The first wave of NFL Free Agency has already come and gone, seeing all 32 teams reshape their rosters going into the 2026 season. While there are still some players on the market that will still sign in the future, the action over the last several days has given everyone a much better understanding about the biggest remaining roster needs for each team. That gives all the mock drafters out there some much-needed context.

Along with fellow A to Z Sports analysts Easton Freeze and JT Ruhnke, we decided to put together a brand new 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft. The point of this exercise is now to fill some of the biggest remaining holes on the roster, as well as find some potential player-team fits that could make sense. The easiest objective was to make every team better.

To keep the flow as easy as possible, Freeze, Ruhnke, and I alternated selections after five consecutive picks individually. There weren’t any trades in this particular mock draft, but there will be in the future. Here is how we had things shaking out as a group.

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First round of the 2026 NFL Draft 

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

Raiders fans, mock draft season has to kind of suck for you guys this year, right? Congrats on your QB of the future. The only interesting nugget here is whether or not the Raiders really decide to sit him to begin his career. Tom Brady is a big proponent of that, and suddenly I’m hearing talk of players like… Kirk Cousins to Vegas? – Freeze

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

The Raiders have done a lot of work so far this offseason to beef up their defense. But it’s time to add a pure talent to the mix in Arvell Reese, who can work on or off the ball. I maintain that this man will rush the passer in the NFL. – Freeze 

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami 

The Cardinals take Mauigoa, the first offensive tackle off the board. I think the league is higher on this class of tackles than those of us looking from the outside-in, and this will start the clock on these top tackles coming off the board in the first. – Freeze 

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

There has been so, so much talk about the Titans going with an offensive weapon at 4th overall. And there’s no doubt that based on their free agency so far, they’ve set themselves up to do just that. But knowing what I know about Mike Borgonzi’s football fundamentals, Bailey is a talent I don’t see him passing up if he’s there for him at 4. Robert Saleh’s new DL gets a true speed rusher. – Freeze

5. New York Giants: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State 

The Giants have set themselves up in free agency to take Tate as an upgrade to replace Wan’Dale Robinson across from a returning Malik Nabers. Pairing two young, top-10 receivers with a second-year QB would be too much fun. Especially when Tate’s all-around skillset pairs so nicely with Nabers, the spark plug. – Freeze 

6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Browns need as many throws at the dart board as possible with Todd Monken at the helm. Fano provides some stability to a Cleveland front that lacks an identity. The offensive line, Fano or otherwise, would be a smart investment for Monken’s scheme. – Ruhnke 

7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame 

There are more ways than one to get Jayden Daniels the help he needs in year three, and Jeremiyah Love would certainly take the pressure off. Love and Daniels could become one of the most feared duos instantly and help Daniels bounce back to his MVP trajectory. – Ruhnke 

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

After spending in free agency to help support Tyler Shough, the Saints take a mauler of a rusher to create pressure on the defensive front. Bain’s size and length are a massive question mark, but the tape is undeniable. His power will come in handy in New Orleans. – Ruhnke 

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State  

Kansas City will no doubt be in a transition year with Patrick Mahomes uncertain to be ready early in 2026. That’s why taking the best player available would be smart for Brett Veach and the Chiefs. Sonny Styles is an athletic specimen who would be just the latest game-wrecking weapon added to the Chiefs’ arsenal. – Ruhnke 

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Cincinnati needs all the help that it can get on the defensive side of the ball, and Caleb Downs would certainly become a focal piece and leader for the Bengals. Downs is the perfect day one starter player the Bengals need to help get back to competing. – Ruhnke 

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU 

The Dolphins are an incredibly easy team to mock draft for right now. That roster is a barren wasteland right now, just needing to add good overall talent. While Delane might not be the greatest athlete at the cornerback position, his coverage instincts and stickiness allow him to make an impact both on the outside and in the slot. – Roberts 

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 

If not for the preseason ACL injury, there would be very few questions about McCoy. When healthy, he is one of the very best overall players in the 2026 class. His combination of size, plenty, physicality, and long speed makes him an ideal press man cornerback on the NFL level. – Roberts 

