3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Jets, Titans, Chiefs, and Commanders go all-in on defense early before a run on WRs

Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Rueben Bain, and David Bailey clearly making it tough for NFL teams to target offense in early first round

© Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

The NFL Combine is here, and the NFL Draft is just two months away. It’s time to dive deep into the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Our A to Z Sports NFL scouting staff has already been hard at work on the 2026 NFL Draft class for over a year now, but this class looks a lot different than we expected just a few short months ago. How many quarterbacks beyond Fernando Mendoza will go early in the draft? Will the edge rusher and wide receiver classes live up to their expectations? Which prospects will your favorite team select?

Our scouting staff came together for a collaborative mock draft this time, to see if we can predict the future of the 2026 NFL Draft. 10 writers. 100 picks. Let us know what we got right @AtoZSportsNFL on X (I am @FF_TravisM on X if you want to blame anyone in particular for make the wrong picks). Enjoy!

Key Facts, Stats, and Odds for the 2026 NFL Draft

  • Three NFL teams currently hold multiple first-round selections 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 has a 99% probability of being the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to sports books
  • Over 200 different players have been selected inside the first three rounds of industry-wide NFL mock drafts since December.

Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Raiders and Fernando Mendoza seem like a match made in heaven. New head coach Klint Kubiak just helped get the most out of Sam Darnold. He will be tasked with doing the same with Mendoza. This feels like one of the easiest decisions for a team that owns the top pick in quite some time, to be frank. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

The Jets need to find an identity on the defensive side of the football. No easier solution than a player who can play four different positions, and be a Pro Bowler at three of them. Arvell Reese can do anything and everything the Jets want him to on defense. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

The Mike LaFleur experience in Arizona is going to kick off with or without all the desired pieces offensively. The Cardinals could do themselves a great favor by prioritizing some Grade-A beef up front in the trenches to help fuel this new era of the team, and Mauigoa is a great compliment at right tackle for Paris Johnson Jr. on the other side. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami

4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Titans opt to bet on Rueben Bain’s “undeniable” tape and get a true alpha pass rusher to pair with Jeffery Simmons on Robert Saleh’s defensive line. He might have arm length questions, but the Titans don’t overthink it. – Easton Freeze, A to Z Sports Nashville

5. New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

If everything comes back clear on Jordyn Tyson medically, I struggle to see how the Giants pass on him, even if a player like Mauigoa or Fano is on the board. He’s so smooth, and creates such easy separation as a route runner, despite having a vertical element to his game too. Having Malik Nabers on one side and Tyson on the other would open the offense up for Jaxson Dart in year two. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh

6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Browns are essentially set to lose their entire offensive line from this season, which might not be a bad thing. With their switch to Todd Monken’s outside zone scheme, they’re going to need athletes along the offensive line who can get out in space. Monroe Freeling is young and toolsy, checking off multiple boxes Cleveland will be looking for come April. I won’t be shocked if he was the first OT taken. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The Commanders could use some serious help on their defense, and they’re going to get it with the drafts’s top linebacker, Sonny Styles. He can pass rush, run stop, and is solid in coverage. Washington can do whatever they want what him. – Mike Payton, A to Z Sports Detroit

8. New Orleans Saints: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Saints should focus on talent acquisition around QB Tyler Shough, so look no further than the best offensive talent in the class. Throw positional value out the window and take the most impactful offensive piece on the board, Kellen Moore. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports Philadelphia

9. Kansas City Chiefs: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The popular pick here for the Chiefs usually comes on the offensive side of the ball, but the value here with David Bailey was too good to pass up, in my opinion. Bailey is in the discussion to be the top pass rusher in this class after a dominant showing at Texas Tech this past year. The Chiefs definitely need more firepower on offense for Patrick Mahomes, but their pass rush is missing that true top dog in the room that can lead the team in sacks and wreak havoc on opposing QBs. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Caleb Downs has been projected to the Buckeyes so many times, but it makes so much sense. While he isn’t a dynamic defender from depth, Downs is tremendous near the line of scrimmage. That high upside, keeping everything in front of him near the line, brings a lot of value to his evaluation. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

11. Miami Dolphins: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State

The Dolphins are talking a big game in order to juice up their trenches. They’ve talked about wanting to build this team from the inside out, and getting a high-level pass protector and impactful run blocker like Ioane could be a perfect tone-setting selection for Jon-Eric Sullivan. Miami’s outlook long-term on the offensive line could be fueled by a pick like this to pair with center Aaron Brewer and tackle Patrick Paul. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami

12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Cowboys missed out on the top two edge rushers and linebackers, but land the top cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Mansoor Delane allowed a completion rate of 40% and a passer rating around 30 when targeted last season. Teams were essentially better off just throwing the ball into the dirt than targeting Delane in coverage. He’s a lockdown cornerback that can completely change the Cowboys defense for the next several years. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Rams haven’t invested a top-100 pick at cornerback since David Long back in 2019, and their secondary suffered for it. Jermod McCoy is a no-brainer top cover corner, even with the injury that sidelined him for the 2025 season, and he can be the CB1 the Rams have been desperate for ever since Jalen Ramsey’s departure. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

14. Baltimore Ravens: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Baltimore Ravens are approaching uncharted waters for the first time in nearly two decades, but they still have two time MVP Lamar Jackson under center, and he needs help. Zay Flowers is a fine player, but the passing game lacks reliable options on the perimeter and even over the middle in Baltimore. Lemon did his best work after being aligned from the slot in college, but he can win vertically against nickels and he’s tough as nails over the middle of the field. He’s exactly what Baltimore needs in its offense. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Buccaneers desperately need juice up front on the defensive side of the ball, and pass up on some interesting cornerbacks to do so. Cashius Howell has the explosiveness and bend to bring a jolt to Tampa’s defense. – JT Ruhnke, A to Z Sports Nashville

16. New York Jets (via IND): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

If Carnell Tate is somehow here, the Jets should sprint to the podium. He is a tremendous outside wide receiver with a ton of upside. Tate reminds me a lot of Robert Woods in a more athletic body. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

17. Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Even though Taylor Decker has decided not to retire, the Lions still need to operate as if he had. Securing Spencer Fano at 17 is kind of a miracle. Decker is going to have to fight for that starting spot. – Mike Payton, A to Z Sports Detroit

18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Minnesota opts to rebuild their secondary room and get an immediate impact guy in Avioon Terrell, who is one of the best movers and defenders in press-man of the class. – JT Ruhnke, A to Z Sports Nashville

19. Carolina Panthers: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Carolina’s pass rush overhaul is off to a good start thanks to Nic Scourton, an impactful player from the 2025 NFL Draft. But with the potential departure of DJ Wonnum in free agency, there’s a lot of snaps opening up that could make sense for a player with Parker’s overall, well-rounded skill set. A two-deep of rushers that include Parker, Scourton, Patrick Jones II, and Princely Umanmielen gives Carolina a physical edge group to go with a dominant interior on defense. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The Cowboys were patient, went best player available with Mansoor Delane at pick 12, and then procure an absolute freak of an edge defender in Keldric Faulk. At 6-6, 280+ pounds, Faulk has the length, strength, and power to control the line of scrimmage from a number of pre-snap alignments. He’s an edge defender who is a strong run-stopper, but also logged nine sacks back in 2024. Faulk falls her and the Cowboys fix their defensive front in one acquisition. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

This isn’t a sexy pick like Denzel Boston or Ty Simpson, but Omar Khan confirmed at the NFL Combine this week that Broderick Jones’ injury was significant, and that they still have no timeline on his return. Pittsburgh might have a new head coach, but it will always build through the trenches first, and Caleb Lomu alongside Troy Fautanu could be the tackle duo of the future in Pittsburgh. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Oronde Gadsden was impressive for the Bolts last season, but Sadiq would balance out the TE room nicely. He’s a better blocker than people give him credit for, and the top interior offensive lineman is already off the board here. Justin Herbert gets another exciting weapon. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports Philadelphia

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)

The return of Jaelan Phillips is still up in the air for Philly. Akheem Mesidor can step in as a rookie and make an impact, no matter his landing spot. He’s a veteran pass rusher prospect with plenty of upside. He’s older, but the Eagles just take good players. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports Philadelphia

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

One element the Browns’ offense is missing is an explosive playmaker they can lean on in the passing game for easy yardage. They simply don’t have the receivers outside to consistently generate impact plays, no matter who is under center. Adding a playmaker like Concepcion gives them someone that occupy the “Zay Flowers role” in Todd Monken’s offense and breathes some life into their passing game. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

25. Chicago Bears: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

The Bears defensive line was one their biggest weaknesses in 2025. The best edges aren’t going to fall as far as they’d hope, but this is a deep enough class to still score at 25. Thomas is also able to be a solid run stopper. – Mike Payton, A to Z Sports Detroit

