The NFC was filled with firepower during the 2025 NFL season, with the eventual Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks coming out on top. The conference will look to crown a new winner in 2026, with the NFL Draft on the horizon.
Each team has their own specific set of needs, and how the draft plays out could have major implications to how next season finishes.
NFL Mocks explores top prospects in the first round who fit the needs of the Giants, Commanders, Cowboys, Eagles, Lions, Vikings, Packers, Bears, Saints, Falcons, Buccaneers, Panthers, Cardinals, 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks based on expected needs this offseason.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big swings define NFC East selections
New York Giants (4-13) – Last in NFC East
Round 1, No. 5: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
This pick will certainly draw some eyes, but there's a chance that New York dips back into the Georgia offensive line pool to bolster their offensive front. Freeling finished the NFL Combine with a stellar 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, and his draft projection has climbed from early Day 2 all the way up to the top half of the first round in recent weeks. He's a mammoth of a man who could solidify the Giants' right tackle position and give them a consistent tackle duo as they reshape their offense.
Washington Commanders (5-12) – 3rd in NFC East
Round 1, No. 7: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Much has been said about Bain Jr.'s short arms, but he's still every bit of a Top-10 caliber player in this draft class. Washington needs to see an uptick in their pass rush production, and the Hurricanes' star would give them just that at the #7 slot. He picked up 9.5 sacks for the National Championship runner-ups, and has the tape to show he can be a longtime defensive piece for Dan Quinn and company to utilize.
Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1) – 2nd in NFC East
Round 1, No. 11: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Another pick that may raise some questions, but with the release of failed trade acquisition Logan Wilson recently, Dallas adding a linebacker early in the draft shouldn't be seen as an impossibility. Another high RAS prospect (9.93), Hill Jr. has all the athletic tools to succeed as a modern linebacker in today's NFL. He could slide into the middle of the Cowboys' defense from Day 1, and has the combination of coverage skills and pass rush ability to become a real weapon for America's Team on short notice.
Round 1, No. 20: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Why not double up on Longhorns? The rapid decline and subsequent departure of former Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs, as well as injury concerns with DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel Jr., have left the Cowboys with more questions than answers regarding their cornerback room. Another combine standout, he showcased his fluidity and athletic traits in Indianapolis, putting him firmly in first-round consideration. He has good size, technique, and movement skills, making him a potential fit for the new-look Dallas secondary.
Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) – 1st in NFC East
Round 1, No. 23: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Eagles' quest to find a second boundary corner to play alongside Quinyon Mitchell has seen the likes of Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson, among others, try and fail to fill the gap that veteran Darius Slay Jr. left after signing with Pittsburgh following the 2025 NFL season. Defense was far from an issue for Philadelphia in 2026, but General Manager Howie Roseman has never passed up on the chance to acquire high-end talent at a premium position. A draft day fall for Delane would likely be more because of other players raising their stock rather than his truly falling, and he's still the caliber player who could make Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio's scary defense even more terrifying.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: NFC North brings in some much-needed trench help
Detroit Lions (9-8) – Last in NFC North
Round 1, No. 17: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Banks is an athletic freak at defensive tackle, and is the type of player that will have Head Coach Dan Campbell pounding the table to select come April. He's 6'6", 300 pounds, and moves like a player significantly lighter than that. His run defense needs some work, but he would instantly improve the Detroit pass rush and work alongside star Aidan Hutchinson, as well as Al-Quadin Muhammad, if the front office is able to retain him.
Minnesota Vikings (9-8) – 3rd in NFC North
Round 1, No. 18: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Another elite linebacker prospect, the Bulldogs' alumni basically called the plays for the Georgia defense in 2025. He communicates at a high level, plays sideline-to-sideline, and would be a lethal pairing with Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores. Minnesota has relied on a veteran core to lead their linebacker unit, especially with Ivan Pace Jr. taking a step back, and Allen could give them the playmaking profile that would truly take their defense to the next level.
Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) – 2nd in NFC North
N/A
Green Bay traded away their 1st round selection in the Micah Parsons deal, giving up the 20th overall pick to the Dallas Cowboys.
