The 2026 NFL Draft is only a few weeks away, which means we are in the middle of all the lies, deflections, and rumors for what we are going to see at the end of April. Now that free agency has passed, and team needs are better understood, it feels like a great time for another four-round 2026 NFL mock draft. Focusing on potential player-team fits will be key.

To help with this exercise, fellow A to Z Sports NFL Draft analysts Travis May, AJ Schulte, and Tyler Forness joined me for a collaboration. We each did ten consecutive selections in order to get into the flow, providing analysis for each selection in the first round. We also provided analysis for the first selections in the second round for those teams that did not have a top-32 selection.

With only a few weeks left until the draft, we are now at the part of the calendar where you are allowed to get upset about who we mocked to your favorite team. Just make sure that anger is pointed at the analyst who made the pick. Let’s have some fun (?).

First round of the 2026 NFL Draft 

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

Fernando Mendoza checks all of the boxes that NFL teams want to see. 6-4, 236 pounds, with solid arm strength and talent. He possesses enough mobility to extend plays and add a little value with his legs. Mendoza was extremely efficient, accurate, and smart with the ball last year for Indiana. Nearly 50 total touchdowns and a Heisman Trophy just make this an easy decision for the Las Vegas Raiders. – May 

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

Arvell Reese has some of the best raw tools of any defensive prospect in the last few years. He ran a 4.46-second forty-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He’s 6-4, 241 pounds. Reese can play off-ball linebacker, edge rusher, and drop into coverage well for a player with limited experience. He’s still developing his pass-rush arsenal, but he can plug-and-play as a potential All-Pro NFL defender right away. – May

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

Francis Mauigoa is a former five-star offensive tackle recruit who lived up to the hype. Three-year starter. Perfect height, weight, and other size measurements for today’s NFL offensive tackles. Mauigoa has it all. He’s a physical force in the run game who can also pass protect extremely well. – May

4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

David Bailey is the best pure pass-rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft. He posted three seasons in a row with a pressure rate over 20%. He tallied 15 sacks in 2025. Bailey is a twitched-up athlete with elite speed and burst (98th percentile speed score, 96th percentile burst score). The Titans still need more edge defenders, and Bailey gives them all the juice they need to become a quarterback’s worst nightmare on defense. – May

5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles Jr., LB, Ohio State

Sonny Styles Jr. has long been considered “the other Ohio State linebacker” in the 2026 NFL Draft class, but he might actually be more pro-ready from the start when compared to his teammate, Arvell Reese. He can get a bit too aggressive and over pursues on angles, washing himself out against the run from time to time, but he is one of the most consistent, dominant tacklers and well-rounded defenders in the class with top-tier athleticism. – May

6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

The Browns have to get a whole lot better on offense, and Carnell Tate should help with that immediately. Tate doesn’t have wild stats because he was often sharing targets with fellow future first-round picks like Marvin Harrison, Emeka Egbuka, and Jeremiah Smith (eligible for 2027). However, don’t let the low-level stats fool you. He makes virtually everything look far too easy at the wide receiver position. Stacking defensive backs. Running routes efficiently. Winning at the point-of-catch. Tate does it all. – May

7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Commanders are drafting Jeremiyah Love if he somehow makes it to pick seven. No doubt about it. Rachaad White and Jerome Ford make for a nice little band-aid backfield if they somehow miss on Love, but neither comes anywhere close talentwise. Love racked up over 3000 yards from scrimmage and 40+ touchdowns in the last two seasons combined. He ran a 4.36-second forty-yard dash at the NFL Combine (97th percentile for a running back). Love’s track speed, contact balance, and proven production make him a strong pick here. – May

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

Okay, this is far enough. Caleb Downs is the best player available on the board, regardless of position if he makes it to pick eight in virtually any scenario. The Saints could go several directions, but snagging an All-American who can play any back-seven position if called upon is a win. Downs is a tackle monster who improved in coverage every single year. The Saints get a defensive captain candidate and an All-Pro talent. – May

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Chiefs need to upgrade their cornerback room after sending Trent McDuffie packing. Mansoor Delane might be even better. Delane allowed a pass rating below 40 when targeted last season, defending a dozen passes, and logging far more tackles than expected for a pure perimeter pass-coverage specialist. He is the most trustworthy cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft class with essentially zero red flags and the most recent track record of complete dominance. – May

