The countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft has officially begun! With free agency now behind us and the top players locked into lucrative contracts, team needs have shifted and new opportunities have emerged. As we approach the final stretch, it’s time to take a look at the latest mock draft from Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in search of a franchise quarterback since the departure of Ben Roethlisberger. In this mock draft, they finally find their man in Ty Simpson from the University of Alabama. Simpson has been highly touted as the top quarterback prospect in the 2026 class and his impressive performances in college have solidified his position as the Steelers’ top pick.
Simpson has all the tools to succeed at the next level. He has a strong arm, great accuracy, and excellent decision-making skills. He also possesses the ability to extend plays with his mobility, making him a perfect fit for the Steelers’ offense. With Roethlisberger nearing the end of his career, Simpson will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best and eventually take over the reins as the team’s starting quarterback.
Moving on to the Los Angeles Rams, they have been known for their explosive offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford. However, in this mock draft, they decide to address their defense by selecting Makai Lemon from the University of Southern California. Lemon is a versatile player who can line up at both cornerback and safety, making him a valuable asset for the Rams’ defense.
Lemon has been a standout player for USC, showcasing his speed, agility, and ball-hawking skills. He has the ability to shut down opposing receivers and make game-changing plays. With the Rams’ defense in need of a boost, Lemon’s addition will provide a much-needed spark and help solidify their secondary.
Moving on to the rest of the first round, we see some familiar names being selected, such as defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux from Oregon, wide receiver Garrett Wilson from Ohio State, and offensive tackle Evan Neal from Alabama. These players have been highly touted as top prospects and their performances in college have only solidified their positions as first-round picks.
One surprise pick in this mock draft is the selection of running back Isaiah Spiller from Texas A&M by the New York Giants. Spiller has been a dominant force in college, showcasing his speed, power, and elusiveness. He has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level and could provide a much-needed boost to the Giants’ offense.
As we approach the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s clear that there are many talented players who will make an impact at the next level. Teams will have tough decisions to make, but with the right picks, they could set themselves up for success in the future.
In conclusion, the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting one, with many talented players vying for a spot in the league. With the Steelers landing their franchise quarterback in Ty Simpson and the Rams bolstering their defense with Makai Lemon, it’s clear that teams are making moves to improve their rosters. We can’t wait to see how it all unfolds on draft day and which players will make an immediate impact in the NFL. Stay tuned for more updates from Essentially Sports.
