3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders, Jets, Browns, and more select QBs as one surprise team reaches for Trinidad Chambliss
Dante Moore’s return to school has NFL Draft boards shuffling since Ty Simpson and Trinidad Chambliss look like only worthy starters after Fernando Mendoza
It’s officially NFL Draft season now. The playoffs still might be rolling, but the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft has passed. All star games are already underway. After the College Football Playoff wraps up on Jan. 19, the entire draft class will be set just days later. It’s time to project who will be selected in the early rounds of this spring’s draft.
Who are the top players? Which NFL teams are in the best position to capitalize in the draft? What’s most likely to actually happen? That’s what we’ll dive into today. Three rounds. 96 picks. Let’s jump into this upcoming draft class. Enjoy!
Current Facts and Stats for the 2026 NFL Draft
- There are three teams with multiple first round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets.
- The Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers all have at least four picks in the first three rounds (not including compensatory selections).
- Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza now has a 98% probability of being the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft according to sports books thanks to Dante Moore’s return to Oregon and the Hoosiers’ wild success in the College Football Playoff.
Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza might as well get a Las Vegas Raiders tattoo. Now that Dante Moore has announced he’s heading back to Oregon for a final season, there is no debate as to who the first overall selection will be in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy. He’s taken the Indiana Hoosiers to the national championship game. Mendoza led the country in passer rating, adjusted yards per pass attempt, and tossed more than 40 passing touchdowns this past season. Mendoza has established himself as the clear QB1 this season and an easy first round prospect in any quarterback class. He’s an intelligent, athletic, unstoppable scoring machine who could change the Raiders forever.
2. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The narrative surrounding Ty Simpson has quickly flipped back and forth this year. He was looking like a surefire first round quarterback early in the 2025 college football season, but the entire Alabama offense fell apart down the stretch (scoring just 44 points in their final three games combined). There were many that assumed Simpson would return to school to help repair his perceived NFL value. However, after news surfaced that he suffered significant injury against South Carolina, then struggled with other illnesses and issues along the way, Simpson’s problems late in the season all began to make sense. Several college football programs threw millions of dollars at him to return to school, but Simpson decided he was ready to head to the pros. Now that Dante Moore is out of the way (back at Oregon for 2026), it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if the New York Jets or some other NFL team in need of a quarterback took an extremely early shot at snagging Simpson.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
The Arizona Cardinals need a long-term partner for Paris Johnson Jr. at offensive tackle and Francis Mauigoa is the perfect option. Mauigoa offers ideal measurables with 6-6, 320-pound size, and long arms. He has nearly 3,000 snaps of experience for the Miami Hurricanes throughout his first three seasons. He could stand to improve his run blocking in traffic, but he’s a powerful force who could be an All-Pro right tackle one day.
4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
David Bailey is a first-step fiend. He destroys offensive tackles off the line of scrimmage with his unbelievable acceleration, power, decisive and crisp technique, and consistent motor that wears down entire opposing offensive fronts throughout the course of a game. He has back to back seasons now with a pass rush pressure rate over 20%. He’s tallied 22 sacks, over 120 pressures, and has forced more than a half dozen fumbles in the last two years alone. The Tennessee Titans could go for upside swings with Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State) or Rueben Bain (EDGE, Miami), but Bailey is the most proven producer at the edge position in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
5. New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
The Giants have their new head coach in John Harbaugh. They just need to build the team that he wants around young franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart. There are several directions that the Giants could go hear, but Harbaugh teams always thrive with versatile do-it-all defenders at off-ball linebacker and edge. Arvell Reese is exactly that. He plays with enough strength to throw 300+ pound offensive lineman off the line of scrimmage, the speed to stick with wide receivers, and the run-fitting instincts to shut down the run game by himself.
6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Browns have to get better at several offensive positions — wide receiver perhaps being the most glaringly obvious. Carnell Tate didn’t have a phenomenal finish to his college career in Ohio State’s loss to Miami, but that doesn’t undo the previous three years of phenomenal play. Despite sharing work with a handful of first round wide receiver talents like Jeremiah Smith (first round in 2027), Emeka Egbuka, and Marvin Harrison Jr., Tate still found ways to stand out. He’s still just 20 years old (for a few more days). He virtually never drops a pass. Tate has consistently been one of the most efficient wide receiver prospects in years on a yards per route run basis. His route-running is so good he’s almost boring to watch because he’s always open. Browns get their WR1 here and keep him in-state.
7. Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (FL)
There will be some doubters with Rueben Bain because of his arm length, but he shouldn’t drop much further than pick seven overall (if any at all). Bain had a down second season due to injury in 2024, but his 2025 was one of the most dominant year-long performances by a single edge rusher in recent memory. Even after teams pivoted to doubling and chipping him, Bain still found ways to produce, tallying six sacks in his final four games ahead of the national championship. The Commanders have a massive need at edge rusher, so this is an easy pick for them.
