NFL Teams Prioritize Defense in Early 2026 Mock Drafts: Jets, Titans, Chiefs, and Commanders Load Up Before Wide Receiver Frenzy
INDIANAPOLIS — As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off at Lucas Oil Stadium, mock drafts are buzzing with a clear trend: teams like the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Commanders are projected to go all-in on defense in the early rounds, setting the stage for a subsequent run on wide receivers.
This defensive emphasis reflects a draft class light on elite quarterbacks but rich in defensive talent and offensive skill players, according to multiple analysts. With the NFL Draft set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, general managers are eyeing prospects who can immediately bolster struggling units amid the Combine’s workouts and free agency looming.
Jets Lead the Charge with Top Defensive Talents
The New York Jets, holding the No. 2 pick, are a focal point in projections. ESPN’s Mel Kiper predicts the Jets selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, the highest-drafted safety since 1991. Downs brings elite instincts, six interceptions, 18 tackles for loss, and 22 run stops over three college seasons, capable of elevating the secondary.[2]
Other mocks see the Jets doubling down on defense with Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, a versatile LB/EDGE hybrid. Described as a “dynamic playmaker,” Reese could line up off the ball or rush the passer, addressing the Jets’ defensive needs under coordinator Aaron Glenn.[1][8]
Titans, Chiefs, and Commanders Follow Suit
The Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Commanders are also mocked to prioritize defense early. A three-round projection from A to Z Sports highlights these teams grabbing defensive standouts before wideouts dominate later rounds.[10]
NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks envisions the Chiefs adding an acrobatic pass catcher like Carnell Tate from Ohio State, but only after defensive investments, pairing him with Xavier Worthy for mismatch nightmares.[3]
For the Commanders at No. 7, Kiper projects Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, a 6-foot-4, 243-pound linebacker with safety speed. This would mark four Buckeyes in the top seven picks, a school record.[2]
“This would be the fourth Ohio State player off the board — the most ever in the first seven picks for one school.” — ESPN Research[2]
Wide Receivers Dominate Mid-to-Late Rounds
After the defensive rush, wide receivers take center stage. NFL.com mocks note edge rushers, offensive linemen, and wideouts comprising nearly half of the first 100 picks, with seven offensive linemen and six wideouts in Round 1 alone.[6][7]
Prospects like Arizona State’s polished route-runner (potentially for the Jets post-QB fix) and Washington’s Denzel Boston (to the Bills) are highlighted for their hands, speed, and yards-after-catch ability. Boston’s 881 yards and 11 touchdowns last season make him a fit for Josh Allen.[2]
| Pick | Team | Player | Position/School | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | New York Jets | Caleb Downs | S, Ohio State | ESPN[2] |
| 2 | New York Jets | Arvell Reese | LB/EDGE, Ohio State | NFLSpinZone[8] |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals | Arvell Reese | LB/EDGE, Ohio State | NFLMocks[1] |
| 7 | Washington Commanders | Sonny Styles | LB, Ohio State | ESPN[2] |
| 26 | Buffalo Bills | Denzel Boston | WR, Washington | ESPN[2] |
Trades and Quarterback Scarcity Shape Strategy
Trades are rampant in mocks, including blockbuster deals like Browns-Cowboys swaps and Panthers moving up for Miami’s Rueben Bain.[1][7] Quarterbacks are scarce, with only two first-rounders projected and none in Round 2, pushing teams toward defensive and skill-position upgrades.[6]
Ohio State dominates early, with multiple defenders like Downs, Reese, and Styles mocked in the top 10. The Combine this week could shift the board, as prospects showcase athleticism amid free agency chaos.[3]
Implications for Contenders and Rebuilders
For rebuilding teams like the Jets and Cardinals, these picks signal a defensive foundation. Contenders like the Chiefs aim to sustain dominance. Analysts note this class favors teams willing to take positional value over traditional QB hype.[1][6]
As Combine drills unfold, expect updated mocks reflecting 40-yard dash times, bench presses, and interviews. For now, defense rules the top, with wideouts ready to fly off the board.
Stay tuned for live Combine coverage and draft tracker updates.