The countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft has officially begun! With free agency now behind us and the top players locked into lucrative contracts, team needs have shifted and new opportunities have emerged. As we enter the final stretch, it’s time to take a look at the latest update of Tony Pauline’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft, brought to you by Essentially Sports.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in search of a franchise quarterback since the departure of Ben Roethlisberger. And in this mock draft, they finally find their man in the form of Ty Simpson. The talented quarterback out of Alabama has been making waves in the college football scene with his impressive arm strength and accuracy. With Simpson at the helm, the Steelers can look forward to a bright future and a return to their winning ways.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams have their sights set on USC’s Makai Lemon. The wide receiver has been a standout performer for the Trojans, showcasing his speed, agility, and catching abilities. With the departure of Robert Woods, the Rams are in need of a reliable receiver to complement Cooper Kupp, and Lemon fits the bill perfectly. His addition to the team will give quarterback Matthew Stafford another weapon to work with and elevate the Rams’ offense to new heights.
Moving on to the third pick, the Detroit Lions select defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux from Oregon. Thibodeaux has been a dominant force on the defensive line, using his size and strength to overpower opponents. With the Lions in need of a pass rusher, Thibodeaux’s addition will bring a much-needed boost to their defense and help them compete in a tough NFC North division.
At number four, the New York Giants opt for offensive tackle Evan Neal from Alabama. The Giants have been struggling to protect their quarterback and establish a solid running game, and Neal’s presence will go a long way in addressing those issues. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing 360 pounds, Neal is a massive presence on the field and has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Giants’ offensive line for years to come.
The fifth pick sees the Houston Texans selecting cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. from LSU. Stingley Jr. is widely regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in college football, with his exceptional speed and coverage skills. With the Texans in need of a shutdown corner, Stingley Jr. is the perfect fit for their defense and will help them improve their pass defense significantly.
The sixth pick belongs to the New York Jets, who select running back Bijan Robinson from Texas. Robinson has been a standout performer for the Longhorns, showcasing his speed, agility, and ability to break tackles. With the Jets in need of a dynamic playmaker in the backfield, Robinson’s addition will give their offense a much-needed boost and help them establish a strong running game.
At number seven, the Philadelphia Eagles select linebacker Christian Harris from Alabama. Harris has been a force to be reckoned with on the Crimson Tide’s defense, using his speed and tackling abilities to make plays all over the field. With the Eagles looking to rebuild their defense, Harris’ addition will bring a much-needed injection of talent and leadership to their linebacker corps.
The eighth pick sees the Carolina Panthers selecting offensive tackle Zion Nelson from Miami. Nelson has been a standout performer for the Hurricanes, using his athleticism and technique to protect the quarterback’s blindside. With the Panthers in need of a reliable left tackle, Nelson’s addition will give them a solid foundation to build their offensive line around.
At number nine, the Atlanta Falcons select safety Kyle Hamilton from Notre Dame. Hamilton has been a dominant force in the secondary, using his size and range to make plays all over the field. With the Falcons in need of a playmaker on defense, Hamilton’s addition will bring a much-needed boost to their pass defense and help them compete in a tough NFC South division.
Rounding out the top ten, the Denver Broncos select quarterback Sam Howell from North Carolina. Howell has been a prolific passer for the Tar Heels, showcasing his arm strength and accuracy. With the Broncos in need of a long-term solution at quarterback, Howell’s addition will give them a talented young signal-caller to build their offense around.
As we approach the 2026 NFL Draft, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. With talented players like Ty Simpson, Makai Lemon, and Kayvon Thibodeaux expected to make an