8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Saints got hot late in the season as rookie quarterback Tyler Shough surprisingly began to look rather competent. New Orleans will want to get him another weapon or two to help the team decide if Shough can indeed be their franchise quarterback of the future. Jordyn Tyson has WR1 traits and production when healthy. His burst off the line of scrimmage, speed in and out of breaks, and ferocious attacking ability at the point of catch make him an extremely reliable target. He racked up nearly 2,000 yards and 19 total touchdowns in his final two seasons with Arizona State, despite fighting through multiple injuries. The Saints offense immediately improves greatly with this pick.
9. Kansas City: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Kansas City Chiefs need a difference maker at running back. Isiah Pacheco was an aggressive runner, but a lackluster receiver and his vision wasn’t always consistent. Kareem Hunt was good years ago, but isn’t any longer. Brashard Smith can catch passes given his wide receiver background, but doesn’t offer ideal size or enough long speed to make up for his stature. Jeremiyah Love on the other hand? He offers everything an NFL team could ask for in a running back. He has track speed to finish explosive runs from anywhere on the field. Love has elite contact balance, averaging nearly 4.5 yards after contact for his career. He’s a special receiving back that tallies nearly 10 yards per reception. The Chiefs could go edge rusher or offensive line, but snagging the only truly special running back talent in the class is a win.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Bengals frankly just need to draft as many good defenders as possible. Caleb Downs is the best player available at his position in the draft at pick ten. All-American as a true freshman. Three straight seasons of high level play for both Alabama and Ohio State. He allowed a passer rating when targeted below 55 in both 2024 and 2025. Downs racked up over 250 career tackles as the best run defending safety in the country too. Slam dunk decision here. Sprint to the podium, Bengals.
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Dolphins have the most ridiculously terrible cornerback room in the NFL and Mansoor Delane should help them fix that. He brings nearly 2,500 snaps of experience, prototype physical measurements and athleticism, scheme and role versatility, and has logged nearly 30 passes defended in his four seasons of play. Delane was already a strong prospect prior to his transfer to LSU, but his lone season with the Tigers looked like a professional cornerback playing against children.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Keldric Faulk is a bit of an odd edge defender prospect, but he’s too physically gifted to let slide very far in the first round. He’s 6-6, 285 pounds, so he’s a bit of a tweener. Faulk is big and strong enough to play defensive tackle when called upon. He’s sufficiently explosive to win on the edge as a pass rusher. Faulk is also one of the best run defenders in the game. However, his pass rush rate stats aren’t elite, and he’s perhaps a tad too lean to truly anchor on the interior. Still, the Cowboys take a shot at an extremely talented athlete here to build around as the foundation of their future defensive front.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Los Angeles Rams are one of three teams with multiple first round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they don’t even have many glaring needs. That makes them a bit of a wildcard. If they believe the right cornerback is there for them, that might be the play, but grabbing the best offensive tackle available at pick 13 is a great plan. Spencer Fano is a special athlete at offensive tackle that should be able play anywhere the Rams need him. He could be the future at left or right tackle, regardless of what happens elsewhere on the roster.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Ravens were absolutely pathetic and inconsistent with their pass rush this season. No edge rusher logged even five sacks all season long as the team totaled just 30 on the year. For comparison, Myles Garrett logged 23.5 by himself for the Browns. Cashius Howell would inject new life into a struggling team that needs special edge defender talent. Howell managed a dozen sacks this past year for Texas A&M. He averaged 40 pass rush pressures per season over his last three. His run defense and tackle efficiency improved every single year. Anywhere outside of the top ten begins to make sense as a spot for Howell to be selected.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected by many to target a linebacker early in the NFL Draft, but they could surprise and go with Kenyon Sadiq at tight end. The Buccaneers have been known to simply go with their best player available in recent years with Jason Licht at the general manager helm. Sadiq is an absurd athlete of a tight end who caught over 80% of his intended targets for the Oregon Ducks over his three-year career there. He is good enough to operate as a team’s de facto WR1, and he’s become far more than just a receiver in the last year. He may operate as more of a detached tight end in the pros (like he did at Oregon), but he’s balanced enough to play in-line now too.
16. New York Jets (via IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Jets have already taken their quarterback in this mock draft. Now they add a top tier playmaker to go with him. Makai Lemon finished the college football regular season with more receiving yards than any other power conference player in the nation. He won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award for being the best wide receiver in the country. Lemon also caught double-digit contested catches despite being a bit “undersized” at 5-11, 195 pounds. He does it all. The Jets will likely use him primarily in the slot, but he can win from anywhere.
