As the NFL playoff race heats up, there are a handful of teams that find themselves on the outside looking in for the remainder of the season. Luckily for them, we’ve got you covered with our latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
There are still six more weeks of football left to be played, but using the draft order based on current standings ahead of Week 14, here are our picks for all 32 selections in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
1) New York Jets (via Titans, projected trade): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
TRADE PROPOSAL: Titans receive No. 7 pick, No. 23 pick, No. 48 pick, 2027 first-round pick via Colts, 2027 second-round pick; Jets receive No. 1 pick
Because of their trades sending out Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, the New York Jets have a surplus of draft picks to work with. However, the chances they receive the quarterback of their choosing at No. 7 are slim, so in our 2026 NFL Mock Draft, they make a bold move and move up for No. 1, and they’d still have two first-round picks in 2027 to work with.
Fernando Mendoza is a tall, poised, and intelligent quarterback who sees the field well and has a natural sense of timing behind his throws. With a strong arm and advanced capabilities from within the pocket, I think Mendoza is the safest quarterback in this class.
2) Las Vegas Raiders (via Giants, projected trade): Dante Moore, QB, Alabama
TRADE PROPOSAL: Giants receive No. 4 pick, No. 35 pick, 2027 second-round pick; Raiders receive No. 2 pick
Seeing the Jets move up puts pressure on the Las Vegas Raiders in this hypothetical, and they move up to No. 2 in a trade with the New York Giants to make sure they aren’t left out. With Geno Smith’s down year, the Raiders will probably be in the market for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
A backup to current Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel last year, Dante Moore has really come into his own for Oregon in 2025. He’s a gifted thrower with a loose arm that generates good velocity and can deliver accurate strikes from different angles and platforms. His creativity shines when he has to extend the play out of the pocket, and he’s shown flashes of full-field progressions over the course of the year.
3) New Orleans Saints: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Though two trades see teams move up in front of the New Orleans Saints in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, they’d still get a quarterback with starting potential at the No. 3 pick. It’s a three-quarterback class as far as potential first-round picks go, and the Saints get the last of them here.
Ty Simpson is only a one-year starter in college, but he’s pretty advanced given his limited playing time. A backup to Jalen Milroe last year, Simpson isn’t quite as athletic or has as strong an arm as his predecessor, but he’s a much more polished passer, and Alabama’s offense looks much better because of it. He identifies soft spots in zone coverage well and exploits them accordingly. He does a good job of finding the open man, and he’s an accurate thrower of the football.
4) New York Giants (via Raiders, projected trade): Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Having moved down two spots and acquired two second-round picks in this hypothetical, the Giants would be in a favorable position to help accelerate their rebuild. They already have a dominant defensive line, but adding a superstar linebacker could help further elevate that unit.
It’s not very often you see an off-ball linebacker selected with a top-five pick in the NFL Draft. However, Arvell Reese is worth an exception. The 6’4″, 243-pounder is a physical specimen with elite size and length for an off-ball defender, which he pairs with impressive speed and ideal physicality, taking blocks head-on.
5) Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
The Cleveland Browns miss out on a top quarterback prospect in this hypothetical, but that’s hardly the end of the world for them. At No. 5, they’d have access to plenty of high-end offensive prospects to help get that side of the ball back on track.
Though Francis Mauigoa won’t wow you with his arm length measurements, his tape will undoubtedly make up for it. He lands his jabs with accurate placement and expert timing, and his grip strength allows him to lock out edge rushers from the inside of his frame. He redirects pretty well and rarely overshoots his pass sets in pass protection, and he showcases good spatial awareness against exotic rush looks. I feel confident that Mauigoa will become at least a solid starting offensive lineman in the NFL.
6) Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
2025 has been a year to forget for the Washington Commanders. While a lot of that is due to injuries to key contributors, they also don’t have much in the way of ascending talent on the defensive side of the ball. In particular, their pass rush has been a major issue.
