Ourlads Mock Draft 5.0

Even with the signing of Kirk Cousins the Raiders still need the quarterback of the future and that's still the biggest need. After that a playmaker at wide receiver and some more help in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The Raiders answer the quarterback of the future by selecting Fernando Mendoza who led Indiana to the National championship, won the Heisman Trophy and shows all the poise, accuracy, and leadership qualities the team will need moving forward. Mendoza has shown he can play on a big stage and be a playmaker. Cousins makes the perfect mentor while Mendoza develops the nuances of being an NFL quarterback.

The Jets are in need of playmakers on both sides of the ball. Upgrading the pass rush is a prime need along with improving the pass defense. Nahshon Wright is a start at corner but another corner and a safety are desirable. After that the offense need weapons at wide receiver and possibly the quarterback of the future. The Jets have a lot to choose from and take David Bailey the best player on the board as a pure pass rusher. His burst and bend off the edge are off the charts to go with an array of pass rush moves. Incredibly productive as a pass rusher he’s also an improving run defender and should provide an immediate upgrade for a defense that ranked 31st overall in the NFL.

The Cardinals have needs throughout the roster and realistically are in a rebuild mode. They need help at all three levels of the defense and did little in free agency to address those needs. On offense they made some moves around the margins but did pick up a solid left guard in Isaac Seumalo. As it stands the right tackle position has a stop gap free agent signee and they need a long-term solution there. They would like to find the quarterback of the future and some playmakers on offense. With the pick they select a versatile playmaker on defense Arvell Reese. He can impact the game off the ball or on the edge. The Cardinals have always liked versatility, and Reese is a fit for their defense.

The Titans have multiple needs on offense and defense. They need playmakers on offense to help Cam Ward and possible upgrades in the offensive line. They made some signings to address the line and wide receiver but need more including a running back. On defense there are needs at all three levels to upgrade the 26th ranked defense in the league. Pass rush has to be addressed along with secondary upgrades. At least one off the ball linebacker is needed. With many options available at the fourth pick they select Jeremiyah Love a legitimate three down weapon. He will immediately upgrade the offense as he's an elite runner and receiver. He can also be used in the slot or even out wide situationally creating matchup nightmares for defenses.

The Giants had a good start to the off-season hiring John Harbaugh and addressing several key needs in free agency. There is still work to be done and with the trade of Dexter Lawrence have two first round picks to work with. On offense they still need to address the line (especially guard), a play maker on offense at wide receiver and possibly a running back. On defense they have needs at all three levels. They have some depth from free agency but need impact players. With this pick they select Sonny Styles an ultra athletic linebacker and one of the best pure athletes in the draft. He can get downhill and has outstanding chase range. He can play inside or overhang and provides coverage versatility as a three down player. He’s a statement for the type of player Coach Harbaugh wants on his team.

The Browns needs are mostly on offense with needs on the line and wide receiver. On defense a tackle is a need. Behind number one receiver Jerry Jeudy, there is no other receiver returning to the roster who averaged two catches per game. Todd Monken will want to spread the ball out and while tight end Harold Fannin Jr. can work the slot, another outside threat is needed as they patch together the offense. Tate has exceptional ball skills down the field with his ability to track and finish. He did not drop a single ball in 2025 and finished with a historically high contested catch rate. While the future of this offense is very unknown, creating reliability and playmaking potential with the same pick knocks out two birds with one stone and gives the Browns a real 1-2 punch on the outside.

The Commanders defense ranked 32nd in yards allowed and is in need of serious upgrades both upfront and in the secondary. There have been some quality free agent signings at all three levels but there is still a need for impact. On offense they need to find a playmaker at wide receiver to help Jayden Daniels return to form. They will also look at the interior offensive line and find a long-term center. The secondary in particular needs help at both safety and corner. Taking the best defensive player on the board, they select safety Caleb Downs. Downs is a versatile player who can impact the game in multiple ways. He’s instinctive playing the run and is a dynamic deep zone defender with a blend of ball skills and range in coverage. In the box he can get off blocks and consistently make tackles in space. He should provide the commanders with a “Swiss Army Knife” for multiple defensive packages.

The Saints were marginally active in free agency and enter the draft looking to bolster both the offense and defense. Upfront they need to find long term solutions in the interior offensive line and will look closely at the guard position. They also need a difference maker at wide receiver to upgrade a 27th ranked offense. On defense the biggest need is on the edge as they need an impact player to go along with Chase Young. Help for an aging interior will also be looked at. The Saints are somewhat surprised Rueben Bain is available and select him here. Bain has excellent pass rush skill with first step quickness, bend and speed coming off the edge. He’s also an effective run defender with power and stack and shed ability. He can kick inside in sub packages with ability to out quick guards and collapse the pocket.

The Chiefs fell out of contention for the first time in the Andy Reid era going back to 2013. They traded Trent McDuffie to the Rams leaving a hole at corner and there is also a need for an edge rusher after the pass rush fell off dramatically in 2025. Defensive tackle needs to be addressed as well. On offense a wide receiver is a critical need to replace losses in free agency and provide Patrick Mahomes with top-tier targets once he returns. They go for defense first with arguably the best corner in the draft in Mansoor Delane. Delane has outstanding athletic traits to go with quality experience in multiple coverage. Equally adept at man and zone concepts he’s sticky in man and has vision to process route combinations in zone. Has the speed to stay in phase on deep routes and flashes solid ball skills. A day one starter in the Chiefs' secondary.

New head coach John Harbaugh has been repeatedly vocal about building this team through the trenches. He wants the offensive line to be the best in football and their current right guard spot has been patched together without a long-term solution. Ioane can be trusted to keep Jaxson Dart clean (zero allowed sacks past two seasons) and create movement at the point of the attack in the run game. The prototype frame and power fits in perfect with an offense that is expected to be run-heavy. We expect him to be a plug and play guard for an offensive line that has mightily improved, but still has a little way to go.

With the release of Tyreek Hill and trade of Jaylen Waddle, the new offense will be looking to replace nearly everything opposing defenses had to plan for. New quarterback Malik Willis will have multiple free agent signings looking to finally breakout on their second NFL teams but the room lacks a true number one threat. Lemon brings a level of competitive nature pre and post-catch to create explosive plays from all levels of the route tree. The combative nature to his yard-after-catch persona and ability to win in traffic will enable him to play bigger than his listed size, similar to the number one guy they just traded to Denver.

The Dallas Cowboys are committed to improving a defense that now has their third defensive coordinator in three years. Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker reportedly will play an important role in the draft. The Cowboys need help on all three levels on defense and have two first round picks to work with. They need a top-tier linebacker, corner, and edge rusher. They could also add a safety and depth. On offense another receiver and offensive tackle is desirable. With the first of two first round picks they take Jermod McCoy. Thought by many to be the head of the class going into the season he never saw a snap coming off an ACL injury late in the 2024 season. He had a recent workout that answered concerns about his recovery. He is an elite talent with speed, fluid transitions and outstanding ball skills as an outside corner. Technically sound in all areas he’s successfully played multiple coverage and should be an immediate upgrade.

The Rams have needs at receiver and tackle on offense with and a linebacker and corner depth on defense. Puka Nacua on one side and Davante Adams on the other does not exactly scream "need" at wide receiver but considering this could be the latter's final season in Los Angeles and Sean McVay's preference to heavy on 11-personnel usage, there is a need for another versatile inside-out threat. Matthew Stafford was a little too reliant in 2025 on tight ends who had a hard time separating. Tyson comes with injury risk (knee, collar bone, both hamstrings) but he is an electric route runner who can create explosives at all three levels. His sudden burst and ability to decelerate without warning will allow Stafford to look his way on short to intermediate routes in key moments. In time, he can be an ideal complement to Nacua assuming they have a long-term deal in the scope.

A new era in Baltimore will begin with plenty of answers at key spots on both sides of the ball but the trenches lead to an unstable outlook. Positions such as tight end, edge and defensive tackle could all use depth. There are multiple vacancies along the interior offensive line and while John Simpson can be a short term fix, the AFC North is not where where you want to live with questions up front. Fano, a college tackle who played both sides of the line, has enough versatility to project to all five positions. A lack of length and two solid starters at tackle for Baltimore can initially land him inside where his athleticism can be a real weapon. He did not allow a single sack in 2025 and he proved to be capable in outside zone blocking schemes. This pick can also create a potential long-term solution at left tackle if Ronnie Stanley hits the end of the road soon. No matter where he ends up, the Outland Trophy recipient brings physicality blended with sound technique and high-end athleticism to the line.

Tampa Bay was in the thick of the race in a mediocre division but fell short. The primary needs are on defense with edge rusher and linebacker at the top. With some free agency losses at wide receiver safety and corner those positions need to be addressed as well. For a number of reasons the pass rush was sub-par and that should be the first order of business. With several options available they go with Akheem Mesidor from Miami. Playing somewhat in the shadow of Rueben Bain, Mesidor was just as much a force coming off the edge with quickness and speed to turn the corner. He’s an explosive athletic speed to power rusher with an array of pass rush moves along with counters. Effective on inside stunts he’s an improving run defender but the pass rush is what he’ll get drafted for.

