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

[skinsinparadise]

Good work from KDawg on the backs, but I am not diving in aside from Love. I'd just be very surprised if they took a back in this draft unless its Love. I think its FA or Love.

 

[DWinzit]

McCoy I guess is about medicals. Delane, thoughts are he's not that fast, so question is what does he run? Mauigoa seems top 10 and top 5 in a number of recent mocks I've seen. Woods, who I watched early on but need to refresh reminded me of Daron Payne, distruptive but not a closer but very disruptive. I like him but me stunned if he went top 5, I could see him in the 8-15 range. Though for the big guys their athletic numbers are often highly considered so big combine for him.

I am trying to look ahead for players that might assist us in getting trade down partners. These seem to be the group that could bring a candidate for us. So many teams need those positions and when it comes to OT and DT, they look like the best at each position by a margin.

 

[KDawg]

Nick Singleton arguably isn't a good college RB. He kind fell to be becoming a change of pace for Allen who had 1300 and 6.2 ypa while Singleton had 550 on 4.5 ypa. Outisde fo Love, Singleton is the athletic freak of the class, but he feels like Deandre Swift type situation (all traits, not ball carrier vision). A play is block for 5 he gets 2. That happens a few times. Then you have a play like blocked for 4 yards and he gets 20 out of it cause he bounced it outside and broke a tackle. Its just hard to win with guy who can't keep the chains moving and who makes you fall behind in terms of down and distance even if they do have big play ability. For what its worth Penn St. kind of got its disaster of a season at least somewhat back on track when they made Allen the bellcow. But I would take all three of Bill, CRod, and McNichols over Singleton. I just don't think you can win with a rb like that.

I'm still early in my evals, so I can change my mind. But this isn't where I am at the moment. I think Kaytron Allen is a really good back who fit what Penn State had up front. His style was much more matched with what Penn State wanted to/should have been doing as an offense. I also think Penn State's season turned around when Allar went out and I don't think it is a 1:1 ratio.

I think my current top 6 is the cream of the crop, and that includes Allen.

Singleton needs coaching. He wouldn't be a target for me until day 3 - and he may be gone by then because of the intangibles. When I rank guys, I tend to do it through a Commanders lense and not a total NFL lense, though there is a mix and it's by feel.

I agree that his vision isn't the best. And I have developing concerns for his lack of change of direction ability and some vision. Stylistically, though, he could be a major fit if we don't land a FA back and have to rely on Bill as RB1. But due to his change of direction limitations I think he has a day 3 ceiling. I think a guy like Kaytron Allen will go earlier as he will fit what someone needs. So perhaps that thought in and of itself should make me reexamine my ranking here a bit.

But his pass protection is among the best, and I value that highly... I will probably watch backs throughout the day, though... so I may change some rankings.

I was a bit uneasy on him, but his speed to power ratio, pass protection and hands ability really made him hard to move for me in the moment. But I absolutely can see the concerns, and that puts Allen in more perspective for me, too.

I don't see myself changing much on a guy like Emmett Johnson, though (you didn't note him). I really like him and think people are sleeping on him just like I feel people are sleeping on Sarratt at receiver.

 

[philibusters]

Singleton is fine if you get him late (like 6th round) cause then you are not overly concerned with whether he plays. We took a similar player Antonio Gibson 230 pounds 4.39 forty some receiving chops as a former WR at Memphis in the 3rd round. The problem with taking a RB like that in the 3rd round is that its fairly high and you are expecting that guy to play a lot for you. And I don't think Singleton is a good RB. I think he is actually bad by NFL standards. He'll probably be a nice special teams player and possible could function as a big 3rd down back. So I can definitely see him finding a role in the NFL that allows him to stay in the league like 8 years. But I just don't see him as your number 1 back. If he is replacing one of our three current guys, I think its McNichols.

 

[The Chump Bailey]

Singleton is fine if you get him late (like 6th round) cause then you are not overly concerned with whether he plays. We took a similar player Antonio Gibson 230 pounds 4.39 forty some receiving chops as a former WR at Memphis in the 3rd round. The problem with taking a RB like that in the 3rd round is that its fairly high and you are expecting that guy to play a lot for you. And I don't think Singleton is a good RB. I think he is actually bad by NFL standards. He'll probably be a nice special teams player and possible could function as a big 3rd down back. So I can definitely see him finding a role in the NFL that allows him to stay in the league like 8 years. But I just don't see him as your number 1 back. If he is replacing one of our three current guys, I think its McNichols.

You make an compelling argument friend and am agreement to an extent. I'm not very enamored with Bill and agree with KDawg's opinion of him. I don't dislike him and had him in my top 20 last year - nor CRod who I felt was a good fit before Riveria took over but do think we need an upgrade at the position and bare minimum some competition for Bill. Jeremy will be gone I agree. I do think Nick could be a weapon as a 3rd down type back. I'm losing interest in doing this and this may be my last post for a while but just want to insert the name Mike Washington Jr. Arkansas. I think he could be a value pick for us and give Bill a run for his money. I think he will be at the Senior Bowl.

