3-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders decide between Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore, Titans and Chiefs add dynamic weapons

Latest three-round 2026 NFL mock draft includes run on wide receivers and pass rushers, as well as the continued battle to be QB1.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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The NFL regular season is officially over, and the College Football playoff is also nearing the end. Before you know it, we will be fully entrenched in the 2026 NFL Draft season. For some of us with non-playoff teams, the page has already flipped. From here until April, it is all about scouting reports, big boards, and a million mock drafts.

In my latest three-round 2026 NFL mock draft, I did my best to improve each and every team. There is one key rule for mock draft viewers: Don’t get upset about a mock draft in January. The full draft order still needs to be set, and free agency is on the horizon. Here are 100 potential fits that could be fun for each team.

So sit back, use your imagination, and begin to learn even more about the top prospects that the 2026 class has to offer.

First Round of the 2026 NFL Draft

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon 

The battle between Moore and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be a fascinating one. While Mendoza probably has the higher floor, Moore offers more upside. The Raiders are a team that feels like it should take a bit of a risk right now.

2. New York Jets: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 

If Moore does go with the top pick, Mendoza won’t be far behind. At 6-5 and around 225 pounds, Mendoza is a smooth pocket passer with some outstanding accuracy. He should end up somewhere in the Jared Goff tier of quarterback play down the line.

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

Whether you see Reese as a true MIKE linebacker or an EDGE, he is a player who brings a ton of value. If he is used correctly, the 6-4, 245-pound defender has a chance to become a Pro Bowler early on in his career.

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

While this feels a touch high for Tate, putting some more pass-catching talent around quarterback Cam Ward is a top priority. Tate has the length, catch radius, smoothness, and nuance to become a difference maker as an outside wide receiver.

5. New York Giants: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 

Some people have forgotten just how good a player McCoy is. When healthy, he looks like a future top cornerback and potential All-Pro. If you love press-man cornerbacks who can run, then McCoy is the player for you.

6. Cleveland Browns: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State 

If not for some of the durability concerns, more people would be talking about Tyson as one of the better three-level threats who have come out over the last few years. His downfield acceleration is tremendous, as is his upside as a route runner and separator.

7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech 

In terms of pure pass rushers, there isn’t anyone as good as Bailey in the 2026 class. His combination of explosiveness and length is tremendous. Bailey has the chance to go even higher once April finally rolls around.

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

Bain is a bit of a tough evaluation right now, and some folks in the NFL view him as an interior player. While he lacks great closing speed and length, he plays with absurd power, which should allow him to become a good starter who can play a variety of alignments.

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

The Kansas City Chiefs need to provide Patrick Mahomes with more playmakers, and Love would give this team a ton of juice coming out of the backfield. The St. Louis native is a home run waiting to happen. He would also help Mahomes a ton as a passing game weapon out of the backfield.

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

The Bengals’ defense needs to continue adding talent on all three levels, and Downs is one of the safer picks in the 2026 class. While he isn’t the most dynamic cover man playing from depth, his instincts are off the charts. Combine that with his superb open-field tackling, and you have a player who barely ever makes a mistake.

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Miami needs to desperately upgrade its cornerback position. Delane was a good player at Virginia Tech, but became a tremendous one in his one season at LSU. He also has inside-out versatility to get excited about.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn 

If Dallas can get the most out of Faulk’s ability, we are talking about a special football player. If not, they are at least getting a plus run defender who has alignment versatility to line up everywhere and rush the passer. He is also still only 20 years old, so Faulk has time to develop.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami 

There is a chance that Mauigoa gets a chance to play right tackle in the NFL, but if not, he would be a tremendous offensive guard. His power is extraordinary, which helps his impact as a run blocker. He has one of the higher floors in the entire class.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson 

Yes, the Ravens once again have a really good football player fall right into their laps. While Woods didn’t have the 2025 season many hoped for, he is still a ball of chaos at 6-2 and 315 pounds.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State 

The Buccaneers need to get younger and more dynamic on the second level. Styles brings some rare explosiveness at the linebacker position. There really is no hole in his game outside of tackling a bit too high at times.

16. New York Jets (via IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

With Mendoza now in the fold, it is time to load up on weapons to pair with Garrett Wilson. While Lemon isn’t a huge wide receiver at 5-11 and 195 pounds, he is awesome after the catch, a really good route runner, and stronger at the catch point than you would expect.

17. Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah 

Offensive tackle and the interior offensive line could both have holes that need to be filled for the future. Fano is a player who could play multiple positions up front. Don’t be surprised if he becomes a plus center down the road.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson 

Whether you like him on the outside or in the slot, there is a lot to love about Terrell. While he doesn’t have his older brother’s size, Terrell is a tenacious defender with excellent ball skills and a propensity for making big plays.

19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon 

The Panthers’ tight end room is a mishmash of inconsistent production. Sadiq is a player who could add upside to the run and pass games early in his NFL career.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia 

Dallas has some names in the linebacker room, but they were mostly underwhelming in 2025. Allen is a dense MIKE linebacker with some modern range.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama 

With Aaron Rodgers most likely riding off into the sunset after this season, the Steelers need to find their next quarterback. Simpson had an up-and-down season in 2025, but there was plenty of good to be excited about as a first-year starter. There is a level of desperation in this move, but there could be some upside to work with.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 

With the injuries to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, some insurance at offensive tackle could be huge. If both are healthy, Lomu also has the frame to potentially help in other spots. This could help to solidify an extremely talented offensive line in front of quarterback Justin Herbert.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

With the future of A.J. Brown uncertain, the Eagles might be wise to keep their eyes open for some passing game weapons. Concepcion is an after-catch demon who would make life a lot easier for quarterback Jalen Hurts.

