NFL Mock Draft Buzz Builds
Mock draft speculation shows Saints trading down to No. 14 for CB Jermod McCoy, Panthers moving up to No. 10 for OT Spencer Fano, and Buccaneers eyeing LB CJ Allen or EDGE Ahkeem Mesidor. Saints also considering WR Carnell Tate at No. 14 while RB Jermiyah Love could fall to Chiefs at No. 9. 2026 NFL Combine measurements and 40-times are circulating for draft prospects ahead of the April draft.
A potential trade target for the Saints, Jermod McCoy, was a 2024 All-America Second Team selection at Tennessee after transferring from Oregon State. He is coming into the draft off a torn ACL that caused him to miss the entire 2025 season. In his two active collegiate seasons, he recorded a total of 75 tackles and six interceptions. The Carolina Panthers' interest in Utah's Spencer Fano comes as they look to bolster their offensive line, a significant need, especially with Ikem Ekwonu's late-season knee injury. Fano was a dominant force in college, earning the Outland Trophy and being named a unanimous All-American in 2025. His 93.0 overall PFF grade in 2024 was the highest among all FBS tackles. Tampa Bay's focus on defense could lead them to Georgia linebacker CJ Allen, a consensus All-American in 2025. Allen was a tackling machine for the Bulldogs, leading the team with 88 tackles in his junior season. The Buccaneers have a significant need at linebacker and could see Allen as a long-term solution. Miami's Ahkeem Mesidor, another Buccaneers target, established himself as a premier pass rusher, earning Second-team All-American honors in 2025. After transferring from West Virginia, where he was a two-time All-Big 12 selection, Mesidor became a First-team All-ACC performer for the Hurricanes. Ohio State's Carnell Tate is a top wide receiver prospect, finishing his collegiate career with 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns. Despite a reportedly slow 40-yard dash time at the combine, his polished route-running and reliable hands have drawn comparisons to DeVonta Smith. The Saints, with the 8th pick, are seen as a potential landing spot to pair him with fellow Buckeye alum Chris Olave. Notre Dame running back Jermiyah Love is a hot name in the top 10, with the Chiefs being a possible destination. Love was the 2025 Doak Walker Award winner as the nation's top running back and a Heisman Trophy finalist. A former Missouri state champion in the 100-meter dash, he brings elite speed to the position, having run a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine.
