2026 NFL Mock Draft 21-25: Cowboys land impact defensive lineman, Buccaneers beef up O-line
No. 21: Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay – Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
The Cowboys stick with defense with their second first round pick via the Micah Parsons trade. Despite adding Quinnen Williams at the NFL Trade Deadline, the Cowboys add to that defensive line with the selection of Caleb Banks. The big, defensive lineman has been slowed by a foot injury, but when healthy is a disruptive force in the middle of the line. Line him up next to Williams and the Cowboys will put the Big D back in Dallas.
No. 22: Chicago Bears– Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn
The Bears go defense with the No. 22 overall pick with the selection of Keldric Faulk out of Auburn. While not a player who jumping off the draft board, Faulk is a consistent defender with a great combination of size and athleticism who can get to the quarterback and make an impact in stopping the run. He still has upside that may make him more of a force at the NFL level. A solid pick for the Bears at this spot in the draft.
No. 23: Buffalo Bills – Romello Height, ED, Texas Tech
When you have a quarterback like Josh Allen, the temptation is always to add more playmakers around him. The Bills have the rest of the draft to explore wide receiver options, but at this spot they add some edge defensively with the selection of Romello Height. While the college football world and most NFL scouts are locked in on teammate David Bailey, Height is no slouch. In fact, he has risen as pass rush specialist with his blend of size, speed and athleticism. With his relentless attack, the Bills are getting a good one here.
No. 24: Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane is the first guard off the board at No. 24 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As an elite pass blocker, the 6-foot-4, 330-pound Ioane will be a great addition to the Buccaneers’ offensive line. Get Baker Mayfield as much protection as possible is the idea here.
No. 25: Detroit Lions – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Lions add depth to their secondary with Jermod McCoy. More than a depth piece, McCoy was touted as the top cornerback prior to the 2025 season and has the skillset and natural ball instincts to be a top cornerback at the NFL level. The Lions take a shot at him late in the first round and it should pay dividends.