Charles Davis Stuns with 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Unexpected Slide Sparks Blockbuster 49ers TE Pick!
As the NFL Scouting Combine looms just beyond the horizon, my mind’s already spinning with the possibilities and plot twists that these next few weeks could unleash. The landscape is anything but set in stone—between the combine’s pulse-pounding drills and the whirlwind of free agency, the path to Round 1 on April 23 in Pittsburgh is wide open for shakeups. Which underdog prospects might leapfrog the favorites? Who will slide down the board, defying expectations? Heck, could a Heisman Trophy finalist actually slip through the cracks? It’s enough to get any football junkie’s heart racing. So buckle up—here’s my take on how the draft’s opening salvo might just unfold. LEARN MORE
With the NFL Scouting Combine just days away, I can’t help but think about what surprises await us in the weeks ahead. We know much will change between now and the start of Round 1 on April 23 in Pittsburgh, with the combine and free agency set to shake things up. So, which prospects could come off the board earlier than we expect? Who might be available later than we anticipate? Could it be a Heisman Trophy finalist? Blasphemy!
So, let’s get to it. Here is my initial forecast for the first round.
NOTE: NFL Network and NFL+ will have live coverage of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine beginning Feb. 26.
No surprise here. The Raiders take the Heisman Trophy-winning national champion to begin anew at quarterback.
The Jets need a full-on talent infusion, and Reese might be the best overall player in this year’s draft.
The Cardinals must improve on the offensive line under new head coach Mike LaFleur. Mauigoa brings a dose of nastiness to the unit.
The Titans provide All-Pro DT Jeffery Simmons immediate help. Robert Saleh would have a nice foundation to work with up front on defense.
The Giants believe in QB Jaxson Dart. Now they need to make sure they protect him.
Big plays have come at a premium for Cleveland. Lemon will help create more.
The top cornerback in the draft heads to Washington, which should be making major investments on defense this offseason.
The Saints found their QB in the 2025 draft with the selection of Tyler Shough. Now they give him a big-play threat to play opposite Chris Olave.
The best move for Kansas City would be to trade down and acquire more picks. In this scenario, they stick and add another pass rusher.
Playmakers are needed on all three levels of the defense. I know the Bengals spent second- and fourth-round picks on linebackers in last year’s draft, but Styles is a top-five talent they cannot pass up.
First-year GM Jon-Eric Sullivan begins his new duties by giving head coach Jeff Hafley a big-time player for his secondary.
McCoy missed all of last season after suffering an ACL tear, so his draft slotting could come down to how teams assess his medical evaluation. If he’s healthy, McCoy might be the best cover corner available.
Time is of the essence for 2025 MVP Matthew Stafford. The Rams add another flyer to his arsenal.
Faulk’s talents fit the Ravens’ profile. He’s a versatile, hard-charging pass rusher.
There will be a lot of talk about Howell having shorter arms, but the tape shows an Aggie who plays every snap with intensity. Todd Bowles could use more juice off the edge.
After drafting a pass rusher with the second overall pick, the Jets take a rugged people-mover at guard to continue their inside-out rebuild.
Mesidor is a force off the edge. Lions Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson certainly approves of this selection, although Detroit might opt to address the offensive line here. Could this be a spot for Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor or Clemson’s Blake Miller?
Are teams undervaluing the running back position again? The Vikings cannot pass on a top-three talent in this year’s draft. Head coach Kevin O’Connell will find plenty of plays for him.
After a surprising drive to the top of the NFC South last season, the Panthers keep building up their defense with a rising interior talent. Carolina must do a better job against the run, and McDonald helps in that effort.
The Cowboys seem to never take a true safety in the first round (SEE: Roy Williams in 2002). Could this year be different? Longtime starter Donovan Wilson is headed for free agency.
There will be plenty of buzz about picking a QB or WR here, but in this iteration, they look to replicate the waves of defensive linemen we’ve seen from Super Bowl-winning teams in recent years.
Hood is not only a good cover corner but a fierce tackler, as well. That’s the brand of football Jim Harbaugh wants to play.
The Eagles tend to fortify positions before a desperate situation develops. Freeling could be two-time first-team All-Pro OT Lane Johnson‘s eventual successor.
The Browns have too many holes on the offensive line to leave Round 1 without drafting at least one player who can help them up front.
Despite missing most of the 2025 season with a foot injury, Banks reignited excitement about his potential during Senior Bowl week. He provides the Bears with the push they want to create inside.
It seems too easy. A WR to satisfy not just a team need and an elite QB, but a most invested fan base? Sounds good to me.
The 49ers specialize in selecting players that perfectly fit the vision for where they’re going as a team. Sadiq is a special talent and will have an All-Pro TE to emulate in George Kittle.
One of the best defenses in the NFL adds to its bag of riches along the defensive front.
Is Terrell a nickelback-only at the next level? Can he also play outside? I see a complete corner who can cover and is willing to tackle, as well.
Broncos Pro Bowler Nik Bonitto is the pass-rushing leader of a defensive line on a multi-season tear. His fellow former Sooner will be eager to join the party.
Iheanachor is exactly what the Pats need: More young talent for the offensive line. He would immediately compete for snaps at right tackle. However, if New England opts to go edge rusher here, Clemson’s T.J. Parker should be in play.
The Super Bowl Champs add to their vaunted “Dark Side” defense with a rangy safety to complement 2025 rookie sensation Nick Emmanwori. Georgia LB CJ Allen could also be a consideration here.
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