Prisco’s 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0: Four of top five picks on defensive side

This is a slam dunk. All mock drafters will get this one right. He is the guy to turn that franchise around.

I think they will consider David Bailey here as well, but in the end Reese plays the run better and will give them more position versatility.

Adding Bailey to a front with Josh Sweat would give the Cardinals a nice 1-2 punch on the edge. They could also consider tackle here, but Bailey is a better prospect.

They added some nice pieces to the defense in free agency, so this will give them a nice edge player to finalize their front four.

He is the type of player John Harbaugh loves in the middle of his defense. He has the speed to chase down plays behind a good defensive line. It fits.

They need to get a premier receiver, even if the quarterback situation is muddied. Tate would be that guy. He is a polished player who fits a major need.

They would consider edge Reuben Bain in this spot if he were there, but they signed guys in free agency. They opt for the star runner who can be their go-to guy in the run game.

In Brandon Staley’s scheme, he could play the “star” role in their defense. That’s a hybrid player who can do a lot of things in coverage and in the run game and as a blitzer.

They have a need at right tackle — although Jaylon Moore can play there — and Mauigoa can be a starter right away. Down the line, he could also be a guard, which is what some scouts think he will be.

He missed last season with a torn ACL, but the word is he’s made a nice recovery and he’s the best cover player in this class when healthy. The Bengals could use another corner.

He is a good man cover player who would fit a major need in the Dolphins corner room. They have a lot of bodies there, but is there a true quality starter in the group?

The Cowboys have to get some twitchy help on the edge. Thomas can do that. He isn’t big at 6-2, 240, but he would fit the new defense. This would seem high for him, but watch his tape.

They add to their receiver room, giving them a little more juice. We know that Davante Adams isn’t a kid anymore, so why not get a young receiver to develop for the future?

He is the cleanest offensive lineman in this class. He is a power player who will step in and start right away to bolster a line that needs it.

They need more help for their pass rush. Faulk seems to fit the type of player general manager Jason Licht likes to draft. His best football is in front of him.

The Jets need to get receiver help to go with Garrett Wilson. Tyson might be the most talented in this class, but he has missed a lot of time with injuries.

This is a team in need of young offensive line help. Fano played tackle in college, but he could also move inside to guard.

They need a young playmaking safety who has a lot of tools in the box. McNeil-Warren is that type of player. He might end up as the best safety in this class.

They need to give Bryce Young a playmaking tight end, which Sadiq can become. He is also a willing blocker, which is big in the run game.

They can use some linebacker help and this kid can do it all. He is good against the run and the pass.

He is the perfect Steelers player. He is nasty in the run game and is good in pass protection. He’s just scratching what he can become as a left guard, which is a position of need for the Steelers.

They have to get some young blood for their edge group. Lawrence is one of those guys who would fit what they want in their scheme. He plays hard all the time, which shows up on tape.

They have to get some younger offensive linemen with Lane Johnson always talking retirement. Proctor played left tackle in college, but he could easily move to the right side.

Are they sold on the guys they have? That’s debatable, especially with a new coach. Simpson would be an interesting pick for the Browns.

He played heavy last year, and didn’t play as well. That’s why he’s down this far in the draft. But Woods was once considered a top 10 talent and his weight is down.

The Bills have to get more edge-rush help and Howell can do that. He has shorter arms, but he can impact the game off the edge.

Trent Williams is getting up in the years and he wants a new contract. It’s time to start looking for a replacement.

They need to get some young talent inside on defense. It might seem strange to do that here with other needs, but Banks has the talent — if he can stay on the field — to become a nice power player inside.

They have to get corner help with both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson now with the Rams. Terrell said he modeled his game after McDuffie, so it would fit.

The Dolphins need pass-rush help, so they can take the local product to liven up their pressure. He’s older at 25, but he would be a nice addition to their defense.

Edge help is needed and Parker has some juice off the edge. Parker didn’t play as well last year as he did in 2024, but the talent is there.

They lost Coby Bryant to free agency, so Thieneman would compete right away. He is a playmaker who has the range to fit in this scheme.