26. Buffalo Bills: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

It would be tremendous if Peter Woods falls to this spot. While his 2025 season didn’t have a great season, Woods is still an impressive talent on the interior. There is still Pro Bowler potential to work with here. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

27. San Francisco 49ers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The exit of Brandon Aiyuk means the 49ers offense is in desperate need of a new explosive pass catcher for Brock Purdy. Denzel Boston brings the size and burst that is missing in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. – Easton Freeze, A to Z Sports Nashville

28. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

The Houston Texans offensive line has been problematic for quite some time now and the team has to fix it. Adding a 6-7, 370-pound monster of an offensive tackle like Kadyn Proctor with great pedigree and versatility (he can even run the ball if you need it) is a smart play. Proctor’s hands and feet took their time catching up to the rest of his body early on at Alabama, but he took great leaps forward overall in 2025. He still needs to improve with his hands work and recovery when he loses early to twitchier edge rushers off the snap, but the upside is high. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

29. Los Angeles Rams: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

The Rams like Kamren Kinchens at one safety spot, but their other starting safety, Kam Curl, is out the door in free agency. They need someone to fill in that void. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a great deal more talented than Curl and will play a different role, but his selection adds another layer to the Rams’ secondary and gives them two young stud playmakers they can dominate for years to come. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

30. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

It doesn’t seem fair that the best defense in football gets another starting caliber linebacker added to the fold, but that’s what’s happening here. He had 89 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a two forced fumbles for Georgia in 2025. – Mike Payton, A to Z Sports Detroit

31. New England Patriots: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

The Patriots need to protect Drake Maye, and Mike Vrabel gets an athletic and consistent guy to bolster an aging front five offensive linemen. – JT Ruhnke, A to Z Sports Nashville

32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Super Bowl champion Seahawks are having to shift quickly to the offseason. Two of their top in-house free agents are CBs Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe, so retooling in the secondary seems likely. Tennessee’s Colton Hood has a high ceiling and could develop into a star in Mike Macdonald’s defense. – Easton Freeze, A to Z Sports Nashville

Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

  1. New York Jets: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
  2. Arizona Cardinals: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
  3. Tennessee Titans: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
  4. Las Vegas Raiders: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
  5. New York Giants: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
  6. Houston Texans (via WAS): Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
  7. Cleveland Browns: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
  8. Kansas City Chiefs: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
  9. Cincinnati Bengals: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
  10. New Orleans Saints: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
  11. Miami Dolphins: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
  12. New York Jets (via DAL): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
  13. Baltimore Ravens: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
  14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
  15. Indianapolis Colts: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
  16. Atlanta Falcons: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
  17. Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas
  18. Detroit Lions: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois
  19. Carolina Panthers: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
  20. Green Bay Packers: Brian Parker II, IOL, Duke
  21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
  22. Philadelphia Eagles: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
  23. Los Angeles Chargers: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
  24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
  25. Chicago Bears: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
  26. San Francisco 49ers: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn
  27. Houston Texans: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
  28. Buffalo Bills: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee
  29. Los Angeles Rams: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
  30. Denver Broncos: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
  31. New England Patriots: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
  32. Seattle Seahawks: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft

  1. Arizona Cardinals: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
  2. Tennessee Titans: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
  3. Las Vegas Raiders: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
  4. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
  5. Houston Texans (via NYG): Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida
  6. Cleveland Browns: Billy Schrauth, IOL, Notre Dame
  7. Washington Commanders: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
  8. Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
  9. New Orleans Saints: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
  10. Kansas City Chiefs: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
  11. Miami Dolphins: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Will Lee, CB, Texas A&M
  13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
  14. Indianapolis Colts: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
  15. Atlanta Falcons: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
  16. Baltimore Ravens: Harold Perkins Jr., LB/EDGE, LSU
  17. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (FL)
  18. Minnesota Vikings: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
  19. Carolina Panthers: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
  20. Green Bay Packers: Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
  21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
  22. Los Angeles Chargers: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
  23. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
  24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dontay Corleone, DL, Cincinnati
  25. Chicago Bears: Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
  26. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
  27. Buffalo Bills: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
  28. San Francisco 49ers: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
  29. Los Angeles Rams: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
  30. Denver Broncos: Justin Joly, TE, NC State
  31. New England Patriots: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
  32. Seattle Seahawks: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
  33. Minnesota Vikings (conditional): Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
  34. Philadelphia Eagles (conditional): Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
  35. Pittsburgh Steelers (conditional): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
  36. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET, conditional): Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

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.