Una tabla de selecciones obligatorias para el draft de 2026 de un ex GM de la NFL: Tannenbaum golpea la mesa por 14 prospectos

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches in less than a month, teams are busy refining their prospect boards. The challenge lies in reaching a consensus among various opinions from front offices, coaching staffs, and scouting departments. Each team has its own set of players they are advocating for, pushing to ensure these athletes are part of their future plans.

During my tenure as general manager and executive vice president with the Jets (2006-2012) and later with the Dolphins (2015-2018), I experienced firsthand the lively debates that occur in draft meetings. I vividly recall the discussions surrounding the Jets’ fourth overall pick in my first year. We considered defensive end Mario Williams before he was ultimately selected first by Houston. Running back Reggie Bush had his supporters, and tight end Vernon Davis was also a popular choice.

However, I was a strong advocate for offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, believing our pass protection needed a significant upgrade. With Williams, Bush, and Vince Young off the board, we ultimately chose Ferguson over Davis.

In the coming weeks, similar discussions will unfold in team facilities across the league. This process extends beyond the first round; as teams approach their Day 2 and Day 3 selections, they will evaluate who remains available and identify potential targets.

With this in mind, I’ve revisited my general manager roots to identify my top prospects for the 2026 draft. Instead of focusing on a specific team, I’ve created a hypothetical board for an imaginary Team X, without considering roster needs, championship aspirations, or specific schemes. Below, I highlight a few players I would target in Rounds 1-4, along with a sleeper from each of the final three rounds.

### First-Round Targets Outside the Top 10

**Makai Lemon, WR, USC**
Lemon’s relentless and physical style of play stands out. While he primarily played in the slot at USC, his size (5’11», 192 lbs) allows him to transition to the outside in the NFL. He excelled in contested-catch situations, recording 11 touchdowns and ranking third nationally with 96.3 receiving yards per game. With other top receivers like Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson likely to dominate the early rankings, Lemon could be a valuable pick outside the top 10.

**Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon**
Thieneman’s athleticism is impressive, clocking a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash and achieving a 41-inch vertical jump. At 6’0″ and 201 lbs, he showcases versatility, playing various roles in the secondary. His strong performance at the combine, combined with 86 tackles and two interceptions last season, positions him as a potential top-20 pick.

**Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon**
Sadiq’s explosive athleticism (4.39 in the 40, 43.5-inch vertical) makes him a compelling target for creative offensive coordinators. He caught 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and at 6’3″ and 241 lbs, he can create mismatches against safeties.

### Round 2 Targets

**Peter Woods, DT, Clemson**
Woods has the potential to be a first-round pick, but his underwhelming production (33 tackles, two sacks last season) may push him to Round 2. His explosive traits make him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster its interior defense.

**Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State**
Johnson is poised to start in the NFL, showcasing effective man-to-man coverage skills. With a solid college career featuring five interceptions and 13 pass breakups over the last two seasons, his 4.4 speed makes him a day-one starter.

**D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana**
Though slightly undersized at 5’9″ and 182 lbs, Ponds has the tenacity and skill set to excel as a nickel cornerback in the NFL. His impressive performance, including a pick-six in the CFP game against Oregon, highlights his potential.

### Round 3 Targets

**Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF**
Lawrence has a strong motor and impressive production, with 20 career sacks. His 4.52-second 40-yard dash at 6’4″ and 253 lbs makes him an appealing pass-rushing prospect.

**Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt**
Stowers offers a significant catch radius at 6’4″ and 239 lbs. Despite needing to improve his blocking, he has a history of making big plays, catching 146 passes and scoring 11 touchdowns over the last three seasons.

**Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech**
Rodriguez’s knack for forcing fumbles and his overall productivity make him a standout prospect. His instincts and ability to make plays suggest he could become aTomado de https://www.espn.com/