Post-Senior Bowl 3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Raiders, Browns, Steelers, and Dolphins grab quarterbacks, Bengals shock in the top-10

How will the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft look after the Senior Bowl?

Joe DeLeone, Ryan Roberts
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Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National Team defensive tackle Lee Hunter (10) of Texas Tech works against National Team offensive lineman Beau Stephens (70) of Iowa during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
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The first major tentpole for the 2026 NFL Draft process has passed, and now we can charge full speed ahead with the NFL Combine up next. The Senior Bowl marked the beginning of what will be an exciting few months leading up to the draft at the end of April.

This year’s Senior Bowl generated buzz about a number of unheralded prospects who were on the fringe and could be picked in the top 100. Most importantly, a handful of prospects with first-round potential have major questions that need to be proven in a big way.

With the Senior Bowl behind us, let’s take a look at what the first three rounds could look like after the biggest risers revealed themselves.

3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft

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

It’s time for the Raiders to completely tear it down and create a better foundation. While Mendoza doesn’t have any elite tools, he’s pretty good at everything. He should stabilize a quarterback position that has been poor for years.

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

The Jets need to find some defenders who can become difference makers. Reese has an incredibly unique skill set at 6-4 and 245 pounds. He has Pro Bowl upside at multiple spots with a ton of room to grow.

3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Josh Sweat is a good pass rusher, but the Cardinals could use some increased juice on the other side of him. After being a designated pass rusher while at Stanford, Bailey evolved into a dominant player in 2025. There is still even more upside to tap into.

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

The Titans need to leave the draft with some upgrades to their pass rush. Bain is an outlier of sorts but brings a ton of strength and a high motor. He also has some alignment potential to play inside in certain situations.

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

With quarterback Jackson Dart in place, the Giants must do their absolute best to protect him at all costs. There are some questions about whether Mauigoa would be better as a right tackle or inside at guard on the next level.

Regardless, he should be able to plug in day one to upgrade the offensive line. 

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

Without a quarterback worth taking on the board, the Browns opt to keep the Buckeye star in-state. Tate was a good player in 2024, but he became an elite one this past season. His game is reminiscent of former Pro Bowl wide receiver Robert Woods, except in a bigger, faster, and stronger athlete. 

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

The Commanders had the worst defense in the NFL last season. So, adding a high-floor player like Downs on the back end would make for an instant upgrade.

Downs is an extremely instinctive football player who does his best work robbing underneath zones and getting involved in the run game. 

8. New Orleans Saints: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

A big area of focus for the Saints will be becoming more explosive on offense. There is no prospect in the class who offers the big-play ability that Love does. Combine an improving power profile and pass game upside, and you have an all-around running back with All-Pro potential.

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

Tyson would offer so much to the Chiefs’ passing attack that desperately needs his skill set. The former Arizona State pass catcher is a silky athlete with unreal downfield acceleration. He has the potential to be a three-level threat for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. 

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

After dominating the 2026 Senior Bowl, Banks has a strong chance to continue climbing up draft boards. At 6-6 and 330 pounds, the former Gator standout has all the upside in the world. The Bengals desperately need a defensive tackle who can impact the game both against the run and pass.

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Since trading away Jalen Ramsey last offseason, there couldn’t be a more obvious need for the Dolphins. With Jeff Hafley coming in, they’ll want to establish their identity through their defense.

While in Green Bay, Hafley got so much out of his secondary, and a prospect like Delane would be a perfect fit. His tremendous coverage skills and potential versatility make him a coveted prospect this year.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The Cowboys need youth and athleticism on defense; Styles can help provide that. This season, Styles took a major leap in his instincts, showing natural processing that made huge plays. Not to mention the fact that he’s gigantic and has the range to be a disruptive inside backer in the NFL.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

McCoy’s landing spot will be a question mark during this draft because he missed the entire 2025 season with a knee injury. His 2024 tape was undeniably at a top-10 level, but does the lack of film this year hurt his stock?

