Bold opening: This draft imagines the 2026 NFL first round through the lens of dynamic moves and bold bets, with Notre Dame running backs at the forefront. And this is the part most people miss: the draft is as much about potential feel and fit as it is about raw talent.
Charles Davis 2026 NFL mock draft 2.0: Cardinals, Seahawks pick Notre Dame RBs in Round 1
With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine now complete, we have another major piece to the draft puzzle in place. Yet, stock values and team needs are still fluid, since free agency is set to ignite roster reshaping when it officially opens on Wednesday, March 11. And of course, pro days are about to begin, adding further movement and evaluation.
There are countless moving parts, which is exactly why this period remains so exhilarating. Trades are bound to influence the board before Round 1 kicks off on April 23 in Pittsburgh, but, as with my first projection, I’m keeping teams in their current draft positions. Now, here is my second projection for how the opening 32 selections might unfold.
Pick 1
The combine’s most surprising reception is reserved for the player who opted out of on-field drills, yet a crowd-pleasing reception from fans follows. I still believe the Raiders, led by Tom Brady, will claim the signal-caller from Indiana as the top overall pick.
Pick 2
In the race to be the first edge rusher off the board, Bailey edges out the competition, boosting his stock after the combine and earning a spot with the New York Jets.
Pick 3
Arizona faces multiple needs, but adding what could be the draft’s best overall talent would provide an excellent foundation to build from.
Pick 4
The Ohio State contingent dazzled as a group at the combine. Reese heads to Nashville as the first Buckeye selected by the commissioner.
Pick 5
Styles’ tape is exceptional, and his combine showing was extraordinary. The New York Giants cannot pass on his elite talent.
Pick 6
Tate’s 40-yard dash time of 4.53 at the combine sparked a quip from Bills GM Brandon Beane on a network broadcast about not drafting him too high. The Browns, eyeing a local option, stay in-state.
Pick 7
Washington’s need for a pass rusher who can close games is real. Bain has the ability to deliver that closing impact with force.
Pick 8
Following the Saints’ strong finish to 2025, adding Delane could sustain and amplify that momentum.
Pick 9
When the Chiefs are at their best, their offensive line dominates. Mauigoa brings physicality and could slide inside to guard, depending on Andy Reid’s preferred five-man line. For context, the team is reportedly releasing tackle Jawaan Taylor to create cap space.
Pick 10
Too many deep throws have found empty air against the Bengals’ secondary in recent seasons. Downs is a reliable, mistake-free cover man and an excellent tackler.
Pick 11
The potential lockdown corner’s pro day will be heavily scrutinized after he missed last season with an ACL injury and did not participate in the combine. A strong showing could establish him as an immediate starter for the Dolphins.
Pick 12
McNeil-Warren brings length, instincts, and ball skills in ample supply. Dallas could use more players like him on defense.
Pick 14
Fano is a natural mover with a pop on contact. His arm length at the combine was below the typical threshold for NFL tackles, which could prompt a shift inside to guard or even a center look if Tyler Linderbaum departs in free agency.
Pick 15
Todd Bowles prioritizes pressure, and like Fano, Howell’s arm length ranked below the standard for his position. Yet his production—33 tackles for loss and 25 sacks over three seasons—speaks loudly in Bowles’ system.
Pick 16
Would the Jets consider Alabama’s Ty Simpson here? It may feel a touch early, but pairing a quarterback with Garrett Wilson could help spark an improving offense in New York.
Pick 17
Kadyn Proctor from Alabama feels like a natural fit for Detroit, while Mesidor could bolster a defense that’s aiming to support Pro Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Pick 18
Thieneman’s athleticism and football IQ were on full display at the combine, suggesting he could be a good match to replace future Hall of Famer Harrison Smith if his career continues and a retirement decision comes soon.
Pick 19
Banks would strengthen Carolina’s interior pass rush alongside Pro Bowl DT Derrick Brown.
Pick 20
Dallas doubles down on defense in Round 1, with Hood joining McNeil-Warren to give new DC Christian Parker two dynamic building blocks on the back end.
Pick 21
Boston’s ball skills, versatility, and toughness should endear him to Pittsburgh’s defense.
Pick 22
Ioane could be selected earlier than expected, so the Chargers should be thrilled if he’s still available. He’s exactly the kind of interior disruptor they need.
Pick 23
If Dallas Goedert hits free agency, Philadelphia can keep expanding their offense by adding the explosive Sadiq.
Pick 24
The Browns are adding Tytus Howard from Houston, but they still require substantial help on the line. Howard could stay at tackle or move inside to guard as needed.
Pick 26
The Bills Mafia remains hungry for a perimeter playmaker. If Beane also signs a veteran receiver, the defense could take priority in this pick.
Pick 27
Assuming Trent Williams remains entrenched at left tackle due to the 2026 cap situation, Freeling will have an excellent opportunity to learn from the best before filling that role down the line.
Pick 28
Lomu takes great pride in protecting the quarterback—no sacks allowed in 2025—and he’ll be pushed to contribute immediately to protect C.J. Stroud.
Pick 29
The Rams might consider Ty Simpson here, but they instead bolster Matthew Stafford’s immediate surroundings with Iheanachor, whose offseason progress has been remarkable, highlighted by a standout Senior Bowl week.
Pick 30
The Broncos, who boasted one of the league’s top defenses in 2025, welcome another talented defender in Allen to sustain their play.
Pick 31
Kadyn Proctor, a massive athlete at 352 pounds with a physical presence, should contend for a starting spot in New England soon after entering the league.
Pick 32
Price delivered an impressive combine showing. With Kenneth Walker III entering free agency and Zach Charbonnet returning from a postseason knee injury, the Rams could benefit from a strong rookie at the position.
Note: This rewritten version preserves all key players and selections from the original content while presenting them in a fresh structure and wording. It adds clarifications about the draft process and team contexts to help beginners understand how prospects are evaluated and why certain picks make sense within the broader strategy of each franchise.