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

This is a dream scenario for the Cincinnati Bengals. Yes, they brought in Boye Mafe, but they no longer have Trey Hendrickson and could use more surefire productive pass-rusher threats. Reuben Bain may have short arms (seriously, first percentile), but he doesn’t win with his length. He wins with power, his elite first step off the snap, and his shocking bend for such a high-cut muscular player. Bain instantly upgrades one of the worst defenses in the NFL. – May

11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Looking at the roster of the Dolphins, they have a ton of needs and a lot of capital with seven selections in the top 94. They could go in multiple different directions, and there really isn’t a wrong answer for them. On tape, McCoy is one of the better defenders in the draft class, but the knee injury could end up having him fall with the March 31st pro day being massive for him. If he is good health-wise, the Dolphins have an elite cornerback prospect. – Forness 

12. Dallas Cowboys: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The best cornerback in the NFL Draft, for my money, is Terrell. He thrives in every situation that you put him in, whether it be off or press coverage, man, zone or in run defense. His size isn’t ideal at 5-11 and 186 pounds, but he more than makes up for it with his intangibles, aggressiveness, and ball skills. – Forness 

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Rams are one of the more fascinating teams in the NFL when it comes to the draft. They are continuously linked to wide receivers, especially A.J. Brown, which leads me to believe they will be in on one at 13th overall. Tyson has a lot of things that Sean McVay will like, especially his frame, ball skills, and willingness to get physical over the middle of the field. – Forness 

14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State

The Ravens need to find a way to better protect Lamar Jackson, as they just restructured his contract to save over $40 million on the salary cap. Ioane is a mauler on the interior who can thrive in multiple schemes, but is better in a gap scheme, and that’s perfect for the Ravens. – Forness 

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

There are multiple needs on the Buccaneers defense, but the biggest is at edge rusher. They struggled getting pressure on the edge last season, and it was a big reason why their defense couldn’t stop opposing teams. This might be a bit early for Howell, but he fits the profile of what Bowles wants in an edge rusher: fast and bendy. – Forness 

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

The Jets got their difference maker on defense in Arvell Reese at second overall, and they doubled down with another talented player, but on the offensive side of the football. Garrett Wilson is a really good wide receiver, and he needs a running mate. Lemon doesn’t have prototypical size, but he can attack all three levels of the field and maximize what they do on offense. – Forness 

17. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

There isn’t a lot of excitement surrounding Keldric Faulk, but there should be. He isn’t seen as a player with an elite pass rush profile due to his perceived stiffness, but he is surprisingly good at bending the arc and can grow into a much more refined player. He’s the exact type of player that the Lions would like to have start opposite of Aidan Hutchinson. – Forness 

18. Minnesota Vikings: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Defensive tackle is arguably the biggest need for the Vikings. They let go of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen after just one season in purple and gold, leaving a gaping hole on the defensive line. It hasn’t been a great process for the Tigers’ defensive tackle, but Woods has the well-rounded ability to thrive in Flores’ system and be an explosive pass rusher on the interior. – Forness 

19. Carolina Panthers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Panthers have spent a lot of capital at wide receiver in recent years, but that has been at X-receiver in Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette. What they don’t have is someone to win with nuanced route running and quick twitch. That is something that Concepcion has in droves, along with excellent YAC ability, both of which will help Bryce Young. – Forness 

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

There aren’t many worse position rooms in the NFL than the Cowboys’ linebacker room. If they don’t trade down to acquire more draft capital, Allen makes a ton of sense here. He was trusted by Bulldogs defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann to run the defense as a 20-year old, and he will be great in Christian Parker’s defense. – Forness 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

The Steelers haven’t hidden their interest in upgrading their wide receiver room in the offseason, as the room is in dire straits. No matter who the quarterback is, the wide receiver room is non-functional as it stands right now. Cooper would be a perfect fit opposite of DK Metcalf with his strong hands and after-the-catch ability. – Schulte 

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Oronde Gadsden II was a good rookie, but this would simply be too good a value to pass up here, in my opinion. Sadiq can be whatever the Chargers want him to be as an inline tight end, slot receiver, wide receiver, and everything in between. He’s an elite athlete and would be one of Herbert’s immediate favorites. – Schulte 

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

The recent injuries and retirement concerns, alongside the loss of Jeff Stoutland, have cast a bit of a shadow over the future of what was once the best offensive line in football. The Eagles need to start reinvesting here and doing what GM Howie Roseman does best. – Schulte 

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Monroe Freeling has been in conversation (perhaps consensus) to go sixth overall, but the Browns end up snagging him here with their second first-round pick here. Freeling is an elite athlete with an SEC pedigree and a clearly ascending developmental trajectory given his tools and improved play from year-to-year. – Schulte 

25. Chicago Bears: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

Chicago’s pass rush desperately needs help, as they had to rely far too often on manufactured pressure due to the lack of talent on the defensive line. Thomas would be a massive boost to their pass rush with his unique blend of explosiveness and bend. – Schulte 

26. Buffalo Bills: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson 

The Bills are evidently completely overhauling the defense this offseason with new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard in town. They still need plenty of new pieces along the defensive line and pass rush, and Parker is a seamless fit up front. – Schulte 

27. San Francisco 49ers: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Trent Williams controversy has once again brought the 49ers’ offensive line situation into doubt. San Francisco has a lot of holes to address, but their offensive line is in particularly poor shape. Fano has the ability to play all five positions, but in Kyle Shanahan’s system, I think he can be an effective tackle replacement to give them a long-term answer, regardless of what unfolds with Williams. – Schulte 

28. Houston Texans: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

The Texans have done a good job at attacking holes in free agency and have at least set themselves up to take the best player available here. I think the upside swing here with Caleb Banks would undoubtedly be worth it. His injuries are no doubt a concern, but they have the defensive talent to work him in slowly and the proven development ability to get the most out of Banks. Him plugging the middle would be a boon for the rest of their defensive line. – Schulte 

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The Chiefs evidently hit the reset button in the secondary this offseason. While wide receiver and tight end are obvious needs here, the board didn’t quite fall right, and an elite talent fell right into their hands. Thieneman, to me, is the best coverage safety in this draft and would be an instant top-flight playmaker for the Chiefs’ secondary, and allow them to relegate Chamarri Conner to a reserve role. – Schulte 

30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Pick any position room on the Dolphins to go here, they need the help. Jeff Hafley loves having reliable safeties patrolling the back end of his defense, and the Dolphins…currently don’t have one of those. McNeil-Warren, alongside Jermod McCoy, would be as strong of a rebuild you could ask for in the secondary, and the Dolphins need it if Hafley is going to succeed in his vision for the defense. – Schulte 

31. New England Patriots: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

In terms of flashiness, Mesidor isn’t going to blow anyone away athletically. He is, however, one of the safer players in the 2026 EDGE group. What he lacks in explosiveness, Mesidor makes up for with his combination of hand usage and pass rush plan. That could add an immediate boost to a Patriots team with Super Bowl aspirations. 

32. Seattle Seahawks: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M

After Free Agency, right guard is still the most glaring need on the Seahawks roster. Bisontis is a tremendous pass protector on the interior who spent a year at right tackle for the Aggies. While his run blocking is still a bit of a work in progress, he projects as an immediate upgrade for the offensive line. This team is built off of being physical and building through the trenches. 

Second round of the 2026 NFL Draft 

33. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama 

34. Arizona Cardinals: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State 

35. Tennessee Titans: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

36. Las Vegas Raiders: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

37. New York Giants: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

38. Houston Texans (via WAS): Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

39. Cleveland Browns: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

40. Kansas City Chiefs: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

41. Cincinnati Bengals: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

42. New Orleans Saints: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

43. Miami Dolphins: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

44. New York Jets (via DAL): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

45. Baltimore Ravens: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

47. Indianapolis Colts: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

With the loss of Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason, the Colts are lacking that physical presence on the outside. Fields brings a massive catch radius and strong catch point ability to the table. Combining him with Alec Pierce and Josh Downs should make for a fun wide receiver trio for the future. – Roberts 

48. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

The Falcons have several needs on the defensive side of the football. The former NC State standout has experience playing both on the outside and in the slot, which is incredibly attractive for a prospective defensive coordinator. Cisse is an extremely impressive cover man with all the athletic upside you would want. Now it’s about being consistent. – Roberts 

