2026 NFL Mock Draft 6-10: Ravens, Panthers add impact defenders
No. 6: Baltimore Ravens– Rueben Bain Jr., ED, Miami (FL)
There is just something about this draft position for the Ravens that seem unfair, but at this point in the season, they are 1-3 and without Lamar Jackson for a few weeks. They are a team that can and probably will find a way to turn the season around, but as of now they are struggling to win games, and their defense has been horrid. A big answer to getting the defense back to that Ravens style of aggressiveness is Rueben Bain Jr. With this pick, they get a tremendous athlete off the edge who can impact a game defensively. Pair him with Mike Green and the Ravens have a pass rush duo of the future.
No. 7: Las Vegas Raiders – Spencer Fano, T, Utah
The Raiders nab the first tackle off the board which is Utah’s Spencer Fano. The Raiders could use this pick on other needs, but with Fano sitting there, they lock up their need at tackle with a 6-foot-6, 302-pound force who is an elite run blocker. Ashton Jeanty will love running behind him and the Raiders will embrace his dependability as a tackle. He does have to work on pass protection, but with his technique and quickness with his feet, he should grow in that area with the right coaching.
No. 8: Carolina Panthers – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Panthers could be back in the mix as a team looking for a quarterback, but if Bryce Young finds consistency, the Panthers will add to their defense with the selection of Peter Woods with the No. 8 overall pick. Carolina is looking for playmakers and character defensively and Woods is up there on the list when it comes to top defensive prospects entering the 2026 NFL Draft. He is a versatile defensive lineman who can dominate from different positions along the line. His ability to play off the edge will fascinate NFL teams as he could be the next Aaron Donald or Myles Garrett in the NFL.
No. 9: New York Giants– Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami (FL)
The Giants land their right tackle with the selection of Francis Mauigoa with the No. 9 overall pick. Not a popular pick given the offensive and defensive playmakers the Giants could select here, but the goal is to secure the line in front of Jaxson Dart with a tackle who is good at pass protection as well as run blocking. With his power and athleticism, Mauigoa will be a more than solid draft selection for a Giants team on the rise.
No. 10: Houston Texans – Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
After trading away Cam Robinson, the Texans’ top need in the 2026 NFL Draft is clear. They need a tackle, and Kadyn Proctor is their man. The massive Alabama tackle is not only proving he is a force at tackle, but he also showed an ability to be an offensive weapon, yes, get the big man the ball like Alabama did against the Georgia Bulldogs and who is topping him? With all seriousness, the Texans take care of a great need with this pick.