The NFL season is entering its second month, and with it are coming some curveballs that even Aaron Judge would have a hard time hitting, and not just because the regular season is over.
The Vikings are sitting at 3-2 head into their Bye Week, but they could be in much worse of a situation had they allowed injuries to get the best of them. Not joining them in the game of luck are some surprises like the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Dallas Cowboys. One way or another, this Vikings team has remained afloat through all the chaos while others have seen their boats sink.
That brings us to today, where we have a new mock draft as we get ready for more October football and the rest of the dominoes to fall for teams. Enough games have been played for some needs to emerge, so let’s fill them, shall we?
Note: The draft order is set heading into Monday Night Football of Week 5 according to Tankathon.
1) New York Jets – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The New York Jets are…something else to say the least. Is Aaron Glenn going to make it more than one year here? What about the general manager? This team is playing at such a low level, and it is disappointing, given the stars they have in Garrett Wilson, Quinnen Williams, and Sauce Gardner, who are fighting every week. They have some pieces for a quarterback to be productive behind, so Fernando Mendoza is the pick here. A passer with a lot of game experience compared to most in this class, and the arm talent to make throws to every level of the field. While the defense is likely to continue sorting itself, Mendoza gives the offense some efficiency and positivity, given the pieces he will have around him.
2) Cleveland Browns – Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami (FL)
Is Dillon Gabriel the future? I am not ready to believe that despite a promising debut against the Minnesota Vikings and their tough defense. However, this defense is playing at an elite level, but let’s add another piece. Giving them Rueben Bain Jr. would give them a defensive front of Bain Jr., Myles Garrett, and Mason Graham. The team has been patient in finding a quarterback, not that they should be, but passing on Bain Jr. when Garrett has been begging for a tag team partner may be hard to do.
3) Baltimore Ravens – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
I have never had to write a mock draft pick this high for the Baltimore Ravens in my entire life. That being said, this defense is a shell of what it used to be. They need some help upfront, as their defensive line is playing so badly that it is causing their linebackers and safeties to be overworked. Peter Woods is arguably the best player in this class and is an absolute steal for them in this spot. He will help with their run support on day one, with some interior pass rush potential sprinkled in.
4) Miami Dolphins – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Dolphins are lost on a variety of levels, with defense being one of them. The team lost Jevon Holland in free agency, and getting Caleb Downs to replace him on the back end of their defense is more than an acceptable move. Downs can become a leader on defense and change the entire mood of the defense with his versatility.
5) New Orleans Saints – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Spencer Rattler has been serviceable, and yes, they drafted Tyler Shough. Dante Moore has shown more promise, arm talent, and ability in the handful of games this year than they did as prospects in their handful of years on film. I believe Moore could be in discussion for the top pick when it is all said and done, but for now, the Saints get him here at five.
6) Las Vegas Raiders – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Ashton Jeanty is consistently getting hit behind the line of scrimmage, and Geno Smith has no time to throw. While it was tempting to give Smith a receiver here, he and Jeanty need the offensive line help. Mauigoa, opposite Kolton Miller, gives the Raiders book-end tackles and a promising offensive line for the first time in a long time.
7) Tennessee Titans – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Cam Ward has shown moments of brilliance, but this Titans roster is a lot for him to even overcome. He has found a connection with Elic Ayomanor, but they need some more help on offense. Jordyn Tyson gives them someone with a complementary skillset, and will allow for the offense to continue to open up.
8) New York Giants – Monsoor Delane, CB, LSU
While I remain optimistic about the cornerback group as a whole, it has taken some hits to start the year. One player has emerged, though, as the season has gone on in Monsoor Delane. He is a big, physical cornerback who plays with an edge and is someone the Giants need on the outside. They have a dynamic safety duo in place; it’s time to give them some reliable corner play to support them.
9) Cincinnati Bengals – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Joe Burrow is going to be beaten into retirement if this team does not fix the offensive line sooner rather than later. Spencer Fano is a safe pick and is someone who can be a tackle for them, or could even move inside if they desire. They need to select the best available offensive lineman when they are on the clock, and that pick is unlikely to change between now and April.
