2026 NFL Mock Draft 26-32: Blockbuster deal sends A.J. Brown to Patriots; 49ers, Broncos take gamble on playmakers
No. 26: Los Angeles Chargers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
The Chargers get stronger along the offensive line with the selection of Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With both tackles (Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt) returning in 2026, the Chargers take an opportunity to add more beef and power to the line with Ioane at the guard position. With great size and power, Ioane is fantastic in pass protection and will help keep Justin Herbert on his feet.
No. 27: San Francisco 49ers– Ian Strong, WR, Rutgers
The 49ers indeed part ways with Brandon Ayuk by trading him to the Bills for a mid-round pick. They use the No. 27 overall pick on a similar type of receiver with a high upside. With the selection of Rutgers wideout Ian Strong, the 49ers get a big receiver who is strong in contested catch situations and has no problem putting his body on the line in helping in run blocking. Not a receiver getting much attention due to the team he plays for, but a receiver who will emerge as one of the top X receivers (if he declares).
No. 28: Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville – Francis Mauigoa, QB, LSU
The Browns use their second first rounder on Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa. One of the top offensive linemen in the draft, Mauigoa can be an instant starter at either tackle position or be moved inside as a guard depending on who is back for the Browns and which position is of greater need. Great versatility as an offensive line man and a player who will be impactful wherever he lines up on the O-line.
Projected trade: Eagles send A.J. Brown and a third-round pick to the Patriots for No. 29 overall and a fourth-round pick
No. 29: Philadelphia Eagles (via New England Patriots) – Romello Height, ED, Texas Tech
In a trade everyone saw coming, the Philadelphia trade A.J. Brown and a 2026 third-round pick to the New England Patriots for the No. 29 overall pick and a future fourth-round pick. With the salary the Patriots are taking on for Brown, the Eagles do offer up a Day 2 pick to get Brown off the books. With the No. 29 overall pick the Eagles select edge rusher Romello Height, who addresses their need at edge rusher. They will use their second-round pick on a receiver.
No. 30: Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Seahawks address potential needs at cornerback with the selection of Colton Hood with the No. 30 overall pick. The Eagles should be able to keep one or two of Coby Bryant, Josh Jobe, Derion Kendrick, Ty Okada or Riq Woolen who are all entering free agency. Hodd with Deven Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori holding down the secondary gives a nice foundation to build around even if they lose all those players in free agency.
No. 31: Los Angeles Rams – Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
The Rams will look towards Day 2 of the draft to select a quarterback. With the second of their two first round picks, they select Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor. The big tackle replaces Rob Havenstein who will be a free agent after the season. At 6-foot-7, 366 pounds, Proctor is a day-one starter who is great as a run blocker and a lineman who has shown he can be used in different ways as an offensive player. Sean McVay will tap into that.
No. 32: Denver Broncos – Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
This could be a reach for the Broncos, but with tight end as a top need, they grab a dynamic pass catching tight end in Eli Stowers two took home the John Mackey Award for the most outstanding tight end in college football. Can he follow the footsteps of Tyler Warren and Brock Bowers who took home the award the past three seasons? Sean Payton will find a way to exploit his talent in Denver.