1st Round
1.01 Pittsburgh Spencer – RB Jeremiyah Love, 6’0”, 214 lbs, Notre Dame, Arizona Cardinals
We are witnessing something historic from Spence, who has an IFL record of 32 selections slated to be added to his squad. His team was stripped for spare parts, a complete teardown, and this draft is the beginning of his rebuild. His future will be centered around superstud Jeremiyah Love, who was regarded as one of the 3-5 blue-chip prospects of the class. Incredibly, he went 3rd overall, joining a dozen backs selected in the top 3 picks that include notable names like Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk, Saquon Barkley, Earl Campbell, Barry Sanders, Ezekiel Elliott, Bijan Robinson, and Trent Richardson.
Love is a do-it-all back whose profiles include pass-catching chops (25+ receptions in back-to-back years) that’ll be highlighted in new head coach Mike LaFleur’s system. Love tallied over 1,100 rushing yards in ’24 and ’25 along with 6.9 Y/A and an incredible 35 total rushing TDs. His character is touted as impeccable, as he won the 2025 Disney Spirit Award, recognizing him as college football’s most inspirational figure.
Love’s will be sharing the backfield with free agent signing Tyler Allgeier, who signed a 2-year 12.25 million deal, which is a top 30 RB deal in the NFL. (in the Rico Dowdle/Kenneth Gainwell tier) That means he’ll likely be involved in his strength in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Love will handle pass catching and between-the-20s looks, similar to what we’ve seen from Bijan in the past couple of years.
He’s one of the best 1.01 selections since the inception of the league and is exactly what you’d hope for when receiving this pick.
1.02 Kansas City Curt – WR Carnell Tate, 6’3” 195 lbs, Ohio State, Tennessee Titans
Another year of life, another elite Ohio State wide receiver prospect joining the NFL. This year’s rendition is Carnell Tate, who has provided quality production during his time as a starter. While Tate never exceeded 1,000 yards during a season, he missed several games in 2025 and was on pace for 1,200 yards and double-digit TDs if he played a full season. The Titans selected him with the 4th overall pick, electing to give Cam Ward an elite #1 weapon to build the offense around. He has a bit of target competition, which includes a past-his-prime Calvin Ridley and signee Wan’Dale Robinson. Tate should be a 100-target earner in short order, making him a quality RB/WR/TE 4/5 option.
Curt is searching for another offensive weapon to pair with his bevy of young prospects across his offense. Tate is the best of the bunch, profiling as a WR1 from the jump.
1.03 Indy Erik – WR Makai Lemon, 5’11” 195 lbs, USC, Philadelphia Eagles
Everyone and their mother has touted Makai Lemon as the next Amon-Ra St. Brown, and that plays in a big way in the IFL. St. Brown is one of the rare WRs worth a massive contract, as evidenced by his $40 million deals in both conferences. Lemon landed in a quality landing spot too, with the Eagles trading away their #1 target getter in AJ Brown once June 1st hits. Lemon took a significant step forward in 2025, with 79 targets, 1156 yards, and 11 TDs in only 12 games.
Erik is doing his usual thing, selecting his annual blue-chip rookie prospect. Lemon likely won’t score at the level of last year’s Ashton Jeanty, but he’ll be a solid floor prospect who can be a back-end offensive starter through his rookie contract.
1.04 Jacksonville Nate – RB Jadarian Price, 5”11” 210 lbs, Notre Dame, Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price is an incredibly unique prospect, as a backup running back selected in the 1st round. Playing behind Jeremiyah Love is not for the meek, but Price still found ample opportunity to showcase quality talent. (Allgeier owners rejoice) Price tallied over 110 carries in back-to-back seasons, with 6.1 Y/A and 18 total rushing touchdowns. Unfortunately, he was a zero burger in the passing game, but that is ok if it translates to the IFL with our .4-per-carry bonus. The Seahawks have one of the weakest running back depth charts in the NFL after electing not to re-sign Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker. Price is slated to lead the team in carries as Zach Charbonnet returns from a serious knee injury, and career backup Emanuel Wilson provides little competition. (Wilson was signed to a low-level 1-year deal to boot, in the Jeremy McNichols/AJ Dillon tier)
It’s been a long time coming, but it looks like Nate’s team is ready to compete. Price is a bow on an offense that includes Quinshon Judkins, James Cook, Chuba Hubbard, JSN, Chris Olave, and ample depth. Price doesn’t have to be a must-start, but will have every opportunity to do so as a 1st round selection.
1.05 Jacksonville Nate – LB Sonny Styles, 6’5” 244 lbs, Ohio State, Washington Commanders
Sonny Styles has been locked in as a top 10 IFL pick since the college football season ended. His stock has only risen through the draft process and was solidified as the 7th overall pick by the Commanders. Styles is a twitched-up, elite athlete with ideal size. In 14 games, he provided 82 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, and a forced fumble during his last year in Columbus. He will directly replace Bobby Wagner and soak up the tackles as a set-and-forget option in week 1.
Nate needs a linebacker to lead the room, with only ok options on the roster. (Cashman, Devin Bush, Patrick Queen, and Commanders’ Leo Chenal). Styles provides star power that’ll be the centerpiece of his defense.
1.06 Kansas City Curt – LB/EDGE Arvell Reese, 6’4” 241 lbs, Ohio State, New York Giants
Incredibly exciting news dropped shortly after Arvell Reese was drafted, as it’s expected he’ll be an inside linebacker for the G-Men. That is a major development, as the Giants are currently loaded at EDGE, and Reese was an excellent inside backer for the Buckeyes last year. He will pair with freak athlete Tremaine Edmunds to be an imposing duo. Reese’s entire role is a bit in flux, as he’ll likely be moving all over the defense long-term. Reese’s tape is the freakiest among defenders in this class. His movements are special. If the Giants develop him properly, he will be an elite IDP option. But as we know, opportunity is king for IDP.
Reese and Captain Jack Campbell are a duo too juicy to pass up at this spot. Another exciting IDP piece for a team that also includes Will Anderson and Jared Verse.
1.07 Miami Brad – WR Jordyn Tyson, 6’2” 200 lbs, Arizona State, New Orleans Saints
If Tyson didn’t struggle with injuries, it’s very possible he would have been the top receiver selected in this class. He still ended up as a top-10 selection, joining an ascending Saints offense that is loading up on young weapons for their 2nd-year QB. Tyson was a superstar during his 2024 junior season, totaling 92 Y/G, 1101 receiving yards, 75 receptions, and 10 TDs in 12 games. Last year was marred by injury, taking a small step back statistically, but that was likely to happen anyway after a special Arizona State season. Tyson is a needed weapon for the Saints, as Rashid Shaheed was dumped at the deadline, and Olave has dealt with injuries annually. It may not be long until he takes over the #1 receiver spot, especially if Olave doesn’t re-sign with the Saints after the season.
Tyson joins one of the AFC’s elite offenses that includes Jonathan Taylor, Breece Hall, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey McBride. While it may take some time for him to get going opportunity-wise, it won’t take time to showcase his opportunity. He’s an ideal mid-round 1st round pick.
1.08 Buffalo Travis – TE Kenyon Sadiq, 6’3” 245 lbs, Oregon, New York Jets
The Jets are joining the en vogue multiple-tight-end personnel by pairing receiving weapon Kenyon Sadiq with last year’s 2nd round pick, Mason Taylor. This year’s premier tight end, Sadiq, was an imposing force for an Oregon team that featured him in the passing game. Sadiq finished 8th in college football with 560 receiving yards, 51 receptions, and 8 TDs. While it may take a year or two for the Jets’ offense to take a step into relevancy, Sadiq will undoubtedly be a part of the equation.
Travis needs an influx of talent on offense, and who better to add than this year’s best TE prospect? The landing spot obviously isn’t great in the near term, but betting on talent versus situation is usually a good bet.
