The 2025 college football and NFL seasons are now officially over. It is time for everyone (outside of the Seattle Seahawks fans enjoying their parade) to turn their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft class, a group of talented prospects that have already been heavily debated. With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine set to kick off in a couple of weeks, the information overload of this class is coming. Our time is about to be filled with mock drafts, big boards, positional rankings, Intel, and a ton of discourse.

In my most recent 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft, I did my best to focus on top team needs and find some interesting fits. With free agency also on the horizon, things are going to change a ton before April officially gets here. For now, this is a fun exercise to get to know 100 of the most talented prospects in the class. As is the case every year, there is a ton of talent and value to be found, even if it is a down year.

Let’s remember the No.1 rule: Don’t get upset about mock drafts, especially in February. For anyone who does have a complaint, make sure to file it in my DM on Twitter, @RiseNDraft. Otherwise, sit back, open up your mind, and consider some fits that will make some sense in a couple of months.

Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

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

Yes, this has become a very boring selection. At this point, however, this is the only logical direction that the Raiders could go. While Mendoza doesn’t have the most exciting ceiling of all-time, he has the requisite size, accuracy, arm talent, and intelligence to develop into a good starter on the NFL level.

2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech 

The Jets are a true wildcard in this class right now. Bailey is going to be a heavily debated prospect, but there is no better pass rusher in the class. With the jump he took in his one season with Texas Tech, there is a reason to believe that another jump could be on the horizon. 

3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State 

Some have mislabeled Reese big time throughout the process. While he has some upside playing on the edge, this is a future All-Pro middle linebacker. The versatility that he brings to the table at 6-4 and 245 pounds is rare, giving the Cardinals the difference maker they need on defense. 

4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State 

With massive needs at wide receiver, cornerback, and EDGE, the Titans opt for the former. Tate went from a good player in 2024 to a tremendous one this past season. His combination of length, contested catch ability, and route running nuance makes him a three-level separator. Look for Tate to become the top target for quarterback Cam Ward instantly. 

5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami 

While there is going to be a continued debate about whether Mauigoa should play right tackle or inside at guard on the next level, most believe he will be a plus starter in the NFL. His impressive power and run game impact would translate well inside, but Mauigoa deserves the chance to see if he can stick at right tackle. He gets the chance with the Giants, helping to protect quarterback Jaxson Dart. 

6. Cleveland Browns: Makai Lemon, WR, USC 

There just isn’t a quarterback worth taking in this spot, so the Browns were forced to pivot to improve the passing game in another way. While some will doubt Lemon due to his lack of size and just modest long speed, he is the easiest separator in this class. Lemon is a pristine route runner, tremendous after catch, and better at the catch point than you would expect for a wide receiver his size. 

7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State 

The Commanders had the worst defense in the NFL last season, which means that they have the opportunity to upgrade on all three levels. Downs is an extremely intelligent safety who always seems to be in the correct spot. That presence would be a big boost on the back end for head coach Dan Quinn and the Commanders. 

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

There are some in the NFL who love Bain and others who have concerns. He is a physical presence on the edge who can move up and down the line of scrimmage. While the ceiling might not be crazy high, the floor is strong. 

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame 

The Chiefs requested to interview Las Vegas Raiders running back coach Deland McCullough, who just so happens to have recruited and coached Love for two years at Notre Dame. Could we see a reunion in Kansas City? It’s hard not to get excited about the prospects of getting Love’s speed and playmaking ability with Patrick Mahomes and Co. 

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson 

Bengals fans aren’t going to want to see another Clemson defensive player mocked to them, but Woods is too talented to pass up. He didn’t have the 2025 season most hoped for, although Woods’ film was better than the box score would say. At 6-2 and 315 pounds, Woods is a ball of chaos with a ton of untapped upside to get excited about. 

11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 

If not for the ACL tear this past spring, McCoy would most likely be considered a top-3 overall player in the 2026 class. If you love press-man cornerbacks who can run, then you’ll love McCoy. This is Jaycee Horn all over again. 

12. Dallas Cowboys: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State 

Styles has a strong argument to get drafted earlier than this, but the Cowboys won’t complain. At over 6-4 and 243 pounds, Styles is a freaky athlete on the second level. Dallas immediately gets another difference maker in their front seven. 