Luckily, a team like the Rams has an established culture and depth to bring him along slowly as he knocks off the rust

14. Baltimore Ravens: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Parker’s 2025 season didn’t live up to the hype many hoped for. However, the film made it clear that Parker has elite athletic traits, including his burst, power, and length.

Parker showcased this at the Senior Bowl, as he was a consistent winner in team drills and one-on-ones. While this may seem like a major leap, he was on the radar as a late first-rounder in this class and would fit nicely with the Ravens.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

It almost feels as though Allen is being undervalued in this class, despite being one of the most reliable prospects. For a team like the Buccaneers needing a final defensive piece, his elite instincts and consistency as a tackler set him up to be a potential Pro Bowl-caliber player.

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

Garrett Wilson needs a running mate in New York, as the Jets’ offense seriously lacks playmakers. While this mock assumes they won’t find their franchise quarterback this year, the best thing they can do is build an environment for the next QB to succeed. Lemon is a spark plug for any offense thanks to his burst and route running.

17. Detroit Lions: Keldrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Finding a secondary rusher for the Lions has felt like an unaddressed problem for some time. Aidan Hutchinson could use someone to divert attention away, and Faulk can provide that. Faulk may not set up to be a highly productive pass rusher in the NFL, but he’s perfect for the role of being the second-best defensive end in Detroit.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Minnesota’s secondary could use a boost at cornerback, and Terrell looks like the ideal man to help them.

19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Bryce Young proved he deserves one more shot to prove himself as the long-term solution at quarterback in Carolina.

They need to add one more piece to this offense to help him reach his potential. Sadiq is an explosive athlete with a willingness to be an impactful run blocker. He could develop into one of the best tight ends in the NFL

20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers): Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

This mock draft positions the Cowboys to rebuild their defense effectively. While Howell may not have the requisite length of a pass rusher, he makes up for it with high-level technique and ridiculous burst. Adding him would create a defense with elite speed.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Taking a quarterback crossed my mind for a second, but the value just wasn’t there in this spot. Instead, the Steelers opt to add a weapon for whoever is the quarterback long term. Concepcion is lightning after the catch with extreme fluidity as a route runner. 

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson 

If Woods were to fall this late, the Chargers better sprint to the podium. While 2025 was a down year for him, Woods is still an incredibly talented football player. He is a ball of chaos on the interior at 6-2 and 315 pounds. 

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah 

The Eagles could use help on the interior, and some future insurance at right tackle once Lane Johnson retires. Fano offers upside in several areas, boasting a solid combination of movement skills and effort. This feels like an ideal Eagles selection if Fano is available in this spot. 

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 

With the Browns needing to upgrade both offensive tackle spots, investing early in the draft would be wise. Lomu is a talented athlete who is still growing into his body. If developed properly, Lomu has a chance to become a plus starter on the next level. 

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

In terms of pure run-stopping defensive tackles, there is none better in the 2026 class than McDonald. The Bears could use that combination of brute strength and physicality on the interior. The 6-3, 326-pound behemoth might not be flashy all of the time, but McDonald is incredibly valuable. 

26. Buffalo Bills: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon 

The Bills need to find a playmaker from the safety position. Thieneman is an extremely versatile defender with experience playing single high, two high, mid hole, as a robber, and down in the box. Thieneman offers a lot of diversity to a defensive coordinator. 

27. San Francisco 49ers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia 

Trent Williams’ stellar career is coming to a close quickly. Freeling has the length, athleticism, and upside to eventually fill that left tackle spot. Until Williams is done, Freeling also has enough physicality to compete at either right tackle or inside at guard. 

28. Houston Texans: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State 

The Texans need to add as many good offensive linemen as possible to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud. Ioane isn’t the most dynamic talent of all time, but his floor is very appealing. He should, at worst, develop into a solid starter. 

