Matayo Uiagalelei — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Regardless of what happens with Aaron Rodgers, quarterback will remain the team's top need entering 2026 and they'd love for one of the top four quarterbacks to be available here. They got a nice value with Jack Sawyer falling to them in the fourth round, but T.J. Watt is entering the final year of his current contract. While I don't expect Watt to play anywhere other than Pittsburgh, adding another young edge rusher makes sense and Uiagalelei had a breakout season in 2024 as he led the Big Ten in sacks (10.5).

The younger brother of D.J. Uiagalelei has been impactful since arriving in Eugene. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound pass rusher recorded 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and even one interception last season alone. Jordan Burch, Jamaree Caldwell and Derrick Harmon are gone from that Ducks defensive line. The future lies in the hands of talented prospects like defensive tackle Bear Alexander and Uiagalelei.

Edge rusher is a clear weak spot on the Commanders' roster. Uiagalelei took a major step forward as a sophomore in 2024, with 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. At 6-5 and 270 pounds, he is a versatile edge rusher who already has an established repertoire of pass-rush moves. Coach Dan Quinn would love having him rushing the passer in D.C.

The brother of former FSU/Clemson quarterback DJ, Matayo Uiagalelei generated 10.5 sacks and is arguably the most disruptive EDGE in the Big Ten. He would form a game-wrecking duo with Aidan Hutchinson that could spell doom for NFC North offenses.

You can never have enough pass rushers and that's particularly true in the AFC West, given quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Geno Smith and Bo Nix. Uiagalelei is from Southern California and has that ideal combination of size and burst off the edge, to say nothing of his high motor as a defender that is sure to endure him to Jim Harbaugh & Co. in L.A.

The Oregon defensive line was a joy to watch this past season — 75 percent of its starters were drafted this past weekend (Derrick Harmon, Jordan Burch, Jamaree Caldwell). Uiagalelei is the lone returning starter, but he might have the highest ceiling of the group.

DeMarcus Lawrence signed a three-year deal this offseason, but the four-time Pro Bowler will be 34 before the 2026 season starts. Uiagalelei would be a formidable addition to Mike Macdonald's pass rush, and he has plenty of juice to get after the quarterback, as evidenced by his 10 ½ sacks last season.