No. 16: Houston Texans – Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
The Texas will go with linebacker with the No. 16 overall pick in the draft. In Anthony Hill Jr., they get a player who can do everything. He can cover, defend the run and get after the quarterback. Line him up on the same side as either Will Anderson Jr. or Danielle Hunter and the opposing team’s offensive line will have to pick their poison.
No. 17: Pittsburgh Steelers – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
If Fernando Mendoza lights up the Big 10, he could easily be a top 10 pick. The Steelers will get him at No. 17 as the successor to Aaron Rodgers. If the Steelers are selecting in the middle of the first round, it will probably mean Rodgers was able to lead them as more than a middle of the pack team challenging for a wild card spot. In Mendoza, they will at least have a young quarterback of the future to get excited about.
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No. 18: Chicago Bears – Rueben Bain Jr., ED, Miami (FL)
The Bears will be a better offensive team in 2025 under the guidance of Ben Johnson. That will enable them to focus on the defensive side of the ball in the 2026 NFL Draft. They will get a good one in Ruebin Bain Jr. who will slide to them at No. 18 due to the quarterback run. Bain Jr. is one of the top-rated edge rushers heading into the 2025 season who could be even better once the season ends. His ability to line up anywhere on the defensive line will be a big draw for a Bears’ defense looking to make noise in the NFC North.
No. 19: Minnesota Vikings– Dillon Thieneman, S, Purdue
The Vikings get their safety with the selection of Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman with the No. 19 overall pick in the draft. With a PFF overall grade of 89.4, the Purdue transfer will bring speed and ball skills to the Vikings’ defense in 2026. Behind Downs, Thieneman has the talent to be one of the top safeties and best athletes in the nation.
No. 20: Los Angeles Chargers– Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn
The Chargers will fill their need for an edge rusher with the selection of SEC standout Keldric Faulk. While L.A. hopes 2025 NFL Draft pick Kyle Kennard can come on during his rookie season, the need here will be top priority especially with Khalil Mack getting up there in age. Coming off a season in 2024 in which he racked up nine sacks and 45 pressures, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound edge defender will be exactly what the Chargers are looking for.