3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Giants and Jets make huge trade for a quarterback as Raiders, Rams, Cardinals, Dolphins add passers
Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore kick things off at QB, and several WRs are picked in the first round after Carnell Tate goes top 10.
The 2026 NFL Draft class and the order in which NFL teams will make their selections are beginning to take shape as this football season nears its close.
That means that it’s time to figure out who the most talented prospects in the country are who could save your favorite franchise. Which ones will be selected inside the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft (where most starters come from)? That’s what we’ll be diving into today, so you can familiarize yourself with the best that the 2026 NFL Draft class has to offer. Three rounds. 96 picks. Let’s jump into this upcoming draft class together. Enjoy!
Current Facts and Stats for the 2026 NFL Draft
- The Dolphins, Texans, Browns, Jets, Rams, and Steelers all have (at least) four picks inside the first three rounds
- It’s a six-team race for the first overall pick between the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals, but only the Giants and Raiders have above a 25% chance to land it given win probabilities of all remaining games
- Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana), Dante Moore (QB, Oregon), Arvell Reese (LB/EDGE Ohio State), Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami), and Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama) are the only five prospects who have greater than a 5% chance to be selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft according to sports books
Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
1. New York Jets (via NYG on Draft Day): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
If the New York Giants have the first overall selection, they’ll be in a prime position to trade down with a team looking to leap ahead of the Las Vegas Raiders, who are obviously picking a quarterback this year.
In this mock draft, it’s the New York Jets that trade up and select the Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza. It costs them both their first-round picks (the Colts’ second), but it’s worth it.
The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback averaged nearly 9.5 yards per pass attempt, threw 33 passing touchdowns through championship week (most in the nation), and posted the second-highest passer rating in the country this past season. If you want to see why he’s going No. 1 overall, just check out every throw from his victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship in the post below.
2. Las Vegas Raiders: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
If any player not named Fernando Mendoza will be selected first overall, it’s probably Dante Moore (if he declares). He’s still just 20 years old, so he may return to the Oregon Ducks, but if he doesn’t, the Raiders would be foolish not to select him second overall.
Moore was always an elite prospect, dating back to his dominant days as a five-star recruit. Now he’s just proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that he’s a first-round talent. Outside of a couple of down games due to weather, Moore’s 2025 season was immaculate. He tossed 14 touchdowns on passes that traveled 20+ yards downfield, completing nearly 60% of his intended targets beyond that depth on the year. He’s mobile enough to be a threat with his legs, too. Moore has it all.
3. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
If the two best quarterbacks come off the board ahead of the Cleveland Browns, they’ll be forced to stick it out at least one more year with Shedeur Sanders. They might as well try to build the team around him and give him a little more time to work in the pocket by adding an elite offensive tackle like Spencer Fano.
He gave up zero sacks this past year, according to all major charting services, despite working with fairly mobile quarterback play behind him this season. He has the strength, length, athleticism, and versatility to succeed in at least four different offensive line positions, if necessary. Fano should be an immediate upgrade at tackle for the Browns.
4. New York Giants (via NYJ on Draft Day): Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Arvell Reese is perhaps the most talented player in the entire 2026 NFL Draft class. He is a nightmare of a threat when playing off-ball linebacker who can attack downhill with elite speed and athleticism.
Reese might be even more threatening as a pass rusher, given his pass rush pressure rate over 20%. Plus, if he needs to drop into coverage, he has the speed, agility, and length to stick with most skill position players — definition of “freak” on defense.
5. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Titans likely have the worst set of edge defenders in the NFL, and David Bailey is averaging a 22% pass rush pressure rate this season for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He has 14 sacks (with at least one more game remaining) this season alone.
He’s bulked up and maintained his bend and burst this year amid his immediate success with Texas Tech. Bailey is likely the best pure pass-rushing edge defender in the 2026 NFL Draft by a significant margin, and his run defense continues to improve.
6. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Despite just being a true junior in college, Francis Mauigoa is one of the most experienced offensive tackles in the entire 2026 NFL Draft class with over 2,600 snaps (and counting). He’s a former five-star recruiting talent who grew into his 6-6, long-armed frame, and now he looks like a future franchise offensive tackle that the Arizona Cardinals would be foolish not to take at sixth overall.
The battle for the top tackle spot will almost certainly come down to Mauigoa and Spencer Fano of Utah (already selected above).
7. Washington Commanders: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Commanders need a major upgrade on the edge of their defense, and Keldric Faulk can be the perfect remedy for that. He didn’t have a huge sack production year in 2025, but at 6-6, 285 pounds, Faulk does so much more than just rush the passer.
