The Draft "Expert" - 2026 NFL Pre-Postseason Mock Draft

Logan Blackman
6 days ago
23 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kkhbj0jcMo

Hello everyone and welcome to the first mock draft of the 2026 NFL Draft season! Now before you all get too excited, this mock draft will only be taking a look at the first 18-picks, as we do not know the full draft order as things stand right now. But that doesn't mean we still can't have fun, right?

Regardless of it's the first 18-picks or the whole shabang, creating mock drafts is truly my favorite thing to do throughout the calendar year. Though I have as many sources as the person currently reading this, it's still fun to to watch film/games and come up with picks for each and every team, trying to be as accurate as I possibly can.

With saying that I am aware that some of these picks may rub some people the wrong way, as every single person out there is entitled to their opinion. Ultimately I just hope that if you don't happen to agree with me, that you can at least see where I'm coming from. Does that make sense?

All that being said in this 18-pick mock draft you will see three quarterbacks (bear with me), one running back, three wide receivers, two offensive tackles, one interior defensive lineman, three edge rushers, two linebackers, two corners, and one safety.

Without any more delay I, Logan Blackman, host of the Logan Blackman Show and self proclaimed Draft "Expert" am proud to present to you my first official mock draft of the 2026 NFL Draft season! Enjoy!

Podcast Links

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana; Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State; Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

1. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

For the first time since 2007, the Raiders possess the top pick in the draft. Now I'm sure some Raider fans will be a little nervous given who they wound up taking in that year's draft, but the past is the past and every draft is different than the one before. With that being said though we pretty much know the Raiders are taking a quarterback here, we don't necessarily know which one as they have to decide between Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore. Though Moore may very well have the higher ceiling, I think Mendoza will ultimately wind up being the pick for the quarterback needy Raiders. At 6'5" 225 lbs., Mendoza looks like your prototypical franchise quarterback. Possessing a quick release, good mobility, and toughness, Mendoza strikes me as someone that minority owner Tom Brady would love to take to help turn this franchise around. He may be a dork, but the Heisman Trophy winner is a damn good quarterback and more than worthy of being selected with the first pick in the draft.

2. New York Jets - Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

The New York Jets were one of the saddest teams to have the displeasure of watching this past season. Despite finishing the regular season with three wins and no interceptions to their name, the Jets still didn't come away with the top pick in the draft, which is so fitting for this franchise. That being said they still did manage to secure the second overall pick in the draft, seemingly giving them a pathway to select one of the top two quarterbacks in this class. With Fernando Mendoza going first overall to Las Vegas, the Jets sprint their card to the podium to select Oregon's Dante Moore. Though Moore hasn't technically declared for the draft yet, everything seems to be pointing to him declaring at some point here in the near future. Though not as big as Mendoza, Moore is one of the best deep ball throwers in the country, and damn near unplayable when he's in rhythm. Moore is a really anticipatory thrower who is able to fit the ball into any window, no matter how obscure the angle is. Though he's not the biggest fan of getting hit (who is?), he is more than capable of making opposing defenses pay with his legs. All that being said again, there's no guarantee that he comes out this year. If he does, he would be a very smart selection here for the Jets with the second overall pick.

3. Arizona Cardinals - Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Arizona Cardinals are yet another team in need of a potential franchise quarterback, as the Kyler Murray era in the desert has seemingly come to an end. With that being said though, will they actually pull the trigger and select the third quarterback of the draft in as many picks? Well, I guess if you're reading this you'd know that is exactly what I think very well could happen, as I have them selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson here with the third overall pick in the draft. If you have been following my weekly quarterback prospect rankings throughout this past season, you'd know that I have held Simpson in pretty high regard, with him taking home the top spot in each weeks rankings from week seven all the way until week 14 following back-to-back rough performances against Eastern Illinois and Auburn. Though he ultimately fell down to number three, Simpson is someone who I think could have been the top pick in the draft if not for some niggling injuries (most notably his back). Arguably the most fearless quarterback in this draft class, Simpson has never been afraid to push the ball down the middle of the field. Possessing excellent pocket mobility and great pre-snap recognition Simpson plays the game with great poise, which is something we don't normally see from a quarterback with his few of starts. There will be questions about his deep ball accuracy (and rightfully so) but when Simpson is in rhythm he's arguably the best quarterback in the country. No one made more "NFL level throws" this past season than Simpson, which is why I could easily see him going third overall to Arizona, especially with reports suggest general manage Monti Ossenfort has taken a "liking" to the now former Alabama signal caller.

