MMQB 2025 4.0 mock draft

[Hawkeye0202]

https://www.si.com/nfl/2026-nfl-mock-draft-steelers-select-aaron-rodgers-replacement-ty-simpson

2026 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Steelers Select Aaron Rodgers’s Replacement​

The Jets and Raiders also pick quarterbacks in the first round. Plus, Daniel Flick predicts that five Ohio State players will go in the top 25 selections.

Daniel Flick | 4 Hours Ago​

16. Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1), Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn​

Dallas has the NFL’s second-worst scoring defense, ranking fourth-worst in yards allowed. The Cowboys also have the league’s worst pass defense, but they have pieces at corner and have played much of the season without the injured Trevon Diggs. So the pass rush that’s tied for ninth-worst with 29 sacks is a better place to start. The 6' 6", 285-pound Faulk, a team captain at Auburn, brings size, intelligence and a tremendous athletic profile to the table.

23. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers), Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah​

The Cowboys have battled injuries to their offensive line and would benefit from adding depth overall, but, health aside, they will need to upgrade at right tackle. Lomu needs to fill out his 6' 6", 308-pound frame, but he’s a twitchy, smooth-footed, technically sound pass protector who flashes generating movement as a run blocker. A two-year starter at left tackle, Lomu has the skill set to stick on the blindside—but he’s the Cowboys’ best bet at this spot.

 

[stilltheguru]

With Faulk you're hoping for atleast Gregory Rousseau. If he can be that it's a W.

 

[cnuball21]

I am kind of luke warm on Faulk due to the lack of production but need to dig in more.

Drafting another OLmen in the 1st would be complete insanity.

 

[Landryhat73]

I don't really see the pass rush potential with Faulk. Even in 24 with his 7 sacks if wasn't by beating tackles off the edge. He is great at setting the edge and run defense. I would rather try to develop an edge who needs more work on run defense than pass rushing.

 

[DUO_CORE]

I would find out who's playing in Auburn's secondary because Faulk seems to make his bread and butter due to coverage sacks.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I am kind of luke warm on Faulk due to the lack of production but need to dig in more.

Drafting another OLmen in the 1st would be complete insanity.

He’s a plus run stopping DE that has the ability to develop as a pass rusher. I think he can be similar to Jaelen Phillips as a pass rusher if he develops at the next level.

At worst, he’s probably a 4-6 sacks a year guy that is a bonifide run stopper.

 

[Hardline]

I'm willing to sacrifice pass rush in favor of run stoppers.

 

[sdfidaho]

I am kind of luke warm on Faulk due to the lack of production but need to dig in more.

Drafting another OLmen in the 1st would be complete insanity.

I’m surprised they didn’t go RB, then OT

 

[cnuball21]

I’m surprised they didn’t go RB, then OT

If they do that there is a high chance I will be completely out on this team...

 

[John813]

I will never quite get drafting interior linemen in the first, unless they turn out to be Zach Martin.
But taking an offensive tackle, I can get behind.

Guyton can't stay healthy and is still raw.
Steele can't pass block consistently for 2-3 years now. Complete liability.

I don't know this OT at all, but wouldn't be opposed to taking an OT as long as it's not some super project that needs to improve strength, arm tech, leg movement and general blocking ability lol.

and yes, part of me rolls my eyes with another OL pick.

 

[cowboyec]

based on the board...i'd love faulk....or georgia lb cj allen.
faulk has the size they like and was a team capt....a running theme thru out most of last years draft class.

if its an ot with the 2nd...i'd prefer proctor from alabama.....or mcdonald...the ohio st dt.
but after extending osa and trading for williams,i cant see this f/o spending a first on a dt.
hood...the cb from tenn i would also consider.
i didnt watch any utah games so this ot is a complete unknown to me.
if its a ot....i roll tide with proctor.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

True 3-down DEs are much harder to find than EDGEs/designated pass rush specialists.

 

[DoctorChicken]

Fine with the first pick. Lomu will probably be a good player but I’m gonna need a drink if we draft another OL in the first round. This team HAS to figure out that you can find quality linemen outside of the first.

GM DoctorChicken likely goes BPA on defense with the first two picks. S, DE, LB, CB… we need all of it.

16 - CJ Allen
23 - Cashius Howell

Adding a bonafide run stopper and a bonafide pass rusher would help this team immediately.

 

[JeffInDC]

Fine with the first pick. Lomu will probably be a good player but I’m gonna need a drink if we draft another OL in the first round. This team HAS to figure out that you can find quality linemen outside of the first.

GM DoctorChicken likely goes BPA on defense with the first two picks. S, DE, LB, CB… we need all of it.

16 - CJ Allen
23 - Cashius Howell

Adding a bonafide run stopper and a bonafide pass rusher would help this team immediately.

LOVE if that haul could come to fruition.

 

[conner01]

I will never quite get drafting interior linemen in the first, unless they turn out to be Zach Martin.
But taking an offensive tackle, I can get behind.

Guyton can't stay healthy and is still raw.
Steele can't pass block consistently for 2-3 years now. Complete liability.

I don't know this OT at all, but wouldn't be opposed to taking an OT as long as it's not some super project that needs to improve strength, arm tech, leg movement and general blocking ability lol.

and yes, part of me rolls my eyes with another OL pick.

He’s a LT so I’m guessing if he’s picked Steele is gone and Guyton goes back to RT

 

[jblaze2004]

He’s a plus run stopping DE that has the ability to develop as a pass rusher. I think he can be similar to Jaelen Phillips as a pass rusher if he develops at the next level.

At worst, he’s probably a 4-6 sacks a year guy that is a bonifide run stopper.

Sounds like a 2nd or 3rd rounder

 

[Coogiguy03]

Faulk is too damn big we need a speedy guy at DE

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I have no problem with a DE or OT in the first.
Would not have a problem with a LB or DB either..

This team just needs to make good picks that will pan out for them.
This team has enough needs that there should be some good BPA crossed with need when they are on the clock.

It is still a little early to have a complete idea of the DEs in this class for me. But so far the first rounders only have a couple that I really like. The others seem like more high ceiling guys that you gamble on. Almost drafting for traits and that is normally done in later rounds. Sometimes it pays off, many times it does not. Micah and EZ are the only D linemen taken in the first couple of rounds that have been worth the picks IMO. Kneeland is gone so not counting him. But they have also not been the best with Dline when taking the in the first or having their first pick in the second. Mazi, Taco, Trysten Hill...not so good. Sam Williams has been meh.

Would not be surprised if they wind up taking two ohio st defense players in the first. If somehow, and it would be a long shot but we have seen players fall before....They got Downs and Styles. I would consider that a win But doubt Downs falls.

I kind of like that DE from Oklahoma R Mason Thomas but have no clue where he will be taken. Still early.

I am also interested in Miami/s Ahkeem Mesidore. Loved him when he was at WVU. This might be an option on day two, if they have picks...or he could shoot up the board. Really do not know where people project him. But I do like this kid. I think he can play up and down the line when needed and help with the pass rush.

Later in the draft I would like to see if they would take a flyer on BYU WR Chase Roberts. Looks to be a dependable WR with good size and could help in redzone. I say later in the draft as I do not see them taking a WR early.If they keep Pickens and they seem to be giving Flournoy more time.
Maybe the look for another speedy WR who could eventually take the role of Turpin.