He’s the best run-defending edge player in the entire 2026 NFL Draft class, who rarely misses a tackle. Faulk can shift inside and play the B-gap or directly over tackles, no problem, too. The Commanders could use a versatile edge weapon like Faulk to build around for years to come.
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Carnell Tate should be considered the hands-down WR1 in the 2026 NFL Draft. He has top-tier speed, balanced route running, incredible ability to manipulate defenders, and phenomenal ball skills to win in contested situations, with footwork that amazes.
He may not have wild career stats since he’s been sharing targets with Jeremiah Smith (future potential greatest NFL WR ever), Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka, but Tate is so much more than just his production.
Tate is so good that he’s almost boring to watch because he makes everything look so effortless. The Saints pair this Ohio State Buckeye with another, Chris Olave, to form one of the best WR tandems in the league.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Speaking of players who are so good it’s almost boring to scout them, Caleb Downs is an elite talent at safety. The Bengals could go a number of defensive directions in the early portions of the 2026 NFL Draft, but grabbing the best overall player makes way too much sense.
Downs was an All-American as a true freshman, and he’s only gotten better since then as a do-it-all tackle monster with coverage skills to shut down the back end of a defense.
10. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Dolphins might have the weakest cornerback room in the NFL, so it’s time they fix that. Mansoor Delane was already considered a solid cornerback prospect prior to his transfer from Virginia Tech to LSU this past year, but he took his game to a whole new level in 2025.
Delane allowed an absurd 26.7 NFL passer rating (better than a standard incomplete pass thrown into the dirt) and defended double-digit passes on the season for the LSU Tigers. The Dolphins would sprint to the podium to make this pick.
11. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Rams already have a strong wide receiver duo in Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, but Adams is 33 years old. Makai Lemon is quite different than Adams, but they’re both target vacuums. Lemon racked up 1156 yards and 11 touchdowns this past year for USC, primarily playing from the slot, but he plays strong enough to win outside as well.
Lemon has the proven production metrics, ball-tracking, route-running, and everything else the Rams will want in a game-changing wide receiver.
12. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq will get talked up as this slot-only receiving weapon of a tight end, but he’s proven to be so much more this year. He can man-handle defensive ends in critical blocking situations, outside of also operating as the Oregon Ducks’ de facto WR1 for much of this past season.
He’s a fiend up the seam and has speed to turn any play into a touchdown. The Chiefs get their long-term Travis Kelce replacement.
13. Dallas Cowboys: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Cashius Howell has seen his NFL Draft stock soar over the past few years. He racked up 10 sacks for Bowling Green, transferred to Texas A&M, immediately earned a starting role by year’s end, and then tallied a dozen more sacks this season as a game wrecker.
There might be questions on his edge-setting against the run since he goes so hard as a pass rusher, but Howell is an easy first-round talent that the Cowboys could consider here to help them replace Micah Parsons.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Peter Woods never put it all together in the sack production department, but his versatility to play and win from any pre-snap defensive line position, elite physical traits, and explosive mix of bend and power are likely going to get him drafted in the first round.
The Baltimore Ravens need to patch up their defensive interior with balanced skill sets and more youth. Woods helps them out there from day one.
15. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
The Vikings have gotten some decent production out of Jordan Mason this season, but Aaron Jones is about to be 32 years old, and Minnesota needs more explosiveness in the run game to help support the development of young quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Jeremiyah Love put together over 3,000 yards from scrimmage and 40 touchdowns of production in the last two seasons, thanks to his home run speed and surprising contact balance. This Heisman Trophy finalist is ready to own the Vikings’ backfield right away.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Buccaneers have one good cornerback, but getting younger and adding the best cornerback in the nation from the 2024 college football season would be an easy and immediate win.
McCoy missed this past year due to injury, but he’s the most complete and versatile cornerback weapon who can play any and every role, zone or man coverage, with consistency. The Bucs have a few things to fix on defense, but this gets them started in the right direction.
17. Detroit Lions: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Rueben Bain is considered by many to be a “chalk” top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but if his expected arm measurements hold true, then teams will have some questions about his ability to win consistently around the edge in the NFL.
He’s always been perceived to be a bit “sawed off” or “compact,” but that certainly hasn’t stopped him from producing great numbers as a pass rusher. The Lions probably won’t care too much about the arm length, seeing as they continually take players earlier than many believe they should, just banking on the talent (and it’s worked out well so far).
18. New York Giants (via NYJ on Draft Day): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
This pick of Chris Johnson from San Diego State likely seems a little rich (as of this writing), but it won’t for long. Johnson is going to annihilate the All-Star Game circuit and prove to everyone that his Mountain West Conference dominance can translate to the highest level of play in all of football.
The Giants could go offense here, but they opt to fix their secondary here with Johnson, a cornerback who allowed a completion rate of less than 42% when targeted and defended nine passes on the year this past fall.
19. Carolina Panthers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles has gotten a bit overshadowed by his teammate, Arvell Reese, at times this season, but he is still very much an easy first-round projection at the linebacker position.
Styles has somehow seriously missed exactly zero tackles this season, and he took a huge step forward in his coverage skills. This 6-5, 240+ pound former safety is built like an edge rusher, runs like a defensive back, and tackles like an All-Pro. The Panthers could go offense here instead, but they opt for the best player available.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Steelers already needed wide receiver help before DK Metcalf decided to get into it with a Lions fan in the first row. It will become abundantly clear down the stretch that Pittsburgh must address that position group this offseason.
If Jordyn Tyson does drop this far, it will be an easy decision to take him here. Tyson missed some time with an injury this year, so his stats aren’t as impressive, but he had already proven to be a first-round talent in 2024 when he snagged 10 touchdowns and 1100 yards as an explosive do-it-all receiver for Arizona State during its playoff run.
21. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Avieon Terrell isn’t the most physically imposing cornerback prospect in this 2026 NFL Draft class at 5-11, 180 pounds, but he sure offers a skill set and production that catches your eye.
On top of giving up more than 44 yards in coverage just twice this season, Terrell also tallied three sacks and improved his tackling. He’s a complete package who can thrive in the slot or on the outside and could start at nickel for the Cowboys immediately.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Eagles will eventually have to replace Lane Johnson, so they go ahead and take the best remaining offensive tackle, Caleb Lomu, from Utah. Lomu might not be quite as athletic as his fellow first-round teammate Spencer Fano, but he’s plenty agile with perhaps even more natural pass-blocking skills. He could stand to improve in multiple run blocking techniques, but he’s a strong first-round pick.
23. Houston Texans: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane has risen up to become the consensus No. 1 interior offensive line prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class (although Connor Lew of Auburn might be the best when healthy), and the Texans desperately need all of the offensive line help they can get.
Ioane was one of the lone bright spots on a Penn State team that lost its quarterback to injury and fired its coach this past season. He somehow still flashed elite potential anyway.
24. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Buffalo Bills have zero difference-makers at wide receiver this season. They will take a wide receiver early this spring, and it makes far too much sense for it to be Denzel Boston.
Boston brings with him prototypical outside WR1 size at 6-4, 210 pounds. He has underrated speed, impressive route running, and flexibility for his size, and even returns kicks. Boston’s 20 touchdowns and 1700+ receiving yards in the last two seasons as the clear WR1 for Washington have proven he can handle high volume with efficiency and find the end zone with ease. The Bills need that kind of player.
25. Los Angeles Chargers: A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon
The Oregon Ducks needed some defensive line players to step up after losing a ton of talent to the NFL Draft this past offseason, and A’Mauri Washington answered the call. At 6-3, 330 pounds, he’s a monstrous gap filler and tackler in the run game, but he also boasts a pass rush pressure rate above positional average as well.
The Chargers pair Washington up with his former Ducks teammate Jamaree Caldwell (drafted just last year) to give them one extremely beefy defensive front.
26. San Francisco 49ers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor is a bit of a polarizing offensive tackle prospect because he has the most absurd physical traits in the 2026 NFL Draft class, but he also has an atrocious (albeit short) low-lights reel.
At his best, this 6-7, 370-pound monster of a man easily throws defenders to the ground, mauling them with authority once he gets his massive mits on them. At his worst, he completely whiffs on initial engagement against shiftier edge rushers and gets his quarterbacks in trouble. Still, the 49ers take a swing at the upside of a potential All-Pro talent here in Proctor.
27. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Browns continue building around Shedeur Sanders by adding a wide receiver weapon (one of two they grab in this mock draft) because the team has maybe one half of one trustworthy wide receiver on the whole roster.
KC Concepcion is a quarterback’s best friend. He averages over seven yards after the catch per reception, and this year he’s done so with an average depth of target over 12 yards downfield. Concepcion can take underneath passes and add a ton of value, but seven of his nine touchdown receptions have come on intermediate to deep targets this season.
28. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Speaking of dominating the intermediate and deep portions of the field, Ty Simpson has looked like a ridiculous first-round prospect this season when he’s played his best. When he was on his midseason hot streak, Simpson looked like a true field general, commanding the offense pre-snap, making sharp, accurate decisions and throws all day.
Yes, he finished the regular season with a few rough outings, which will likely hurt his draft stock just a bit. However, his 71% completion rate and seven touchdowns in the intermediate middle portion of the field (a tough throw to consistently make) are reminiscent of an early-career Matthew Stafford. The Rams hope Simpson is their long-term replacement at quarterback here.
29. Chicago Bears: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Similar to Kadyn Proctor of Alabama, Isaiah World has all the physical traits NFL teams covet, so some team will take a shot on him early.
This 6-8, 320-pound athlete at left tackle still has to improve his hand and footwork, but he plays with an extremely high motor. When he gets his huge hands and wingspan wrapped around opposing defenders, it’s over immediately. The Bears get their left tackle of the future.
30. New England Patriots: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman was already a special safety prospect prior to 2025 and his transfer from Purdue to Oregon, but he put up an even more impressive season this past fall.
Thieneman picked off a couple of passes, missed almost zero tackles, and allowed a career-best passer rating below 67 this season, as easily the second-best safety in the class behind Caleb Downs. The Patriots could go in a number of defensive directions or wide receiver, but go with a versatile weapon who could be a leader on defense for a long time.
31. Denver Broncos: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Caleb Banks missed much of the 2025 season due to injury, but he had already shown what he needed to in order to become an early NFL Draft pick. Banks posted back-to-back seasons with a pass rush pressure rate around 12% (double positional average) and has some wild physical tools at 6-6, 330 pounds.
He needs to clean up his run-defense consistency when navigating messy contact up front, but he’s clearly got the goods to succeed for the Broncos.
32. Seattle Seahawks: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
CJ Allen is just what the Seahawks need to complete their defense. He’s a special leader who held the Georgia defense together all season long, even when they struggled early.
Allen is a complete player who can bring pressure (four sacks this year) on blitzes, almost never misses a tackle (less than 8% missed for his career), and he’s effective at keeping receptions in front of him in coverage. He’s a strong first-round talent to grab at the end of round one here for Seattle.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: projections for top quarterback prospects
- Cleveland Browns: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
- Las Vegas Raiders: Dante Moore, Oregon
- Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, Alabama
Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Las Vegas Raiders: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
- New York Giants: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
- New York Jets: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
- Tennessee Titans: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
- Arizona Cardinals: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
- Cleveland Browns: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
- Houston Texans (via WAS): Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
- Cincinnati Bengals: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
- New Orleans Saints: Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama
- Atlanta Falcons: AJ Harris, CB, Penn State
- Kansas City Chiefs: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
- Miami Dolphins: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
- New York Jets (via DAL): Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
- Minnesota Vikings: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
- Baltimore Ravens: Damon Wilson, EDGE, Missouri
- Detroit Lions: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn
- Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
- Carolina Panthers: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
- Green Bay Packers: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
- Houston Texans: Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
- Philadelphia Eagles: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
- Buffalo Bills: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
- San Francisco 49ers: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
- Los Angeles Rams: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
- Los Angeles Chargers: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Chicago Bears: Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State
- New England Patriots: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
- Denver Broncos: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
- Seattle Seahawks: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
Ohio State Buckeyes News
The 2026 NFL Draft outlook for Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is a lot more heavily debated than most realize
Is Ohio State safety Caleb Downs really worth a top ten pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Houston Texans (via NYG): Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
- Las Vegas Raiders: Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
- Tennessee Titans: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
- Arizona Cardinals: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
- Cleveland Browns: Parker Brailsford, IOL, Alabama
- Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
- Washington Commanders: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
- New Orleans Saints: Whit Weeks, LB, LSU
- Cincinnati Bengals: Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech
- Kansas City Chiefs: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
- Miami Dolphins: Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
- Atlanta Falcons: Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State
- Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Iapani Laloulu, IOL, Oregon
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
- Baltimore Ravens: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
- Minnesota Vikings: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
- Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
- Indianapolis Colts: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
- Carolina Panthers: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Harold Perkins, EDGE, LSU
- Green Bay Packers: Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
- Miami Dolphins (via PHI): VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
- Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
- Buffalo Bills: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
- Los Angeles Rams: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
- Los Angeles Chargers: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
- San Francisco 49ers: Terrance Carter, TE, Texas Tech
- Chicago Bears: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
- New England Patriots: Zachariah Branch, WR, USC
- Denver Broncos: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
- Seattle Seahawks: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
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!
NFL Draft
4-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders, Browns, Jets, and Cardinals grab quarterbacks and the wide receiver run starts early
Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore solidifying themselves as QB1 and QB2 as Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson lock in the WR1 and WR2 spots
