No. 6: Cleveland Browns – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Okay, let’s stir the pot here at No. 6. Could we see another quarterback selected in the top 10? No one can rule that out and no one can rule out the Browns taking another stab at quarterback by adding Ty Simpson to the mix. While Shedeur Sanders shown flashes of what he can be, there is no sure bet he is the answer long-term. Can a QB with arm talent and untapped potential like Simpson finally be the answer for the Browns? If they believe he is, they don’t let him get past them at No. 6.
No. 7: Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Another Ohio State star goes off the board at No. 7. The Commanders get their game-changing safety in Caleb Downs at this spot. After releasing cornerback Marshon Lattimore, the Commanders are looking to reshape their secondary and Downs is a great building block. Not only is he a playmaking defender, he also has the versatility to play at the corner position.
No. 8: New Orleans Saints – Rueben Bain Jr, ED, Miami (FL)
This is a good spot for Rueben Bain Jr. The explosive edge will get an opportunity to shine down in the Big Easy playing opposite Chase Young and potentially replacing longtime edge rusher Cameron Jordan in a Saints’ uniform. The Saints can go in a few directions with this pick, but an opportunity to secure the edge with a player who will have a chip on his shoulder after sliding a bit in the draft will benefit the Saints’ defense in a big way.
No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Chiefs gained themselves an additional first round pick by trading All-Pro Trent McDuffie. They replace him at No. 9 with LSU’s Mansoor Delane who has positioned himself as the top cornerback in the draft and a high potential to be the top cornerback in a Chiefs’ uniform come 2026.
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The fourth Ohio State star goes off the board at No. 10 as the Cincinnati Bengals select high-rising linebacker Sonny Styles. As a linebacker who can get after the passer and make an impact in coverage, Styles fits the bill for what the Bengals need in the second line of defense, especially after adding Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen in free agency to add juice upfront.