2026 NFL Mock Draft 11-15: Panthers, Cowboys land defensive gems
No. 11: Carolina Panthers – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Panthers take the top defensive lineman in the draft in Clemson’s Peter Woods. A versatile player along the defensive line, Woods can clog up the middle and be a force against the run or lineup on the edge and get after the quarterback. A team looking for an identity on defense fine it in Woods who brings energy and an aggressive line to the defensive side of the ball.
No. 12: Houston Texans – Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami (FL)
The Texans need to upgrade the offensive line and a great way to start is with the selection of Francis Mauigoa. The second tackle off the board, Mauigoa is an offensive lineman who is impactful in pass protection and run blocking, two elements that will help Texans quarterback CJ Stroud get back to the quarterback he was his rookie season more on a consistent basis.
No. 13: Arizona Cardinals – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
All eyes are on Jordyn Tyson in this draft as far as wide receivers, but Makai Lemon is a player who can be an instant star in the NFL. In selecting the USC star with the No. 13 overall pick, the Cardinals create an intriguing receiver duo with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Lemon creating some heat offensively in the desert. Lemon’s arrival will help MHJ turn into the player many projected him to be when he was selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Makai Lemon is a damn cheat code 😮💨✌️ pic.twitter.com/OyO7wdnyIU
— Trojan Football ✌️ ᶠᵃⁿ (@TrojanFBx) October 10, 2025
No. 14: Dallas Cowboys– Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Cowboys land the top ranked linebacker in the draft with the selection of Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. At 6-foot-4, 243 pounds, Reese exhibits the versatility and athleticism to be a player who could be tone setter in the NFL. His ability in rushing the quarterback off the edge and dropping back into coverage will remind Cowboys fans of another linebacker they drafted this high in the draft back in 2021.
No. 15: Los Angeles Rams via Atlanta– Jermond McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Rams address their need at cornerback with the selection of Jermond McCoy with the No. 15 overall pick in the draft. As a corner with great speed and natural instincts as a ball defender, the Rams get a player who can be the building block in their secondary. McCoy also can return kicks which will drive up his value as a rookie.