3-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs pull in an elite haul following trade with Rams, Jeremiyah Love rises, and a deep OL run

The latest 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft includes the Kansas City Chiefs reloading their roster and deep runs on the offensive line and pass rushers.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) reacts in the in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The all-star circuit and 2026 NFL Scouting Combine are now behind us, which means that free agency, the pro day circuit, and top-30 visits are the only things that stand between us all and the 2026 NFL Draft at the end of April. With more information now available to us, mock drafts over the next several weeks will start to take a more informed shape. We are trending toward the more predictive time of the mock draft experiment.

With free agency on the horizon, there is still a lot of information we are going to gain, which means that some team needs are going to dramatically shift. Once we know the free agency hauls for all 32 NFL teams, that is when the focus will be more on projecting trades. For now, this exercise is about finding value throughout and introducing each fanbase to some potential prospect fits. Mock drafts are about opening your mind to possibilities.

Here is my most recent three-round mock draft, which includes an elite haul for the Kansas City Chiefs following the trade of cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. The mock also included a deep run on offensive linemen, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love continuing to rise up draft boards.

2026 NFL Draft Spotlight: Jeremiyah Love

  • Love became the first Notre Dame player to win the Doak Walker Award in 2025
  • Finished third in Heisman Trophy voting this past season (1,372 yards and 21 total TDs)
  • Born May 31, 2005 (20 years old currently)
  • Notre Dame hasn’t had a running back drafted in the first round since Jerome Bettis in the 1993 NFL Draft

First Round of the 2026 NFL Draft 

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

Some can keep pretending like the Raiders are considering other options, but that’s exactly what it is: Pretend. Whether you love or hate Mendoza as a quarterback prospect, he is going to be the face in Las Vegas very soon. 

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

    As of today, I feel confident that the Jets will either select Reese or Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey. They opt for Reese, who is an insanely versatile player with elite traits. We have just gotten small glimpses into just how good Reese can become. 

    3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame 

    I know. I know. I know. Running backs don’t matter, allegedly. In a draft that severely lacks talent at the typically premium positions, the Cardinals opt for one of the more dynamic weapons at the running back position we have seen come out in recent memory. 

    4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech 

    The Titans desperately need to upgrade their pass rush, and there are two intriguing options on the board. Bailey fits the mold of EDGE that head coach Robert Saleh typically gravitates toward – long and incredibly explosive. 

    5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State 

    The Giants need to add impact defensive talent on the second and third levels this offseason. At 6-5 and 245 pounds with rare speed and range, Styles is one of the more talented linebackers to come out of the draft in some time. He immediately becomes a weapon for new head coach John Harbaugh. 

    6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

    With the Browns needing to add potential starters all across their offensive line, there’s no question that they will need to attack the need early and often. While Freeling does still have some rawness to his game, his combination of length and movement skills projects favorably at left tackle. Freeling should start immediately. 

    7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State 

    The Commanders had the worst defense in the NFL in 2025. Downs adds a much-needed presence on the back end of the defense, one that head coach Dan Quinn can use in a lot of different ways. 

    8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami 

    While the NFL still seems to be all over the place on Bain, his combination of physicality and relentlessness brings a solid floor to the table. The EDGE group for the Saints is aging fast, so adding some young talent would be ideal. 

    9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State 

    With Love long gone, the Arizona State pass catcher would provide some immediate help for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The injury history for Tyson is spotty, but the talent speaks for itself. 

    10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida 

    At 6-6 and 330 pounds, Banks is a rare athlete at the defensive tackle position. The Bengals haven’t had impact talent on the interior for several years now. If they are able to get the most out of Banks’s talent, he possesses Pro Bowl upside. 

    11. Miami Dolphins: Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State 

    The Dolphins are in a tough spot from a roster perspective, and they would be best served by adding higher-floor players to the foundation. While Ioane isn’t the flashiest offensive lineman of all time, he is incredibly sufficient and a safe bet to become a good starter. 

