Bold opening: This is a compelling look at how two Notre Dame stars could reshape a franchise in 2026, and you’ll want to see why—even skeptics might reconsider the draft map after reading this.
Charles Davis 2026 NFL mock draft 2.0: Cardinals, Seahawks select Notre Dame RBs in Round 1
With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine now in the books, the draft picture has shifted again. Teams must navigate free agency starting March 11 and a busy pro-day circuit, which means stocks, needs, and risers can all move quickly. As in my previous mock, I’m keeping teams in their current draft slots despite potential trades, because this exercise focuses on how the first 32 picks could realistically unfold given the latest public signals.
Here’s a fresh look at the opening selections, with a spotlight on Notre Dame players shaping the early rounds.
Pick 1
The combo of unexpected athleticism and a workout that drew raves from the crowd has fans buzzing. I still expect the Raiders to land a top-tier playmaker, and this pick remains a strong possibility for them.
Pick 2
In a tight race for the league’s premier edge rusher, Bailey earns the edge thanks to standout combine performance and overall projection for a 4-edge defense.
Pick 3
Arizona has multiple needs, but selecting what many regard as the draft’s best overall talent would provide a monumental start to retooling the roster.
Pick 4
Ohio State’s group impressed across the board at the combine, and Reese earns the distinction of being the first Buckeye called by the commissioner in this scenario.
Pick 5
Styles stands out on tape, and his blazing combine numbers only add to the excitement. New York Giants fans should not overlook his upside.
Pick 6
Tate’s 40-yard dash in the 4.5s range drew a quip from Bills GM Brandon Beane about taking him early, a remark that rings true for this pick as well, as the local fit for the Browns seems very natural.
Pick 7
The Washington Commanders need a closing presence off the edge, and Bain is equipped to deliver pressure and finishing capability.
Pick 8
Saints fans should be encouraged by a strong finish to 2025; Delane’s addition is seen as a continuation of that momentum.
Pick 9
When the Kansas City Chiefs are at their best, their offensive line stands out as a physical, cohesive unit. Mauigoa’s toughness and versatility could allow him to shift inside to guard if the scheme calls for it, especially with news circulating about a possible cap strategy around Jawaan Taylor.
Pick 10
The Bengals have faced too many long completions against their secondary; Downs’ reliable coverage and solid tackling would be a valuable addition to shore up that area.
Pick 11
A potential lockdown corner who missed last season with an ACL injury will have a crucial pro day. If he proves fully healthy and productive, he becomes an immediate starter for Miami.
Pick 12
McNeil-Warren brings range, instincts, and ball skills that Dallas’s defense could really use to complement its existing pieces.
Pick 14
Fano moves well with a big punch, but his arm length measured below the typical threshold for NFL tackles. That uncertainty opens the door for him to move inside to guard, or potentially compete for a center role if a change is needed due to roster moves.
Pick 15
Todd Bowles’ system thrives on disruptive defense. Howell also had shorter arms than ideal, yet his production—multiple tackles for loss and sacks—earns him love from a Buccaneers coaching staff focused on disruption.
Pick 16
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is a tempting pick for a team that’s still deciding its long-term signal-caller plan. pairing a young QB with Garrett Wilson could accelerate the offense’s development even if the quarterback situation is unclear at this moment.
Pick 17
Kadyn Proctor is a name I keep circling for Detroit, with Mesidor addressing a defensive need and helping a rising star like Aidan Hutchinson flourish.
Pick 18
Thieneman’s athleticism and intelligence stand out, and he could be a sturdy replacement if a veteran safety like Harrison Smith departs, providing leadership and versatility.
Pick 19
Banks would immediately bolster Carolina’s interior rush alongside Derrick Brown, giving the defense a stronger push up the middle.
Pick 20
Dallas doubles down on defense in the first round, adding Hood to pair with McNeil-Warren as building blocks for a young, aggressive secondary under the new coordinator.
Pick 21
Boston’s ball skills, versatility, and toughness would endear him to Pittsburgh’s defense, where his toolkit fits the team’s mold.
Pick 22
Ioane could go earlier than expected, so the Chargers should be thrilled if he’s still available. He’s a potent interior disruptor who fits their front-line needs.
Pick 23
If Dallas Goedert moves on in free agency, Philadelphia has room to reboot its offense with a dynamic pass-catching option like Sadiq to pair with Goedert’s replacement.
Pick 24
Cleveland’s offensive line remains a priority. Even with Tytus Howard incoming, adding a versatile blocker who can play tackle or guard gives the unit a new layer of flexibility and depth.
Pick 26
Bills fans get a perimeter playmaker at this spot, keeping the offense dynamic. If Beane invests in a veteran wideout in free agency, the defense could be the focus as this draft unfolds.
Pick 27
Assuming Trent Williams remains the anchor at left tackle, Freeling presents a prime developmental path to learn from an all-time great before eventually taking over.
Pick 28
Lomu’s protective instincts and reliability project him to a quick impact as a starter tasked with keeping the franchise quarterback upright from day one.
Pick 29
The Rams could consider a signal-caller upgrade here, but instead add immediate help for Matthew Stafford. Iheanachor’s arc has been impressive, highlighted by a standout Senior Bowl week.
Pick 30
Denver’s defense made waves in 2025; adding a player of Allen’s caliber promises continuity at a critical position.
Pick 31
Kadyn Proctor, a colossal athlete with an imposing presence, should earn a starting role in New England sooner rather than later.
Pick 32
Price delivered a standout combine; with quarterback and running back scenarios in flux for the champion, he could offer immediate value for the team’s offensive line needs.
Contemporary context and takeaways
- The draft landscape is inherently fluid, with free agency and trades capable of reshaping team needs well before April’s draft in Pittsburgh. The selections above reflect a scenario in which teams retain their current slots as a baseline. - Notre Dame players are featured prominently, underscoring how well their college careers translate to NFL potential and how teams value position versatility and athletic upside. - Pro day performances and individual workouts will continue to influence stock, so expectations could shift quickly in the coming weeks as additional information becomes available.
If you enjoyed this updated perspective, share your thoughts in the comments: Do you agree that Notre Dame RBs could dominate the top of Round 1, or would you prefer other positions and schools rising in the early picks? And which team to you think will surprise everyone with a bold move on draft night?
