3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders, Steelers, Cardinals aggressively target QBs while runs on WR and CB define early rounds
Ty Simpson and Trinidad Chambliss join Fernando Mendoza as early QB picks, and surprise perimeter weapons stack early selections.
Believe it or not, the NFL Draft is just around the corner already. The Super Bowl is almost here. The draft order is almost completely set. Fernando Mendoza is obviously going to the Raiders as the first overall pick following his Heisman Trophy win and a trip to the national championship with Indiana, but what happens after that?
A half dozen of the A to Z Sports NFL Draft staff took a deep dive into the 2026 NFL Draft class to help offer a preview of what this next generation of top prospects is going to look like. Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama) and Trinidad Chambliss (QB, Ole Miss) both went early now that Dante Moore has returned to Oregon, but that wasn’t a shock. However, the depth and early runs on wide receiver and cornerback will almost certainly surprise some NFL fans. Enjoy!
Current Facts and Stats for the 2026 NFL Draft
- Three NFL teams currently hold multiple first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets
- The Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers all have at least four picks in the first three rounds (not including compensatory selections)
- Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza has a 98% probability of being the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to sports books
- Five quarterbacks are currently projected to be selected in the first three rounds according to industry-wide consensus mock draft data, but A to Z Sports projections only have three QBs expected to go that early
Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
It feels like the only sure bet in Las Vegas right now is Fernando Mendoza wearing silver and black come September. With Dante Moore heading back to Oregon, what little discussion there was about QB1 in the class has officially ended. Barring something unfathomable, Mendoza can start getting fitted for his Raiders hat right now. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Jets have the second-highest pick of QB-needy teams in a one-QB class. Neat! Here’s the good news for New York. There is no shortage of needs on this roster, and as such, the Jets can take their time trying to build this roster out the right way.
Arvell Reese is the kind of talent who can play off-ball or on the edge; he’d give Aaron Glenn a valuable chess piece to work with moving forward as they reshape the defense in his preferred image. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami
3. Arizona Cardinals: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
If the medicals check out, Jermod McCoy is a top-three overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Without a top quarterback remaining on the board, taking the best player available would be a sound investment. With McCoy’s tenacious style, he could quickly become a fan favorite in the desert. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Titans have a huge need at edge rusher, and David Bailey should be the answer. Bailey offers the perfect blend of elite production (20%+ pass rush pressure rate and 22 sacks in two years), an impressive set of pass rush moves, and physical traits that make him an easy early first-round selection.
Some fans will want Rueben Bain here, but Bailey is a more conventional pick that likely won’t have arm length questions. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
5. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Now that the Giants have a head coach in John Harbaugh, maximizing Jaxson Dart should be a priority. This isn’t the best offensive line class, and Spencer Fano sits at the top of the group. He dominated at right tackle for the Utes and would play that role perfectly opposite Andrew Thomas. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
6. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Browns fan base wants to see the offense changed up in a big way this offseason, especially at QB. The 2026 NFL Draft just doesn’t have the firepower at the position after Mendoza to warrant using pick six on QB2. Instead, they land a blue-chip prospect for their defense in Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. An instant upgrade to their secondary. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis
7. Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Dan Quinn’s defense has no shortage of guys with heavy hands up front. But do any of them offer the kind of juice and pass-rush ability that Bain Jr. does? Of course not, which is why I think he’s the perfect pick to help the Washington defense heat up the passer a little more. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
What’s better than one former Buckeye on the perimeter? Two of them. New Orleans needs to attack the defensive side of the ball, but with the way this board fell, giving them the potential WR No.1 in this class via Carnell Tate, and loading up for new quarterback Tyler Shough, was appropriate. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama
9. Kansas City: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Just like last year, the 2026 NFL Draft class is perceived to have one truly elite running back talent. Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame is that player this year. Track speed. 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns of production in a two-year span.
A balanced skill set and explosiveness that should change any NFL offense. Love has it all, and the Chiefs need a better run game to help support Patrick Mahomes. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Clemson defenders may give some Bengal fans PTSD, but Peter Woods is a tremendous value in this spot. When he is consistent, Woods is a bowling ball of chaos at 6-2 and 315 pounds along the defensive interior. That’s exactly what Cincinnati’s struggling defense needs. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
11. Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Miami is ushering in a new era under general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. If this team is going to follow in Green Bay’s footsteps, one thing you can be certain of is that they’re going to load up on the trenches.
Francis Mauigoa could play guard or tackle at the NFL level, but his experience on the right side of the offensive line gives him a natural pathway to playing with fellow young linemen Patrick Paul, Jonah Savaiinaea, and Aaron Brewer from left tackle through center. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Cowboys made a pretty shocking move late in the year by waiving former All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs. He has since joined his former Cowboys teammate, Micah Parsons, with the Green Bay Packers. This opens up the possibility of the team using their first pick on a CB, and LSU’s Mansoor Delane is my top CB in the class. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Offensive tackle is a brutal position for the Rams. They extended Alaric Jackson, who has struggled this season, and Rob Havenstein is set to retire at any moment.
Caleb Lomu has been great for the Utes over his career and can slide in at left tackle for Jackson in a year or two — and possibly right away. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
If you watched the Baltimore offense this season, you knew the whole thing was out of whack. The Ravens can help to fix a lot by getting better play on the offensive interior, and Olaivavega Ioane is one of the most dynamic offensive linemen in the entire class.
He’s a natural fit at either guard spot, and hopefully, the Ravens are able to lock in Tyler Linderbaum on a contract extension to offer more stability up front for Lamar Jackson. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles Jr., LB, Ohio State
The Buccaneers missed the postseason this year because their defense was an utter disgrace. With Lavonte David likely hanging up the cleats soon, this Tampa defense needs to focus on finding youth and speed.
Sonny Styles is an explosive inside backer who has shown the field-general qualities you need to feel comfortable about a top-15 selection at the position. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama
16. New York Jets (via IND): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The weapons in the passing game for New York? Tight end Mason Taylor looked good this year. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson was hurt this season, but his talent is obvious.
What do we have beyond that? Good question! Let’s get a talented route runner with plenty of top-flight production in-house to play opposite Wilson and make life easier on whoever the next quarterback is. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami
17. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Keldric Faulk is the typical Lions pick. The advanced stats don’t suggest Faulk is an elite pass rusher, but he’s got a nasty edge to him and an unstoppable physicality that wrecks opposing offensive lines on every play.
Even if Faulk isn’t the one finishing the play, he makes his presence felt, and the Lions could use that energy opposite Aidan Hutchinson. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
This cornerback class doesn’t have a truly elite player, but there are some day-one contributors. Avieon Terrell is my CB1 in this class, and plays the game exactly how Brian Flores likes his corners to: aggressive and fast. Terrell’s inside-out versatility will play very well for the Vikings. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
19. Carolina Panthers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Carolina Panthers need a leader in the middle of their defense. While Allen isn’t as physically imposing as some other linebackers in the class, he is a downhill striker who also has some very underrated range to the perimeter. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell is one of the best pass rushers in this year’s class. The Cowboys need a day-one contributor at the position, and Howell would be a great fit to fill that void. I wouldn’t be shocked if he ended up being a top candidate for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award if he lands in Dallas. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
For the first time in nearly two decades, the Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with more questions than answers. With voids at the quarterback and head coach position, I wouldn’t be surprised if this pick changes multiple times between now and April, but I believe Simpson showed enough flashes for a quarterback-needy team like Pittsburgh to take a shot on him. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
The offensive line is going to be a priority for the Chargers. They had the worst interior trio in the NFL this past season and could easily replace all three spots.
Proctor played left tackle at Alabama, but his struggles with movement will be mitigated if he shifts to the interior. He can move defensive linemen with sheer power. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Dallas Goedert is set to become a free agent, so the Eagles could be looking for a new playmaker at tight end. Kenyon Sadiq is going to test like a freak athlete at the NFL Combine, so he might actually go earlier than pick 23.
However, if he is available here, Philadelphia should take a shot on a player who operated as Oregon’s de facto WR1 for good chunks of time and grew into a complete tight end who can do it all this past year. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Browns didn’t land an offensive upgrade with the first of their two first-round picks, but don’t worry, Cleveland fans, it gets covered here. They need more consistency among their pass catchers to join Harold Fannin Jr. and Jerry Jeudy.
USC’s Makai Lemon was fantastic for the Trojans this year as the Biletnikoff Award winner (best WR in the country) and would form quite the trio in Cleveland for whoever they decide to throw out there at quarterback. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis
25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The Bears’ defense is far too reliant on turnovers. The secondary has a bevy of talented players, but the pass rush is the worst in the league. Banks is a massive player at 6-6, 335 pounds with 35-inch arms, who has pass-rush aptitude and the ability to stop the run. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
26. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Bills need some wide receivers who make things easier for quarterback Josh Allen. Even though KC Concepcion isn’t the biggest wide receiver of all time, he is lightning after the catch. He would offer a lot of intrigue paired with Khalil Shakir. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
27. San Francisco 49ers: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
The 49ers could go in so many different directions with this selection, but with multiple key contributors getting a bit older, they saw major injuries pile up across their roster in 2025. I have them adding to their offensive line here by selecting Iowa’s Gennings Dunker.
