3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Browns roll the dice early, Chiefs make a splash, and Lions take a risk at quarterback on day two
Here is a brand new 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft, highlighted by more than a few surprises at quarterback.
The 2025 college football season is officially behind us, and NFL Draft season is in full swing. This time next week, the NFL masses will have made their annual migration south to Mobile, Alabama for the 2026 Senior Bowl.
So with that in mind, here is a brand new 3-round mock draft from A to Z Sports analysts Rob Gregson, Adam Holt, Travis May, and Destin Adams.
Adam kicked off the selections, followed by Destin, then Rob, then Travis. The order continued throughout the three rounds.
Round 1 of 2026 NFL Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
You’ll see this pick plenty until late April. The Heisman Trophy winner and now National Champion is heavily favored to be the next Raiders quarterback. Tom Brady and the Raiders executives attended the College Football Playoff finale, where Mendoza proved his talent and toughness.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Dante Moore going back to school is going to shake up the 2026 NFL Draft in a big way. No team is more affected than the Jets, though, who are sitting at pick two and hoping for a QB. With Mendoza off the board to the Raiders at one, they could panic and reach for another signal caller in this class, but I don’t think that would be wise. Instead, they should take the best overall player in the draft to begin shaping their rebuild. In my opinion, that is Ohio State’s Arvell Reese.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
The Cardinals are in the midst of a total rebuild. When that happens, I immediately like to see the trenches addressed. With Paris Johnson Jr. on one side and Mauigoa on the other, Arizona can sleep soundly at night knowing that whoever is playing quarterback will have a pair of tackles that can protect them for the foreseeable future. Oh, and Mauigoa is also a plus run blocker with a strong presence on perimeter runs.
4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
David Bailey has the best pass-rushing numbers of any edge defender in the class. Not a debate. Three straight seasons with a pass rush pressure rate over 20 percent (the only one in the class with even two straight seasons at that mark). Over 80 pressures and 15 sacks this past season. He has an elite get-off at the line. His pass rush move arsenal is deep. The Titans need better edge rushers more than perhaps anything else on the roster, so they take the best one here.
5. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Giants have a new man at the helm after hiring Super Bowl champion and former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. He will begin trying to improve the team, with his eye set on the playoffs, and the team will grow in 2026. That starts and ends with QB Jaxson Dart, and his biggest issue during his rookie season was staying on the field due to injuries. Landing one of the best offensive linemen in the class would help, so here’s Utah’s Spencer Fano.
6. Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Ty Simpson was playing like a first-round quarterback prior to his injury against South Carolina. After that, he was battling major injuries as his run game failed him every single week. Once NFL teams get a complete grasp of the context for Simpson’s 2025 college football season they’re going to look at his best plays and decide he’s worth the risk early. The Browns take another shot at quarterback.
7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
I’m going to live in a world where Jayden Daniels is healthy and returns to his 2024 form in 2026. One way to help ensure that: make sure he has a reliable run game. Love is one of the better prospects in this class, and he will bring a level of juice and competitiveness that has been absent from the Commanders’ backfield.
8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyler Shough gets another key weapon for the passing game to accompany Chris Olave. Kellen Moore should value upside for his offense that took strides in the first season with New Orleans, even with injuries mounting at nearly every position this past season.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
A walking deep threat WR like Carnell Tate being matched with a QB like Patrick Mahomes would be a match made in heaven. He would help form quite the trio in the WR room with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
There will be some teams that have concerns over Rueben Bain’s arm length, but at a certain point, he becomes an obvious value pick. The Bengals need to completely revamp their defense at several positions, so going with an elite game-changing edge rusher here is a smart move. He was the reason Miami had the best collective pass rush in the country this past season.
