No. 6: Cleveland Browns – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Cleveland Browns have a big question mark at quarterback. The answer to that question won’t come in this draft, so the Browns need to focus on building around whoever wins the job in 2026. Along with the offensive line, one big need is a No. 1 receiver. Is that receiver Jordyn Tyson? When healthy, Tyson presents a lot of problems for opposing secondaries. He has great size, he’s athletic and he excels in contested catch situations. If the Browns morph into a playoff-caliber team, a player with the ability of Tyson will be a big reason why.
- Second round pick (No. 39): Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
No. 7: Washington Commanders – David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech
The Commanders took a huge step back in 2025 but can take a huge step forward with a solid draft in 2026. One of the top areas of need will be at edge rusher. With Ruben Bain off the board, they select Texas Tech’s David Bailey who was just as impactful if not more impactful in 2025. In leading the nation in sacks with 14.5, Bailey showcased an ability to create consistent pressure on the quarterback while making game-changing type plays when he is not able to get home on the quarterback. The Commanders have been missing that type of production and Bailey fulfill that hunger as a high-level defender coming off the edge.
- Second round pick (No. 38): Traded to the Houston Texans
No. 8: New Orleans Saints – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Tyler Shough and the way the Saints ended the 2025 NFL season left Saints fans a lot of hope for 2026. With a few key moves at key positions, along with the continued growth and confidence of Shough could have the Saints knocking on the door of the playoffs in 2026, especially playing in the NFC South. In adding Makai Lemon to the mix, the Saints get an extreme route runner who could form a lethal pairing with Chris Olave. They still need to add pieces defensively, but a Olave/Lemon pairing would certainly help Shough continue his projectory as a starting quarterback.
- Second round pick (No. 42): LT Overton, ED, Alabama
No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs– Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame
Anyone who believes the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty is over is due for a major disappointment. They may not get back to prominence in 2026, but if they have a healthy Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs can refuel and be a contender in the AFC any given season, especially when adding playmakers like Jeremiyah Love to the mix. With the Chiefs need for a lead back, the availability of Love at No. 9 will be too intriguing to pass up. Until Mahomes is 100 percent, this is a pick that will help the Chiefs stay competitive and be in the mix by mid-season in 2026.
- Second round pick (No. 40): Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Bengals getting back to the playoffs will depend on how well they can upgrade their offensive line to protect Joe Burrow. While the offense will be fine as long as the franchise QB is healthy, the Bengals need to get more physical on defense and they do that with the selection of Peter Woods who will solidify the middle of the defensive line and is versatile enough to shift to edge and get after the quarterback as well as bull rush blockers and get pressure up the middle. The Bengals will need to address eventual voids left by edge rushers Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai, but Woods is a great start to revamping the defense.
- Second round pick (No. 43): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon