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2026 NFL Mock Draft goes off script as Commanders, Bengals, Steelers move up

Trades across the board highlight a chaotic Day 1 in this 2026 NFL Mock draft
2026 NFL Draft Logo
2026 NFL Draft Logo | Ethan Morrison / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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No. 11: Miami Dolphins – 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

The Dolphins have two picks on the first day of the draft, and it would be a shock if they came out of it without adding a wideout. Jordyn Tyson is another prospect with some health concerns, but he's nearly impossible to guard when it's all clicking. Grabbing newly signed Malik Willis a big-bodied target he can rely on as both a chunk play creator and redzone magnet would immediately take their offense from the bottom of the barrel to a watchable product.


No. 12: Pittsburgh Steelers via Dallas Cowboys – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling | Brett Patzke-Imagn Images

Freeling is an offensive lineman with sky-high upside, and there's little chance he remains on the board when Pittsburgh is on the clock. With a decent-sized gap between the upper echelon of offensive line talent and the next level of prospects, the Steelers could view it as a viable decision to propel themselves up 9 picks. The Georgia tackle has the foundation of a standout, long-time offensive lineman, a ceiling that, if he can reach it, would more than pay off the hefty cost of moving up to take him.


No. 13: Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon
Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Rams have made it clear that veteran receiver Davante Adams is available as they continue to deal with navigating their cap situation. If they do end up moving him, and frankly, even if they don't, drafting a WR is very much in play at 13. With Tyson and Tate gone, Lemon is the next best option for McVay and company; he's a savvy route runner with consistent hands and explosiveness, giving defenses headaches as yet another productive target in Los Angeles.


No. 14: Baltimore Ravens – Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State

Penn State offensive lineman Vega Ioane
Penn State offensive lineman Vega Ioane | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Likely the first interior offensive lineman taken on draft night, Ioane is a steady, high-floor blocker who would inject youth and projectability to a Baltimore offensive line that lacks both. The Ravens have a few needs to fill, but giving Lamar Jackson a cleaner pocket may surpass all of them when it comes down to it. The fit is as clean as can be, and this pick remains a highly-mocked pairing in the pre-draft process.


No. 15: Minnesota Vikings via Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

This is further than where many believe Downs will be drafted, but if he's available this late come draft night, Minnesota could view it as a prime opportunity to strike. Their defense will be without Harrison Smith for the first time in over a decade, and trading up three spots to snag the Buckeyes' defender would be a seamless transition.

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