Story by
2026 NFL mock draft: Jaylen Waddle trade gives Dolphins ammo, reshapes Round 1
- Story by
- 2026 NFL mock draft: Jaylen Waddle trade gives Dolphins ammo, reshapes Round 1
What had been a fairly quiet offseason to date for the Denver Broncos seemed to take a lucky turn on St. Patrick's Day.
Denver is set to acquire WR Jaylen Waddle and a fourth-round draft pick this year from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for the Broncos' Round 1 pick in 2026 (30th overall) along with third- and fourth-round choices, which are also near the end of those respective rounds.
Advertisement
The transaction brings the number of teams with multiple selections in the first round of this year's draft to five. It also has a corresponding effect on USA TODAY Sports' post-free agency mock draft , which no longer includes Denver:
1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
As if there's been any mystery surrounding this pick since the 2025 regular season ended, the Silver and Black's position was further clarified by the trade of QB Geno Smith , who wasn't even retained as a bridge option to Mendoza. The 6-foot-5, 236-pound Heisman Trophy winner paced FBS with 41 TD passes last season, processes like a microchip and just led the Hoosiers to a magical national championship. His interactions with reporters and his fellow attendees at the scouting combine continued to burnish his reputation as an outstanding person and teammate. Might have been nice for this team to get extra youngsters around Mendoza had the Maxx Crosby trade gone through , yet playing with Crosby could be equally beneficial for the new face of the franchise – on the field and off.
2. New York Jets – OLB/DE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Aside from acquiring Smith, Gang Green spent a fair amount of money in free agency – including on edge players Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare . But neither is going to strike the fear of God into opposing quarterbacks. Bailey, a Stanford grad , came into his own with the Big 12 champion Red Raiders in 2025, tying for first in the FBS with 14½ sacks while leading the field with a 20.2% pressure rate and mixing in 19½ tackles for losses. Bailey is scheme diverse, which could also be a boon for a team switching to a three-man front and one that also recently offloaded DE Jermaine Johnson II , who was optimal for Tennessee 's 4-3 defense.
Advertisement
3. Arizona Cardinals – OLB/DE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
They've added a lot of players, though primarily on offense. But with a major question at quarterback following Kyler Murray's departure , Arizona is the proverbial team that could be at least a year away from being a year away − and maybe even two years away from being a year away. Yet if there was a quarterback worthy of the No. 3 overall pick ... then the Jets would have taken him at No. 2. And that means Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort, who traded out of the opportunity to take future All-Pro DE Will Anderson Jr . in 2023, probably needs to be in the business of accumulating blue-chip players – and Reese projects as one. The Micah Parsons comparisons are obviously premature, but Reese, who turns 21 in August, has plenty of time to develop into a full-time pass rusher and maybe justify the comp one day. And getting to the quarterback is especially important in the NFC West, where the Cards are looking way up at their competition right now.
4. Tennessee Titans – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
GM Mike Borgonzi wasn't shy about spending his huge quotient of cap space, importing what appears to be at least a half-dozen new starters. The new-look Titans even have ... a new (old?) look . But what's the best way to advance the development of QB Cam Ward , last year's No. 1 overall pick? How about giving him a player perhaps adjacent to Saquon Barkley or Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs in terms of game-breaking ability and versatility? Love is an every-down back, one who's averaged 6.9 yards per carry and caught 55 passes over the past two seasons. The Titans could keep his usage in check as a rookie with RB Tony Pollard under contract for one more season. But pairing Love and Ward could potentially create an offense primed to surge ticket sales when the Titans move into their new stadium in 2027.
Advertisement
5. New York Giants – S Caleb Downs , Ohio State
Assuming they skew defensively in the draft, the arrival of LB Tremaine Edmunds on a three-year, $36 million deal seems to be a good indicator of where the Giants might now go. Is Downs the best defender in this draft? Arguably. Can he play exceptionally in the slot, box or center field − a skill set Kyle Hamilton provided new coach John Harbaugh in Baltimore ? Yep. Yet Downs' ability to anticipate and read the field could really render him a professional game changer at a position that normally isn't drafted this highly.
6. Detroit Lions [proposed trade with Cleveland Browns ] – OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
The Lions and longtime LT Taylor Decker divorced , yet there doesn't appear to be an obvious in-house replacement, nor did one arrive during free agency. Freeling, 21, who was a teammate of Lions G Tate Ratledge in Athens, seems like the obvious choice in the draft − where he's probably got the highest ceiling among all the left tackle prospects, if not a ton of experience with only 16 college starts. But given Detroit is squarely in a championship window, GM Brad Holmes would probably have to get aggressive to obtain Freeling − likely a first-round pick swap with Cleveland and a second-rounder this year and next given the Lions don't have a Round 3 choice in 2026.
Advertisement
7. Washington Commanders – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Washington did a lot of work in free agency. But they don't have a clear-cut No. 2 receiver behind veteran Terry McLaurin , who will be 31 this season and is coming off his least productive NFL campaign. A fellow Ohio Stater like McLaurin, Tate is the latest ready-made wideout product emerging from the Buckeyes' pipeline. His 51 catches in 2025 averaged 17.2 yards, nearly three more than former teammate Jeremiah Smith, and he should add another explosive element to an offense that already has QB Jayden Daniels ripping off plenty of big plays.
8. New Orleans Saints – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
With a huge need at the position following the departure of Alontae Taylor , the Saints could solve it by bringing in a guy who's right up the road. Almost certainly the premier corner available this year, the 6-foot, 187-pound All-America has lockdown ability and might even be able to eat up some of Taylor's snaps in the slot – though Delane was rarely used there at Virginia Tech and LSU.
Advertisement
9. Kansas City Chiefs – OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
QB Patrick Mahomes has suffered the highest sack percentage of his nine-year career over the past two seasons and went down a career-worst six times in K.C.'s Super Bowl 59 loss. As he tries to return in time for this year's regular-season opener, despite rehabbing from a torn ACL , upgrading his protection seems imperative – especially given the release of RT Jawaan Taylor for performance and compensation reasons, plus the fact that Jaylon Moore didn't wrest a starting OT job in 2025. A three-year starter for the Hurricanes at right tackle, Mauigoa, a 6-foot-6, 329-pound mauler, could be a long-term solution opposite 2025 first-rounder Josh Simmons while vastly improving the odds Mahomes won't continue running for his life in 2026. Mauigoa might also be the best choice for a team that's invested so heavily in Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III , who should be Kansas City 's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2017.
10. Cincinnati Bengals – LB Sonny Styles , Ohio State
Arguably the star of this year's combine given the freakish traits (4.46 40-yard dash, 43½-inch vertical leap) he put on display, the 6-foot-5, 244-pound converted safety is too good to pass up for a defense in transition − and might only fall this far given teams like the Giants, Commanders and Saints invested in off-ball linebacker during free agency. But the Bengals can clearly use some help there, and it wouldn't hurt to have an athletic, cerebral leader like Styles − he's also a native Ohioan − take the reins.
Advertisement
11. Miami Dolphins – WR Makai Lemon, USC
Waddle's departure leaves a massive hole in the Fins' passing game. Malik Washington , who had 46 catches for 317 yards in 2025, is currently Miami's nominal WR1. Free agency additions Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell round out the depth chart, but neither has shown the capability to be the No. 1 guy. Lemon would have been worthy of consideration here on merit after catching 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 TDs during his final college season. A slot machine extraordinaire, he'd immediately provide new Miami QB Malik Willis with a high-volume target – and, given the widespread comparisons Lemon draws to fellow former Trojan Amon-Ra St. Brown, might also be the kind of culture influencer a rebuilding organization badly needs.
Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) reacts after making a catch for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
12. Dallas Cowboys – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
A torn ACL cost him the entire 2025 season, but McCoy was practicing by the end of it and will be 20 months removed from the injury by the time Week 1 rolls around. DaRon Bland is the only corner with a long-term future on what will be a reimagined Dallas D in 2026 − Cobie Durant signing for just one year. McCoy would be a welcome addition, and Durant's presence could allow him more time to ease into the pros if needed.
Advertisement
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons ) – WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Obviously zero need now to reach for a corner here with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson inbound from K.C. LA had the league's No. 1 passing game in 2025 – in large part due to Puka Nacua's heroics. But Davante Adams , 33, was the only other productive wideout and battled injuries late in the season and is only under contract for one more year. Boston (6-4, 212) is the kind of supersized red-zone target (20 TD catches since 2024) and boundary receiver who could provide an easy transition from Adams while perfectly complementing Nacua.
14. Baltimore Ravens – DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
GM Eric DeCosta claimed he'd hoped to acquire Crosby and sign pass rusher Trey Hendrickson . Picking Bain, who most certainly plays like a Raven − short arms and all − would allow for an alternate fulfillment of that plan. Bain's T-rex limbs didn't stop him from being extremely productive – often against NFL-caliber offensive tackles – for the 'Canes. He bulled his way to 9½ sacks and 15½ TFLs last season and was a menace during the College Football Playoff.
Advertisement
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
He will be 25 by draft night but could provide instant production – for a team that should be an instant contender and is in win-now mode – after leading the ACC with 12½ sacks in 2025, including 5½ in the CFP. YaYa Diaby was the only Buc with more than 4½ sacks last season, and recently signed Al-Quadin Muhammad is only under contract for one year.
16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts ) – OL Spencer Fano, Utah
With the pick obtained in last year's trade of CB Sauce Gardner , New York must continue to build an infrastructure and talent base with which to surround its next potential franchise quarterback – who probably won't arrive before 2027. Fano might optimally fill the bill. He played both tackle spots for the Utes but almost exclusively on the right side the past two years. Yet his arm length (32⅛ inches) might necessitate a move inside – something Fano seemed open to at the combine, where he even worked out at center. Regardless, he'd be an immediate starter with the position flexibility of ex-Jet Alijah Vera-Tucker, who just left for New England . Adding Fano would also give the Jets three first-round blockers on rookie contracts, a nice welcoming gift to the presumed QB the team drafts in 2027.
Advertisement
17. Browns [proposed trade with Lions] – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
A rebuilding squad moves down from the No. 6 spot in this scenario − sensible given the lack of elite prospects in this draft coupled with Cleveland's need to continue building out its roster. Tyson, a two-time All-Big 12 choice, is a complete package who could be quite an asset for QB Shedeur Sanders or whomever the long-term answer here is behind center. Despite battling through an array of injuries in college, Tyson caught 136 balls (18 for TDs) over the past two seasons. His size (6-2, 203) is a plus.
18. Minnesota Vikings – S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
With Harrison Smith's future in doubt , Thieneman would make sense as both a short- and long-term solution. One of the combine's standouts, the Ducks All-American is a rangy player who can be weaponized all over the field.
Advertisement
19. Carolina Panthers – TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
The first tight end in combine history to record a sub-4.4 40, Sadiq, who also had a 43½-inch vert, certainly made some money in Indianapolis. And maybe he gest paid in Charlotte, where the Panthers haven't gotten much from their tight ends in recent seasons.
20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers ) – DL Peter Woods, Clemson
A gifted lineman who has yet to approach his maximum potential, the All-ACC performer might be an ideal fit in Dallas, where the Cowboys are switching to a three-man front but just traded Osa Odighizuwa . Woods could settle in alongside Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark , and his short arms might not be such an issue while matched up more often against interior blockers.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Could the draft's host team take a young quarterback to build around in the future? Sure. Is it the best move in a seemingly weaker QB class – especially if the Steelers want to give Aaron Rodgers , assuming he returns, the best chance to take this organization further in 2026? Of course not. Arguably the best blocker in this draft, the 6-foot-4, 320-pound road-grading Ioane – one with high RPMs who lined up at tight end in some packages – could move into the spot vacated by Isaac Seumalo.
