2026 NFL Mock Draft 21-25: Bears land powerful DT; Bills find their edge
No. 21: Philadelphia Eagles – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Eagles select Clemson’s Avieon Terrell with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This selection allows for the Eagles to take care of their need for a No. 2 cornerback behind Quinyon Mitchell while keeping Cooper DeJean in the slot. With the ball-hawking ability Terrell brings to the table, the Eagles’ secondary would be set for the future.
No. 22: Houston Texans – Spencer Fano, T, Utah
The Texans find their left tackle with the selection of Spencer Fano. The big man out of Utah will help with the Texans’ ground attack and establish the line in giving C.J. Stroud more time to work his magic from the pocket. A perfect fit for the player and the team.
No. 23: Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Cowboys take care of another need on defense with what will be known as the Micah Parsons pick. With the No. 23 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cowboys select Georgia linebacker CJ Allen. At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Allen is an inside linebacker who is instinctive and a physical tackler. He excels as a coverage linebacker who also can bring the heat as a blitzer.
No. 24: Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, ED, Clemson
The idea here is that the Buffalo Bills will sway a top receiver in either free agency or trade. With players like George Pickens available via free agency and Brandon Ayuk via trade, the Bills can add around Josh Allen. On defense, they have a need at edge rusher, and they add a young, talented one in Clemson’s T.J. Parker. At 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, Parker has great pass rushing skills and gives the Bills that young, athletic defender of the edge they have been looking for.
No. 25: Chicago Bears– Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
Ohio State continues to dominate the first round of the draft as Kayden McDonald becomes the fifth Buckeyes player off the board. The Chicago Bears snag him with the No. 25 overall pick, which gives them a solid player in the middle of their defensive line. At 6-foot-3, 326 pounds, McDonald is an elite run defender who plays the game with attitude and great tenacity. Great fit for the Bears in the NFC North.