17. Detroit Lions: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
It’s become quite clear that Olaivavega Ioane is the top interior offensive line prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class. The Lions need help here and Ioane fits their culture perfectly. He’s a powerhouse of an athlete on the interior who plays like a wrecking ball. He was just about the only bright spot on the entire Penn State team this year in a disappointing season and would a mainstay along the Lions offensive line for a decade if selected here.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy missed this entire year due to injury, but he was the clear CB1 in all of college football in 2024. The Vikings could use a versatile weapon at corner who can succeed in both man and zone with high-level instincts. McCoy picked off six passes and defended another dozen passes in his two seasons of play for Tennessee and Oregon State. He’s a playmaker that shouldn’t fall any further than this in the draft, regardless of his missed time in 2025.
19. Carolina Panthers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Panthers have a need at linebacker and Sonny Styles is an alien of an athlete at the position. He’s a 6-5, 240+ pound former safety turned do-everything linebacker. Since switching to linebacker full-time, Styles has tallied over 30 pass rush pressures, eight sacks, nearly 200 tackles, multiple forced fumbles, and a handful of passes defended in just two seasons. After he destroys the NFL Combine he might go earlier than this, but for now, this spot feels about right.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor will be one of the most polarizing offensive tackle prospects in the class because of the “low” moments on his film. There are some whiffs here and there because of his enormous 6-7, 370-pound frame, and somewhat slow feet. However, the upside here is extremely high. Proctor struggled immensely in his first full season back in 2023, allowing double-digit sacks. Since then, he’s taken massive steps forward in his consistency and technique. The Cowboys need another franchise offensive tackle, and Proctor could very well be that if he reaches his potential.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
It’s clear after watching the Pittsburgh Steelers offense sputter in pivotal moments down the stretch this season that the team needs more wide receiver help. DK Metcalf was the only Steelers wide receiver to eclipse even 400 yards last year. Enter, KC Concepcion. The former Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver proved that he was a complete player this past year, averaging over seven yards after the catch per reception, 2.5 yards per route run, and doing much of his work vertically down the field (something he hadn’t done much in years prior). He should be able to unlock a new gear for the Pittsburgh aerial attack.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Peter Woods is the consensus DT1 in the 2026 NFL Draft class and thus could get reached for far before this spot with the Chargers, but this is about his floor. Woods (and Clemson) didn’t have the season he wanted to from a production standpoint, managing just three sacks and a pressure rate around 9 percent (far from elite). However, he still has the traits and positional flexibility to win from any defensive line technique. Jim Harbaugh and his defense could use that kind of player to plug and play in a variety of attacking roles up front.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Avieon Terrell might not have the most intimidating stature at 5-11, 180 pounds, but he plays much bigger than that, with far more aggression than necessary to succeed at his size. The Eagles already have some decent corners, but Terrell completes the set as a day one starter who can play inside or out. Some have Terrell as a potential CB1 in the class, so to get him at pick 23 would certainly feel like a win for Philadelphia fans.
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
No player in the 2026 NFL Draft class likely benefits more from Dante Moore returning to school than Trinidad Chambliss. Now that there is one less proven first round prospect, QB-needy teams will be looking to reach for any hope of a brighter future at the most important position in all of sports. Chambliss proved to everyone this season that he has one of the most exciting dual-threat skill sets in the entire sport. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards in less than a full season, tossed 22 touchdowns, scored eight more on the ground, and is the exact kind of electric playmaker the Browns hope to fix their franchise with here at pick 24 overall. Sorry, Shedeur Sanders fans.
25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
If anyone is going to challenge Peter Woods for the top defensive line prospect spot in the 2026 NFL Draft class it’s going to be Caleb Banks. He unfortunately missed most of the 2025 season battling injuries, but flashed some of the greatness that had many believing he’d eventually be a first round pick. Banks doubled positional averages for most meaningful pass rush rate stats in 2024. He’s a positive in run defense with ridiculous size and strength at 6-6, 330 pounds. The Bears land a day one difference maker with All-Pro upside if he stays healthy.
26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
There isn’t a better fit in the entire first round than Denzel Boston to the Buffalo Bills. He’s exactly what they wanted to draft in Keon Coleman, except he’s better in every single way. Boston is faster, stronger, smarter against a variety of coverages, more consistently productive in college, and he can even return kicks. He’s a true alpha wide receiver who can dominate at every level of the field. He has back to back seasons with over 60 receptions, 800+ yards, and a total of 20 touchdowns in that span. Boston will likely also test as a 90th percentile athlete at the position too. When he does, he’ll be a lock for first round capital.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Caleb Lomu isn’t quite the freak athlete that his teammate Spencer Fano (drafted at pick 13) is, but his pass blocking might be even better. The 49ers will need a new franchise offensive tackle here soon and Lomu gives them just that. He’s logged nearly 1,600 snaps at left tackle over the past two seasons, but could still use some grooming behind one of the best to ever play the position in Trent Williams.
28. Houston Texans: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
The Houston Texans need to draft multiple offensive lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft, so they start here with the most experienced offensive lineman in the class, Emmanuel Pregnon. He’s played over 3,200 snaps in four years of college football. He’s the perfect fit at either right or left guard, and he possesses the athleticism to shift outside in a pinch. He could be the Texans’ best offensive lineman immediately.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Chris Johnson is this year’s version of Quinyon Mitchell. He hasn’t quite yet received sufficient credit for his elite level of on-field performance because it came mostly against lower level competition in the Mountain West Conference, but that will change soon at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. That’s when it sunk it for many with Mitchell two years ago. That’s where Johnson will shine against the best of the best. Johnson allowed a ridiculous 16.1 passer rating when targeted (according to Pro Football Focus). A standard incomplete pass thrown in the dirt yields a rating of about 37.0. Johnson logged four interceptions, allowed just 18 receptions, and held opposing passers to a completion rate of 42 percent when throwing the ball his way. Unimaginably dominant numbers. The Rams win the draft with this pick.
30. New England Patriots: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Zion Young is the kind of edge rusher that Mike Vrabel loves. He’s a twitched up, powerful, angry-playing, anchor on the edge who brings equal value against the run and pass. He doesn’t have truly elite rate stats in pass rush, but if he improves his flexibility, that might change. Young is the perfect 6-5, 265-pound versatile edge who can stay on the field for every down, and the Patriots would likely be the first team to consider him in the late first.
31. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Broncos could use an upgrade at off-ball linebacker and CJ Allen is the answer. He has the leadership, the production, and sufficient athleticism to find himself selected early in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was the only thing holding together Georgia’s defense early in the year as new pieces gelled together. He tallied four sacks on the year and surrendering less than 10 yards per reception in coverage. Allen has a high floor thanks to his versatility and plenty of staying power thanks to his character. Strong late first round selection.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Seahawks frankly don’t have many weak spots to speak of on their entire roster. They were 14-3 this year for a reason. The cornerbacks outside of Devon Witherspoon weren’t as consistent this season, so drafting Colton Hood gives them options far into the future in the defensive secondary. Hood stepped up in a huge way when McCoy (selected at pick 19) was out recovering from injury all year for the Tennessee Vols. He was near perfect in run defense, missing less than seven percent of his tackles. He was just about absurd in coverage, giving up just two truly explosive pass plays on the entire season. Strong value pick for Seattle.
Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- New York Jets: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
- Arizona Cardinals: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
- Tennessee Titans: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee
- Las Vegas Raiders: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
- New York Giants: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
- Houston Texans (via WAS): Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech
- Cleveland Browns: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
- Kansas City Chiefs: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
- Cincinnati Bengals: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
- New Orleans Saints: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
- Miami Dolphins: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
- New York Jets (via DAL): Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State
- Baltimore Ravens: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
- Indianapolis Colts: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
- Atlanta Falcons: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
- Minnesota Vikings: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
- Detroit Lions: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
- Carolina Panthers: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida
- Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Philadelphia Eagles: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn
- Los Angeles Chargers: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
- Chicago Bears: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
- San Francisco 49ers: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
- Houston Texans: Isaiah World, OT Oregon
- Buffalo Bills: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
- Los Angeles Rams: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
- New England Patriots: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
- Denver Broncos: Darrell Jackson, DL, Florida State
- Seattle Seahawks: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Arizona Cardinals: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
- Tennessee Titans: Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
- Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
- Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Mikail Kamara EDGE, Indiana
- Houston Texans (via NYG): Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
- Cleveland Browns: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (FL)
- Washington Commanders: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
- Cincinnati Bengals: Dontay Corleone, DL, Cincinnati
- New Orleans Saints: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
- Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
- Miami Dolphins: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
- Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
- Indianapolis Colts: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
- Atlanta Falcons: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
- Baltimore Ravens: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
- Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
- Minnesota Vikings: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
- Carolina Panthers: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
- Green Bay Packers: Zxavian Harris, DL, Ole Miss
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
- Los Angeles Chargers: Harold Perkins, LB/EDGE, LSU
- Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
- Chicago Bears: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
- Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Kevin Coleman, WR, Missouri
- Buffalo Bills: Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
- San Francisco 49ers: Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State
- Los Angeles Rams: Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan
- New England Patriots: Austin Siereveld, OT, Ohio State
- Denver Broncos: Joshua Cuevas, TE, Alabama
- Seattle Seahawks: Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana
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!