Courtesy of Adrien Curiel
Every year the NFL season comes to an end in epic fashion with the Super Bowl and after it’s over football fans all across America and the world are left thinking, “what now?” The obvious next step is the NFL Draft where all thirty two teams pick from the large talented crop of NCAA athletes to add new young members to their rosters before the start of the next season. The only problem is that the draft is over two months after the end of the season so there is plenty of time for people to speculate over who their favorite team is going to pick. The experts will make “Mock Draft” where they predict the top 32 picks of the NFL draft based on team fit, the players’ performances in college, and their attributes that are tested at the NFL Combine. So we at The College Voice thought we should join in on the fun and make our own mock draft.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Mendoza won the Heisman trophy for the best player in College football in 2025 and led Indiana to their first National Championship. After their failed experiment with veteran quarterback Geno Smith the Raiders will be hoping to have found their franchise quarterback in Mendoza.
2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
Reese is one of the most athletically gifted players in the draft. He’s 6’ 4’’, around 240 lbs, and runs in the 4.40s, which is very rare for a player in his position. The jets badly need more juice off the edge, and this class is loaded with pass rushers. Reese gives them a potential centerpiece to build upon.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami
If the Cardinals draft Mauigoa here they could be locking down the right tackle position for the next decade. He started 42 consecutive games for the Hurricanes, and in his final season had a 98.4% block efficiency rate allowing 0 sacks and only 15 pressures on 557 pass snaps. At pick #3 It might be a bit of a reach but the Cardinals need offensive lineman and Francis Mauigoa is as dominant as they get.
4. Tennessee Titans – Reuben Bain Jr, Edge Miami
Described as “fast” and “violent”, Bain offers NFL ready talent that would solidify the Titans top 4. Bain led the FBS with 83 pressures in 2025 demonstrating his ability to constantly be bringing pressure. He would be an immediate upgrade and offers a future leader for this young Titans defense.
5. New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB Ohio States
The Giants are likely to go defense in the first round of the NFL draft. This pick can definitely fluctuate as it’s possible Styles isn’t around anymore at #5, but if he is, the Giants should take him in a heart beat. Styles is a freak, and was one of the best players in the country last year. His ceiling is in the clouds and his athletic traits suggest his floor is high as well making him an uber elite prospect.
6. Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State
The Browns are in desperate need of a wide receiver and Carnall Tate is the best WR prospect in the whole class. His game is built on strong hands and elite ball tracking ability. His impressive near-zero drop rate during the 2025 season suggests he’s ready to take the next steps to become an elite NFL wide receiver.
7. Washington Commanders – Jeremiah Love Jr, RB, Notre Dame
The case for Washington adding Jeremiah Love is all about helping a young offense take the next step. Love is one of the most explosive players in the draft. He has big play potential every time he touches the ball adding instant scoring ability to the Commanders offense. Love’s ability to be versatile makes him a quarterback friendly player, taking some of the pressure off of Jayden Daniels.
8. New Orleans Saints – David Bailey, Edge Texas Tech
It’s likely the New Orleans Saints end up drafting an edge rusher with the 8th overall pick, especially with 15-year veteran Cam Jordan possibly leaving in free agency. Bailey is one of the best available; he’s easily a top ten-pick, possibly top-5, but if he’s still there at number 8 he would be a perfect pair with Chase Young, and a good replacement for Cam Jordan.
9. Kansas City Chiefs – Mansoor Delane, CB LSU
After trading Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams the Chiefs will want to fill this hole in their secondary. Delane is my favorite CB available in this year’s draft, he has elite athleticism running the 40-yard dash in 4.38 which fits with the Chiefs heavy use of man coverage. He’s also proven, he was a unanimous All-American in 2025, and only allowed 14 catches on 35 targets showing his elite coverage ability.
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S Ohio States
The Bengals need immediate defensive improvements if they want to get back to where they were just a couple years ago, and Caleb Downs gives them just that. Regarded as a generational prospect this would be a huge pickup for Cincy as other teams in the top 10 have higher priorities. The Bengals previous safety pair had high rates of missed tackles, Downs would offer a much needed boost to the Bengals secondary.
