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Brian Bosarge
Guest
I didn’t expect to be doing another 2026 NFL Mock Draft this soon, but here we are. So, I figured, why not have a little fun with it? So, this is the TRADE-A-PALOOZA version of my mock drafts. This will be the penultimate mock from me in the 2026 NFL Draft cycle.
Six trades to get to, so let’s have some fun, shall we?
DRAFT ORDER VIA TANKATON
TRADE VALUE CHART VIA OVER THE CAP
This is about the only chisel it in stone pick in this draft. The Raiders get their franchise quarterback. And with the signing of Kirk Cousins, Mendoza shouldn’t be pressured to start on day one.
The Jets have a ton of draft capital in this draft and 2027. They just need to add all of the talent that they can. At worst, Reese is an all-pro level linebacker. But he can be so much more than that.
***TRADE ALERT***
New Orleans receives picks 3 (1st) and 143 (5th)
Arizona receives picks 8 (1st), 73 (3rd), and 172 (5th)
Our old friend Mickey Loomis is back at it again. I just can’t believe that he will sit back and let the draft come to him at 8. Instead, the Saints trade up five spots to get potentially the top pass rusher in the class.
Is running back a need for Tennessee? Probably not. But some believe Love is the top player in the 2026 class. Are the Titans one of them?
After a freakish Combine performance, Styles cemented himself into the top 10. The Giants need a new face of their defense, and get it with this pick.
***TRADE ALERT***
Kansas City receives pick 6 (1st)
Cleveland receives picks 9 (1st) and 109 (4th)
The Chiefs take no chances and move up three spots to get the top cornerback in the class to replace Trent McDuffie.
The Commanders could go wide receiver or edge here, but “settle with” the best overall player in the draft class. Downs is a tone setter for the defense.
Arizona moves back five spots, picks up some extra picks, and gets the player most predict they will take at 3 in Hurricanes OT Francis Mauigoa.
The Browns, much like Arizona, moved back a few spots and picked a player they very well may take at 6 in Carnell Tate. It comes down to which receiver they like more between Tate and Makai Lemon. I think they view Tate as more of a #1.
I am sure they will consider McCoy here. However, if Bain is still on the board here, you hurt yourself trying to sprint the card up to the podium.
The Dolphins are a wreck and have several spots they need to fill. McCoy missed all of 2025 with a torn ACL but has shown he is fully recovered after a great pro day workout, including a sub-4.4 forty.
There are rumors that Dallas may trade up to the 3rd spot to select David Bailey. If not Bailey, maybe they move up slightly for Bain. Safety is also a need for the Cowboys, and Thieneman has the great B1G tape for several seasons and a tremendous combine workout.
Puka Nakua is going through some issues at the moment. The Rams could look to add another pass catcher to go with Nakua (we think) and Davante Adams. Omar Cooper feels like a Sean McVay wide receiver.
Ravens need a right guard and/or a center. Ioane is the best interior offensive lineman in this class. You could argue that he is the best offensive lineman, period, in 2026. Baltimore gets a plug-and-play starter at 14.
The Bucs need a pass rusher. I have gone back and forth with T.J. Parker‘s draft stock all season long. After a good Senior Bowl and Combine, I feel like this is the high end for Parker’s draft range.
The Jets continue to add pieces for what we assume will be their 2027 QB draft pick.
The Lions are moving all-pro tackle Penei Sewell over to left tackle. So, they will be needing a right tackle. No offense, Larry Borom. While I am not the biggest Proctor fan, one can see why he would appeal to the Lions’ brass.
The Vikings will be selecting Fano to play on the inside. Whether at center or guard. Fano could/should be able to hold just fine on the outside despite his less-than-desirable arm length (3268).
This is a pure upside left tackle pick for Carolina. With Ikem Ekwonu injured, Freeling may have to come up to speed quickly.
Mesidor is a polished pass rusher, and Dallas needs one of those. The only knock on Mesidor is that he will be a 25-year-old rookie.
The Steelers don’t have many needs. They could go offensive tackle, edge rusher, or, dare I say, quarterback? But they also could fill the safety spot opposite of Jalen Ramsey. They can fill that spot with EMW.
***TRADE ALERT***
Buffalo receives pick 22 (1st)
LA Chargers receives picks 26 (1st) and 165 (5th)
Buffalo takes a chance by moving up four spots to grab the falling Jordyn Tyson. Tyson would likely be the first WR off the board if not for all of the injuries.
A future replacement for Dallas Goedert? A lot more 12 personnel? Sure, why not?
I am higher on Caleb Lomu than most (if not everyone). He is my top offensive tackle in 2026. Lomu is the top pro-ready left tackle in 2026. It just so happens Cleveland has a spot for a plug-and-play left tackle. Dawand Jones can slide back to a swing tackle role.
***TRADE ALERT***
Kansas City receives pick 25 (1st)
Chicago receives picks 29 (1st) and 169 (5th)
The Chiefs give up a mid-round pick to move up and take the lottery pick pass rusher in Keldric Faulk.
The Chargers get Khalil Mack back for another year, but the clock is ticking. So, they draft a madman pass rusher to ease in for 2026. Young had a great Senior Bowl week and a good Combine performance, as well.
The 49ers need a corner to compete with their current projected starters, Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir. Terrell is a bit undersized but can be a good outside corner.
***TRADE ALERT***
Arizona receives pick 28 (1st)
Houston receives picks 34 (2nd) and 143 (5th)
The Cardinals need a QB. With Jacoby Brissett projected to start (for now) and Gardner Minshew as a backup, they need someone to come in. Simpson only has 15 starts under his belt and finished the ’25 season banged up. But he looked great to start the Crimson Tide’s 2025 schedule. I think he needs to go somewhere where he can potentially sit and develop. That is unlikely to be the case in the desert.
The Bears move back a few spots and add one of the most productive pass rushers during the 2025 season. However, with all of the talk about Reuben Bain’s arm length, Howell’s arms are a half-inch shorter. You are asking for an outlier to succeed if you are the Bears, but the juice could be worth the squeeze.
Miami drafts a fast wide receiver with the pick they acquired from trading their former fast wide receiver, Jaylen Waddle.
Iheanachor hasn’t played much football. But his potential is extraordinary. Having him sit and learn behind a true professional like Morgan Moses could be just what the doctor ordered.
***TRADE ALERT***
Atlanta receives pick 32 (1st)
Seattle receives picks 48 (2nd), 215 (6th) and a 2027 3rd
The Super Bowl champs only have four total picks in this draft. And GM John Schneider likes to move around the board. So, he takes the call from the Falcons, picks up a couple of picks, and moves out of round one. Atlanta comes up to get their future left tackle.
Follow Brian on Twitter @DeepFriedDraft
The post 2026 NFL Mock Draft 8.0 TRADE-A-PALOOZA appeared first on NFL Draft Countdown.
Continue reading...
Six trades to get to, so let’s have some fun, shall we?
DRAFT ORDER VIA TANKATON
TRADE VALUE CHART VIA OVER THE CAP
2026 NFL Mock Draft 8.0
1-1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This is about the only chisel it in stone pick in this draft. The Raiders get their franchise quarterback. And with the signing of Kirk Cousins, Mendoza shouldn’t be pressured to start on day one.
1-2: New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Jets have a ton of draft capital in this draft and 2027. They just need to add all of the talent that they can. At worst, Reese is an all-pro level linebacker. But he can be so much more than that.
***TRADE ALERT***
New Orleans receives picks 3 (1st) and 143 (5th)
Arizona receives picks 8 (1st), 73 (3rd), and 172 (5th)
1-3: New Orleans Saints – David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Our old friend Mickey Loomis is back at it again. I just can’t believe that he will sit back and let the draft come to him at 8. Instead, the Saints trade up five spots to get potentially the top pass rusher in the class.
1-4: Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Is running back a need for Tennessee? Probably not. But some believe Love is the top player in the 2026 class. Are the Titans one of them?
1-5: New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
After a freakish Combine performance, Styles cemented himself into the top 10. The Giants need a new face of their defense, and get it with this pick.
***TRADE ALERT***
Kansas City receives pick 6 (1st)
Cleveland receives picks 9 (1st) and 109 (4th)
1-6: Kansas City Chiefs – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Chiefs take no chances and move up three spots to get the top cornerback in the class to replace Trent McDuffie.
1-7: Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Commanders could go wide receiver or edge here, but “settle with” the best overall player in the draft class. Downs is a tone setter for the defense.
1-8: Arizona Cardinals (F. NO) – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Arizona moves back five spots, picks up some extra picks, and gets the player most predict they will take at 3 in Hurricanes OT Francis Mauigoa.
1-9: Cleveland Browns (F. KC) – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Browns, much like Arizona, moved back a few spots and picked a player they very well may take at 6 in Carnell Tate. It comes down to which receiver they like more between Tate and Makai Lemon. I think they view Tate as more of a #1.
1-10: Cincinnati Bengals – Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
I am sure they will consider McCoy here. However, if Bain is still on the board here, you hurt yourself trying to sprint the card up to the podium.
1-11: Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Dolphins are a wreck and have several spots they need to fill. McCoy missed all of 2025 with a torn ACL but has shown he is fully recovered after a great pro day workout, including a sub-4.4 forty.
1-12: Dallas Cowboys – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
There are rumors that Dallas may trade up to the 3rd spot to select David Bailey. If not Bailey, maybe they move up slightly for Bain. Safety is also a need for the Cowboys, and Thieneman has the great B1G tape for several seasons and a tremendous combine workout.
1-13: Los Angeles Rams (F. ATL) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Puka Nakua is going through some issues at the moment. The Rams could look to add another pass catcher to go with Nakua (we think) and Davante Adams. Omar Cooper feels like a Sean McVay wide receiver.
1-14: Baltimore Ravens – Vega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
Ravens need a right guard and/or a center. Ioane is the best interior offensive lineman in this class. You could argue that he is the best offensive lineman, period, in 2026. Baltimore gets a plug-and-play starter at 14.
1-15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Bucs need a pass rusher. I have gone back and forth with T.J. Parker‘s draft stock all season long. After a good Senior Bowl and Combine, I feel like this is the high end for Parker’s draft range.
1-16: New York Jets (F. IND) – Makai Lemon, WR, Southern Cal
The Jets continue to add pieces for what we assume will be their 2027 QB draft pick.
1-17: Detroit Lions – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Lions are moving all-pro tackle Penei Sewell over to left tackle. So, they will be needing a right tackle. No offense, Larry Borom. While I am not the biggest Proctor fan, one can see why he would appeal to the Lions’ brass.
1-18: Minnesota Vikings – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Vikings will be selecting Fano to play on the inside. Whether at center or guard. Fano could/should be able to hold just fine on the outside despite his less-than-desirable arm length (3268).
1-19: Carolina Panthers – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
This is a pure upside left tackle pick for Carolina. With Ikem Ekwonu injured, Freeling may have to come up to speed quickly.
1-20: Dallas Cowboys (F. GB) – Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Mesidor is a polished pass rusher, and Dallas needs one of those. The only knock on Mesidor is that he will be a 25-year-old rookie.
1-21: Pittsburgh Steelers – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Steelers don’t have many needs. They could go offensive tackle, edge rusher, or, dare I say, quarterback? But they also could fill the safety spot opposite of Jalen Ramsey. They can fill that spot with EMW.
***TRADE ALERT***
Buffalo receives pick 22 (1st)
LA Chargers receives picks 26 (1st) and 165 (5th)
1-22: Buffalo Bills – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Buffalo takes a chance by moving up four spots to grab the falling Jordyn Tyson. Tyson would likely be the first WR off the board if not for all of the injuries.
1-23: Philadelphia Eagles – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
A future replacement for Dallas Goedert? A lot more 12 personnel? Sure, why not?
1-24: Cleveland Browns (F. JAX) – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
I am higher on Caleb Lomu than most (if not everyone). He is my top offensive tackle in 2026. Lomu is the top pro-ready left tackle in 2026. It just so happens Cleveland has a spot for a plug-and-play left tackle. Dawand Jones can slide back to a swing tackle role.
***TRADE ALERT***
Kansas City receives pick 25 (1st)
Chicago receives picks 29 (1st) and 169 (5th)
1-25: Kansas City Chiefs – Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Chiefs give up a mid-round pick to move up and take the lottery pick pass rusher in Keldric Faulk.
1-26: Los Angeles Chargers (F. BUF) – Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
The Chargers get Khalil Mack back for another year, but the clock is ticking. So, they draft a madman pass rusher to ease in for 2026. Young had a great Senior Bowl week and a good Combine performance, as well.
1-27: San Francisco 49ers – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The 49ers need a corner to compete with their current projected starters, Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir. Terrell is a bit undersized but can be a good outside corner.
***TRADE ALERT***
Arizona receives pick 28 (1st)
Houston receives picks 34 (2nd) and 143 (5th)
1-28: Arizona Cardinals – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Cardinals need a QB. With Jacoby Brissett projected to start (for now) and Gardner Minshew as a backup, they need someone to come in. Simpson only has 15 starts under his belt and finished the ’25 season banged up. But he looked great to start the Crimson Tide’s 2025 schedule. I think he needs to go somewhere where he can potentially sit and develop. That is unlikely to be the case in the desert.
1-29: Chicago Bears (F. KC/LAR) – Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Bears move back a few spots and add one of the most productive pass rushers during the 2025 season. However, with all of the talk about Reuben Bain’s arm length, Howell’s arms are a half-inch shorter. You are asking for an outlier to succeed if you are the Bears, but the juice could be worth the squeeze.
1-30: Miami Dolphins (F. DEN) – K.C. Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Miami drafts a fast wide receiver with the pick they acquired from trading their former fast wide receiver, Jaylen Waddle.
1-31: New England Patriots: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Iheanachor hasn’t played much football. But his potential is extraordinary. Having him sit and learn behind a true professional like Morgan Moses could be just what the doctor ordered.
***TRADE ALERT***
Atlanta receives pick 32 (1st)
Seattle receives picks 48 (2nd), 215 (6th) and a 2027 3rd
1-32: Atlanta Falcons – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The Super Bowl champs only have four total picks in this draft. And GM John Schneider likes to move around the board. So, he takes the call from the Falcons, picks up a couple of picks, and moves out of round one. Atlanta comes up to get their future left tackle.
Follow Brian on Twitter @DeepFriedDraft
The post 2026 NFL Mock Draft 8.0 TRADE-A-PALOOZA appeared first on NFL Draft Countdown.
Continue reading...