3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Saints, Jets, Raiders, and more draft quarterbacks as Browns and others reach for wide receivers
Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, and Ty Simpson go early while Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and WRs continue to stack first round
It’s already the holiday season. The NFL playoff picture is coming into view. College Football regular season and conference championships are wrapping up here soon. That means it’s time to dive into this upcoming 2026 NFL Draft class.
Many NFL teams already recognize that their season is effectively over, but the NFL Draft always provides hope for a brighter future. Who are the most talented prospects in the country that could save your favorite franchise and find themselves selected inside the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft? That’s what we’re diving into today to give every NFL fan something to look forward to here soon. Three rounds. 96 picks. Let’s jump into this upcoming draft class together. Enjoy!
Current Facts and Stats for the 2026 NFL Draft
- The Dolphins lead all NFL teams with five draft picks inside the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft
- The Browns, Jets, Rams, Steelers, Texans all have four picks inside the first three rounds
- The Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants are the five most likely teams to land the number one overall pick according to sports book odds with the Cardinals, Commanders, and Browns not too far behind
Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
1. Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
This likely needs to be said in every single mock draft from now until NFL Draft day. If the Titans have the first overall pick they’re trading down with a QB-needy team. However, if something crazy happens and they don’t, then drafting the best overall defender in the 2026 NFL Draft makes a ton of sense. Arvell Reese is an elite hybrid defender who can play off-ball linebacker at a high level or focus more on defensive end and become an All-Pro pass rusher off the edge. The Titans could use both (on top of many other things).
2. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The New York Giants need to figure out how to protect their new first round quarterback Jaxson Dart. Yes, Dart puts himself in harm’s way due to his extremely competitive nature, but adding a game-changing offensive tackle should help him win more within structure. Spencer Fano is a rare athlete at offensive tackle, a strong run blocker, and he might also be the best true pass blocking offensive tackle in the class too. Plus he’s had plenty of practice blocking for dual threat quarterbacks at Utah. Fano could be a foundational piece for a bright Giants future on offense.
3. New Orleans Saints: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza is the QB1 in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin (not draft eligible) have put together the two most impressive 2025 college football seasons by a good margin at quarterback. Mendoza has done it with far less impressive skill position weapons too. Mendoza always had the natural arm talent prior to this year, but he’s finally put it all together, cleaning up his decision making and down field accuracy this season too. He ranks top five in passer rating, adjusted yards per pass attempt, QBR, yards per play, and most every other meaningful metric for quarterback play. The Saints get their future franchise passer here after quickly realizing that Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough were not it.
4. New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Dante Moore might return to Oregon — which would hurt this 2026 NFL Draft class immensely — but if he doesn’t there will be some who consider him the QB1 over Mendoza. This former five star phenom recruit has grown significantly since his first promising action back at UCLA three seasons ago. Now he’s looking like a polished pro who can make every single throw. A couple down games (due to weather) have his 2025 profile looking a little tainted, but his physical tools and ability to make any throw from any platform are incredible. The Jets are clearly done with their Justin Fields experiment and will take a swing on the best quarterback available next spring. Dante Moore could be that guy if he declares.
5. Las Vegas Raiders: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Ty Simpson struggled in his first start against Florida State this season, but since then he’s grown into a field general who makes all the right checks pre-snap, makes tight, tough, layered throws, and clearly has all the ability to become a starting quarterback in the NFL. He isn’t perhaps as physically gifted as either Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore, but he’s an efficient distributor with plenty of upside to continue growing considering how limited his body of work is up to this point. The Raiders take a shot on Ty Simpson because they absolutely must figure out the quarterback position.
6. Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
The Cleveland Browns could certainly go back to the quarterback well in 2026, perhaps even trading up to the first overall pick, but in this mock draft the top three quarterbacks are all gone. They opt to lean into fixing their offense another way by selecting the best offensive tackle on the board in Francis Mauigoa. His first season was rather rough, but since then he’s developed into a much more complete tackle with better hand and footwork who wins in a variety of ways against any kind of edge defender. The Browns have several picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and almost all of them will likely be used on offense. Going quarterback or offensive tackle first seems extremely likely.
7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Washington Commanders already have a good team, but the injury bug derailed the 2025 NFL season. However, the one area where they could use a giant leap forward in development is pass rush. David Bailey of Texas Tech is the only power conference player in the country who is set to post back to back years with a pass rush pressure rate above 20%. This season he’s putting up an absurd 23% pass rush pressure rate and he’s leading the nation in sacks. Grabbing the best pure edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft class who always has a strong plan of attack is an easy win for the Commanders.
8. Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Bengals need several pieces added to their defense if they want to look remotely competent there, so they might as well begin with setting up their pass rush long term with Rueben Bain out of Miami. Bain will get picked apart by physical traits purists due to his arm length, but his powerful sawed off build can help him win consistently no matter the offensive lineman he takes on. Bain brings with him a strong mix of pass rush chops and a knack for creating havoc in a variety of ways, making impactful plays in both run and pass defense. He’s an easy first round pick that should be a day one dominant force.
9. Arizona Cardinals: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Carnell Tate has been dinged up here recently for Ohio State, but prior to that was proving that he’s the next special first round wide receiver talent in a long line of them to come out of Ohio State. From day one, dating back to his spring practices with the Buckeyes it was clear that he was always on a first round trajectory. His stats aren’t gaudy due to sharing targets with Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Jermiah Smith — all fellow first round and future first round picks from Ohio State — but don’t let that fool you. He’s a well-balanced do-everything kind of wide receiver prospect. He rejoins forces with Marvin Harrison Jr. on the Arizona Cardinals to finish off what might become the best set of skill players on any NFL team in the league here soon.
10. Miami Dolphins: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson is an explosive playmaker who can win in any wide receiver role asked of him. He’s tallied nearly 2000 receiving yards in his last 20 games with 19 total touchdowns scored, even when opponents know he’s the only legitimate receiving threat on the team for Arizona State. He should be a nice long term replacement option for Tyreek Hill and immediately gives the Dolphins one of the best wide receiver rooms in the game. He’s likely to test extremely well at the Combine with explosive speed and agility that will have NFL teams reaching for him early.
11. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs has been considered the best defensive talent in the 2026 NFL Draft class regardless of position for nearly three years now. He may have been dethroned recently by his teammate Arvell Reese, but Downs is still an elite defensive back who can do anything an NFL team wants him to do. He can be an effective playmaking deep safety, an elite run stopping box safety, or shut down any type of wide receiver in man coverage in the slot or along the perimeter. Taking a safety at 11 might seem a bit early, but Caleb Downs is no ordinary safety and the Los Angeles Rams could use a versatile defensive weapon like this.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Vikings could go a couple different defensive directions here, but snagging the best true shutdown coverage cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft here makes sense after seeing Caleb Downs come off the board before them. Delane had some strong tape at Virginia Tech, but he took his game to a whole new level at LSU. Jermod McCoy might have been the best cornerback in 2024. Delane has been the nearly indisputable CB1 in 2025. Pick 12 is about the point where becomes an obvious value for any CB-needy team and Minnesota makes the easy decision here.
13. Dallas Cowboys: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Dallas Cowboys need to address defense in the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. This much is obvious. However, if Jeremiyah Love does somehow fall to them at pick 13 then there’s going to be major temptation to go this direction. Love is the RB1 by about 100 miles in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He’s already up to nearly 3000 yards from scrimmage and 40 touchdowns in the last two seasons alone with the playoff still to go for Notre Dame. Love has verified track speed. The Cowboys could completely revamp their offense with this kind of talent.
14. Carolina Panthers: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Carolina Panthers absolutely nailed the Tetairoa McMillan pick at wide receiver last year and they need to do it again with another playmaker whose skill set can supplement him perfectly. That player is Makai Lemon of USC. McMillan can be the every-down perimeter X wide receiver. Lemon can move all around the formation as the shifty mismatch problem who can win with easy separation and wild ball skills at the point of attack. Lemon is in the mix to win the Biletnikoff Award for “best wide receiver in the country” for good reason. Lemon has elite NFL-ready acceleration, speed, and a proven production profile now after a strong year three.
15. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq is the obvious TE1 for the 2026 NFL Draft. He profiles as the perfect modern big slot tight end who can shift into the backfield, win in-line when called upon, and hurdle defenders with his otherworldly athleticism. The Chiefs have a few other needs, but Travis Kelce on his way out and Sadiq offers an instant game-changing replacement there for Patrick Mahomes and the offense that hasn’t quite looked like itself in 2025.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy has missed the entirety of 2025 recovering from injury, but as I already stated with the Mansoor Delane pick, he was the undeniable CB1 in 2024. He proved that he could be turnover generator, a shutdown force in man coverage, and highly instinctual when playing zone. The Steelers could use a playmaker at corner like McCoy who excel within any defensive structure they want to utilize. McCoy needs to prove that the medicals aren’t an issue at the NFL Combine, but if he does that then the Steelers could take him here.
17. Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Caleb Lomu might end up going earlier than this because he is the best natural left tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft class, but if he makes it to Houston he is gone, gone. The Houston Texans have an absolute joke of an offensive line that’s in the middle of a complete rebuild. Lomu would be yet another critical piece in building around the young developing quarterback, C.J. Stroud. Lomu might not be the most physically gifted left tackle in the draft class, but he’s certainly the most consistent and proven option there.
18. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Keldric Faulk hasn’t had the season he wanted to from a sack production standpoint, but he still creates constant havoc and mismatch problems along the trenches. Faulk is a massive athlete who can stop the run from any pre-snap position and get after the passer with brute strength more than finesse. He would be a great fit opposite Aidan Hutchinson with the Detroit Lions.
19. Baltimore Ravens: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Cashius Howell has put together a wildly impressive, productive season for the Texas A&M Aggies. He’s logged multiple games with 3+ sacks this season and nearly leads the country in getting after opposing passers. He’s a twitched-up athlete who can bend extremely well and has no problem winning with power too. He’s a trash talker, an edgy dominant force, and a perfect culture fit for the Baltimore Ravens defense that needs to get younger at pass rusher.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles would be the consensus LB1 is most every NFL Draft class, but his teammate (who projects to be perhaps more of an edge defender) Arvel Reese has him beat this year. Styles might have a higher natural off-ball linebacker ceiling than his Ohio State teammate. As a former safety he has a natural gift in coverage, but also possesses the adequate size, length and strength to win the leverage game in run defense. His raw athleticism allows him to penetrate easily into the back field consistently and play sideline to sideline. The Buccaneers lock in their next All-Pro linebacker for the next decade.
21. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Buffalo Bills have a huge need at wide receiver and Denzel Boston is the fix. Boston is the much more athletic version of what they wanted Keon Coleman to be with a strong per play and per route production profile. He can return kicks from day one for the Bills too, which is surprising given his 6’4”, 210-pound frame. Josh Allen could use a long, strong, explosive athlete to throw the ball to instead of the sorry mess they have at the wide receiver position right now.
22. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Browns fans will likely love this pick, because KC Concepcion is exactly what the doctor would prescribe any young developing quarterback. Concepcion is a YAC monster, he returns kicks (perhaps the best in the nation), and he finds the end zone frequently. Concepcion has nearly 30 touchdowns in his first three years of college ball with two years of 1100+ all-purpose yards. He could slide into the WR1 role right away since he’s been doing that for every team he’s been on in college with no problem, and the Browns have a huge need there.
23. San Francisco 49ers: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
The 49ers might like to go wide receiver here considering they’re likely parting ways with Brandon Aiyuk, but they likely just missed a couple players they would have taken before this pick. They could grab a high upside offensive tackle here, but instead they go with Olaivavega Ioane, an interior offensive lineman from Penn State. Ioane might be the most well-rounded offensive line prospect in the class, but he doesn’t project to play tackle so this about as early as he likely goes. Still, he should be able to play any of the three interior offensive line spots for the 49ers long-term.
24. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The board has fallen a bit strangely for the Dallas Cowboys in this mock draft. All three edge players that would have made sense at pick 13 were gone. Then the two next best options came off the board in the late teens. Reaching for a pass rusher out of need here probably wouldn’t be taking the best player available, so they go cornerback instead. Colton Hood has stepped up in a huge way for the Tennessee Vols this season in the absence of Jermod McCoy and now looks like a near lock for first round (if not Top 50) NFL Draft capital. He’s allowing a completion rate just below 50% this season with several passes broken up and elite marks run defense too.
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Peter Woods along with his Clemson team hasn’t had the season he originally hoped for this fall, but he’s posted three years of NFL-caliber defensive tackle play now. He wins from any and every pre-snap alignment as a fun versatile defensive line prospect that never has to leave the field. If he had a stronger statistical year he’d be a top ten pick, but the Chargers will gladly take a swing on the upside late in the first round.
26. Chicago Bears: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The left tackle position is the last obvious need for the Chicago Bears offensive line and there might not be a great “quick fix” if they’re picking in the late first, but there are certainly some options with high upside traits. The Bears go with Kadyn Proctor out of Alabama here, despite his imperfections. Proctor is a physical force at 6’7”, 370 pounds, but his footwork can get him out of place sometimes against defenders with solid counter moves. Other times he just whiffs on hand placement. There’s still plenty of room to grow, but the physical gifts and abilities are clearly there. Plus, he’s hilariously demonstrated that he can play running back and catch passes this season. This would be a fun pick for Bears fans.
27. Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Seahawks looked pretty set at cornerback a couple years back, but their once promising set of defensive backs haven’t been cutting it lately. They swing for the best cornerback left on the board here with Avieon Terrell of Clemson who can plug in at nickel right away and perhaps play perimeter full time once he adds a bit more strength to slow down physical outside wide receivers.
