3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jets make strong pivot after Dante Moore returns and Trinidad Chambliss sneaks into round one
The New York Jets see a major pivot in their NFL Draft strategy with Dante Moore’s return to school, and Trinidad Chambliss makes his way into the first round.
The NFL Draft is less than 100 days way, and only four teams currently remain alive for the Super Bowl. For the other 28 NFL franchises, the offseason is in full effect. This weekend, the Shrine Bowl will start practicing, and the Senior Bowl the following week, with A to Z Sports having boots on the ground at both events.
NFL mock drafts at this point in the calendar are about introducing player and team fits, while showing the current approximate draft stock of the players selected. It’s not meant to be predictive, although there will likely be multiple selections that are correct come draft day.
What could happen come April? Let’s take a look at three rounds of selections based on what we know right now.
2026 NFL Draft facts to know
- 63 players with eligibility remaining entered the NFL Draft (42 underclassmen, 21 graduates).
- Four teams have multiple first-round picks: New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Rams.
- This could be the first NFL Draft since 2022 with just one quarterback selected in the first round.
Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
With Dante Moore announcing he was returning to the Oregon Ducks for 2026, it meant having the first overall pick was that much more important. It’s now a one quarterback draft class, and Fernando Mendoza is the prize.
For those outside the bubble of college football, Mendoza came out of nowhere. The reality is he was playing really well at Cal, and turned it up once he got to Indiana. Mendoza still has yet to throw an interception in the red zone, and won the Heisman Trophy this year. He’s been dominant in the College Football Playoff thus far, with more touchdowns than incompletions. He might need a season to acclimate to the NFL, but he has all the skills to be a top quarterback in the NFL.
2. New York Jets: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
If you are the Jets, this is a brutal spot. They would have loved to get Moore here, but there isn’t another quarterback worthy of a top-10, let alone the second overall pick. The smart thing to do here is build up a strong infrastructure for whoever will be the future at quarterback.
Tate isn’t going to wow you from an athleticism standpoint, even though he’s a pretty good athlete. With that said, he’s one of the smoothest players in this class, with the route-running ability to thrive on all three levels of the field.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
There are going to be discussions about the future of Kyler Murray, and rightfully so. He’s consistently injured and missing games, which prompted former head coach Jonathan Gannon to bench him for Jacoby Brissett once he could theoretically return.
Even if they choose to keep Murray, they need a right tackle. Fano was a really good right tackle at Utah, and would be able to step into that spot from day one.
4. Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
The number one thing the Titans need is playmakers on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they do have some intriguing pieces surrounding Cam Ward, but the defense is void of high-end talent outside of Jeffrey Simmons.
Reese would give the Titans a player who can attack the quarterback from the edge rusher spot, something they desperately need. Plus, Reese has the flexibility to play off the ball, which gives him a Micah Parsons style of player that can be a weapon to attack the quarterback.
5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
The Giants believe they have a franchise quarterback in Jaxson Dart, which makes protecting him a major issue. Andrew Thomas is still one of the best left tackles in the NFL, but right tackle has not been stable. Mauigoa has been among the best offensive linemen in the country this year at right tackle. He might be at his best kicking inside, but he’s more than capable to be a right tackle in the NFL.
6. Cleveland Browns: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
No quarterback here stinks for the Browns, but the Browns have two picks and the ability to sign a quarterback is still out there. Before the Browns finalize quarterback, they need to build up the roster around him.
Tyson tries to play like Justin Jefferson with his style, but he’s bigger than that at 6-2 200 pounds. Once he learns to lean into his strong frame and excellent ball skills, Tyson can be a serious threat and a potential No. 1 in the NFL.
7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Commanders are getting older on defense, and their performance this season got defensive coordinator Joe Whitt fired. Their biggest issue was a lack of pass rush on the edge, and they will have opportunities to fix it.
Bailey has been the best pass rusher in the country, and dominated multiple games this season. More of a speed rusher, Bailey has all the tools necessary to be a high-end pass rusher in the NFL.
8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Saints finished the season strong by winning four of their last five games thanks to quarterback Tyler Shough taking a step forward. They need difference making players, and being in the top-10, they can get one.