4. Tennessee Titans - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

I flipped back and forth a bunch of times with this pick, as the Tennessee Titans could really go in a multitude of directions on both the offensive and defensive side(s) of the ball. It would not shock me in the slightest if the Titans went after someone like Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. here with this pick, especially since I'm sure they would love to give Jeffrey Simmons a running mate along the defensive line. The thing is though they drafted another Miami product with the first pick of last year's draft (Cam Ward), and if the Titans are going to be a better team this coming season they have to give him some help on the offensive side of the ball. Though possessing one of the worst supporting casts in the league, Ward was still able to salvage some good numbers in his rookie season, registering 3,100+ yards with 15-touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Titans have to get some more weapons around him, and by picking fourth they have their pick of the litter. With that being said I feel like Ohio State's Carnell Tate would be the best option here for them at fourth overall. Another product of WR-U, Tate was one of the best big play threats in all of college football. Averaging a whopping 17.5-yards per catch, Tate would give Ward and the Titans a true big play number option along the outside. Though he missed some time this past season due to injury, Tate's size (6'3" 195 lbs.), route running, body control, hands, and willingness to block will make him hard to pass on for a receiver needy team like the Titans.

5. New York Giants - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Despite their poor record, the New York Giants were actually a decently fun team to watch this past season, with a lot of that going down to the play of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and rookie running back Cam Skattebo. Though the latter only appeared in eight games before snapping his ankle, the pair really got people excited to watch New York Giant football because only God above could tell us whether or not they would make it through a full game without injuring themselves. Jokes aside the pair were legitimately fun to watch, with Dart finishing the season with 2,800-total yards to go along with 24-touchdowns (15-passing, nine rushing) and only six turnovers (five interceptions, one fumble), making a really solid case for him to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Despite all that the Giants have some serious holes on the roster, on both sides of the ball. On defense they could sure use some help in the trenches, as the team gave up 5.3-yards per carry. As good as Dexter Lawrence is, he can't do it all by himself. Though that is a serious need I do feel though that the Giants will look to build around Dart, and though an offensive tackle could be the pick here I think they look to give him another weapon, selecting Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson here with the fifth pick in the draft. A teammate of the aforementioned Cam Skattebo at Arizona State, Tyson is one of the best receiver's in the nation at being open despite having multiple defenders on him. Able to make some insane circus like catches to come down with 50/50 balls, Tyson is someone you can throw to a spot and he'll make a play, especially in the red zone. Though some injury history could effect his draft stock, I think Tyson is just too good to pass up here if you're the Giants, giving Dart another option on the outside to pair with Malik Nabers.

6. Cleveland Browns - Francis Mauigoa, iOL/OT, Miami (FL)

The Cleveland Browns are in a pretty weird spot right now, and could go a couple different directions with their first pick of the draft. That being said all of those "different directions" lie on the offensive side of the ball, as every position apart from maybe running back could very well be addressed here. As things stand right now though the least likely position (again, apart from running back) to be addressed here would probably be quarterback, and that's not because that they feel secure at the position, it really just goes down to lack of options as each of the top three prospects went with the first three picks. Receiver and tackle are the two areas that are more likely to be addressed here, and though they would love to have someone to throw to on the outside, they literally have no offensive linemen on the roster as Joel Bitonio (LG), Jack Conklin (RT), Ethan Pocic (C) Cam Robinson (LT), and Wyatt Teller (RG) are all entering free agency this offseason. With that, I feel as though the Browns should take the best offensive lineman in the draft, which (depending on who you ask) may be Miami's Francis Mauigoa. An absolute mauler, Mauigoa is the most consistent tackle in this year's class, taking the fight to on coming pass rushers. At 6'6" 315 lbs., Mauigoa is a natural right tackle (could play guard at the next level) who has given up just one sack in 12-starts so far this season. He's a standout blocker and would the Browns some nastiness along their new look offensive line.

7. Washington Commanders - Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

I know I know, conventional wisdom says that there's no chance in hell that Ohio State's Arvell Reese falls down to the Washington Commanders here with the seventh pick, as he is widely considered to be one of, if not the top prospect in this year's draft. Though I get that completely, there are a few factors that weigh in here that may cause Reese to fall slightly further than what his talent would suggest. First off, with three quarterbacks going with the first three picks, position players on both sides of the ball will naturally slide. Secondly, "gadget players" who don't necessarily have a locked in position tend to slide as well, I mean just look at Jalon Walker (15) last year and Micah Parsons (12) in 2021, two players who's talent suggested that they both get taken with top-10 picks. With that, I think this is the exact scenario that head coach Dan Quinn would love, as he was the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys when Parsons was drafted 12th overall and throughout the most productive time of his career (so far). Reese is someone I think Dan Quinn would dream of. Listed as a linebacker but more than capable to line up as an edge rusher at the next level, Reese is the most talented defender (maybe even overall player) in this draft class. Possessing excellent vision and natural instincts, while also showing off excellent burst Reese is someone who could cause a lot of problems for opposing defense. Again, though "gadget" type players tend to drop a little further in the draft, I don't think he'd fall past Dan Quinn and the Commanders here at pick number seven.

8. New Orleans Saints - Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The New Orleans Saints may not have been the most consistent team this year, but one thing I think we can all agree on is that it looks as though they have found their quarterback of the future in Tyler Shough. Since taking over as the starter, Shough has helped the Saints go from being seen as arguably the worst team in football to a semi-respectable outfit that won four of their last five games to end the season. Prior to Shough taking over the offense the Saints were sitting with an abysmal 1-7 record, with their lone win coming against the equally as bad New York Giants. Going from that to 6-11 is pretty damn impressive given the vibes around the team throughout the early portions of the season. So, with the quarterback position seemingly all squared away the Saints can focus on some of their other problem areas, with arguably the main area of concern coming in the offensive weapons department. It's no secret that the Saints are completely devoid of talent on the offensive side of the ball, especially after trading Rasheed Shahid midway through the season. With Chris Olave's future in question, getting another receiver on the outside would make a lot of sense here, but with the top two options off the board I feel as if the Saints may look to add a versatile backfield partner for Shough by drafting Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love here with the eighth pick in the draft. One of the best backs in Notre Dame history, Love finished up this past season with 1,300+ yards rushing with 18-touchdowns to go along with 280-yards receiving and three more touchdowns there. One of the most dangerous players in the open field, Love possesses excellent size (6'0" 214 lbs.) and explosiveness that see's him break tackles with ease (60-forced missed tackles) while also being able to beat defenders for speed once he gets to the outside. He could add so much to this offense as both a runner and a pass catcher, giving Shough a nice option out of the backfield.

9. Kansas City Chiefs - Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

What a turnaround this has been for the Kansas City Chiefs. Fresh off of a season that saw them finish with a 15-2 regular season record before falling in the Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chiefs fell completely flat on their face to the tune of a 6-11 record. Now for those of us who are older than the age of 20, this is what we saw from the Chiefs year in and year out prior to them selecting Patrick Mahomes back in 2017 and I can't lie, I do love seeing it again. That being said I'm not stupid enough to think that this is the standard now, that the days of my childhood are back but man, I will enjoy this while I can. With that being said there were a good amount of factors that played into the Chiefs' downfall that came on both sides of the ball. Starting with the offense as both the offensive line and weapons failed to register any sort of consistency throughout the course of the season. Whether that be down to injuries or just poor play, the offense really struggled to get things going at their usual rate. That being said given the Chiefs draft history I would assume they look to address the defense rather than the offense here with their first pick. The main area I think they'd address early on would be the pass rush department as they finished near the bottom in sack production this past season. With that, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has tended to target more powerful and "thicker" pass rushers, which is why I feel Miami's Rueben Bain could very well be the pick here. Great against both the run and the pass, Bain is a hand in the dirt defensive end who possesses excellent power from the point of attack. He is ultra disruptive, using his hands to jolt offensive linemen back before using his combination of bend, power, and speed to make plays. Excellent motor, the only thing really hurting Bain's stock is his size (6'3" 275 lbs.) and perceived lack of length. Though there will be some concerns in those departments, the dude is a great football player and I feel would fit in nicely along Spags' defensive line.