1.09 New England Mark – WR KC Concepcion, 5’11” 200 lbs, Texas A&M, Cleveland Browns
KC Concepcion is known as the elite separator of this receiver class. Concepcion joined the Aggies with hopes of a statistical jump and a shot at a National Championship. If you follow college football, you know there was no chance to win a Natty in College Station, but he was a featured weapon, totaling 61 receptions, 919 yards, 9 TDs in 13 games. He joins a squad that has two established receiving weapons in Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin. Jeudy, in particular, has been a bit flaky in terms of production/skill set, but is signed through 2027. KC profiles as a PPR weapon, which is a positive for our league. Long-term, he’ll be a 4/5 RB/WR/TE, but it may take a year or two to get there, given his offensive surroundings.
Mark has over $200 million of cap space and plenty of holes to boot. He will unpoetically go BPA.
1.10 Kansas City Curt – TE Eli Stowers, 6’4” 235 lbs, Vanderbilt, Philadelphia Eagles
Should Stowers be ranked ahead of Sadiq? I’ve thought about it, but the league certainly thought he was a better prospect. Stowers enters an intriguing long-term situation, with incumbent Goedert only signed through 2026. Stowers is unstartable until Dallas exits stage right, but once he does, it’s wheels up. Stowers led college football in receiving yards and profiles as an excellent fantasy tight end.
Curt elects to redshirt a tight end who will have his moments, but likely won’t have the opportunity to be a fantasy factor. He’ll be a quality starter for likely half his rookie deal.
1.11 Tennessee Jason – EDGE David Bailey, 6’4” 251 lbs, Texas Tech, New York Jets
It’s an excellent EDGE group, and David Bailey leads the crew as the #2 overall pick by the New York Jets. Goodness, they sorely need some star power, so naturally they brought in college football’s sack leader with 14.5. What is unique about Bailey is his intelligence: he graduated from Stanford in 3 years before transferring to Texas Tech, becoming the elite prospect we see today. He’s slated to be an elite pass rusher; it’s just a matter of opportunity on a bad team to provide sacks and how his slightly undersized body will translate in the run game.
Jason lowkey tore down his squad, trading away many of his assets for picks. It’s likely the best player available here, and Bailey fits the bill to build out a studly defensive line.
1.12 Tennessee Jason – QB Fernando Mendoza, 6’5” 225 lbs, Indiana, Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza is the second coming of Kirk Cousins, corny, but he is the epitome of a gamer on the football field. It’s hard not to fall in love with his toughness after he laid his body on the line for an iconic rushing touchdown to help the Hoosiers win the Natty. The Heisman Winner will forever be tethered to one of the greatest moments in college football history, the turnaround of one of the worst teams in the sport. As a prospect, he was the clear-cut #1 overall pick. He delivered a sterling 41 TD/6 INT season, along with 3535 passing yards. As a runner, he is no slouch, with 90 rushes, 276 yards, and 7 TDs. I expect Mendoza to quickly slide into the top 16 fantasy QBs with a ceiling for top 5 seasons.
Jason traded away his starting QB recently, so it’s time for a new era in who will lead the team. Mendoza fits the bill… although he may need to get arrested first to have the swagger he’s looking for.
1.13 Indy Erik – LB Anthony Hill Jr., 6’2” 238 lbs, Texas, Tennessee Titans
It’s a green flag for a prospect when a team runs a 1st-year, defensive-minded head coach who trades up to select you. He does have a bit of a logjam ahead of him, however, as Cedric Gray was a quality linebacker in 2025 and Cody Barton has a $8.2 million cap hit too. Long-term, he should be a quality asset, but it may not happen on day 1 as some may project. In college, Hill was a big play monster, totaling 17 sacks(!!!), 3 INTs, and 8 forced fumbles in 40 games/3 years at UT. That’s the type of profile you’d love to see from a prospect.
It’s always fun to project a LBer to Erik’s squad after all the trash GMs talk about his history of selecting linebackers over the years. Don’t look now, but he has some of the best young options at the position in Daiyan Henley, Edgerrin Cooper, Carson Schwesinger, and Payton Wilson to pair with Hill Jr.
1.14 Tennessee Titans – LB CJ Allen, 6’1” 230 lbs, Georgia, Indianapolis Colts
After the Zaire Franklin exit, there was a team that desperately needed a linebacker, and it was the Indianapolis Colts. CJ Allen has led the complicated UGA defense over the last two years and was touted as one of the best linebacker prospects heading into the winter. His draft capital didn’t disappoint, and neither did the landing spot. While Allen doesn’t tout the big plays that other prospects in the class do, his opportunity is arguably the best south of Sonny Styles. That’ll likely lock him into a 1st round IFL pick.
Jason continues to nuke his roster and lands CJ Allen, the 2.17, and a 3rd in the distant future for Rashee Rice. Jason needs a good linebacker, and Allen fits the bill.
1.15 Indy Erik – EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., 6’2” 263 lbs, Miami, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It felt like Rueben Bain Jr. was in the headlines of the draft process on a weekly basis. It ended with an elite finish to his collegiate career, with 5 sacks in the college football playoffs. It was then quickly identified that Bain has historically short arms, raising questions about whether he’d be worth a 1st-round pick as an outlier body type. Then came the news that he was the driver in a crash that killed someone in 2024, but there were no criminal charges cited. He still became a mid-1st round pick and landed in an excellent spot for quick opportunity, as the Bucs have been dying for EDGE help since their Super Bowl win a half-decade ago. He’ll likely be tasked to be a starter from the jump, pairing nicely with YaYa Diaby.
Erik has some intriguing pieces at EDGE, but taking a stab at the position isn’t a bad idea. Currently, he has Josh Hines-Allen and George Karlaftis projected as starters, and JHA is in the final year of his deal. Bain could replace him long-term.
1.16 New England Mark – LB Jacob Rodriguez, 6’1” 231 lbs, Texas Tech, Miami Dolphins
I always find it puzzling to watch rebuilding teams like the Dolphins and the Cardinals select players and non-premium positions with elite draft capital. Jacob Rodriguez must have really enticed the Fish, as linebacker wasn’t exactly a need heading into the draft either. Rodriguez will compete with Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson for snaps in year 1, but once he gets an opportunity, he could ascend quickly into fantasy stardom. He was a stat machine at Texas Tech, leading the Big 12 the last two years in solo tackles, along with 6 sacks, 5 INTs, 10 PDs, and 10(!) forced fumbles.
Like Jason, Mark has a long way to go to build a competitive roster. He may want to select someone who will have an impact on his squad this year, but J-Rod should be a quality starter sooner rather than later.
2nd Round
2.01 Pittsburgh Spencer – WR Omar Cooper Jr., 6’0” 199 lbs, Indiana, New York Jets
It’s rare to get a 1st round receiver in a 2nd round of a rookie draft, which speaks to the unheralded depth this class possesses. Omar Cooper Jr. led the National Championship Hoosiers’ receiver room to greatness. He was the sticky-fingered playmaker whom Mendoza often turned to for big plays. (It felt like him and Becker took turns in the 2nd half of the season) He compiled 69 receptions, 937 yards, and 13 touchdowns in 16 games. Cooper joins a Jets’ offense that still has Geno Smith as their QB, but he’s locked into a starting role. In year one, he should be a decent bye-week flyer.
I think it’s fitting for Spencer to find a future WR stud at the top of the 2nd after finding a stud RB in the first.
2.02 Buffalo Travis – WR De’Zhaun Stribling, 6’2” 202 lbs, Ole Miss, San Francisco 49ers
It was a bit surprising when the 9ers selected De’Zhaun Stribling to lead off the first round, but stylistically, he makes sense. He’s likely their 1×1 replacement for Jauan Jennings as he’s a larger-bodied receiver who runs blocks really well. Stribling has ample target competition to begin his career with Mike Evans, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall, but he enters one of the best offensive ecosystems in football. He’s a fun bet to hit if the cost is right.
Travis has slowly been building a quality squad, but the offense needs a bit more seasoning. Stribling provides a bit more juice to a team that, with a couple more hits, can become a playoff contender.
2.03 Indy Erik – WR Denzel Boston, 6’4” 212 lbs, Washington, Cleveland Browns
Denzel Boston has been one of the steady draft favorites at wide receiver through the last year or so and goes to the Browns, who are in dire need of receiver help. Boston is your traditional big-bodied possession target who can win in the red zone. He’s likely to directly replace Cedric Tillman in their starting lineup, who often flashed with the opportunity he was provided in Cleveland. Through 12 games, Denzel recorded 62 receptions, 881 yards, and 11 TDs. He’s a safe floor prospect with the ability to reach a consistent, startable IFL ceiling.
This is a long-term selection play by Erik, whose most of his receivers’ contracts expire at the end of 2026. He’ll only have Don’t’e Thornton and Tet McMillan on his roster.
2.04 New England Mark – S Caleb Downs, 6’0” 206 lbs, Ohio State, Dallas Cowboys
Caleb Downs joins the Dallas Cowboys, tasked with turning around a tragically poor defense. Not just statistically, but reputationally. No one takes the team seriously. Downs, as a true freshman starting at Alabama, has been regarded as a studly prospect, and he was drafted as such with Dallas trading up to take him 11th overall. His instincts are flawless, but athletically, he leaves a bit to be desired. Another red flag is that he doesn’t produce big plays in spades, which makes me hesitant to project him in the Kyle Hamilton/Nick Emmanwori tier. Still, he’s gonna be a factor on a defense that needs someone to soak up tackles.
Mark has zero safeties on his roster. Downs would provide a pretty dope first option for his new look team.
2.05 Buffalo Travis – S Dillon Thieneman, 6’0” 201 lbs, Oregon, Chicago Bears
There was a dire need for safety for the Bears, and one of the draft’s best fell in their laps in the first round. Every time I watch Dillon Thieneman, I think of one person, Harrison Smith. The dude can play all over the defense and should slide into playing in the box quite often, with Coby Bryant expected to man the free safety spot. He’s a plug-and-play starter for IFL purposes.
Travis doesn’t have many holes on defense, including safety, which is filled with a trio of young options. None of the three is exactly surefire, so adding another may be a wise option.
2.06 New England Mark – WR Germie Bernard 6’1” 206 lbs, Alabama, Pittsburgh Steelers
There was a time when being drafted as a wide receiver to the Pittsburgh Steelers meant that you were bound for serious fantasy consideration. Now, a 2nd round receiver selection is relegated to the middle of the 2nd. Germie Bernard headlined Alabama’s wide receiver room, with 64 receptions, 862 yards, and 7 TDs. Bernard is expected to slide into the slot, a role he will likely upgrade from Calvin Austin. It may take some time, but Bernard has some PPR value potential, especially if he can gain the trust of Aaron Rodgers. (who somehow hasn’t signed yet.)
Mark has one WR on his roster and continues to build his new-look wide receiver corps. Bernard should shape up to be a potential starter in a year or two with some bye-week viability in the near term.
2.07 Pittsburgh Spencer – LB Jake Golday, 6’4” 237 lbs, Cincinnati, Minnesota Vikings
Freak athlete Jake Golday is an excellent fit for the Vikings long term. Unfortunately, in year one, it’s unlikely he’ll make much of an impact with Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, and Ivan Pace Jr in tow. Pace Jr. and Cashman are both UFA after 2026, and Eric Wilson will be 33 in 2027, so Golday just needs to bide his time. The knock on Golday’s profile is that he needs more seasoning after transitioning to linebacker in the second half of his college career.
Spencer has zero linebackers on the roster and will likely take a year or two to become a contender again. Having a future starter for his favorite team is a perfect fit.
2.08 Buffalo Travis – EDGE Akheem Mesador, 6’3” 259 lbs, Miami, Los Angeles Chargers
Six-year college veteran Akheem Mesador was Robin to Mr. Bain in Miami. Mesa actually led the ACC in sacks in 2026 with 12.5 and added 63 total tackles. He’ll be a 25-year-old rookie, and it’s rare for prospects that old to be selected in the first round. The Chargers need to plan to play him early and often.
Travis has 4 of the next 5 picks, we’re gonna see him plenty on draft weekend. Mesador profiles as another option to start alongside Greenard if Abdul Carter takes another year of seasoning. (Very possible if Kayvon/Reese takes away opportunity)
2.09 Buffalo Travis – RB Jonah Coleman, 5’8” 220 lbs, Washington, Denver Broncos
The word to describe Jonah Coleman is bowling ball. The player to describe him is Maurice Jones-Drew. If that’s not exciting, I don’t know what is. Coleman was a 3rd round pick for the Denver Broncos, who have two quality backs, but they aren’t locked into opportunity if another talented rusher enters the fold. Coleman is expected to initially compete for short yardage and goalline work. He has some passing chops too, with 54 receptions in the last year at Washington.
Travis has only D’Andre Swift on a 1-year deal as a viable starter. Coleman is a quality handcuff prospect with starter upside long term.
2.10 Baltimore Matt – LB Josiah Trotter, 6’1” 237 lbs, Missouri Tigers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It was a bit of a surprise when Josiah Trotter was a 2nd round pick for the Buccaneers, as most draft experts had him as a late-day 2 pick or even sliding into early-day 3. Trotter exploded onto the college football scene with a solid year at Missouri, tallying 84 tackles and two sacks. Trotter enters a low-key, crowded linebacker room with Alex Anzalone, Christian Rozeboom, and incumbent SirVocea Dennis. I have reservations that Trotter can be a three-down player in the early going, and I see a world where Trotter eats on early downs with Dennis coming in for coverage snaps. Still, the 2nd round capital is enticing and may point to a full-time role in time.
Nick Bolton and IDP breakout star Nate Landman lead this room. Dorian Williams may very well finally take the next step, but Matt could use another stab at a potential starter at backer.
2.11 Buffalo Travis – QB Ty Simpson, 6’1” 211 lbs, Alabama, Los Angeles Rams
It was a wild ride of a college football season for Ty Simpson, who was having a Joe Burrow-type ascension before the struggles came in November and beyond. Simpson was often a topic of conversation about being the first overall pick, but he tumbled after not throwing for over 250 yards and posting a 6/3 TD/INT ratio in his last 5 games of the year. Arguably, the biggest knock on Simpson’s profile is that he has one year of starting experience and needs seasoning. The Rams can certainly provide that, playing behind future Hall of Famer Matthew Stafford. Simpson will one day lead one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL, and that comes with fantasy upside.
Travis has one QB signed after 2026, and Cam Ward is not one of them. It feels right to throw Simpson in a taxi and wait a year or two for him to become the starter.
2.12 Buffalo Travis – WR Zachariah Branch, 5’10” 180 lbs, USC, Atlanta Falcons
One of the biggest names in college football, Zachariah Branch, showcased shiftiness and athleticism that put him on the map as a freshman at USC in 2023. He didn’t quite materialize in year 2 under HC Lincoln Riley, so he transferred to Georgia, where he led the SEC with 81 receptions and generated 811 receiving yards. Finally showcasing his upside, he decided it was time to head to the NFL, becoming a third-round pick for the Falcons. Branch enters an intriguing situation where he’ll need to usurp two receivers in a similar vein, Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson, for starting snaps. He’s also slated for a potential kick return and punt return opportunity.
This wraps up Travis’ early draft picks, which included QB Ty Simpson, RB Jonah Coleman, WR De’Zhaun Stribling, WR Zachariah Branch, TE Kenyon Sadiq, EDGE Ahkeem Messidor, and S Dillon Thieneman. Not a bad haul for a team that feels like it’s on the up and up to return to serious contention. (Remember this team was in back-to-back final 4s to start the decade.)
2.13 Indianapolis Erik – RB Emmett Johnson – 5’11” 200 lbs, Nebraska, Kansas City Chiefs
I think this starts the draft window for Emmett Johnson, who is shaping up to be a direct handcuff for Kenneth Walker III. Johnson ended up a 5th round selection for the Chiefs and is in a great spot to receive an opportunity right away behind K9. The Chiefs elected not to re-sign Isiah Pacheco, another Day 3 running back they utilized extensively through his rookie deal. Johnson led the Big Ten in carries and rushing yards last year and had a respectable 5.8 YPA to boot. While it’s near impossible Johnson will ever lead this backfield with K9 healthy, a Zach Charbonnet-type production profile is very much in the cards.
