2026 NFL Mock Draft 6-10: Giants land a running mate for Malik Nabers, Cardinals land QB
No. 6: Washington Commanders – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Commanders will hope Bain Jr falls to them at No. 6, but with him off the board, the team will address the defensive line with the selection of Clemson’s Peter Woods. At 6-foot-3, 310- pounds, Woods is versatile enough to serve as an edge rusher and ferocious enough in the interior of the line to push the pocket from that position as well. He is also a terrific run defender which will serve the Commanders well in the NFC East.
No. 7: New York Giants – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Giants are in position to do just about anything in this draft to improve their roster. In trading back and gaining another first-round pick in this draft, the Giants decided to give Jaxson Dart another offensive weapon in USC’s Makai Lemon who would look great on the same field as Malik Nabers. An extreme route-runner who can be lethal after the catch, Lemon adds to the young nucleus on offense the Giants are building.
Biletnikoff Award Winner 🏆
— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) December 13, 2025
Makai Lemon is college football’s most outstanding wide receiver. pic.twitter.com/4k3HcW5evi
No. 8: Arizona Cardinals – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
With the status of Kyler Murray up in the air, it will be best served for the Cardinals to bring in another quarterback talent. They do that with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft with the selection of Alabama’s Ty Simpson whose value has dropped a little, but his high football IQ, accuracy and mobility will have him as one of the top targeted QB’s in the draft if he declares.
No. 9: Los Angeles Rams via Atlanta – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
In a little bit of a surprise, the Rams use the Atlanta Falcons pick on Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. The team has more of a need at cornerback and tackle, but with a second first round pick, they will be able to address either of those needs. While safety isn’t noted as a top need, the Rams may have a hole at the position as both Kamren Curl and Quentin Lake are pending free agents. Downs will be a nice replacement for either player if the need becomes top priority.
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals– David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech
David Bailey makes too much sense for a Bengals team in need of injecting talent on the offensive and defensive lines. In Bailey, they get an edge rusher with an explosive first step that has enabled him to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks all season long. He proved that with this 13.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 2025. The Bengals will be seething at the chance to take him off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft.