2027 NFL Mock Draft #2

We're a few weeks through the 2026 NFL season, and there have been some surprises so far. For starters, the Browns have actually been pretty decent. The Texans and Buccaneers have been genuinely abysmal, and the Chargers look like they've never played football before. So, it's time to predict what's going to happen in the 2027 NFL Draft for the 2nd time.

I'm going to do a 2-rounder with this one. The order will be based on the current standings and my predictions for the rest of the season as of October 3rd, 2026. You ready? Let's go

LANDO'S 2ND 2027 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1.1 - Miami Dolphins - Darian Mensah | QB | Miami (FL)

While they did sign Malik Willis to a sizeable contract, I do think that the Dolphins won't necessarily consider him their franchise QB in the long-term. There are a few guys that I think the Dolphins should consider here, but the best QB in college football right now has been Miami's Darian Mensah. During this season for Miami, Mensah has been insanely accurate and has helped lead the Hurricanes to an undefeated record through 4 games. He also has been a proven conference champion, leading Duke to an ACC Championship in 2025 albeit in a very unusual way. The former Tulane/Duke QB has a chance to return to play in Hard Rock Stadium in 2026 if he keeps up this pace. While he has average arm strength and size, he is a proven QB who plays with precision and timing. If the Dolphins want a franchise QB, I think Mensah is the man.

1.2 - Tennessee Titans - Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State

Tennessee needs to surround Cameron Ward with as much talent as humanly possible. Luckily for them, they look terrible, so they have a chance to land the greatest wide receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson. Pairing Jeremiah Smith with former teammate Carnell Tate should give Ward all of the potential to succeed. Over this season, Smith has made excellent play after excellent play and is the main reason the Buckeyes look to be CFP contenders again. Smith is big, fast, and strong. He has the jump ball ability of Mike Evans mixed with the deep ball ability of Tyreek Hill. He set every Ohio State receiving record in less than 3 years on the team. He could go #1 overall if a team like Tennessee or Tampa Bay is picking first, but he goes 2nd here due to QB needy teams needing QBs.

1.3 - Arizona Cardinals - Drew Mestemaker | QB | Oklahoma State

Jacoby Brissett is a solid QB, but he's pretty obviously not the long-term option in the desert. Arizona should look at someone to develop behind Brissett for a year, kind of like what the Raiders are doing with Fernando Mendoza. This guy never did start a high school football game at QB, but he's proven himself to be an elite talent at both North Texas and Oklahoma State. I was truly impressed by his game against Oregon, and his previous season at North Texas was ridiculously impressive. He's accurate and plays with a lot of anticipation, and his lack of experience could mean that he has a lot of room to grow. If he can reach his potential, Arizona may find their franchise QB.

1.4 - New York Jets - C.J. Carr | QB | Notre Dame

The Jets have been searching for that guy who can lead their franchise for a long time. Sam Darnold didn't work out until he was with a coaching staff that could play to his strengths, and Zach Wilson just wasn't very good at all. Carr has had a successful career at Notre Dame to this point, and has gotten better with each game. He throws with accuracy and doesn't risk the ball very often, and he seems like the kind of guy that is working hard and taking any coaching well. With the Jets having 3 first round picks, grabbing a quarterback with one of them seems like a very smart deciison to make.

1.5 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Leonard Moore | CB | Notre Dame

The Buccaneers have been shockingly bad this season, and their defense has been part of that. Corner may not specifically be number 1 on the list of biggest needs, but it'd be super hard to pass on Leonard Moore. Moore is an immediate shutdown corner for most teams, and his height and length are a part of that. He has great ball skills and shines in man coverage, having been a part of Notre Dame's elite defense this season. There's also the narrative of reuniting him with former teammate Benjamin Morrison in the CB room, who he played with during the Irish's run to the national title game in 2024. Tampa Bay needs another elite defender, and Moore could be that and then some.

1.6 - Los Angeles Chargers - Will Echoles | DT | Ole Miss

Yeah, the Chargers are doomed. They have lost games to some bad teams (Raiders, Cardinals) and their schedule is a gauntlet moving forward. They need to get somebody good here. That player is Will Echoles, the best DT in the class and someone who would have a massive impact on the defense. He's a great run defender who also plays quick in the pass rush. They've had trouble with the interior pass rush, so adding someone like Echoles could be a big deal in improving a defense that has struggled. 

1.7 - New York Jets (via IND) - Ellis Robinson IV | CB | Georgia

The Jets need some help in the secondary, so adding some help in that department with a 2nd first round pick could be a good move. Ellis Robinson IV is a ball-hawk who specializes in instincts and works well in run support. He's a smaller corner, but his ability is immediately obvious when you see him play. The question is whether his style of play can translate to the next level. If the Jets can get him? I think they'd have a weapon in the defense who could help finally get an interception for the first time in a long time.

1.8 - Atlanta Falcons - Colin Simmons | EDGE | Texas

Atlanta selected 2 different edge rushers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, that has aged like milk sitting out in the sun for a decade. Jalon Walker has been dealing with injuries while James Pearce Jr. might be the biggest idiot on the entire team due to his reasons for suspension. Atlanta should add someone to potentially replace JPJ if there are consequences. Colin Simmons has been a dominant force for the Longhorns this season, and has the chance to go even higher than this. Of course, there are maturity concerns due to his infamous celebration against Tennessee, but he also put up 5.5 sacks in that game. Shemar Stewart didn't even have that in his career when the Bengals drafted him. That's a player worth taking this high.

1.9 - Washington Commanders - K.J. Duff | WR | Rutgers

Washington needs to add weapons to help Jayden Daniels. Luckily, they don't have to look far to find someone who could be a quarterback's best friend. K.J. Duff is one of 2 players on the Rutgers football team (along with Antwan Raymond) who gives the team a pulse. This dude is insane. He's putting up the best season of his career so far, and the talent becomes clear the more you watch him. This dude is enormous. He's 6'6", 225 pounds, and he has the ability to be a red zone threat in the NFL who can catch any jump ball. The Commanders could pair him with Terry McLaurin and Antonio Williams to create an interesting dynamic at receiver.

1.10 - New York Giants - Charlie Becker | WR |  Indiana

The Giants are struggling on offense, and could use some help to make it better. Pairing a guy like Charlie Becker with Malachi Fields and Malik Nabers could give Jaxson Dart some nice help when he comes back from injury. Becker is an elite slot receiver who plays with elite focus and patience. He's a bigger player at the position, and he has proven himself against great competition like Ohio State and Oregon. Both sides of the ball need work, and Becker is the player who I think could make the biggest impact immediately for the G-Men.

1.11 - New England Patriots - Dylan Stewart | EDGE | South Carolina

I don't know what the character concerns with Dylan Stewart are going to do to his draft stock. For now, I think he falls from an early top 10 pick to in the 11-20 range. He could have a James Pearce-type fall if more happens, but I don't want to get ahead of myself. New England needs defensive help, with an edge rusher being a fit for them. Stewart plays with explosiveness and has a large amount of athletic talent. He can generate pressure easily and force QBs into uncomfortable situations. If he can clean up his act and not punch opposing players during games, he could be an elite edge rusher at the next level.

1.12 - Carolina Panthers - Jadan Baugh | RB | Florida

Carolina needs to add some dynamic help to their offense alongside Chuba Hubbard. That player is Florida RB Jadan Baugh, who has proven himself to be elite for the Gators (if he's not playing Missouri for some reason). He's a big, fast running back who has showed great production throughout the past couple of seasons. His game against Ole Miss this year impressed me. Carolina could use him in a very dynamic way if they draft him this early. Utilizing both him and Chuba would be an excellent way to make the offense more fun.

1.13 - Cleveland Browns - Dante Moore | QB | Oregon

I don't think there is a single person in the entire universe who wants the Cleveland Browns to continue with Deshaun Watson as starting QB after this season. Dante Moore is a guy who would've gone 2nd overall in this past draft, but chose to return to college to avoid being drafted by the Jets. Now, he doesn't even get picked when available to the Jets. Moore hasn't been bad this season, but there was a clear regression from last year before his unfortunate concussion against USC. He can read coverages well and throw with anticipation and accuracy. If he goes to Cleveland, they could potentially have an actual long-term franchise QB.

1.14 - Houston Texans - Trevor Goosby | OT | Texas

C.J. Stroud has been struggling to be able to throw the ball this season because of how bad the offensive line is. I still think there's potential with Aireontae Ersery, but replacing Trent Brown at RT has to be a big deal. Trevor Goosby has been one of the starting tackles in front of Arch Manning, and he has been part of an elite unit. Goosby is athletic and strong, but has dealt with some health conditions that some think could limit him at the next level. I think Goosby has the potential to be an elite tackle in the league, and finally putting a lineman in front of whoever the QB will be next year needs to be the move.

1.15 - New York Jets (from GB via DAL) - Kade Pieper | OG/C | Iowa

New York's offensive line has struggled in the interior. The Iowa Hawkeyes have been experts at producing elite offensive line talent over the years, with guys like Tyler Linderbaum and Tristan Wirfs being elite. Kade Pieper is someone who I think could be the next of those, and he has the versatility to play any spot among the interior. He's been playing at guard at Iowa this season, but he very well could play center at the next lever. The Jets should look at finding some help along the OL to protect C.J. Carr for the foreseeable future.

1.16 - Las Vegas Raiders - Ryan Coleman-Williams | WR | Alabama

The Raiders need some help at receiver. They're currently struggling at the position, so targeting one in the first round seems self-explanatory. Ryan Coleman-Williams is a player who was really hyped out of high school. He regressed a slight bit in his second year, but he's looking like he's back on the right track this year. He is really fast and creates separation almost instantly, but his hands are slightly worrisome. He had some issues with drops last season, but his drop rate has significantly improved this year. He'd be a great weapon to add to this offense when Fernando Mendoza gets to inherit it from Kirk Cousins.

1.17 - Minnesota Vikings - Brauntae Johnson | SAF | Notre Dame

The Vikings add more help to an already great defense with Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson. This is a guy who's been elite for the Fighting Irish since the moment he stepped on the field. He picked off 4 passes as a redshirt freshman, but has struggled with injuries. The upside is there with Johnson, as he plays with elite versatility and speed. Brian Flores would love to have a player like this on his defense. If he can overcome those injury concerns, he can become one of the best safeties in the league.

1.18 - Philadelphia Eagles - Yhonzae Pierre | EDGE | Alabama

Philadelphia could use some more help at EDGE alongside Jonathan Greenard. Yhonzae Pierre is a player who has burst out onto the scene last year with 9 sacks during a season where he wasn't even projected to start. He has a big motor and plays with intensity. He can be really disruptive at times, such as when he destroyed Tennessee for 2 sacks last year. If the Eagles can get this guy and mold him into the player that we know he can be? It's over for the NFC East's OTs.

1.19 - New Orleans Saints - David Stone | DT | Oklahoma

New Orleans adds to their defensive front with David Stone, the explosive DT from Oklahoma. He's an elite run defender who has pass rushing upside due to his surprising speed for the position. Pairing Stone with 2026 2nd-rounder Christen Miller would be a great way to sure up the defensive line for the foreseeable future. I love David's production, as he has helped Oklahoma's defense be great over the past two years. If he can become a better pass rusher, he has the ability to become a top ten pick. 

1.20 - Jacksonville Jaguars - Kewan Lacy | RB | Ole Miss

The Jaguars could use more help in the rushing game. Ole Miss RB Kewan Lacy is the kind of player that defenses fear. Lacy is the type of player capable of doing a lot with a lot of touches. He was a key part of Ole Miss' playoff run last year, putting up almost 100 yards and 2 scores against Georgia. Pairing Lacy with Bhayshul Tuten should allow for a nice rotation while also allowing Lacy not to have to carry as big of a load. This would make the Jaguars a much more interesting team with a lot of things to worry about as a defense.