Bain isn’t going to be for everyone with his shorter arms, but he plays the game with an immense amount of speed and power, and has taken over multiple games with his ability rushing the passer.
9. Kansas City: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Chiefs don’t get an opportunity to pick this high very often, and they will try to take advantage of that. Even with Chris Jones being so good on the interior, he needs both a running mate and a potential successor. Woods has been one of the more disruptive pass rushers in the nation, and would be an ideal player to learn behind Jones.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Bengals desperately need playmakers on the defensive side of the football, and they go with a player who has been one of the best playmakers in college football. Downs might get overlooked because he’s a safety, but he’s an incredible playmaker in every phase.
11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Dolphins need a new quarterback, as they made clear they would be moving on from Tua Tagovailoa as their starter. Unfortunately, no quarterback is worthy of the 11th overall pick. On defense, they desperately need playmakers at cornerback, and McCoy is arguably the best of the bunch. He didn’t play in 2025 due to a torn ACL suffered in last season’s College Football Playoff, but he was fully cleared before the end of the season and will be able to do all the athletic testing.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
This is peak Dallas Cowboys. They have a severe need at running back, and Jerry Jones has a history of selecting them in the first round. Love is the most dynamic ball carrier in the class with home run ability, top-tier athleticism, and the ability to contribute in the passing game. Dak Prescott will love having him in the backfield.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Rams may have two starting offensive tackles, but neither of them has been consistent this season, nor is worth a major investment. Now, the Rams disagreed when they paid Alaric Jackson, but they can right that wrong by selecting Lomu, who has been a really good player for years.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Ravens love to take players who fall down the draft board, which this year could be Downs. In this mock, that doesn’t happen, so they go with another one of their draft trends: shorter wide receivers.
They selected Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers in the first round, both of whom are on the smaller side, and they triple down with Lemon. He doesn’t play small, which helps him at the catch point, and pairs it with plus route running. Lamar Jackson will be happy with his addition.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Buccaneers are desperate for improved linebacker play, and they get the best pure linebacker in the class with Styles. A former safety, the 6-4 Styles didn’t miss a single tackle until the College Football Playoff, as excellent range, and is a tremendous blitzer. He will fit very well in Todd Bowles’ defense.
16. New York Jets (via IND): Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Like they did at second overall, the Jets just need to take good football players. Banks will come in and replace a departed Quinnen Williams. His large frame at 6-6 and 335 pounds with 35″ arms gives him advantages that others don’t have, plus he has legit pass rush acumen, with 7.0 sacks in 2024.
17. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Faulk just feels like a Detroit Lions kind of player. He is an edge rusher with a larger frame and a developed pass rush plan. Having someone who can step in opposite of Aidan Hutchinson on day one is important.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
There is real uncertainty with the Vikings’ defense, as Brian Flores has yet to decide if he will return to the Vikings. If he doesn’t, the scheme could change, which will make cornerback a dire priority. Terrell is my CB1 right now with his ability to play inside and out, along with an aggressive mentality.
19. Carolina Panthers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
It was an improved season for the Panthers this year, but they still have some major deficiencies at key positions. Howell gives them something they don’t currently have: an explosive speed rusher. He will pair with Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen to give the Panthers a trio of young pass rushers to build around.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
The Cowboys’ linebacker room was arguably the worst singular group in the NFL. DeMarvion Overshown could take that expected next step now that he will be two seasons removed from a devastating knee injury. Allen is a talented player who can do a little bit of everything, which is desperately needed for whoever calls the defense next season.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Remember how awesome the Ole Miss Rebels offense was with DK Metcalf and A.J. Brown? So why not do it again? Bell is essentially a reincarnation of Brown in size, athleticism, and playstyle. He will give the Steelers the YAC threat they need in that offense.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
Justin Herbert was brutalized all season due to a poor offensive line. Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater will return from injury, but all three on the interior need to be addressed. There isn’t a good interior player available, but Proctor’s limited movement skills will be mitigated on the interior, where he can focus on mauling defenders.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Dallas Goedert’s future in Philadelphia is nothing short of uncertain, as they nearly moved on from him this past year. General manager Howie Roseman is one of the smartest general managers in the league, and taking a player like Sadiq in this draft class is right up his alley.