Erik has K9, and to have his direct backup is a sound strategy. This ensures he has a backfield that has been dying for a consistent rushing attack for a couple of years, too.
2.14 Indianapolis Erik – EDGE Keldric Faulk, 6’6” 270 lbs, Auburn, Tennessee Titans
There are EDGE prospects of all sizes in the class, but Keldric Faulk is on the larger size of what we often see for the star pass rushers coming in nowadays. The late 1st round pick didn’t have a great final season by any means, with only 29 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 PDs. He’s a projection prospect, as he’s still only 21. Faulk has an excellent opportunity, as the Titans currently don’t have much on the EDGE depth chart.
Erik continues to bolster his EDGE room, and this concludes another large early-round class. In this mock, he comes away with RB Emmitt Johnson, WR Makai Lemon, WR Denzel Boston, EDGE Reuben Bain Jr. EDGE Keldric Faulk, and LB Anthony Hill Jr..
2.15 Las Vegas Craig – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, 6’3” 201 lbs, Toledo, Cleveland Browns
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is this year’s freak athlete in the Kyle Hamilton/Nick Emmanwori mold. His pro prospects aren’t expected to start with a bang like those two, especially given his move to a defensive scheme that is a complete question mark under DC Mike Rutenberg, the former pass game coordinator of the Falcons. EMW is a box/hybrid safety who will be employed to attack in space and occupy passing lanes. He is a quality prospect with annual top 16 safety upside once he gets full-time snaps.
It’s weird to only mock Craig one draft pick in the first two rounds, since he built his squad through the draft in prior years. EMW provides much-needed safety reinforcements as Brian Branch and Andrew Makuba are coming off serious injuries.
2.16 New England Mark – TE Max Klare, 6’4” 246 lbs, Ohio State, Los Angeles Rams
Max Klare joins the perfect team to test the TE emergence in the NFL. The Rams are at the forefront of 12- and 13-personnel in the NFL and have the offensive capability to provide two-tight-end fantasy viability. Does Max Klare have the ability to do so? I think so, as he finished in the top 10 in receiving yards at Purdue in 2024 and in the top 25 at Ohio State. He can be a functional run blocker to boot. While opportunity will be the largest hurdle to cross in LA, expecting any tight end to produce right away isn’t the right way to look at them. Klare can become a valuable asset in a year or two.
It was a hefty draft class for Mark, who came away with 5 picks in the first two rounds and holds the 3.01. He comes away with WR KC Concepcion, WR Germie Bernard, TE Max Klare, LB Jacob Rodriguez, and S Caleb Downs.
2.17 Tennessee Jason – RB Nicholas Singleton, 6’0 219 lbs, Penn State, Tennessee Titans
Nicholas Singleton was a star-studded prospect who never quite lived up to the hype. He was touted as a potential early 1st round pick this time last year, but never quite broke out, sharing time with the big-bodied RB Kaytron Allen. Singleton is a pass-catching and big-play specialist and goes to a team that may have significant transition if Tony Pollard and Tajae Spears don’t resign as UFA in 2027. In the early going, Singleton will need to prove last year’s poor 4.5 YPA was a fluke to earn opportunity behind the other two backs.
Singleton is a prototypical boom/bust prospect who enters a quality opportunity to make a name for himself. Due to his name recognition and opportunity, he’ll likely get carries quickly to prove whether he’s worth a long-term investment. He feels like a perfect prospect to put a bow on this 2nd round, and Jason would be ecstatic to see him fulfill his potential.
Others considered: RB Kaelon Black, WR Chris Bell, WR Antonio Williams, WR Caleb Douglas, WR Malachi Fields, WR Ted Hurst, WR, Chris Brazzell II, WR Skylar Bell, WR Zavion Thomas, TE Marlin Klien, TE Oscar Delp, DT Caleb Banks, EDGE Cashius Howell, and EDGE Malachi Lawrence.
