4-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Unexpected run on wide receivers, battle for QB1 heats up, and the Ravens and Eagles do the usual

Latest 4-round 2026 NFL mock draft brings the continued battle to be the top quarterback, an early run on wide receivers, and some elite defenders.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) after Smith scored a touchdown in the first half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

While it may seem far away right now, everyone is going to blink their eyes, and the 2026 NFL Draft will be upon us. As we move closer and closer to the end of the NFL and College Football seasons, things will begin heating up. We will all have a much better understanding of the entirety of the draft landscape, more defined team needs, and what the draft order will look like when April finally gets here.

For a better understanding of the class, let’s do another mock draft, and a four-rounder this time around. I am staying away from trades for now. When we do get a finalized draft order and a better understanding of team heads heading toward the 2026 NFL season, that is when trades will start to get implemented. This is about identity early needs, while also developing an appreciation for the 2026 group, and where the strengths and weaknesses may lie. That is the overall point of this exercise.

Yes, I did my best to improve your favorite team. No, I didn’t try to sabotage any franchise. As you begin to get angry about my analysis and who I sent to your favorite team, take a step back and remember the N0. 1 rule: Don’t get upset about mock drafts in November. Just have a little bit of fun.

Round One 

1. Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State 

Some people like Reese at linebacker, while others prefer him on the edge. No matter where you prefer him, the Ohio State star is going to be a defensive weapon for many years to come.  

2. New York Giants: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State 

Is this a bit high for Tate? Yes, probably, but without the ability to trade in this exercise, the Giants were left to prioritize their biggest needs. Tate possesses an insane catch radius, really nice ball skills, and nuance as a route runner to become a three-level separator. 

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

While I’m still a bit lower on Bain compared to the consensus, he still feels like a player who is going to go quite high. He’s a physical defender who excels in the run game and can push the pocket as a pass rusher, even if he doesn’t always finish plays. 

4. New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon 

If the Jets are able to stick at four and still get the quarterback they want, it would be a massive success. Moore is the most talented thrower of anyone in the class, possessing legitimate arm talent, smooth processing, and the calm demeanor of a franchise quarterback. 

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

The Geno Smith experiment has been an absolute disaster for the Raiders. This organization is in need of new blood behind center, and they got a really talented pocket quarterback in Mendoza. He is a big-armed signal caller who has enough athleticism to navigate the pocket well and make an occasional play outside of structure. 

6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah 

The Browns have needs at both tackle spots moving forward, whether Shedeur Sanders is the quarterback or not. Fano is an impact blocker who has experience both at left and right tackle in his Utah career. 

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

With the need to get after the quarterback more, the Commanders opt for arguably the best pure pass rusher in the class. The former Stanford transfer is never going to be a major asset against the run, but if his 2025 film with the Red Raiders is any indication, he should be a legitimate sack artist on the next level. 

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

There is going to be a huge push to try and keep the Buckeye star in Ohio. Downs would provide the Bengals with a level of consistency that the organization has lacked for a couple of years on the back end of their defense. 

9. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami 

The offensive line has been an issue for the Cardinals for some time now, and that group can be upgraded all over. That includes at right tackle, where Mauigoa plays currently for Miami. A powerful brute of a blocker, you could even argue that guard could give Mauigoa even more upside. 

10. Miami Dolphins: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama 

While the Tua Tagovailoa contract makes things difficult, it’s clear that he isn’t the answer long-term for a team that needs direction. Simpson isn’t perfect, but he’s shown some pretty clean processing in his first year as a starter and has some arm talent to work with. 

11. Los Angeles Rams: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 

If not for the preseason ACL tear, McCoy would be considered almost a unanimous Top-10 player in this class. The Rams are able to let the press man cover man fall to them, and they may have just gotten a future Pro Bowler. 

12. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame 

It’ll be curious to see if the Vikings are in the market for a quarterback this offseason with all the negativity surrounding JJ McCarthy. In this scenario, the board doesn’t steer that way. The organization, instead, chooses to go with Love, who is a potential homerun every time he touches the football. 

13. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Delane was a good player at Virginia Tech, but he has been an elite one for LSU in 2025. Whether he is on the outside or in the slot, he is a sticky man cornerback who brings a ton of coverage versatility to the table. 

14. Carolina Panthers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn 

While it hasn’t been a great 2025 season for Faulk, he is still an incredibly gifted player physically. At 6-6 and 280 pounds, Faulk moves incredibly well. If he hits his upside, he has a chance to become a difference maker. 

15. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State 

The medicals for Tyson will be a question, but the talent sure won’t be. The Arizona State star is an easy separator who also has speed to burn down the field. 

16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Makai Lemon, WR, USC 

The Steelers need to get a lot better at wide receiver outside of DK Metcalf. Doing some of his best work in the slot, Lemon understands how to run routes, is dangerous after the catch, and is also tougher at the catch point than you’d expect. 

17. Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 

The Texans are a very easy team to mock for right now. Their offensive line is arguably the worst in college football, so a player like Lomu could potentially come in and compete at multiple spots. He’s a talented athlete at 6-6 and 304 pounds, and just beginning to figure out how good he can be. 

18. Detroit Lions: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State 

There may not be a safer projected first round selection than Ioane. He’s a brick wall in pass protector and has shown increased mobility in 2025 after dropping some bad weight. 

19. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson 

Just like clockwork, the Ravens let a great player fall right into their lap. It has been a season to forget for Woods on a bad Clemson team, but the 6-3, 315-pound defensive tackle is a ball of chaos on the interior of a defense. 

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

There is a huge need for the Buccaneers’ defense to add some young talent. Styles is a long linebacker whose safety background shows up with his impressive overall movement skills. 

21. Buffalo Bills: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville 

The Bills need some wide receivers who make things a lot easier for quarterback Josh Allen. At over 6-1 and 227 pounds, Bell is dynamic after the catch. As his game continues to round into form, he has the chance to be special. 

22. Cleveland Browns: Kevin “KC” Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

With the quarterback position still in a bit of a tough spot, giving Sanders, or whoever is the quarterback moving forward an abundance of talent is ideal. The former NC State standout is dynamic after the catch, as well as a smooth customer as a route runner. 

23. San Francisco 49ers: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon 

The former Nevada transfer has all the talent in the World. As I see myself out with this dad joke, the 49ers would be wise to bring him in with All-Pro Trent Williams nearing the end of his legendary career. 

24. Dallas Cowboys: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma 

While the Cowboys have a couple of younger promising pass rushers, you can never have enough in today’s NFL. Thomas will have some limitations as a run defender, but that kid is going to get after the quarterback for a very long time. 

25. Los Angeles Chargers: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn 

The knee injury could cloud the projection for Lew, but he is the best center in the class, and it isn’t particularly close. The 6-3, 300-pound standout could combine with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater to create an outstanding offensive line trio for the foreseeable future. 

26. Chicago Bears: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Bears are a team trending in a great direction under head coach Ben Johnson. Terrell is a great culture fit, as well as providing key versatility working on the outside or in the slot. 

27. Seattle Seahawks: Quincy Rhodes Jr., EDGE, Arkansas 

At 6-6 and 275 pounds, Rhodes has the movement skills, length, and body type to develop into a very good defensive end long term. His growth needs to come in the run game, where his overall awareness is a major work in progress. 

28. New York Jets: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida 

From a pure talent perspective, Banks is one of the very best in the entire 2026 class. He has been dealing with an injury this season, which has stunted some of the hype, but the 6-6, 330-pound behemoth still has a very bright future. 

29. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon 

With Dallas Goedert set to hit free agency, it might be time for the Eagles to have a reset at the tight end position. The board fell favorably to them, and there’s a very good chance that Sadiq goes quite a bit higher than this in April. He has incredible upside as a receiving threat, while also being arguably the best blocking tight end in the 2026 class. 

30. Denver Broncos: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

While McDonald may be viewed as a bit of a luxury, his ability as a run defender can’t be understated. At 6-3 and 326 pounds, he is incredibly physical and rarely ever gets moved at the point of attack. 

31. Los Angeles Rams: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina 

Sellers is a mess right now, and the lack of progress in 2025 at South Carolina is extremely concerning. Putting him behind Matthew Stafford and also allowing him to learn under head coach Sean McVay could allow them to tap into the elite talent that Sellers possesses. 

32. New England Patriots: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee 

The Patriots could stand to add more speed around quarterback Drake Maye, and Brazzell brings plenty of it, along with his length and range. Maye loves to throw the ball down the field, which meshes perfectly with the former Tulane transfer. 

Round Two 

33. Tennessee Titans: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington 

34. New York Giants: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama 

35. New York Jets: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee 

36. Las Vegas Raiders: A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon 

37. New Orleans Saints: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson 

38. Houston Texans: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M 

39. Cincinnati Bengals: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

40. Arizona Cardinals: Brendan Sorsby, QB, Cincinnati 

41. Cleveland Browns: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon 

42. Atlanta Falcons: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama 

Drake London is a tremendous young wide receiver, but the options outside of him are less than ideal. Bernard isn’t a flash pass catcher, but he is incredibly efficient and makes the routine plays that come to him, as well as some difficult ones at times. His floor is extremely high as a player. 

43. Minnesota Vikings: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina 

44. Miami Dolphins: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas 

45. New York Jets: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC 

46. Kansas City Chiefs: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson 

47. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC 

48. Houston Texans: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan 

49. Carolina Panthers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia 

50. Detroit Lions: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama  

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

52. Baltimore Ravens: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana 

53. Jacksonville Jaguars: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

54. San Francisco 49ers: Dominique Orange, DT, Iowa State

55. Buffalo Bills: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia 

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

Without a first round selection due to the Micah Parsons trade, the Packers opt to improve their secondary. Lee began his career at Kansas State and is one of the more physical press cornerbacks in the 2026 class. 

57. Los Angeles Chargers: Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama  

58. Seattle Seahawks: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon 

59. Indianapolis Colts: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo 

For the third straight season, Toledo has a chance to have a defensive player drafted inside of the Top-100 selections. McNeil-Warren is a bigger safety who is a tremendous asset around the box, while also being a better coverage player than most will give him credit for. 

60. Chicago Bears: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington 

61. Philadelphia Eagles: AJ Harris, CB, Penn State 

62. Denver Broncos: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

63. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson 

64. New England Patriots: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech 

Round Three

65. Tennessee Titans: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State 

66. Houston Texans: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas 

67. Las Vegas Raiders: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas 

68. New Orleans Saints: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU 

69. Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn 

70. Cincinnati Bengals: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State 

71. Arizona Cardinals: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee 

72. Cleveland Browns: Gennings Dunker, IOL, Iowa 

73. Washington Commanders: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia 

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

75. Miami Dolphins: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama 

76. Atlanta Falcons: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati 

77. Pittsburgh Steelers: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas 

78. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame 

79. Miami Dolphins: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State 

80. Carolina Panthers: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor 

81. Kansas City Chiefs: Anthony Smith, EDGE, Minnesota 

82. Jacksonville Jaguars: Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest 

83. Baltimore Ravens: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois 

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt 

85. San Francisco 49ers: Damon Wilson Jr., EDGE, Missouri 

86. Buffalo Bills: Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana 

87. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mateen Ibirogba, DT, Wake Forest 

88. Green Bay Packers: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame 

89. Los Angeles Chargers: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State 

90. Indianapolis Colts: Jaishawn Barham, LB/EDGE, Michigan 

91. Chicago Bears: Tyreek Sapp, EDGE, Florida 

92. Seattle Seahawks: Jermaine Matthews Jr., CB, Ohio State

93. Miami Dolphins: Xavier Scott, S/Nickel, Illinois 

94. Denver Broncos: Whit Weeks, LB, LSU

95. Los Angeles Rams: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma 

96. New England Patriots: Jelani McDonald, S, Texas 

97. Minnesota Vikings: Lander Barton, LB, Utah 

98. Philadelphia Eagles: Austin Siereveld, OT/IOL, Ohio State 

99. Pittsburgh Steelers: John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma 

100. Jacksonville Jaguars: Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest 

Round Four 

101. Tennessee Titans: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan 

102. New York Giants: Jack Golday, LB, Cincinnati 

103. Denver Broncos: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana 

104. New York Jets: Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC 

105. Las Vegas Raiders: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU 

106. Arizona Cardinals: DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado 

107. Cleveland Browns: Iapani Laloulu, IOL, Oregon 

108. Houston Texans: Terrance Carter, TE, Texas Tech 

109. Cincinnati Bengals: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State 

110. Miami Dolphins: Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State 

111. Atlanta Falcons: D’angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana 

112. Las Vegas Raiders: Aaron Anderson, WR, LSU 

113. Dallas Cowboys: Harold Perkins, LB, LSU

114. Houston Texans: Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama 

115. Carolina Panthers: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke 

116. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State 

117. Pittsburgh Steelers: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern 

118. Detroit Lions: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington 

119. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina 

120. Baltimore Ravens: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State 

121. Buffalo Bills: Boubacar Traore, EDGE, Notre Dame 

122. Jacksonville Jaguars: Austin Barber, OT, Florida 

123. San Francisco 49ers: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn

124. Green Bay Packers: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State 

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

126. New England Patriots: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri 

127. New Orleans Saints: Kage Casey, IOL, Boise State 

128. Indianapolis Colts: Ian Strong, WR, Rutgers 

129. Philadelphia Eagles: Anto Saka, EDGE, Northwestern 

130. Denver Broncos: Tao Johnson, S, Utah 

131. Chicago Bears: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College 

132: New England Patriots: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon 

133. Pittsburgh Steelers: Logan Jones, IOL, Iowa 

134. Las Vegas Raiders: Xavier Chaplin, OT, Auburn 

135. San Francisco 49ers: Christian Gray, CB, Notre Dame 

136. Detroit Lions: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama 

137. Philadelphia Eagles: Parker Brailsford, IOL, Alabama 

138. New Orleans Saints: Bray Hubbard, S, Alabama 

139. San Francisco 49ers: Suntarine Perkins, LB, Ole Miss 

140. San Francisco 49ers: Brian Parker II, IOL, Duke

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