Rueben Bain Jr. is a powerful edge rusher who accelerates quickly off the line of scrimmage. He maintains a low center of gravity at the point of attack, he converts speed to power well, and he has a deep arsenal of moves he can string together to shed blocks. He’s arguably been the best pure edge rusher in college football this year and is easily one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
7) Tennessee Titans (via Jets, projected trade): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Tennessee Titans are pretty far away from being a serious playoff contender. If they end up with the No. 1 pick for the second consecutive year, they’d probably trade out of it to surround Cam Ward with a deeper roster. Moving down to No. 7, they’d have the chance to gift their young quarterback a high-end wide receiver prospect.
The 6’3″ Carnell Tate can go under the radar sometimes at Ohio State with all the talent they’ve had there, but a good argument can be made that he’s the top wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. He brings an enticing combination of raw size and high speed that makes him a valuable vertical threat, and his body control attacking the ball in the air is tremendous.
8) Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Paris Johnson Jr. has grown into one of the better left tackles in professional football over the last few years. That said, the Arizona Cardinals still need to upgrade their right tackle position, with hopes that it would elevate their offense beyond what the unit has been able to achieve thus far.
Depending on what you look for in an offensive tackle, Spencer Fano might not be your top choice in the 2026 NFL Draft. He is to me, though, and a lot of that comes down to how polished he is. He’s not the biggest or strongest tackle out there, but he moves incredibly well with great footwork in pass protection and very nice lateral quickness. He lands his strikes accurately and does a good job of winning with proper pad leverage consistently.
9) Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The thought of the Los Angeles Rams trading up for Matthew Stafford’s eventual successor would make sense if the team is high enough on any of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class. They stay put in this mock draft, however, adding a stud cornerback to complement their stellar defensive front.
With an allowed passer rating of just 26.7 this season, Mansoor Delane has been a shutdown cornerback for LSU all year. He’s my top corner in the 2026 NFL Draft because of his instincts in coverage, impressive fluidity in space, competitiveness at the catch point, and his physicality as a tackler.
10) Cincinnati Bengals: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
It doesn’t take a scouting guru to know that the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense hasn’t lived up to expectations the last few years. They’ve made some moves to upgrade their defensive line in recent drafts, but their secondary remains a massive issue that needs to be addressed.
Jermod McCoy hasn’t played a down in 2025 due to injury, so the fact that he’s selected this high in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft speaks to how well he performed in 2024. He’s an athletic defensive back with excellent ball-tracking skills who mirrors movements well in coverage and plays with a scrappy mentality in press coverage; there’s a lot to like in his tape.
11) Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Not much has gone right for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025. A big part of those struggles has been the quarterback position, but it’s too early to give up on J.J. McCarthy. Their best bet is to just go with the best player available, who, in this mock draft, happens to play at a position of need.
As of this writing, Caleb Downs is my top overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. The fact that he plays safety makes estimating a draft slot for him in a mock draft difficult, but there’s no denying the tools he brings to the table. He’s a large, physical, athletic, intelligent safety with good ball skills in coverage and the fluidity to cover a lot of ground as a two-high or single-high safety. He’s the real deal.
12) Miami Dolphins: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Miami Dolphins have issues in the trenches on both sides of the ball this season. A defensive lineman could be tempting here, and there’s a nonzero chance they make a move at quarterback to move on from Tua Tagovailoa. That said, they still put at No. 12 to improve their offensive line in our mock draft.
Caleb Lomu is a smooth, polished left tackle who didn’t allow a single sack in 356 pass-blocking reps during the 2025 regular season. His hand timing, balance, and range in pass protection make him a top offensive tackle prospect, a worthy first-round selection in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
13) Kansas City Chiefs: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
With Chris Jones and George Karlaftis up front, the Kansas City Chiefs have two capable pass-rushers who can get after the quarterback. In the NFL, though, your defense becomes borderline impossible to block if you have three high-level defensive linemen, which the Chiefs should take advantage of if they pick this high in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Keldric Faulk is a physical anomaly at 6’6″ and 288 pounds with long arms and a frame that carries his weight very well. His size and length help him set the edge in run support, and his anchor is strong enough to stand his ground and plug up gaps up the middle. As a pass rusher, Faulk is a great athlete for his size who chases the quarterback with a high motor and can win inside or outside on the defensive line.
14) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
It’s possible the Pittsburgh Steelers trade up for a quarterback to succeed Aaron Rodgers, and that route was certainly considered when framing this mock draft. However, should they be unable to do so, they’d be smart to still enhance their passing attack in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jordyn Tyson would be a stellar complement to D.K. Metcalf in Pittsburgh’s offense. Rather than the latter’s ability to win above the rim with size and physicality, Tyson is more of a threat with his agility, sinking his hips sharply into his breaks and consistently creating separation underneath. He’s also an effective YAC receiver with good ball-carrier vision.
15) Carolina Panthers: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Though the Carolina Panthers were aggressive adding defensive line talent this offseason, it hasn’t come together as planned yet. They could go for an edge rusher early, but with Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen in the waiting, I like the idea of adding another defensive tackle in Round 1 of this mock draft, instead.
If the Panthers paired Peter Woods with Derrick Brown along their interior defensive line, they would be extremely tough to block up the middle. Woods is an explosive defensive tackle with refined hands, a high motor, excellent agility for his position, and a high football IQ that helps him two-gap well.
16) Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
It makes sense that the Dallas Cowboys have struggled rushing the passer this year, especially after they traded Micah Parsons before the start of the 2025 NFL season. They have two first-round picks in 2026, though, which should give them the chance to upgrade up front.
David Bailey is pass-rushing lightning in a bottle, and he belongs in the first half of Round 1 in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft. He’s a little undersized but brings impressive first-step acceleration, flexibility turning the corner, and an advanced understanding of how to use his hands to stack and shed blocks.
17) Detroit Lions: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
There’s still plenty of time for the Detroit Lions to push for a playoff spot, but they’re currently on the outside looking in. Though missing the postseason would be a disappointment, the silver lining is that they could add a potential star to their front-seven if they pick as high in real life as they do in our mock draft.
Arvell Reese gets a lot of the 2026 NFL Draft hype in that Ohio State linebacker room, but Sonny Styles is a freak of nature in his own right. His instincts have shown plenty of improvement over time, and he’s an explosive, well-built athlete with a large tackling radius and the ability to make plays in coverage.
18) Houston Texans: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Houston Texans use the first couple picks in the 2026 NFL Draft addressing the trenches on both sides of the ball. They’re playing great football right now, but they could use boosts to their offensive and defensive lines to propel themselves into the upper echelon of the AFC.
I had Olaivavega Ioane as one of the top interior offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft this summer, but he’s separated from the pack with his play this year. He is a sturdy guard prospect who knows how to use his hands and pad level to obtain leverage. His anchor strength gives him a higher floor than most at his position.
19) Baltimore Ravens: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Going into the 2025 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens had a good-looking group of edge rushers. That said, Mike Green has been rocky in his rookie year, they traded Odafe Oweh to the Chargers, and Kyle Van Noy turns 35 in March. They could use some more investment in that position.
With a starting opportunity now in his reach at Texas A&M, Cashius Howell has lived up to the hype in 2025. He finishes the regular season with an SEC-leading 11.5 sacks, and he’s displayed tremendous acceleration and flexibility off the edge. His arms aren’t incredibly long, but there’s a lot there to be excited about with him on tape.
20) Kansas City Chiefs (via Buccaneers, projected trade): Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
TRADE PROPOSAL: Buccaneers receive No. 46 pick, 2027 first-round pick; Chiefs receive No. 20 pick
In a bold move, the Kansas City Chiefs give up their 2027 first-round pick to move back up into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. In most cases, it would be an extremely aggressive trade, but the thought of adding an elite running back prospect to their offense along with a top edge rusher in Keldric Faulk was too enticing to pass up.
Excluding positional value, I’d argue Jeremiyah Love is at least a top-five player in the 2026 NFL Draft. He falls a little because he’s a running back. Still, he’s an explosive runner who combines sound decision-making between the tackles with elite speed, quick feet, and the ability to change direction, along with toughness that shows up both in the run game and as a receiver after the catch.
