Mock Draft 3.0: Trades Shake Up First-Round Order And Selections

Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling tested great at the NFL Combine, but O-line drills revealed he'll need to be coached up fast to start as a rookie.

Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling tested great at the NFL Combine, but O-line drills revealed he'll need to be coached up fast to start as a rookie.


Mock draft 3.0: Trades shake up first-round order and selections

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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns and NFL analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.

In advance of the new NFL league year, which starts on Wednesday, teams made seven trades last week.

Two of them involved picks in the first round, which have affected the 2026 draft order.

Las Vegas acquired Baltimore’s pick at No. 14 in the trade of defensive end Maxx Crosby, and Kansas City acquired the Rams’ pick at No. 29 in the trade of cornerback Trent McDuffie.

Other trades, such as the Browns’ for right tackle Tytus Howard, could affect teams’ plans in the first round.

So Mock Draft 3.0 reflects possible changes as a result of the trades.

But this mock could be outdated as early as noon on Monday, when formal negotiations for free agents begin. After a full week of free agent signings, our next mock draft will get down to real business.

Mock draft 3.0

1. Las Vegas: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Comment: At some point soon, the Raiders will say they will not trade this pick.

2. N. Y. Jets: OLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Comment: He probably fits Aaron Glenn’s 3-4 defense best.

3. Arizona: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Comment: Mike LaFleur’s offense will get a new QB in free agency and new playmaker here.

4. Tennessee: DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Comment: Traditional 4-3 end for Robert Saleh’s defense.

5. N. Y. Giants: OLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Comment: Was told at Combine that Giants won’t pass on him.

6. Cleveland: LT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Comment: This reach might not be necessary if free agency brings a left tackle.

7. Washington: DE Rueben Bain, Miami

Comment: Commanders turn to best edge rusher available.

8. New Orleans: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Comment: Any help for Tyler Shough would be desirable.

9. Kansas City: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Comment: Chiefs nab heir to Travis Kelce’s TE1 spot.

10. Cincinnati: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Comment: This is a natural match.

11. Miami: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

12. Dallas: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

13. L.A. Rams (via Atlanta): OT Spencer Fano, Utah

14: Las Vegas (via Baltimore): OG Vega Ioane, Penn State

15: Tampa Bay: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

16: N.Y. Jets (via Indianapolis): WR Makai Lemon, USC

17. Detroit: DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

18. Minnesota: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

19. Carolina: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

20. Dallas (via Green Bay): DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

21. Pittsburgh: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Comment: A needed complement to DK Metcalf.

22. L.A. Chargers: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

23. Philadelphia: OT Blake Miller, Clemson

24. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Comment: Best available receiver on the board.

25. Chicago: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

26. Buffalo: DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

27. San Francisco: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

28. Houston: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

29. Kansas City (via L.A. Rams): DT Peter Woods, Clemson

30. Denver: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

31. New England: DE Zion Young, Missouri   

32. Seattle: DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M