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Matt Bowen
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Rookie Minicamp 22 NFL teams are underway, while five other teams have already completed initial workouts with their rookies 2026 draft Picks So, we’re taking this opportunity to pick the team’s best prospects, factoring in traits, schemes, playmaking tendencies and coaching staffs around the league.
Which top prospects land in an ideal spot? How will anything happen? New Playcolor Use versatility in their drafts? My list goes 15 players deep, starting with nine first-rounders and ending with 3 picks one day.
Let’s start with the Chiefs’ selected top-10 picks with the cornerbacks they acquired via trade.
Go here:
Round 1 | Rounds 2-4
Drafting: Round 1, No. 6
Why he fits: after Trading Trent McDuffie And to lose Jaylen Watson To the Rams, Dellen fills one critical need In the secondary of chiefs. And he has the attributes to make an immediate impact under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Kansas City played man coverage on 52.3% of opponents’ dropbacks in 2025, the fourth-highest rate in the league. Dillon thrived in college in those coverages (mainly Cover 1, Cover 0 and Cover 2 man) with the speed to match receivers vertically as a press corner. Also, he can jam and dunk in Cover 2. It’s an easy fit for the top cornerback in the class.
Drafting: Round 1, No. 8
Why he fits: Pairing with Tyson Chris Olaf In New Orleans, coach Kellen Moore targeted two big plays around the perimeter. Also, Tyson can line up all over the field and has a knack for shaking off man coverage. That gives him more upside with a second-year quarterback Tyler Shoff.
In Shoff’s last six starts, he had 96 QBR on in-breakers and crosses. These are rhythm throws that cater to Tyson’s desire to work the dirty areas of the field with catch and run features. Tyson can move the chains at critical moments and brings ball skills to isolation concepts.
Drafting: Round 1, No. 11
Why he fits: Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who Secondary teacher Last season in Philly, Downs could play safety in base packages. He has the game speed and high-level instincts to impact the game from deep or in the lane.
Downs can also be the star Cooper Design role — as a big safety — when the Cowboys are in nickel defense. Downs can cause disruption near the line of scrimmage, match coverage and find the ball in the zone. Downs had 22 stops at or behind the line of scrimmage in three collegiate seasons, and I believe his on-the-ball production will rise in the pros.
Drafting: Round 1, No. 13
Why he fits: The Rams’ QB room — and Sean McVay’s system — are both positives for Simpson. with Matthew Stafford Back as the No. 1, Simpson will have time to develop into an offense that fits his throwing style and dynamics.
Simpson is a mechanically sound passer who can make NFL-level throws. Also, he can work on the edge of the boot and play-action. McVay will ask him to demonstrate the latter as Stafford leads the NFL with 75 attempts in the rollout designed in 2025.
Once Simpson gets a chance to start, look for McVay to give him more defined reads and movement ideas. He will be positioned to see the entire field and deliver the ball on time.
Drafting: Round 1, No. 14
Why he fits: The Ravens improved their guard position with Ion this offseason Free agent signee John Simpson. Ion’s blown block rate was just 1.6% on 306 rushing snaps in 2025. He is a physical mauler who can move defensive players on the attack and use his quick feet to pull/reach.
It works for new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who will bring elements of Ben Johnson’s run game to Baltimore — thinking zones and gap concepts. Plus, Ion has the anchor to take on a power rusher (two pressures allowed in 2025) while keeping the pocket solid for the quarterback. Lamar Jackson.
Drafting: Round 1, No. 15
Why he fits: Bain’s rugged playing style fills an immediate need for the Bucs on their defensive front. He can set the edge against the run game (54 tackles on a designed rush last season); He combines power and flexibility to turn the corner as a pass rusher (five sacks College Football Playoff)
In coach Todd Bowles’ defense, look for Bain to take advantage of one-on-one opportunities, use loops/stunts and create interior matchups as a nickel/dime defensive tackle. This is a strong fit in Tampa Bay.
Drafting: Round 1, No. 24
Why he fits: under new coach Todd Monken could play a similar role to Concepcion Jay Flowers in baltimore A very sudden mover, Concepcion has stop and start speed to create easy separation from the slot. Also, he can use that foot quickness to avoid press coverage.
