2026 NFL Mock Draft: Dante Moore’s decision reshapes strategy for QB-hungry teams

2026 NFL Mock Draft 6-10: Top pass rushers land in the NFC East and NFC South; Notre Dame star brings love to the AFC West

No. 6: Cleveland Browns – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The third wide receiver off the board is USC’s Makai Lemon.  A player who is considered among some draft expects as the top receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft gives the Cleveland Browns another explosive weapon to add to the young core the Browns are building.  The 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, who is known for his route running and yards after the catch (YAC), will be an instant top target for Shedeur Sanders or whoever is under center for the browns in 2026.  With two first rounders, the Browns can be creative in this draft.  If they don’t trade the pick, Lemon is a player who makes the offense more dynamic.

No. 7: Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr, ED, Miami (FL)

There is going to be a debate on whether Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr or Texas Tech’s David Bailey is the best edge rusher in the draft.  Bailey has more sacks, but Bain Jr. is a player who brings attitude to the field and backs it up with his explosive first step and high motor.  There is some question about his arm length, but Bain makes that up in other areas.  With 46 tackles, 8.5 sacks in 2025, Bain will put any concerns to rest if he helps lead the Miami Hurricanes in shutting down Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers in the National Championship Game.

No. 8: New Orleans Saints – David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech

With the top receivers off the board, the Saints turn their attention to another top need which is edge rusher.  With the No. 8 overall pick, they find their Cameron Jordan replacement with the selection of David Bailey.  In leading the nation with 14.5 sacks, Bailey is an elite pass rusher who blends his athleticism and arsenal of techniques to overpower and manipulate blockers to get to the passer.  Bailey will have to work on his run defense, but as a player exploding off the edge, he will give the Saints’ defense and instant boost at the edge rush position.

No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs– Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame

The Chiefs will have options here but will use this pick on the top running back in the draft in Jeremiyah Love.  The idea here is that when Patrick Mahomes does return from a torn ACL, he will need time to get back to 100 percent on the field.  Having a running back like Love takes some of the pressure off and gives him a check down target who can take it to the house whenever and wherever he touches the ball.  As the top running back in the draft, Love has the skillset to be to the Chiefs what Jahmyr Gibbs is for the Detroit Lions.

No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

Peter Woods going to the Cincinnati Bengals is a perfect match.  As a team in need of impact players on defense, Woods is a player who can sure up the defensive line with this versatility and physicality and collapse the pocket with this power.  Similar in size and skillset to a player like Quinnen Williams, the addition of Woods with Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart coming off the edge will suddenly give the Bengals a young, impactful front who will wreak havoc in the AFC South for years to come.