2026 NFL Mock Draft chaos: Blockbuster Maxx Crosby trade changes everything

After the blockbuster deal on Friday night, let's take a look at how the start of the NFL Draft could unfold.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby
Defensive end Maxx Crosby | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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No. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

2026 NFL Mock draft including Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson being selected by the Pittsburgh Steeler
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson | SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Taking a quarterback in the 20s didn't necessarily work out well for Pittsburgh the last time (paging Kenny Pickett), but who says second chances never work? Ty Simpson has all the tools; he just needs to put it all together. The Steelers, under new management for the first time in what feels like forever, are bringing in a whole new coaching staff and philosophy this offseason. They could choose to continue that trend of change by taking a chance on the Alabama signal caller, who could be developed into a legitimate NFL starter.


No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers – Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

2026 NFL Mock draft including Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald being selected by the Los Angeles Charger
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

The defensive line is a position expected to see little turnover from 2025, and Kayden McDonald could be part of the new wave that comes in. Defenses need to constantly account for him as a potential game wrecker once he claws his way into the backfield, and Los Angeles' interior DL would much appreciate his contributions. He's an all-around defensive lineman with the ability to both rush the passer and stuff the run, making him a prime candidate for the Chargers to select with their first-round pick.


No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

2026 NFL Mock draft including Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Not many people truly understand just how important Dallas Goedert was to the Eagles' passing attack in 2025, and how big a deal his potential departure would be. Kenyon Sadiq is a fantasy football manager's dream, as well as being a pretty dang good offensive weapon. Adding a receiving threat at the tight end position could help ease new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion into Philadelphia and give their offense yet another dangerous weapon at their disposal.


No. 24: Cleveland Browns (via JAX) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

2026 NFL Mock draft including Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson being selected by the Cleveland Browns
Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The opposite of the Cowboys, I have the Browns going all-in on offensive additions in the first round of this year's draft. Their outside receivers were far from a strength in 2025, especially with Jerry Jeudy failing to replicate his 2024 production. Jordyn Tyson is a matchup nightmare as a true X receiver, with the chance to come in and promptly become a top target for whoever ends up as Cleveland's starting quarterback going into 2026.


No. 25: Chicago Bears – Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

2026 NFL Mock draft including Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor being selected by the Chicago Bears
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

After missing out on Crosby, edge rusher remains an immediate need for the Bears. Other teams may not be as attracted to Akheem Mesidor as a prospect given his age, but with Chicago's window opening up, he could fit their timeline perfectly. The Hurricane pass rusher is a high-floor defender who could make his mark right away, and, at least on paper, Chicago is set up to be an ideal match for his services come April.

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