3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Offensive weapons dominate the top ten, Steelers and Dolphins grab quarterbacks, Jets ignore offense

The latest 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft features offensive line fall down the board, and a record setting low amount of quarterbacks selected.

JT Ruhnke, Ryan Roberts
Add as preferred source on Google
Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

With the 2025 college football season concluded, and the Super Bowl LX set between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, pretty soon, all everyone is going to want to talk about is the 2026 NFL Draft class. As this particular 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft circulates, the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl is heading towards the end of the practice week. Fanbases across the NFL are beginning to get acquainted with the talented prospects that are a part of the class.

Up until the end of April, we are also firmly entering mock draft season, as well. With help from fellow A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst JT Ruhnke, we put together this latest mock draft. We alternated selections in increments of ten, and proceeded to give deeper analysis on each first round selections. As always, we must remember the most important rule: Do not get upset over a mock draft in January. Between free agency and potential trades, a lot will change over the next couple of months.

Here is our best guess about team needs, and some players who could potentially fit. Grab your popcorn, relax, and enjoy the greatest mock draft on the interweb right now.

Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

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

“Las Vegas looks to restart its franchise with the consensus best quarterback in the draft. The national champion has all the tools and between-the-ears traits to bring the Raiders back to relevance sooner rather than later.” – Ruhnke

2. New York Jets: Reuben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

“With no other quarterback close to a top-10 grade left on the board, the Jets’ rebuild patiently goes best player available. While the size limitations are a serious question, Bain’s production in the most important games of the season should be proof of concept enough.” – Ruhnke

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

“Another QB-needy team that is left stranded without an option, Arizona goes with the Swiss Army knife in Reese to add to a sneaky good and young defense. Reese’s positional versatility will help Arizona fill the many holes they still have on that side of the ball.” – Ruhnke

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

“The Titans take the best edge available left in Bailey, who has the production numbers to be the best edge rusher in the class. The three-down ability concern that comes with Bailey should not be a problem now that Robert Saleh is in the Music City.” – Ruhnke

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

“A curveball for sure, John Harbaugh begins his tenure by adding a Kyle Hamilton-esque piece to the Giants’ defense that can play multiple different roles. Downs could provide New York with the immediate punch and tenacity a Dennard Wilson defense has displayed the past two years in Tennessee.” – Ruhnke

6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

“The Browns have plenty of holes, but Todd Monken gets a bonafide wide receiver one at six to begin an offensive overhaul.  Tate’s reliability at the catch point will make him a high-floor option at the next level.” – Ruhnke

7. Washington Commanders: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

“The Commanders really need help on defense, but with the big three off the board, Washington pivots and gets an explosive and shifty playmaker for Jayden Daniel’s bounce-back season. Lemon has the best yards after the catch ability of anyone in the class, and the fit in David Blough’s type of offense could pay dividends.” – Ruhnke

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

“Despite still being under contract, Alvin Kamara is now on the wrong side of 30, and New Orleans would be smart to help their young quarterback by adding the best running back in the draft.” – Ruhnke

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Kendric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

“With the Chiefs’ return to the playoffs still dependent on Mahomes’ return to health, Kansas City bolsters its pass rush ability. Faulk has all the tools to become a dominant pairing with Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.” – Ruhnke

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

“The Bengals desperately need help everywhere on the defensive side of the ball, and get some in Sonny Styles. Styles’ smarts and instincts bring a playmaking element Cincinnati desperately needs from a linebacker core devoid of talent.” – Ruhnke

11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 

“The cornerback position for Miami has quickly become arguably the poorest on the roster. When McCoy is healthy, he is an elite-level prospect. The medicals will be big for the former Vols star, but it’ll be hard to ignore what he did in 2024 when he dominated the SEC at only 19 years old.” – Roberts 

12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

“Cornerback has become a big need for the Cowboys this past season, especially after releasing Trevon Diggs. There’s going to be an interesting battle at the top of the class between Delane and Tennessee star Jermod McCoy. While I am a McCoy guy myself, the inside-outside versatility could be a huge selling point for Delane.”  – Roberts

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

“The Rams have bigger needs on the roster than wide receiver, but they can’t pass up on a player like Tyson if he is staring them in the face. He is a three-level separator with impressive downfield separation. Tyson could quickly become the Robin to Puka Nacua’s Batman very early on in his NFL career.” – Roberts

14. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

“Whether it has been under former general manager Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta, the Ravens have made a living off of letting good football players fall into their lap. While Woods didn’t have the 2025 season he was hoping for, he is still an extremely talented defensive tackle prospect. When he’s at his best, Woods is a ball of chaos at 6-3 and 315 pounds.” – Roberts

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee 

“The Buccaneers have several spots that they need to upgrade on their defense, and outside cornerback is one of them. Hood is a young press-man cornerback who had a breakout campaign this past season. There is still substantial upside to tap into here.” – Roberts

16. New York Jets (via IND): Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

“Without Quinnen Williams, the Jets are absent an interior difference maker. While McDonald is never going to be a dominant pass rusher, his work in the run game is exceptional. McDonald’s presence makes everyone around him better.” – Roberts 

17. Detroit Lions: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami 

“ The first offensive lineman finally comes off the board to the Lions. Mauigoa provides some positional flexibility, having the ability to potentially play right tackle or inside at guard. If right tackle is the preferred spot for him, Detroit could look to shift Penei Sewell over to left tackle, a similar strategy we have seen with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tristan Wirfs.” – Roberts

18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

“It feels like cornerback has been a need for the Vikings forever. While Terrell isn’t the biggest defensive back of all time, he has the tenacity and movement skills to provide versatility on the back end of a defense. Don’t be shocked if he gets some chances both on the outside, as well as in the slot.”  – Roberts

19. Carolina Panthers: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

“While defensive tackle isn’t the biggest need for the Panthers, adding a partner in crime to go along with Derrick Brown is an intriguing proposition. If Banks is able to put it all together, he has the upside to become an all-around weapon on the interior. That pairing would make everyone around them better.” – Roberts

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

“This is probably the highest I have seen Thieneman drafted, but he would give the Cowboys a much-needed playmaker in the secondary. After playing a lot of single high free safety while at Purdue, Oregon asked Thieneman to do a little bit of everything. A creative defensive coordinator could get a lot out of the talented defender.” – Roberts

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

“Even if Aaron Rodgers runs it back one more time with Mike McCarthy, the Steelers need to find a longer-term solution at quarterback. Simpson is still raw as a prospect, but a year on the bench behind Rodgers could set the Steelers up for another period of long-term success.” – Ruhnke

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State

“The Chargers checked their biggest need, protection for Justin Herbert, off the list, and they added a physical guard to help get their contention window back on track. Ionae is one of the best run blockers in the class and will be a nasty addition to Mike McDaniels’ run scheme.” – Ruhnke

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

“Could Dallas Goedert and the Eagles part ways? If they do it would be to add a guy like Sadiq, who is a monster after the catch and could add a different element to a Philadelphia offense in need of a rebrand.” – Ruhnke

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

“Cleveland doubles down on the offensive side of the ball and adds one of the more divisive offensive line prospects of the class. Fano’s athleticism makes him worth the selection, although he may take some time to reach that potential.” – Ruhnke

25. Chicago Bears: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

“The Bears bolster their pass rush with one of the most powerful rushers in the class. Parker still has a lot of development to do technically, but the pure bully ball ability is worth betting on.” – Ruhnke

26. Buffalo Bills: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

“The Bills absolutely need weapons for Josh Allen, but there is an argument that a productive pass rush is needed even more. Howell is one of the prospects in the class with the most on-field production already and will be an instant addition to the rotation.” – Ruhnke

27. San Francisco 49ers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

“Kyle Shanahan adds more speed to his offense in the blazing fast KC Concepcion. The former Aggie would fit like a glove into San Francisco’s scheme and provide speed not seen since Deebo Samuel’s early years.” – Ruhnke

28. Houston Texans: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

“One way to keep CJ Stroud from turning the ball over is getting the young quarterback more protection on the offensive line. Freeling is built in a lab and has as high a ceiling in this class as any lineman prospect.”  – Ruhnke

