The 2025 college football season has officially ended, with the Indiana Hoosiers being crowned national champions on Monday night, and the NFL Playoffs have just three more games to go before a new Super Bowl champion is officially crowned.

All of this excitement concluding means that the world will now begin fully shifting to the offseason and “draft szn”. The rest of the league has already fired up every mock draft simulator out there to try and fix their favorite franchises.

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?

Round 1 of 2026 NFL Draft

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

There’s no need to overthink this one. I won’t entertain any thought pieces about them trading this pick or passing on a quarterback, because, quite frankly, that’s nonsense. Every great rebuild starts with taking the right quarterback, and Fernando Mendoza is far and away the right quarterback for any franchise.

Send the pick in and run. Don’t even hesitate.

2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Jets not having an answer at quarterback here with the return of Dante Moore to Oregon adds another year to the rebuild, and it makes this pick even more difficult.

How the draft shakes out between Bailey, Reese, and Bain is likely going to vary wildly team-by-team. However, I think the measurables and production with David Bailey is going to win him out in many discussions, as he’s the easiest and cleanest projection as a pass rusher.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State

The Cardinals are clearing house on the coaching staff, and for good reason. I do think that Arizona has good pieces on both sides of the ball, but they could use an upgrade in their front seven. Whether he’s a hybrid EDGE rusher or a true linebacker, Reese would help increase their disruption up front in a division where they desperately need it.

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

I could completely understand the Titans taking a wide receiver like Carnell Tate here to pair an elite playmaker with Cam Ward, but I think the hire of Robert Saleh might make them shift gears to stacking up and elite defensive line. As disruptive as Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat were this season, their pressure on the outside wasn’t the same, and Bain could thrive as a versatile inside/outside rusher for Saleh.

5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

I could easily justify another swing for a wide receiver here to add another playmaker opposite of Malik Nabers (and to start in case Nabers isn’t ready right away to start the year), but I think the addition of Harbaugh is going to change the priorities on the roster.

The Giants need blue-chip talent on both sides of the ball, and Downs has an argument as the best player in the class regardless of positional value. Harbaugh has first-hand experience with the impact an elite safety can have, and given Tyler Nubin’s struggles, I have to imagine the Giants would be intrigued by adding a talent like Downs to their secondary.

6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Throw a dart at any position and I could make an argument the Browns need an upgrade there. I do think that no matter who they hire, they need to fix the offensive line, as there’s potential turnover at every single position with little proven answers.

7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Washington has plenty of improvements they need to make on the defensive side of the ball, but the allure of pairing Jayden Daniels with Carnell Tate is simply too strong to resist. The Commanders’ receivers struggled with injuries all season long, and McLaurin is getting to the wrong side of 30. Tate is an elite separator and can be the missing element that offense needs to take that next step heading into Daniels’ third season.

8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Saints are going all-in on Tyler Shough under center, and if that’s the plan, they need to surround him with as much talent as they can. Jordyn Tyson battled injuries throughout 2025, but he’s a blue-chip talent with some tremendous route-running ability to pair with a natural height/weight/speed ability on the perimeter. He and Chris Olave would be one of the most gifted wide receiver duos in the league.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

I feel like this pick is almost becoming chalk, but the Chiefs are desperate for any sort of talent infusion across their offensive skill positions.

Position value, shmosition value, Jeremiyah Love is worth the investment here and would take a great deal of pressure off of Patrick Mahomes.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn

The Bengals desperately need to add talent to their defensive line, whether it’s on the interior or outside.

Faulk will be an interesting evaluation that will likely vary team by team, as I’ve heard some scouts say he’s one of the toolsiest edge rushers in this class, with others saying he should kick inside as a three-technique. Either way, I think he would add some playmaking and physicality to a Bengals’ defensive line in need of it.

11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

With the hire of Jeff Hafley as head coach, the Dolphins are set to reset on the defensive side of the ball. Hafley is going to want a shutdown man coverage cornerback to build the rest of the secondary around, and Jermod McCoy fits that billing to a T.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The Cowboys need help at almost every position on defense, so which one they prioritize will likely depend on who they hire as defensive coordinator.

However, I do think if a blue-chip linebacker like Sonny Styles is available, it’s a no-doubt call in my mind. Sprint to the podium to send that pick in, as Styles would immediately boost that front seven and solve their weakest room from last season.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

As we get closer to the draft, I suspect that Monroe Freeling will become the favorite to be the first offensive lineman drafted. For the Rams, both offensive tackles have been exposed in pass protection throughout the playoffs, and they need an upgrade. Freeling is a young, explosive athlete with some incredible movement skills and power who would be a clear upgrade over Alaric Jackson or Warren McClendon.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Ravens have things to sort out along the offensive line, but general manager Eric DeCosta has often leaned towards taking best player available over need. Fortunately, the best player available here solves a need, as the Ravens really don’t have an easy separator and reliable target for Lamar Jackson.

