Charles Davis' 2026 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Cardinals, Seahawks Select Notre Dame RBs in Round 1
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone, leaving us with a clearer picture of the draft landscape. But with free agency looming and teams' needs constantly shifting, the puzzle pieces are far from complete. As we navigate the draft's complexities, let's dive into Charles Davis' second mock draft, where the Cardinals and Seahawks make bold moves in Round 1 by selecting Notre Dame running backs.
1. Raiders: 'The Potentate of Hoosier Land' to Tom Brady's Raiders
Never has a player who skipped a single workout at the Combine been so eagerly anticipated by fans. Despite the speculation, I still believe the 'Potentate of Hoosier Land' is headed to Tom Brady's Raiders. This pick is a bold statement, and the buzz surrounding this player is electric.
2. Gang Green: Bailey Secures Edge Rusher Spot
In the battle for the first edge rusher off the board, Bailey emerges victorious. His performance at the Combine was nothing short of impressive, securing him a spot with Gang Green. This selection is a strategic move to bolster the defense.
3. Cardinals: Adding the Best Player in the Draft
The Cardinals have a plethora of needs, but adding arguably the best player in the draft is a terrific starting point. This pick is a no-brainer, addressing a critical position of need.
4. Music City: Reese, the First Buckeye to Hear His Name Called
The Ohio State lads impressed at the Combine, and Reese is the first Buckeye to hear his name called by the commissioner. This selection is a strategic move to bolster the defense.
5. Giants: Styles' Outstanding Tape and Combine Performance
Styles' tape is outstanding, and his Combine performance was off the charts. The Giants cannot pass on his talent, and this pick is a strategic move to bolster the offense.
6. Browns: Tate's 4.53-Second 40-Yard Dash
After Tate's impressive 40-yard dash, the Browns couldn't resist. They keep Tate in-state, adding a playmaker to the offense.
7. Commanders: Bain's Pass-Rushing Abilities
The Commanders need a pass rusher who can close, and Bain is up to the task. With force and skill, Bain will be a welcome addition to the defense.
8. Saints: Delane to Keep Momentum Going
After a strong finish to the 2025 season, the Saints add Delane to keep the momentum going. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the defense.
9. Chiefs: Mauigoa's Versatility and Physicality
When the Chiefs are at their best, their offensive line is a tenacious group. Mauigoa is a physical player with versatility, and this pick is a strategic move to bolster the offensive line.
10. Bengals: Downs' Coverage and Tackling Skills
Too many passes have gone over the heads of the Bengals' defensive backs. Downs makes few mistakes in coverage and is an excellent tackler, making this pick a strategic move to bolster the defense.
11. Dolphins: Potential Lockdown Corner
The potential lockdown corner's pro day will be heavily scrutinized after he missed all of last season with an ACL tear and did not work out at the Combine. If he aces the test, the Dolphins will have an immediate starter.
12. Dallas: McNeil-Warren's Range and Instincts
McNeil-Warren offers range, instincts, and ball skills in abundance. Dallas needs more players like him on defense, and this pick is a strategic move to bolster the secondary.
13. Bucs: Howell's Production and Arm Length
Head coach Todd Bowles is all about creating pressure. Howell's arm length fell below the standard, but the Bucs are more interested in his production. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the defense.
14. Jets: Alabama QB Ty Simpson
Would the Jets go with Alabama QB Ty Simpson here? It feels a little early for that move. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the offense.
15. Lions: Kadyn Proctor's Athleticism and Bullying Ability
I keep eyeing Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor, as he feels like a Detroit Lion to me. Mesidor fills another pressing need, helping Pro Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the offensive line.
16. Eagles: Thieneman's Athleticism and Smarts
Thieneman's athleticism and smarts are top-notch. He could be a perfect replacement for one of the best if Harrison Smith decides to retire. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the defense.
17. Panthers: Banks to Boost Interior Pass Rush
Banks should give Carolina's interior pass rush a big boost once he settles in next to Pro Bowl DT Derrick Brown. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the defense.
18. Cowboys: Hood and McNeil-Warren for New DC Christian Parker
Dallas doubles down on defense in Round 1, with Hood joining McNeil-Warren to give new DC Christian Parker two talented building blocks in the secondary. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the defense.
19. Steelers: Boston's Ball Skills and Toughness
I love Boston's ball skills, versatility, and toughness. He will be embraced in the Steel City. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the offense.
20. Chargers: Ioane's Hammer on the Interior
Ioane might be picked much earlier in Round 1, so the Chargers should be thrilled if he’s still available. He’s exactly what they need up front: a hammer on the interior. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the offensive line.
21. Eagles: Sadiq's Explosiveness if Goedert Reaches Free Agency
If veteran tight end Dallas Goedert reaches free agency, the Eagles can continue to remake their offense by adding the explosive Sadiq. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the offense.
22. Browns: Howard's Versatility and Experience
I know the Browns are acquiring Tytus Howard from the Texans, but they still need more help for the offensive line. Howard could stay at tackle or slide inside to guard, a position he has plenty of experience playing. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the offensive line.
23. Bills: Playmaker on the Perimeter
Until further notice, I will keep giving the Bills Mafia what it wants, and that's a playmaker on the perimeter. However, if GM Brandon Beane acquires a veteran receiver in free agency, look for the defense to get the attention here. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the offense.
24. Niners: Freeling's Opportunity to Learn from Trent Williams
Yes, presuming the Niners and their All-World OT figure out a way around his $38.8 million cap hit in 2026, Trent Williams will be entrenched at left tackle. But Freeling would get a great opportunity to learn from the best before he’s asked to take over at the position. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the offensive line.
25. Rams: Iheanachor's Eye-Opening Senior Bowl Week
The Rams could think about turning the card in for Ty Simpson here, but they ultimately add more immediate help for Matthew Stafford in this scenario. Iheanachor is still learning the game, but his offseason has been phenomenal, highlighted by an eye-opening Senior Bowl week. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the offense.
26. Broncos: Allen to Keep Defense Strong
The Broncos boasted one of the top defenses in the NFL in 2025, and adding the talented Allen means there will be no dropoff. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the defense.
27. Patriots: Proctor's Starting Spot
A supreme athlete at 352 pounds, Proctor can also be a bully on the field. He should earn a starting spot quickly for New England. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the offensive line.
28. Super Bowl Champions: Lomu's Pride in Protecting QB
Price was splendid at the Combine. With Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III ticketed for free agency and Zach Charbonnet returning from a postseason knee injury, the Golden Domer could shine for the reigning Super Bowl champions. This pick is a strategic move to bolster the offense.
