5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
Even after they just selected Rueben Bain with a 1st-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers continue to fortify the pass rush with this Colin Simmons selection.
And we have to put at least a small asterisk next to this one after seeing Simmons carted off the field against the Florida Gators on Saturday. That was an unpleasant sight for a player having an absolutely fantastic year.
Simmons not only knows how to get to the quarterback, but how to finish once he gets there. He’s a stud.
6. Arizona Cardinals: CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
One of the things you love to see with CJ Carr so far this season is how confidently he’s spreading the ball around the field. We obviously got glimpses of his NFL potential last season, but he’s really passing every test so far in 2026.
The hype train for Carr is really starting to build some steam lately, and he’s been one of the most consistent passers in the country.
It just so happens that the Arizona Cardinals are in the market for a quarterback and used a top pick on a Notre Dame offensive player in 2026. The Cardinals reunite Carr with Jeremiyah Love to keep setting the foundation for the future of this franchise.
7. New Orleans Saints: Xavier Gilliam, DL, Tennessee
One way or another, this pick for the Saints was going to be spent on the defensive front seven. The only question was, is this right spot to take Dylan Stewart off the board? More on him later.
The Saints go after one of the top breakout defensive linemen in the country this season in Xavier Gilliam of Tennessee, who is absolutely wrecking interior offensive linemen.
He is winning with a combination of quickness off the ball and pure power. Nobody has been able to deal with him. The Saints need more disruptors like that on their defensive front.
8. Washington Commanders: Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
The Washington Commanders absolutely have to figure out the outside cornerback position. If they finish with this poor of a record, I’m not sure he’ll be around to coach him, but we know Dan Quinn loves big, long corners on the outside.
Ashton Hampton would fit the bill perfectly.
He not only has ideal size and length for the outside cornerback position, but he’s also got fantastic ball skills and toughness. When the ball is in the air and headed in his direction, he makes it impossible for receivers to catch it cleanly.
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