With the 2026 NFL Draft speeding ever closer, it is becoming perfectly clear which teams, like the upstart Dallas Cowboys, are going to contend for a spot in the playoffs and which will spend the better part of the 2026 season licking their wounds as they try to look forward to what next year will bring.
As such, the league is starting to get a sense of what the Draft is going to look like. Any teams that need a new standout pass rusher, big-bodied wide receiver, or offensive tackle that can help clear the way as a run blocker are in luck.
This 3-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft sets teams at the bottom up for success, hands the middle some difference-makers who could help another playoff push, and reinforces areas of weakness on contenders. How did your team make out?
3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
1. Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State
Reese has seemingly leapfrogged Reuben Bain as the top player in this class. Compared to Micah Parsons at Penn State due to his versatility, Reese might be the obvious pick for Cam Ward and the Titans, provided Tennessee doesn't trade out of this pick.
2. New York Giants: Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Even if the Giants win a few extra games, Tyson should be at the front of their minds. Pairing the big-bodied downfield playmaker with Malik Nabers and Jaxson Dart could help the Giants achieve full-on aerial circus status under the right head coach.
3. New Orleans Saints: Reuben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
If the Saints are pleased with the progress of 2025 No. 40 overall pick Tyler Shough at quarterback, picking the best player available is the way to go. Bain looks like a 10-year starter in New Orleans due to a rare combination of speed and power on the edge.
4. New York Jets: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Jets will get their chance to land another possible quarterback savior for the Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey regime. Mendoza has a big arm, a great football brain that helps him diagnose defenses, and the downfield accuracy needed to break this team's string of quarterback misfortune.
5. Las Vegas Raiders: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
In terms of potential, Moore might have the most of any top signal-caller in this class. Still just 20 years old, Moore has a whip for an arm and tremendous accuracy when operating in the pocket. Cerebral and talented, Moore could replace Geno Smith in Vegas.
6. Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Browns have a solid roster buoyed by a nice 2025 Draft class, but they need the quarterback who can make it all work. Even though he's only started for one year, Simpson has oodles of deep accuracy, football smarts, and surprising arm talent for a smaller player.
7. Washington Commanders: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Washington's defensive line is starting to fall apart, and Faulk can help provide stability as both a run stuffer and edge rusher. Dan Quinn is going to love getting his hands on a player who has such relentless versatility and power on the line.
8. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
Downs is a top-two player in this class regardless of position, and his dominance as a turnover-generator is so excellent that the defense-needy Bengals will stay in the state of Ohio and bring someone with genuine All-Pro potential to a moribund Cincinnati unit.
9. Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Even if the Cardinals are running out of Kyler Murray patience, whoever is under center needs better offensive line play than what they have been afforded. Fano could be the starting right tackle for the next decade in Arizona, especially if he keeps putting distance between himself and the rest of the pack.
10. Miami Dolphins: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Miami needs anyone and everyone to help fix their defense. With Chop Robinson regressing and Bradley Chubb likely to be booted out of town, bringing in a sack artist like Bailey could be all the Dolphins need to get this unit back on the path to respectability.
11. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The Rams can use this bit of good draft fortune to finally find a replacement for Rob Havenstein, Mauigoa is one of the best pass protectors in this class, and he should have no trouble fitting into a Sean McVay offense that has helped develop multiple quality starters on the line.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
While the Vikings need to bring in a veteran quarterback to compete with JJ McCarthy next year, their defensive line never was able to replace Harrison Phillips. Woods is a top-shelf athlete on the inside who profiles as a very safe run-stuffer for Brian Flores.
13. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Even in a weak cornerback draft, Dallas may need to use their first pick on the best available defensive back. If Matt Eberflus returns as defensive coordinator, Delane's fluid athleticism and ball skills should help him earn a starting spot in a zone scheme right away.
14. Carolina Panthers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Even as Bryce Young goes up and down in Year 3, Carolina's defense is too lacking in depth to be taken seriously as a playoff contender. Styles has been flying all over the field and hitting ball-carriers with force this year, and he profiles as an instant professional starter.
15. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
After years of trying to make Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco work, the Chiefs can finally invest premium NFL Draft capital into a player in Love that many believe is a Top 10 player in this class. His rare mix of speed, vision, and tackle-breaking makes him the clear RB1.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Steelers might set a record for jump-balls in 2026 if they pair the 6-4 DK Metcalf with Tate, but the next in the factory line of great Buckeye wide receiver prospects has enough route-running chops to become a more complete receiver worthy of such a high pick.
17. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Like Dallas with defensive backs, Houston may need to take the best offensive lineman available to them. Proctor's mammoth size and surprisingly light feed is exactly what CJ Stroud needs to avoid getting rocked when he drops back.
18. Detroit Lions: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Brad Holmes seems set for another year of looking for cornerbacks after Terrion Arnold keeps struggling and Ennis Rakestraw remains sidelined due to injuries. McCoy has been banged up, but when healthy, he flashes true CB1 potential for the Lions.