28. New York Jets (via IND): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
If the Jets are going to draft a quarterback in the first round (Dante Moore of Oregon in this mock draft), then they might as well give him a fresh weapon to target. Chris Bell of Louisville is a freak athlete at wide receiver who can stretch the field, move the chains, and win with physicality when required. He’s accounted for over 40% of the Louisville receiving offense this year as the dominant alpha wide receiver for the Cardinals. Bell won’t likely have to do that with the Jets sine Garrett Wilson is there, but he would give the Jets a strong second option to help their overall offensive firepower.
29. Philadelphia Eagles: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Dani Dennis-Sutton isn’t a “chalk” first round prospect according to many, but he should be. How many edge defenders can win with both strength and flexibility at 6’5”, 265 pounds, then drop into coverage an make a diving interception? DDS is unlike any edge defender prospect in this class. Offenses have been able to key on him more so this year with Abdul Carter gone, but he’s still been a disruptive force for Penn State’s underrated defense this season. Per usual, the Philadelphia Eagles select a difference maker that others overlook, taking the best natural talent available left on the board regardless of position.
30. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Denver Broncos need an upgrade at off-ball linebacker and CJ Allen would be the perfect fit there. He’s a leader, an efficient pass rusher, consistent tackler, and an instinctual attacking force of a defender. Allen got a bit dinged up and has missed some time with injury here recently, but if his medicals check out, he’s likely going to sneak into the back end of the first round next spring. The Broncos benefit.
31. Los Angeles Rams: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Some folks have caught up to the fact that Chris Johnson is an absolutely insane talent at the cornerback position, but others discredit him due to his level play in the Mountain West. Johnson has allowed a completion rate when targeted below 44% this season, intercepted four passes, and defended another half dozen. He’s allowing a passer rating below 20, so quarterbacks are better off just tossing the ball into the dirt than trying to pass it his way. The Rams take a swing on Johnson’s talent here and likely get a day one Pro Bowl talent or better.
32. New England Patriots: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
Gennings Dunker is the perfect offensive tackle for Mike Vrabel. He’s tough, gritty, a little angry, and plays with a violence that inspires the entire offensive line around him. The Patriots need to continue building the offense around quarterback Drake Maye as he develops into what seems to be a top ten passer in the league. Dunker isn’t a consensus first round guy yet, but he might be by April.
Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Tennessee Titans: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
- New York Giants: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
- New York Jets: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
- Las Vegas Raiders: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
- New Orleans Saints: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
- Houston Texans (via WAS): Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
- Cincinnati Bengals: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn
- Arizona Cardinals: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
- Cleveland Browns: Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M
- Atlanta Falcons: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
- Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
- Miami Dolphins: AJ Harris, CB, Penn State
- New York Jets (via DAL): Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
- Kansas City Chiefs: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
- Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
- Carolina Panthers: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida
- Detroit Lions: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
- Baltimore Ravens: A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
- San Francisco 49ers: Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Missouri
- Buffalo Bills: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
- Green Bay Packers: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
- Los Angeles Chargers: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
- Seattle Seahawks: Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas
- Indianapolis Colts: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
- Chicago Bears: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
- Philadelphia Eagles: Xavier Scott, CB, Illinois
- Denver Broncos: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
- Los Angeles Rams: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
- New England Patriots: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Tennessee Titans: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
- Houston Texans (via NYG): Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
- Las Vegas Raiders: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
- New Orleans Saints: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
- Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
- Cincinnati Bengals: Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State
- Arizona Cardinals: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
- Cleveland Browns: Parker Brailsford, IOL, Alabama
- Washington Commanders: Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
- Minnesota Vikings: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
- Miami Dolphins: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
- Atlanta Falcons: Whit Weeks, LB, LSU
- Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Brendan Sorsby, QB, Cincinnati
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Iapani Laloulu, IOL, Oregon
- Miami Dolphins (via HOU): A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
- Carolina Panthers: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
- Kansas City Chiefs: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
- Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
- Baltimore Ravens: Kobe Baynes, IOL, Kansas
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keionte Scott, CB, MIami (FL)
- San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
- Buffalo Bills: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrance Carter, TE, Texas Tech
- Green Bay Packers: Gracen Halton, DL, Oklahoma
- Los Angeles Chargers: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Indianapolis Colts: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
- Chicago Bears: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
- Seattle Seahawks: Logan Jones, IOL, Iowa
- Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
- Denver Broncos: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
- Los Angeles Rams: Jayden Maiava, QB, USC
- New England Patriots: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
We’ll be back with more NFL Draft coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!