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Get used to seeing Freeling in the first round of mock drafts after his strong finish to the season. He was excellent during the College Football Playoff, and is a hyper-athletic player for the position.
25. Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Bears spent the 2025 offseason working on improving things for Caleb Williams, and they were really close to advancing to the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. Now it’s time to get Dennis Allen some dudes on defense. McDonald will be a great addition to the defensive line that needs some beef to be better against the run.
26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The biggest issues the Bills had in their loss to the Denver Broncos was turnovers, but not having an alpha in the wide receiver room has been a problem. Boston is an X-receiver who has plus athleticism, something that Keon Coleman doesn’t have. He has the juice to grow and develop while having plenty to help right away.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
The 49ers need some more beef on the interior of the offensive line and Ioane provides that in droves. He is a big, powerful guard who moves people with ease. With how much Shanahan has incorporated power concepts in his run game, Ioane is a good fit for the run game and to keep Brock Purdy upright.
28. Houston Texans: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Offensive line would be ideal for the Texans here, but they could use some youth on the interior of the defensive line. Miller is an explosive 3T who shows promise as a gap shooter. His job will be much easier with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter on the edges.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
This is where Chambliss comes off the board. Yes, it feels early and the Rams pulling the trigger here is due to having a second first-round pick. Chambliss is built similarly to Baker Mayfield with a good arm and plus ability to create outside of structure. He’s also capable as a runner, giving Sean McVay an element he hasn’t had before.
Ole Miss Rebels News
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30. New England Patriots: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Edge rusher is a dire need for the Patriots. They are in the AFC Championship Game with K’Lavon Chaisson as their top edge rusher. With how dominant their interior rush is, getting better at edge is a major priority. Thomas is more of a designated pass rusher, but he is explosive around the arc and will give the Patriots defense a little extra.
31. Denver Broncos: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
What do you give the defense that seemingly has everything? More talent. Haulcy is a ball hawking safety that can do a little bit of everything, especially attack the football. The rich get richer.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Seahawks are in a phenomenal spot from a roster building perspective, but cornerback is one that could take a hit. Riq Woolen is set to be a free agent, and Josh Jobe is really inconsistent. Getting Devon Witherspoon a running mate is a smart move, and that’s what they get in Delane, who is a plus-man coverage cornerback that stays in the hip pocket.
Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- New York Jets: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
- Arizona Cardinals: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
- Tennessee Titans: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
- Las Vegas Raiders: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
- New York Giants: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
- Houston Texans (via WAS): Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
- Cleveland Browns: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
- Kansas City Chiefs: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
- Cincinnati Bengals: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
- New Orleans Saints: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
- Miami Dolphins: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- New York Jets (via DAL): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
- Baltimore Ravens: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
- Indianapolis Colts: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
- Atlanta Falcons: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
- Minnesota Vikings: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
- Detroit Lions: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
- Carolina Panthers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
- Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Emmanuel McNeill-Warren, S, Toledo
- Philadelphia Eagles: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
- Los Angeles Chargers: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
- Chicago Bears: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
- San Francisco 49ers: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
- Houston Texans: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
- Buffalo Bills: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
- Los Angeles Rams: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (FL)
- New England Patriots: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
- Denver Broncos: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
- Seattle Seahawks: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
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Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Arizona Cardinals: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
- Tennessee Titans: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
- Las Vegas Raiders: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
- Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
- Houston Texans (via NYG): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
- Cleveland Browns: Niki Prongos, OT, Stanford
- Washington Commanders: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
- Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Parker II, OL, Duke
- New Orleans Saints: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
- Kansas City Chiefs: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
- Miami Dolphins: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
- Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Austin Barber, OT, Florida
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jack Endries, TE, Texas
- Indianapolis Colts: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
- Atlanta Falcons: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
- Baltimore Ravens: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
- Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Darrell Jackson, DT, Florida State
- Minnesota Vikings: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
- Carolina Panthers: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
- Green Bay Packers: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
- Los Angeles Chargers: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
- Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
- Chicago Bears: Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC
- Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Buffalo Bills: Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
- San Francisco 49ers: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
- Los Angeles Rams: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
- New England Patriots: Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
- Denver Broncos: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
- Seattle Seahawks: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
NFL Draft
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