3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs replace Trent McDuffie, polarizing quarterback falls to the Browns, and Caleb Downs goes sky high

Here is a fresh, 2026 3-Round NFL Mock Draft after the combine and a blockbuster trade.

Adam Holt, Rob Gregson
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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Combine is behind us, and NFL free agency is right around the corner. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will gain clarity on what every team needs ahead of April’s draft in Pittsburgh.

Some of that has already begun. Last week saw the Titans trade for Jermaine Johnson; this week saw the Chiefs part ways with All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie in exchange for the second of two Los Angeles Rams first-round picks. In this latest mock draft from me, Rob Gregson, and Adam Holt of A to Z Sports NFL Draft, we consider all that. Enjoy, and please be sure to let us know how you feel on X-Twitter @NFL_Rob and @Bolt_Holt.

Key facts and odds for the 2026 NFL Draft

  • The draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the first time.
  • Six different teams have four selections in the first three rounds.
  • Fernando Mendoza has a 99% chance of being selected first overall, according to sports books

Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

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

This pick is all but chalk at this point. Mendoza can walk around with a Raider hat, and no one will blink an eye. He didn’t throw or participate in any drills for that matter, at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. He may opt to participate in his Pro Day, but the tape is in, and the debate has long been settled. We can argue about his NFL ceiling, but he gives the Raiders a chance to reset in the right direction.

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

If the Jets are going to go defense, they need to go EDGE in my opinion. Especially after last week’s trade of Jermaine Johnson. The pass rush win rate, the high upside, and the ability to bend and flatten en route to the quarterback are all among the best in the class when it comes to Bailey. New York’s roster needs good players. Bailey is a step in that direction.

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

I have been mocking the Cardinals offenisve tackles as of late, but I can’t get over the need for a pass rush in Arizona. Now, some will argue that Reese is better as a stacked backer and that this pick gives off Isaiah Simmons vibes, but my pushback would be two-fold. For one, Reese is a much cleaner pass rusher than Simmons ever was, and he’s so exploisve that if you wanted to align him as a traffic cop at the second level, he can make plays there as well.

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

Rueben Bain Jr. is a tricky eval due to his pro-ready traits like power and get-off, but his uncanny arm length. Teams are debating whether he’s better suited to kick inside as a 4i or even 3T, or if he can play as a true EDGE against lanky offside tackles. To me, that’s where coaching comes in. You tinker with Bain’s alignment and matchup hunt on a per-game basis. With Robert Saleh as HC and defensive play caller, I feel good saying he can find ways to make Bain impactful from day one.

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

After being at the NFL Combine last week, many feel that the appropriate pick for the Giants at 5 is an offensive tackle. I would love the idea of a WR like Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson, but if you can’t keep Jaxson Dart upright, none of it matters. Francis Mauigoa is the best offensive line prospect in this class, in my opinion, and he would bookend the right side of that line and give New York a tackle duo for years to come.

6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

There is no doubt that the biggest riser coming out of Indianapolis is Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. After boasting one of the best offensive lines in the league for years, the Browns started to show cracks in their foundation last year, and many of the big-time names on that line won’t be back. Cleveland needs a quarterback, but they need someone who can protect him first.

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

While the medical concerns were proven to be false with Downs, some still question if his tape screams top-10 pick, especially given the positional value debate. To me, Downs is one of, if not the best, pure prospects in this class. He is the top player on multiple teams’ boards. He is one of the most instinctual and ready-made safeties we have seen come into the league. He can play in the post, roam the box, and run the alley as a nickel. He’s just a damn good football player, which is something the Commanders need on that side of the ball.

8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The big concern with Jordyn Tyson is durability. A lengthy route runner who can adjust to the football and stretch the field vertically, he screams WR No. 1 in this class. But that doesn’t matter if he can’t stay on the field. Well, his medicals seem to have checked out in Indy, and now the only question is, how high will he go? I love the idea of giving Tyler Shough (who was pretty good as a rookie) another threat on the perimeter in Kellen Moore’s offense.

