9 SEC players featured in Mike Band’s latest mock draft for NFL.com
By Andrew Olson
Published:
It’s almost time for the NFL Draft. We’re officially a week away from Round 1 on April 23, and the experts are fine-tuning their predictions for the first 32 prospects to hear their names called.
On Thursday, Mike Band shared his 2.0 mock draft at NFL.com. He has 9 SEC players going in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s what Band is currently projecting:
- LSU CB Mansoor Delane — No. 8 (New Orleans Saints)
- Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy — No. 10 (Cincinnati Bengals)
- Auburn edge Keldric Faulk — No. 15 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Georgia OT Monroe Freeling — No. 17 (Detroit Lions)
- Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor — No. 20 (Cleveland Browns)
- Texas A&M OG Chase Bisontis — No. 22 (Los Angeles Chargers)
- Tennessee CB Colton Hood — No. 24 (Dallas Cowboys via trade with Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Mizzou edge Zion Young — No. 25 (Chicago Bears)
- Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion — No. 30 (Miami Dolphins)
If Band’s mock is accurate, Round 1 will have a bit of a different feel for SEC fans this year. When it comes to SEC alumni, Band sees primarily defenders and offensive linemen hearing their names called in the first 32 picks. He notably projects only one offensive skill position player (Concepcion) from the SEC as a first-rounder pick this year.
We’re one week away from seeing how things play out. The 2026 NFL Draft is being held in Pittsburgh.
Who’s going in the top 10? Make a prediction today on Kalshi!
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
