Here’s the second half of my Mock Draft 2.0. If you missed the first half, go check it out too.
17. Lions – Monroe Freeling (OT – UGA)
Every sharp mock I can find has the Lions replacing tackle Taylor Decker with this pick. The main question is with whom. Kadyn Proctor is the more experienced prospect who is more pro-ready, but his character concerns indicate he may not fit Dan Campbell’s culture. Monroe Freeling is raw but blew up the combine and is viewed by some as a possible Top 6 pick. This could go either way, with Caleb Lomu not out of the question either, but I favor the upside pick in this case.
18. Vikings – Dillon Thieneman (S – ORE)
Safeties typically fall in the draft so this would be a reach. Dillon Thieneman is no Caleb Downs, despite his good combine performance. But the Vikings have such an obvious need that this is the chalk pick. I could also see defensive tackle or edge rusher as possibilities, but Thieneman makes more sense, especially if Minnesota can trade back a little.
19. Panthers – Kayden McDonald (DT – OSU)
The Panthers have a strange list of needs, primarily needing positions where one elite player stands out. As a result, I think picking their position correctly is going to be very tricky. Kenyon Sadiq (TE), Dillon Thieneman (S), CJ Allen (LB) and Jermod McCoy (NB) all make sense but I’m leaning towards a defensive lineman to pair with Derrick Brown. Kayden McDonald is a huge nose tackle that could free up Derrick Brown to attack the quarterback.
20. Cowboys – CJ Allen (LB – UGA)
It’s popular to mock the Cowboys an edge rusher with this pick but I don’t mind their combination of Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston and Sam Williams. Instead, I’m giving them a talented off-ball linebacker to pair with DeMarvion Overshown. After all, they absolutely can’t give Shemar James over 500 snaps again this year.
21. Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane (OG – PSU)
The Steelers gave DK Metcalf some support with the trade for Michael Pittman. Now they need to ensure Old Man Rodgers has the time to throw to him. Vega Ioane is the elite interior lineman in this class and could easily be gone half a dozen picks before this.
22. Chargers – Peter Woods (DT – CLEM)
The Chargers will do the Harbaugh ‘address the trenches’ thing. But which side? I’m guessing defense is more likely though if Vega Ioane falls, he’ll likely be the pick. An edge rusher is possible given their aging options, but I like Peter Woods here as a talented interior pressurizer.
23. Eagles – Kadyn Proctor (OT – ALA)
The “Eagles always address the trenches” nonsense gets run out every year. Apparently we’re just ignoring Devonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, Jihaad Campbell and Quinyon Mitchell from the last six drafts. But I do think this is the year when they draft just their second first round O-lineman since Lane Johnson in 2013. Kadyn Proctor needs some time to develop, but the Eagles don’t need him right away, making him a perfect fit.
24. Browns – Denzel Boston (WR – WAS)
The Browns took a tackle with 1.06 meaning it’s a receiver with the second pick (though these could easily be flipped). They badly need a true number one which is where Denzel Boston comes in. A hulking, possession-type WR, Boston has plenty of red flags but since when did that concern the Browns?
25. Bears – Akeem Mesidor (EDGE – MIA)
The Bears are odds-on favorites to draft a D-lineman in the first round. With two defensive tackles already off the board, it’s back to the deep well of cusp first rounders in the edge rusher pool. Akeem Mesidor is an older prospect who benefited from playing opposite Rueben Bain Jr, but he is worth a first rounder and likely goes in this range.
26. Bills – TJ Parker (EDGE – CLEM)
The Bills have a concerning lack of depth off the edge, with Greg Rousseau and an underperforming Bradley Chubb joined by two 2025 Day 2 picks who offered little last season. TJ Parker also had a disappointing 2025, but he has plenty of upside and could spark this defense.
27. 49ers – Blake Miller (OT – CLEM)
The 49ers likely address one of their lines, despite bizarre reports they crave a wide receiver. Blake Miller would suit their outside zone blocking scheme the best of the available O-linemen and provides an eventual replacement for 37-year-old Trent Williams.
28. Texans – Zion Young (EDGE – MIZ)
The Texans have no glaring holes but would benefit most from an upgraded offensive line. Unfortunately, there’s no obvious options available, so I think a trade back is most likely. In this mock though, I’m giving them an edge rusher to spell Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. Zion Young was fantastic at the Senior Bowl and has a wide variance in his possible landing spots.
29. Chiefs – Avieon Terrell (CB – CLEM)
The Chiefs acquired this pick from the Trent McDuffie trade, so it’s only right they replace him with it. Avieon Terrell is a ballhawk who is likely to play in the slot due to his slight frame. Though like his brother AJ, playing on the outside isn’t out of the question.
30. Dolphins – Cashius Howell (EDGE – TA&M)
The Dolphins have needs across the board, but a glaring one is their total lack of edge rush. Cashius Howell could immediately line up opposite Chop Robinson and give Miami a defensive presence to build around.
31. Patriots – Caleb Lomu (OT – UTA)
The Patriots must prioritize protecting Drake Maye and that starts with drafting a tackle to replace 35-year-old Morgan Moses. Having said that, edge rusher is very much a possibility as well. Caleb Lomu is an agile blocker with high IQ who needs to bulk up a little for the NFL.
32. Seahawks – Colton Hood (CB – TEN)
The Seahawks have no desperate needs, but a lot of wants. A wide receiver to replace Cooper Kupp would be nice, as would interior O-line help, but the greatest value they can get with this pick is a cornerback. Colton Hood is a physical disruptor who fits Seattle’s defensive mentality.