1.21 - Dallas Cowboys - Kelley Jones | CB | Mississippi State

Mississippi State has been pretty good this season (although their loss to Alabama was very, very bad). Kelley Jones has been Mississippi State's best player recently. He's a tall corner who has been a shutdown corner and rarely allows any catches. His speed is a great facet, and he's imposing against any receiver you'll find. He'd immediately fill a role as a starting corner. Having this dude AND Caleb Downs in the secondary? That could be an elite group right there. 

1.22 - Pittsburgh Steelers - Ashton Hampton | CB | Clemson

Just a side note, you're probably wondering why Arch Manning and Julian Sayin are both not in this mock currently, nor will they be at any point later. I don't think either of them will declare for the draft this season due to their circumstances.

Pittsburgh's trade of Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys creates a new need for corner on the roster. Ashton Hampton has been an elite corner for the Tigers, being the best part of a defense that has struggled so far this year. Hampton is a tall corner who tackles well and excels in run support. He also defends passes very well, forcing quarterbacks to try not to look his way. Pittsburgh would have a decent corps with young guys like Daylen Everette and signings like Jamel Dean paired with Hampton.

1.23 - Cincinnati Bengals - Jordan Seaton | OT | LSU

The Bengals are going to need to replace Orlando Brown Jr. in the near future.  That's where Jordan Seaton comes in. Seaton was a highly regarded high school recruit who played at Colorado for his first two years before transferring to play for Lane Kiffin at LSU in 2026. He's a great pass protector, but his struggles in run blocking make me worried for his draft status. If he can improve that, he will go a lot higher. I still think his ceiling is top 5 pick, but his fall is mostly due to the issues with run blocking that need to be improved.

1.24 - Chicago Bears - A'Mauri Washington | DT | Oregon

Chicago needs some help on the DL after trading Gervon Dexter to the Falcons. A'Mauri Washington is a great nose tackle who has done some awesome work as a Duck. He is gigantic but has great speed for that size. He's a run defender who could do very well against guys like Jahmyr Gibbs and Josh Jacobs in the NFC North. He's not an elite pass rusher, but his burst provides upside there. A guy like Dennis Allen would love to have a defender like this on the team. 

1.25 - Detroit Lions - Brice Pollock | CB | Texas Tech

With how bad their secondary has been, the Lions have to be hoping that the Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch injuries aren't going to have severe long-term impacts. For now, they update the corner room with a guy who's been elite for the Red Raiders since transferring from Mississippi State. He's a ball-hawk who has had a good amount of interceptions for the Red Raiders, and his zone coverage ability is top-notch. He still has work to do in man coverage, but the ability is there. It's up to Dan Campbell and his defense to unlock it.

1.26- Baltimore Ravens - Zabien Brown | CB | Alabama

Baltimore doesn't necessarily have a bad defense, but they could still infuse some youth into the secondary. Zabien Brown is a very speedy corner who uses that speed to his advantage. He excels in man coverage and is a surprisingly good run defender despite his smaller size. Adding him to a corner group with Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey would be an excellent move. This could be a way to bring the defense back to an AFC Championship level.

1.27 - San Francisco 49ers - Samson Okunlola | OT | Miami (FL)

Trent Williams isn't going to be playing football forever. Miami OT Samson Okunlola has been very good in the LT role this season. He's a big, strong tackle who played really well in the biggest games at Miami last season. He's continued to play well this season for the Hurricanes. Protecting Brock Purdy needs to still be a priority, so the 49ers nabbing Okunlola would be an excellent move.

1.28 - Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Reynolds | TE | Virginia Tech

Kansas City needs to add help for when Travis Kelce retires. The best TE in the class is the Virginia Tech TE Luke Reynolds. This dude does it all. He's a fast, smooth TE with good hands. He can improve at blocking, but his ability as a receiving tight end is elite. He's a former tight end who understands what the QB is looking for. His improvement at Virginia Tech was something I expected with him now the main TE option in the receiving game. James Franklin knows how to coach tight ends, and Luke Reynolds is the next in a long line of great ones from him.

1.29 - Denver Broncos - Trey'Dez Green | TE | LSU

With Reynolds off the board, the Broncos look for a different option at TE to replace Evan Engram, whose contract expires this year. Green is a former basketball player, and his height at 6'7" reflects that. He would specifically be a high-upside TE who could be a red zone threat immediately. Denver needs to make their offense better to match their defense, which is already elite in its own right. Trey'Dez Green is the type of player who could help them do that.

1.30 - Seattle Seahawks - Matayo Uiagalelei | EDGE | Oregon

The Seahawks lost Boye Mafe last season, and both Uchenna Nwosu and DeMarcus Lawrence are older at the position. Adding an edge rusher who can join the rotation and be good enough to compete would be a smart move to continue with the elite defense in the future. Matayo Uiagalelei plays with great flexibility and has been working on improving his whole career. He's on pace for his best season as a Duck despite the team's regression. He would be an excellent fit in Seattle, which wouldn't be too far of a movement for him.

1.31 - Cleveland Browns (via LAR) - Boubacar Traore | EDGE | Notre Dame

Cleveland's trade of Myles Garrett means that the team has lost the player that has defined their identity for almost a decade, but it also means they have another first round pick to use this year. Boubacar Traore is a speedy, explosive edge rusher who has been improving throughout his career at Notre Dame. He's a smaller edge rusher, but he is also super athletic for the position. Pairing him with Jared Verse could mean that the team has an elite edge rusher duo for the next decade.

1.32 - Buffalo Bills - Cam Coleman | WR | Texas

This Buffalo team looks like it could be its best. If that is the case, I think the Bills will have a chance to take the best player available, and that's Cam Coleman. In my last mock, I had Coleman going top 10, but his performance this season hasn't lived up to the hype. He still has the athletic upside to be a first round pick, but I don't think he will go nearly as high as he was expected to at the beginning of the year, especially if this injury he had stays an issue. I do hope that he can come back and improve, though.

Now, on to round two.

2.33 - Miami Dolphins - K.J. Bolden | SAF | Georgia

Miami needs to add some more help in the secondary. K.J. Bolden is a likely first round pick who falls here due to teams having other needs in the first round. He's a fast safety who is an excellent run defender and tackler. He can play at either safety position with a high floor. This is a pick that would help sure up the defense a bit for the Dolphins.

2.34 - Arizona Cardinals - Cayden Green | OT | Missouri

Arizona needs some help along the offensive line. They drafted Chase Bisontis last year to play guard, and they draft Cayden Green here to play right tackle due to his size and talent. Green could also play guard at the next level, but I like him to play tackle here. He's continued to play at an elite level in the SEC, and that could translate to helping protect against Myles Garrett and Nick Bosa.

2.35 - Tennessee Titans - Greg Johnson | OG/C | Minnesota

Tennessee doesn't really have a reliable center or right guard. Adding a guy who's been an elite starting center this year would be an excellent move. Greg Johnson has played both guard and center, but I think the Titans would want to use him at center to let Fernando Carmona develop. This would help Cam Ward with a potentially elite player at the position.

2.36 - New York Jets - Ahmad Moten Sr. | DT | Miami (FL)

New York added T'Vondre Sweat in the offseason, but I think they should put more help into their defensive front in the draft. Ahmad Moten is a player who is a good pass rusher, despite being a giant at 325 pounds. He has surprising speed that allows him to get to the ball quick, but he needs to develop his ability to tackle. The Jets play on the upside here. 

2.37 - Los Angeles Chargers - Reed Harris | WR | Arizona State

The Chargers need receivers for Justin Herbert. Reed Harris is a giant at 6'5", 217 pounds, and he also has good speed to boot. The former quarterback has a great idea of how coverages work, so he could develop well with a QB like Herbert throwing him the ball. Harris has succeeded this year at Arizona State with QB Cutter Boley throwing him the ball after transferring from Boston College.

2.38 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jamari Johnson | TE | Oregon

People are going to say "they don't need a tight end, they have Cade Otton" like Cade Otton is good. Yeah, no. I'm not falling for that. Jamari Johnson has the ability to be better right away, and could give Baker Mayfield another weapon to throw to. He's an elite deep receiver despite being a bigger player. He hasn't produced this season the way he's been expected to, but then again, neither has Oregon, so it may not be an indictment on him.

2.39 - Indianapolis Colts - Damon Wilson | EDGE | Miami (FL)

J.T. Tuimoloau, despite the fact that I've met him before, has not been good. Indianapolis could use a look at another edge rusher to pair with Laiatu Latu. Damon Wilson is a player I've liked since last year, although he's had a slow start with Miami. His 2.5 sacks against Clemson really impressed me, and I hope he can continue that production soon. If he can, maybe Indianapolis will covet him.

2.40 - New England Patriots - Kingston Lopa | SAF | California

New England needs more help in the safety department, since Kevin Byard is only on a one-year deal. Kingston Lopa has made a name for himself at Cal this season, with 5 interceptions already through his first 5 games. He's got a big frame and and plays with excellent ball skills. Mike Vrabel would know exactly what to do with this guy.

2.41 - Atlanta Falcons - Melvin Siani | OT | Texas

Atlanta needs more help on the offensive line. One unit that has impressed me has been the Texas offensive line, and Melvin Siani has been a key part of that. He's a faster OT, which makes it easier for him to bend around to stop opposive defensive linemen. Having this dude at right tackle to replace Jawaan Taylor would be an excellent move for Atlanta.

2.42 - Washington Commanders - Jamari Sharpe | CB | Indiana

Years after his uncle Glenn Sharpe sealed a national championship loss for Miami by committing pass interference, Jamari sealed a national championship loss for Miami by picking off Carson Beck on the final drive. Sharpe is a good tackler and excels in zone coverage, and also is tall for the position. Washington could use a guy like this in the secondary.

2.43 - New York Giants - Justin Scott | DT | Miami (FL)

The Giants traded Dexter Lawrence, and now need help on the defensive line. That comes in the form of Justin Scott, who plays at 3-tech and possesses some great attributes. This dude is surprisingly fast for someone of his size, and plays with an acceleration boost due to that. New York is looking for their next great defender, and Scott could absolutely be that.

2.44 - Las Vegas Raiders - Carter Smith | OT | Indiana

The Raiders could use more protection for Fernando Mendoza when he becomes the full-time starter next year. Who better for that than someone Mendoza himself is very familiar with? Carter Smith was excellent as the left tackle for the Hoosiers in their championship run, but I project him as the immediate starter at right tackle due to his immediate pass-protecting improvement.

2.45 - Carolina Panthers - Jalen Mayo | CB | Houston

Carolina has dealt with a lot of injuries in the secondary. Jalen Mayo was a starter across from Charles Demmings at Stephen F. Austin, and now has his chance in the Power 4 for Houston. He is excellent in press coverage and has good ball skills. He's played very well for the Cougars, and going from one cat team to another could suit him very well.

2.46 - Cleveland Browns - Rasheem Biles | LB | Texas

It'd be absolute irony if Biles went to Cleveland, considering he refused to even consider Ohio State in the transfer portal last year. No ill will on the dude, though, as this guy is a monster. Biles put up some great stats at Pittsburgh, and he's already been really good for the Longhorns. He's a good coverage backer who also shows great ball skills, but his tackling could improve. Pairing this guy with Carson Schwesinger would be an awesome move.

2.47 - Houston Texans - Nate Frazier | RB | Georgia

David Montgomery only has one year left on his contract, so why not try to pair him with a fast RB to recreate Sonic and Knuckles from Detroit? Frazier is an athletic runner whose top speed can match nearly anybody at the NFL level. Houston's offense has struggled, so this is one way to make it more dynamic.

2.48 - Green Bay Packers - Evan Tengesdahl | OG | Cincinnati

Jordan Love has not been put in a position to succeed by the offensive line around him this season. Green Bay needs to add some guys to it and provide Love with that. Evan Tengesdahl established himself immediately as an excellent guard, being named a 3rd-team All-American in 2025 during his first season. Tengesdahl hasn't allowed a single sack while also excelling in run-blocking, meaning he's a very well-rounded player. Just what Jordan Love needs.

2.49 - Philadelphia Eagles - Zach Lutmer | CB/S | Iowa

Philadelphia has been struggling in the secondary, and need someone to play either safety or corner. Zach Lutmer is a guy that could do either. He's a big nickel who has played well at both man and zone coverage. Since Philly already has Cooper DeJean, I project Lutmer as a safety to pair with Andrew Mukuba who can also play nickel and corner in other sets.

2.50 - Minnesota Vikings - Austin Simmons | QB | Missouri

The trade of J.J. McCarthy to the Giants signifies that the Vikings need to find a new QB to develop under Kevin O'Connell. Why not one who actually throws the ball and does it well? Simmons' injury at Ole Miss paved the way for Trinidad Chambliss to play for the Rebels, but there's a reason Simmons won the job over him in the first place. Since joining the Tigers, Austin Simmons has put up excellent numbers and proved he could beat elite teams as a thrower. He is both accurate and has a great arm. If he keeps playing like this, he could be a first round pick, but I need to see more before I give him that. For now, he goes to a place where he could definitely succeed.

2.51 - New Orleans Saints - Nick Marsh | WR | Indiana

Chris Olave is great, and Jordyn Tyson has upside, but the Saints need more bodies in that receiving room if they want to be a serious playoff threat. Nick Marsh is a big, fast receiver who could complement both of those guys perfectly. He flashed at Michigan State, but his time at Indiana so far has allowed him to become more consistent and really show what he can do. Tyler Shough would love having a guy like this to throw to.

2.52 - Dallas Cowboys - Lance Heard | OT | Kentucky

Terence Steele hasn't been bad throughout his career, but it's clear that he's not the player he used to be. In steps Lance Heard from Kentucky to fill that role. Heard is a giant at 6'6", 330 lbs, and he has played well in the SEC. He showed flashes at both LSU and Tennessee, but Kentucky seems to be where he's finally taking a step up. 

2.53 - Jacksonville Jaguars -  Sammy Brown | LB | Clemson

The Jaguars need to bring in somebody at linebacker to pair with Foyesade Oluokun and replace Ventrell Miller, who is leaving in free agency. Bring in Clemson LB Sammy Brown, who is one of the top LBs in the country currently. Sammy is a thumper who also has elite speed for the position, and tackles better than anyone else in the class. This is someone who could go a lot earlier, but the Jags take him here to add more to their defense.

2.54 - Pittsburgh Steelers - Jaylen McClain | SAF | Ohio State

Rayshawn Jenkins and Jaquan Brisker are both free agents after this year, so Pittsburgh adds more to the secondary by snagging Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain. This dude is very fast, and would add a level of that to Pittsburgh's defense that could really make them more dynamic. McClain plays well in coverage and is also a sure tackler. Pittsburgh will need a new starting safety, and they may have their guy here.

2.55 - Cincinnati Bengals - Chris Cole | LB | Georgia

The Bengals have struggled at linebacker, to the point where they benched 2025 2nd-rounder Demetrius Knight in a lateral move for Barrett Carter. My guess is they're going to sign a free agent like Patrick Queen or Blake Cashman and then draft someone in the 1st or 2nd. Here, that player is Chris Cole. Cole is a former five-star recruit who does wonders stopping the receiver and tackles efficiently, which is what the Bengals really need. Immediate upgrade over Carter/Knight.

