2026 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs, Bengals, Dolphins, Cowboys: Defense wins championships?

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 25: Sonny Styles #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes talks with Arvell Reese #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes after drills during 2026 Ohio State Pro Day at Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

I was surprised by how fans reacted to the Browns taking a defensive player with the No. 6 pick in the previous mock draft post. Now, we continue on with more of the 2026 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.

• Picks 1-4 of the Mock Draft
• Picks 5-8 of the Mock Draft

Now, let's see what the 9-12 picks are.

No. 9 - Chiefs - David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The selection and write-up were made by Chris Pokorny:

I tried to get a pulse on the Chiefs, because my first instinct was to find a weapon for Patrick Mahomes so that the offense could get back on track. However, the offensive line could be the root of their offensive issues - and yet, here I am drafting a defensive player. This is a rare case where Kansas City, who usually contends for a Super Bowl, can draft early.

There has been a lot of speculation that Kansas City would love Caleb Downs, but I don't see him dropping that far. Another member of the secondary is a common choice, but I think they could take the opportunity to grab David Bailey here at defensive end. He has great speed and versatility, and has a lot of potential to grow his game quickly at the NFL level.

No. 10 - Bengals - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The selection and write-up were made by Ocmiami:

The Bengals are in desperate need of a linebacker after trading Logan Wilson last season. They need a guy who can cover ground quickly and help in passing situations.

They don't have to look far as Sonny Styles proved himself at Ohio State. He blew away the combine and he'll provide much needed athleticism to Cincy's front seven.

No. 11 - Dolphins - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The selection and write-up were made by Dawghouse57:

This is the path for a rebuild plan for the Dolphins. Find a quarterback, get him a WR1, and build from there. Jordyn Tyson is everything you want in a WR if he can stay healthy, and should fill well in the Dolphins system.

Personally, I think that Malik Willis plus Tyson plus De'Von Achane allows the Dolphins to attack every part of the field on offense. With Head Coach Jeff Hafley, he takes offense with his first pick as he is more than capable of coaching up the other side of the ball.

No. 12 - Cowboys - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The selection and write-up were made by Swagnasty:

I'm not going to overthink this one. Mansoor Delane is the best cornerback in the draft and thus at the top of my board and fills one of many glaring needs on the Cowboys' defense.

Delane is aggressive, athletic, and versatile, and I'd expect him to start from Day 1. Even with some NFL growing pains, he will provide a massive upgrade to their league-worst pass defense and there's elite upside. High impact and high value make this an easy, crowd-pleasing pick.

Up next will be the 13-16 picks in the 2026 DBN Community Mock Draft.