The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez recently released his latest 2026 NFL mock draft via the newly redesigned Mock Draft Machine (MDM). Our Draft Network Top 100 prospect rankings have served as a reference point for his analysis and decisions. With the 2025 college football season approaching the playoffs, it's officially mock draft season!
I’ve been selected to dissect Sanchez’s latest mock draft. I've identified my favorite selections, scheme fits, and the best prospect not selected. I also have some question marks. Let’s dive into The Draft Network’s latest 2026 NFL mock draft.
Favorite Pick: Caleb Lomu, OT, Chicago Bears (No. 18 overall)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is developing in real time under head coach Ben Johnson. Williams arguably played the best game of his young career in a thrilling 47-42 Week 9 win, throwing for 280 yards and three touchdowns, running for an additional 53 yards. Johnson's magic is rubbing off on the sophomore No. 1 selection.
One of the few long-term holes on this Bears offense is at left tackle. Braxton Jones is on an expiring contract, and recent draft picks Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie haven't shown enough. Caleb Lomu would be a terrific addition to an offense that's starting to find its footing.
Biggest Question Mark: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Cincinnati Bengals (No. 9 overall)
Has my pal Sanchez watched the Cincinnati Bengals *try* to play defense? They're currently allowing a league-worst 33.3 points and 426.6 yards per game. Jeremiyah Love could be the second coming of Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith, and the Bengals still couldn't afford to draft him.
Love is a dynamic prospect worthy of a top-10 selection, and it's fun to envision him in an offense with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. It's a luxury the Bengals can't afford, however. A cornerback or EDGE rusher will almost certainly be the focus.
Best Scheme Fit: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Baltimore Ravens (No. 10 overall)
The Baltimore Ravens will probably end up picking later than 10th overall. There's no guarantee Cashius Howell is a top-10 player, so the team fit-player still makes sense. The Ravens are desperate for pass rushers, having acquired veteran EDGE Dre'Mont Jones from the Tennessee Titans at the trade deadline.
Howell is tenacious and violent. His play style embodies what the Ravens prefer in their defenders. Lamar Jackson's return from injury may catapult the Ravens towards the playoffs, but they'll probably still target a defender like Howell wherever they end up drafting.
Best Value: CJ Allen, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 29 overall)
Georgia linebacker CJ Allen is possibly a top-15 overall prospect in this class. He plays a devalued position at off-ball linebacker, though, prompting a potential draft-day slide. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be thrilled to pounce in the late 20s.
Allen recently enjoyed resume performances versus Auburn and Florida. He's a physical linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range. Allen would be a great replacement for pending free agent Lavonte David in Tampa Bay.
Best Player Not Selected: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon is in contention for WR2 in this class. Carnell Tate and Chris Bell, who both make appearances in Sanchez's mock, are also jockeying for that position behind consensus WR1 Jordyn Tyson. Lemon's short-area quickness and separation skills ultimately couldn't land him in Sanchez's latest first-round projection.
