2026 Mock Drafts

[JB]

Projecting the 2026 NFL draft, one year out: Miller's early predictions for every Round 1 pick

What might the Browns and Rams do with their multiple first-rounders? How many QBs could go on Day 1? Here's Matt Miller's early look at the 2026 draft.

www.espn.com

21. Houston Texans​

Austin Barber, OT, Florida

The Texans went through a massive offensive line overhaul after surrendering 52 sacks in 2024, trading left tackle Laremy Tunsil, signing several free agents and selecting tackle Aireontae Ersery in Round 2 of the past draft. But the work in finding better protection for C.J. Stroud is far from over. The 6-foot-6, 314-pound Barber started 12 games at left tackle last season, showing pro-level starting upside thanks to efficient hand placement in pass protection and ideal quickness for zone running schemes.

 

[steelbtexan]

Projecting the 2026 NFL draft, one year out: Miller's early predictions for every Round 1 pick

What might the Browns and Rams do with their multiple first-rounders? How many QBs could go on Day 1? Here's Matt Miller's early look at the 2026 draft.

www.espn.com

21. Houston Texans​

Austin Barber, OT, Florida

The Texans went through a massive offensive line overhaul after surrendering 52 sacks in 2024, trading left tackle Laremy Tunsil, signing several free agents and selecting tackle Aireontae Ersery in Round 2 of the past draft. But the work in finding better protection for C.J. Stroud is far from over. The 6-foot-6, 314-pound Barber started 12 games at left tackle last season, showing pro-level starting upside thanks to efficient hand placement in pass protection and ideal quickness for zone running schemes.

If the pick an OL in the 1st rd, I hope Jake Slaughter C Florida is the pick. Texans get their Linderbaum. Smart/Tough/Strong.

 

[Lucky]

If the pick an OL in the 1st rd, I hope Jake Slaughter C Florida is the pick. Texans get their Linderbaum. Smart/Tough/Strong.

The 2026 draft is far away. But Slaughter would be my favorite at this point. My early overall favorite is Anthony Hill. LBs don't go as high as they used to. But I think Hill will be a wrecking ball.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I’ll be watching the following:

OC- Jake Slaughter / Florida
DE- Dani Dennis-Sutton / Penn State
OG- Gennings Dunker / Iowa