3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Vikings replace J.J. McCarthy, Giants roll the dice at WR, and Chiefs draft explosive weapon

Here is a brand new 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft from A to Z Sports that is chock-full of surprises.

Adam Holt, AJ Schulte, Destin Adams, Kyle Crabbs, Rob Gregson
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Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Mountain America Stadium.
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Mountain America Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

With the CFP National Championship and Super Bowl in the rearview, we have officially reached the offseason in the sport of football. While that may create sadness, it means that we are full steam ahead towards April’s NFL Draft.

With the Scouting Combine on deck, the NFL world will soon flock to Indianapolis, and fans across the world will receive their first exposure to some of the best prospects in the class. To prepare for that, a few of our draft analysts, including Rob Gregson, Adam Holt, Kyle Crabbs, Destin Adams, and AJ Schulte, have put together a fresh 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

Round 1 of 2026 NFL Mock Draft

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

There’s no need to overthink this one here. Fernando Mendoza is already wired like minority owner Tom Brady, and he’s a seamless fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense. The quickest way to start a rebuild is getting a franchise quarterback, and there’s nothing in Mendoza’s profile that suggests he won’t be a very good one for a long time. – Schulte

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

The Jets will do their homework on QBs to see if there’s one worth the second pick. I doubt they conclude that there is one, though. Instead, they use this pick on the dynamic Ohio State Buckeye. Reese can play off-ball LB, and he can rush the QB at a high level. I guess that they would end up leaning towards letting him rush the passer as his primary role, though. – Adams

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Cardinals are going to have to figure out life after Kyle Murray, assuming he’s traded this offseason, but they can solidify their tackle duo of the future with Mauigoa and Paris Johnson Jr. I love the run blocking element to his game, but his pass protection is much better than he gets credit for. Go watch his Ohio State tape, and you’ll see how developed he already is. – Gregson

4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

The Titans would easily be justified selecting an offensive playmaker like Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson around Cam Ward, but I have to admit that the idea of adding Rueben Bain Jr. to a defensive line that already features Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat is a highly appealing choice. If the Titans are drafting just to add talent over drafting for need, Bain is the easy call. – Schulte

5. New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

New York has a plethora of needs on both sides of the football, but adding help for QB Jaxson Dart may top their list. Tyson, if his medicals check out in the coming weeks, deserves to be a top ten pick to me. Placing Tyson alongside Malik Nabers would create one of the most dynamic, young WR duos in the entire NFL. – Holt

6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Cleveland’s offensive line situation is whatever adjective you’d prefer to use that is the polar opposite of “good”. Bitonio, Teller, Conklin, and Pocic all have their contracts set to void. It’s a massive salary cap burden and they’re all descending talents so the appeal of re-signing them to stave off the large cap charges isn’t great, either. Either way, we’re going to need to see Todd Monken get some reinforcements up front to help assemble a viable unilt. Fano is a hyper-athletic tackle who, if he can get stronger, could be an impact starter. – Crabbs

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

The Commanders’ pass rush needs a big boost to make opposing QBs less comfortable. Texas Tech’s David Bailey is in the conversation to be the top EDGE taken in the class, and if he’s on the board at seven for the Commanders, I think it should be a no-brainer selection. – Adams

8. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

I’m of the belief that New Orleans may opt to go offense here to help Tyler Shough in the biggest way. That being said, I also think that Caleb Downs would have a massive impact in a Brandon Staley unit, similar to how Derwin James found success with the Chargers. He’s an exciting chess piece for any team, and I think he is a top five prospect in the class overall. – Holt

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

With my top two tackles and No. 1 WR off the board here, I give the Chiefs the best running back in the draft. There was a time in 2025 when Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs in rushing. That won’t be the case with a surefire back like Love behind him. Of course, Kansas City could address the running back position in free agency, but for the time being, I’ll give them the walking touchdown that is Jeremiyah Love. – Gregson

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

With Caleb Downs headed to New Orleans and most of my favorite front-seven players off the board, the Bengals settle for the best corner in the draft here. If the medicals are clean, 10 might be the latest we see McCoy fall come April. His tape from prior years is that good. With so many questions in Miami’s secondary, this is the move to make in my opinion. – Gregson

11. Miami Dolphins: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The board didn’t fall great here, as I was hoping to se Caleb Downs or one of the top offensive linemen fall. I shall not fret, however — the Dolphins have a plethora of needs. The team could turn a strength into a pillar of identity with this pick, however. Jordyn Brooks was an absolute delight last season for Miami. Pairing him with Styles to play behind a young and promising group of defensive tackles could be the foundation of Jeff Hafley’s defense for years to come. – Crabbs

12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Cowboys have multiple needs on defense, including CB. The team made the tough choice to move on from former All-Pro CB Trevon Diggs. LSU’s Mansoor Delane would be an immediate upgrade and could develop into a lockdown number-one CB, which Dallas hasn’t had in quite some time. – Adams

