The 2026 NFL Draft took center stage last week in Indianapolis.
But after a scorching round of 40 times at the NFL Scouting Combine, the focus shifts to the veteran players with free agency set to begin next week.
The salary cap rises this year to $301.2 million per team, the league announced last week. So many general managers will look to fill their most pressing needs with the additions of high-priced players on expiring contracts.
The needs for the 32 teams will be shifting over the next two months, and so will their draft priorities.
Here is a look at our Mock Draft 2.0 with fresh information gathered after many prospects posted impressive workouts in front of the NFL’s decision-makers.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
All he has to do is run out the clock.
2. New York Jets: Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Dealer’s choice on how they want to deploy him.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
Bailey’s performance at the combine only confirms his immense talents.
4. Tennessee Titans: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
New coach Robert Saleh finds his version of Fred Warner.
5. New York Giants: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jaxson Dart’s new best friend is the most dynamic offensive player in the draft.
6. Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The Browns do not have to look too far to take the first step toward improving their dreadful offense.
7. Washington Commanders: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
The big boys need to make Jayden Daniels feel more comfortable.
8. New Orleans Saints: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
The Saints believe Tyler Shough is the answer; now he needs some help.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Steve Spagnuolo will scheme it up to allow Downs to make big plays.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
If only Joe Burrow can stay healthy, the Bengals might again contend.
11. Miami Dolphins: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Jeff Hafley’s roots are as a DB coach, and his first pick is the best corner.
12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
The Cowboys’ defense needs a lot of help.
13. Los Angeles Rams: WR Makai Lemon, USC
The question is whether his refusal to run is a hint he’s slower than expected.
14. Baltimore Ravens: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
The Ravens need to get back to being bullies.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami
After six years of college, Mesidor should be ready to step in and play.
16. New York Jets: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
His athleticism proved to be even better than advertised.
17. Detroit Lions: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Howell registered the fastest pass-rush time, and the Lions need a complement to Aidan Hutchinson.
18. Minnesota Vikings: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Holy Toledo, the Vikings need a safety if Harrison Smith retires.
19. Carolina Panthers: DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Faulk, yeah, the Panthers need a physical talent to rush the passer.
20. Dallas Cowboys: Edge Rueben Bain, Miami
His short arms are of some concern, but it’s not a reach to grab him here.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
His physical tools give him a chance to develop into one of the best.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
The Chargers need to tighten up their run defense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
The Eagles’ offensive line needs a fresh coat of paint.
24. Cleveland Browns: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Already considered a first-round talent, he might have locked it up with his workout.
25. Chicago Bears: Edge Zion Young, Missouri
The Bears’ defense needs another player to get after the QB.
26. Buffalo Bills: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Josh Allen can use a big target on the outside.
27. San Francisco 49ers: WR Omar Cooper, Indiana
Cooper is a darn-near perfect fit with his route-running, body control and temperament.
28. Houston Texans: T Kaydyn Proctor, Alabama
The big fella showed what he can do after shedding a few pounds.
29. Los Angeles Rams: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Finally, they address what has been the weakness of the team for a while.
30. Denver Broncos: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
A year ago, they added Dre Greenlaw, whose injury-plagued season prompts this move.
31. New England Patriots: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Freeling is probably more of a fit for left tackle than Will Campbell, whom they chose at No. 4 last year.
32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
The Seahawks are likely to have a hole to fill with Riq Woolen hitting the free-agent market.
New additions
S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon; WR Omar Cooper, Indiana; T Kaydyn Proctor, Alabama; CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson; CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Dropped out
Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson; DT Peter Woods, Clemson; OT Blake Miller, Clemson; WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M; WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
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