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

It’s tough to project that Love gets here in reality, but that was the scenario here. KC would love to add this sort of offensive weapon to an offense led by Patrick Mahomes. He’s a top-five prospect in this class and provides major value in the run and pass game.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Great value here. Styles could go as early as second overall after decimating the combine. He is a cerebral leader on defense, and his versatility at his size will be incredibly enticing for any NFL team.

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Cornerback remains a huge need for the Miami defense. I also considered interior OL here, but I feel that need can be more easily addressed during free agency. Delane gives you CB1 potential in the long-term.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Thieneman just keeps rising. He impressed in a major way with his testing at the combine, and I think he’s the exact sort of all-around defensive utility knife that the Cowboys could use.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Fano’s small slide stops here. The Rams need a new starting right tackle, and the Utah product could fill that void. He does not have exciting length, but he performed well from a movement perspective at the combine. This may be a boring pick for LA, but it is necessary if they do not improve at OT during free agency.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State

The Nittany Lions product is arguably the cleanest offensive line prospect in this class. He’s got a high floor and can start immediately at guard in the NFL. Baltimore must keep Lamar Jackson off the turf in 2026.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

Young’s emergence has been intriguing. He really grew into more explosiveness and power in 2025 and proved that he can consistently get to the QB. Tampa desperately needs more pass rush help, and he’s a fit for Todd Bowles, to me.

16. New York Jets (via IND): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Tate slides a bit more than usual here, but New York is happy about that. I don’t know who will play quarterback for the Jets in 2026, but he would have a phenomenal WR duo in Tate and Garrett Wilson if this came to fruition.

17. Detroit Lions: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

McCoy brings inherent risk due to his injury history, but that is a risk I believe Detroit could take. If he works out and can stay available, he’s got Pro Bowl-caliber potential. Dominant 2024 tape before missing last season.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

With so many questions about Jordan Addison, I believe adding a similar WR, but with a better total package via Lemon, is a great play for Minnesota. Some may be turned off by his podium presser from the Combine, but Lemon didn’t win the Fred Biletnikoff Award via a popularity contest. He’s a deadly technician from the slot who can also win vertically when pressed by nickels and make plays after the catch.

19. Carolina Panthers: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

Kadyn Proctor was one of the “winners” from the NFL Combine, coming in at svelte 352 pounds, which is close to 25 pounds lower than his playing weight at Alabama last season. For being 6-7 and weighing as much as he does, his movement drills were very impressive. He may have a longer shelf life in the league as a guard, but I like him in the Panthers’ offense.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Adam gave the Cowboys a safety at 12, so I’m going to go EDGE as Dallas searches for its next Micah Parsons. Faulk is a bit of a project, but his upside is tremendous given his height-weight-speed ratio. Dallas’ defense was why they missed the playoffs in 2025, so adding two talents feels appropriate.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

As the Steelers gear up for free agency, the major question is what they will do at quarterback. However, the looming decision that isn’t getting as much play is what the future of the left tackle position looks like. Lomu is a pure LT who, alongside Fautanu, would give the Steelers the duo they thought they had with Fautanu and Broderick Jones before he suffered his neck stinger.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Mike McDaniel is the new OC in Los Angeles, and we know what he covets at WR: speed. Concepicion may not be the biggest WR, but with Quentin Johnston on the outside and Ladd McConkey as a slot, Concepcion can spearhead a trio that would give defensive coordinators nightmares from a coverage standpoint.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

I can’t help but watch Emmanuel McNeil Warren’s film and see a fit in the Eagles’ defense. He’s a supercharged Reed Blankenship, who could be departing in free agency next week. McNeil-Warren is a ball magnet that comes downhill and strikes ball carriers while making pass catchers look twice over the middle.

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Ty Simpson is likely going somewhere in round one come April. For his long-term projection, a team like the Rams seems to be the better fit, but Cleveland isn’t sold on their current QB room, and Simpson is easily better, and surely has a higher ceiling than anyone currently employed in Cleveland. A cerebral assassin who can play from the pocket with precision, I could see him thriving with Todd Monken.