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU 

The Rams could potentially add an outside cornerback, as well as another slot option. Delane brings the upside to play both alignments, possessing outstanding short-area quickness and coverage versatility. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula loves versatile defensive backs, which describes Delane perfectly. 

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State 

While Tyson wasn’t the most likely target for the Ravens when this mock draft started, it’s just how the board fell. Quarterback Lamar Jackson profits, getting a three-level separator who is an easy evaluation if he can kick the durability bug. Tyson’s style should pair extremely well with Zay Flowers. 

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn 

Faulk didn’t have the 2025 season that most expected, but the tools are still very much there. He is an impressive athlete at 6-6 and 280 pounds, with all the upside in the world to develop into a plus starter. Faulk’s run game impact will be felt early, but his pass rush will have to be developed. 

16. New York Jets (via IND): Caleb Banks, DT, Florida 

After trading away Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys last season, the Jets will need to do their best to find a difference-maker inside. At 6-6 and 335 pounds, Banks has all the upside to be just that. Consistency and availability are going to be the two keys for Banks to reach his potential as a player. 

The Major 2026 NFL Draft Concerns For Caleb Banks & Jordyn Tyson @joedeleone @AtoZSportsNFL https://t.co/XGj4XMqp0P

— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) February 11, 2026

17. Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah 

Fano is one of the more unique offensive linemen in the 2026 class. While he has exclusively played at tackle during his Utah career, some NFL teams could see a future at center or guard. That versatility could provide the Lions with a formula to get the best five players on the field up front. 

18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson 

Whether you need him to play on the outside or in the slot, Terrell has the twitch, demeanor, and tenacity to play immediately. He’s a much smaller player than his older brother, but he makes up for it in other departments. Terrell adds a boost to a Vikings cornerback room that feels like has needed an upgrade for years. 

19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon 

Sadiq to the Panthers has become a very consistent landing spot, but it just makes so much sense. Right or wrong, the team is giving quarterback Bryce Young every chance to prove that he’s the long-term answer. Adding a weapon like Sadiq at tight end upgrades the passing options, while also helping a ton in the run game as a blocker. 

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 

Terence Steele is very upgradeable at right tackle for the Cowboys, and Tyler Guyton has struggled a ton over on the left side. Lomu is a long and talented offensive tackle whose best football is still in front of him. Keeping quarterback Dak Prescott upright should be the top priority for the team. 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M 

Here’s the dilemma: You could force a quarterback in a bad class or upgrade the skill positions for whoever the long-term answer ends up being. That’s the ideology with Concepcion, who is lighting after the catch. That ability with the football in his hand is a cheat code for a quarterback. 

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State 

There may not be a higher floor offensive line prospect in the class than Ioane. He is a strong interior presence who keeps a stellar base in pass protection. This is a plug-and-play starter as soon as Ioane gets on the field for the Chargers. 

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia 

Lane Johnson could retire any offseason, which will leave a big hole at right tackle. Freeling is an outstanding athlete who has the requisite size and grip strength to develop into a starter. He could also figure into a battle at guard until Johnson eventually makes that decision. 

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama 

The Browns have needs at both offensive tackle spots this offseason. Proctor is a flawed football player, but his combination of massive size and explosiveness should still see him come off the board in the first round. Proctor will need to reconfigure his body and improve technique, but the raw tools are there. 

25. Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

McDonald to the Bears has become a popular player fit in mock drafts, and for good reason. At 6-3 and 326 pounds, McDonald is nearly impossible to uproot at the point of attack. His impact in the run game is more than worth a first-round designation in this class. 

26. Buffalo Bills: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon 

It’s been a few years since the Bills have had a difference maker at safety. Thieneman played a lot of single-high while with Purdue, but did a little bit of everything for Oregon this past season. That versatility unlocks a lot of possibilities on the back end of a defense. 

27. San Francisco 49ers: Akheen Mesidor, EDGE, Miami 

Mesidor is an older prospect who is going to bring some question marks, but there aren’t many more higher-floor pass rushers than him. The former West Virginia has an advanced understanding about getting after the quarterback. That should be a needed bump at a position that has Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams both coming back from injury. 