Advertisement
22. Los Angeles Chargers – OLB/DE T.J. Parker, Clemson
A 6-foot-4, 263-pounder who ran a sub-4.7 40-yard dash at the combine, Parker isn't Khalil Mack – who is? – but could be a heckuva a Mack-lite backfill for the veteran, who re-signed with the Bolts but just for 2026.
23. Philadelphia Eagles – OT Blake Miller , Clemson
The All-ACC right tackle might be too good to pass up – especially for lineman lover Howie Roseman – given Lane Johnson is in year-to-year mode and missed Philly's final eight games, including the playoffs, last season.
24. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars ) – OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
A two-year starter at left tackle for the Utes, he'll need to get a little stronger in the NFL. But Lomu could also nicely provide the final piece to Cleveland's recently overhauled offensive line.
Advertisement
25. Chicago Bears – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Need a Monster of the Midway? How about a 6-foot-4, 200-pound DB with a penchant for big hits and finding the ball? And it certainly seems like the Bears could use one with All-Pro Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker leaving the back line during free agency. McNeil-Warren and recently signed Coby Bryant could equate to a nice recovery plan.
26. Buffalo Bills – DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Faulk, an intriguing gem in need of some polish, can fill an area of concern given the Bills' wideout issue seems solved by the trade for DJ Moore . Faulk should be a three-down player who can kick inside on passing downs. He also has a reputation as being an excellent locker-room presence, always a huge bonus.
Advertisement
27. San Francisco 49ers – CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
San Francisco 's corners certainly weren't helped by the rash of injuries this defense suffered in 2025. Doesn't mean the Niners couldn't use some significant help in pass coverage, which Terrell is prepared to provide – whether out wide or in the slot, where he played more often in 2025 for the Tigers.
28. Houston Texans – WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
They invested heavily in (Iowa State) receivers in last year's draft, but Houston still doesn't have a proven option behind WR1 Nico Collins . And a team that doesn't appear to have many glaring needs might decide Cooper, Mendoza's top target at IU − and one comfortable operating from the slot − might be too good to pass up.
Advertisement
29. Chiefs (from Rams) – CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
With McDuffie and Watson gone, K.C. gets to work rebuilding its secondary with a guy who should be a plug-and-play starter.
30. Dolphins (from Denver Broncos ) – OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
With Lemon already on the way in this scenario, Miami's next move could and should be bolstering the protection around Willis. Proctor (6-7, 352) can block out the sun yet is an impressively nimble athlete. Exclusively a left tackle for the Crimson Tide, Proctor and current Miami LT Patrick Paul would project as the long-term bookends with Dolphins RT Austin Jackson , who's never truly asserted himself at the NFL level, entering the final year of his contract.
Advertisement
31. New England Patriots – OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
The obvious issue for the AFC champs during the playoffs was protecting QB Drake Maye , who was sacked 21 times in four postseason games, including six times by Seattle in Super Bowl 60. RT Morgan Moses is under contract for two more years but just turned 35. Iheanachor isn't a finished product but is a wondrous athlete − one who might not even need a full season to displace Moses opposite LT Will Campbell.
32. Seattle Seahawks – RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
While they would have liked to retain Walker, other priorities – like re-signing WR/KR Rashid Shaheed – took precedence. But Seattle doesn't have the luxury of standing pat in the run game, either, given RB2 Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in January. Price is a slasher who starred in a timeshare with Love at Notre Dame and could nicely fill Walker's role – maybe one of Shaheed's, too, if the Seahawks opt to make him a bigger part of the offense in 2026.
Advertisement
All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter .
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL mock draft: Jaylen Waddle trade causes first-round ripples
