3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Browns do the unthinkable, Commanders bypass need for another weapon, and a deep run on pass rushers
Latest 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft brings a ton of twists and turns, some surprises, and deep runs on wide receivers and pass rushers.
The 2025 college football season is officially over, and the NFL season will be over in just a few short weeks. The East-West Shrine Bowl kicked off today and the Panini Senior Bowl will follow next week. Before you know it, all everyone will be talking about the 2026 NFL Draft. The next several months will be dedicated to learning all about the hundreds of prospects that make up this class.
With a little bit of help from fellow A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst Joe DeLeone, we put together a fresh three-round 2026 NFL mock draft. We decided to alternate picks by increments of 10, and those selections are clearly marked before each round. While things will change a ton before April finally gets here, including both in free agency and the trade market, here is a solid snapshot for what players some teams could be targeting.
As always, we live by the golden rule: No getting mad at mock drafts in January. Just have some fun and learn about some of the future NFL stars who will be hearing their names called in just a few short months.
2026 NFL Draft: Quarterback chaos
- Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss is suing the NCAA for another year of eligibility, uncertain on his future.
- Dante Moore (Oregon), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati), Jayden Maiava (USC), Sam Leavitt (Arizona State), Darian Mensah (Duke), and Josh Hoover (TCU) chose to return to college in 2026.
- Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and National Championship.
- Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) and Drew Allar (Penn State) missed substantial time dealing with injuries.
First Round
DeLeone made selections 1-10 and 21-30. Roberts made selections 11-20 and 31-32.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
“You can just pencil this one in on every single mock draft for the foreseeable future. Regardless of any debate on whether you think Mendoza is as talented as a typical first overall pick, he’s still a first-round quarterback. His natural instincts will boost a franchise that needs a cornerstone.” – DeLeone
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
“Without Dante Moore, assessing the options for the Jets is awfully depressing. Reaching for Ty Simpson feels risky, and there isn’t exactly a prospect that fits a dire need. Reese is the best prospect in this class and can be uniquely deployable depending on how a team sees fit. Whether it’s at off-ball linebacker, EDGE, or as an interior blitzer, he can be a game wrecker.” – DeLeone
3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
“If Arizona’s decision is to keep building around Kyler Murray, they’re going to need to bolster the protection around him. Mauigoa is arguably the most well-rounded offensive lineman in this class with a sturdy base and tremendous physicality. He’d immediately elevate their offensive line.” – DeLeone
4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
“The Titans need a boost to their pass rush, and Bailey is the perfect man to help supply that. Bailey has rapidly developed over the course of the 2025 season to become one of the most productive pass rushers in the country. His raw athleticism creates a picture for a prospect with a very high ceiling.” – DeLeone
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
“The Giants’ run defense was abysmal last season, and they need to do whatever they can to improve it. Adding a freakish athlete at linebacker is how they can accomplish that, as Styles has rare tools to be an All-Pro. While Giants fans may yell about the franchise never drafting linebackers early, straying from that ideology under John Harbaugh is how they get back on track.” – DeLeone
6. Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
“This will probably be regarded as a massive reach, but the Browns don’t really have a choice. Do they really want to waste more years of Myles Garrett’s career? Simpson has the tools to be an NFL starter, but lacks the experience and consistency. Hopefully, Cleveland can be patient with his development.” – DeLeone
7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame
“While there may be gripes that the Commanders aren’t addressing defense with their first pick, I’d argue it would be malpractice to pass on the best offensive player in the class. Love and Jayden Daniels in one backfield would feed families. Who the hell is going to stop that?” – DeLeone
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
“Tyler Shough emerged at the end of the season as a gem at quarterback, but they need to build up his arsenal of weapons. Adding another Ohio State wide receiver to pair with Chris Olave should do the trick. His length and deep route running add a much-needed layer to the WR room.” – DeLeone
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
“If I’m a team in the AFC West and Steve Spagnuolo gets Caleb Downs, I’d be petrified. The most cracked defensive coordinator in the NFL, who calls plays like a madman, gets the most instinctual defender we’ve seen in some time. That pairing would immediately inject juice into the Chiefs’ defense.” – DeLeone
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Bain, EDGE/DT, Miami
“We are all well aware that the Bengals need players at every defensive position. Taking the best player available should be their approach throughout this draft, and Rueben Bain falling into their lap couldn’t be more perfect. Al Golden can get creative with unleashing Bain onto unsuspecting offenses.” – DeLeone
11. Miami Dolphins: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
