2026 NFL Mock Draft: Which prospects rise or fall in pre-NFL Combine predictions

NFL teams find their next key positional stars.
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr.
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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No. 6: Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

2026 NFL Draft prospect Carnell Tate
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Another Ohio State prospect goes off the board at No. 6.  The Browns make Carnell Tate the first wide receiver off the board.  Could Tate solve the Browns need for a true No. 1 receiver?  Whoever is under center for the Browns will quickly find out, he has the skills and playmaking ability to be just that.

Current Pro Comparison: Tee Higgins


No. 7: Washington Commanders – David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech

David Bailey to the Commanders in 2026 NFL Draft
Texas Tech's David Bailey | Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Commanders get their edge rusher with the selection of David Bailey with the No. 7 overall pick.  Explosive off the snap, Bailey is a defensive playmaker who will make an impact Day 1 in the NFL.  With his diverse arsenal of pass rush moves, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Bailey will have quarterbacks in the NFC East looking over their shoulders for years to come.

Current Pro Comparison: Nik Bonitto


No. 8: New Orleans Saints – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

2026 NFL Draft prospect Makai Lemon
Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon ( | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Tyler Shough gets a new weapon in Makai Lemon who becomes the second wide receiver off the board. In complimenting Chris Olave as the Saints WR2, Lemon gives the offense a slot receiver with elite route running who should help make the Saints’ offense more dynamic and prolific in 2026.

Current Pro Comparison: Amon-Ra St. Brown


No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs– Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

2026 NFL Draft prospect Jordyn Tyson
Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The third wide receiver off the board lands in an ideal situation.  With the No. 9 overall pick, the Chiefs get Patrick Mahomes a young, talented receiver in Jordyn Tyson who will have the opportunity to flourish in Kansas City, especially if Tyreek Hill makes his way back to the Chiefs.

Current Pro Comparison: Chris Olave


No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Caleb Downs is the top safety in the 2026 NFL Draft
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

The Bengals address their secondary needs by selecting Caleb Downs with the No. 10 overall pick in the draft.  With safety Geno Stone pending free agency, the Bengals could have an even bigger need come draft time.  The playmaking ability and overall talent of Downs will address that need.

Current Pro Comparison: Budda Baker

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