2026 NFL Mock Draft 21-25: Browns land LSU QB, Bills and Chargers add edge
No. 21: Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Another quarterback who has seen his draft stock fall is LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. With their second pick in this round, the Browns take a flyer on a player who was a top prospect in this draft. In the right situation, Nussmeier can be a starter in the NFL. The question is, will the Browns have enough around him to take advantage of his arm talent on the field? With the top 5 selection of Jordyn Tyson, the Browns could have something cooking in Cleveland.
No. 22: Buffalo Bills – Cashius Howell, ED, Texas A&M
There’s going to be a need for the Bills to address their wide receiver situation with this pick. But is an edge rusher a greater need for the Bills. With Joey Bosa and AJ Epenesa approaching free agency, the Bills use their first-round pick on Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell. The 6-foot-2, 255-pound edge is a little undersized for the position, but has an arsenal of moves that allows him to get to the quarterback. Along with his scheme versatility, Howell’s athleticism and explosiveness off the edge takes care of one weakness for the Bills.
No. 23: San Francisco 49ers– Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
The 49ers have a need at defensive tackle. They address that need at No. 23 with the selection of Florida’s Caleb Banks. When healthy, Banks is one of the top defensive tackles in this draft. He will help a 49ers’ defense that is ranked 22nd in run defense. The 49ers will be pressed to add a wide receiver with the latest news regarding Brandon Aiyuk. Watch for the 49ers to address that on Day 2.
No. 24: Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
With their second first round pick in this draft, the Dallas Cowboys could almost do anything with this pick. They could trade back for additional picks or use the pick to add another wide receiver to the mix. With George Pickens approaching free agency, the Cowboys will opt to take wide receiver KC Concepcion who has been a touchdown king this season with Texas A&M. More of a slot receiver, Concepcion has showcased his ability to generate yards after the catch. He will be an instant favorite of Dak Prescott.
No. 25: Los Angeles Chargers – Romello Height, ED, Texas Tech
With Kahlil Mack getting up there in age and approaching free agency, the Chargers address the edge position with the selection of Romello Height out of Texas Tech. While teammate David Bailey has been garnering all the attention, Height has also put together a solid season at Texas Tech. He will help the Chargers on the edge, but the team will still need to address the interior defensive line in this draft.