2025 NFL Mock Draft: Scott Smith’s 1.0

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Scott Smith's 1.0

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB - Indiana) The Raiders secure their potential franchise quarterback in Mendoza, a passer known for his size and processing ability. He provides a fresh start for an offense that has struggled for consistency under center in recent seasons.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese (LB - Ohio State) Reese brings elite athleticism and sideline-to-sideline range to a Jets defense that prioritizes speed at the second level. His ability to cover tight ends and blow up run plays fits perfectly into the Jets' defensive rebuild.

3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey (EDGE - Texas Tech) The Cardinals desperately need a premier pass rusher, and Bailey is a high-motor edge defender with explosiveness around the corner. He should provide an immediate boost to Arizona’s sack production and pressure rate.

4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE - Miami (FL)) Bain Jr. is a powerful, versatile defensive lineman who can win from both the interior and the edge. His blue-collar playstyle aligns with Robert Saleh's physical identity and helps fortify their defensive front.

5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles (LB - Ohio State) Styles is a "unicorn" prospect with a massive frame who can play in coverage or at the line. The Giants can use his versatility to match up in the pass game or againstthe run as they face NFC East foes.

6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling (OT - Georgia) Cleveland invests in the "blind side" by selecting Freeling, a technically sound tackle from a premier SEC program. He offers the size and footwork necessary to keep their quarterback upright and anchor the offensive line for years.

7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs (S - Ohio State) Downs is a highly intelligent safety with elite ball skills and a high tackle floor. He acts as a "coach on the field" for a Commanders secondary that needs a stabilizing presence in the deep third.

8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate (WR - Ohio State) Tate is a refined route runner who can win at all three levels of the field. Pairing him with the Saints' existing weapons gives New Orleans a dynamic, young receiving corps to support their quarterback.

   

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love (RB - Notre Dame) Love is an explosive, dual-threat back who excels as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. His ability to create yards after contact makes him a terrifying new weapon for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane (CB - LSU) The Bengals continue their trend of drafting high-upside defensive backs by taking the sticky, man-coverage specialist from LSU. Delane has the speed and length required to shadow the elite WR1s found across the AFC North.

11. Miami Dolphins: Jordyn Tyson (WR - Arizona State) Tyson is a vertical threat with elite tracking skills who fits the Dolphins' "track meet" offensive philosophy. His ability to take the top off a defense creates even more space for Miami's intermediate passing game.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy (CB - Tennessee) The Cowboys prioritize a high-upside corner with excellent length and ball production to shore up their secondary. McCoy’s aggressive playstyle in man coverage makes him a natural fit for a defense that thrives on turnovers.

13. L.A. Rams: Francis Mauigoa (OT - Miami (FL)) Mauigoa is a massive, powerful tackle who excels as a road-grader in the run game. He provides the Rams with a cornerstone protector to help extend the window for their veteran quarterback.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane (OG - Penn State) A classic Ravens pick, Ioane is a high-floor interior lineman with the brute strength to anchor Baltimore's physical rushing attack. He fills a massive need in the trenches for a team that lives and dies by its offensive line play.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk (EDGE - Auburn) Faulk is a versatile defender with a frame that allows him to slide inside on passing downs. His high motor and physical tools provide the Buccaneers with a much-needed boost to their pass-rush rotation.

16. New York Jets: Makai Lemon (WR - USC) With their second pick of the round, the Jets grab a polished route-runner who can operate from the slot or the boundary. Lemon gives the Jets a reliable target to ensure their offensive weapons keep pace with their defense.

17. Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano (OT - Utah) Fano brings the "grit" Dan Campbell looks for, offering a technician's approach to pass protection and a mean streak in the run game. He serves as an immediate upgrade for the Lions' stout offensive line.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman (S - Oregon) Thieneman is a range-heavy safety with an incredible nose for the football and high-level tackling ability. He provides the Vikings with a versatile piece in the secondary who can play deep or drop into the box.

19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq (TE - Oregon) Sadiq is a modern "move" tight end who functions more like a jumbo wide receiver. He provides the Panthers' young quarterback with a mismatch nightmare in the red zone and a safety valve over the middle.

20. Dallas Cowboys: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE - Miami (FL)) Using their second first-rounder, the Cowboys add more defensive line depth with the explosive Mesidor. His ability to generate pressure from multiple alignments keeps the Dallas front fresh and relentless.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson (QB - Alabama) The Steelers find their potential heir apparent in Simpson, a quarterback with a live arm and high-level pedigree. He fits the mold of the modern playmaker Pittsburgh has been searching for under center.

22. L.A. Chargers: Kadyn Proctor (OT - Alabama) Proctor is a mountainous lineman who specializes in sealing the edge and protecting the pocket. He is a "plug-and-play" starter who helps the Chargers build the physical, run-first identity Jim Harbaugh covets.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Cashius Howell (EDGE - Texas A&M) Howell is a speed-to-power specialist who adds yet another weapon to the Eagles' deep defensive line rotation. His quickness off the snap makes him a constant threat in the pass-heavy NFC East.

24. Cleveland Browns: Denzel Boston (WR - Washington) Boston is a large-framed receiver who wins 50/50 balls and provides a massive target in the red zone. He complements the Browns' existing speedsters by offering a physical presence on the outside.

25. Chicago Bears: Peter Woods (DT - Clemson) Woods is a disruptive interior force who can reset the line of scrimmage and collapse the pocket from the inside. He is the "engine" that the Chicago defense needs to function at its highest level.

26. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion (WR - Texas A&M) Concepcion is a dynamic playmaker who is dangerous with the ball in his hands after the catch. He gives Josh Allen a versatile weapon who can be utilized in the screen game or as a traditional deep threat.

27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Banks (DT - Florida) Banks is a high-upside interior defender with the size and length the 49ers love on their defensive front. He bolsters a unit that prides itself on depth and physical dominance in the trenches.

28. Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu (OT - Utah) The Texans continue to invest in C.J. Stroud’s protection by grabbing the athletic Lomu. His movement skills in the zone-blocking scheme make him an ideal fit for Houston’s offensive system.

29. L.A. Rams: Avieon Terrell (CB - Clemson) Terrell is a technically sound corner with high-level instincts and a pedigree for success. He gives the Rams a sticky coverage option to help handle the explosive wideouts of the NFC West.

30. Denver Broncos: C.J. Allen (LB - Georgia) Allen is an instinctive, hard-hitting linebacker who excels at diagnosing plays before they happen. He brings a "thumper" mentality to the middle of the Broncos' defense.

31. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker (EDGE - Clemson) Parker is a disciplined edge setter who fits the Patriots' requirements for heavy-handed, versatile defensive ends. He is equally effective at stopping the run as he is at squeezing the pocket.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood (CB - Tennessee) The defending champions add to their "Legion" with Hood, a corner who possesses the ball skills and confidence to thrive in Seattle’s system. He adds valuable depth to a secondary that is already among the league’s best.