10. Cincinnati Bengals - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Long story short the Cincinnati Bengals just need playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. Sure they could use some help along the offensive line, but the thing that has truly been holding this team back from any sort of success has been the defense. I mean, they did try to address their need at edge rusher last year by selecting Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart with the 17th overall pick, but the dude finished the season with the same amount of solo tackles as Ja'Marr Chase. Again, they just need playmakers, and someone who I think would be an absolute steal here would be Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. If it weren't for his position, Downs may very well have been one of the first players taken in the draft, but because of the lack of perceived "draft value" at the position sees him nearly fall outside the top-10. Like I alluded to a little bit ago, Downs is one of, if not the best player(s) in the draft overall. Versatile as they come, Downs is a sure tackler who possesses excellent instincts, being able to diagnose plays without a second of hesitation. This past season the Bengals defense under new defensive coordinator Al Golden gave up a league high 6.2-yards per play. By contrast, Downs only allowed 3.6-yards per pass attempt when teams targeted him (per Jordan Reid, ESPN). Overall Downs is an excellent prospect, and would surely help the Bengals on the defensive side of the ball. With Geno Stone entering free agency, you could do a whole lot worse than taking Downs here at 10. Should they pick him here (or if he goes sooner) he would be the first safety product to go in the top-10 since Jamal Adams in 2017.

11. Miami Dolphins - Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

In one of the shocking moves of the offseason (so far), the Miami Dolphins moved on from head coach Mike McDaniel after four years at the helm. I know that I probably shouldn't be too surprised they wound up firing McDaniel, but it did feel like they were choosing to keep him rather than quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Maybe I read the room wrong but that's definitely what it seemed like to me, especially following Tua's benching. With that being said, I don't think the Dolphins would have fired him had a certain John Harbaugh not been available this offseason (it would be really funny if they didn't get him). Regardless of who their head coach or even quarterback are next season one thing is for sure they've got a good amount of holes on their roster, on both sides of the ball. The secondary (either corner or safety) is definitely an area I could see them addressing here at 11, but the Dolphins offensive line has been a problem area for some time now, and should one of the top option be available I would like to believe they'd snatch one up here. With that, I think Utah's Spencer Fano could be someone to help turn around their offensive line woes. Patrick Paul has fit in nicely at left tackle, but former first round pick Austin Jackson has struggled to stay healthy (appeared in six games last season) and will be entering free agency next offseason. Formally a left tackle, Fano started 24-games at right tackle across the past two seasons. At 6'6" 302 lbs., Fano possesses really light feet while also being technically sound, giving up zero sacks in 12-starts last season. Now, questions may be brought up due to his frame and perceived "lack" of length, but there's no denying that the reigning Outland Trophy winner would provide a solid piece at right tackle for the Dolphins.

12. Dallas Cowboys - David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

I think I speak for everyone out there when I say that the Dallas Cowboys have to address the defensive side of the ball with their first pick in the draft. If I'm being honest, they could really go after any position and I think fans would be alright with it. This past season the Cowboys ranked second in the NFL in total offense, with quarterback Dak Prescott ranking third in the league in passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns. The same success cannot be said for the defense, as they ranked third from last in yards allowed per game while also ranking dead last in passing and scoring defense. This defense flat out stinks, which again opens the door to numerous possibilities here at pick number 12. Though I think a corner or linebacker could be an option here, I think the Cowboys may first look to grab an edge rusher to replace Micah Parsons, especially with Jadeveon Clowney and Dante Fowler both entering free agency. With that being said, I think if Texas Tech's David Bailey is available they'd sprint to the podium to take him here with the 12th pick in the draft. Someone who could go much higher than this, Bailey played a massive part in Texas Tech's run to the College Football Playoff. Throughout the season Bailey showed his worth, registering a national leading 14.5-sacks and a 20.1% pressure win rate. Possessing excellent first step quickness, Bailey has numerous moves he can beat you with while also boasting some powerful hands. He's got so much speed and breezes past opposing offensive linemen with ease, giving the Cowboys a legit pass rusher to get after the quarterback and help improve their defensive side of the ball.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta) - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Los Angeles Rams have been one of the more fun teams to watch this past season, so why oh why do they have a top-15 draft pick? Well, long story short you can thank the Atlanta Falcons for that, who traded a 2026 first to the Rams in exchange for their 2025 first to move up and select Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.. At the time the trade was heavily scrutinized, as giving up a future first round pick to select a player in the late 20s seemed kind of odd. Obviously Pearce wound becoming the first rookie to reach double digit sacks since Micah Parsons (2017), but with the Falcons ultimately missing the Playoffs this season I'm sure they would have liked to have a top-15 pick in this year's draft. Regardless of your views on the trade, the Rams can use this pick to bolster an already really good roster. If recent history is anything to go off of General Manager Les Snead will likely target a defensive player here at pick 13, with corner being their top position of need given that Cobie Durant and Ahkello Witherspoon are both entering free agency and Darious Williams' time in LA seems to be at an end. With that I think the Rams swoop in for LSU's Mansoor Delane here with the 13th pick. One of the quicker corners in the draft, Delane is a long and fast player who can play well in both zone and man coverage. He also possesses excellent ball skills with quick and fluid hips, picking off eight passes and breaking up a further 27 throughout his four year career (per ESPN). He's got a good amount of upside and would make a lot of sense for the Rams here at 13.