10) Carolina Panthers – T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
The team took a free agent gamble on Patrick Jones II coming off his career year in 2024 in Minnesota, and he hasn’t played poorly, but he also isn’t the long-term answer. T.J. Parker is someone who can be a starter opposite Brian Burns and help Derrick Brown as they play alongside each other. This Panthers defense needs more consistent pass rush, and Parker helps achieve that.
11) Houston Texans – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Texans’ offensive line is not quite as bad as the Bengals’, but it is close. Kadyn Proctor has not been great this year, but he has shown moments of brilliance. The Texans need to invest in the offensive line to help C.J. Stroud have the time he needs for plays to develop and make the throws he is capable of. The offense has not looked good, outside of Week 5, and yet they still remain full of promise. Fixing the offensive line helps this team get back on track.
12) Arizona Cardinals – Jermiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
James Conner was heading into a pivotal year with his contract, as the money would put the team in an interesting position, and then he got hurt. While Conner has been a great fit with the Cardinals in their scheme, they need to prepare for the future, and there is no one better than Jermiyah Love. He fits the same mold and playstyle as Conner and would help this offense by not relying too heavily on the arm of Kyler Murray.
13) Dallas Cowboys – Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
Of course, the Cowboys traded away Micah Parsons, so they need some help at the edge position. The team is also worried about stopping the run, and Faulk is a complete player off the edge, where he can stop the run just as effectively as he gets after the passer. This is a no-brainer of a pick for the Cowboys as they look to retool their defense.
14) Los Angeles Rams – John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
Matthew Stafford is being held together by glue and tape at this point, and playing well in the process. Sean McVay needs to find his replacement and someone who plays similarly and has identical arm talent; John Mateer is that player. He has plenty of starting experience, and he would be ready to start whenever he is called upon. Being in the McVay offense is about as perfect a pairing for both parties as they could ask for.
15) Kansas City Chiefs – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Travis Kelce is long past his prime at this point in his Hall of Fame career. The team has shown they like Noah Gray, but they need someone athletic with promising blocking skills like Kelce. That perfect replacement comes in the form of Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq. The Oregon playmaker could open up the entire Chiefs’ offense the way Kelce did at one point, and it would help Worthy and Rice on the outside have an easier go of things. This may be the most lethal pairing of any team and player in this mock draft when you look at them all in the grand scheme of things.
16) Chicago Bears – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are a great 1-2 for the Bears, but in the NFC North, they need to be deep at cornerback. Jermod McCoy could be a top ten pick, but teams are likely to be bullish on him coming off the torn ACL in January. McCoy gives them someone who can take away an entire side of the field, like Johnson, and it elevates the Dennis Allen defense much more than it already has been in 2025.
17) Washington Commanders – Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
Dan Quinn likes having his space eaters in the middle of his defense. The team moved on from Jonathan Allen this past offseason, and Christen Miller can be their replacement. The Georgia defender has great awareness and good instincts to diagnose plays and could be a great fit next to Daron Payne in the Commanders’ defensive front.
18) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) – Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
Rob Harvenstein is getting up there for the Rams, and whether it is Matthew Stafford or the earlier pick of John Mateer, they need to have a reliable offensive line. Dunker projects more to me as a guard, but he could be a short-term replacement at right tackle, who, if that doesn’t work, could move inside and be a Pro Bowl guard.
19) New England Patriots – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Drake Maye is showing the most progress of any 2024 quarterback from the draft class, and that is without much help around him. Stefon Diggs has been a reliable weapon in what could be the final year of his tenure in New England, so they need to get him a long-term WR1. Makai Lemon could be that and allow for Maye to have a bona fide playmaker to pass to downfield or across the middle, as he has shown to be able to work both.
20) Denver Broncos – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Bo Nix isn’t regressing in 2025, but he isn’t progressing as much as he should. Courtland Sutton is still playing at an elite level, while Troy Franklin is emerging as a reliable target; however, one more would be beneficial. Carnell Tate is shifty with his body control and size on the outside and would be a welcome addition to the Broncos’ offense. Tate could be a much higher pick than 20 when April runs around, but I can see teams overthinking him the same way they did Emeka Egbuka.