25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

Banks was a combine revelation, but his lack of availability will probably keep him outside of the first half of the first round. That was the case here, but Chicago is open to adding his sort of presence inside. He can make an impact instantly for Dennis Allen’s defense as a rookie.

26. Buffalo Bills: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Cooper is ascending and belongs in first-round mocks right now. His run blocking, route running, and agility are marvelous. Cooper’s got strong hands and was seen as the most talented weapon on a loaded Hoosies offense.

27. San Francisco 49ers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Sadiq should certainly be off the board before this. That being said, it will be interesting to see what sort of plan SF has for the post-George Kittle era. He’s coming off a season-ending injury, and if he can return at full stength in 2026, then Sadiq just powers up the offensive depth.

28. Houston Texans: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Miller is one of the highest upside linemen in this class, and the Texans need more talent there. They just traded away Tytus Howard and may look to rebuild nearly all of their OL once again this offseason.

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

The Chiefs get their potential Trent McDuffie replacement here in Terrell. He’s got the size to also take outside CB reps at the NFL level, and he’s an incredibly smooth mover. Nice outcome for KC after the trade with the Rams.

30. Denver Broncos: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

Broncos play it safe and select Allen here. He’s got a high floor as a linebacker at the next level, and that was a weakness (one of the few) for their defense a season ago. Legit starter for year one.

31. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Parker did not produce quite to the level he probably hoped for in 2025, but the tape had flashes of exciting play. He has prototypical NFL size and makes sense for a defense like New England’s. They may lose multiple pass rushers during free agency, too.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Hood to Seattle is a fit I always like in mocks. Riq Woolen is expected to leave in free agency, so cornerback may be a bigger need than you would expect for a secondary who was unbelievable last season. Hood plays with the physicality that the Seahawks staff will appreciate.

Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

  1. New York Jets: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
  2. Arizona Cardinals: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
  3. Tennessee Titans: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
  4. Las Vegas Raiders: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
  5. New York Giants: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
  6. Houston Texans (via WAS): Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
  7. Cleveland Browns: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
  8. Kansas City Chiefs: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
  9. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
  10. New Orleans Saints: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
  11. Miami Dolphins: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
  12. New York Jets (via DAL): Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
  13. Baltimore Ravens: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
  14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
  15. Indianapolis Colts: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
  16. Atlanta Falcons: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
  17. Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
  18. Detroit Lions: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
  19. Carolina Panthers: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
  20. Green Bay Packers: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
  21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee
  22. Philadelphia Eagles: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
  23. Los Angeles Chargers: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
  24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
  25. Chicago Bears: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
  26. San Francisco 49ers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
  27. Houston Texans: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
  28. Buffalo Bills: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
  29. Los Angeles Rams: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
  30. Denver Broncos: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
  31. New England Patriots: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
  32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft

  1. Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
  2. Tennessee Titans: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
  3. Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemsom
  4. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
  5. Houston Texans (via NYG): Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
  6. Cleveland Browns: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
  7. Washington Commanders: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
  8. Cincinnati Bengals: Keionte Scott, DB, Miami
  9. New Orleans Saints: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn
  10. Kansas City Chiefs: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
  11. Miami Dolphins: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
  13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
  14. Indianapolis Colts: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
  15. Atlanta Falcons: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas A&M
  16. Baltimore Ravens: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
  17. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
  18. Minnesota Vikings: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
  19. Carolina Panthers: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
  20. Green Bay Packers: Logan Jones, IOL, Iowa
  21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
  22. Los Angeles Chargers: Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama
  23. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Bryce Lance, WR, NDSU
  24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
  25. Chicago Bears: Kevin Coleman, WR, Missouri
  26. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Justin Joly, TE, N.C. State
  27. Buffalo Bills: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
  28. San Francisco 49ers: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
  29. Los Angeles Rams: Samuel Hecht, IOL, Kansas State
  30. Denver Broncos: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
  31. New England Patriots: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida
  32. Seattle Seahawks: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
  33. Minnesota Vikings (conditional): Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
  34. Philadelphia Eagles (conditional): Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
  35. Pittsburgh Steelers (conditional): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
  36. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET, conditional): Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina

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