14. Baltimore Ravens - Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

The Baltimore Ravens sent shock waves around the NFL by firing longtime head coach John Harbaugh the other day. Though the writing may have been on the proverbial wall, it still was shocking to see that they actually made the move to fire him. I mean, the dude has been the head coach in Baltimore since 2008 when he became just the third head coach in the franchise's young history. His time with the Ravens will see him eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but for now the organization will be on the hunt for a new coach. Regardless of who it winds up being one thing is for sure, the Ravens have to continue to address the defensive side of the ball here in the first round. I know they've addressed the secondary early on the past two years by selecting Malaki Starks (2025) and Nate Wiggins (2024) but I think it's time the defensive line gets some love, especially given the fact that the likes of John Jenkins and Brent Urban are 36 and 34-years old, respectfully. With that being said, I think someone like Clemson's Peter Woods would make a ton of sense for Baltimore here at 14. Though he may not have posted the production may out there would have liked to have seen before the season started, Woods is still possesses great strength and positional versatility that make him a intriguing option here at 14. A powerful defensive lineman at 6'3" 315, Woods mixes power and speed well to cause problems for opposing offenses, showing good leverage in the passing game and great burst in the run game. If the Ravens want to get back to the Playoffs they have to fix their defense. Adding someone like Woods would do a whole lot to help get them back on track, instantly improving both their pass and run defense.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Out of all the teams that didn't make the Playoffs, none are weirder to me than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I mean, prior to their bye week the Bucs were sitting with an impressive 6-2 record with quarterback Baker Mayfield getting talked about as a potential dark horse MVP candidate. It wasn't like they were beating up on a bunch of bottom feeders or anything, throughout those first eight games Tampa beat the likes of Houston, San Francisco, and Seattle in the process. With that I have absolutely no clue what happened after their bye week as they would go on to finish the regular season losing seven of their last nine games to finish with a 8-9 record. Again, I really have no clue what happened. What makes it even weirder is that the team who would ultimately go onto win the division (Carolina) was 4-4 at the same time the Bucs were 6-2, coming off of a 40-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Insane, but now they have to get back to the drawing board and figure out how to re-claim the NFC South. For starters they have to get the defense sorted, especially since longtime linebacker Lavonte David is entering free agency and turns 36 in January. An eventual replacement for him should be one of their top priorities, which is why I have them taking Ohio State's Sonny Styles here with the 15th pick in the draft. A former safety, Styles possesses excellent speed and play recognition for the position. He is a more than willing tackler, using his speed to close in on rushers before they have a second to think about it. He creates so many negative plays for the opposing offense, making him an ideal target for the Bucs here at 15.