Makai Lemon has drawn comps to former Seahawks great Doug Baldwin for his elite route-running and hands as a receiver. Lemon is a receiver their passing game can revolve around, opening up the rest of the offense for Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and co.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Buccaneers are another best player available oriented front office, and BPA here would easily be Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq. Tampa has a bevy of targets on the perimeter with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Emeka Egbuka, but Cade Otton is a pending free agent and I’m not sure he isn’t easily upgraded on.

Sadiq would give Baker Mayfield an explosive threat deep over the middle of the field and after the catch, making opposing defensive coordinators’ lives that much harder.

16. New York Jets (via IND): Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

Could I argue for an offensive player here for the Jets? Yes. Is there an offensive player worth it here? No, none that really make any sense or would be massive reaches (even though the latter has been par for the course at times in East Rutherford).

Thus, I think it makes sense to embrace the rebuild on the defensive line. The Jets were second-to-last in total pressures last season, and need to continue hammering away at improving that. Banks missed plenty of time with an injury this year, but I still believe in his talent level, and I think he can be a disruptive force who can collapse the pocket up the middle and shut down the run game.

17. Detroit Lions: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Lions could be justified in taking someone defensively, but Taylor Decker has been rumored to be approaching the end of his career, and Detroit has an easy off-ramp with his contract in the offseason.

Lomu is a ready-made NFL pass protector who could easily slide into Decker’s spot at left tackle.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

I fully expect the Vikings to be investing in at least one rookie cornerback early on in the draft, and I love Terrell’s fit in their defense. Despite his size, Terrell is a fierce competitor with superb athletic ability and is one of the top playmakers at the position in the class.

19. Carolina Panthers: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Panthers might be the most surprising team in the league this year, as they snuck into the playoffs as winners of the NFC South and came within inches of upsetting the Los Angeles Rams. Jaycee Horn got a mega payday, but the rest of their cornerback room needs playmakers.

Delane was lock down in the best conference in college football this season and projects to be a strong perimeter corner right away in the league.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona

Maybe my fastest riser in the draft class so far, Treydan Stukes was a pleasant surprise to discover on film, with a strong 6’2, 200-pound frame and arguably the most elite combination of athleticism in the class. He has the ability to play as both a nickel and safety (a rare and valuable combination in today’s game) with strong production in his career.

For Dallas, Stukes’ versatility, athleticism, and ball skills would go a long way in solving their biggest issues in the secondary.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

This pick is starting to feel like chalk, as immediately after the Steelers’ season ended, everyone in the world pointed to Ty Simpson as the next man up in Pittsburgh. Simpson’s injury history is going to have to check out, but he is a quick processor with good accuracy and pocket management and could be a fit in any offense, no matter who the Steelers hire as the successor to Mike Tomlin.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

Personally, I’m tired of watching Justin Herbert get beat down in every single game he plays. The Chargers took a huge step towards fixing that when they fired Greg Roman and Mike Devlin, but they desperately need to upgrade the talent in the interior of their offensive line.

Ioane is a physical, rugged, powerful prospect with strong movement skills. I love that Penn State makes it very obvious on film they will run behind him, even moving him out as the lead blocker on outside concepts, and I think that will be a standout trait that Jim Harbaugh will fall in love with.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)

The Eagles’ biggest issue is at quarterback, but with the financial investment tied into Jalen Hurts and the support of ownership, it’s unlikely they will look to move on in this draft class (despite some insiders floating the possibility). If there’s one thing Howie Roseman knows, it’s that when things get rough: draft an offensive lineman. Mauigoa could move over to right guard to replace Tyler Steen or take over at right tackle if Lane Johnson does decide to hang it up.

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

I have no idea if the Browns’ 2026 quarterback is even on their roster at this point, but whoever is under center will need more weapons to throw to than the Browns can currently offer.

KC Concepcion is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Browns, with speed to burn and good change-of-direction ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Despite his size, he’s crafty at working against press coverage with his releases. He might not boast a large frame, but he has the ability to be the big-play threat the Browns’ offense desperately needs more of.

25. Chicago Bears: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Bears need to continue building their pass rush, as it simply disappeared far too often in critical moments throughout the season. Mesidor is older, but he came on strong to close the season for the Hurricanes, and his strong blend of traits and technique will make him a no-doubt Day One starter for Chicago.