29. Los Angeles Rams: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville 

A team will have to be patient with Bell after tearing his ACL this season. For those who are, you have the chance to get a dynamic passing game weapon. At over 6-1 and 220 pounds, Bell is a dynamic after-catch threat with upside to become an all-around wide receiver. 

30. Denver Broncos: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Hunter put together a dominant 2025 season for Texas Tech. He coupled that with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl this past week as well. At 6-3.5 and 320 pounds, Hunter is a dominant interior presence. 

31. New England Patriots: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Ultimately, Proctor likely projects best as a guard in the NFL, but one of the best landing spots for him could be New England. Bolstering their offensive line with a big mauling presence like Proctor is a must.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Hood had an up-and-down week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, but is still one of the most solid defensive back prospects in this class. Depending on how Seattle handles their secondary lineup, he could slot in as an early starter.

Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

33. New York Jets: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
34. Arizona Cardinals: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
35. Tennessee Titans: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee
36. Las Vegas Raiders: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
37. New York Giants: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
38. Houston Texans (via WAS): Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
39. Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
40. Kansas City Chiefs: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
41. Cincinnati Bengals: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo 
42. New Orleans Saints: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia 
43. Miami Dolphins: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana 
44. New York Jets (via DAL): R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma 
45. Baltimore Ravens: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn 
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina 
47. Indianapolis Colts: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri 

Trotter is one of the very best 2026 prospects who isn’t talked about enough. The “other Trotter brother,” Josiah, is actually the better of the two. He is an incredibly instinctive defender who is always around the football. 

48. Atlanta Falcons: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana 

Ponds’ size will tell everyone that he will be a nickel on the next level, and while that’s likely, the former Indiana star could end up being an exception. Blessed with outstanding speed, the best parts of Ponds’ game come from his intelligence and tenacity. This is a winning football player. 

49. Minnesota Vikings: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington 
50. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson 
51. Carolina Panthers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
52. Green Bay Packers: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

The Packers’ cornerback room is still depleted, and they could use a boost in this draft class. Muhammad had several impressive plays at the Senior Bowl, showcasing impactful physicality and ball skills.

53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

Travis Hunter’s return from injury is key for the Jaguars defense, taking another impressive step in 2026. However, if his role continues to be to split, Jacksonville will need great depth at cornerback. Neal’s length would provide a solid backup option for the Jaguars.

57. Chicago Bears: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
58. San Francisco 49ers: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
59. Houston Texans: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
60. Buffalo Bills: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
61. Los Angeles Rams: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
62. New England Patriots: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois 
63. Denver Broncos: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt 
64. Seattle Seahawks: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, USC 

Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft

65. Arizona Cardinals: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame 
66. Tennessee Titans: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State 
67. Las Vegas Raiders: Gennings Dunker, IOL, Iowa 
68. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame 
69. Houston Texans (via NYG): Kamari Ramsey, S, USC 
70. Cleveland Browns: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M 
71. Washington Commanders: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
72. Cincinnati Bengals: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
73. New Orleans Saints: Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri
74. Kansas City Chiefs: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
75. Miami Dolphins: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
78. Indianapolis Colts: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
79. Atlanta Falcons: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
80. Baltimore Ravens: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State 
82. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida 
83. Carolina Panthers: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State 
84. Green Bay Packers: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati 
85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon 
86. Los Angeles Chargers: Fa’alili Fa’amoe, IOL, Wake Forest 
87. Miami Dolphins (via PHI): Genesis Smith, S, Arizona 
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern 
89. Chicago Bears: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State 
90. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State 
91. Buffalo Bills: Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn
92. San Francisco 49ers: Jalon Kilgore, S South Carolina
93. Los Angeles Rams: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
94. New England Patriots: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
95. Denver Broncos: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
96. Seattle Seahawks: Aaron Anderson, WR, LSU
97. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
98. Philadelphia Eagles: Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona
99. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cole Wisniewski, S Texas Tech
100. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

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