    12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 

    It has been a long time since we have seen McCoy on the field, but when he is able to play, he is an outstanding football player. Possessing substantial cover skills, McCoy has very real Pro Bowl upside. It’ll all come down to his overall health. 

    13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Spencer Fano, OT/OC, Utah 

    While Fano has spent all of his time at offensive tackle in his Utah career, there are some teams that also love him at center. You could argue that he is a talent who could play four different positions on the next level. That offers a lot of options for the Rams. 

    14. Baltimore Ravens: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State 

    Wide receiver isn’t necessarily the biggest need for the Ravens, but Tate being available changes the formula for them. Zay Flowers is a really good space weapon at wide receiver, but there is still a need for some outside playmakers in this offense. Quarterback Lamar Jackson gets a new talented option. 

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

    The Buccaneers would have loved to have a pass rusher or linebacker fall to them, but the board just didn’t fall accordingly. They decide to pivot to Sadiq, who is a dynamic weapon at the tight end position. 

    16. New York Jets (via IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC 

    Outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets don’t have enough weapons in the passing game. Lemon isn’t an overly impressive athlete, but his combination of nuance, competitiveness, and after-catch ability can’t be understated. He would make a nice duo with Wilson. 

    17. Detroit Lions: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami 

    The Lions are in a position to improve their offensive line this offseason. Mauigoa could conceivably move into the right tackle spot, allowing Penei Sewell to eventually replace Taylor Decker as the team’s left tackle. The former Miami star could also play inside at guard, where he has Pro Bowl upside. 

    18. Minnesota Vikings: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU 

    This is the farthest that I have seen Delane fall in the draft in some time, but as we know in the draft world, anything can happen. Delane has the ability to become a stellar outside cornerback, as well as having the versatility to become a huge asset in the slot. His skill set is a very easy sell. 

    19. Carolina Panthers: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon 

    Thieneman played a lot in the box and as a robber during his lone season with Oregon. In his first two seasons with Purdue, Thieneman also played a ton as a single high free safety. That versatility is a huge selling point for a defense. 

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

    Faulk didn’t take the leap many hoped he would in the 2025 season. The talent is still very much there. At 6-6 and around 280 pounds, Faulk is a gifted mover who is also one of the better run defenders in the 2026 class. 

    21. Pittsburgh Steelers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M 

    The Steelers have an outside passing game weapon in DK Metcalf, but they don’t really have a wide receiver who can win consistently after the catch. That’s what Concepcion brings to the table. He is one of the very best in terms of making plays in space. 

    22. Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson 

    If Woods can become a more consistent player, this could be one of the biggest value picks in the draft. When he is the best version of himself, Woods is a bowling ball of chaos on the interior of a defense. 

    23. Philadelphia Eagles: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 

    With Lane Johnson on the last leg of his career, the Eagles may need to try and figure out the heir apparent at right tackle. Lomu is a very talented athlete who is just starting to figure out how good he can become. 

    24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana 

    Cooper is an explosive and physical wide receiver who fits best in the slot. He should land in the Browns’ offense immediately and add a dynamic that the team just doesn’t have. That passing game needs a player like Cooper. 

    25. Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State 

    At 6-3 and 327 pounds, McDonald is an imposing presence on the interior of a defense. The Bears greatly need to improve their defensive line for this team to get over the hump. A player like McDonald should allow for everyone around him to become better just because of the attention he demands. 

    26. Buffalo Bills: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo 

    At over 6-3 and 210 pounds, McNeil-Warren brings an impressive physical profile to the table. The range that the former Toledo star possesses is also underrated, which should provide a huge upside to the Bills’ defense. 

    27. San Francisco 49ers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami 

    With Nick Bosa coming back from injury, the 49ers desperately need to add to their pass rush this offseason. Even though Mesidor isn’t a dynamic athlete coming off the edge, he is a crafty player who knows how to get after the quarterback. He should add a solid boost immediately. 

