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2026 NFL mock draft is packed with shocking first-round twists

NFL teams take major chances in the 1st round of latest mock draft
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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No. 21: Philadelphia Eagles via Pittsburgh Steelers – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

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

Wouldn't this just be the most Howie Roseman move ever? A player as uber-talented as Tyson falling into the Eagles' range because of injury concerns is exactly how they've built their core in recent years. Trading up 2 slots to jump the Los Angeles Chargers and any other team that might be vying for the Sun Devils' receiver here nets them one of the most gifted wideouts in the class.

No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers – Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M

Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Chase Bisontis
Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Chase Bisontis | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

If Los Angeles wants to make a Super Bowl run, Cole Strange and Trevor Penning starting on the interior isn't going to cut it. Getting healthy at offensive tackle will be a big boost to their protection scheme, regardless, but getting a fantastic pass blocker in Bisontis would be a smart move.

No. 23: Pittsburgh Steelers via Philadelphia Eagles – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

After moving back 2 spots, Pittsburgh still gets another crack at a developmental quarterback prospect to work with. Simpson continues to look like a clean fit for the Steelers as the draft approaches, especially in the late 1st round. He has the tools to be a franchise QB and could become the black and gold's next long-term signal caller.

No. 24: Cleveland Browns (via JAX) – Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II
Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wide receiver and offensive tackle is the combination most analysts have pegged the Browns taking with their two 1st round picks, so it only makes sense that they go WR after taking Fano at 6. Brazzell II is an electrifying wideout who can stretch the field and make life much easier for their quarterback of choice, adding a wrinkle to their offense that hasn't been seen in years.

No. 25: Kansas City Chiefs via Chicago Bears – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

I promise I'm not purposefully giving the Chiefs steals, but with McCoy's medicals apparently being more concerning than initially thought, his being available in the 20s might not be out of the question. With draft capital available, they move up 4 picks to take the Tennessee corner. Getting his health straightened out will be priority No.1, but if he stays healthy, this is a pick that plenty of front offices will regret letting happen.

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