No. 16: New York Jets (via IND) – Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Faulk is a downright elite run defender off the edge, and has the type of profile that the NFL routinely deems worthy of a premium draft selection. New York added a few pieces in free agency, as well as taking Arvell Reese earlier in this mock draft. Taking the Auburn edge rusher provides their defense with an instant boost to their run defense and gives Faulk time to tap into his toolset and develop his pass-rush production.
No. 17: Carolina Panthers via Detroit Lions – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
A small trade up for Carolina nets them a dynamic tight end in Sadiq, a matchup nightmare in the receiving game, who would pair nicely with top WR Tetairoa McMillan. This pick, putting it bluntly, would severely limit the number of excuses available to Bryce Young as he enters an important stage of his early career. Carolina got their first taste of playoff action, and now gets aggressive to match the improving NFC South
No. 18: Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Minnesota Vikings – Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
Tampa Bay could benefit from bolstering its interior offensive line, and Fano is likely the smoothest available pathway to doing so. After getting some extra assets from Minnesota, they take the versatile Utah lineman at 18. It's unclear where Fano will find a permanent home on the line, with analysts varying in their opinions of him as a tackle, guard, and center, but the Buccaneers can mold him however they see fit.
No. 19: Detroit Lions via Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
The retirement of Taylor Decker has left a hole on the left side of the Detroit offensive line, and is one that they need to find a quick solution for. Taking Proctor would work toward doing just that, albeit he does have some issues in his game that need to be cleaned up. Nevertheless, he's a 1st round talent and would enter a Lions' system that has remained one of the best developmental offensive line systems.
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys (via GB) – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Cowboys' secondary performed far below expectations in 2025 and is a point of emphasis for the team going into 2026. Thieneman is a rangy, disruptive safety prospect who would give the entire back half of their defense a desperately-needed boost. With back-to-back picks after moving down, they have the ability to make important moves for next season and beyond, with the Oregon defender their first move.