    28. Houston Texans: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson 

    For what feels like forever, the Houston Texans are in desperate need of upgrading their offensive line. Miller is long and extremely smooth as an athlete. He should fight to start at right tackle very early in his NFL career. 

    29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson 

    With the Trent McDuffie trade and several other defensive backs set to hit free agency, the Chiefs will be in the market to improve their secondary. Terrell would be an outstanding addition, considering his ability to play on the outside or in the slot. 

    30. Denver Broncos: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington 

    The Broncos are a strong roster without a ton of needs. Continuing to stockpile passing game talent for quarterback Bo Nix could be an area of emphasis, especially with a winning window in front of them. 

    31. New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M 

    Getting after the quarterback is always going to be heavily valued on the NFL level. Even if Howell never becomes anything more than ordinary against the run, his skills as a pass rusher provide him a very important role on a defense. 

    32. Seattle Seahawks: Kadyn Proctor, OT/OG, Alabama 

    The Seahawks have a massive haul at right guard on their offensive line. While there could be an intention to play Proctor at offensive tackle, his raw power and hand strength would be an easy fit inside. That would also alleviate some of his deficiencies in pass protection, allowing for more short sets. 

    Second Round of the 2026 NFL Draft 

    33. New York Jets; Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

    34. Arizona Cardinals: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

    35. Tennessee Titans: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

    36. Las Vegas Raiders: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

    37. New York Giants: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

    38. Houston Texans (via WAS): Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M

    39. Cleveland Browns: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

    40. Kansas City Chiefs: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

    41. Cincinnati Bengals: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona

    42. New Orleans Saints: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

    43. Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

    44. New York Jets (via DAL): D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

    45. Baltimore Ravens: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

    46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

    47. Indianapolis Colts: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

    48. Atlanta Falcons: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

    49. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

    50. Detroit Lions: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

    51. Carolina Panthers; Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State

    52. Green Bay Packers: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

    53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

    54. Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

    55. Los Angeles Chargers: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon

    56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

    57. Chicago Bears: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

    58. San Francisco 49ers: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

    59. Houston Texans: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

    60. Buffalo Bills: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

    61. Los Angeles Rams; Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

    62. Denver Broncos: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

    63. New England Patriots: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

    64. Seattle Seahawks: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn 

    Third Round of the 2026 NFL Draft 

    65. Arizona Cardinals: Gennings Dunker, OG, Iowa

    66. Tennessee Titans: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

    67. Las Vegas Raiders: Sam Hecht, OC, Kansas State

    68. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

    69. Houston Texans (via NYG): Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

    70. Cleveland Browns: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M

    71. Washington Commanders: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

    72. Cincinnati Bengals: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

    73. New Orleans Saints: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

    74. Kansas City Chiefs: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

    75. Miami Dolphins: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

    76. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

    77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

    78. Indianapolis Colts: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

    79. Atlanta Falcons: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

    80. Baltimore Ravens: Trey Zuhn, OG/OC, Texas A&M

    81. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

    82. Minnesota Vikings: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU

    83. Carolina Panthers: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee

    84. Green Bay Packers: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

    85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Farmer, OG, Kentucky 

    86. Los Angeles Chargers: Kage Casey, OG/OC, Boise State

    87. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

    88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

    89. Chicago Bears: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech

    90. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

    91. Buffalo Bills: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU

    92. San Francisco 49ers: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

    93. Los Angeles Rams: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

    94. Denver Broncos: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

    95. New England Patriots: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC

    96. Seattle Seahawks: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

    97. Minnesota Vikings (conditional): Jake Slaughter, OC, Florida

    98. Philadelphia Eagles (conditional): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State

    99. Pittsburgh Steelers (conditional): LT Overton, EDGE/DT, Alabama

    100. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET, conditional): Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest

    Related Articles