This 2026 NFL Mock Draft shifted instantly as the first three picks unfolded with clinical predictability. With Mendoza, David Bailey, and Francis Mauigoa off the board at the top of the hour, the draft truly began at pick number four. For a front office tasked with navigating a high stakes rebuild, the objective was clear: prioritize elite athletic traits and foundational trench talent over safe, consensus boards. This mock represents a calculated pivot toward a high-ceiling roster, blending Day
1 starters with developmental “freaks” tailored for specific coaching philosophies. By focusing on the “engine room” of the roster, we have constructed a team capable of dictating the tempo on both sides of the ball.
Round 1: Pick 4 — Arvell Reese, EDGE (Ohio State)
With the “Big Three”, Mendoza, Bailey, and Mauigoa, already spoken for. The board opened up for a defensive game changer. Reese was the easy choice here for me. In Robert Saleh’s aggressive, penetrating defensive front, Reese provides the explosive speed to power traits that define elite edge rushers. His ability to bend the arc and disrupt the pocket from multiple alignments makes him a Tier 1 chess piece. While some fans might have clamored for the explosive Jeremiyah Love—a sentiment I certainly respect—Reese is the essential Day 1 cornerstone upon which this defensive identity can be built.
Round 2: Pick 35 — Chris Brazzell II, WR (Tennessee)
I’ve been beating the drum for Brazzell since long before he became a draft darling, and at 35, he was the essential offensive addition. With targets like Germaine Bernard, Chris Bell, and Antonio Williams still available, Brazzell’s 6’5″ frame and elite catch radius offer a vertical ceiling that this offense has lacked. He is a prototypical “X” receiver who dictates coverages and wins at the point of attack, making him the most polarizing but high reward weapon on the board. He provides exactly what the Titans desperately need: true boundary depth to complement Elic Ayomanor and give Cam Ward a massive, reliable target on every level of the field.
Round 3: Pick 66 — Keylan Rutledge, IOL (Georgia Tech)
With veteran leadership like Kevin Zeitler likely moving on, GM Mike Borgonzi’s adamant philosophy of building through the draft takes center stage. Rutledge is a plug and play starter whose technical refinement and “nasty” finisher mentality make him the perfect long term interior counterpart with Peter Skoronski. Beyond his physicality, Rutledge brings elite efficiency to the interior. He didn’t allow a single sack in over 800 snaps last season, ranking as one of the nation’s premier pass blocking guards. His combination of ACC caliber power and refined hand-fighting provides immediate security for Cam Ward while creating massive lanes for a running back committee.
Round 4: Pick 101 — Markel Bell, OT (Miami (FL))
This was the most difficult decision of the draft so far, as I didn’t LOVE the boards talent, there were prospects like: OL Jager Burton, LBs like Harold Perkins, and a well rounded CB Malik Muhammad. Ultimately, I decided to go with the Dan Moore successor. The need for a franchise-caliber blindside protector outweighed other positions, and I believe Bell, at 6’9″, possesses the rare length and surprisingly efficient mobility required in Brian Daboll’s scheme to be a cornerstone anchor. His 36-inch-plus reach and ability to move in space make him the ideal developmental wall for a modernized, multi-dimensional offense.
Round 5: Pick 142 — Tacario Davis, CB (Washington)
Emerging as a clear winner at the NFL Combine, Davis brings rare 6’4″ length to the secondary. A physical profile that is nearly impossible to find this late in the draft. He is a quintessential press man specialist who fits the aggressive, “face in the fan” profile Robert Saleh demands from his cornerbacks. By securing Davis here, the Titans land a defender capable of neutralizing the massive perimeter threats that define the AFC South. Although Tennessee was aggressive in free agency, adding the likes of Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott, Davis provides the unique size and 4.41 speed necessary to ensure this secondary isn’t just deep, but dominant.
Round 5: Pick 144 — Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB (TCU)
Just two picks after Davis, I doubled down on defensive IQ. Elarms-Orr adds a high level coverage linebacker who thrives in Saleh’s zone matching principles. His sideline-to-sideline speed and diagnostic skills allow him to transition seamlessly into the middle of the defense, providing a modern solution to athletic tight ends and pass catching backs. I believe he is an excellent pairing beside Cedric Gray for the future, giving the Titans two rangy, high volume tacklers to anchor the second level. It is also worth noting he was the Alamo Bowl Defensive MVP and a 1st-team All-Big 12 selection.
Round 6: Pick 184 — Pat Coogan, OC (Indiana)
With the draft entering its final stages, the focus shifts to high floor stabilizers, and Coogan is the definition of a “pro’s pro.” Transitioning from guard to center during his time at Indiana, he brings the positional versatility that is non negotiable for a modern NFL depth chart. Coogan plays with a wide base and excellent leverage, consistently washing out interior defenders in the run game. In a division featuring massive nose tackles, his experience against Big Ten power is invaluable. He serves as a high-IQ insurance policy for the interior, capable of backing up all three spots while providing the toughness needed to set the tone in the trenches.
Round 6: Pick 194 — Caden Curry, EDGE (Ohio State)
Curry is a player who simply should not have slipped this far after a breakout senior campaign that saw him rack up 11 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. A relentless worker who sets a violent edge, he fits the “dirty work” profile Saleh demands from his defensive ends. Curry offers elite run defense, evidenced by his dominant 11 tackle performance against Washington. He has a non stop motor that allows him to win through pure attrition. His versatility to kick inside on sub packages, combined with over 600 career special teams snaps, makes him the perfect high value rotational piece to keep the defensive front fresh and disciplined throughout a grueling 17-game season.
Round 7: Pick 225 — Kaelon Black, HB (Indiana)
To round out the class, we look to the backfield for a change-of-pace weapon who mirrors the modern NFL’s demand for “positionless” playmakers. A crucial weapon for the Indiana Nation Champions, Black can come in and earn the number three spot on the depth chart behind the well rounded Tony Pollard and the shifty-oriented Tyjae Spears. Black is a dynamic, low center of gravity runner who excels in space and offers legitimate value as a receiver out of the backfield. While he may not be a 20-carry bell cow, his vision in zone schemes and ability to make the first defender miss makes him a dangerous situational threat. Adding Black provides a spark to the rotation, offering a high effort runner who can contribute on special teams immediately while pushing for snaps as a third-down specialist.
Closing the Mock
This haul represents more than just a collection of talent. It is a declaration of identity. By securing the offensive interior, identifying a franchise caliber offensive line help, and injecting the defense with “Saleh-style” disruptors, this roster has successfully bridged the gap between potential and performance. While some picks lean toward the polarizing, the emphasis on high ceiling traits ensures that this class has the firepower to redefine the team’s competitive window for years to come.
But I want to hear from you! Are you locked in on Love at #4? Do you agree with us taking a corner? How about Markel Bell, do you agree we should look for the Dan Moore replacement this year?
Drop a comment below!
If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow me on X (Twitter) @TwoToneTrey for daily draft takes and the latest on the Parade Pursuit!