24. Buffalo Bills: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville 

There is a chance that Bell falls while dealing with the ACL injury, but the run on wide receivers put the Bills into a tough spot. They have a good semblance of a secondary pass-catching group, but they need someone who can demand a higher volume. Bell is an extremely gifted player with all the upside in the world.

25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida 

With Banks missing the majority of the 2025 college football season, many have forgotten just how talented he is. At 6-6 and 330 pounds, Banks is a rare athlete for his size. He just needs to land in the right situation and remain healthy.

26. San Francisco 49ers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama 

I have my hesitation with Proctor as an offensive tackle on the next level, but there is certainly a nice upside inside at guard. Perhaps learning from someone like Trent Williams could unlock some upside to try and remain on the outside.

27. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State 

At 6-3 and 327 pounds, there is no better interior run stopper in the 2026 class than McDonald. He should, at worst, be a major asset against the run. There is still more upside to tap into, considering he is just a one-year starter for the Buckeyes.

28. Cleveland Browns (via JAC): Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State 

There might not be a safer player in this class than Ioane. While his upside isn’t anything crazy, his size, physicality, and solid movement skills project to be a good starter on the interior.

29. Los Angeles Rams: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee 

The “other Tennessee cornerback” is a super smooth cover man with good instincts. Hood is also a physical player who could project to a couple of different spots in the secondary. That versatility is a valuable commodity.

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

Howell is never going to be a great player against the run, but he can certainly get after the passer. With how good the Patriots’ offense is, he should get a lot of chances to get home.

31. Denver Broncos: A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon 

The Broncos already have a great defense. Washington’s presence inside could turn them from an elite group to an embarrassment of riches. He is a massive defensive tackle with even more upside to tap into.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn 

Yes, I know that Lew is coming off an injury, but the Seahawks are a good enough team that they could be patient with him. If Lew gets back to full health, he has future plus starter upside and could be the anchor of an offensive line for a decade.

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Second Round of the 2026 NFL Draft

33. New York Jets: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

34. Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

35. Tennessee Titans: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

36. Las Vegas Raiders: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

37. New York Giants: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon

38. Houston Texans (via WAS): Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

39. Cleveland Browns: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

40. Kansas City Chiefs: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

41. Cincinnati Bengals: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

42. New Orleans Saints: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

43. Miami Dolphins: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

44. New York Jets (via DAL): Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

45. Baltimore Ravens: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech

47. Indianapolis Colts: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

With Alec Pierce set to hit free agency, the Colts could have a need to add another complementary pass game weapon. Bernard is a super consistent player who also brings more juice after the catch than you would expect.

48. Atlanta Falcons: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

Kyle Pitts is set to hit free agency, which leaves a need at tight end for the Falcons. While Klare wasn’t quite as good as many thought coming over from Purdue, he is still a super smooth route runner with plenty of upside as a receiving threat.

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

50. Detroit Lions: Kenyatta Jackson, EDGE, Ohio State

51. Carolina Panthers: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

52. Green Bay Packers: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

The Packers need to add some viable cornerback options on the outside. For what Lee lacks in terms of long speed, he makes up for it with extreme physicality. Press-man teams will love him.

53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

54. Philadelphia Eagles: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

55. Los Angeles Chargers: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

56. Buffalo Bills: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee

57. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

58. Houston Texans: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M

59. San Francisco 49ers: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

60. Jacksonville Jaguars: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State

61. Los Angeles Rams: Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn

62. New England Patriots: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

63. Denver Broncos: Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon

64. Seattle Seahawks: Gennings Dunker, OG, Iowa

Third Round of the 2026 NFL Draft

65. Arizona Cardinals: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC

66. Tennessee Titans: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

67. Las Vegas Raiders: D’angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

68. Philadelphia Eagles: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

69. Houston Texans: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

70. Cleveland Browns: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC

71. Washington Commanders: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

72. Cincinnati Bengals: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

73. New Orleans Saints: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

74. Kansas City Chiefs: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

75. Miami Dolphins: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

76. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona

78. Indianapolis Colts: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

79. Atlanta Falcons: Austin Barber, OT, Florida

80. Baltimore Ravens: Austin Siereveld, OG, Ohio State

81. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan

82. Minnesota Vikings: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State

83. Carolina Panthers: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

84. Green Bay Packers: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

86. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

87. Miami Dolphins: Jack Endries, TE, Texas

88. Buffalo Bills: Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana

89. Chicago Bears: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

90. San Francisco 49ers: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

91. Miami Dolphins: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU

92. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

93. Los Angeles Rams: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

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

95. Denver Broncos: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

96. Seattle Seahawks: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn

97. Minnesota Vikings: Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida

98. Philadelphia Eagles: Kage Casey, OL, Boise State

99. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

100. Jacksonville Jaguars: Xavier Scott, S, Illinois

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