Way, Way Too Early NFL Mock Draft (Part 2)
Steak breaks down picks 11-20 of the upcoming NFL draft.
Steak
NBA, CBB, NFL, CFB
I know we are all sad football season is over and while I love college basketball and March Madness as much as the next person there’s simply nothing that beats talking football and that is why I have decided to do a way way too early 2026 NFL Mock Draft. Let me start by saying I love the NFL draft I have attended every single one since 2017 in Philly and am going to the 2026 one Pittsburgh at the end of April. So enjoy this mock from a draft lover but NOT an expert.
11-20
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delaine, CB, LSU
This one’s pretty simple. The new defensive-minded head coach will absolutely address the team’s biggest defensive need with his first pick — and there’s no better way to do it than by taking the best cornerback in the draft.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny becomes the third Ohio State defender off the board in the first 12 picks, and Dallas gets a nasty addition to a defense that was bad last year but is clearly improving. Styles brings physicality, versatility, and an edge this unit desperately needs.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
A lot of people have the Rams adding a dynamic receiver here, especially with Davante Adams getting older. While I don’t think that’s an awful idea, this team has to address cornerback after getting lit up by Bryce Young, Caleb Williams, and Sam Darnold to end the season. McCoy fills a major need.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Loane, G, Penn State
I’m sure a lot of Ravens fans want the sexy pick here — Makai Lemon, the wide receiver from USC. And don’t get me wrong, this team absolutely needs another playmaker. But I can’t see Baltimore pairing Zay Flowers with another receiver under six feet tall.
With Tyler Linderbaum due to hit free agency in March, shoring up the offensive line feels like the smarter move. Loane keeps this unit strong and physical up front.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
No-brainer pick. The Bucs have big run-stoppers, but they don’t have a true stud off the edge. Howell gives them exactly that — speed, pressure, and a defensive identity piece.
16. New York Jets: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
I wouldn’t be shocked if Aaron Glenn used both first-round picks on defense. But after seeing the Ravens and Rams pass on Lemon — a receiver with superstar potential who’s drawn comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown — I think Glenn pulls the trigger with the Jets’ second first-rounder. That’s too much talent to pass up.
17. Detroit Lions: Kaedyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
This pick feels like a no-brainer — and if Taylor Decker retires, it becomes the biggest no-brainer of all time. Jared Goff needs protection. He looks like a completely different quarterback when he has it, and Proctor is the best offensive lineman available here.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Minnesota needs another defensive back to pair with Byron Murphy and Isiah Rodgers in Brian Flores’ defense. There are solid options here, but Terrell’s man-coverage dominance sets him apart. He feels like the right fit at 18.
19. Carolina Panthers: Keldrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Carolina has needed edge help since trading Brian Burns to the Giants. They finally get it here. Faulk is young and raw, but the ceiling is insanely high. This is a swing on upside — and it makes sense.
20. Dallas Cowboys: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Dallas would probably run to the podium for Faulk or Howell if they were available. But Mesidor is far from a bad consolation prize. The Cowboys clearly want this defense to become a strength, not a weakness — and doubling down in the trenches shows exactly that.
