Despite Cam Ward and the Titans looking much better in their last two games after a bye in Week 10, they remain in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 overall pick in next April’s NFL draft.

Only four franchises have picked first in back-to-back drafts since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1976-77 and 1986-87) and Cleveland Browns (1999-2000 and 2017-18) have done it twice. The Cincinnati Bengals (1994-95) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2021-22) complete the list.

It’s a dubious distinction.

At least Ward has flashed his immense potential this season. Last draft’s first overall pick is growing more consistent by the week despite a revolving door of pass catchers.

Ward has completed 65.8% of his passes for an average of 225 passing yards while rushing for an average of 35 yards in the last two games. The rushing upside is a trait he didn’t really showcase in college.

I’m not sold there’s a quarterback in this class that would motivate other teams to pay the premium in a trade with Tennessee. We won’t know that for sure until everyone’s draft intentions are known.

Still, general manager Mike Borgonzi has to feel good about what he has in Ward, and the possibility of flipping another top pick for even more draft capital and/or players. Or Borgonzi could stay put and take the best defensive player on his draft board.

Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Pittsburgh (April 23-25):

— Dec. 13: Bowl season begins

— Jan. 5: FCS Showcase in Nashville, Tenn.

— Jan. 10: Hula Bowl in DeLand, Fla.

— Jan. 10-12: Wild-card weekend

— Jan. 14: Tentative deadline for players with remaining eligibility to make their draft intentions official.

— Jan. 17-18: Divisional playoffs

— Jan. 18: Tropical Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

— Jan. 23: Tentative deadline for players with remaining eligibility who participated in the CFP title game to make their draft intentions official.

— Jan. 25: AFC and NFC championship games

— Jan. 27: East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas

— Jan. 31: Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

— Feb. 8: Super Bowl LX in San Francisco

— Feb. 17-March 3: Franchise/transition player designation period

— Feb. 23-March 2: NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis

— Early March: Colleges can begin hosting pro days

— March 11: New league year begins at 1 p.m. (i.e. free agency)

MOCK PREAMBLE

This is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the current draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I’ll attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.

According to The Huddle Report, I was the second-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print last season. I tied for first overall (out of 172) covering a five-year period between 2019 and 2023.

Considering the NFL doesn’t have an offseason, the draft has become the Super Bowl of the league’s second season, and a mock version of said draft is meant to educate, perhaps even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.

Follow me on X (formerly known as Twitter) @UTEddieBrown so we can continue the conversation.

Here’s an updated version of my 2026 NFL mock draft (records through Week 12):

FIRST ROUND

— 1. Tennessee (1-10) — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami, Jr.

Traditionally after drafting a franchise QB with the first overall pick in the previous draft, an organization would utilize the next draft to stockpile offensive talent in support of the QB. There aren’t any offensive lineman or wide receivers worthy of the top pick in this draft class, so the Titans would likely focus on their pass rush if they aren’t wowed by a trade offer. The 6-foot-3, 275 pound Bain doesn’t have prototypical length, but he possesses raw power, first-step explosion and can anchor against the run when he’s not terrorizing quarterbacks. Comparisons to Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney are apt. Top needs: Edge, WR, CB

— 2. N.Y. Giants (2-10) — Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State, Jr.

The Titans and Giants have both fired their head coach already, and whoever GM Joe Schoen hires to replace Brian Daboll will give us more clues on how this organization plans to proceed. Building support around franchise QB Jaxson Dart makes the most sense, but I still believe this is too high for a receiver or O-lineman in this draft. Reese has the talent to go first overall. He plays linebacker, but I could easily see him as a full-time edge rusher in the pros, very similar to Micah Parsons. Reese features a rare combination of size (6-4, 240) and athleticism, has sideline-to-sideline range and the natural instincts to make plays all over the field. He’d also allow Schoen to trade Kayvon Thibodeaux, who will be in the final year of his rookie deal next season. Top needs: DL, G, CB

— 3. N.Y. Jets (2-9) — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, Jr.