19. Baltimore Ravens: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Banks is the best pass-rushing defensive tackle in this class, and he is tremendously athletic for someone his size. If the Ravens think he can stay healthy, Baltimore could get someone who could anchor their defensive line for years to come.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Howell will fly off the edge with reckless abandon, and Tampa Bay has needed someone with his speed for some time. Haason Reddick has disappointed and Chris Braswell is a complete non-factor, which makes this an even bigger area of need for the Bucs.
21. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Keon Coleman's recent infractions have seemingly denied the Bills the X receiver they have bene looking for. With the muscle needed to secure tough catches and more explosion than Coleman, Boston could become one of Josh Allen's favorite targets in Buffalo.
22. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Even if the Browns land a franchise quarterback, it would be the height of irresponsibility for them to put him behind this terrible offensive line. Lomu mauls in the running game, and he could become a Pro Bowler if Cleveland works on his pass protection footwork.
23. San Francisco 49ers: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Brandon Aiyuk appears ready to divorce himself from San Francisco, and Jauan Jennings is a free agent. Lemon is the type of speedy route runner Kyle Shanahan loves to work with, and he offers a bit mor verticality than Ricky Pearsall at this stage.
24. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Even with DeMarvion Overshown moving back into the starting lineup, his injury history is very concerning. Allen is undersized for an inside linebacker, but the ground he can cover on passing downs and his vicegrip tackling form will endear him to Cowboys fans.
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Chargers have been unable to stop the run for what feels like forever, even after Jesse Minter kicked this defense into high gear. McDonald is a wall on first and second down, and Los Angeles might get some potential out of him as a pass rusher.
26. Chicago Bears: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Parker went from a possible top-five pick to the mid 20s after an unimpressive senior season, but the guy who tallied 11.5 sacks in 2024 may be in there some where. The Bears need to take some of the pass rush pressure off Montez Sweat, and Parker would help.
27. Seattle Seahawks: Vega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
Ioane is leaving all other interior offensive linemen in the dust this year, and the fit in a pass-happy Seattle offense might be too good to ignore. Between Ioane and Grey Zabel, the Seahawks may have their guards for the next decade.
28. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts): Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
The Jets need another pass rusher, be it a speedy specialist like Will McDonald or a high-motor two-way player like Jermaine Johnson. Uiagalelei is more in the latter camp, though his power and technique should help him earn a plurality of snaps early in his career.
29. Philadelphia Eagles: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are excellent, but Philly's secondary has been fried this year due to a rotating corner of disappointing young guns and vets. Terrell plays with reckless abandon and the requisite stickiness in man coverage Vic Fangio likes.
30. Denver Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Evan Engram contract appears to have been a massive bust for the Broncos, and Denver could look to replace him as soon as this offseason. Sadiq is the best tight end this class has to offer, and his well-round game will give Bo Nix another reliable safety valve over the middle.
31. Los Angeles Rams: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Sellers may go back to school and transfer, but if he declares, he needs to take his rocket arm and peerless athleticism to somewhere that can improve his struggles with getting the ball out quickly. Where better than sitting behind Matthew Stafford under Sean McVay?
32. New England Patriots: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
The K'Lavon Chaisson breakout and Harold Landry resurgence are encouraging, but New England needs one more defensive lineman to really knock this defense up a tier. A hybrid player who can stuff the run inside and get to the quarterback, Overton fits Mike Vrabel'
ROUND 2
33. Tennessee Titans: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
The Titans need to get Ward receivers in the worst way, and Bell's physical style of running routes will be welcomed.
34. New York Giants: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
The non-Andrew Thomas offensive line remains a problem, and a great run-blocker like Dunker helps alleviate that.
35. New York Jets: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee
The 6-5 Brazzell's speed and propensity for great catches can help the Jets overcome concerns about coming from Tennessee's scheme.
36. Las Vegas Raiders: Caleb Tiernan, OT/IOL, Northwestern
The Raiders may have the worst offensive line in the league, and Tiernan is a versatile, rising player that can help LA rectify things.
37. New Orleans Saints: Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Concepcion is one of the best playmakers with the ball in his hands in this class, which may be all Kellen Moore needs to hear to bring him to New Orleans.
38. Houston Texans: A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
Houston has quite a stout defense, but they are a bit squishy defending the run on the interior and Washington would play a huge part in fixing that.
39. Cincinnati Bengals: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
The Bengals have tried the toolsy pass rush prospect gambit a few times, and they have failed. Why not pick a proven speed rusher with great technique?
40. Arizona Cardinals: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
If Bernard adapts to the slot role and is as reliable as he was at Alabama, the trio of him, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson could get the Cardinals' opponents worried.
41. Cleveland Browns: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
Lane is that boundary target with endless length that a rookie quarterback will love to throw 50-50 balls to, and Cleveland has lacked that guy for years.
42. Atlanta Falcons: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
The Falcons can't just use Drake London and a bunch of also-rans as their wide receiver room moving forward, and Sarratt's big play potential can't be ignored.
43. Minnesota Vikings: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Minnesota's secondary issues may fly under the radar, but it needs some turnover generators, and Hood's smooth style will do nicely.
44. Miami Dolphins: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
If Kenneth Grant can keep turning things around after a very slow start, Miller can team with him to fix Miami's soft interior defensive line for the next half-decade.
45. New York Jets: Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon
No team is worse at forcing turnovers than the Jets, and adding a high-floor ballhawk like Thieneman alongside Malachi Moore could give Aaron Glenn the creativity he needs to make this defense in his own image.
46. Carolina Panthers: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn
Carolina will need to look over his medicals following a serious injury, but a healthy Lew is a tremendous center who should start right away for the Panthers.
47. Kansas City Chiefs: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Orange is one-note as a player, but his run-stuffing ability can make up for the undersized Omarr Norman-Lott and give the Chiefs more security as they plan for life without Chris Jones.
48. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jayden Maiava, QB, USC
Maiava keeps on rising, as his NFL-caliber arm and propensity for taking shots deep will entice the Steelers as they try to find Aaron Rodgers' replacement.
49. Houston Texans: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Even though World has been a bit underwhelming this season, the tools are there, and Houston needs all the linemen with starter potential they can get.
50. Detroit Lions: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
Josephs is starting to put it all together, and his best football should be in the windshield. The tools are mouth-watering, and Aidan Hutchinson will appreciate his new partner in crime.
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas
Hill's coverage skills need work, but the this thumper between the tackles is a quality middle linebacker who could help replace Lavonte David when the time is right.
52. Baltimore Ravens: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
Height is small and has the benefit of playing next to David Bailey, but he's proven he can hold his own as a situational pass rusher in the pros with a hot second half.
53. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quincy Rhodes, EDGE, Arkansas
Travon Walker isn't a traditional speed edge, and Josh Hines-Allen isn't getting any younger. The Jaguars may need one more high-motor pass rusher to complete their defense, and Rhodes looks pro-ready.
54. San Francisco 49ers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Call him interior depth or an eventual Trent Williams replacement, but San Francisco needs linemen, and Miller is here to answer the call.
55. Buffalo Bills: Kamari Ramsey, SAF, USC
The safety room in Buffalo is on its' last legs, so much so that Ramsey should be an immediate key starter sue to his tackling and zone instincts.
56. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Cisse has been flying up draft boards lately, and his man coverage excellence should be enough to make Packers DC Jeff Hafley bang the table for him at this point.
57. Los Angeles Chargers: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
The Chargers are so injured up front that Bobby Hart is playing real NFL snaps. With Mekhi Becton injured again, Pregnon is a high-upside alternative who could kick inside to center as well.
58. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Johnson has some of the best ball skills of any cornerback in this class, which will only make him an instant contributor alongside Devon Witherspoon in a loaded Seattle defense.
59. Indianapolis Colts: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
The Colts are likely losing Kwity Paye in the offseason, and Young's thick frame could make him an ideal replacement who slides in next to Laiatu Latu.
60. Chicago Bears: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
While Kyle Monangai is a fun backup, the upgrade over D'Andre Swift that Price could provide under Ben Johnson should make this an easy pick.
61. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Dallas Goedert's time as a starter is coming to an end, and Klare's blocking improvements should turn Howie Roseman's head.
62. Denver Broncos: Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
Denver needs to keep adding as many playmaking wide receivers as possible to help support Nix, and Cooper's nose for the end zone will play well in a Sean Payton offense.
63. Los Angeles Rams: AJ Harris, CB, Penn State
The same coaching staff that turned Emmanuel Forbes around should take the toolsy Harris and instantly have him challenging for meaningful snaps.
64. New England Patriots: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
With the offensive line around Will Campbell still very much a work in progress, it would behoove New England to take Goosby and make him their right tackle of the future.
ROUND 3
65. Tennessee Titans: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
66. Houston Texans: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
67. Las Vegas Raiders: Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
68. New Orleans Saints: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
69. Philadelphia Eagles: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
70. Cincinnati Bengals: Darrell Jackson Jr, DT, Florida State
71. Arizona Cardinals: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
72. Cleveland Browns: Austin Barber, OT, Florida
73. Washington Commanders: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
74. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
75. Miami Dolphins: John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
76. Atlanta Falcons: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
77. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brian Parker II, OT, Duke
78. Pittsburgh Steelers: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
79. Miami Dolphins: Austin Siereveld, OT, Ohio State
80. Carolina Panthers: AJ Haulcy, SAF, LSU
81. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
82. Jacksonville Jaguars: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, SAF, Toledo
83. Baltimore Ravens: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jack Endries, TE, Texas
85. San Francisco 49ers: Zakee Wheatley, SAF, Penn State
86. Buffalo Bills: Harold Perkins, LB, LSU
87. Jacksonville Jaguars: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
88. Green Bay Packers: Damon Wilson Jr, EDGE, Missouri
89. Los Angeles Chargers: Xavier Scott, SAF/CB, Illinois
90. Indianapolis Colts: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
91. Chicago Bears: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
92. Seattle Seahawks: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
93. Miami Dolphins: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida
94. Denver Broncos: Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
95. Los Angeles Rams: Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan
96. New England Patriots: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
97. Minnesota Vikings: Jalen Kilgore, SAF, South Carolina
98. Philadelphia Eagles: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
99. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
100. Jacksonville Jaguars: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia