2026 NFL Mock Draft 16-20: Rams land Matthew Stafford replacement
No. 16: Chicago Bears– Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
The Bears beef up on defense by adding Florida’s Caleb Banks to their defensive line. The Bears will prove to have enough on offense as the 2025 NFL season moves forward and will turn its attention to defense, at least in the first round. Banks is a player who adds beef and power to the middle of the Bears’ defensive line. With his high motor at 6-foo-6, 325 pounds, he will be a force in the NFC North for years to come.
No. 17: Washington Commanders – Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Commanders get a young pass rusher at No. 16 with the selection of Auburns’ Keldric Faulk. This has been a consistent choice for the Commanders at this spot in the draft and is a player who has the talent to be an instant impact off the edge for a team looking to upgrade their defensive front seven.
No. 18: Los Angeles Rams – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Garrett Nussmeier falls to a perfect situation in the 2026 NFL Draft. With their second pick in the first round, the Rams nab Nussmeier at No. 18. There will be other intriguing options at QB for Sean McVay to choose from, but a chance to take a player with the ability of Nussmeier will be the perfect opportunity to the team to get their Matthew Stafford replacement.
No. 19: New England Patriots – Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
The Patriots are 3-2 and are riding the connection between Drake Maye and Stefon Diggs. What has cost them a game this season is the lack of ball security from the running back position. Expect the Patriots to move on from Rhamondre Stevenson and replace him with a running back with great ball security in Washington’s Jonah Coleman. At 5-foot-9, 228 pounds, Coleman is the top running back in the nation behind Love. With his burst and toughness, he’ll give the Patriots a nice 1-2 punch with TreVeyon Henderson.
Dude just always runs hard 😤
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 7, 2025
Look at @UW_Football's Jonah Coleman here 👀
📺: BTN pic.twitter.com/Tkv4VmpVjv
No. 20: Denver Broncos – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Broncos get Bo Nix another weapon in Ohio State’s Carnell Tate. An outside X receiver, Tate is a solid route runner with deep ball skills. While not the biggest need for the Broncos, the addition of Tate could allow the Broncos to move on from Courtland Sutton following the 2027 NFL season. In the meantime, they will add another wide receiver to the mix for Nix to target.