After a busy trade deadline, GM Darren Mougey has enough draft capital to call his shot with a QB if he needs to move up. Mendoza has the prototypical size (6-5, 225) scouts favor, good arm talent and functional athleticism. He’s not a finished product by any means — pressure can affect his footwork — but he has taken his game to a whole new level for the Hoosiers. According to BetMGM, Mendoza is currently the favorite (-105) to win the Heisman despite an impressive surge at the finish line by Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love (+375). Top needs: QB, CB, DL

— 4. Las Vegas (2-9) — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson, Jr.

Geno Smith isn’t the answer at QB, so barring Tom Brady coming out of retirement or cloning himself, the Raiders can’t afford to ignore the most important position in sports this offseason. Perhaps Brady’s pal (and Las Vegas GM) John Spytek will trade for Kyler Murray or Mac Jones and draft a QB to develop on day two or three. Coach Pete Carroll may possess the spirit of a 25-year-old, but his body is in its mid-70s, and the Raiders’ defense took a major blow with the release of Christian Wilkins in July. Pairing the disruptive Woods with All-Pro Maxx Crosby would be nightmare fuel for quarterbacks in the AFC West. Woods needs a more diversified pass-rush plan to unlock his full potential, but he’s already possesses an elite combination of strength and athleticism for his size (6-3, 315). Top needs: QB, Edge, WR

— 5. New Orleans (2-9) — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.

There’s a chance Saints GM Mickey Loomis is fine with Tyler Shough being the starter next year, and couldn’t possibly pass on Love with an aging Alvin Kamara only on the books for one more season. He features elite size (6-0, 214), patience and balance — check this out — on top of home run capabilities with TD runs of 98 and 94 yards the last two seasons. Love is third in the country with 1,306 rushing yards, second in total touchdowns with 20, and will likely end up a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. I’d vote for him if I had a vote. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR

— 6. Cleveland (3-8) — Spencer Fano, T, Utah, Jr.

One thing has been very clear the last two weeks: Shedeur Sanders should have been starting over Dillon Gabriel all along. Hypothetically, let’s say Sanders shows enough the rest of this season to convince the Browns he’s the guy going forward. Last Sunday, Coach Prime’s progeny was the 42nd different QB to start for Cleveland since the franchise returned to the NFL in 1999, so I assume that would be welcome news for Browns’ fans. Then GM Andrew Berry would immediately pivot to the offensive line as being the team’s top priority. There isn’t a Joe Alt or Penei Sewell in this draft class, but Fano is a powerful, athletic anchor in the run game, and his footwork has improved in pass protection this season. He was just named a finalist for the Outland Trophy. Top needs: QB, T, CB

— 7. Washington (3-8) — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State, Jr.

The Commanders’ biggest problem is they can’t keep Jayden Daniels healthy. Their second biggest problem is they need more playmakers at all three levels of their defense. Downs is a top-5 player for me in next year’s draft, but it’s unlikely he gets selected that high as a safety. He was recently named as a finalist for the Thorpe Award, Bednarik Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy. He’s the heart and soul of a Buckeyes defense that leads the nation in points (7.6) and yards allowed (206.6) per game this season. Top needs: Edge, LB, CB

— 8. Arizona (3-8) — Dante Moore, QB, Oregon, So.

The Cardinals could be in the market for a QB if they decide to move on from Kyler Murray. Moore is more likely to return for his junior year in Eugene for more seasoning, but the ceiling is very high. He’s accurate, throws a catchable deep ball, and has shown the ability to make plays outside of the pocket. Moore would likely end up as a top-5 pick if he actually stays in the draft. Top needs: OL, DL, WR

— 9. Cincinnati (3-8) — Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn, Jr.

What part of the Bengals’ defense doesn’t need to be completely overhauled? Faulk is a 6-foot-6, 285-pound edge who was the No. 9 player on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List,” reportedly squatting 700 pounds and benching 415. The likelihood Trey Hendrickson leaves in free agency is very high. Top needs: Edge, CB, G

— 10. L.A. Rams from Atlanta (4-7) — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama, Jr.

GM Les Snead acquired this pick by trading out of the first round back in April. Snead has to plan for a future without Matthew Stafford at some point. The Rams are a true Super Bowl contender, so we’ll have to let the season play out before we have a better idea of what Stafford’s future plans are, but even if the future Hall of Famer returns, a QB could be the target here. Simpson only has 10 collegiate starts to go off of, but the small sample size shows he has an advanced pocket presence, the ability to process defenses quickly, and is accurate under pressure. He sounds perfect for Sean McVay’s offense. However, the list of QBs taken in the first round with fewer than 20 collegiate starts in the past decade: Trey Lance (17), Mac Jones (17), Kyler Murray (17), Dwayne Haskins (14), Anthony Richardson (13) and Mitchell Trubisky (13). Top needs: T, DB, QB

— 11. Miami (4-7) — David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech, Sr.

Cornerback may be the biggest position of need for the Dolphins, depending how you feel about Tua Tagovailoa, but the pass rush needs to be addressed as well. Bailey currently leads the FBS in sacks (12 1/2) and is fifth with 16 tackles for loss. The Stanford transfer features a variety of pass-rush moves, excellent bend and an explosive first step. He’s also improved as a run defender during his time with the Red Raiders. Bailey, along with teammate Jacob Rodriguez, was recently named a finalist for the Lombardi Award. Top needs: CB, OL, Edge

— 12. Minnesota (4-7) — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, Sr.

The Vikings need someone to pair with Isaiah Rodgers at cornerback as Byron Murphy continues to struggle mightily this season. Delane doesn’t have elite size (5-11, 191) or deep speed, but he’s sticky, instinctual and can play multiple positions in the secondary. The Virginia Tech transfer has 41 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions this season, and is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. Top needs: CB, DL, LB

— 13. Dallas (5-5-1) — Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M, Sr.

Let’s assume the Joneses handle their business and resign wide receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams to long-term extensions. Then next year’s draft will be all about improving the defense. Howell’s (6-2, 248) length is a question mark headed into the draft process, but you can’t argue with his production or explosive traits. He produced 9 1/2 sacks and 10 1/2 tackles for loss in his final season at Bowling Green before joining the Aggies in 2024. After making the leap from the MAC to the SEC, he has 11 1/2 sacks this season (second to Texas Tech’s David Bailey) and 13 tackles for loss for the No. 3 team in the nation. Top needs: Edge, S, LB

— 14. Carolina (6-6) — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Jr.

The Panthers’ defense has improved from last season’s historically bad unit, but they’re still missing some pieces in the secondary. McCoy earned first-team All-SEC recognition last season with four interceptions for the Vols after transferring from Oregon State before tearing his ACL during an offseason training session in January. His 2024 tape showed elite ball skills with fluid athleticism and explosive closing speed. The type of talent who usually goes in the top half of the first round. Top needs: Edge, DB, LB

— 15. Pittsburgh (6-5) — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State, Jr.

Aaron Rodgers could very well retire at the end of this season, but regardless of who is under center, the Steelers are severely lacking in playmakers at receiver. Tyson missed three games with a hamstring injury recently, but returned to play against his former team the Colorado Buffaloes last Saturday. He’s pretty much picked up this season where he left off last year. He had 732 yards in the Sun Devils’ final six games in 2024. He has 59 receptions for 689 yards and eight TDs in eight games this season. Tyson is a route-technician with inside-out versatility and the ability to make plays at all three levels. Top needs: QB, WR, CB

— 16. Kansas City (6-5) — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, Jr.

Future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce has a wedding to plan and an acting career beckoning. I doubt he’s back in pads next season. Sadiq isn’t in the same class as Brock Bowers or Tyler Warren as a prospect, but he’s an impressive athlete who has showcased downfield playmaking ability and has legit upside as a run-blocker in the pros. Sadiq had eight receptions for 96 yards and a TD in the Ducks’ 42-13 blowout of the Minnesota Gophers two weeks ago and six receptions for 72 yards and two TDs in a 42-27 win over USC on Saturday. He was just named a finalist for the John Mackey Award. Top needs: RB, DL, TE

— 17. Houston (6-5) — Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami, Jr.

The Texans’ overhaul of their offensive line that began last year is far from over. Mauigoa, a former five-star recruit, was the only tackle in the FBS with two or fewer knockdowns allowed on 500-plus snaps as a pass-blocker for Cam Ward his sophomore season. He’s big (6-6, 325), powerful, athletic and plays with a mauling mentality at the tackle position. Many scouts believe he’d be even better on the interior. Top needs: DL, RB, CB

— 18. Detroit (7-4) — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State, Sr.