16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis) - Makai Lemon, WR, USC

When the Indianapolis Colts traded for corner Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, I'm sure that they didn't think that they would wind up missing the Playoffs. I mean, at the time of the trade, the Colts sat with a 7-2 record and were seemingly one of the best teams in the league. Since the trade everything that could go wrong did go wrong, as quarterback Daniel Jones would go down for the season with a torn achilles which lead to them finishing the season losing seven of their last eight games to finish the regular season with an 8-9 record. Hell, we saw 45-year old Philip Rivers come out of retirement to quarterback them in three of their final four games. Again, I don't think they expected their pick to be a top-20 one when they traded it away. But the Colts loss is the Jets gain, and I have them taking USC's Makai Lemon to pair up with Oregon quarterback Dante Moore here at pick 16. One thing I love seeing teams do is pair a rookie quarterback with a rookie wide receiver, allowing them to grow in the organization together, and I think that would help the Jets offensive woes immensely. Like I said before the Jets pass offense was horrendous this past season, with Garrett Wilson leading the team in receiving yards with 395. Mind you, Wilson hadn't registered a single yard since week six. Wilson is great, but the Jets definitely need to add more weapons for their new rookie quarterback to thrive, and I think Lemon would be the perfect addition to this offense. Though he may not be the biggest (5'11" 195 lbs.) Lemon possesses the best hands in the draft, catching damn near everything thrown in his area code. I mean, the dude only had one drop in 110-targets this past season (79-catches), which is ridiculous. Forcing 21-missed tackles, Lemon is not an easy person to bring down after the catch. Though primarily a slot, Lemon can line up anywhere on the outside. He'd again be an excellent addition to the Jets receiving core.

17. Detroit Lions - Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The Detroit Lions were one of the teams more people were paying attention to more than most, as both their offensive (Ben Johnson) and defensive (Aaron Glenn) coordinators took head coaching jobs the previous offseason. Though they weren't a bad team by any means, the loss of their coordinators definitely played a massive part in them missing the Playoffs this season, as they went from first to worst in the division while finishing with a 9-8 record. With that being said the Lions could go a couple different directions here with this pick, though the two areas of most concern come along the offensive and defensive lines. On offense the Lions could really use an infusion of youth along the offensive line, especially with long tackle Taylor Decker battling father time and injuries. As big of a need as that is, finding someone to partner Aidan Hutchinson along the defensive edges could be a bigger priority, with players such as Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Josh Paschal all entering free agency this offseason. With that, I think Auburn's Keldric Faulk could be the ideal target for the Lions here at pick 17. One of the youngest players in the draft, Faulk is someone who definitely looks the part of a legit 4-3 defensive end at the next level. At 6'6" 285 lbs. Faulk compares to Mykel Williams and Greg Rousseau, but what could scare teams away is the lack of production. That being said, despite only registering two sacks this past season Faulk possesses a good amount of positional versatility, good pass rushing moves, and the ability to make plays in the run game by setting a strong edge. He's this year's high potential yet insanely raw prospect who will divide opinions all the way up until draft time. There is a chance he goes way higher than this, but for now he'll have to settle going 17th to the Lions, which I'm sure they'll be happy about.

18. Minnesota Vikings - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

I don't know if you would classify this past season for the Minnesota Vikings as a disappointment or just par the course, as they went from finishing 14-3 last season to 9-8 and on the outside looking in at the Playoffs this time around. If I'm being honest, this is about what I expected from them this past season. Everything just seemed to click perfectly into place last season, with Sam Darnold having a career resurgence before signing a three year contract with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. On paper the team looked as if they could still compete, but with second year quarterback JJ McCarthy getting his first chance as a starter there was obviously going to be some growing pains. It's no secret that McCarthy struggled, finishing the season with 11-touchdowns and 12-interceptions. Though he was far from perfect, the Vikings obviously won't move for a quarterback here at pick 18. To me the Vikings need to get some more playmakers in the secondary, even though they ranked second in pass defense this past season. Despite that, the Vikings could use a true number one guy on the outside, which is why I have them taking Tennessee's Jermod McCoy here with the 18th pick in the draft. Though he didn't appear in a single game this past season due to tearing his ACL in January, McCoy's body type and athleticism will see him taken as one of the first corners off the board. Picking off four balls in 2024, McCoy is comfortable hand fighting with receivers and possesses the speed to keep up with the best of them, as well as being able to track them down should they get past him. Though there will be some questions regarding his physicals, there's no doubting his natural talent. I think he'd make a lot of sense for the Vikings here at 18.