2026 NFL Mock Draft 13-20: Two Clemson defensive linemen and two more Ohio State Buckeyes
No. 13: Dallas Cowboys - Mansoor Delane, DB, LSU
After some star-studded play from Dallas Cowboys cornerbacks over the past handful of years, the secondary has struggled to play consistently over the last couple of seasons. Trevon Diggs' days in Dallas seem to be numbered, and Daron Bland has not been as elite as the team hoped he would be when they signed him to a contract extension. They drafted Shavon Revel and Caelen Carson last year, but the Cowboys could look to continue to rejuvenate their defensive backfield with Jim Thorpe Award finalist in LSU's Mansoor Delane.
No. 14: Carolina Panthers - T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
After trading Brian Burns, who currently ranks second in the NFL in sacks, the Carolina Panthers have struggled mightily to find effective pass rushers off the edge. The team drafted Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen in the second and third rounds last year, but they may target a player like T.J. Parker in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to continue adding top talent to the room.
No. 15: Kansas City Chiefs - Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Another highly-touted Clemson defensive lineman comes off the board in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft with Peter Woods joining Chris Jones on the Kansas City Chiefs. Woods was a five-star recruit who has totaled five sacks and 12 tackles for loss over the last two seasons at Clemson, and the 20-year-old could be a valuable piece for Steve Spagnuolo's defense moving forward.
No. 16: Pittsburgh Steelers - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been forced to painfully watch George Pickens blossom into the top receiver that many believed he always had the talent to be, now with the Cowboys. DK Metcalf has not been nearly as effective for the Steelers, but certainly could benefit from the team adding a viable running mate. Enter Carnell Tate. Tate has been largely overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith with the Ohio State Buckeyes, but he has the potential to be a legitimate number one receiver at the next level, in his own right. Tate is incredibly effective down the field, which would open things up underneath for the rest of the Pittsburgh offense.
CARNELL TATE FOR THE TD ๐ค@OhioStateFB extends the lead@wendys pic.twitter.com/6ywG75jPKP
โ FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 1, 2025
No. 17: Houston Texans - Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
This may be the first big surprise selection of this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, with the Houston Texans opting for another player from the Ohio State Buckeyes, defensive lineman Kayden McDonald. While McDonald may not have the first-round hype that some of his teammates do, he is a treat to watch and has been filling up the stat sheet with three sacks and eight tackles for loss thus far in 2025. Houston's defense has been excellent this season, and adding a player like McDonald could further strengthen a strength that could carry the Texans to great success if C.J. Stroud gets the offense performing at a higher level moving forward.
No. 18: Detroit Lions - Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
Jahmyr Gibbs and the Detroit Lions offense have shown flashes of the form that they consistently displayed in previous seasons with Ben Johnson at offensive coordinator. However, continuing to improve and develop the offensive line will be vital for the team's continued success. Olaivavega "Vega" Ioane might be the safest prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. I could see him slotting in as the starting left guard right away with Detroit and becoming a perennial Pro Bowler with the Lions moving forward.
No. 19: Baltimore Ravens - Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Baltimore Ravens typically have a fairly stout defense as a whole, and a generally effective pass rush. However, in recent seasons they have yet to find a true "star" off the edge. 2022 second-round pick David Ojabo has not really worked out and Kyle Van Noy's production has dipped in 2025. The team drafted Mike Green in the second round last year, but taking another swing on a guy like Texas A&M's Cashius Howell, who has racked up 11.5 sacks so far on the year, could lead to Baltimore cashing in on their next great pass rusher.
No. 20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
Tristan Wirfs has proven to be an outstanding selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming an All-Pro at right tackle and now left tackle. However, Wirfs has struggled at times to stay healthy and on the field. As has the rest of the Bucs' offensive line, leading to quarterback Baker Mayfield potentially suffering the same. Kadyn Proctor could play tackle or guard at the next level and could be a stalwart alongside Wirfs for years to come in Tampa.