Chicago Bears (11-6) – 1st in NFC North
Round 1, No. 25: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Bears have completely overhauled their offensive line in the past few seasons, and Lomu could be the final piece to the puzzle. He's a complete prospect with the awareness and football IQ to survive on the blind side as a rookie, and he would give Chicago a chance to develop the franchise left tackle that they've been missing. Protecting Caleb Williams to the fullest extent should be at the forefront of the front office's offseason plans, and the Utah tackle might be able to fulfill that goal for years to come.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Intriguing prospects find homes in the NFC South
New Orleans Saints (6-11) – Last in NFC South
Round 1, No. 8: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Reese is a ridiculously good player, and his improvement just within the 2025 season should be enough to have scouts clamoring for him in the Top-20. New Orleans believes they have found their long-awaited Drew Brees successor in Tyler Shough, and a defensive splurge could be in the cards. A player who could go as high as #2 on draft night with one of the highest ceilings in the class, this would be a home run selection for the Saints if it comes to fruition.
Atlanta Falcons (8-9) – 3rd in NFC South
N/A
Atlanta traded away their 1st round selection to move up for EDGE James Pearce in the 2025 NFL Draft, giving up the 13th overall pick to the Los Angeles Rams.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) – 2nd in NFC South
Round 1, No. 15: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
It's far from a favorable situation currently when it comes to Tampa Bay and the cornerback position, and it might get even worse if/when Jamel Dean leaves in free agency. McCoy didn't play a single game in 2025, but he's still seen as a first-round prospect, and for good reason. He's a savvy outside corner who can be an impact piece for the Buccaneers secondary, and could help them take back a consistently weak NFC South division.
Carolina Panthers (8-9) – 1st in NFC South
Round 1, No. 19: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Fano played offensive tackle at Utah, but many evaluators have projected him as a center in the NFL long-term. For Carolina, he fits for two reasons: he could fill in for Ikem Ekwonu as he recovers from his torn patellar tendon, and then give them a cost-controlled center for the foreseeable future. While not a guarantee, his expected positional change makes it likely that he'll be available when the Panthers are on the clock. There may not be a better fit for his services, and he could be molded by their coaching staff to be a prized offensive contributor for their rising future.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Three tackles, two cornerbacks infused into NFC West
Arizona Cardinals (3-14) – Last in NFC West
Round 1, No. 3: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Arguably the top tackle in the draft, the Cardinals could replicate their 2023 1st round where they took Paris Johnson Jr. at 6th overall and take the Miami product at #3. He's a consistent, steady offensive tackle who would give the stagnant Arizona offense a piece they can truly believe in on the offensive line. The team has plenty of issues to iron out before they can be a contending franchise, and selecting Mauigoa would be a clear step in the right direction.
San Francisco 49ers (12-5) – 3rd in NFC West
Round 1, No. 27: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Rumors of a Trent Williams split this coming offseason could massively shake up San Francisco's offseason plans, and they might be forced to spend draft capital on offensive line help. Regardless, the 49ers will need to develop a succession plan for whenever the veteran departs, and Miller would let them do just that. He could give them short-term help on the left side in a future where Williams does indeed leave, and projects as a potential stable addition at right tackle.
Los Angeles Rams (12-5) – 2nd in NFC West
Round 1, No. 13: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
It's still uncertain whether Proctor will stick at offensive tackle or make the switch inside to guard, but he should be an effective player wherever he plays. He would become the Rams' swing tackle in no time and give them both important depth and the ability to start if need be. He still might be a developmental piece for the time being, but he is more than worthy of a premier selection and could fit well with Los Angeles' direction.
Round 1, No. 29: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The ballhawking cornerback with 10 PBUs in 2025 from Tennessee would be implanted into the Rams' secondary quickly. Los Angeles needs cornerback help to fortify their secondary as they look to make another championship push with QB Matthew Stafford's future uncertain, and Hood should be just what they're looking for. He can slot in with a few other solid defenders as the team's top dog and would be excellent positional value at #29.
Seattle Seahawks (14-3) – 1st in NFC West
Round 1, No. 25: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Tariq Woolen is expected to command a hefty next contract in free agency, and it might not be with the defending Super Bowl Champions. If that happens, they will need to add another cornerback to pair with star Devon Witherspoon. Terrell would join a Seattle defense that heavily values tackling, something he has said to take pride him, and could keep their defense among the best in the league as they look to repeat.