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Future Stars: What the 2026 NFL Draft Could Look Like
USATuesday, March 3, 2026
The 2026 NFL draft is almost here, and CBS Sports has updated its mock to reflect the latest trends emerging from the combine.
Key Trade Highlight
- Buffalo Bills could leapfrog into the top ten with a trade that would move their pick from #26 to #3. This would allow them to select Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate, who posted 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
Ohio State Dominance
Ohio State remains a hotbed of talent, with six prospects projected in the first round and four inside the top ten. Notable picks include:
- Carnell Tate – Receiver
- Sonny Styles – Linebacker (Tennessee Titans)
- Caleb Downs – Safety (New York Jets)
- Arvell Reese – Edge defender (Washington)
Team-Specific Picks
| Team | Target | Position | College Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Raiders | QB from Indiana | Quarterback | 3,535 yards, 41 TDs |
| New York Jets | Edge defender from Texas Tech | Defensive End | 14.5 sacks |
| Cleveland Browns | OT from Miami | Offensive Tackle | 826 snaps, 2 sacks allowed |
| New Orleans Saints | RB from Notre Dame | Running Back | 1,372 yards, 18 TDs |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Tackle from Utah | Offensive Tackle | 822 snaps, 0 sacks allowed |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Edge specialist from Miami | Defensive End | 20.5 sacks, led nation in hurries |
Strategic Themes
- Buffalo's offensive depth: The Bills aim to add more weapons for Josh Allen amid last season’s criticism.
- Positional balance: Teams are targeting a mix of skill positions, defensive anchors, and offensive line stability.
- Trade potential: The mock demonstrates how a single trade can dramatically shift a team's draft trajectory.
These picks illustrate the balancing act teams face—leveraging talent, trade leverage, and positional needs—as the draft approaches. The mock provides a snapshot of how the NFL’s next generation could reshape team futures.
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