26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

It’s about time the Bills added a premier wide receiver to this offense and put an end to the patchwork job they always seem to do. The team needs someone to help open up the vertical passing game and can do damage after the catch.

I think we’re going to overthink Boston’s downfield separation ability, much like we did with Tetairoa McMillan last year. Boston is a vacuum on the outside who catches everything, and I think he has an extra gear of burst that Keon Coleman didn’t bring.

27. San Francisco 49ers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Trent Williams hasn’t played a full season since 2013(!) and the less said about Colton McKivitz, the better. The 49ers need to actually invest at offensive tackle at the top of the draft, and Blake Miller has the athletic tools to fit seamlessly into Kyle Shanahan’s outside zone offense and would be a ready-made pass protector who could play both tackle spots.

28. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Peter Woods falls right into the perfect spot, as the Texans can reignite some of that talent that didn’t show up for most of the 2025 season. With Sheldon Rankins and Tim Settle pending free agents, Woods walks into a room in need of new talent to restock the interior of their defensive line.

29. Los Angeles Rams: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

I am beginning to suspect the Rams won’t use both first-round picks in this year’s draft class, but if they do, one of their two first-rounders should no doubt go to addressing their porous secondary.

The Rams don’t have an answer at cornerback anywhere, as none of their starters this season have consistently proven that they should be starters. Colton Hood brings the size, length, and physicality the Rams’ secondary desperately needs, and he’s a strong mover in and out of his breaks.

30. Denver Broncos: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

I’ve seen plenty of mocks that have Denver going offense in round one, and I definitely understand it. However, I think the Broncos should continue doubling-down on their defense, and it starts with beefing up their defensive line, both on the interior and at edge rusher.

McDonald has the size, play strength, and instincts to be a superb run defender from the get-go and help plug what turned out to be a surprisingly porous run defense in the playoffs.

31. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

One of my first thoughts when sitting down for T.J. Parker’s evaluation when writing this mock was “Yeah, that looks like a Vrabel guy”. Parker is long, physical, violent, sets a mean edge in the run game, can collapse the pocket, and is always hustling to the ball. He doesn’t boast high-end traits that might make him an elite pass rusher, but he is the kind of disruptive presence the Patriots need up front.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

The interior of Seattle’s offensive line remains a problem, as it has for the last few seasons, and it’s frequently killing promising drives for the Seahawks’ offense. Bisontis is, in my opinion, the best pass protecting guard in the class and caves in defenders in the run game. Addressing the trenches might not be a popular pick, but it is the right one for the Seahawks.

Round 2 of 2026 NFL Draft

33. New York Jets: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
34. Arizona Cardinals: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
35. Tennessee Titans: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
36. Las Vegas Raiders: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
37. New York Giants: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
38. Houston Texans (via WAS): Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
39. Cleveland Browns: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
40. Kansas City Chiefs: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
41. Cincinnati Bengals: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
42. New Orleans Saints: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
43. Miami Dolphins: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
44. New York Jets (via DAL): Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
45. Baltimore Ravens: Caleb Tiernan, OL, Northwestern
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
47. Indianapolis Colts: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
48. Atlanta Falcons: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
49. Minnesota Vikings: Chris Johnson, CB, South Dakota State
50. Detroit Lions: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
51. Carolina Panthers: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (FL)
52. Green Bay Packers: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
57. Chicago Bears: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
58. San Francisco 49ers: Ahmad Moten Sr., DT, Miami (FL)
59. Houston Texans: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
60. Buffalo Bills: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
61. Los Angeles Rams: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
62. Denver Broncos: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
63. New England Patriots: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
64. Seattle Seahawks: TJ Hall, CB, Iowa

Round 3 of 2026 NFL Draft

65. Arizona Cardinals: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
66. Tennessee Titans: Carter Smith, OL, Indiana
67. Las Vegas Raiders: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
68. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
69. Houston Texans (via NYG): Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
70. Cleveland Browns: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
71. Washington Commanders: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
72. Cincinnati Bengals: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
73. New Orleans Saints: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn
74. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
75. Miami Dolphins: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gennings Dunker, G, Iowa
78. Indianapolis Colts: Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona
79. Atlanta Falcons: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
80. Baltimore Ravens: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal
82. Minnesota Vikings: Logan Jones, OC, Iowa
83. Carolina Panthers: Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State
84. Green Bay Packers: Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
85. Pittsburgh Steelers: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
86. Los Angeles Chargers: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
87. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
89. Chicago Bears: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
90. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
91. Buffalo Bills: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
92. San Francisco 49ers: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
93. Los Angeles Rams: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
94. Denver Broncos: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
95. New England Patriots: Justin Jefferson, LB, Alabama
96. Seattle Seahawks: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson