With the 2026 NFL draft approaching, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum has released his must-draft board featuring 14 prospects he'd target across all seven rounds. Drawing from his experience as GM of the Jets and Dolphins, Tannenbaum built a hypothetical Team X board without considering specific roster needs or schemes. His selections focus purely on players he believes could make immediate impacts at the professional level.

In the first round, Tannenbaum highlights USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq as targets outside the top 10. Lemon's physical playing style and contested-catch ability make him appealing despite his 5-foot-11 frame. Thieneman's 4.35 40-yard dash and 41-inch vertical jump showcase the athleticism teams crave in modern safeties. Sadiq's explosive 4.39-second 40-yard dash and 43½-inch vertical could create mismatches for creative offensive coordinators.

Rounds 2 through 4 feature Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, and Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds as Day 2 targets. Woods' potential despite modest college production makes him a value pick if available in Round 2. Ponds' tenacity and ability to play both outside and in the slot would be valuable in today's nickel-heavy NFL. The board also includes quarterback targets Taylen Green and Drew Allar in the mid-rounds, with Tannenbaum emphasizing the importance of not missing out on both prospects.