2026 NFL Mock Draft: Caleb Downs Not a High 15 Choose? Chiefs, Cowboys Double Up on D

[ad_1] As we quickly strategy the 2026 NFL Draft, are the highest 5 picks beginning to really feel chalky? I actually suppose so.

In my newest mock draft, my first 5 picks stay unchanged from my first mock draft. Positive, some would possibly say that is a boring option to strategy doing a mock draft. And whereas I've shifted my place on the place a number of gamers will land, some issues simply make excellent sense. After all, the Las Vegas Raiders are going to take Fernando Mendoza. However there's additionally an ideal edge rusher for the New York Jets ready for them with the No. 2 choose.

Don't fret, although, there are many different modifications in my mock draft. So, let's check out how I've shuffled the deck in my most up-to-date mock draft.

Odds by way of DraftKings Sportsbook.

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Tremendous Bowl Odds: +15000 (guess $10 to win $1,510 complete)

Mendoza is the most effective quarterback on this class and he might be drafted first general by the Raiders, who've an opportunity to construct round him.

2. New York Jets: David Bailey, edge rusher, Texas Tech Tremendous Bowl Odds: +20000 (guess $10 to win $2,010 complete)

I don’t suppose Bailey is the most effective edge prospect on this draft, however the Jets want a pure go rusher, so they'll go for him over Arvell Reese. That makes Bailey the most effective draft choose for the Jets. He’s tremendous twitchy and has elite ending expertise close to the quarterback. He additionally has the potential to be a famous person.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +40000 (guess $10 to win $4,010 complete)

Arizona will choose the most effective defensive participant within the draft and may work out the place to make use of him as soon as he’s within the constructing. Reese can play off the ball or rush the passer. I do consider he'll comply with the trail of Micah Parsons and finally find yourself as a full-time go rusher.

4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Tremendous Bowl Odds: +11000 (guess $10 to win $1,110 complete)

The Titans will seize the most effective offensive participant on this draft. Love is a dynamic operating again with excellent breakaway potential. He’s a three-down again who will assist younger QB Cam Ward. Much less strain on Ward, extra on the run sport.

What makes Jeremiyah Love an elite operating again prospect? Tremendous Bowl Odds: +7000 (guess $10 to win $710 complete)

Powerful resolution for the Giants at No. 5. Do they draft an offensive deal with who would possibly venture as a guard within the NFL, or do they draft an off-the-ball linebacker with the fifth choose? I feel the Giants will take the participant who can assist Jaxson Dart instantly. Mauigoa might find yourself inside at guard, however he’s going to be wonderful wherever he performs.

6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia Tremendous Bowl Odds: +15000 (guess $10 to win $1,510 complete)

Freeling wants work, however the Browns will draft him as a result of he is most likely essentially the most pure left deal with on this class. He’s obtained the traits, motion expertise and approach base to enhance shortly.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +6500 (guess $10 to win $660 complete)

Washington wants to enhance its protection, which was third-worst in yards per play final season. Kinds is an off-the-ball linebacker who Dan Quinn can mildew right into a franchise participant for his defensive unit.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +9000 (guess $10 to win $910 complete)

This can be a likelihood for New Orleans to draft one other weapon for younger quarterback Tyler Shough. The match is ideal.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +1400 (guess $10 to win $150 complete)

I want Rueben Bain had longer arms and might be in Kansas Metropolis, however I don’t see the Chiefs — who're in want of a go rusher — drafting Bain together with his measurables. They are going to choose to begin changing their depleted secondary with Delane.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., edge rusher, Miami Tremendous Bowl Odds: +3000 (guess $10 to win $310 complete)

The Bengals will find yourself drafting the most effective go rusher on the board with the tenth choose. Bain has questions on arm size, however there’s no query about his school movie. He is a talented go rusher with excessive effort.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +30000 (guess $10 to win $3,010 complete)

The Outland Trophy winner is an excellent match for the Dolphins at No. 11. He can play quite a lot of positions alongside the offensive line. He additionally brings a toughness and bodily model of soccer that’s useful for a brand new coach making an attempt to remake his workforce.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee Tremendous Bowl Odds: +3000 (guess $10 to win $310 complete)

Dallas will handle a place of want with McCoy. He’s coming off an ACL damage in 2025, however seemed the half in 2024. He is wonderful in man protection with instincts and athleticism.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +750 (guess $10 to win $85 complete)

The USC receiver will keep in Los Angeles. The Rams have a necessity for a receiver with Adams getting old and Puka Nukua needing to mature to remain on the roster.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State Tremendous Bowl Odds: +1000 (guess $10 to win $110 complete)

Vega is essentially the most prepared offensive lineman on this class. He’s huge, thick and performs with a imply streak. He’s improved every season as a go protector who understands the way to use his measurement and energy to his benefit. He has the potential to be a plus-starter in 12 months 1 for the Ravens.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +4500 (guess $10 to win $460 complete)

If Mesidor was 22 years outdated, he’d be a top-10 choose. However his age (25) does provide you with some fear. He’s going to hit his second contract at virtually 30 and that’s traditionally been the age the place we begin seeing some decline. Nevertheless, the Bucs want a go rusher, and Mesidor is a match for his or her scheme.

