8. New Orleans (6-11)
The Saints need help along their defensive front, secondary and at wide receiver, so there are a number of different ways they could go. They are also in a prime spot to move back and add picks.
Pick: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech. Bailey can step in as a pure EDGE and make an instant impact as a versatile pass rusher. He tested well at the Combine with explosive traits that match his production of 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss for the Red Raiders this past season.
9. Kansas City (6-11)
A rare chance for the Chiefs picking in the top 10 to get a young playmaker on either side of the ball.
Pick: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami. Bain adds another disruptor up front in Kansas City alongside Chris Jones.
10. Cincinnati (6-11)
The Bengals must start finding some young, foundational players on defense after giving up the second most yards per game and the third most points per game last season.
Pick: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU. Delane is widely considered the top-ranked cornerback in the class and a player who could make an instant impact for a Bengals secondary that gave up the seventh most passing yards per game last year (233.8).
11. Miami (7-10)
New head coach Jeff Hafley could look for an impact defender, but the release of Tyreek Hill and the Jaylen Waddle trade open the door for a reset at wide receiver with one of the top pass catchers available in the draft still on the board.
Pick: WR Makai Lemon, USC. Lemon had 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season as an elite route runner who can immediately help new quarterback Malik Willis in his first full-time starting role in the NFL.
12. Dallas (7-9-1)
The Cowboys could use an infusion of young defensive talent along all three levels.
Pick: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee. McCoy sat out the 2025 season with a torn ACL but that happened last January so he should be ready to go this spring. His 2024 tape was elite and his Tennessee Pro Day last week showed off his speed and explosiveness. Huge upside here.