21) Los Angeles Chargers – A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
The Los Angeles Chargers defense has been a bright spot, but they need more help on the outside. A.J. Harris is everything that both Jim Harbaugh and his coordinator Jesse Minter looked for at Michigan. He is physical, can provide run support, and tracks the ball well enough to be reliable in forcing turnovers. A perfect fit for both parties, in my opinion.
22) Minnesota Vikings – Connor Lew, C, Auburn
Ryan Kelly is dealing with his second concussion, or a continuing one, that has him now on injured reserve. They are a constant problem in his career, and he is in Minnesota on a two-year deal. Connor Lew is the best center prospect in the college ranks and is someone the Vikings could plug and play right away. They have made the offensive line a priority, and Lew makes this unit remain at the top of their game.
23) Seattle Seahawks – Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
Howell is stepping up in the Aggies’ defense and playing at an elite level this year. He has all the tools you want from an NFL edge rusher and is someone the Seahawks could use as they look to generate more consistent pressure. Howell possesses the athletic ability they look for, as well as the physical traits to develop further. Mike MacDonald could use him to complete his defensive overhaul in the Pacific Northwest.
24) Dallas Cowboys (via GB) – Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State
The Cowboys want to stop the run, and putting Big Citrus next to Kenny Clark could be a lethal one-two punch for Dallas. He has been one of the more entertaining defensive linemen to watch this year in college football with his ability to clog running lanes, as well as to surprise folks with some pass-rush moves.
25) Pittsburgh Steelers – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
The Pittsburgh Steelers are enjoying their final season with Aaron Rodgers, and he is showing that this offense can hum when they have a competent passer in the backfield. Garrett Nussmeier is someone who processes well and has a good arm, but may be limited physically. That being said, the pieces around him in Pittsburgh should do enough to elevate him as they look for the future of their franchise.
26) Cleveland Browns (via JAX) – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Ty Simpson, like Date Moore, waited his time behind other starters, and he has proven that it was worth the wait to see him play. Week 1 was tough sledding against Florida State, but since then, he has been a consistent uptick each week. He remains calm under pressure, has good mobility in and out of the pocket, and when he extends plays, he keeps his eyes downfield to make throws. All of those things are needed in Cleveland, and I think Simpson could be a fun dynamic in Kevin Stefanski’s offense.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Arvel Reese, LB, Ohio State
Arvel Reese is one of the most athletic linebackers in the country and has proven to be a top 15 prospect in the draft already. He didn’t see much playing time in 2024, but he has made up for it in 2025, being one of the more impactful players on a Buckeye defense loaded with them. Lavonte David is playing like a shell of himself in 2025, sadly, and whether he retires or not, the team needs a replacement, and Reese is their man.
28) Detroit Lions – R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma
The Lions and Aidan Hutchison boast one of the best defensive units in the league, but he needs some help on the opposite edge. Many people expected them to get him someone in April’s draft, and they didn’t. R Mason Thomas is the perfect fit opposite him as someone who is lightning fast off the edge and can take some pressure off Hutchison to free him up and create more chaos.
29) Buffalo Bills – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Bills’ defense is at its best when they have reliable safety play. Look at the years with Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, for example, they need a tone setter on the backend of the defense, and that is what Dillon Thieneman is. He is great downhill, has good ball skills, and fits into what the Bills want and need from their safety.
30) San Francisco 49ers – David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Nick Bosa is down once again with another Torn ACL, and the 49ers’ pass rush has stumbled. They drafted Mykel Williams in April, but he is more for run support. David Bailey is a straight-line pass rusher who finds ways to win with his speed and hand usage time and again. He would be a compliment to what they have in Bosa, while also being able to be used in rotation with Williams to make this defensive front as effective as possible.
31) Indianapolis Colts – Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Colts are the surprise team of the season as their offense has looked good, but their defense even looks darn near elite at times. That being said, they could use some more help in their promising secondary, and Terrell can be that. They love players who can track and find the ball to make plays, regardless of size, which makes Terrell the perfect fit.
32) Philadelphia Eagles – Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Yes, Howie Roseman gets another Georgia player, this time in the secondary. Despite the great play of Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, they need more help. Daylen Everette gives them more depth and someone who can cover on the outside, allowing them to be more flexible in their coverages and assignments in Vic Fangio’s defense.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: New QBs enter first round discussion in October
