2026 NFL Mock Draft, No. 16-20: Jets gifted a QB; Buccaneers land a rising LB star
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Now being overshadowed by teammate Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles has consistently been one of the best off-ball linebackers in the nation. With Lavonte David getting up there in age, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be wise to target a player like Styles to be the future center of their defense.
17. Detroit Lions - Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
The Detroit Lions are another team that has had a disappointing 2025 season compared to their lofty expectations entering the season. Many credit the departure of Ben Johnson for the lack of consistent offensive production. however, I think it may be more attributable to the departures of Frank Ragnow and Jonah Jackson. In this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Lions land the top remaining offensive lineman. Francis Mauigoa played right tackle for Miami, a spot manned by league-best Penei Sewell, but could bump inside to guard with Pro Bowl upside and could potentially be an answer at left tackle whenever Taylor Decker decides to retire.
18. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)- Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
After passing on a quarterback with their first first-round selection in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Jets land the potential QB3 of the class in Ty Simpson. Simpson has shown flashes of elite arm talent throughout the season with Alabama, but has been wildly inconsistent. He impressed in the first round of the College Football Playoff, so may begin to climb back up draft boards, and may continue to do so throughout the draft process if he declares.
Simpson, despite being 23 years old, has very little starting experience, so may benefit from sitting behind a veteran for a year to learn and develop, but the Jets bet on the upside and select him with their second first round pick.
19. Carolina Panthers - Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
This may be the first truly surprising pick of the first round of this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, but I absolutely love with Anthony Hill Jr. brings to the table. As a sophomore, Hill Jr. filled up the stat sheet for the Texas Longhorns with 113 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and an interception. He is versatile and dynamic, just like Arvell Reese, but comes off the board 14 picks later to a Carolina Panthers team that could use the talent and pass rush ability.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
The Pittsburgh Steelers have yet another winning season under Mike Tomlin and appear poised to make the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers is guiding the Pittsburgh offense, but his protection has been iffy at time. Former first-round pick, Broderick Jones, has been a disappointment at left tackle. In this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Steelers add Alabama Kadyn Proctor, who has a ton of experience at the position to bolster the line.