28. Houston Texans: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech 

The offensive line board did not fall well for the Texans, which made them pivot. Instead, they opt to upgrade their defensive tackle position. Hunter is a massive presence on the interior at 6-3.5 and 320 pounds, while also possessing better explosiveness than you’d expect. 

29. Los Angeles Rams: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana 

This is probably a touch high for me with Cooper, but he’s going to go a lot earlier than some people expect. Boasting a dense build, Cooper is a really impressive player after the catch. He is also tremendous in contested catch situations, which could be a nice combination to push for with Davante Adams aging quickly. 

30. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia 

The Broncos’ defense is tremendous, but adding a stabilizing force in the middle could be the last step toward solidifying this elite group. Allen is a bit of a sawed-off inside linebacker but he’s explosive, powerful, and consistent. His presence makes everyone around him better. 

31. New England Patriots: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma 

After coming short in the Super Bowl, it should be apparent that the Patriots are just a few pieces away from contending for the foreseeable future. Like most teams, upgrading the pass rush will never hurt. While Thomas might be limited as a fun defender on the next level, there is no question that he will be able to get after the quarterback. 

32. Seattle Seahawks: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State 

The Seahawks need to invest in upgrading the right side of the offensive line, and specifically at right guard. Abraham Lucas played well this season at right tackle, but his career has also been hindered due to injuries. Iheanachor is an impressive athlete with a ton of length to project as a future starter at right tackle, although he could figure into that guard battle early. 

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Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

33. New York Jets: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville 
34. Arizona Cardinals: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson 
35. Tennessee Titans: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina 
36. Las Vegas Raiders: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
37. New York Giants: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington 
38. Houston Texans (via WAS): Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
39. Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama 
40. Kansas City Chiefs: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia 
41. Cincinnati Bengals: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo 
42. New Orleans Saints: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon 
43. Miami Dolphins: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee 
44. New York Jets (via DAL): Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss 
45. Baltimore Ravens: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson 
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri 
47. Indianapolis Colts: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M 
48. Atlanta Falcons: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State 
49. Minnesota Vikings: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington 
50. Detroit Lions: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri 
51. Carolina Panthers: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee 
52. Green Bay Packers: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State 
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana 
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State 
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Connor Lew, IOL, Los Angeles Chargers 
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State 
57. Chicago Bears: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois 
58. San Francisco 49ers: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson 
59. Houston Texans: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
60. Buffalo Bills: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama 
61. Los Angeles Rams: Sam Hecht, IOL, Kansas State 
62. Denver Broncos: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor 
63. New England Patriots: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona 
64. Seattle Seahawks: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas 

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Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft

65. Arizona Cardinals: Gennings Dunker, IOL, Iowa 
66. Tennessee Titans: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech 
67. Las Vegas Raiders: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee 
68. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M 
69. Houston Texans (via NYG): Jalen Farmer, IOL, Kentucky 
70. Cleveland Browns: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State 
71. Washington Commanders: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan 
72. Cincinnati Bengals: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama 
73. New Orleans Saints: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana 
74. Kansas City Chiefs: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt 
75. Miami Dolphins: Kage Casey, IOL, Boise State 
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona 
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC 
78. Indianapolis Colts: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati 
79. Atlanta Falcons: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State 
80. Baltimore Ravens: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State 
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State 
82. Minnesota Vikings: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State 
83. Carolina Panthers: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF 
84. Green Bay Packers: Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama 
85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati 
86. Los Angeles Chargers: Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn 
87. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas 
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon 
89. Chicago Bears: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU 
90. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU 
91. Buffalo Bills: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech 
92. San Francisco 49ers: Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest 
93. Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern 
94. Denver Broncos: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia 
95. New England Patriots: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State 
96. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida 
97. Minnesota Vikings (conditional): Trey Zuhn III, IOL, Texas A&M 
98. Philadelphia Eagles (conditional): Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC 
99. Pittsburgh Steelers (conditional): Austin Barber, OT, Florida 
100. Jacksonville Jaguars (conditional): Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

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We’ll be back with more NFL Draft coverage here at A to Z Sports soon. Follow me (@RiseNDraft) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news.