“With the future of Tyreek Hill very much up in the air, and a new coaching staff coming in, it feels like a full-scale reset is coming in Miami. Tyson is going to need to answer for his medical concerns this draft season, but there is no questioning his overall talent. Tyson is a three-level separator who has shades of Justin Jefferson in his game.” – Roberts
12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
“If healthy, there is a strong argument that McCoy is a top-5 overall player in the 2026 class. There are a lot of similarities to Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl cornerback Jayce Horn. Press-man cornerbacks who can run will always have major value.” – Roberts
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
“Cornerbacks that have the versatility to play on the outside or in the slot are so valuable in today’s game. After being a good player at Virginia Tech, Delane morphed into an elite one with LSU this season. His floor as a versatile cover man is just so high.” – Roberts
14. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
“The Ravens have a long history of letting good football players fall to them, and Woods would be the latest example. While he didn’t have a great final season with Clemson, the 6-2, 310-pound defensive tackle is a ball of chaos on the interior. There is still plenty of upside to tap into.” – Roberts
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
“While 2025 was a season to forget for Faulk, there is no question that the upside is still very much there. At 6-6 and 280 pounds, the junior is a versatile defensive end who can play in a variety of fronts. Always, always bet on traits on the edge.” – Roberts
16. New York Jets (via IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
“The Jets weren’t able to find their quarterback in the 2026 class, but they can set their signal caller of the future up for success. Garrett Wilson is an outstanding football player, but the team needs to add more passing game talent. Lemon might not be the most physically imposing player of all time, but he’s awesome after the catch, a technician as a route runner, and better at the catch point than you’d expect.” – Roberts
17. Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
“Fano is a versatile offensive lineman whose future could be at right tackle or on the interior. If you wanted to keep him outside, there could be a move from Penei Sewell to left tackle. If not, the former Utah star has the versatility to help get your best five on the field.” – Roberts
18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieion Terrell, CB, Clemson
“It feels like it’s been forever since the Vikings have had a young and talented cornerback who was going to be there for the long haul. Terrell is a much different player than his older brother, boasting a shorter frame, but he is a gnat in coverage. The inside-out versatility offers a lot of coverage upside.” – Roberts
19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
“For better or for worse, the Panthers are going to continue to build this offense around quarterback Bryce Young. While Sadiq is still developing his passing game nuance, his athletic gifts are off the charts. Add in that he’s a dominant blocker, and you have a future Pro Bowler potentially.” – Roberts
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
“The lack of hype for CJ Allen has been a bit odd. With a couple of big-time linebackers in the class, it feels like we are undervaluing a really good football player here. Allen is your old school physical downhill MIKE backer with some modern range.” – Roberts
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Sadly, in this mock draft, because the Steelers didn’t trade up, they’ll need to go another year without a young quarterback. The next best thing will be adding weapons for whichever free agent they bring in. Concepcion is a speedster with elite juice who can play off of DK Metcalf’s large catch radius.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Ahkeem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Fixing the Chargers’ offensive line sounds like a problem they need to address in the draft, but they mostly need to get healthy. Instead, it would be better to prioritize adding more defensive players. Mesidor may be an older prospect, but his finish to the 2025 season was fantastic as he flashed nuanced hands and relentless effort. If anything, it may be better to have a 24-year-old on a team looking to contend.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Quinyon Mitchell emerged as a top cornerback in the NFL this season, but they need a partner in crime for him. Enter Hood, who can fill that role, and the Eagles’ secondary can be an elite unit.
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
After the Browns landed Simpson in this mock, getting him some extra protection is a must for this offseason. If you want a young quarterback to thrive, you need a reliable blocker like Ioane.
25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Caleb Williams proved this year that he has the makings of an elite quarterback with some of the unreal throws he uncorked this season. He needs more reliable protection, and Lomu can provide that. While Ozzy Trapilo was solid as a rookie, a prospect like Lomu could be the Bears’ franchise left tackle for years to come.
26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Will Brandon Beane be too pompous to take a wide receiver this early? Let’s find out! Regardless of what he does, he can make up for Sean McDermott’s so-called choice to take Keon Coleman with a different big-bodied receiver in Boston.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The 49ers are another team that really just needs to get healthy to get back on track for their goal of winning a Super Bowl. They can still bolster their secondary by taking Cisse out of South Carolina.
28. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
I’m admittedly not the biggest Proctor fan, but he’s one of the few offensive line options worth picking in this spot. One thing has been very clear: Houston needs to fix their offensive line. They’ve been putting it off for far too long, and at least with Proctor, they’ll have a moldable prospect to work with.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
This is likely a bit of a reach on Freeling, but as stated on the last pick, the offensive line options are less than exciting. It’s time for the Rams to start getting younger along their offensive line, and hopefully, Freeling can help work towards that.
30. New England Patriots: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Drake Maye’s amazing season is proof that the Patriots are becoming a problem in the AFC. Now, imagine if Maye had extra weapons to work with by adding Bell. While Bell is coming off an injury, it shouldn’t take away from his potential as a contested catch dominator.
31. Denver Broncos: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
“The rich get richer with McDonald falling to arguably the best defense in the NFL. The former Buckeye star is impossible to uproot at 6-3 and 326 pounds. McDonald makes everyone around him better.” – Roberts
32. Seattle Seahawks: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
“The interior of the Seahawks needs to get better, especially at right guard. While Bisontis is still a work in progress in the run game, he is an outstanding pass protector. The former Aggie standout feels like a plug-and-play starter from day one.” – Roberts
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Second Round
Roberts made selections 33-40 and 51-60. DeLeone made selections 41-50 and 61-64.
33. New York Jets: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
34. Arizona Cardinals; Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
35. Tennessee Titans: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
36. Las Vegas Raiders: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
37. New York Giants: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
38. Houston Texans (via WAS): Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
39. Cleveland Browns: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
40. Kansas City Chiefs: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
41. Cincinnati Bengals: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
42. New Orleans Saints: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
43. Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
44. New York Jets (via DAL): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
45. Baltimore Ravens: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
47. Indianapolis Colts: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
“Hunter became a space-eating presence this year for Texas Tech and has the potential to do the same for the Colts. Indianapolis has the bones of a great defense, and if they continue to invest properly, it will remain a top unit in 2026.” – DeLeone
48. Atlanta Falcons: Zachariah Branch, WR, USC
“Kevin Stefanski will want to hit the ground running in 2026 with all the elite pieces he has on offense. An effective way to do that is to add Branch, who can turn any catch into a touchdown. His burst and shiftiness would fit nicely in a unit loaded with size.” – DeLeone
49. Minnesota Vikings: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
50. Detroit Lions: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
51. Carolina Panthers: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
52. Green Bay Packers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
“While Iheanachor played right tackle at Arizona State, he has the length and athleticism to play both tackle spots. Zach Tom also has that type of skill set to move around. The Packers need to do their absolute best to get the best five offensive linemen on the field, and Iheanachor brings that ability to the table.” – Roberts
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn
56: Buffalo Bills: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
57. Chicago Bears: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
58. San Francisco 49ers: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
59. Houston Texans: Gennings Dunker, IOL, Iowa
60. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
“Even when Travis Hunter returns from injury, the Jaguars will still need to invest in the cornerback position. Lee is a super physical cornerback who excels in press-man coverage. He should be able to play very early on in his career.” – Roberts
61. Los Angeles Rams: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
62. New England Patriots: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
63. Denver Broncos: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
64. Seattle Seahawks: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Third Round
DeLeone made selections 65-70 and 81-90. Roberts made selections 71-80 and 91-100.
65. Arizona Cardinals: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
66. Tennessee Titans: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
67. Las Vegas Raiders: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
68. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tenn
69. Houston Texans (via NYG): Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama
70. Cleveland Browns: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
71. Washington Commanders: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
72. Cincinnati Bengals: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
73. New Orleans Saints: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
74. Kansas City Chiefs: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
75. Miami Dolphins: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
78. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
79. Atlanta Falcons: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
80. Baltimore Ravens: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss
82. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
83. Carolina Panthers: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
84. Green Bay Packers: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
86. Los Angeles Chargers: DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
87. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
89. Chicago Bears: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
90. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech
91. Buffalo Bills: Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
92. San Francisco 49ers: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
93. Los Angeles Rams: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
94. New England Patriots: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
95. Denver Broncos: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
96. Seattle Seahawks: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
97. Minnesota Vikings: Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
98. Philadelphia Eagles: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
99. Pittsburgh Steelers: Austin Barber, OT, Florida
100. Jacksonville Jaguars: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
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