The 2026 Draft Thread - 1st Round - 7th overall

[HTTR]

I wonder, mocks obviously could be off, but Tate going to Cleveland is becoming the thing over and over again

Yep. This has seemed like the obvious pick to me since FA. Mockers kept trying to give them OL, and they still arguably could use an upgrade. But OL was their main focus in free agency, and they added several pieces. Meanwhile, their number one need is by far WR. Fannin looks like a good receiving tight end but at wide out they have Jerry Judy and basically nothing else. Enter Tate, who’s playing right down the road at Ohio State which gives them some crossover appeal with all the OSU fans in the area. It’s Cleveland, so anything can happen, but this is why I keep saying that Tate it’s not likely going to fall to us.

 

[KDawg]

Yep. This has seemed like the obvious pick to me since FA. Mockers kept trying to give them OL, and they still arguably could use an upgrade. But OL was their main focus in free agency, and they added several pieces. Meanwhile, their number one need is by far WR. Fannin looks like a good receiving tight end but at wide out they have Jerry Judy and basically nothing else. Enter Tate, who’s playing right down the road at Ohio State which gives them some crossover appeal with all the OSU fans in the area. It’s Cleveland, so anything can happen, but this is why I keep saying that Tate it’s not likely going to fall to us.

I think this is accurate. Tate to Cleveland just makes sense.

Which is why it probably won’t happen.

 

[philibusters]

For Cleveland its either Tackle or Receiver (Dawand Jones and Tytus Howard are their current projecting starters--Jones is probably not a starting caliber player). They have a second first rounder at 24, so I think it comes down to do they fill better about the Tackle depth (like a Blake Miller, Max Iheanachor, Caleb Lomu) or the WR depth with Omar Cooper, KC Concepcion, or Denzel Boston. Carnell Tate is not a blue chip prospect, but neither or Francis Mauigoa (at least as a tackle), Spencer Fano (as a Tackle) or Monroe Freeling.

 

[skinsinparadise]

That is fair. Deserved or not, to me it felt like McCoy was receiving quite a bit of buzz off his potential. The biggest question with Delane was his speed and he answered that call in aces which led to him moving into more top 8 conversations.

Not just his speed, his length too. It was sort of somewhat similar to Downs, he's not long, but is it that and speed concerns? He assured people of his speed concerns, unlike Downs. But he definitely doesn't have the buzz of the other top 10 prospects.

Surprised for example with no links to the Giants -- the Ravens when Harbaugh was there valued that spot heavily and its arguably their biggest need.

It doesn't mean he doesn't go top 5, but if he does it would be a surprise to the draft media. He seems to be talked about in the 7-12 range.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I think he’s just on the outside of the OSU hype train, oh and Love. Do the Edge group really that much hype either, in comparison to previous years.

Reese, Bain and Bailey with much more hype than Delane from what I've seen. Not that it matters. Just saying its odd how he's not hyped like the typical shutdown corner.

My feeling right now is I have designs on other players than him. I wouldn't hate it if they took him, but not excited about it. But I got three weeks to change my mind.

Heck my ride for Styles ranked from like him, to not at 7, to now love him. So I try to keep an open mind.

I'll get to watching him. But I think at the moment my mind is very focused on winning now -- and diving into Flores' scheme, I don't see a corner as the spot that is the dire need. It's not like I like the CB room -- I actually don't. But its a system that's feels to me more about the front 7 where you can hide your CB. Ironically, I'd feel different if this was Quinn's scheme.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Is Sonny Styles the Best Player in the 2026 NFL Draft? Scouts Think So​

He Won’t Go First-Overall, But Should He?
“He’s the best player in this draft for me,” said one NFL general manager who will have no chance whatsoever to actually draft the prized prospect. “

If you know how to fully unlock him, and get the most out of him, he can take your defense to the next level.”

Another longtime evaluator said: “Take him as high as you can and just treat him like (Packers All Pro defender) Micah Parsons. Move him around and let him hunt matchups. That’s the comp.

