How did trade shake up the first round?

The dust has settled on the NFL Trade Deadline, and now it is finally safe to do a mock draft for the start of November.

Several teams have cemented themselves as being in the bottom tier of the league, and they need a boost as a result. Others in the middle of the pack find themselves looking for that one final piece. If their general managers hit on those picks, they can take the next step, but at the same time, the top tier of teams is in place to enjoy the 2026 NFL Draft a bit more. Teams like the Bucs, Packers, Lions, and Bills are all right there in terms of Super Bowl rosters. They get to enjoy picking the best player available, but it also makes for a tougher mock draft experience.

Here is how picks shaped out in our November mock draft.

Tyler Shough has only played in two games, but I am calling it and saying he is not it for the Saints. Fernando Mendoza has shown he has the arm talent and strength to deliver passes to every level of the field. In New Orleans, especially in a dome, he has a chance to throw some really impressive passes as Kellen Moore finally gets his quarterback.

Trade: Cleveland Browns send the 6th, 38th, and 70th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

2) Cleveland Browns (via TEN) – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Browns trade up to finally solve their quarterback problem, they hope, by drafting Ty Simpson. Him with Kevin Stefanski in his offense should be interesting, as they now have the running game figured out again. Simpson has shown he can make sound decisions, has good velocity on his passes, and can also lead a team through adversity or a rough patch. That last part specifically is going to serve him well if he lands in Cleveland.

3) New York Jets – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Personally, I think the Jets should wait to draft a quarterback in 2027, but this staff and front office may not be able to wait. Dante Moore is a fearless passer who can handle any environment and is someone on an uptick. Nothing better than a quarterback who has gotten better over the years, and for him to land in New York with the Jets is a solid fit.

4) Miami Dolphins – Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

The Dolphins’ offensive line needs some big-time investments, and they do not come any bigger than Kadyn Proctor. Whether it is a tackle spot or a move inside to guard, he is someone they can use within the offense.

Malik Nabers is a star in the making, but coming off an ACL, he may have a slower start to 2025. They have something with Jaxson Dart, and giving him a skill player trio of Nabers, Cam Skattebo, and Jordyn Tyson would give them an electric offense. Tyson and Nabers complement each other, and it is a move that makes a lot of sense for where the Giants are right now.

6) Tennessee Titans (via CLE) – Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami (FL)

An offensive line of Jeffrey Simmons and Rueben Bain Jr.? Yeah, that will serve the Titans well as they work their way back to relevance. Having a physically imposing defense opposite Cam Ward on offense is a good combination to start the rebuild.

Maxx Crosby needs some help in the middle of the defensive line. It was supposed to be Christian Wilkins, but that experiment didn’t pan out. Peter Woods is a player with a similar build and skill set, so he is a fun fit for the Raiders as they look to build up their defense.

No one knows what is going to happen with Trey Hendrickson, and Shemar Stewart is not looking very polished as a pass rusher at the moment. T.J. Parker, working in tandem with either one or in rotation with the three of them together, makes the Bengals have a fun pass rush unit.

The Washington Commanders have a secondary that needs a lot of help in 2026. They have some young developing pieces, but adding someone like Caleb Downs could put this unit over the top. Downs is a complete safety and helps both their run defense and their coverage.

10) Baltimore Ravens – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Carnell Tate brings a skillset that is perfect for the Ravens’ wide receiver group. Lamar Jackson could thrive with him working on the outside as he can take the top off the defense, or work the slot for them and create yards after the catch. Either way, he is someone who is perfect for what the Ravens are missing in their passing attack.

11) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Mansoot Delane has been one of the most impressive defenders, regardless of position, in college football this season. The Rams have had some help from their cornerback committee as a whole, but Delane gives them someone who can help cover an entire side of the field.

12) Arizona Cardinals – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

James Conner is coming off a season-ending injury, and his contract is favorable for the Cardinals to move on from this offseason. Love is a dominant running back in college football, and the run game is something the Cardinals need, regardless of who the quarterback is. Whether it is Jacoby Brissett or someone else, having a consistent running game will go a long way to help them.

13) Houston Texans – Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa

The Texans just need a better offensive line, period. Gennings Dunker could be a tackle, but he most likely moves inside. The team needs better blocking in every facet, and a mauler like Dunker helps them achieve that.

14) Dallas Cowboys – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

Arvel Reese is a linebacker who can help their run support problems, but also with pass rush. He is a dynamic defender, one they could really use, and he will make an instant impact in this spot. Although with Matt Eberflus coaching the defense, that may hamper things…

T.J. Hockenson is looking like the ACL injury is still lingering, and it has been some time now since the injury. Kenyon Sadiq is a younger, more explosive option for them at tight end and can block reliably as well. Give quarterback J.J. McCarthy weapons to make plays, and the results fans and the team want from him will follow.