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

If Carnell Tate somehow makes it here, the Rams should be sprinting to the podium. Davante Adams has only a year left on his deal, and the non-Puka Nacua wide receivers on the Rams’ roster aren’t starting-WR material at this point. Tate can work outside and inside for the Rams as a rookie before taking over Adams’ role as the X moving forward. – Schulte

14. Baltimore Ravens: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Parker feels like a great mix of run defending and pass rush ability for a Ravens front that, in the past, has felt like the edge guys are too much of one or the other. Odafe Oweh was traded away mid-season. Kyle Van Noy is an expiring contract. The Ravens need more juice to rush the opposing quarterback with just four — I think this is a big step in the right direction and a great first pick for the Jesse Minter era. – Crabbs

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Linebacker is a massive defensive need for Tampa Bay, but I do not prefer the remaining options in the top fifteen. Accordingly, I went with a safety who has versatility in the box and in coverage in Thieneman. His game could balance out Antoine Winfield Jr. impressively at the next level, and he plays with phenomenal instincts. This fit makes sense given how the board played out. – Holt

16. New York Jets (via IND): Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

This time last year, Peter Woods was considered a potential top-five selection. Clemson’s rough year hurt all their players’ stocks, Woods included. He has displayed dominance on the inside, though, and would be a fantastic option for the Jets to try to replace Quinnen Williams. – Adams

17. Detroit Lions: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Detroit could be justified in selecting a player on either side of the trenches in R1, but the EDGE group is a little thinner than I’d like for them here in this scenario. Left tackle Taylor Decker has had plenty of rumors surrounding his future in Detroit, and I have to imagine a team as trench-focused as the Lions wouldn’t hesitate to scoop up his replacement soon. – Schulte

18. Minnesota Vikings: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

It’s pretty obvious that the early exit of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in Minnesota is tied to the fallout at the quarterback position. Despite having Sam Darnold in the building, Minnesota let him walk in favor of J.J. McCarthy, who needs a total overhaul of his mechanics. That takes time, and time that Kevin O’Connell and Co. may not have. Here they take a cerebral competitor with the anticipation and middle of the field layering that would mesh perfectly with O’Connell’s scheme. – Gregson

19. Carolina Panthers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The Panthers have a trio of MonStars in the middle with Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown, and A’Shawn Robinson. Nic Scourton looks like he’s going to be a hit, too. But if the Panthers want to really dominate up front with four down, Keldric Faulk feels like a perfect blend and bridge between the length and power of the interior defenders and the stand-up ability and burst of the guys they drafted last year in Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. DJ Wonnum is an expiring contract and he took nearly 700 snaps last season — don’t get trapped thinking there aren’t enough snaps to justify this pick! – Crabbs

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Cowboys attacked defense with the first of their two first-round picks. They could certainly use both on that side of the ball, but I have them taking a different approach. Dallas is expected to franchise tag key free agent George Pickens, but I don’t think that should rule out WR in the round. Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion would complement Pickens and CeeDee Lamb’s skill set perfectly. This would give Dak Prescott one of the most dangerous WR trios in the league going forward. – Adams

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

With Ty Simpson and Fernando Mendoza off the board, the Steelers go out west for the third year in a row in the first round, but this time, it’s to address the WR position. Boston is a lengthy, deep threat who can win vertically but also fend off defensive backs with his power-forward-like frame at the catch point. A perfect compliment to DK Metcalf in Pittsburgh. – Gregson

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

Justin Herbert has to stay healthy if the Chargers want to make a playoff run next year. The interior offensive line was the biggest weakness on the entire roster for LA. Ioane can start in year one at guard and be an upgrade on any of the players taking starting reps at those spots this past season. Add tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater back into the mix, and new OC Mike McDaniel can make some magic happen here. – Holt

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Lane Johnson’s future is murky, at best. The Eagles need to invest into their offensive line on multiple occasions during this draft, and Freeling is one of the more underrated tackle prospects to me. If Johnson suits up next year, he gets to learn from a future Hall of Famer. Win-win scenario for a team that believes they’re still sitting in a win-now window. – Holt

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

A best player available scenario for the Browns that feels too good to be true! Lemon sliding to the 20s would give Monken another offensive piece to go with their first pick, Spencer Fano. I’m sprinting this card in and not thinking twice about it despite some young wide receivers on the Browns’ roster — the second-leading wide receiver on the team last year had 21 catches. – Crabbs

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

The Chicago Bears have one of the better rosters on paper in the NFL. There are some holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball, but more specifically along the interior, where McDonald can step in and form a presence on day one. He might be more of a true nose than a pass rush threat from the interior but his skillset screams NFC North. – Gregson

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

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a do-it-all safety who can fill multiple different roles for a defense. The Bills chose to hire Jim Leonhard as their new defensive coordinator, and McNeil-Warren would be a nice chess piece to begin his time in Buffalo. – Adams

27. San Francisco 49ers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Trent Williams hasn’t played a full season since 2013(!), and Colton McKivitz has been frustratingly inconsistent. The 49ers need to actually invest at offensive tackle at the top of the draft, and Blake Miller has the athletic tools to fit seamlessly into Kyle Shanahan’s outside zone offense and would be a ready-made pass protector who could play both tackle spots. – Schulte

28. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

The Texans’ offensive line performed better in 2025, but it could still use some more beef. One of the biggest offenisve lineman in the class, Proctor might not be a long term answer at tackle, but I believe he can start at guard from day one. – Gregson

29. Los Angeles Rams: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Rams don’t have an answer at cornerback anywhere, as none of their starters this season have consistently proven that they should be the starters moving forward. Terrell is a smooth operator who would immediately help fix a leaky secondary. – Schulte

30. Denver Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Denver has typically gone BPA with their draft’s under general manager George Paton, and it just so happens that the best player available here is one that also conveniently solves a need for a do-it-all playmaker in their offense. Give Bo Nix as many weapons as you can muster. Sadiq has a much more well-rounded skill set than Evan Engram. – Schulte

31. New England Patriots: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa

The Patriots saw their 2025 first-round pick, Will Campbell, struggle mightily in the playoffs. Some think he would be better suited to play guard, but head coach Mike Vrabel has shut down that idea, though they’d be silly not to consider it at least. Iowa’s Gennings Dunker has the potential to play tackle or guard, so that the Patriots could let both battle it out for the LT spot, and the other would move inside to start at guard. – Adams

32. Seattle Seahawks: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

Akheem Mesidor will be 25 by the time the draft rolls around, but that should not scare off Seattle. He’s one of the most proven pass rushers in this class, and they could lose Boye Mafe in free agency. The defensive line wreaked havoc on Drake Maye’s Patriots in the Super Bowl win, so let’s make sure that strength remains a strength when it comes to personnel for Mike Macdonald. – Holt

Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

  1. New York Jets: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
  2. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
  3. Tennessee Titans: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
  4. Las Vegas Raiders: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
  5. New York Giants: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
  6. Houston Texans (via WAS): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
  7. Cleveland Browns: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
  8. Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
  9. Cincinnati Bengals: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
  10. New Orleans Saints: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
  11. Miami Dolphins: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
  12. New York Jets (via DAL): Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon
  13. Baltimore Ravens: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
  14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
  15. Indianapolis Colts: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
    Without a first-round pick, the Colts need this selection to make an immediate impact. The Colts pass rush is pretty bare right now, and Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas was flat-out dominant when healthy this past year. – Adams
  16. Atlanta Falcons: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
    The Falcons may be forced to go EDGE with with this pick after James Pearce’s recent arrest. Texas Tech’s Romello Height gets overshadowed by his teammates, but he was very impressive in his own right in 2025. He would be a good complement to Jalon Walker as the Falcons look to build on their success last season. – Adams
  17. Minnesota Vikings: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
  18. Detroit Lions: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
  19. Carolina Panthers: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
  20. Green Bay Packers: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
    The Packers use their first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft to find their replacement for Kenny Ckark. Look no further than the Ravens game as evidence of what this team needs to fix to be a true contender going forward.
  21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida
  22. Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
  23. Los Angeles Chargers: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
  24. Jacksonville Jaguars: AJ Haulcy, SAF, LSU
    The Jaguars are assuredly hoping 2025 third-round pick Caleb Ransaw turns into a player for them. But if they’re going to continue their 2025 trend of being a mean, nasty, violent defense, it’s hard to not see the vision of drafting Haulcy. This is a 220+ pound safety who is capable of lowering the boom. He’d do quite well, in my opinion, in the Andrew Wingard role for Anthony Campanile’s group. – Crabbs
  25. Chicago Bears: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
  26. San Francisco 49ers: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
  27. Houston Texans: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
  28. Buffalo Bills: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
  29. Los Angeles Rams: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
  30. Denver Broncos: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
  31. New England Patriots: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
  32. Seattle Seahawks: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M

Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft

  1. Arizona Cardinals: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
  2. Tennessee Titans: Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona
  3. Las Vegas Raiders: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
  4. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
  5. Houston Texans (via NYG): Harold Perkins Jr., LB/EDGE, LSU
  6. Cleveland Browns: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn
  7. Washington Commanders: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
  8. Cincinnati Bengals: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
  9. New Orleans Saints: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
  10. Kansas City Chiefs: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
  11. Miami Dolphins: Jalen Farmer, OG, Kentucky
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
  13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
  14. Indianapolis Colts: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
  15. Atlanta Falcons: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
  16. Baltimore Ravens: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
  17. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
  18. Minnesota Vikings: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
  19. Carolina Panthers: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
  20. Green Bay Packers: Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
  21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joshua Cuevas, TE, Alabama
  22. Los Angeles Chargers: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
  23. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Kamari Ramsey, SAF, USC
  24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
  25. Chicago Bears: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
  26. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): LT Overton, DL, Alabama
  27. Buffalo Bills: Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC
  28. San Francisco 49ers: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
  29. Los Angeles Rams: Zakee Wheatley, SAF, Penn State
  30. Denver Broncos: Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
  31. New England Patriots: Louis Moore, S, Indiana
  32. Seattle Seahawks: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

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