11. Miami Dolphins – Makai Lemon, WR USC
Despite being on the smaller side at 5’ 9’’ Makai Lemon is still considered to be one of the top WR’s available in this year’s draft. He’s definitely NFL ready and offers the Dolphins consistent route running ability that can help reshape their offensive identity.
12. Dallas Cowboys, Jerrod McCoy, CB Tennessee
There’s definitely a risk taking a player who sat out the whole 2025 season due to a knee injury, but before that he was an All-American in 2024. The good news is he shined at Tennessee’s pro day. He ran the 40 in an impressive 4.37 seconds and recorded a 38 inch vert and 10 feet, 7 inches in the broad jump. Numbers that prove he’s over his injury and cement him as a first-round pick. The Cowboys are looking for an elite cornerback and McCoy can definitely deliver elite ball hawking abilities.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL), Spencer Fano, OT Utah
The Rams need help on the offensive line and Fano offers them good size, elite athleticism, and versatility necessary to be an NFL star. While playing mainly at right tackle he has experience at left tackle and guard, which given his shorter arms might be where he ends up. Overall though Fano is a pro ready player with extremely solid technique.
14. Baltimore Ravens, Jordan Tyson, WR Arizona State
Baltimore has yet to lock down a real wide receiver one for Lamar Jackson, taking Tyson here gives them a chance to add a player with that kind of potential. Tyson is a real deep threat wide receiver that offers good size, and would be a strong complement to Zay Flowers. This pick gives the Ravens offense a future star to help shape their offense around.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon
Sadiq is one of the most unique prospects available this year. He offers a rare mix of receiver qualities and a strong blocking background making him a true 1/1. He ran the 40-yard dash in a mind boggling 4.39 for someone coming in at 6 ‘3 241lb. He’s a nightmare to matchup against which makes him a dangerous red zone target that will definitely fill production gaps for the Bucks.
16. New York Jets (from IND), Ty Simpson, QB Alabama
After taking Arvell Reese at #2 the Jets will be looking to add hopefully a future starter at QB with the #16 overall pick. Simpson threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns last year highlighting his ability to play in the pocket. With the Jets new signing Geno Smith turning 36, Simpson will have some time on the bench to develop before he sees the field, but that’s what he needs after only starting one season at Alabama. The Jets are thinking in the long run with this one a pick that hopefully works out for them.
17. Detroit Lions, Kayden Proctor, OT Alabama
At 6 ‘7’’ 350lb Proctor offers a size rarely seen in college players, and at only 20 years old he has 40+ starts for the Crimson Tide showing his massive potential. It’s hard to come by elite left tackles and Proctor offers the chance to lock down an elite LT for the next decade, a player that will be hard for any team to pass on. My personal favorite prospect in this year’s class.
18. Minnesota Vikings, Dillion Thielman, S Oregon
The Vikings will be looking to fill the vacancy left by veteran Harrison Smith in free agency. Thielman is definitely a standout following his All-American season with 96 tackles and 2 interceptions, his combine performance left many thinking he could be a future star. It included a 41-inch vertical and a time of 4.35 in the 40-yard dash both putting him in the upper echelon of prospects. The Vikings would be thrilled with adding a player with this much upside to their defense.
19. Carolina Panthers, Caleb Lomu, OT Utah
Lomu came from the best offensive line unit in college football last year at Utah, and offers the size (6 ‘6’ , 310lb) teams look for in a tackle. He’s very quick out of the stance, and his IQ and footwork make him good in pass protection, but he has a lot of room to improve in the run game, a factor teams will consider. At the end of the day though the Panthers need offensive line depth especially at tackle, where Lomu would be able to make an immediate impact.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB), C.J. Allen, LB Georgia
Allen is considered as one of the smartest players in this year’s draft class, and with the recent hire of inside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe from Georgia, they’ll have elite knowledge of his ability, making this an easy pick. .
21. Pittsburgh Steelers, Omar Cooper Jr, WR Indiana
After being an important piece for Mendoza at Indiana, Omar Cooper Jr, will be hoping to establish himself as a reliable playmaker for Pittsburgh. With most of his snaps in 2025 being played in the slot, he brings great experience to the interior receiving role, making him great for a quick strike offense. His low drop rate of 4.2% also shows his consistent hands.
22. Los Angeles Chargers, TJ Parker, Edge Clemson
In the last two seasons (2024-25), Parker recorded 16 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss, very dominant numbers that showcase his raw talent. On top of that dominance the Chargers lost Defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand and Otito Ogbonnia in free agency. Parker would be a reliable pick and possible future replacement for an aging Khalil Mack.
23. Philadelphia Eagles, Monroe Freeling, OT UGA
With Lane Johnson still around Freeling isn’t an immediate starter, but the 6’ 7’’ 315 lb tackle offers elite upside and should be a future staple of this dominant Eagles offensive line we’ve grown used to seeing.
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX), Blake Miller, OT Clemson
After taking Carnell Tate at #6 The Browns will be eager to add some pass protection to the offense here at #24. What makes Blake Miller attractive is his experience, a 4-year starter at Clemson that logged over 3700 snaps, this experience is rare for a player out of college and gives him potential to have immediate impact.
25. Chicago Bears, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S Toledo
After losing important safeties Kevin Byard (Patriots), Jaquan Brisker (Steelers), and Jonathan Owens (Colts) in free agency this year the Bears will certainly be looking to fill the void. McNeil-Warren is rated as a top coverage safety, and had 9 forced fumbles in college which definitely makes him a “tone-setter.” His ability to help stop the run is another major plus, overall he’s an excellent player that fills a massive gap for the Bears.
26. Buffalo Bills, Zion Young, Edge Mizzouri
Young isn’t the flashiest name in the draft, but for Buffalo he’s a perfect system fit. He’s a high-energy edge that fits their aggressive 3-4 scheme. His size, specifically his long arms give him the ability to create separation. The Bills need help getting to the quarterback, and Young could deliver the kind of physical presence they need, and at the same time give them a future star.
27. San Francisco 49ers, Denzel Boston, WR Washington
Boston is coming off of his most productive season that saw him have 62 receptions, for 881 yards, and 11 touchdowns for the Huskies, and at 6 ‘4’’ 212lb he offers elite size. His big frame and efficient route running make him a potential future WR1 for the 49ers, with scouts comparing him to a young Mike Evans.
28. Houston Texans, Caleb Banks, DT Florida
Banks stands at 6’6’’ 330lb with 35 inch arms making him one the longest defensive lineman in the 2026 class. This size makes him an exceptional run stopper who can create instant pressure in the middle. The Texans defensive line saw many injuries last year so adding Banks gives them some much needed depth.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR), K.C. Concepcion WR Texas A&M
The Chiefs should be expected to draft a WR at some point, and after filing needs in the secondary at pick #9 Concepcion is a good fit. He offers elite speed, and impressed in the punt return game an area the Chiefs definitely could use some improvement. Kansas City’s offense disappointed in 2025, and Concepcion offers a chance to fix that the Chiefs would be remiss to pass on that opportunity.
30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN), Avieon Terrell, CB Clemson
Avieon Terrell would fill a big hole in the secondary for the Dolphins. He’s technically a very sound player with strong man coverage skills, and would be a day one contributor. The only problem is he aggravated a hamstring injury in the 40-yard dash at a private pro day at Clemson. Though this shouldn’t stop the Dolphins from picking him, he’s proven his ability and at pick 30 he’s frankly a steal.
31. New England Patriots, Max Iheanchor, OT Arizona State
Nigerian Max Iheanchor only gave up 2 sacks in 3 years at ASU, and none since September of 2024. He’s a high-upside athletic right tackle that stands at 6’ 6’’ 330 lb, and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.91. This mix of size and athleticism is rare and makes him a long term replacement for 35 year old Morgan Moses. The Patriots offensive line could use some help after what we saw in the Super Bowl so this is a no brainer.
32. Seattle Seahawks, Brandon Cisse, CB South Carolina
The idea here is that Cisse will be good enough to replace Riq Woolen. He offers SEC experience, and has a high developmental ceiling. He also fits the mold the Seahawks look for in a CB as a physical press man coverage player making him an exciting prospect for the Super Bowl Champions.
