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2026 NFL Mock Draft breaks wide open as Day 1 trades shake Ty Simpson’s landing spot

Major top 10 moves and a mid-round trade highlight this 2026 NFL Draft.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson | David Leong-Imagn Images
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No. 16: New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

2026 NFL Draft prospect Jordyn Tyson to the New York Jets?
Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

With Simpson off the board, the Jets turn their attention to another area of need.  With the No. 16 overall pick, the Jets add to their offense with the selection of Jordyn Tyson.  As a receiver with big-time playmaking ability, Tyson has the potential to create an elite tandem with Garrett Wilson.  If they can extend Breece Hall and find a quarterback who can challenge or even unseat Geno Smith as the starter, the Jets could suddenly. Have an interesting offense in 2026.


No. 17: Detroit Lions – Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia

2026 NFL Draft prospect Monroe Freeling
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Lions jump all over the opportunity to select Monroe Freeling with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.  Yes, Taylor Decker is returning, but the team has a chance to secure their tackle of the future while adding depth at the position and insurance given Decker’s recent injury history.


No. 18: Minnesota Vikings – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Jermod McCoy to the Minnesota Vikings in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Corner is a need for the Minnesota Vikings, and they fill that need with the selection of Jermod McCoy with the No. 18 overall pick.  With the expiring contra of Isaiah Rodgers, the Vikings find a corner in McCoy with top corner talent who could be a Day 1 contributor and the future at the position.


No. 19: Carolina Panthers – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

Top linebacker prospect CJ Allen
Georgia linebacker CJ Allen | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Panthers go with the best player available as far as need with the selection of CJ Allen at No. 19.  As an inside linebacker, Allen can be that high-impact starter the team is looking for due to both his leadership and downhill tackling from the position.


No. 20: Dallas Cowboys – Akheem Mesidor, ED, Miami (FL)

Akheem Mesidor a 2026 NFL Draft target of the Dallas Cowboys
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cowboys took care of safety with their top pick and use the No. 20 overall pick on nabbing an explosive edge rusher.  In Akheem Mesidor, the Cowboys get an older rookie, but a player who can come in and make an impact right away.  They can also utilize his versatility along the defensive line as a player who could move inside and create pressure up the middle.

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