Bryce Young is looking the part, Rico Dowdle is emerging as a starting running back, but Tetairoa McMillan needs help at wide receiver. A duo of him and Makai Lemon would bring a smile bigger than anything Bryce Young has ever had. They would complement each other well and give Young a chance to take the next step in his development.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense has been the dark horse reason as to why they have been able to win Super Bowls. Yes, having Pat Mahomes helps, but when this defense is at the top of its game, they are a machine. They need to rebuild their secondary and get someone at a value like Jerod McCoy does that. He can be a CB1 for them and be someone they rely upon to stick with an opposing team’s WR1.

18) Chicago Bears – Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

The Bears have tried going for the homerun swings in free agency, or by finding a value later in the draft. They need to invest in an edge rusher with a first-round pick, and Keldric Faulk is perfect. A unique blend of speed and power that can both rush the passer, but also stop the run.

19) Cleveland Browns (via JAX) – Spencer Fano, OL, Utah

If they are going to invest in a quarterback in the draft, like we project, or if they simply stick with Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders, this offensive line needs help. They easily could be having five new starters in 2026, but at the very least, they need to invest in some tackles. Getting Fano here, just inside the top 20, is a good value and someone you can plug and play right away.

20) Pittsburgh Steelers – Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Steelers’ secondary has had some fun players emerge through development, but they need one more piece. Putting Terrell opposite Joey Porter Jr. would give them two reliable corners in a division that has them dealing with deep wide receiver depth across the board.

21) Detroit Lions – A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State

The Lions like physical cornerbacks, and ones that can provide run support. A.J. Harris checks both boxes and would be a fun fit to pair with Terrion Arnold. Harris has good coverage ability on top of his run supporting prowess, and would give them a good, young core in their secondary with four playmakers in the bunch.

22) Los Angeles Chargers – David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

The Chargers’ pass rush cannot rely on Khalil Mack, who is not getting any younger. David Bailey is someone who can be installed on day one and given the single priority of getting after the passer. He is still raw in some areas, but he is, without a doubt, a pure pass rusher through and through.

Whether they install him to replace Trent Williams eventually, or they move him to guard, the 49ers need some additions to the offensive line. Mauigoa is someone who can be a day one starter, it is just up to them to see where he will factor into the equation for them.

24) Dallas Cowboys (via GB) – Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

The Cowboys traded away Micah Parsons and now their pass rush effeciency is among the worst in the NFL. Cashius Howell has some measurement concerns, but no one can argue he isn’t effective as a pass rusher on the Aggies’ defense. He and Arvell Reese would be a good combo for the Cowboys to build this defense back with.

25) Buffalo Bills – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Bills have a good receiving group already for Josh Allen, but they need some pop. KC Concepcion is a dynamic playmaker that they can install on both the offense and in the return game. He can take the top off the defense, or they can dump it off to him at the line of scrimmage and let him create on his own. Either way, he can be a playmaker for the Bills.

26) Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Seahawks secondary is destined to part ways with Riq Woolen this offseason, so they need someone to install in his place. Colton Hood is the second half of a special pairing in the Tennessee defense, and has really stepped up in the absence of McCoy.

27) Los Angeles Rams – Jayden Maiava, QB, USC

The Los Angeles Rams have to know that Matthew Stafford has maybe a year or two left, tops. Jayden Maiava has demonstrated good arm talent, decision-making, and an ability to extend plays to give his receivers chances. He can sit behind Stafford for the next year or two to develop before they hand him the keys to the castle.

28) Denver Broncos – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The middle of the Broncos’ defense isn’t bad, but they could use some juice. Adding the athletic freak that is Sonny Styles, who can give them more range at the position with some ball skills sprinkled in. The Broncos’ defense is special. Styles would put it over the top and help out their young offense in the process.

The Bucs are likely to lose Haason Reddick this offseason after signing him to a one-year deal this offseason. Reddick has helped take pressure off of Yaya Diaby, and he has since emerged as a reliable piece in the defense. Giving him a young speed rusher opposite him could allow both men to be in a position to make an impact in 2026.

30) New England Patriots – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Stefon Diggs is playing some of his best football since tearing his ACL in 2023. Be that as it may, Drake Maye needs a younger target to build weityh and Denzel Boston is perfect for that. A receiving trio of Boston, Diggs, and Kayshon Boutte would be a nice group for the Patriots’ young passer.

31) Philadelphia Eagles – Olaivavega Ioane, iOL, Penn State

Olaivavega Ioane is someone who just screams, “I am an Eagle.” He is a mauler on the inside, can be great in run blocking, and has good anchoring ability as a pass blocker. He can be installed in the middle of their offensive line, and they can get back to running all over the NFL.

32) New York Jets (via IND) – A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon

They traded away Quinnen Williams, and they now need to replace him with another monster in the middle. A’Mauri Washington has the unique blend of pass rush and run-stopping they need, with an added touch of athleticism that can give their entire defensive front a boost.

#trade #shake

Leave a Comment