2026 NFL mock draft 2.0: What does the Eagles’ post-combine board look like?

With the NFL scouting combine in the rearview mirror, the collective focus will now turn to the fast-approaching free agency period, which will help paint a clearer view of what needs remain ahead of April’s draft.

But the past week also gave teams an opportunity to meet and learn more about the next group of NFL players. Some team fits have began to materialize, including what the Eagles may end up doing with the 23rd pick.

Here’s how we’re projecting our second first-round mock draft of this draft cycle:

» READ MORE: Potential Eagles targets at the scouting combine: Which top tight end, secondary prospects do Birds have in their sights?

The buzz coming out of the combine is that Las Vegas is locked in on Mendoza atop the draft. That was the consensus coming into the combine, and the same remains true leaving it.

After an elite testing performance, Reese all but sealed his likeliness in getting selected inside the top 4, and the scuttlebutt from the combine all pointed to the Jets’ coaching staff favoring the versatile Ohio State player.

Bain didn’t test at the combine, but most teams aren’t deterred from drafting the standout Miami edge early in the draft. He can rush from the interior and as an outside pass rusher, and is a stout run defender that can help the rebuilding Cardinals.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love’s range begins here, but in this scenario, Tennessee opts to take Bailey, who showed off his linear explosiveness and speed at the combine. Robert Saleh gets his pass rusher to build around for the future.

Styles was already getting top-10 buzz coming into the combine, but his unreal testing performance (4.46 second 40-yard dash, 43.5-inch vertical jump, 11 foot, 2 inch broad jump, and 7.09 second three-cone) and New York’s need at linebacker may be too enticing for them to pass up.

Freeling’s stock continues to be on the rise, despite making just 16 career starts. Cleveland gets a much-needed upgrade at a premium position with an elite athlete who shows promise as a pass protector and blocking out in space.

The idea of pairing Love with Jayden Daniels in the backfield would be nightmares for the NFC East and the rest of the conference. Love is a three-down back with elite speed (4.36 second 40-yard dash) and pass catching ability.

Despite running a 4.53 second 40-yard dash, Tate excels as a route runner when matched up one-on-one against defensive backs and gives Tyler Shough another outside receiver weapon to pair up with former Ohio State teammate Chris Olave.

» READ MORE: The Eagles are assessing A.J. Brown’s trade market. Just don’t expect Howie Roseman to give him away.

Kansas City’s offensive line has struggled, and Mauigoa can fill a need at either tackle or guard. He also said at his podium this weekend that he will play any of the five spots on an offensive line, which gives Kansas City the flexibility to play at tackle or guard.

Despite not testing at the combine, Downs is the most instinctual player in the draft and received rave reviews in his interviews with teams from across the league. Cincinnati seems to be the floor of where he will be selected in the first round.

This one is a bit of a surprise, considering Miami’s needs in the secondary, but Ioane has an argument for the best offensive lineman in the class and could help solidify a group that struggled at both guard spots last season.

One of the worst-kept secrets is Dallas’ intention of drafting a cornerback early, and here that would get them Delane, a smooth cornerback with excellent anticipatory and ball skills that should fit under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

The Oregon tight end tested historically well at the combine for the tight end position, and seems unlikely to make it out of the top 20. In joining Los Angeles, Sadiq gives Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford a receiving weapon that can replace free agent Tyler Higbee’s production.

Woods’ stock is difficult to figure out because of his uneven play in 2025, but the Clemson defensive tackle’s pass rushing and gap shooting ability would be a nice addition to a defensive line that features Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones.

Getting more consistent edge rusher production will be among the priorities for Tampa this offseason, and Howell brings that ability, despite having short arms (30¼-inch arms). He has shown the ability to win on a two-way go off the edge.

Lemon looked smooth during the on-field combine drills, but there are concerns with his athletic profile. However, New York needs more playmakers in their receiver room and Lemon thrives at the catch point and after the catch.

Detroit has needs along the offensive line, but Terrell has the fearless mentality, ball skills, and coverage instincts to fit at multiple spots in the secondary. Amik Robertson is set to be a free agent and Terrell played outside corner and nickel in college.

» READ MORE: Howie Roseman addresses Jaelan Phillips, Brandon Graham, and other potential free agents ahead of the combine

McCoy opted to not participate in the combine, and there is no guarantee he will at his pro day either, which could scare some teams from drafting him. He has shutdown corner ability and got his hands on the football in both man and zone coverages and would fit nicely in Brian Flores’ aggressive defense.

Tyson’s medical checks could have him go a lot lower than expected, but his fall ends here with Carolina, especially with Xavier Legette’s unclear future with the team. The Arizona State wideout is dynamic at the catch point and can win as a route runner in the slot and as an outside receiver.

Faulk, who showed some lower-body explosiveness at the combine (35-inch vertical, 9-9 broad jump), is an excellent run defender who played in a contain style of defense, which limited his pass rushing ability.

Isaac Seumalo could be on the way out for Pittsburgh, leaving an opening at guard for the Steelers. Fano has great feet and hands as a tackle, but his movement skills and run blocking disposition could be accentuated even more at guard.

Thomas did not run very well at the combine (4.67-second 40 yard dash) but he’s got an elite first step and can beat tackles on their outside or inside shoulders. Los Angeles desperately needs more juice from its pass rushers.

» READ MORE: How will the Eagles navigate a critical moment for their offensive line without Jeff Stoutland?

The Eagles showed significant interest in the tight ends and offensive linemen at the combine, and Proctor was among their formal meetings. The Alabama tackle said the Birds “have expressed a lot of interest in me,” during the process, and rightfully so, considering size, athleticism, and run blocking displacement skills.

He also admitted he was open to playing in the interior, a spot the Eagles could upgrade this offseason. He certainly checks the box for the “critical factors” the Eagles look for in offensive linemen.

Concepcion is a dynamic athlete with the ball in his hands and would give Cleveland’s offense a much-needed vertical threat for whoever is under-center next season, whether it’s Shedeur Sanders or a free agent signing like Malik Willis.

Thieneman was the pleasant surprise of the combine, testing like an elite athlete (4.35 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical, 10-5 broad jump) and showcasing the range to play as a single-high safety and the instincts to play a box safety role. With Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson hitting free agency, Chicago gets a potential Day 1 impactful player.

Allen, the standout Georgia linebacker, has good instincts and playmaking skills at the second level of a defense and fills a need with Matt Milano set to hit free agency for Buffalo.

Jauan Jennings is set to hit free agency this offseason, and the 49ers may be looking for his replacement in the draft. Boston is a big receiver who can win vertically and thrives at the catch point with his strong hands and impressive body control on jump balls.

Banks tested like a solid athlete at the combine, but he only played in three games in 2025 and needs to improve his pad level and down-to-down consistency. But his skill set will fit nicely in DeMeco Ryans’ defense.

The Rams have a big need at corner, but instead they upgrade the right tackle spot with Miller, who has light feet in pass protection and the grip strength to stop pass rushers in his tracks. He also has the athleticism to block in space, a big component of McVay’s offense.

One name that kept popping up as a first-round player was Cooper, who has the speed to run by defensive backs (4.46-second 40-yard dash) and is tough to bring down in the open field after the catch. He would be a nice, complimentary piece in Denver’s offense.

» READ MORE: 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0: What will the Eagles do at No. 23?

The Patriots need more impactful pass rushers, and Parker relies on his power and is a physical run defender that can stack and shed offensive linemen in the run game. He also has experience dropping into coverage, too.

Johnson’s rise is similar to Quinyon Mitchell’s a few years ago, where he continued to crush the predraft process first at the Senior Bowl, then at the combine (4.4 second 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical, 10-6 broad jump). He is a sticky coverage player in man and zone coverages, and is competitive at the catch point, and fills a need for Seattle in the secondary.