3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jets, Raiders, Rams, and others land quarterbacks as wide receivers get selected early

Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, and Ty Simpson still sit near the top of draft boards, but elite WRs are rising to steal some shine too

Adam Holt, AJ Schulte, Destin Adams, Kyle Crabbs, Rob Gregson, Ryan Roberts, Travis May, Tyler Forness
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The 2025 NFL season is already more than halfway over with the playoff picture beginning to take shape. The college football regular season is about to wrap up. It’s time to look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft.

Yes, the NFL Draft might still be months away, but this fall’s NFL season is already essentially over for many franchises. The good news? The NFL Draft always provides hope for a brighter day, even for the worst of NFL franchises, and features the next generation of future stars as their professional careers officially begin.

Who are the most special talents in the country that could be selected in the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft? That’s the question our NFL Draft staff at A to Z Sports will be attempting to answer today. Three rounds. 96 picks. Eight NFL Draft analysts. Let’s dive into this upcoming draft class together. Enjoy!

Current Facts and Stats for the 2026 NFL Draft

  • The Dolphins currently lead all NFL teams with five draft picks inside the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft (without compensatory picks)
  • The Browns, Jets, Rams, Steelers, Texans all currently have four picks inside the first three rounds (without compensatory picks)
  • The Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and New Orleans Saints are the five most likely teams to land the number one overall pick according to sports book odds

Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

1. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain, EDGE Miami

The Titans are trading this pick away if they’re sitting at first overall, but they have the worst set of edge rushers in the entire NFL. Rueben Bain would make way too much as the pick, regardless where the Titans end up picking inside the top ten (likely after a trade down from this spot). Bain is a bit “sawed off” with shorter arm length, but both his production and dominance don’t lie. He’s an elite edge defender prospect. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

2. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT Utah

The Giants have a lot of young talent on the offense to be excited about. Jaxson Dart has shown some real talent, and running back Cam Skattebo and wide receiver Malik Nabers provide a solid foundation of skilled players. The team also has Andrew Thomas already on the offensive line, and I have them forming a potential elite duo at tackle to protect Dart by selecting Utah’s Spencer Fano. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

3. Cleveland Browns: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE Ohio State

The Browns have their chance at a quarterback with this pick, but the best player available option is too good to pass up. Cleveland has surplus draft capital to play with and get creative with their quarterback search, but pairing a rush threat and linebacker like Arvell Reese in the front seven to go with Myles Garrett and rookie sensation Carson Schwesinger could create an incredibly potent mix. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami

4. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S Ohio State

The Saints get a bit unlucky with how the first three picks shake out. They were probably hoping for Reese or Bain, if they don’t want to trade back around this spot. Since they are gone, they take Caleb Downs, who can provide impact as a rookie. New Orleans needs to keep stacking young talent in their secondary. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans

5. New York Jets: Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana

The Jets may want to wait until 2027 to find their future franchise signal caller, but the team just benched Justin Fields this week, and they will have a tough time getting butts in seats if they don’t use some significant draft capital on a new QB. Here they take the best signal caller in the class, and someone who has all the makings of a franchise quarterback. Size, precision, mechanics. The total package. There is a lot to like with Fernando Mendoza for the Jets. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Dante Moore, QB Oregon

This quarterback class isn’t as strong as those in year’s past, but it does have three really interesting players in it. Dante Moore is a dual-threat quarterback who can make all the throws necessary, and the Raiders need that with Geno Smith taking a big step back this season with major turnover problems. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota

7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE Texas Tech

David Bailey isn’t going to be for everyone, but he’s an extremely explosive and bendy pass rusher with a ton of upside on obvious passing downs. That is incredibly valuable in today’s NFL, even if his impact as a run defender is mediocre. The Commanders could use some more pass rush in a big way. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

8. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Ty Simpson, QB Alabama

The Rams are counting their blessings with Atlanta’s first-round pick continuing to climb higher and higher, as it could put them in prime position to find the perfect heir for Matthew Stafford. They aren’t high enough yet to get their pick of the class, but Ty Simpson is an elite level pocket passer who would be a seamless fit in Sean McVay’s offense. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame

For those who didn’t see it coming, yes, sorry, Chase Brown was always a mirage. The Cincinnati Bengals have several needs to fill, but giving them a game-changing offensive talent who can help keep Joe Burrow upright picking up blitzes and also create explosive plays left and right is a great thing. Jeremiyah Love is the only truly elite talent at the running back position in the entire 2026 NFL Draft. Similar to Ashton Jeanty last year teams are going to be clambering to draft this Notre Dame running back early in the first round. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

10. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami (FL)

The Cardinals could be in store for a major franchise shake up this offseason. For the first time it doesn’t even feel like QB Kyler Murray is safe from changes being made. In this mock three QBs are off the board so they instead find Paris Johnson a new partner in crime on the offensive line and select Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

11. Miami Dolphins: Keldric Faulk, EDGE Auburn

The Dolphins have spent their premium draft capital in recent years in the trenches. Chop Robinson, Patrick Paul, Kenneth Grant, and Jonah Savaiinaea have all been top-60 picks by Miami since 2024. Someone else will be making the picks for Miami in 2025, but given the trade of Jaelan Phillips and the presence of veterans Matthew Judon and Bradley Chubb, Miami needs more on the edge still. Faulk is a freaky athlete with plenty of power who could offer a strong contrast opposite a speed rusher like Chop Robinson. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB Tennessee

Dallas’ defense is somewhat putrid, and the secondary is not as impressive as the Cowboys hoped for when they handed out some notable money in recent offseasons. McCoy is immensely talented and should be a top fifteen selection if he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans

13. Minnesota Vikings: Sonny Styles, LB Ohio State

Brian Flores loves to use simulated pressures and complex blitzes to attack opposing offenses. The second level defenders being versatile is crucial, and Styles can do it all at 6-4, especially with his ability to blitz up the A-gap. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota

14. Baltimore Ravens: Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State

At some point, the Ravens have to get more explosive on offense. Zay Flowers is a solid deep threat, but the WR room lacks a true No.1 WR. With Tate’s rote running, quickness, and NFL-ready technique, he can create immediate separation at the next level and propel the Ravens’ passing attack to new heights. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh

15. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon

It feels like Travis Kelce could walk away from the NFL at any time now, and the Chiefs will need to figure out their next great tight end. Kenyon Sadiq looks like a pure movement tight end but also brings the blocking skills to become an elite player in both areas. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

16. Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT Utah

Mock drafting for the Houston Texans this year will be fairly easy and straightforward: Take the best offensive lineman available and keep going. That unit must get better if C.J. Stroud has any chance of survival and development in the future. Caleb Lomu should provide the Texans with another instant starter that makes a positive impact. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

17. Carolina Panthers: Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona State

Tetairoa McMillan has been phenomenal. The rest of the Carolina Panthers aerial attack? Not so much. Jordyn Tyson gives the Panthers a do-it-all wide receiver weapon who can pair well with McMillan to instantly give the team one of the best young tandems of pass-catchers in the NFL. He’s been extremely productive from year one of college, growing into an alpha WR who aligns and wins from any pre-snap position. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

18. Detroit Lions: Olaivavega Ioane, OL Penn State

The Lions seem to have found legit interior offensive line starters in Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany. They need to find a long term solution at center besides Graham Glasgow. Ioane out of Penn State has experience playing both guard spots and center. He would form an extremely talented interior line with Mahogany and Ratledge. Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB Georgia

A new era of Tampa Bay linebacker play is on the horizon, and CJ Allen could spearhead that movement. He’s a dense downhill player with modern range, as well as a great head on his shoulders to command a defense long-term. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

20. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Peter Woods, DL Clemson

The best player available route once again proves too tempting for Cleveland to pass up. From a raw talent perspective, Peter Woods is a top-10 talent in the class. The production this season hasn’t come together in the way many would have hoped but this selection, paired with Mason Graham on the interior, gives Jim Schwartz’s unit the firepower to be a perennial top of the league defense. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chris Bell, WR Louisville

It will be 20 years since the last time the Pittsburgh Steelers took a WR in the first round, and the trend stops here. When Pittsburgh traded away George Pickens without a backup plan, they told you they were looking to this year’s draft for his replacement. Chris Bell is right up the Steelers’ alley. He’s an imposing WR that can win with physicality, but is also fast enough to break the game open in the open field. He has a lot of DK Metcalf-level traits that would mesh perfectly in Pittsburgh. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh

22. Los Angeles Chargers: A’Mauri Washington, DL Oregon

A’Mauri Washington jumps up the board once again here. I like the fit for Los Angeles, and they must get bigger and tougher on the interior of the defensive line. The Ducks product hits both of those birds with one stone. Jim Harbaugh’s team is a lot grittier after this pick. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans

23. San Francisco 49ers: Mansoor Delane, CB LSU

The board doesn’t fall great for the 49ers here, as it’s a weak offensive line and running back class. Get Robert Saleh a cornerback who can thrive on the outside in man and zone coverage, and Delane does just that. If all else fails, take a premium position. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota

24. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): Anthony Hill Jr., LB Texas

After grabbing Jermod McCoy earlier, the Cowboys try to solve their linebacker issue that has plagued them for years now. Hill moves way too well for his size. His explosiveness would be dynamic in the middle of Dallas’ unit after the addition of Quinnen Williams at the deadline. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans

25. Chicago Bears: Makai Lemon, WR USC

Rome Odunze has enjoyed a strong breakout sophomore season and Luther Burden III has had promising flashes as a rookie, but DJ Moore continues to be a negative and I wouldn’t be shocked if the Bears tried to move on from his steep contract and find his replacement in a strong WR class. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR Washington

Denzel Boston is exactly what the Buffalo Bills wanted Keon Coleman to be. He’s got the 6’4″, 200+ pound frame of a prototypical X wide receiver, but he also has elite explosion, agility, and speed to finish. Boston is a special return game weapon too, so he could provide instant WR1 and special teams impact from day one for a Bills team thirsty for playmakers. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

27. Seattle Seahawks: Cashius Howell, EDGE Texas A&M

The Seahawks’ defense has made significant improvements this year under head coach Mike Macdonald. They still need an alpha pass rusher, and that will be priority number one in the offseason. Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell has double-digit sacks in the SEC, and he’s completely taken over games for the Aggies multiple times this season. I think his ability as a pass rusher could be the final missing ingredient for this defense to go from really good to elite. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

28. New York Jets (via IND): Colton Hood, CB Tennessee

When the Jets traded away Sauce Gardner, they left a giant hole in their defense. To assume that Hood will be able to step in and replace a 2x All-Pro is rich, but there is a lot to like about Hood. He’s not quite the size of Gardner, but he’s well built for the position, and he carries his weight proportionally, evidenced by his fluid movements and ability to play the ball at the catch point. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh

29. Los Angeles Rams: Avieon Terrell, CB Clemson

Despite the solid play of the motley crew the Rams currently have in their cornerback room, it’s still arguably their Achilles heel. I wouldn’t be shocked if they added at least one cornerback with their two firsts and at least two in the first three or so rounds if the board falls their way. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

30. New England Patriots: Chris Brazzell II, WR Tennessee

The Patriots have done a great job trying to help Drake Maye jumpstart his MVP campaign. Now give him that field stretching X receiver who can take the top off the defense and dominate in red zone situations. Chris Brazzell can do it all for Maye. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Trevor Goosby, OT Texas

Trevor Goosby has a lot of physical traits that the Eagles have found success with in the past. Jeff Stoutland is one of the best OL developers in football, and Goosby checks plenty of the boxes that he’s had his eye on in recent years with Philly. Love the upside here and the Eagles need a long-term replacement for Lane Johnson at offensive tackle. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans

32. Denver Broncos: Caleb Banks, DT Florida

Caleb Banks’ 2025 season has been derailed due to injury, and that has caused many to fail to appreciate just how talented he is. At 6’6″ and 330 pounds, there is Pro Bowl upside here, but Banks is still raw. If the Broncos can get the most out of him, they have the chance to have an elite defensive line for a very long time. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

  1. Tennessee Titans: KC Concepcion, WR Texas A&M
  2. New York Giants: Brandon Cisse, CB South Carolina
  3. New Orleans Saints: Chase Bisontis, IOL Texas A&M
  4. New York Jets: Christen Miller, DT Georgia
  5. Cleveland Browns: Gennings Dunker, OT Iowa
  6. Las Vegas Raiders: Kayden McDonald, DT Ohio State
  7. Houston Texans (via WAS): Josiah Trotter, LB Missouri
  8. Cincinnati Bengals: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE Penn State
  9. Arizona Cardinals: Germie Bernard, WR Alabama
  10. Atlanta Falcons: Chris Johnson, CB San Diego State
  11. Miami Dolphins: Keith Abney II, CB Arizona State
  12. New York Jets (via DAL): Dillon Thieneman, S Oregon
  13. Minnesota Vikings: Jonah Coleman, RB Washington
  14. Kansas City Chiefs: Justice Haynes, RB Michigan
  15. Houston Texans: Emmanuel Pregnon, G Oregon
  16. Baltimore Ravens: LT Overton, EDGE Alabama
  17. Carolina Panthers: Connor Lew, IOL Auburn
  18. Detroit Lions: John Mateer, QB Oklahoma
  19. Jacksonville Jaguars: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE Oregon
  20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Xavier Scott, DB Illinois
  21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: R Mason Thomas, EDGE Oklahoma
  22. San Francisco 49ers: Blake Miller, OT Clemson
  23. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Muhammad, CB Texas
  24. Green Bay Packers: Will Lee III, CB Texas A&M
  25. Buffalo Bills: Kamari Ramsey, S USC
  26. Seattle Seahawks: Iapani Laloulu, IOL Oregon
  27. Chicago Bears: Romello Height, EDGE Texas Tech
  28. Indianapolis Colts: Isaiah World, OT Oregon
  29. Los Angeles Rams: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S Toledo
  30. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker, EDGE Clemson
  31. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Klare, TE Ohio State
  32. Denver Broncos: Eli Stowers, TE Vanderbilt

Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft

  1. Tennessee Titans: AJ Harris, CB Penn State
  2. Houston Texans (via NYG): Jadarian Price, RB Notre Dame
  3. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Quincy Rhodes Jr., EDGE Arkansas
  4. Cleveland Browns: Garrett Nussmeier, QB LSU
  5. New Orleans Saints: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR USC
  6. Las Vegas Raiders: Elijah Surratt, WR Indiana
  7. Washington Commanders: Zachariah Branch, WR Georgia
  8. Arizona Cardinals: Domonique Orange, DT Iowa State
  9. Atlanta Falcons: Ian Strong, WR Rutgers
  10. Cincinnati Bengals: Kadyn Proctor, OT Alabama
  11. Miami Dolphins: Brendan Sorsby, QB Cincinnati
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Harold Perkins Jr., LB LSU
  13. Minnesota Vikings: Chandler Rivers, CB Duke
  14. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Caleb Tiernan, OL Northwestern
  15. Baltimore Ravens: Whit Weeks, LB LSU
  16. Kansas City Chiefs: Anthony Smith, DL Minnesota
  17. Carolina Panthers: Zion Young, EDGE Missouri
  18. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): D’Angelo Ponds, CB Indiana
  19. Pittsburgh Steelers: Parker Brailsford, C Alabama
  20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eric Singleton Jr., WR Auburn
  21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Davison Igbinosun, CB Ohio State
  22. Los Angeles Chargers: Jude Bowry, OT Boston College
  23. San Francisco 49ers: Deontae Lawson, LB Alabama
  24. Green Bay Packers: Austin Siereveld, OL Ohio State
  25. Seattle Seahawks: Malachi Fields, WR Notre Dane
  26. Chicago Bears: A.J. Haulcy, S LSU
  27. Buffalo Bills: Suntarine Perkins, LB Ole Miss
  28. Indianapolis Colts: Keon Sabb, S Alabama
  29. Los Angeles Rams: Oscar Delp, TE Georgia
  30. New England Patriots: Zakee Wheatley, S Penn State
  31. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Akeem Mesidor, DL Miami (FL)
  32. Denver Broncos: Fa’alili Fa’amoe, IOL Wake Forest

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!

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