2026 NFL Mock Draft 16-20: Another big play weapon for Patrick Mahomes, Steelers land LSU QB
No. 16: Carolina Panthers – David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech
The Panthers get a great pass rusher with the selection of David Bailey with the No. 16 overall pick. The Texas Tech star has emerged as one of the top edge rushers in the draft and is the type of explosive defender who will insert an identity in the Panthers’ defense. A team that is struggling to get to the quarterback in 2025 will add a player who will improve that right away in 2026 with his quick first-step explosion and relentless motor in his pursuit to the quarterback.
No. 17: Kansas City Chiefs– Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Chiefs get their Travis Kelce replacement with the selection of Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq who is by far the top tight end and one of the best offensive playmakers in the 2026 NFL Draft. Yes, Patrick Mahomes gets another weapon and one who could change the Chiefs’ approach on offense. Sadiq in an offense with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses given the speed and yards after the catch ability of all three players.
Different look, same result.
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) October 18, 2025
A little trickery sets up the second touchdown pass from @dantemoore05 to @KenyonSadiq 🔥 #GoDucks
📺: @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/1rqQuixfeB
No. 18: Chicago Bears– Cashius Howell, ED, Texas A&M
The Bears add to their pass rush with the selection of Texas A&M edge Cashius Howell. With his arsenal of pass rush moves and high motor, Howell is a player with versatility defensively who will add some sack power to the Bears’ defense. In 2025, Howell has already racked up 9.5 sacks on the season for a top-tier Aggies team.
No. 19: Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Cleveland Browns need a big receiver, and they get that with the selection of Denzel Boston. Whoever the Browns have a quarterback, Boston will be a tremendous asset with this ability to make plays down the field. In 2025, Boston is showing off his big play ability with 63 receptions for 834 yards and 9 touchdowns. Impressively, he has 333 yards after the catch which makes him a top target at the wide receiver position for many NFL teams.
No. 20: Pittsburgh Steelers – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
With both Sam Leavitt suffering a season-ending injury and John Mateer likely returning to Oklahoma, the choice here for the Steelers is Garrett Nussmeier who entered the 2025 college football season as a top 10 projected quarterback. He has fallen on the draft board, but the talent is still there and the Steelers look like a perfect situation for Nussmeier to step in and be the young quarterback they are looking for.