The Jets offense has not been top 20 in scoring since 2015 when Ryan Fitzpatrick was the leading passer. In fact, they have been bottom five all but one season since 2019. The talent in production at receiver beyond Garrett Wilson drops off a cliff and with Geno Smith in the fold, an established downfield passer, a new weapon is needed. Mason Taylor proved to be a usable asset as a Y tight end but Sadiq, an ideal F for today's NFL, offers different kind of explosive option to the group. His speed and strength can be seen after the catch but it is the ability to make plays on the ball up the seam that can set him apart and offer something new to the air attack.

The Lions lost some starters to free agency but feel they have capable replacements. They need a right tackle, edge rusher and depth in the secondary. The move of Penei Sewell to left tackle was the right one but it leaves a gaping hole at right tackle, a spot this team is used to having an All-Pro at. Larry Borom can hold the fort down but it will put a cap on the offense as a whole if he is the only answer. Mauigoa has incredible power with the short area quickness and refined footwork to live on the outside. What makes him an ideal match for Detroit is the ability and desire to dominate the line of scrimmage, a key contributor to their 27 wins from 2023-2024.

The Vikings missed the playoffs after a 9-8 season and are in the process of some revisions in the roster. With several losses to free agency and cap casualties the Vikings will look to the draft to replace those players and provide upgrades. There is an acute need for a starting safety with the impending release of Harrison Smith as well as defensive linemen both inside and on the edge. Other needs include corner and interior offensive line. With this pick they answer the safety need with Dillon Thieneman. Long, athletic and rangy he’s aligned all over the field and been productive in both run support and coverage. Adept at zone concepts he’s a quick processor and finds throwing lanes. In the box he flashes linebacker like reactions and has solid tackling skill. A great fit for Brian Flores’ defense that likes versatility at the safety position for various sub packages.

The Panthers were improved and competitive winning the mediocre NFC South with an 8-9 record. There were some losses in free agency but also some quality signings to offset some of those losses and also upgrade some positions and depth. At this point the priority may be safety to play alongside Tre’von Moehrig. They also need another wide receiver, a linebacker, depth on the offensive and depth at both edge and the interior defensive line. The safety need is answered here with Emmanuel McNeil-Warren who has incredible athletic skill for a safety. Fluid athlete he’s equally proficient as a deep safety or overhang player with processing skill in the deep zones or underneath. Has lateral agility to fit inside gaps to outside playing overhang and is tough in run support with fundamental tacking skill. Has desired ball skills and he should answer the Panthers' need for versatile safety.

The Cowboys continue to address defense with their second pick in the first round. With a critical need at linebacker CJ Allen is the pick. Current Cowboys outside linebacker coach Chidera Uzo-Dirbe was an assistant at Georgia last year and is reportedly high on Allen. He brings toughness and leadership to a Cowboys defense that badly needs an Alpha leader. Allen is a tough inside run defender with above average zone cover skills. Normally precise inside run fits and angles to the ball he rarely misses and has disruptive blitz skill. There is some concern over a recent knee surgery long term but it appears that checked out.

The Steelers won the division but have a new era beginning with new head coach Mike McCarthy. They have needs at wide receiver, interior offensive and defensive lines and safety depth. "The Steeler Way" has a few pillars, one of which is to have sure-thing strength along the offensive line. The resources have been used there but the results have been inconsistent partially because of left tackle Broderick Jones, the most important position up front on an offense led by a 42-year old quarterback. Freeling is far from a finished product but he mightily improved from 2024 (at right tackle) to the end of 2025 (at left tackle). He has all of the prototype tools to be a star and will not be rushed into action before he's ready, allowing him to refine techniques and overall coordination.

The Chargers playoff run was derailed by injuries in the offensive line and a lack of interior strength and depth across the board factored in. They also need and edge rusher and another corner. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has been a big part of the team's offseason pursuit of specific personnel. He will look at this current offensive line and see the lack of size and power and bang the table for presence. It was their undoing in 2025. Proctor, a college tackle, is a one-of-a-kind blend of power, size, and bend. His biggest issues in space can be hidden a bit inside but where he can truly shine is push in the run game which will be music to Jim Harbaugh's ears.

The Eagles won the NFC East again with an 11-6 record and have been consistently a contender. They suffered several losses in free agency at some key positions along with depth. They were able to add to the wide receiver room and pick up a corner, but more is needed going into the draft. The defensive line needs attention along with an impact edge defender. They also could use offensive line depth, a safety and a tight end. There are several options with this pick, but the Eagles find their edge defender in Keldric Faulk. The Eagles like size at rush linebacker and Faulk fits the profile. He’s physical setting the edge and can swallow up running backs running wide. He’s versatile to kick inside and has flashed a variety of pass rush moves. He’s effective with his hand in the dirt on passing downs. He gets more pressures than sacks but has consistently had a high-pressure rate with potential for more.

After bringing in a playmaker with their initial pick at the top of the first, the hole at left tackle was the standout need remaining. They got aggressive on re-building the line but with no clear answer for the blind side, Lomu's natural balance and easy quickness make him a prime candidate. He came in and bumped fellow first rounder Spencer Fano off the position and over to the right side. He needs to gain some power and core strength but the athleticism and techniques are both plus-traits and NFL-ready.

The Bears coming off an outstanding season under new coach Ben Johnson look to stay atop the division but need some help. The biggest needs are on defense to upgrade the defensive line both in stopping the run and adding some pass rush. An interior defender and edge rusher are at the top of the needs list. Some free agency losses at safety and corner have them looking there as well. On offense they need a long term center to replace surprisingly retired Drew Dalman and an offensive tackle as there is some uncertainty at those spots. With this pick they take the needed run stuffing defensive tackle in Kayden McDonald. McDonald has an imposing frame and is stout inside as a two gap player. He has good lateral movement with ability to come off blocks and make plays along the line. He’s flashed developmental pass rush potential and should give the Bears what they need inside.

The Bills had a crushing end to another successful but non-Super Bowl season. They now have a new coach in promoted Joe Brady. They’ve had some free agent losses and taken some steps to replace those players and also add but still have several needs to address. The Bills have scraped the base 4-3 and are transitioning to a 3-4 so they will look at an outside linebacker that fits the scheme along with a nose tackle. They could also use an inside linebacker, a guard and another wide receiver. The Bills find a fit for outside linebacker with Cashius Howell. Incredible speed and bend off the edge he’s been incredibly productive rushing the passer. Combine that with chase speed playing the run and ability to drop in flat coverage and you have an ideal player for the Bills defense. Some concern about length but his overall traits mitigate that issue.

The 49ers were a playoff team in the tough NFC west but fell short in the playoffs. They’ve added some players to offset free agency losses but still have needs to address. They need help on the edge, a safety and offensive line depth. The receiver room needs attention as well. Gone are the days of Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. To make matters worse, veteran tight end George Kittle is rehabbing an Achilles injury, leaving the team's pass catchers unproven and borderline weak. They must avoid putting too much on running back Christian McCaffrey's plate if they want to keep him fresh. Concepcion is one of the best pure playmakers in the draft with touchdowns scored as a receiver, rusher, and returner in 2025 alone. He is an ideal fit for Kyle Shanahan's yard-after-catch passing game who can also add value on special teams.

The Texans have become a consistent playoff team but need to do a better job of protecting CJ Stroud to move forward. A solid roster still needs an interior defender, cornerback and wide receiver depth. The offensive line made things difficult to truly evaluate quarterback CJ Stroud last season. The group has not transitioned smoothly to the post-Laremy Tunsil era, which was expected. The outside spots look secure but inside they are still lacking able pass protectors who can also create movement in the run game. Pregnon has the NFL body with length, width, and natural power to handle the size of the league right away. This will create multiple usage options for free agent signing Braden Smith, who can play guard or tackle.

With the Chiefs' second first round pick they continue to address defense and give Steve Spagnulo the edge rusher he needs. Parker has outstanding traits and in 2024 he looked like a top ten pick. He’s a powerful edge defender with a diversified skill set. He flashes stack and shed and can make plays from the B gap to outside. Has a variety of pass rush moves featuring a powerful long arm into a move. HIs production was off in 2025 raising some questions. He flashed his talent at the Senior Bowl easing the concern.

The Dolphins turn to defense with their second first round pick and select corner Avieon Terrell. Terrell lacks ideal size but he plays bigger than his size. Effective both outside and in the slot he’s a sticky man to man defender and smart processor playing zone. Closes tight windows in underneath coverage and has a sudden break on the ball. Reliable in run support and adept at blitzing from an overhang position. Some concern about hamstring issues during off-season testing but appears to be behind him.

The Patriots went from last to first in 2025 and made it to the Super Bowl. As always happens good teams lose free agents and the Patriots had several losses at key positions. They took steps in free agency to reload those spots but will look to the draft to find reinforcements. They need an explosive edge defender that can play the run along with rush the passer. There is a need for a long-term offensive tackle, a playmaker at wide receiver, linebacker depth and interior defender depth. The Patriots find their edge defender with Zion Young a power player with versatility to align from a wide 9 to a 4i. Sets the edge with a jolt and has increased his pass rush productivity with improved hand usage and developing technique. He’s an ascending player and has the toughness and motor Mike Vrabel wants.

The Seahawks won the Super Bowl in just Mike MacDonald’s second year. Good team players are coveted and they lost some key free agents. The cupboard is not bare as this is still a talented team and there is some depth to cover those losses. They were only moderately active in free agency and have some needs heading into the draft. They have needs on defense at corner, edge and safety to replace free agent losses. They could also use a nose tackle. On offense a running back is a critical need along with offensive line depth. The Seahawks get their corner with Colton Hood. Hood transferred to Tennessee in 2025 and helped offset the loss of Jermod McCoy. Successfully plays multiple man and zone concepts with smooth transitions and speed to stay with vertical routes. Should fit well in the Seahawks' defense.

The Bengals fell short again in 2025 with injuries and poor defense being the main culprits. They addressed key needs acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the Giants and Boye Mafe in free agency but more is needed. Entering the draft edge is still a need along with corner, linebacker and depth. On offense, offensive line depth is needed. Defense will be addressed throughout the draft. The Bengals add an edge rusher here in R Mason Thomas. Thomas has incredible first step quickness and can practically beat a tackle out of his stance. He’s a speed to power rusher with a variety of moves and relentless effort. Still developing he has the pass rush tools to make an impact.

The Colts have been a solid middle of the pack team for awhile and need depth to overcome injuries that have derailed them. With some free agency departures the Colts have needs on the edge and linebacker. Depth is needed across the board on defense including corner and safety. Another wide receiver is desirable as well. Their first pick in the draft comes at 47 and the Colts take linebacker Josiah Trotter. Trotter is a downhill thumper that plays to the whistle with a hot motor. An alley to alley defender with solid inside run fits and lateral agility to scrape off tackle. Improving zone defender he’s solid in pass drops and can match backs in a short space. Still needs development in coverage but has the desired traits for an off the ball linebacker.

After a poor start the Falcons were in contention in a mediocre division. Armed with a new coach in Kevin Stefanski they were active in the free agency and trade market with several new additions on both sides of the ball. They still have some key needs going into the draft. They need to upgrade the defensive interior as they allowed the highest rush yards per game in the NFL. They also need a linebacker, and a corner on defense. On offense a playmaker at wide receiver to go with Drake London. With the pick they select nose tackle Domonique Orange. The ‘Big Citrus” is a thick framed player that is adept at playing the run. Two gap player that has owned both A gaps. Holds the point and eats up blocks allowing linebackers to flow. Has quickness penetrating and is more than a space eater. Offers little in the pass rush at this point but he'll stuff the run.

The Packers made the playoffs again but injuries in key positions derailed their playoff run. They were minimally active in free agency. They had some free agent losses and will look to the draft for replacements, upgrades and depth. They Packers had trouble stopping the run all season and lack of edge depth showed after the Micah Parsons injury. They need a defensive tackle and edge rusher along with a corner on defense. On offense a wide receiver has become a need along with offensive line depth with starter potential. Depth at running back is also a need. The Packers' first pick is at 52 and get the run stuffing defensive tackle they need in Lee Hunter. He’s an A gap eater that at his best can get knockback along with holding the point. Splits double teams and flashes a bull rush to collapse the pocket. Tends to play high and run out of gas but has upside and will help the run defense.

The Jaguars went from the bottom of the AFC south in 2024 to the top in 2025 by winning the NFC south. They have a solid roster but want to upgrade the 27th rank in sack production by adding interior pass rush talent and an edge rusher. Linebacker depth is also on the table. Letting Travis Etienne walk in free agency is a sign of how the new front office views spending but there is no mistaking the hole left behind in the backfield. They have internal options but none are capable of filling in the dual threat's shoes alone. Washington has an unusual blend of size and speed that translate to the field well. He can break tackles and pick up hidden yards but his rate of explosives and runaway speed give the backfield a sense of balance and versatility it did not even have with Etienne.

The Broncos came up a play short of going to the Super Bowl in 2025 and still have a championship roster after free agency losses and gains. They could use depth on defense at linebacker and the defensive line and on offense have a need at tight end. The best Sean Payton offenses had a real weapon at tight end that may not have had a lot of impact up front as a blocker, but could create mismatches against coverage. The number one receiver was added but the red zone threat is still missing, Trigg, a long and light-footed power forward type, has the kind of wingspan and hand size that will quickly get Payton's attention. He proved he can make the spectacular catch in traffic but there is also an underrated sense of toughness and grit he shows with the ball in the air.