2.56 - Chicago Bears - Will Heldt | EDGE | Clemson

The Bears love themselves big defensive ends. Will Heldt fits that category to a tee. Heldt is 6'6", 260 lbs, and plays with ruthless efficiency. He has elite length and doesn't miss a tackle. He's not the fastest player ever, but his size gives him the chance to be a great player at the next level, and the Chicago (or should I say Hammond, Indiana) defense needs it badly.

2.57 - Baltimore Ravens - Devan Thompkins | DT | Alabama

Baltimore could use some more force up the middle. Alabama's defensive line has been elite this season, and USC transfer Devan Thompkins is just one of the reasons why. This dude is an excellent pass russ rusher, but he does struggle in run defense. If Baltimore can sure him up in that department, they might have a beast on their hands.

2.58 - Detroit Lions - Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa | LB | Notre Dame

Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is the kind of guy whose name I only want to type once, but had to type twice. If it wasn't for two torn ACLs in his career, I'd have probably put him higher. Detroit finds value here to pair with Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes. This guy can defend the run well while also having some pretty good coverage skills. Dan Campbell needs a guy who can fight on this defense, and Viliamu-Asa is that kind of guy.

2.59 - San Francisco 49ers - Deuce Alexander | WR | Ole Miss

San Francisco needs more help than just Mike Evans for Brock Purdy. They need some speed in that receiving corps, and that comes in the form of Deuce Alexander, who has been a star for Ole Miss this season. Deuce displays some great vertical speed while also being able to adjust to the football in the air. He's a great target who could make this offense even better than they already are.

2.60 - Kansas City Chiefs - Trevor Lauck | OT | Iowa

I don't think Jaylon Moore is the long-term answer at right tackle. Grabbing a guy like Iowa's Trevor Lauck, who has had a slight fall from where he is projected to go, would be a great decision for the Chiefs. Lauck is a great pass-protector who could excel well on Mahomes' right side. The run-blocking isn't as good as the pass-blocking, but there's still enough there to warrant a pick here.

2.61 - Denver Broncos - John Henry Daley | EDGE | Michigan

Denver needs to look at adding someone to pair with Nik Bonitto in the edge room. John Henry Daley was elite at Utah, and has showed flashes at Michigan so far. His first-step is electric, and he's very disciplined in the run game. Nik Bonitto is already one of the best edge rushers in the league, and the rotation of Daley and Jonah Elliss could make an already elite defense even better.

2.62 - Seattle Seahawks - Iapani Laloulu | C | Oregon

Seattle could use an upgrade on the OL, specifically at center. Iapani Laloulu is an experienced center who has shown a lot of talent for the Ducks. He's a great leader who plays with an exceptional anchor, making him a tough center to stop from blocking the DT. I think he'd be a great addition to an already loaded Seahawks roster.

2.63 - Los Angeles Rams - Nyck Harbor | WR | South Carolina

The Rams seem like a team that could use some potential in the receiving room. They've already got Puka and Davante, so maybe they could take a gamble on a player who has the measurements and athleticism while still needing some time to develop. Nyck Harbor is an Olympic-level sprinter at receiver while also being 6'5", 235. This type of weapon is rare, but he still has kinks in his game to work out, so maybe Sean McVay could help him with that.

2.64 - Buffalo Bills - Dashawn Spears | SAF | LSU

Buffalo's defense hasn't been all that great, considering they let Meatball Sub Maye give them their first loss. Adding some extra help in the secondary could be a good decision for them. Dashawn Spears is an excellent safety in an amazing class, with his height (6'3") and speed being excellent boosts to his ability. He covers receivers well and tackles very well for a player of his speed. Buffalo could have an elite player on their hands if they nab this guy.

And that will be all for today. Thank you for reading. This is Lando from the Landoman Experiment, signing off.