16. New York Jets (by way of Indianapolis Colts): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama Tremendous Bowl Odds: +20000 (guess $10 to win $2,010 complete)

I wouldn’t draft Ty Simpson within the first spherical, however I’m not the Jets. The lengthy historical past of NFL failure for gamers who began just one 12 months in school would concern me. But it surely seems the Jets appear unbothered by this. They get their franchise quarterback right here.

17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama Tremendous Bowl Odds: +1700 (guess $10 to win $180 complete)

What a match for Dan Campbell, a large human for his offensive line. Proctor is what the Lions want to assist replenish an offensive line that’s misplaced some items over time. He can play deal with or guard, so the Lions can work to get their greatest 5.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +4500 (guess $10 to win $460 complete)

Caleb Downs goes to grade as one of many higher gamers on this draft, so the Vikings will hit a house run with their Harrison Smith substitute. I attempted to discover a place for Downs earlier on this draft, nevertheless it simply didn’t occur.

Joel Klatt ranks his High 50 Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft Tremendous Bowl Odds: +9000 (guess $10 to win $910 complete)

Carolina continues so as to add weapons for Bryce Younger. Sadiq is a mismatch for anybody guarding him whereas being a prepared blocker within the run sport.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +3000 (guess $10 to win $310 complete)

The Cowboys will take a linebacker from a school protection that places dependable starters within the NFL. He’s sensible, instinctive and would be the chief of the Cowboys' protection.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +4500 (guess $10 to win $460 complete)

I've the Steelers drafting an out of doors receiver with dependable arms and a big catch radius.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +1600 (guess $10 to win $170 complete)

The Chargers have their choose of the most effective defensive deal with or they'll take any of the accessible defensive ends. They are going to take Banks together with his elite ability set.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +1700 (guess $10 to win $180 complete)

With this choose, the Eagles will discover their eventual Lane Johnson substitute. Miller is hard and has a superb soccer IQ, however there's nonetheless room for progress.

24. Cleveland Browns (by way of Jacksonville Jaguars): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M Tremendous Bowl Odds: +15000 (guess $10 to win $1,510 complete)

I wouldn’t put it previous the Browns to draft one other offensive lineman at 24. As a substitute, they'll take the speedy Concepcion, together with his excessive upside. Seems like an Andrew Berry choose.

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon Tremendous Bowl Odds: +2500 (guess $10 to win $260 complete)

Thieneman's a dual-threat security who’s prepared to play within the field to deal with, which suggests the Bears can use him in several roles.

26. Buffalo Payments: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State Tremendous Bowl Odds: +1000 (guess $10 to win $110 complete)

The Payments will choose the receiver with the very best potential to be particular on this draft. Tyson has elite catching potential, however accidents push him down the board.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +1500 (guess $10 to win $160 complete)

Once I first watched Utah’s movie, Lomu stood out instantly together with his measurement and motion expertise. He'll want a redshirt 12 months to get stronger earlier than changing Trent Williams.

28. Houston Texans: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M Tremendous Bowl Odds: +1800 (guess $10 to win $190 complete)

Draft consultants are hinting {that a} second offensive guard might be taken within the first spherical, and this feels just like the logical spot for a workforce that wants long-term solutions for his or her offensive line.

29. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (by way of Los Angeles Rams): Keldric Faulk, edge rusher, Auburn Tremendous Bowl Odds: +1400 (guess $10 to win $150 complete)

The Chiefs have tended to favor larger defensive ends early within the draft and there isn't any one larger on this draft than Faulk. Faulk is younger and must work on his whole sport, however the essential traits are there.

30. Miami Dolphins (by way of Denver Broncos): T.J. Parker, edge rusher, Clemson Tremendous Bowl Odds: +30000 (guess $10 to win $3,010 complete)

The Dolphins will get one other trench participant in Parker as they proceed their rebuild of the roster.

Tremendous Bowl Odds: +1900 (guess $10 to win $200 complete)

There's large upside with Iheanachor. He is new to the place however has unimaginable bodily presents. He'll sit behind Morgan Moses earlier than taking up at proper deal with in 2027 on this situation.