NFL Mock Draft Surprises Emerge
Mock draft surprises include Monroe Freeling in first-round OT talks, Brandon Cisse for CB2, Bengals eyeing Sonny Styles despite recent linebacker picks, and 49ers targeting Cole Payton on Day 3. Texans insiders report buzz on potential trades and free agency moves ahead of the NFL Combine.
Georgia's Monroe Freeling, a former four-star recruit, is gaining first-round buzz due to his rare combination of size and athleticism for the offensive tackle position. While still considered a raw prospect who could benefit from another year of college football, his high ceiling has teams intrigued. His impressive length and fluid movements make him a high-upside prospect in pass protection. South Carolina's Brandon Cisse is being discussed as a potential CB2 for several teams, with some scouts projecting him as a late first-round or early second-round pick. His stock is rising due to his natural coverage abilities and ideal size for the position at 6-foot, 190-pounds. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks, who may be losing cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe to free agency, are seen as a potential fit. The Cincinnati Bengals' interest in Ohio State's Sonny Styles comes after the team has invested relatively early draft picks in the linebacker position in recent years, including Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in the 2025 draft. Styles, who successfully transitioned from safety to linebacker, is seen as a versatile, three-down player with the athleticism to cover tight ends and excel in zone coverage. His instincts and ability as a pass rusher have contributed to his high draft grade. North Dakota State's Cole Payton is on the San Francisco 49ers' radar for Day 3, a team that has a history of finding quarterback value in later rounds, most notably with Brock Purdy, who was the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Payton, a left-handed quarterback, has been a productive dual-threat for the Bison, setting multiple school records, including for pass efficiency and total offense per game in his final season. Ahead of the NFL Combine, the Houston Texans are reportedly looking to make a significant move at running back in free agency, with Joe Mixon's time in Houston appearing to be over. Potential targets could include Travis Etienne of the Jaguars or Rico Dowdle of the Panthers. Meanwhile, Texans GM Nick Caserio has emphatically shut down any trade speculation surrounding quarterback C.J. Stroud, calling the idea "moronic" and stating Stroud is their quarterback.