 

[Primus Porcus]

Running a mock draft on NFL Mock Draft Database... our prayers have been answered....

 

[KDawg]

Singleton is fine if you get him late (like 6th round) cause then you are not overly concerned with whether he plays. We took a similar player Antonio Gibson 230 pounds 4.39 forty some receiving chops as a former WR at Memphis in the 3rd round. The problem with taking a RB like that in the 3rd round is that its fairly high and you are expecting that guy to play a lot for you. And I don't think Singleton is a good RB. I think he is actually bad by NFL standards. He'll probably be a nice special teams player and possible could function as a big 3rd down back. So I can definitely see him finding a role in the NFL that allows him to stay in the league like 8 years. But I just don't see him as your number 1 back. If he is replacing one of our three current guys, I think its McNichols.

Watched more of Allen and Singleton... I am moving closer to your thoughts on Singleton. His lack of wiggle and vision really kind of brings him down. I'm not AS down on him as you are. I don't think he's a bad back. I still have him above Claiborne... But it's not even really his lack of vision for me. He can find some holes. And I still think he's excellent in pass pro and a good hands catcher. But his hips are even worse than I thought. He is so stiff.

I have him at 6 now. Allen at 5. I think I feel more comfortable with this list and pretty locked in on it at this point (until I add more to it).

1. Love
2. Johnson
3. Coleman
4. Pierce
5. Allen

^Day 1/2 backs

6. Singleton
7. Claiborne

^Day 3 backs

 

[skinsinparadise]

I am trying to look ahead for players that might assist us in getting trade down partners. These seem to be the group that could bring a candidate for us. So many teams need those positions and when it comes to OT and DT, they look like the best at each position by a margin.

I guessing Woods falls out of the top 10 but you never know. Don't know how teams would feel of the ACL and not playing last season as to McCoy. Delane's stats are really appealing. But if he runs a meh 40 wonder if that hurts his draft stock, conversely if he surprises maybe he becomes top 10

 

[clskinsfan]

I guessing Woods falls out of the top 10 but you never know. Don't know how teams would feel of the ACL and not playing last season as to McCoy. Delane's stats are really appealing. But if he runs a meh 40 wonder if that hurts his draft stock, conversely if he surprises maybe he becomes top 10

Someone is going to steal McCoy in the middle of the first imo. He is arguably the best defensive player in this draft. But that injury history.....

 

[Always Commander Never Captain]

How hard is it for a RB to develop patience as a runner? I think that's one of the better traits of Love and one that Bill probably lacks the most in comparison.

I'm not convinced Love is worth it Top 5ish, but his patience does make defenders do some things wrong with their gaps and Love then cuts into the hole, sometimes that delay is to let blocks develop.That's an element we don't have in our RB group.

 

[Always Commander Never Captain]

So I haven't dived into Downs tape...I'm sure I'll like him. But on the surface the comparisons to Sean Taylor, Troy Polamalu, and Ed Reed as levels of safety prospects seems poor.

Downs is supposed to be an OK athlete, like Ed Reed, and cerebral like Reed, and makes plays like Reed because of that. But he hasn't. Ed Reed's college playmaking was out of this world. 21 interceptions to Downs 6.

Polamalu was beyond a freakish athlete. 4.33 40, 43.5" vertical jump, etc etc...Downs can't do that.

Sean Taylor's unique safety ability was being utterly massive and athletic. He weighed 230 pounds. Downs isn't that either. Downs supposedly has average height and weight.

I'm sure I'll really like Downs. But to draft someone without truly special production, size, or athleticism, etc in the Top 10 seems risky.

 

[Always Commander Never Captain]

Do we need a LG? I think we are pretty set on OL. Wasn’t Paul really good?

I think he's a great backup Guard...but if you can't run the ball near him it's hard to pencil him in as a starter. He needs competition.

If we draft Love, we would need a new LG. Otherwise what's the point of drafting Love?

 

[KDawg]

How hard is it for a RB to develop patience as a runner? I think that's one of the better traits of Love and one that Bill probably lacks the most in comparison.

I'm not convinced Love is worth it Top 5ish, but his patience does make defenders do some things wrong with their gaps and Love then cuts into the hole, sometimes that delay is to let blocks develop.That's an element we don't have in our RB group.

It can be taught. But not quickly and not always. It’s about an inherent understanding of everyone’s positional duty, what the D is trying to do and patience and vision. Not a lot of backs have that ability. Emmett Johnson from Nebraska does it as well, he’s just no where near the caliber of prospect as Love.

So I haven't dived into Downs tape...I'm sure I'll like him. But on the surface the comparisons to Sean Taylor, Troy Polamalu, and Ed Reed as levels of safety prospects seems poor.

Downs is supposed to be an OK athlete, like Ed Reed, and cerebral like Reed, and makes plays like Reed because of that. But he hasn't. Ed Reed's college playmaking was out of this world. 21 interceptions to Downs 6.

Polamalu was beyond a freakish athlete. 4.33 40, 43.5" vertical jump, etc etc...Downs can't do that.

Sean Taylor's unique safety ability was being utterly massive and athletic. He weighed 230 pounds. Downs isn't that either. Downs supposedly has average height and weight.

I'm sure I'll really like Downs. But to draft someone without truly special production, size, or athleticism, etc in the Top 10 seems risky.

Maybe I missed it but I think someone said he is in that class of player, not necessarily compared him to them. I disagree with the assessment that he is that good, but I don’t think anyone physically compared them.

 

[KDawg]

I think he's a great backup Guard...but if you can't run the ball near him it's hard to pencil him in as a starter. He needs competition.

If we draft Love, we would need a new LG. Otherwise what's the point of drafting Love?

The fact that he can make Paul look like an all pro with his vision and setting up his blocks. He doesn’t need a LG. He needs moderate OL play as a whole. He’ll do the rest.

 

[Always Commander Never Captain]

The fact that he can make Paul look like an all pro with his vision and setting up his blocks. He doesn’t need a LG. He needs moderate OL play as a whole. He’ll do the rest.

Well I don't know. He's not without some home runs in college being from excellent blocking that a truck could have driven through let alone a RB.

The Notre Dame LG for most of the season played pretty well (I thought). Generally moved people out of run lanes.

I fully get that our RB's were probably making our OL look worse in run blocking. But Paul has been Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde with his pass pro and run blocking being so different in effectiveness. I still want real competition at LG in training camp. Especially if we spend premier resources at RB.

I am warming up to taking Love at 7 if he is there (Bailey fits that category too).

 

[RedWolf]

You want to hear something crazy? I had a dream last night that we dropped from 7 down to 13 and traded for a high-end guard that also could play center

 

[Riggo44]

You want to hear something crazy? I had a dream last night that we dropped from 7 down to 13 and traded for a high-end guard that also could play center

Jay Gruden woke up in a cold sweat at the same time...

 

[DWinzit]

You want to hear something crazy? I had a dream last night that we dropped from 7 down to 13 and traded for a high-end guard that also could play center

If he can long snap it's fine

 

[actorguy1]

 

[skinsinparadise]

This mock is brutal from PFF

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jets pivot to David Bailey at No. 2, Chiefs bolster their offense with Jeremiyah Love

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is returning to school, forcing the Jets to change directions at the top of this 2026 NFL mock draft.

www.pff.com

2. New York Jets: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech​

The news that quarterback Dante Moore is staying at Oregon for another season is a blow to the Jets, who could have either selected him at No. 2 overall or traded the pick for serious draft capital.

With Moore off the board, the most logical route would be to target one of the top defensive players in the draft. Bailey's 81 quarterback pressures in 2025 led all FBS edge defenders, and while he's not as refined a prospect as Penn State’s Abdul Carter was last year, he is more than good enough as a pass rusher to be worthy of a top-five selection.

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3. Arizona Cardinals: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State​

The Cardinals are in an interesting position due to their quarterback situation, as they need to figure out if Kyler Murray is a long-term answer at the position. This draft class likely doesn’t give them the option of finding a potential replacement in the first round, though. So, like the Jets, the Cardinals may want to target a top defensive player.

No. 3 overall is rich for a safety, but Downs is a special athlete and the top prospect on the PFF Big Board. He finished the 2025 season with PFF run-defense and coverage grades above 80.0 and should be an impact player at the next level.

5. New York Giants: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State​

The Giants should follow a simple line of thinking in the 2026 NFL Draft: Build around quarterback Jaxson Dart. Thus, the optimal pick is either an offensive lineman or a pass catcher.

If New York goes the pass catcher route, then Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is the best stylistic fit, given what the Giants already have in wide receiver Malik Nabers. The next man up in an increasingly long line of impressive Ohio State wide receivers, Tate caught 85.7% of the contested targets he saw in 2025, didn’t drop a pass and averaged 3.03 yards per route run.

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6. Cleveland Browns: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State​

Regardless of the Browns' plans at quarterback in 2026, a top wide receiver should be No. 1 on their priority list. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson would make a lot of sense.

He dropped just 1.6% of the catchable passes thrown his way this season and earned an 89.0 PFF receiving grade against man coverage.

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7. Washington Commanders: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M​

The Commanders will dream that one of the top two edge defenders falls to them at No. 7 overall, but if not, Howell would be a solid consolation prize. The Texas A&M standout earned a 90.3 PFF pass-rush grade and produced a 19.8% PFF pass-rush win rate in 2025.

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8. New Orleans Saints: WR Makai Lemon, USC​

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough showed enough in 2025 for the Saints to want to build around him with a playmaker like Lemon. The USC star logged an 81.0 PFF receiving grade against man coverage, caught 66.7% of contested targets and dropped just 2.5% of the catchable targets thrown his way this season.

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9. Kansas City Chiefs: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame​

As long as Patrick Mahomes is the Chiefs‘ quarterback, opposing defenses will have reason to worry. A dynamic running back would only lift Kansas City's attack in 2026. Love earned elite PFF overall grades of 91.1 and 93.9 over the past two seasons, and he averaged 4.5 yards after contact in 2025. He would instantly be the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year if he landed in Kansas City.