Monken can scheme for Concepcion to create touches, get him the ball on screens, fly sweeps or backfield alignments. He should be a high-volume target with the ability to make explosive plays.
Drafting: Round 1, No. 25
Why he fits: with Thienman and Free agent signee Kobe BryantCoordinator Dennis Allen now has two interchangeable safeties with strong ball skills. In particular, Thienman’s speed and range to track the ball deep gives Allen more flexibility in the game plan to move late or camouflage from a two-high shell.
Thienman can spin down at the snap to cut off crossovers in cover 2-man or patrol down zones. The Bears get an upgrade — and a scheme fit — here with Thienman, who had eight interceptions in college.
Drafting: Round 1, No. 32
Why he fits: Seattle’s system under new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury should put Price in position to develop as a rookie. Fleury worked under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, meaning the wide zone run game will be a foundational scheme. Price should be a good fit, as he has the vision and lower-body control to stretch the edges or poke inside gaps.
Price’s main problem was his lack of receiving totals at Notre Dame, recording 15 catches in three college seasons. However, he will get to target screens and swings as a rookie.
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Jadarian is worth what the Seahawks bring
Jadarian is worth what the Seahawks bring
Drafting: Round 2, No. 34
Why he fits: With more range than a traditional nose tackle, McDonald is a true run game disruptor. He used his foot quickness and strength to make splash plays at Ohio State, resulting in 17 tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage in 2025.
McDonald could boost the interior of coach DiMeco Ryan’s defense as an early-down defender, but also has upside here as a pass rusher. He had three sacks in 2025 and should be pushed into the pocket at that time Will Anderson Jr. And Daniel Hunter Work the edges.
Drafting: Round 2, No. 44
Why he fits: The best speed-to-power rusher in the 2026 class, Moore had 10 sacks in 2025 at Michigan. He returned attacking tackles to the pocket on tape, displaying plenty of striking power and leg drive.
That suited the Lions, who needed a physical rusher against them Aidan Hutchinson. Moore’s rookie value as a designated rusher outside of sub-sets could be on third down. But with Hutchinson drawing protection slides and chips, Moore can also produce early in one-on-one situations.
Drafting: Round 2, No. 54
Why he fits: with Dallas Goedert back on a One year contractStowers should be viewed as the future No. 1 tight end for Philadelphia. But he should make an impact this season, especially in two-tight-end sets and as a situational matchup target.
At 6-foot-4 with a 45½-inch vertical leap (a tight end record at the NFL combine), Stowers is built to stretch the seams or isolate as a vertical target when moved out of formation. He can also get loose after the catch and that will create higher-percentage throws for the quarterback. Jalen gets hurt. Stower had 146 college receptions and is still developing.
Drafting: Round 2, No. 60
Why he fits: Hill’s range and speed are well suited as a stack linebacker new coach Defense of Robert Saleh. In addition to the ability to track the ball to perimeter and strike blockers, Hill can influence coverage and pressure schemes. Look for him to match up inside the seam or move into areas underneath pass coverage.
Hill could also produce on the ball under Saleh, finishing with eight forced fumbles and three interceptions in college. On Saleh’s overload front, Hill can attack inside gaps and edges through stunts. He had 17 career sacks at Texas.
Drafting: Round 3, No. 71
Why he fits: Williams will fill a slot role under Washington New coordinator David Blah. He has the coverage awareness to find soft spots and uses his strong vision to slither past defenders after the catch.
Williams, who caught 207 passes in four seasons at Clemson, can make himself available to the quarterback at a high rate. He should be seen as a reliable target Jayden Daniels When commanders have to move the baton.
Drafting: Round 4, No. 116
Why he fits: I went into Day 3 writing about Scott because he is a disruptor who can thrive as a slot/overhang defender in Bowles’ defence. Tampa Bay had a 17.8% defensive back blitz rate last season, the highest in the league. Scott had five sacks for Miami in 2025, so he could easily be used as a blitzer in 2026. Also, he has the tackling range and small-area speed to get off the ball. He’s a high-energy defender who has found a really good landing spot in Tampa.