There is some debate as to whether Styles or his college teammate, edge rusher Arvell Reese, is the best pure defensive prospect in this draft, and whether they should go second overall.

“It depends what you are looking for,” the GM said.

“Reese is a pure 3-4 OLB (outside linebacker), and Styles I want to play him on the strong side and get him overtop the tight end when I can, when he’s not a part of my spine (as an inside linebacker). I love them both. I think maybe you can do a little more with Styles.”

Yet another longtime evaluator told me the decision on what he would do with the second-overall pick was simple.

“Styles is the best football player in this draft. I’m taking Styles.”

Is Sonny Styles the Best Player in the 2026 NFL Draft? Scouts Think So

Ohio State's Sonny Styles is considered an elite linebacker in the upcoming NFL draft, with many teams viewing him as a true X-factor. While there is debate over whether he or his teammate Arvell Reese is the best defensive prospect, some experts believe Styles is the best player in the draft...

www.sportsboom.us

 

[SkinsGuru]

Sports radio is notorious for "I have a mic, so I am right." Chris Russell and Lynell Willingham are the worst about this.

I can't stand Willingham . . . he is a complete asshat!!

 

[skinsinparadise]

mistake there I assume by Miami they mean Washington

Rebuild Mode: Cleveland Consider Trading Down from No.6 to Stockpile Picks

The Cleveland Browns, with the sixth overall pick in the NFL draft, face the question of whether they will use it on a player or make a trade to stockpile picks. With various needs on the roster, the team's front office is known for considering trades, making them a potential target for other...

www.sportsboom.us

The biggest questions about the sixth-overall pick in the NFL draft isn’t to much which player the Browns take with it, the team has massive needs across its offensive roster, but rather will the franchise use that selection on a player at all?

The Browns have long been in the rebuilding business and the “asset relocation” business, putting together an analytically-minded front office with execs from other sports involved that has left a lasting impression on owner Jimmy Haslam, even as some of those individuals have moved on.

Cleveland just hired an older head coach in Todd Monken, who has never done the job before, and the team seems years from contending. Even in more times of more robust rosters, the Browns were generally seen as willing listeners at the very least in regards to trades, and draft trades.

And with so many holes and wanting to stockpile picks, this may end up being a prime opportunity to trade down.

Will There Be A Market?​

Of course, it takes two to tango when it comes to these types of trades, whether they happen just before the draft or while the Browns are on the clock after the fifth selection is made.

In all likelihood, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be the only offensive skill player off the board when Cleveland is up to pick, and with many executives identifying Washington as a prime spot for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and the Browns being connected with Ohio State running back Carnell Tate.

Perhaps they are sitting in a bit of a sweet spot in which some other team will be motivated to move up to grab their pick on the best pass catcher or runner in this draft.

“It’s tough to say now, this soon,” said one general manager, “but like could I see Kansas City going up…? I mean, maybe (Cowboys owner) Jerry (Jones) if he thinks he’s a player away?”

Ultimately it would only take one motivated party. And it could be another team targeting a defensive player, even with a run on them expected with the second pick, who it doesn’t believe will make it out of the top 10 otherwise.

But if you had to throw a dart right now at a spot where a top-10 trade seems likely, I’d go with the sixth pick. And if not there, Miami at pick seven is a team expected to be open for business by the time draft week arrives.

 

[Commander Wraith]

Wow, that is one poorly written article, lol. “Running back Carnell Tate”, “Miami at pick 7”, mixing up on and of in the 3rd paragraph, and “even with a run on them expected with the second pick”…

 

[skinsinparadise]

Wow, that is one poorly written article, lol. “Running back Carnell Tate”, “Miami at pick 7”, mixing up on and of in the 3rd paragraph, and “even with a run on them expected with the second pick”…

Yep JLC put out a sloppy what it looks like unedited article.

 

[Chris]

 

[HTTR]

Reese, Bain and Bailey with much more hype than Delane from what I've seen. Not that it matters. Just saying its odd how he's not hyped like the typical shutdown corner.

My feeling right now is I have designs on other players than him. I wouldn't hate it if they took him, but not excited about it. But I got three weeks to change my mind.

Heck my ride for Styles ranked from like him, to not at 7, to now love him. So I try to keep an open mind.

I'll get to watching him. But I think at the moment my mind is very focused on winning now -- and diving into Flores' scheme, I don't see a corner as the spot that is the dire need. It's not like I like the CB room -- I actually don't. But its a system that's feels to me more about the front 7 where you can hide your CB. Ironically, I'd feel different if this was Quinn's scheme.

It’s just that he wasn’t on anyone’s radar before the season. Not even as a first round pick, let alone top 10. So it’s been a long way for him to climb and there are a lot of great players in front of him especially at the very top of the draft. He wasn’t ranked high enough for Tennessee and the Giants to notice, but after his 40 time he is on their radar now. The Giants can certainly use him as you mentioned, and Tennessee just got rid of Sneed. He could definitely go top-five, and I wouldn’t read into the fact that he hasn’t been there all along as a shutdown corner any further than that he started off so much lower than the other top prospects.

He is my pick over Downs at this point if love, styles, Tate are gone.

 

[skinsinparadise]

It’s just that he wasn’t on anyone’s radar before the season. Not even as a first round pick, let alone top 10. So it’s been a long way for him to climb and there are a lot of great players in front of him especially at the very top of the draft. He wasn’t ranked high enough for Tennessee and the Giants to notice, but after his 40 time he is on their radar now. The Giants can certainly use him as you mentioned, and Tennessee just got rid of Sneed. He could definitely go top-five, and I wouldn’t read into the fact that he hasn’t been there all along as a shutdown corner any further than that he started off so much lower than the other top prospects.

He is my pick over Downs at this point if love, styles, Tate are gone.

As to buzz, etc. I generally don't care. But specfically to corners, I find them too hard to watch to trust my own opinion. I just tried for example to watch a game of Delane and I just don't get the full on view to track him throughout the play so how am i supposed to judge? You see a few plays that the TV copy fully shows but not enough to get a full picture. I like the way he moves, he's a fluid athlete not stiff, etc and seems to mirror well but otherwise I am really working with very little.

So for corners, I rely more on others those that have the All 22 and can see it all. So hence I'll be interested in what the scouts say about him to McGinn in the next few days. They have the footage that I don't.

I just know Flores scheme is famous for stressing the front 7, and not relying on big name corners. Between the pressure that's being brought coupled with the conservative zone scheme behind it -- often with cover 2 shell, cover 4, etc -- it puts less stress on the corners. It's different from Quinn's scheme that prefers to blitz and leave the corners to play man.

The stress is often on the linebackers and safeties in this scheme where you got 2 guys versus the typical 3 covering that 2nd level area on zone so you need LBs who can cover and run. Styles feels perfect for that.

But for a scheme that sort of hides the CB, do I want them to pick a CB with number 7? Not sure. Maybe. But its not a no brainer to me.

 

[HTTR]

Well, if you can get a corner that can lock down the other teams best receiver… And I’m not saying he’s that, but if he is… that’s going to help any scheme be much more effective, including Flores. I’m sure Jones would be thrilled to adjust the scheme around a lockdown corner.
And if Flores is gone in a year or two, or we simply need to move away from the scheme, we will be very happy to have him no matter what direction we go.

 

[BayouBrave86]

looking at Delane's PFF grades, his two worst games were Texas A & M and Alabama. I'll try to watch those in the mix.

I admit though it is fun to have a corner who is rarely tested. I was at that game versus New Orleans two seasons ago and the Saints were afraid to test Lattimore. Everything was thrown in the other direction.

Don't know if that carries over to the pros.

Flores' scheme by reputation doesn't need top flight corners, play a lot of cover 4, cover 2, you don't have to cover as much turf as some schemes, you got plenty of safety help, etc.

Our secondary wasn’t the issue and not a single receiver for bama or aggy had a big game in those. Mansoor’s “bad games” still shut em down. LSU got blown out by Aggy after leading at half time because they still couldn’t learn how to defend the read option, which was especially frustrating because that’s how Aggy beat us last year too. Our abysmal offense did 0 favors for them either in both of those games. Haulcy and Mansoor really did turn what was a weakness on defense for the last 5 years into the team’s strength last season. Just both outstanding additions in the portal.

And my only issues with Mansoor was his in game speed (thought he was a 4.5 guy from eye test) and those Reuben Bain arms of his 😂 but he’s a dawg out there. Not as much of a mean steak as Haulcy, but they took pride in shutting down receivers and making them pay for it. Both had the most swagger I’ve seen from a LSU defender since the 2019 squad.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Our secondary wasn’t the issue and not a single receiver for bama or aggy had a big game in those. Mansoor’s “bad games” still shut em down. LSU got blown out by Aggy after leading at half time because they still couldn’t learn how to defend the read option, which was especially frustrating because that’s how Aggy beat us last year too. Our abysmal offense did 0 favors for them either in both of those games. Haulcy and Mansoor really did turn what was a weakness on defense for the last 5 years into the team’s strength last season. Just both outstanding additions in the portal.

OK, that's cool. By bad games, those were his worst rated games by PFF, and those were in the 60s so not really bad, of course it doesn't make it so, but often i like to watch the better games and worse games to have a balanced view. And PFF isn't always right on that front but its the only cheat code I can find that rates the players games.

I just watched most of the Texas A & M game, he's looked fine so far, Concepcion skirted by him on one play but he still chased him down from behind. But the hardest position to watch without All 22 is CB, because the TV copy rarely follows the CB from play to play, especially in his case where he's not targeted much.

But I got no problem with the narrative about Delane -- the narrative about him is really good. But months back I dived into the Flores scheme as much as I could and one aspect of it is its very corner friendly -- it doesn't put as much stress on them compared to the typical scheme.

With the scheme with the constant disguise and rotation and blitzing, it actually puts more on the safeties than some other schemes.

So while the usual scheme -- corners >> safeties.

I am not sure that's the case with this scheme. So if I had to choose between Delane and Downs if that's who are left among the ones I like at 7, I probably lean Downs but still deciding. If this was the Quinn scheme, it would be Delane.

Edit: I just ironically watched a segment from ex-college player, draft guy from ESPN Jordan Reid being interviewed and he got into being a Vikings fan and fan of the Flores scheme and doubled down that CB isn't a premium spot in that scheme.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Well, if you can get a corner that can lock down the other teams best receiver… And I’m not saying he’s that, but if he is… that’s going to help any scheme be much more effective, including Flores. I’m sure Jones would be thrilled to adjust the scheme around a lockdown corner.
And if Flores is gone in a year or two, or we simply need to move away from the scheme, we will be very happy to have him no matter what direction we go.

It's not a decison made in a vaccum. You can have Chinese food or Mexican food for example so the conversation isn't about Chinese food in a vacuum but how do you value it over the Mexican food.

So yeah of course if Delane is a shutdown corner in a vacuum any team would want that. But what can Delane do for the scheme compared to Styles? Compared to name that pass rusher? Compared to Downs?

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[Dah-Dee]

It's not a decison made in a vaccum. You can have Chinese food or Mexican food for example so the conversation isn't about Chinese food in a vacuum but how do you value it over the Mexican food.

Oh that's easy!

 

[skinsinparadise]

Corners are tough to watch to get a read on as i mentioned, just went through his game against Georgia, in that one really sticky in coverage, a bit handsy. Maybe slightly feistier than Delane -- though both are feisty.

McCoy is slightly taller, longer and almost 2 years younger.