The 2026 NFL Mock Draft is underway, showcasing picks for teams like the Lions, Vikings, Panthers, and Cowboys. The draft is being released in segments to provide detailed insights into player selections.
LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 28: Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) after a Big 12 football game between the Utah Utes and Kansas Jayhawks on November 28, 2025 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
We are now past the half-way point of the first round of this yearâs DBN Community NFL Mock Draft. We are releasing four picks at a time in one post to give you more substance to digest how the draft is unfolding. Here you can see all of our NFL mock draft coverage for the Cleveland Browns.
Now, letâs see what the 17-20 picks are.
The selection and write-up were made by Ezweav:
With this selection, the Lions get to marry the best player on the board (Monroe Freeling) to a position group that could use some beefing up. Longtime starter at left tackle Taylor Decker has moved on, so this selection makes a lot of sense.
Detroit has been toying with the notion of moving all-world right tackle Penei Sewell over to the left side, so this selection allows them some latitude on whether or not to execute that option.
The selection and write-up were made by Chris Pokorny:
Sometimes, there is a move that everyone projects to work so seamlessly, even though itâs midway through the first round. This year, that seems to involve safety Dillon Thieneman going to the Vikings.
With veteran Harrison Smithâs future still up-in-the-air, Thieneman can ensure the secondary remains strong. Even if Smith returns, selecting Thieneman is still a good decision for Minnesota and his long-term prospects with the team. After Caleb Downs, heâs the next-best safety in this yearâs class, and Minnesota should be able to comfortably grab him as other teams chase different positons.
The selection and write-up were made by mrwhitman:
Caleb Lomu represents a strategic investment in their quarterback, Bryce Young, and the long-term stability of their offensive front. Heâs highly athletic with superior lateral quickness, and nice foot speed paired with a more-than-adequate technical floor in pass protection. Lomu consistently showcased the ability to handle speed rushers and complex stunts with relative ease. He has room for improvement in run blocking, but he was only a sophomore at Utah, although he did start both seasons for the Utes.
Lomu is a pick who melds the âbest player availableâ mentality with a position of relative need. The Panthers lost Ikem Ekwonu, the starter last year, to offseason knee surgery and thereâs no current timetable for his return.
Lomu is a perfect fit for Head Coach Dave Canalesâ zone-blocking schemes, providing the Panthers with a Day 1 starter who possesses the frame to add functional mass, room to grow, the opportunity to add experience with reps, and the Pro Bowl upside to solidify the blindside for years to come.
The selection and write-up were made by Swagnasty:
This is a little bit of a risk, but thatâs the nature of the draft. It bears repeating that the 2025 Cowboys defense was the worst in the league by many measures, and needs quite a lot of investment.
Keldric Faulk has massive upside and thatâs what Iâm drafting him. Heâs huge, athletic, young, versatile, and reportedly a great leader and teammate. Heâs also very raw, so expecting immediate impact will lead to disappointment. If the Cowboys had a more established defense, especially fellow linemen, this dude would be feasting. Instead, heâs going to have to learn on the fly and take some lumps while figuring out how to outplay the opposing trench. If he can improve his technique and tactics, then he could become a truly explosive in year two and beyond.
The biggest hole on the roster is actually linebacker, but the options there are no less risky, so Iâm happy to take the best player remaining at a more premium position. Combined with Delane at No. 12, I think this version of NFL draft Day 1 will give those poor tormented Cowboys fans some hope for their defense.
Up next will be the 21-24 picks in the 2026 DBN Community Mock Draft.
The 2026 NFL Mock Draft features teams including the Lions, Vikings, Panthers, and Cowboys.
The draft is released in segments, with four picks announced at a time to provide more detailed insights.
Caleb Lomu is an offensive lineman from the Utah Utes, noted for his performance in college football and is a potential draft pick.
The next picks of the 2026 NFL Mock Draft will be released in subsequent segments, continuing to showcase player selections.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.
Arshdeep Singh makes history as the first PBKS bowler to reach 100 IPL wickets!
California's top high school football prospects are on the move this weekend.
Viktor Hovland shines with a 64 at RBC Heritage, Gotterup scores 70.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.