He started at tackle for Iowa, but many believe he could move inside to guard at the pro level. This would offer them some flexibility to build out their offensive line for 2026 and beyond. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis
28. Houston Texans: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Monroe Freeling continues to rise up consensus boards as more and more people get eyes on his special 2025 season. The Georgia Bulldogs were replacing a ton of experience along their offensive line, and Kirby Smart needed someone to step up. Freeling held the unit together on Gunner Stockton’s blind side all year long, giving up just two sacks that were credited to him.
One of those sacks came on a play where half the Georgia offense didn’t even know the ball was being snapped on a fourth down in the playoff loss to Ole Miss, so it’s hard to even count that one. The Texans grab a good offensive lineman who can start at either tackle spot or slide inside if needed. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
29. Los Angeles Rams: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Cornerback has been a weak spot for the Rams for some time. Even when they had Jalen Ramsey, they struggled outside of him. Keith Abney is slightly undersized at cornerback, but he is a very aggressive player with fluid hips and click-and-close ability. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
30. New England Patriots: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald is one of the biggest risers in the 2026 NFL Draft class. This is what a first-round nose tackle looks like: densely built and insanely powerful. You can immediately plug him into the middle of the defense and feel very good about the interior for many years to come, especially against the run. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
31. Denver Broncos: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
The Broncos were a team connected to multiple wide receivers at the trade deadline, but ultimately, no deal came together. Instead, they land a very intriguing option at the end of the first round in Louisville’s Chris Bell.
Due to him tearing his ACL late in the season, he won’t be able to show off his skills at the scouting combine or his pro day. Ultimately, that could help Bell fall down the board a bit and land with a Broncos team that would be ecstatic to add a YAC monster to their offense. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis
32. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Everyone knows Chris Johnson, the former Titans star NFL running back. Now, NFL fans are going to have to get used to seeing an All-Pro cornerback with the same name.
He may have played lower-level competition at San Diego State, but he’s an elite shut-down cornerback with some of the most ridiculous coverage stats in the class. The Seahawks make the luxury pick here and stack their secondary even more than it already is. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- New York Jets: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
- Arizona Cardinals: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
- Tennessee Titans: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
- Las Vegas Raiders: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
- New York Giants: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
- Houston Texans (via WAS): Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech
- Cleveland Browns: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
- Kansas City Chiefs: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
- Cincinnati Bengals: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
- New Orleans Saints: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
- Miami Dolphins: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
- New York Jets (via DAL): Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State
- Baltimore Ravens: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
- Indianapolis Colts: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
- Atlanta Falcons: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
- Minnesota Vikings: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
- Detroit Lions: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
- Carolina Panthers: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Green Bay Packers: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
- Philadelphia Eagles: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
- Los Angeles Chargers: Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
- Chicago Bears: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
- San Francisco 49ers: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
- Houston Texans: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
- Buffalo Bills: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
- Los Angeles Rams: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
- New England Patriots: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
- Denver Broncos: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
- Seattle Seahawks: Harold Perkins, LB/EDGE, LSU
Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Arizona Cardinals: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
- Tennessee Titans: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
- Las Vegas Raiders: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
- Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
- Houston Texans (via NYG): Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
- Cleveland Browns: Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
- Washington Commanders: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
- Cincinnati Bengals: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
- New Orleans Saints: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
- Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
- Miami Dolphins: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
- Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
- Indianapolis Colts: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
- Atlanta Falcons: Dontay Corleone, DL, Cincinnati
- Baltimore Ravens: Justin Joly, TE, NC State
- Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida
- Minnesota Vikings: Ahmari Harvey, CB, Georgia Tech
- Carolina Panthers: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
- Green Bay Packers: Davison Igbinosin, CB, Ohio State
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Parker Brailsford, IOL, Alabama
- Los Angeles Chargers: Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
- Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
- Chicago Bears: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
- Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
- Buffalo Bills: Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State
- San Francisco 49ers: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
- Los Angeles Rams: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
- New England Patriots: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
- Denver Broncos: Pat Coogan, C, Indiana
- Seattle Seahawks: JC Davis, OL, Illinois
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.