opposing quarterbacks had a 31.3% passer rating throwing his way last season, and only 40% of the passes thrown his way were completed. Playing mostly outside corner, Delane can mix it up in the slot or box if needed. And he is respectable in run defense.

12. Dallas Cowboys — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

There’s no such thing as replacing what Micah Parsons brought to the Cowboys defense, but Sonny Styles might be the best off-ball linebacker in the draft. He’s great in coverage and a problem against the run. And he is a sure-fire tackler, only missing two last season.

13. Los Angeles Rams — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Typically, I am against injured players going high in the draft, but with how loaded the Rams already are, taking a chance on Jermod McCoy could pay off in the long run. He missed last season due to an ACL injury, but his 2024 campaign saw him earn First-team All-SEC honors after he finished with 24 tackles, seven pass deflections, and four interceptions. The opposing quarterback had a 53.6 passer rating, throwing his way. It’s a reach, but a worthy one.

14. Baltimore Ravens — Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Jesse Minter is going to have the defensive side of the ball rolling, regardless of who’s on the roster. Getting Lamar Jackson another weapon to go with Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews is the perfect play right here. Makai Lemon is physical, a great route runner, and could be a YAC demon like his fellow Trojan Amon-Ra St. Brown. Finished his final year at USC, averaging 14.6 yards per catch. Jackson needs that type of weapon at his disposal.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

With Lavonte David possibly out the door, Todd Bowles will need a physical piece for that Buccaneers defense who can be a tackling machine and not afraid to put a hat on the opposition. Insert CJ Allen, who can instantly upgrade their run defense on day one.

16. Indianapolis Colts — Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

Setting aside the number of games he played last season, the Jets are in need of some beef on that defensive line after sending Quinnen Williams to Dallas. The Southfield (MI) native is a 6-foot-6, 329-pound physical, and has few tools in his arsenal to generate pressure. His 8.3% pass rush win rate last season is a bit lower than you’d like, but his upside is high.

17. Detroit Lions — Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

When the Detroit Lions selected Ahmed Hassanein last season in the sixth round, it came off like an “Are you happy?” pick by Brad Holmes. This time around, the Lions selecting Cashius Howell at No. 17 feels more like a “Hey, we finally found our guy to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson.”

Let’s get this out of the way: Howell’s run-stop rate (3.1%) leaves a lot to be desired. And it’s something that can be worked on with Kacy Rodgers in the building. But the Lions can’t keep relying on Hutchinson as the only true option to get to the quarterback. This is an area where Howell excels. He finished last season with 12 sacks, 47 pressures, 27 hurries, six pass deflections, and a forced fumble.

Howell has a set of techniques, including a nice spin move to free himself up and reach the quarterback with ease. Setting the edge is an area that he will need some work on, but he has great bend, and his closing speed on quarterbacks is elite, like his pass rush win rate (19.9%).The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Howell has consistently shown he is a quality defender throughout his time at Texas A&M.

In 2024, when his sack totals dipped to four, he still had 26 tackles, seven pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one interception. And in 2023, his final year at Bowling Green State, he logged 9.5 sacks, which led the MAC while he was a redshirt sophomore and a forced fumble.

When free agency kicks off, it’s a high possibility the Lions may lose Al-Quadin Muhammad to another high bidder who will desire a pass rusher of his talents. But should the Lions retain him, that doesn’t mean Holmes and Co. should pass on drafting someone like Howell.

The Lions simply need talent in their edge rusher rotation. And there’s no justification for bringing back players such as Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, and Levi Onwuzurike, as they have not been reliable to provide consistent production in recent years, even when healthy. The key for the Lions with Howell will be making sure they work on improving his technique and his overall defensive IQ.

18. Minnesota Vikings — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Avieon Terrell is a versatile corner who can play both man and zone coverage. And to top it off, he’s great in run defense. He and Byron Murphy Jr. in the Vikings secondary could be a nightmare for the NFC North. And that goes double with Brian Flores back in the fold.

19. Carolina Panthers — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Continuing to put pieces around Bryce Young is paramount for the Panthers’ success, and giving him a 6-foot-3, 245-pound tight end like Kenyon Sadiq would be one heck of a move. He wrecked the Big Ten last season with 560 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 11 yards per catch. Add to the fact that he’s a respectable blocker, this would be a homerun pick for the Panthers.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB) — Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

You can almost copy and paste my thoughts on Styles and place them here. Dallas simply needs to add more defensive talent. Keldric Faulk took a dip last season at Auburn and still had a 11.6% pass-rush win rate and an 8.6% run-stop rate. He has room to develop, and along with Styles, could be another cornerstone for a young Dallas defense.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

There’s no need to overthink this one. Whether or not Aaron Rodgers returns to Pittsburgh next season, it’s time to plan for the future under center, and Ty Simpson is not only the best quarterback left on the board; he won’t be there when the Steelers have to pick again. Finished last season with 25 touchdowns to eight interceptions, picking up Second-team All-SEC honors along the way.

22. Los Angeles Chargers — Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

Rebuilding that interior offensive line is a must for the Chargers heading into next season, and Olaivavega Ioane falling to them this late is the steal of the draft, one that could have serious implications for postseason success. He’s allowed zero sacks from the interior over the past two seasons and one quarterback hit over that same span.

23. Philadelphia Eagles — Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

According to reports, Lane Johnson is set to return for his 14th season with the Eagles. That said, they’re going to have to look for his replacement at some point. Philadelphia looked out of sorts with Johnson sidelined last season after the victory over the Lions. Grabbing Monroe Freeling here and allowing him to learn from Johnson would be a smart setup for an eventual changing of the guard –or tackle in this case.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Continuing to add to the offense is key for Cleveland. You grabbed your future WR1 earlier in the draft. Now grab a stalwart like Kadyn for your offensive line that has not played up to expectations.

25. Chicago Bears — Akheem Messidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)

Only six teams had fewer sacks than the Chicago Bears last season, so expect Ben Johnson to look for someone to pair with Montez Sweat. Akheem Messidor had a 20.8% pass-rush win rate last season in Miami, which is elite. While he moonlighted a little on the inside, Messidor is predominantly outside of the tackles. He logged 13 sacks and 50 pressures in 2025, which is something I bet will raise the Bears’ eyebrows.

26. Buffalo Bills — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

I’m unsure of what the future holds for Keon Coleman in Buffalo. After some inflammatory comments directed his way from the Bills’ brass, I smell an exit. Replacing the Coleman with another big-bodied receiver like Denzel Boston makes sense. Last season at Washington, Boston averaged 14.2 yards per catch and hauled in 11 touchdowns.

27. San Francisco 49ers — KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Christian McCaffrey is great as a runner and pass catcher, but it can’t be all on him; it’s time for San Francisco to repair their receiver corps. KC Concepcion is small in stature, but has a great route tree; he’s quick and just finds ways to get open. Taking some responsibility off CMC and giving Brock Purdy another target is a win for everyone, including George Kittle, who will be coming off an injury.

28. Houston Texans — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

We all saw the Texans-Patriots divisional round matchup, right? Ok, just checking. Repairing this offensive line is a necessity for Houston. That’s it.

29. Los Angeles Rams — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

After taking a flier on McCoy, adding Emmanuel McNeil-Warren to the secondary to create a trio with Quentin Lake and Kamren Kinchens could be deadly. He’s a killer at punching out the football, hence the nine forced fumbles in college, and has a knack for laying a hat on pass catchers.

30. Denver Broncos — Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

The Broncos already have a little bit of everything on both sides of the ball. Anthony Hill Jr. provides them extra quality depth at linebacker, who can be a big help in their run defense, along with the versatility to play in the slot or box.

31. New England Patriots — T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Adding another pass-rusher they can develop wouldn’t hurt the Patriots at this spot, and T.J. Parker has the talent and upside. He didn’t do himself any favors this year, slipping from 12 sacks to six. But if his pass rush win rate (15.5%) and run stop rate (7.6%) are any indication of what he can do at the next level, New England may have landed a future starter.

32. Seattle Seahawks — Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

The Seahawks offensive line did a pretty good job last season; obviously good enough to propel them to a Super Bowl LX win. But it doesn’t mean they couldn’t get better. Emmanuel Pregnon played mostly left guard last season, which Grey Zabel currently plays in Seattle. But grabbing him and molding him into an option at right guard is worth the shot based on Anthony Bradford’s production, who PFF gave low marks at his spot last season.