49. Minnesota Vikings: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn

50. Detroit Lions: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa

51. Carolina Panthers: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

52. Green Bay Packers: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

The Packers need help at cornerback really badly, and they have strict thresholds that have to be met. Igbinosun doesn’t have the most consistent profile in the world in terms of production, but he’s got plenty of athleticism and man coverage ability to thrive in the NFL. – Forness 

53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon

54. Philadelphia Eagles: Bryce Lance, WR, NDSU

55. Los Angeles Chargers: Jalen Farmer, OG, Kentucky

56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

After losing Devin Lloyd in free agency, the Jaguars need to add talent at that position. One player they can look to is Trotter, who plays like his dad, Jeremiah Trotter, and a modern-day linebacker with fluidity in space. He can start in year one and be a difference-maker in Duval. – Forness 

57. Chicago Bears: Jake Slaughter, OC, Florida

58. San Francisco 49ers: Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech

59. Houston Texans: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

60. Chicago Bears (via BUF): Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

61. Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

62. Denver Broncos: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

At around 6-4 and 240 pounds, Golday is an extremely athletic linebacker on the second level. With a ton of experience playing in space, he should add an immediate boost in subpackage situations. How quickly Golday can show he can play as a stacked linebacker more consistently will determine his upside early in his NFL career. – Roberts

63. New England Patriots: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

64. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

Third round of the 2026 NFL Draft 

65. Arizona Cardinals: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

66. Tennessee Titans: Sam Hecht, OC, Kansas State

67. Las Vegas Raiders: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

68. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): AJ Haulcy, S, LSU

69. Houston Texans (via NYG): Logan Jones, OC, Iowa

70. Cleveland Browns: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

71. Washington Commanders: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama 

72. Cincinnati Bengals: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

73. New Orleans Saints: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

74. Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

75. Miami Dolphins: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

76. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt

78. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

79. Atlanta Falcons: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

80. Baltimore Ravens: Trey Zuhn, OC, Texas A&M 

81. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (FL)

82. Minnesota Vikings: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State

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

84. Green Bay Packers: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M

86. Los Angeles Chargers: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC

87. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Darrell Jackson, DT, Florida State

89. Chicago Bears: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

90. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

91. Buffalo Bills: Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon

92. Dallas Cowboys (vis SF): Kaleb Proctor, DT, SE Louisiana

93. Los Angeles Rams: Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida

94. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia

95. New England Patriots: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

96. Seattle Seahawks: Ahmari Harvey, CB, Georgia Tech

97. Minnesota Vikings (compensatory): Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

98. Philadelphia Eagles (compensatory): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State

99. Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory): Kage Casey, OT, Boise State

100. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET, compensatory): Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

Fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft 

101. Tennessee Titans: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

102. Las Vegas Raiders: Bud Clark, S, TCU

103. New York Jets: Devin Moore, CB, Florida

104. Arizona Cardinals: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

105. New York Giants: Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal

106. Houston Texans (via WAS): Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State

107. Cleveland Browns: Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona

108. Denver Broncos (via NO): Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan

109. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Joly, TE, NC State

110. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Parker II, OC, Duke

111. Denver Broncos (via MIA): Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

112. Dallas Cowboys: Austin Barber, OT, Florida

113. Indianapolis Colts: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona 

114. Atlanta Falcons: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee

115. Baltimore Ravens: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn

116. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

117. Las Vegas Raiders (via MIN): Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri

118. Detroit Lions: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

119. Carolina Panthers: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

120. Green Bay Packers: Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC 

121. Pittsburgh Steelers: Romello Height, EDGE Texas Tech

122. Philadelphia Eagles: Harold Perkins, LB, LSU

123. Los Angeles Chargers: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

124. Jacksonville Jaguars: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

125. New England Patriots (via CHI): Mike Washington, RB, Arkansas

126. Buffalo Bills: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

127. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin Coleman, WR, Missouri

128. Detroit Lions (via HOU): Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State

129. Chicago Bears (via LAR): Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest

130. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC

131. New England Patriots: Markel Bell, OT, Miami

132. New Orleans Saints (via SEA): Charlie Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

133. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory): Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

134. Las Vegas Raiders (compensatory): Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington

135. Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory): Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

136. New Orleans Saints (compensatory): Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama

137. Philadelphia Eagles (compensatory): Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa

138. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory): Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina

139. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory): Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn

140. New York Jets (compensatory): Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan