Prisco's 'What teams should do' mock draft: Giants take Dexter Lawrence replacement, Cowboys add to defense

Prisco plays GM and selects two running backs in the first round

Pete Prisco

Apr 21, 2026

8:15 am ET

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1 min read

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Predictive mocks aren't fun.

Who-they-should-take mocks are a lot of fun.

Why? It allows me to play general manager, and that's something I love to do all year long. In the draft process, it's even more enjoyable for me.

So this is my who-they-should-take mock. It will be different from a lot of mocks out there, taking into account my evaluations of players.

Some will be right. Some will be wrong. Just like the teams.

I've had my share of hits, but had my fair share of misses. Let's not forget how badly the teams miss too.

The draft process has become a game of following the herd in my book. How dare you buck the trends?

It's that way inside teams sometimes. I've heard from scouts who say general managers hated when they pushed back on players. Smart general managers love it.

So take this for what it's worth — which probably is very little since I am not a real general manager. But having worked with many in recent years — right Rick Spielman and Ran Carthon? — they can tell you I play one a lot. And this is a chance to do it again.

NFL Mock Draft

Round 1

Round 1 - Pick 1

Fernando Mendoza

Indiana

• Jr

• 6'5"

/ 236 lbs

Projected Team

Las Vegas

PROSPECT RNK

1st

POSITION RNK

1st

PAYDS

3535

RUYDS

276

INTS

TDS

This is easy. He's the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback in this draft. If you don't have one, you take one. Is he John Elway or Peyton Manning in terms of a top-overall pick? No. But he's the best in this class.

Round 1 - Pick 2

David Bailey

EDGE

Texas Tech

• Sr

• 6'4"

/ 250 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Jets

PROSPECT RNK

20th

POSITION RNK

3rd

He has the most twitch of any of the pass rushers. He will be ready to play on the edge quicker than Arvell Reese, which is why he should be the pick.

Round 1 - Pick 3

Arvell Reese

EDGE

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6'4"

/ 243 lbs

Projected Team

Arizona

PROSPECT RNK

3rd

POSITION RNK

2nd

Getting a playmaker on their defense, a guy they can move around, would be a wise thing. They could also move back in trade with a team like the Cowboys, but I have them staying put.

Round 1 - Pick 4

Sonny Styles

Ohio State

• Sr

• 6'5"

/ 243 lbs

Projected Team

Tennessee

PROSPECT RNK

9th

POSITION RNK

1st

Titans coach Robert Saleh had Fred Warner in San Francisco. This is the next Fred Warner. Don't overthink it to force another position. Take the best player.

Round 1 - Pick 5

Jeremiyah Love

Notre Dame

• Jr

• 6'0"

/ 214 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Giants

PROSPECT RNK

7th

POSITION RNK

1st

RUYDS

1372

YDS/ATT

6.9

REYDS

280

TDS

This goes against everything I believe in when it comes to team building. But this draft is different. John Harbaugh needs explosiveness from the running back position, so this works.

Round 1 - Pick 6

Kadyn Proctor

Alabama

• Jr

• 6'7"

/ 352 lbs

Projected Team

Cleveland

PROSPECT RNK

4th

POSITION RNK

1st

They have an immediate need at tackle. If he can control his weight and his consistency, he's the best left tackle prospect in this class. It's worth taking a chance with that type of talent.

Round 1 - Pick 7

Jordyn Tyson

Arizona State

• Jr

• 6'2"

/ 203 lbs

Projected Team

Washington

PROSPECT RNK

23rd

POSITION RNK

5th

REC

REYDS

711

YDS/REC

11.7

TDS

They need to get more help in the passing game for Jayden Daniels. Tyson would be a nice addition to Terry McLaurin, who turns 31 in September.

Round 1 - Pick 8

Carnell Tate

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6'2"

/ 192 lbs

Projected Team

New Orleans

PROSPECT RNK

18th

POSITION RNK

3rd

REC

REYDS

875

YDS/REC

17.2

TDS

They are building around their young quarterback, so adding a receiver to go with Chris Olave would be a smart move. They could also go pass rush here, but I think Tate helps more now.

Round 1 - Pick 9

Rueben Bain Jr.

EDGE

Miami (Fla.)

• Jr

• 6'2"

/ 263 lbs

Projected Team

Kansas City

PROSPECT RNK

2nd

POSITION RNK

1st

Yes, he has short arms. Yes, he had some off-field concerns. But he is a playmaker. The Chiefs have to amp up that pass rush.

From

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1 - Pick 10

Peter Woods

Clemson

• Jr

• 6'3"

/ 298 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Giants

PROSPECT RNK

19th

POSITION RNK

1st

This might seem strange, but when you consider their makeup inside now, it really isn't. This kid is being overlooked, but his 2024 tape was outstanding. The Dexter Lawrence trade made this a major priority and I won't take a safety here.

Round 1 - Pick 11

Spencer Fano

Utah

• Jr

• 6'6"

/ 311 lbs

Projected Team

Miami

PROSPECT RNK

5th

POSITION RNK

2nd

You can never go wrong taking an offensive lineman who can play up and down the line. This team is in rebuilding mode and linemen are the saf