2026 Three-Round NFL Mock Draft: Arch Manning's long shot, Cade Klubnik's divisive talent, and edge rushers dominate early rounds
The paint on the 2025 NFL Draft might not quite be dry yet, but that doesn't mean we can't take a good look ahead to the future. Yes, it's already time for the first 2026 Three-Round NFL Mock Draft here at A to Z Sports.It might seem like a fool's errand to try and predict […]
The paint on the 2025 NFL Draft might not quite be dry yet, but that doesn't mean we can't take a good look ahead to the future. Yes, it's already time for the first 2026 Three-Round NFL Mock Draft here at A to Z Sports.
It might seem like a fool's errand to try and predict a future NFL Draft this far out, but this is more just a fun exercise to help familiarize yourself with all the best returning college football players who "have a shot" at early draft capital next year. Less of a "this must be right about everything" piece.
However, with that said, last year's "Way-Too-Early 2025 NFL Mock Draft" successfully predicted 43 of the first 96 players selected in this spring's draft. 27 players on last year's list went back to school. 17 more got drafted. That might not sound very "accurate" but it is compared industry standards (of which there are very few to begin with anyway).
The draft pick order for this three-round 2025 NFL mock draft is simply based on reverse order of initial Super Bowl odds for next season according to Vegas, so if you want to complain about where your team is situated just call your favorite sports book.
If you have any questions, comments, or would like to tell me just how wrong I am on any of this feel free to find me on X, @FF_TravisM (Travis May).
3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Round One
1. New Orleans Saints: Arch Manning, QB Texas
First off, Arch Manning even being here is a long shot considering he is almost assuredly not entering the 2026 NFL Draft. The Manning family has made it quite clear they are in no rush to get Arch to the pros and would much prefer to get him extensive experience before heading to the NFL. There's a real chance he enters the 2027 NFL Draft, and perhaps even waits until 2028.
However, if the stars align perfectly, Texas wins a national championship, and Arch Manning looks like a ready-made first overall pick, he might just declare. And if the Saints are sitting there with the first overall pick, giving Arch a chance to go play for the same team his grandfather was quarterback of for 10+ years? This would be too perfect a situation to pass up. He just has to put together an absolutely immaculate 2025 season first.
2. New York Giants: Kadyn Proctor, OT Alabama
Kadyn Proctor is a massive 6'7", 360 pound offensive tackle with former five star pedigree. He started off pretty rough as a true freshman, looking a bit slow at times as he got fully up to FBS speed. Then some clicked last season as Proctor took a huge leap forward, looking like one of the better offensive tackles in the country with much improved speed, hands, and physical dominance. If he takes one more step in his developmental arc the tools are going to be too good for the Giants to pass up as they hope to continue building around future franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart.
3. Cleveland Browns: Cade Klubnik, QB Clemson
Heading into the College Football Playoff Cade Klubnik had already thrown more passing touchdowns than every QB in the nation last fall except for Cam Ward (Miami) and Shedeur Sanders (Colorado). Klubnik put it all together in 2024 as he was much more efficient through the air and explosive on the ground. Somehow people still seem to disagree on his talents despite the Top 10 passing profile in the nation last season.
Clemson returns plenty of weapons around him, so he's in great position to take another massive step forward in his development, put up some huge numbers, and possibly even push for a national championship with the Tigers. This former five star stud looks very much on track for first round capital (as you can see in 9 minutes of highlights on the post below) and the Browns go to the quarterback well once again here.
4. New York Jets: LaNorris Sellers, QB South Carolina
If Justin Fields struggles this season to the point where the Jets are picking top five in 2026 then the Jets could turn around a select a quarterback with equally ridiculous rushing upside. Sellers scored 25 total touchdowns, averaged nearly 8.7 adjusted yards per pass attempt, and racked up nearly 700 rushing yards on the ground. Sellers is still growing as a consistent passer, but he has first round quarterback physical traits, wild arm talent, and near Lamar Jackson mobility. This may just look like drafting Justin Fields to replace Justin Fields, and Sellers is still a bit raw based on the 2024 results, but the upside is clear (as you can see in the post below).
5. Tennessee Titans: T.J. Parker, EDGE Clemson
T.J. Parker should be the clear consensus favorite to be the first edge rusher off the board given his proven pass rush production with 18 sacks in his first two seasons, his length, athleticism, and the intense physicality he brings to the table. If he leads Clemson's defense on another deep College Football Playoff run he's going to see his draft skyrocket to "Top 10 Lock" status and the Tennessee Titans would be foolish not to bring him in to help their unimpressive pass rush.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Keldric Faulk, EDGE Auburn
The one edge defender who could dethrone T.J. Parker as the EDGE1 in the 2026 NFL Draft class could be Keldric Faulk. He exploded early last year with 16 pass rush pressures and three sacks to open the season. He slowed down a bit after that but continued flashing greatness. Faulk is a monstrous 6'6", 280+ pounds, so he might project to be more of a run-stopping defensive end in the pros, but he is far too quick and agile at his size to pass up here for the Raiders.
7. Carolina Panthers: Caleb Downs, S Ohio State
If positional value didn't matter in the NFL Draft then Caleb Downs would be the first overall pick. He posted two near perfect seasons under his belt in coverage, added value in pass rush last fall, and will likely lock in top 10 draft capital this coming season. The Panthers already have one safety spot locked up with Trevon Moehrig, but Downs gives them one of the best secondaries in the league after this selection.
8. Cleveland Browns (via JAC): Peter Woods, DT Clemson
The Browns may have just drafted Mason Graham, but building the best defensive trenches in football is never a bad idea. Peter Woods can line up anywhere along the defensive front, but specializes as a destructive B-gap tackle who already has back to back seasons with pass rush pressure rates near double positional average. Woods is the best defensive tackle prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft by far (at least for now).
9. Indianapolis Colts: Sam Leavitt, QB Arizona State
If the Colts are bad enough to finish with a top 10 pick again then it's quite likely the Anthony Richardson experiment has all but officially come to a close. Despite his lower raw volume stats in 2024, Sam Leavitt actually posted a top 10 quarterback efficiency profile last season as he ranked extremely high in QBR, adjusted yards per pass attempt, yards per play and more.
He struggled against Texas in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal game, but outside of that he was phenomenal all year long. One more strong season like that and Leavitt's balance of accuracy and mobility will have NFL teams intrigued.
10. Seattle Seahawks: David Bailey, EDGE Texas Tech
David Bailey ranked third in pass rush pressure rate and fifth in havoc rate generated among all power conference defensive linemen and edge rushers in 2024, but not many people noticed because he did it playing for Stanford. At 6'3", 250 pounds, Bailey projects to be the exact kind of edge defender profile that fits the Seattle Seahawks defense. Now with Texas Tech, Bailey should post yet another elite pass rushing season and find his way to first round NFL Draft capital.
11. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB Tennessee
There aren't many obviously special first round talent returning cornerbacks in college football, but Jermod McCoy is the exception. He's able to play strong and physical in press situations, while also understanding spacing and zone manipulation to really confuse opposing quarterbacks as well. He's extremely intelligent, fast, twitched up, and defended double-digit passes last season. The Rams get the cornerback many believed they could or should have drafted in 2025.
12. New England Patriots: Spencer Fano, OT Utah
Utah has an elite offensive line returning this season and Spencer Fano is the main reason why. He's a mauling run blocker who has found success playing both left and right tackle. He also took a huge step forward in pass protection last year, only giving up one sack on the season. The Patriots got their long-term left tackle in Will Campbell this year. Spencer Fano could be their right tackle of the future after Morgan Moses retires here soon.
13. Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami (FL)
Francis Mauigoa is a former five star talent that struggled early on at Miami, but looked every bit the part in 2024. He still needs to improve his consistency and adjustments to counters from more talented pass rushers, but Mauigoa has the traits to be a very early draft pick and the Dolphins still need to improve their offense line long-term in multiple spots.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Hill Jr., LB Texas
This would be the most fun fit in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Micah Parsons has already said he would like to play with Anthony Hill Jr. one day. The Cowboys could use a foundational off-ball linebacker with range and consistent downhill play in the run game. Hill won True Freshman All-American honors in 2023, took a step forward this past season, and will likely be a huge part of the Texas Longhorns run back to the College Football Playoff this year. The Cowboys keep a Texas star home.
15. Arizona Cardinals: Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State
Carnell Tate flashed "next great Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver" as soon as he stepped on campus his very first spring. He would have been the WR1 for most every other team in the nation last year, but operated as the team's third target since he was sharing action with two other first round picks in Emeka Egbuka (first round to the Buccaneers) and Jeremiah Smith (on legitimate GOAT trajectory). If Tate can step up into Emeka Egbuka-level production this season there's no reason why he can't be a first round pick and the WR1 in a weaker 2026 class at the position.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Allar, QB Penn State
Drew Allar could have potentially been the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft given how weak the quarterback class was this year. He has easy arm talent that can toss the ball 60 yards effortlessly, decent enough mobility with pocket awareness, and improved his consistency last season. Allar just needs one more year of development and he shouldn't fall below this mark in the 2026 NFL Draft. There's no way the Steelers aren't in the market for QB again next year.
17. Chicago Bears: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE Miami (FL)
Rueben Bain took a slight step back from what was an unbelievably impressive true freshman season where he logged almost 50 pass rush pressures and several sacks. He wasn't 100% healthy last season, so that likely contributed to the drop off. If he bounces back with a strong showing then Bain likely rises into the first round discussion given his strength, speed, and production. The Bears could use more of that here soon.
18. Denver Broncos: Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson trails only Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith in 2024 receiving yards among returning power conference wide receivers. He finished the season injured after putting up over 1100 yards in less than 12 full games of action, and should be a strong favorite to lead the entire nation in receiving for 2025. Tyson broke out as a true freshman back in 2022 when he was still with Colorado and has become an explosive weapon that can win from any pre-snap alignment and depth of the field. He would give the Broncos a much needed boost in playmaking ability to help their young QB, Bo Nix.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Whit Weeks, LB LSU
When I spoke with Bradyn Swinson (EDGE, LSU) at the NFL Combine he was ecstatic to talk about "his guy" Whit Weeks because he's just the complete package. Weeks makes up for any mistakes of those around him, helps improve the whole defense, and possesses the elite athleticism that you want to see out of modern off-ball linebackers. He's going to prove once again in 2025 that he's a top tier linebacker, destroy the NFL Combine testing, and hear his name called in the first round. In this case he'd be set to replace Lavonte David for the Buccaneers.
20. Houston Texans: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE Penn State
Abdul Carter hogged all of the NFL Draft attention this past season, but this year will be Dani Dennis-Sutton's turn at Penn State. DDS was one of the most disruptive forces in the country as a pass rusher, run defender, and even surprisingly dropping into coverage as he picked off Riley Leonard in the College Football Playoff Semifinal game (as you can see in the post below). He tallied nearly 50 pressures last season, and could be in line for even more this year. The Texans get their long-term option to play opposite Will Anderson here.
21. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S Oregon
Dillon Thieneman has been one of the best safeties in the league for two years in a row despite playing for one of the worst defenses in the nation at Purdue. Now that he's with Oregon Thieneman should get the respect he deserves and an opportunity to shine for a team with real post-season hopes. Thieneman has legit sub-4.4 forty-yard dash speed, excellent range in the deep portions of the secondary, and should fit perfectly with the Vikings as the long-term Harrison Smith replacement.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: LT Overton, EDGE Alabama
LT Overton could have entered the 2025 NFL Draft and been an early draft pick, but he's still just 20 years old until October. Another year of physical development and added layers to his pass rush attack should help propel him safely into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He hasn't converted much of his pass rush pressure into sacks throughout his career, so hopefully we see him finish more for Alabama this season. The Chargers still need to address the pass rush and swing for the fences here on a physical freak with upside.
23. San Francisco 49ers: Harold Perkins, LB LSU
If Harold Perkins can get back to looking as incredible as he did his true freshman season (or even better) he could become one of the most unique defensive weapons in the NFL. He racked up 10 sacks in year one. He became a coverage specialist with tackling inconsistency in year two. Then he struggled all around before his injury last year. However, if he can blend the best of his flashes together Perkins could be a fun linebacker edge hybrid player at the next level that gives the 49ers here a bit of a unicorn.
24. Green Bay Packers: A.J. Harris, CB Penn State
A.J. Harris has all the traits NFL teams want in a first round cornerback. He has the height, length, speed, and athleticism to go along with requisite versatility to play primarily outside while shifting into other roles when called upon. Harris limits explosive plays, giving up only 3 plays over 30 yards in the last two seasons (nearly 500 coverage snaps). He's a decent tackler. The Packers get the cornerback many believed they might select in the 2025 NFL Draft here.
25. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love flashed potential as a true freshman, but then exploded last season as the most productive sophomore running back in the country. Nearly 1400 yards from scrimmage. Just shy of 20 total touchdowns. Over seven yards per offensive touch. Jeremiyah Love is a sprinter with the balance and receiving skills to make him a potential feature back in the NFL. The Commanders are in great need of a dynamic rushing threat to pair with their incredibly mobile quarterback and Love fits that bill.
26. Cincinnati Bengals: Malik Muhammad, CB Texas
Malik Muhammad is on pace to be one of the most experienced third year (early declare) prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Through two seasons with Texas he's already logged nearly 1,400 snaps because he was too good to keep off the field from day one. Muhammad got a bit aggressive last season, giving up a couple explosive plays, but he only allowed a 50% completion rate when targeted and defended double-digit passes. The Bengals don't have to go corner next year, but Muhammad would almost certainly be an upgrade if he improves at all this fall.
27. Los Angeles Rams: Jake Slaughter, IOL Florida
Jake Slaughter is by the far the best true center prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft and perhaps the best one in the last handful of years. He's tall and long enough to shift to either guard spot if necessary. The play strength is there to hold up in both run and pass blocking (as confirmed by success rates via multiple charting services). The Rams got nothing good out of Beaux Limmer this year and will likely replace Coleman Shelton here soon after he perhaps starts in the short-term. Slaughter would be the perfect interior offensive line foundation to build on.
28. Detroit Lions: Avieon Terrell, CB Clemson
The positional choice here may shock some Lions fans, but Detroit doesn't usually do what most expect in the NFL Draft. Amik Robertson's contract is expiring. Terrion Arnold and Kindle Vildor were rather rough in coverage last season. Avieon Terrell is a scrappy, physical, twitchy athletic cornerback who plays cornerback like a linebacker against the run. He's the exact kind of player this Lions regime loves. If he continues racking up pass-breakups this season he's going to be an extremely early draft pick.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Nicholas Singleton, RB Penn State
Nicholas Singleton entered college football as one of the most explosive athletes in the nation back in 2022, immediately putting up nearly 1,200 yards from scrimmage scoring 13 total touchdowns. He slumped a bit as a sophomore, trying to force too many big plays instead of taking what was given, but cleaned things up in a big way this past season. Singleton chose to return to Penn State in hopes to win a national title, but would definitely have been an early pick this year already. The Chiefs get the best running back prospect they've drafted since Jamaal Charles here.
30. Buffalo Bills: Evan Stewart, WR Oregon
Regardless of what general manager Brandon Beane might think the Bills still desperately need to add some speed at the wide receiver position. Evan Stewart is a solid deep threat who brings excellent contested catch ability. He's been productive for three seasons already, but hasn't put up crazy numbers. This is his best shot to put together a 1000-yard season since Stewart will likely be the focal point of the Ducks passing attack this season. One great season as a proven alpha wide receiver likely lands this former five star recruit inside round one.
31. Baltimore Ravens: Suntarine Perkins, LB Ole Miss
The Ole Miss defense generated more havoc than any other college football defense in the nation last year and Suntarine Perkins was a huge part of that. Despite being just 6'1", 210 pounds he was used as a major pass rushing force from his outside linebacker position. Perkins racked up 11 sacks, over 40 pressures, but was also perhaps the best cover linebacker in the nation, allowing just five receptions for 21 yards on nearly 120 coverage snaps. He's been a fun hybrid linebacker edge rushing phenom since he was a true freshman. He's probably a lock to be a top 50 pick, if not a first rounder. The Ravens would love to find creative ways to use this weapon on an already elite defensive unit.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT Florida State
Darrell Jackson Jr. initially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, but ultimately decided to return for one final ride at Florida State. His 2024 season was good enough for him to be an early round selection already, but if he repeats his absurd 30+ pressures and 5+ sack season again in 2025 he should definitely hear his name called inside the top 50. He's a monstrous 6'5", 330 pounds, but carries the weight well, moving fluidly and quickly in pursuit. He profiles to be an even-front interior defensive line pass rush specialist who needs to clean up his run defense a bit, but has all the traits to succeed for the Eagles.
Round Two
33. New Orleans Saints: Nyck Harbor, WR South Carolina
34. New York Giants: Antonio Williams, WR Clemson
35. Cleveland Browns: Eric Singleton Jr., WR Auburn
36. New York Jets: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE Oregon
37. Tennessee Titans: Caleb Banks, DT Florida
38. Las Vegas Raiders: Sawyer Robertson, QB Baylor
39. Carolina Panthers: Isaiah World, OT Nevada
40. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon
41. Indianapolis Colts: Sonny Styles Jr., LB Ohio State
42. Seattle Seahawks: Parker Brailsford, C Alabama
43. Atlanta Falcons: Caleb Lomu, OT Utah
44. New England Patriots: Damon Wilson, EDGE Missouri
45. Miami Dolphins: Elliot Washington, CB Penn State
46. Dallas Cowboys: Justice Haynes, RB Michigan
47. Arizona Cardinals: Cayden Green, IOL Missouri
48. Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Boston, WR Washington
49. Chicago Bears: Darius Taylor, RB Minnesota
50. Denver Broncos: Christen Miller, DT Georgia
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luke Hasz, TE Ole Miss
52. Houston Texans: Tim Keenan III, DT Alabama
53. Minnesota Vikings: Kage Casey, OT Boise State
54. Los Angeles Chargers: Rayshaun Benny, DT Michigan
55. San Francisco 49ers: Tyreak Sapp, EDGE Florida
56. Green Bay Packers: Trey Moore, EDGE Texas
57. Houston Texans (via WAS): CJ Allen, LB Georgia
58. Cincinnati Bengals: Makhi Hughes, RB Oregon
59. Los Angeles Rams: Garrett Nussmeier, QB LSU
60. Detroit Lions: Will Heldt, EDGE Clemson
61. Kansas City Chiefs: Kamari Ramsey, S USC
62. Buffalo Bills: Blake Miller, OT Clemson
63. Baltimore Ravens: Eugene Wilson III, WR Florida
64. Philadelphia Eagles: Austin Barber, OT Florida
Round Three
65. New Orleans Saints: James Williams, EDGE Florida State
66. Houston Texans (via NYG): Keon Sabb, S Alabama
67. Cleveland Browns: Charles Jagusah, OL Notre Dame
68. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Derrick Moore, EDGE Michigan
69. Tennessee Titans: Makai Lemon, WR USC
70. Las Vegas Raiders: Zachariah Branch, WR Georgia
71. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Kilgore, CB South Carolina
72. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dontay Corleone, DT Cincinnati
73. Indianapolis Colts: J.C. Davis, OT Illinois
74. Seattle Seahawks: Deontae Lawson, LB Alabama
75. Atlanta Falcons: Domonique Orange, DT Iowa State
76. New England Patriots: Deion Burks, WR Oklahoma
77. Miami Dolphins: Xavier Scott, CB Illinois
78. Dallas Cowboys: Barion Brown, WR LSU
79. Arizona Cardinals: Tacario Davis, CB Arizona
80. Pittsburgh Steelers: Rod Moore, S Michigan
81. Chicago Bears: Mansoor Delane, CB LSU
82. Denver Broncos: CJ Baxter, RB Texas
83. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nico Iamaleava, QB UCLA
84. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Kevin Coleman, WR Missouri
85. Minnesota Vikings: Kaytron Allen, RB Penn State
86. Los Angeles Chargers: Robert Spears-Jennings, S Oklahoma
87. San Francisco 49ers: Domani Jackson, CB Alabama
88. Green Bay Packers: Gracen Halton, DT Oklahoma
89. Washington Commanders: Ja'Kobi Lane, WR USC
90. Cincinnati Bengals: Mikail Kamara, EDGE Indiana
91. Los Angeles Rams: Gennings Dunker, OT Iowa
92. Jacksonvill Jaguars (via DET): Jaeden Roberts, IOL Alabama
93. Kansas City Chiefs: Eli Stowers, TE Vanderbilt
94. Buffalo Bills: Tre Wisner, RB Texas
95. Baltimore Ravens: Daylen Everette, CB Georgia
96. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Klare, TE Ohio State
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!
And if you want to see why Cade Klubnik should be in the mix to be the first quarterback off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft just check out his 2024 season highlights in the video below!