Jack Campbell is the only linebacker on the Lions who won’t be a free agent after this season. Styles is the second freakishly athletic linebacker from the Buckeyes to appear in this mock — he’s No. 10 on Bruce Feldman’s list. The senior captain is rangy with rare speed and explosiveness for his frame (6-4, 240), and showcases his safety background in coverage by locking down tight ends and running backs in space. Top needs: Edge, LB, CB

— 19. Baltimore (6-5) — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State, Jr.

Securing Lamar Jackson another weapon on the outside makes sense when you consider DeAndre Hopkins was a short-term addition, and Rashod Bateman has proven to be better suited for a complimentary role. Tate produced 733 yards and four TDs on 52 receptions while serving as the Buckeyes’ No. 3 receiver last season. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound playmaker has 711 yards and seven TDs on 39 receptions in only eight games so far, and is half of the best receiver duo in the country, opposite Jeremiah Smith. Tate hasn’t played since a Nov. 1 win over Penn State when he caught five passes for 124 yards and a TD. He reportedly felt some tightness in his lower body during warmups the following week against Purdue, but it sounds like he has a shot at playing against Michigan this weekend. Top needs: Edge, RB, C

— 20. Tampa Bay (6-5) — Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State, Jr.

Buccaneers starting left guard Ben Bredeson is a free agent after this season. Ioane has been one of the few bright spots for the Nittany Lions. He features impressive movement skills for a man his size (6-4, 335), and is equally adept in pass protection or as a run blocker. Ioane played every position on offense except quarterback, running back and wide receiver as a sophomore, including all five spots on the offensive line, fullback and 14 snaps at tight end. He’s been utilized in a similar way this season. Top needs: LB, G, Edge

— 21. L.A. Chargers (7-4) — LT Overton, Edge, Alabama, Sr.

Both Khalil Mack, and Odafe Oweh are free agents after this season, with Mack potentially starting his Hall of Fame clock if he’s had enough of the grind. Overton is a former five-star recruit who spent two years with Texas A&M before transferring to Tuscaloosa in 2024. He’s one of the more versatile defensive lineman in this class, with enough size (6-5, 278) and strength to handle his own on the interior for a team who utilizes hybrid fronts at the next level. Overton already excels as a run-stopper, and can be disruptive as a pass-rusher, but his approach to rushing the passer needs polish. Top needs: OL, Edge, DL

— 22. Buffalo (7-4) — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr.

The Bills’ cornerback group has been mediocre at best this season. Terrell could follow in his brother A.J.’s footsteps as a first-round cornerback from the Tigers. He’s a much better run defender than his brother, despite being a bit undersized (5-11, 180). His route-recognition and ball skills helped him earn second-team All-ACC honors as a sophomore, and he’s mastered the “Peanut Punch” with six forced fumbles the last two seasons. Top needs: LB, WR, CB

— 23. Cleveland from Jacksonville (7-4) — Makai Lemon, WR, USC, Jr.

The Browns look like they found building blocks on offense in this year’s draft with running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. They’ll need to reinforce an aging offensive line and add more weapons at receiver if they have any hopes of their new franchise QB succeeding, whomever he may be. Lemon (5-11, 195) is a quick, efficient route runner who is a demon in the slot and capable of frustrating tacklers with his abilities after the catch. Lemon’s had a tremendous junior year with 78 receptions for 1,124 yards and 10 TDs for the Trojans, and was just named a Biletnikoff Award finalist. He’s a versatile offensive weapon who has also rushed for two TDs and thrown for another this season. Top needs: QB, T, CB

— 24. San Francisco (8-4) — Caleb Lomu, T, Utah, So.

Considering the recent news that the 49ers voided the remaining guaranteed money in Brandon Aiyuk’s contract in late July for failing to participate in meetings and other team activities, this pick could very well be a wide receiver come April. However, future Hall of Famer Trent Williams isn’t getting any younger, and finding Williams’ understudy has to be a priority this offseason. If Lomu enters the draft, he could go much higher than this. He’s already a technically proficient pass blocker with prototypical size (6-6, 305), elite athleticism and solid footwork. He’ll need to add strength to improve as a run blocker. Top needs: OL, DB, WR

— 25. Dallas from Green Bay (7-3-1) — Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon, Jr.

The Cowboys just traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson at the deadline. Both are solid additions to a terrible defense. There’s still work to do. Thieneman has picked up in his first season with the Ducks where he left off after two great years with the Purdue Boilermakers. He’s a dynamic run defender who also features the athleticism, range and instincts to lineup in two-high, single-high or at nickelback. Top needs: Edge, S, LB

— 26. Chicago (8-3) — Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama, Jr.

The Bears have a glaring weakness at left tackle, where Braxton Jones hasn’t panned out and Theo Benedet has fumbled an opportunity to replace him. Proctor took his lumps starting for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman in 2023, but he showed legit improvement down the stretch and that carried over to his sophomore year. His junior season has been a grab bag of inconsistency, but it’s nearly impossible to find 360-pound athletes who are powerful, explosive and surprisingly agile. Proctor was recently named as a finalist for the Lombardi Award. Top needs: T, Edge, S

— 27. N.Y. Jets from Indianapolis (8-3) — Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon, Jr.

If the Jets land a QB with their first first-rounder, then they can focus on replenishing the defense, after trading their two best defenders away, with one of the picks they acquired from the Colts for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. Uiagalelei had 10 1/2 sacks his sophomore season, and he started strong this year with four sacks in the first five games. He hadn’t taken down a QB since September until his standout performance against the USC Trojans on Saturday. Uiagalelei had seven tackles, two tackles for loss, his fifth sack of the season, and a forced fumble in the 42-27 victory. His blend of size (6-5, 270), strength and athleticism is what gets a defensive coordinator out of bed in the morning. Top needs: QB, CB, DL

— 28. Seattle (8-3) — Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina, Jr.

Cornerbacks Tariq Woolen, Josh Jobe and Derion Kendrick are all facing free agency after this season. Kendrick will be a restricted free agent. Cisse’s stock has risen after transferring from N.C. State and holding his own in the SEC. The former track athlete doesn’t have a hard time keeping pace with wide receivers downfield. While his speed is impressive — Cisse earned the nickname “Glitch” from his new teammates — it’s the 6-foot, 190-pound corner’s physicality and versatility that should set him apart during the draft process. Top needs: RB, CB, G

— 29. Philadelphia (8-3) — TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson, Jr.

The Eagles are constantly restocking their pass rush. Parker’s bull rush is devastating and he’s already a solid run defender. While this season hasn’t lived up to an eye-popping sophomore year where he had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, his size (6-3, 265), advanced pass-rush repertoire, and ability to convert speed to power places him firmly in the first-round discussion. Top needs: T, TE, Edge

— 30. Denver (9-2) — Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State, Jr.

The Broncos might have to address their stellar defensive line if John Franklin-Myers leaves in free agency. Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson continues to churn out NFL-ready prospects. McDonald has been a game-wrecker for one of the most dominant defenses in the country. Anchored by the 6-3, 330-pound devourer of double-teams, Ohio State’s run defense is No. 2 in rushing yards allowed per game (80.0) and No. 4 in yards allowed per carry (2.67). McDonald was just named a finalist for the Outland Trophy. Top needs: LB, DL, C

— 31. L.A. Rams (9-2) — Isaiah World, T, Oregon, Sr.

Right tackle could be a top priority for GM Les Snead and whoever is under center next season if veteran Rob Havenstein bolts in free agency. World spent four years at Nevada before joining the Ducks this season. His technique remains raw and will need polish in the pros, but he features all the stuff you can’t teach: prototypical size (6-8, 312), length, athleticism and heavy hands. Top needs: T, DB, QB

— 32. New England (10-2) — CJ Allen, LB, Georgia, Jr.

The Patriots need to continue adding juice to an improved pass rush, and also add a playmaker to pair with linebacker Robert Spillane. It’s hard not to see former Bulldog and current Ravens’ All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith when watching Allen. Both are 6-1, 235 pounds and are elite processors. Both are strong finishers against the run, and both are capable pass-rushers when called upon. Allen is currently week-to-week with a knee injury he suffered against Texas, but was just named a finalist for the Butkus Award, an honor Smith earned in 2017. Top needs: Edge, LB, S

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