11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy is the best corner in this class, and it’s not really close. As long as everything checks out in terms of his medicals and workout, he’s a lock to go high in this draft. Miami’s secondary needs an overhaul, and McCoy is the kind of day-one starter that can lock down a side of the field.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Styles is arguably a top-five overall prospect in this class. He can be a game-changer for the Cowboys’ defense, which was historically bad this season. With a new DC in the building, get a chess piece who can make an impact in year one.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
One of the Rams’ weak spots on defense is their CB room. LSU’s Mansoor Delane is projected by many to be the first CB taken. He would be a day one starter for the Rams and had the potential to develop into a sure-fire lockdown CB1.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Makai Lemon finished the regular season with more receiving yards than any other wide receiver in the FBS. He won the Biletnikoff Award as the “best wide receiver in college football”. Lemon might measure more like a slot wide receiver, but with his physicality at the catch point and ability separate against any type of corner, the Ravens will use him all around the formation.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Pick a defensive position for the Bucs, and you can probably draft a player there in round one. It was a disappointing season for Tampa’s defense, so I gave them the best player available. Faulk has some tremendous upside as a pass rusher and, with development, he can be a double-digit sack getter in the league.
16. New York Jets (via IND): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
This is a wonderful value for Downs here as he slid further than normal. Aaron Glenn will love the playmaking prowess of the star safety. New York missed out on their QB of the future when Dante Moore announced a return to Oregon, but landing both Downs and Reese is a great round one haul.
17. Detroit Lions: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Lions have a lot to prove in 2026, one of which is finding a long-term fit next to Aiden Hutchinson. Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell could end up being the best pass rusher in this class and could play right away for Detroit.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
This is likely the absolute earliest Chris Johnson will go. A lot depends on how he tests at the NFL Combine, but Johnson is certainly going to impress throughout the draft process. He played against lower-level competition, but he allowed an impossible 16.1 passer rating when targeted, picked off four passes, and defended a half dozen more in 2025 alone. Vikings get a wildcard first-round pick with insane upside.
19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
I love how Carolina has built their offense around the strengths of Bryce Young. Utilizing his pinpoint accuracy to target big-bodied pass catchers has become a staple in Carolina’s passing attack, and Sadiq would round out that trio in perfect fashion. He’s athletic enough to be a vertical threat and also a good run blocker.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
I am interested to see what the Cowboys do with their offensive line this offseason. Terence Steele has a potential out on his contract entering this offseason, and he was incredibly inconsistent this season. Adding Lomu gives them depth and starting potential immediately to protect Dak Prescott.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Steelers strike out on any worthy QBs here, so let’s address the second most important need: the WR position. A 6-4, athletic phenom with punt returner agility, yet the catch radius to pluck the ball from the heads of defenders, and the speed to get vertical? Sign me up.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
Keep Justin Herbert upright. The Chargers could not do that in the postseason, or really all year long, after losing Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Keep adding pieces to this OL and make one of the safer picks of this round with the Nittany Lion product.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
It is unknown how much longer Lane Johnson will suit up for Philly. With that, it is worth preparing for the future at tackle. Freeling is a player I see continuing to rise as the draft nears, and Philadelphia will love the power and balance in his game. Jeff Stoutland can work wonders with the former Bulldog.
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor is a massive human who stands at 6-7, 370 pounds. He’s still imperfect from a footwork and consistency standpoint, but nobody in this class has the physical tools he has at offensive tackle. The Browns need to build up their offense in several spots, including tackle. It’s either this or a wide receiver, most likely here.
25. Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Finding a long-term gap filler to prevent opposing teams from running the ball should be a priority for the Bears. Some will be shocked that McDonald is the first DT over Peter Woods. Both are talented players, but McDonald would be the better fit for Chicago.
26. Buffalo Bills: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
I know the Buffalo Bills need a WR, but they trotted Tre’Davious White out there in 2025 like it was 2017 again. Cisse is a man-coverage phenom who will serve as a breath of fresh air for a secondary that needs it.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The 49ers could go offensive tackle or wide receiver here, but Avieon Terrell should be off the board at cornerback. He brings a complete skill set in coverage, elite tackling efficiency for a corner, and can even rush the passer. He brings with him great inside-outside flexibility as a fun chess piece for San Francisco.
28. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
While the defensive line may not be the largest need on Houston’s roster, just draft good players at this portion of R1. Woods is a potential top 15 selection who fell some in this scenario. Go make a strength even stronger by improving your trenches inside on defense.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Rams are giving their secondary a complete makeover with both of its first-rounders in this mock, targeting that area of their roster. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is one of the most underrated prospects in this draft class. You don’t often see him taken in the first round, but I think he’s genuinely in the discussion. He’s a do-it-all safety with an extremely high football IQ. I think he can start day one and help to improve the Rams’ secondary going forward.
30. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The idea of putting Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw next to CJ Allen sounds like a nightmare for opposing offenses. Allen is a field general who screams 10-year veteran to me, and I would love the law firm of Greenlaw, Singleton, and Allen.
31. New England Patriots: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Patriots got some decent play out of Stefon Diggs, Hunter Henry, Kayshon Boutte, and Mack Hollins this season, but three of those players will be at least 32-years-old. New England needs to inject some fresh life, explosiveness, and elite YAC ability into the offense. KC Concepcion averaged more than seven yards after the catch per reception for Texas A&M last year as the perfect blend between deep threat and underneath weapon. He’ll do much more of that in the pros.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Thieneman, alongside Nick Emmanwori, is such a fun concept to consider. He is a great tackler who plays with phenomenal instincts. He led the Ducks’ defense to a strong season in 2025 and is expected to crush the NFL Scouting Combine.
Round 2 of 2026 NFL Draft
33. New York Jets: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Jets need a QB, but the board didn’t fall in their favor. So they would likely look to add a veteran in free agency or via trade instead of reaching on one early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Colton Hood is a talented CB, and with the Jets moving on from Sauce Gardner, they need to add more young talent to the room.
34. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
35. Tennessee Titans: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
36. Las Vegas Raiders: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
37. New York Giants: Chris Brazzell II, W,R Tennessee
38. Houston Texans (via WAS): Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
39. Cleveland Browns: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
40. Kansas City Chiefs: Gennings Dunker, OT/G, Iowa
41. Cincinnati Bengals: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
42. New Orleans Saints: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
43. Miami Dolphins: LT Overton, EDGE/DL, Alabama
44. New York Jets (via DAL): Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
45. Baltimore Ravens: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Lee, CB, Texas A&M
47. Indianapolis Colts: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
48. Atlanta Falcons: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
49. Minnesota Vikings: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
50. Detroit Lions: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
51. Carolina Panthers: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
52. Green Bay Packers: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
57. Chicago Bears: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
58. San Francisco 49ers: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
59. Houston Texans: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
60. Buffalo Bills: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
61. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
62. Denver Broncos: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
63. New England Patriots: Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
64. Seattle Seahawks: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
NFL Draft
2026 NFL Draft Intel: Latest league info on Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and more first-round prospects ahead of CFP
Here is what league sources are saying about some of the top NFL prospects following College Football’s regular season.
Round 3 of 2026 NFL Draft
65. Arizona Cardinals: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
66. Tennessee Titans: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
67. Las Vegas Raiders: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
68. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
69. Houston Texans (via NYG): Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
70. Cleveland Browns: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
71. Washington Commanders: Harold Perkins Jr., LB/EDGE, LSU
72. Cincinnati Bengals: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
73. New Orleans Saints: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
74. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
75. Miami Dolphins: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Parker Brailsford, IOL, Alabama
78. Indianapolis Colts: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
79. Atlanta Falcons: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
80. Baltimore Ravens: Kage Casey, OL, Boise State
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn
82. Minnesota Vikings: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
83. Carolina Panthers: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
84. Green Bay Packers: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
86. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Joly, TE, NC State
87. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Devin Moore, CB, Florida
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Demonte Capehart, DL, Clemson
89. Chicago Bears: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
90. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
91. Buffalo Bills: Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas
92. San Francisco 49ers: Trey Zuhn, OT, Texas A&M
93. Los Angeles Rams: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
94. Denver Broncos: CJ Daniels, WR, Miami
95. New England Patriots: Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
96. Seattle Seahawks: Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech
NFL Draft
Latest 2026 NFL Draft intel proves that a weak quarterback class could have one popular name back in the NFL’s good graces
Here is the latest league intel on some key 2026 NFL Draft prospects.