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

Is wide receiver the biggest need for the Rams? No, but a player like Tyson falling to this spot makes you consider taking the best player available. With Davante Adams nearing the end of his NFL career, you may have just found Puka Nacua his partner in crime for the foreseeable future. – Roberts 

14. Baltimore Ravens: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The Ravens added Trey Hendrickson following the Max Crosby saga, but their defensive front could still use some wheeling and dealing. Faulk is a versatile piece who can play from a wider alignment or reduce down and rush from the inside. In the blink of an eye, the defensive line in Baltimore just became one of the league’s best. – Roberts 

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

Even with Cade Otton returning to the team, the Buccaneers could still be in the market to add a dynamic move piece at tight end. Sadiq is an outstanding athlete with a ton of upside as a pass receiver. Add in the fact that he’s also a good blocker, and you have a potential difference maker on the NFL level. – Roberts 

16. New York Jets (via IND): Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State 

The Jets’ second first round pick in this mock feels like a ridiculous dream: the last blue-chip talent on the board falls to them at 16. Ioane’s only limiting factor in this draft is the non-premium nature of his position. But he’s one of the best guard prospects we’ve seen roll through the draft in many years. – Freeze 

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17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia 

This Lions offensive line used to be a powerhouse. Now it feels a lot more like Penei Sewell and… the gang. Adding Freeling to the mix would give you a pair of athletic monsters bookending Jared Goff’s pass protection. – Freeze 

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon 

Thieneman was one of the talks of this year’s Scouting Combine. The rangy safety from the northwest is the complete package, and the second-best option in a stacked safety class. He adds some needed juice to the Vikings’ back end. – Freeze 

19. Carolina Panthers: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson 

The Panthers are investing in their defensive front this offseason, already headlined by a monster contract they handed out to Jaelyn Phillips in free agency. With Phillips screaming off the edge, having a dominating force like Peter Woods holding down the interior is a dream. Bryce Young is going to get the ball back in strong positions more often in 2026. – Freeze 

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson 

The Cowboys are in a period of interesting transition with their defensive front. A new steadying force of the future could be TJ Parker, who had a relatively disappointing final season of college. But this was a projected top-3 pick heading into last fall, and one down statistical season on a wonky Clemson team shouldn’t scare a team off of taking him in the first. It might lead to him being a steal. – Freeze 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama 

Ty Simpson has been a steady riser throughout the process, and with the Steelers still in a transition of sorts, grabbing Simpson to potentially sit and learn behind Aaron Rodgers is well worth the investment. Simpson’s big arm makes him easily the second-best passer in the class, and this is one of the few spots where he most likely wouldn’t be thrown to the fire too early. – Ruhnke 

22. Los Angeles Chargers Caleb Banks, DT, Florida 

It is well known that Los Angeles needs to protect Justin Herbert and invest heavily in that side of the ball. However, the defensive line is a sneaky need as well, and Jim Harbaugh invests greatly in the run blocking game. Banks is one of the most pr- ready defensive linemen in the class and would immediately upgrade the Chargers’ defense. – Ruhnke 

23. Philadelphia Eagles Makai Lemon, WR, USC

What better destination for a diva wide receiver to land than Philadelphia? If AJ Brown is indeed on his way out, the Eagles could pick up right where they left off, creating another dynamic duo with Lemon and Smith. The USC star receiver would feast in the slot for the Eagles and be yet another luxury pick win for Howie Roseman. – Ruhnke 

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX) KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

In what is a massive transition year for the Browns, Concepcion brings blazing fast speed and twist to an offense that lacks an edge. Concepcion’s separation skills should make it a little easier on whoever is throwing the ball in 2026 for Cleveland. – Ruhnke 

25. Chicago Bears CJ Allen, LB, Georgia 

Chicago capitalizes on a lesser draft class by getting one of the smartest and most technical defenders in the class. Allen has the instincts to be the next great coverage linebacker and would make a great run at the green dot in the windy city in year one. – Ruhnke 

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

The Bills need to get a whole lot more impactful from the safety position. McNeil-Warren is a massive safety at 6-3 and 210 pounds, allowing him to make a ton of plays in the box and near the line of scrimmage. He also has a ton more range than you would expect from a safety his size. – Roberts 

27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 

With Trent Williams nearing the end of his legendary career, the 49ers would be best served to find the heir apparent at left tackle. Lomu is not a finished product, but he is still very young and extremely talented. If developed properly, there’s no reason that Lomu shouldn’t become a quality starter early in his career. – Roberts 

28. Houston Texans: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson 

The Texans need to protect quarterback CJ Stroud by any means necessary. After being a quality player for Clemson during his first three seasons, Miller became a very good contributor in 2025. His combination of length, athleticism, and improving core strength will give some optimism that Miller’s game is still ascending. – Roberts 

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

The Chiefs are completely overhauling their secondary this offseason, so expect them to invest multiple picks in the defensive back room. Terrell is a feisty outside cornerback who may fit even better in the slot. That sounds eerily similar to former Chiefs star Trent McDuffie. – Roberts 

30. Denver Broncos: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana 

The Broncos don’t have many wide receivers who make a ton of plays after the catch. Cooper would immediately bring that profile to the table, while also having even more upside to tap into as an all-around wide receiver. This should add some immediate help to quarterback Bo Nix. – Roberts 

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

The Patriots are a team very firmly in a winning window. In order to get Mike Vrabel’s bunch over the top, adding to the pass rush is one of the easiest improvements to make. Even if Howell never becomes a huge asset against the run, his ability to get after the quarterback is a huge asset to a defense. – Roberts 

32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee 

The Seahawks said goodbye to Tariq Woolen in free agency this week, leaving a starting cornerback position vacant. While Hood is a much different player than Woolen as a player, his press man ability would still be an interesting fit for head coach Mike Macdonald. Add in Hood’s good long speed and impact as a tackler, and you have a pretty nice all-around football player. – Roberts 

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Second round of the 2026 NFL Draft 

33. New York Jets: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State 

34. Arizona Cardinals: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State 

35. Tennessee Titans: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington 

36. Las Vegas Raiders Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

37. New York Giants Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona St

38. Houston Texans (via WAS) Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

39. Cleveland Browns D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana 

40. Kansas City Chiefs Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

41. Cincinnati Bengals: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia 

42. New Orleans Saints: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma 

43. Miami Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama 

44. New York Jets (via DAL): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville 

45. Baltimore Ravens: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M 

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina 

47. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas 

48. Atlanta Falcons: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State 

49. Minnesota Vikings: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State 

50. Detroit Lions: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn 

51. Carolina Panthers Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

52. Green Bay Packers Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa

53. Pittsburgh Steelers Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

54. Philadelphia Eagles Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon

55. Los Angeles Chargers Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech

56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas 

57. Chicago Bears: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona 

58. San Francisco 49ers: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF 

59. Houston Texans: Sam Hecht, OC, Kansas State 

60. Chicago Bears (via BUF): Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri 

61. Los Angeles Rams: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois 

62. Denver Broncos: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt 

63. New England Patriots: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern 

64. Seattle Seahawks: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana 

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Third round of the 2026 NFL Draft

65. Arizona Cardinals: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech 

66. Tennessee Titans Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

67. Las Vegas Raiders A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

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

69. Houston Texans (via NYG) Jalen Farmer, OG, Kentucky

70. Cleveland Browns Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State 

71. Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson 

72. Cincinnati Bengals: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee 

73. New Orleans Saints: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia 

74. Kansas City Chiefs: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas 

75. Miami Dolphins: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma 

76. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Jake Slaughter, OC, Florida

77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech 

78. Indianapolis Colts: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

79. Atlanta Falcons: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

80. Baltimore Ravens: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State 

81. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State 

82. Minnesota Vikings: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

83. Carolina Panthers: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

84. Green Bay Packers: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

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

86. Los Angeles Chargers: Devin Moore, CB, Florida

87. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

89. Chicago Bears: Dontae Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

90. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Brenan Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

91. Buffalo Bills: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke 

92. San Francisco 49ers: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

93. Los Angeles Rams: Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt

94. Denver Broncos: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska 

95. New England Patriots: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

96. Seattle Seahawks: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State

97. Minnesota Vikings (compensatory): Isaiah World, OT, Oregon 

98. Philadelphia Eagles (compensatory): Daylen Everett, CB, Georgia 

99. Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory): Malachi Fields, WR, Fighting Irish 

100. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET, compensatory): Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

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