29. Los Angeles Rams: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona St

“The Rams add one of the stickiest press-man corners in the draft here in Abney, who can add an aggressive edge to LA’s secondary room. A fast and fluid mover, Abney can be a plug-and-play starter in a Rams’ secondary that needs an edge.” – Ruhnke

30. Denver Broncos: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

“Sean Peyton looks to bolster the offensive power of the Broncos’ front and build for the future by adding Lomu. He has all the measurables to be a five to ten-year starter, but may need the development time to reach that level.” – Ruhnke

31. New England Patriots: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

“You’re going to have to be patient with Bell, but for the team that is, they have a chance at a special wide receiver down the road. At over 6-1 and 227 pounds, Bell is a massive wideout who is a dynamic after-the-catch threat. His physicality and straight line speed are a hard combination to stop.” – Roberts

32. Seattle Seahawks: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama 

“The Seahawks have a massive need inside at right guard, and that feels like the best-case scenario early on for Proctor. It’s possible that he eventually shifts out to offensive tackle if developed properly. For now, Proctor adds an imposing presence on the interior of the offensive line.” – Roberts 

Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

  1. New York Jets: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia 
  2. Arizona Cardinals: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma 
  3. Tennessee Titans: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina 
  4. Las Vegas Raiders: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
  5. New York Giants: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington 
  6. Houston Texans (via WAS): Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington 
  7. Cleveland Browns: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn
  8. Kansas City Chiefs: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
  9. Cincinnati Bengals: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
  10. New Orleans Saints: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama 
  11. Miami Dolphins: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon 
  12. New York Jets (via DAL): Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama 
  13. Baltimore Ravens: Chris Johnson, CB, SDSU
  14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt 
  15. Indianapolis Colts: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
  16. Atlanta Falcons: Omar Cooper JR, WR, Indiana 
  17. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida 
  18. Detroit Lions: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
  19. Carolina Panthers: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee 
  20. Green Bay Packers: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech 
  21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana 
  22. Philadelphia Eagles: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech 
  23. Los Angeles Chargers: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State 
  24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo 
  25. Chicago Bears: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati 
  26. San Francisco 49ers: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri 
  27. Houston Texans: Gennings Dunker, IOL, Iowa 
  28. Buffalo Bills: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC 
  29. Los Angeles Rams: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon 
  30. New England Patriots: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri 
  31. Denver Broncos: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor 
  32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame 

Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft

  1. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern 
  2. Tennessee Titans: Ja’kobi Lane, WR, USC 
  3. Las Vegas Raiders: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
  4. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana 
  5. Houston Texans (via NYG): Max Klare, TE, OSU
  6. Cleveland Browns: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas 
  7. Washington Commanders: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU 
  8. Cincinnati Bengals: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State 
  9. New Orleans Saints: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia 
  10. Kansas City Chiefs: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson 
  11. Miami Dolphins: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas 
  13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee 
  14. Indianapolis Colts: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
  15. Atlanta Falcons: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State 
  16. Baltimore Ravens: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss 
  17. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Keyland Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech
  18. Minnesota Vikings: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
  19. Carolina Panthers – Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech 
  20. Green Bay Packers- Keionte Scott, CB, Miami 
  21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Genesis Smith, S, Arizona 
  22. Los Angeles Chargers – Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke 
  23. Miami Dolphins (via PHI) – Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn St
  24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana 
  25. Chicago Bears – Jalen Stroman, S, Notre Dame 
  26. Miami Dolphins (via HOU) – Jack Endries, TE, Texas 
  27. Buffalo Bills: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
  28. San Francisco 49ers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State 
  29. Los Angeles Rams: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
  30. New England Patriots: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
  31. Denver Broncos: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
  32. Seattle Seahawks: Dani Dennis-Suttong, EDGE, Penn State
  33. Minnesota Vikings: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
  34. Philadelphia Eagles: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas Tech
  35. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
  36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama

We’ll be back with more NFL Draft coverage here at A to Z Sports soon. Follow me (@RiseNDraft) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news.

Related Articles