21) Buffalo Bills: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Buffalo Bills have been a consistent force to be reckoned with in the AFC, but they just haven’t been able to get over the hump and make it to the Super Bowl. One of their clear weaknesses this year has been a true WR1, which they could fix in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Makai Lemon has been the most productive wide receiver in the Big Ten in 2025, which says a lot when you consider how much talent resides in the conference. He holds the triple crown, leading with 79 catches, 1,156 yards, and 11 touchdowns. He is a sure-handed slot receiver who’s quick after the catch and consistently gets open against both man and zone coverage with sharp breaks and good leverage work through his stems.
22) Philadelphia Eagles: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
While the Philadelphia Eagles are still one of the top teams in the NFL this year, their pass rush hasn’t been as good as it was during their Super Bowl run last season. In this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, they look to address those concerns with their first-round pick.
Clemson as a whole didn’t live up to expectations this year, but T.J. Parker is still a tremendous player with a high ceiling in the NFL. He had 11 sacks as a sophomore and demonstrates great burst, lower-body strength, and refined hands on tape. Though his sack production fell this year, he remained incredibly efficient at putting pressure on the quarterback.
23) Tennessee Titans (via Jets, projected trade): Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Having traded back from the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in this mock, the Titans kicked things off with a potential top receiver for Cam Ward to throw to. With the second of their two first-round picks in this hypothetical, it could make sense to beef up their pass rush.
Matayo Uiagalelei has been a tremendous piece of Oregon’s defense in the last two years, tallying 15.5 sacks combined in that span. He’s an advanced technician for his age, with versatility along the entire defensive line and tremendous hand usage.
24) San Francisco 49ers: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
Trent Williams is still playing at an All-Pro level, ranking fifth among all offensive tackles in the NFL with an 87.8 OL Impact grade. He turns 38 next July, however, so the San Francisco 49ers will eventually need to plan for his successor.
In his first season as a full-time starter, Trevor Goosby displayed that he was worthy of the breakout buzz he got heading into 2025. He’s an elite athlete at offensive tackle with ideal length and coordination in pass protection, giving him a high ceiling to work with in the pros.
25) Los Angeles Chargers: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
The Los Angeles Chargers have two top offensive tackles in Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, but their respective injuries have really amplified the issues the team has along the interior. It would make sense for them to take a guard in the 2026 NFL draft, even if it means kicking a tackle inside as they do in this mock.
Though Kadyn Proctor is arguably the most inconsistent of the top offensive linemen in the 2026 draft, he might have the highest ceiling of the bunch. He’s a massive presence with long arms and powerful hands who’d be able to move from tackle to guard pretty well. He’s not just big; he’s coordinated and is able to handle power and maintain an anchor in pass protection.
26) Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
After adding a standout offensive tackle with their first pick in our 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Browns could look to double down on offense with the first-round pick they got from the Jacksonville Jaguars. In particular, adding another talented wide receiver could help get their passing attack out of the gutter.
Kevin Concepcion is a dynamic receiver with tremendous YAC ability and impressive quickness shooting out of his breaks as a route runner. Throughout his stints at Texas A&M and NC State, he’s been a reliable underneath weapon with inside-outside versatility.
27) Dallas Cowboys (via Packers): C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Logan Wilson was a smart addition at the 2025 NFL trade deadline, but the Cowboys still need upgrades at the linebacker position. Luckily for them, the 2026 draft seems to be pretty deep at the position, especially in terms of potential first-round prospects.
With impressive speed, agility, instincts against the run, and consistent tackling form, C.J. Allen is a true rangy linebacker with elite range as a tackler. He has the potential to be one of the top linebackers in the league in due time.
28) Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
It’s been a stellar 2025 season for the Seattle Seahawks, and they’re seeing strong play on both sides of the ball currently. That said, Riq Woolen is currently slated to hit free agency. He was the subject of many trade rumors going into the deadline, and while the Seahawks didn’t end up dealing him, they could be in the market for a replacement in the draft.
In the absence of Jermod McCoy in Tennessee’s cornerback room for much of the season, Colton Hood has really come into his own as their CB1. He’s a lengthy ball-hawking cornerback who covers with physicality through his stems, with the potential to be an impact starter by Year 2 or Year 3.
29) Los Angeles Rams: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
I considered going with an offensive tackle with the first of the Rams’ two first-round picks in our mock draft, but Mansoor Delane stood out as a perfect fit in my eyes. Though they passed on a tackle earlier, they should still have access to plenty of top talents later on in the first round.
At 6’8″, Isaiah World is a massive, mobile lineman, and his upside is undeniable. Few offensive tackles have the range in pass protection that he has. If he can stabilize his anchor better, he could be a serious impact lineman in the NFL.
30) Denver Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Denver Broncos nailed their two biggest free agent signings this offseason, boosting their already talented defense with both Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga. The third-biggest signing they made was Evan Engram, though, and he hasn’t lived up to the hype. As a result, the Broncos still have a need at tight end.
Kenyon Sadiq is an elite athlete who can separate from man coverage, has reliable hands as a pass catcher, and battles hard as a run blocker for a smaller tight end. His upside as a receiver is through the roof, making him worthy of a first-round selection in our 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
31) Chicago Bears: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
As of this writing, the Chicago Bears currently hold the No. 1 seed in the entire NFC. It’s been an incredible turnaround year for them in 2025, but this roster isn’t without its flaws. In particular, they’ve been average at rushing the passer, relying heavily on blitzing defensive backs to generate pressure because their defensive line hasn’t been able to consistently get to the quarterback.
LT Overton is a powerful, high-motivated defensive lineman with versatility along the front lines. He should defend the run well early on because of his play strength and tenacity, and he has the size-adjusted quickness to project well rushing the passer.
32) New England Patriots: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
In the same light, the New England Patriots have also had an incredible turnaround year in 2025. Their defense is a little ahead of the Bears currently, but to help them truly elevate into the upper echelon of NFL defenses, they could use some additional investments in their secondary in the 2026 NFL Draft.
A 6’2″ safety with impressive size, length, and straight-line speed, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has freakish athleticism with the potential to go higher than many expect. He’s a hard hitter and a smart processor who deserves an early-round pick in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
Round 2 | 33) Tennessee Titans: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
There was plenty to like in Brandon Cisse’s tape at NC State, but his transfer to South Carolina in 2025 saw him unlock his full potential. He’s a freak athlete with good coverage instincts, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him make his way into the first round when it’s all said and done.
34) New York Giants: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
Caleb Tiernan is a massive blocker, standing at 6’7″ and weighing 329 pounds, with gap-zone run-blocking versatility. He has the size, strength, hand usage, and spatial awareness to become a good starter in the NFL.
35) New York Giants (via Raiders): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
With an allowed passer rating of just 15.5 this season, Chris Johnson is my top Group of 5 prospect in this draft and has catapulted himself into first-round pick conversation. He’s a smooth, intelligent cornerback who reads route concepts well and also plays with a scrappy demeanor in run support.
36) New Orleans Saints: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Avieon Terrell is a sharp cover man with excellent speed and short-area burst, as well as good route-recognition capabilities. In 2024, he notched two interceptions and 12 pass breakups for Clemson, and he’s combined 21 pass deflections over the course of his last two seasons.
37) Houston Texans (via Commanders): Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald has shown he can rush the passer a bit up the middle, tallying three sacks thus far in 2025. He’s a thickly-built defender in a 1-technique’s body but has the pass-rushing chops of a 3-technique.
38) New York Jets: A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
Having traded Quinnen Williams to Dallas, the Jets now have a hole at defensive tackle. A’Mauri Washington is a massive, physical presence up the middle who plugs up gaps well and can move well for a big man.
39) Arizona Cardinals: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
At 6’4″ with a career drop rate of just 3.1% as of this writing, Denzel Boston is a physical boundary receiver with sticky hands and impressive body control. His ability to win above the rim and come down with catches in tight coverage would make him a valuable security blanket for Cam Ward.
40) Cleveland Browns: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
He’s an average athlete at safety, but Kamari Ramsey is a physical DB with a high football IQ who can make plays in coverage with his quick processing speed. He should end up being a solid starter in the pros, making him a top-40 selection in our 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
41) Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
A 6’6″, 325-pound interior lineman with more pass-rush juice than expected for a player his size, Caleb Banks has a very high ceiling at the NFL level. He’s powerful and disruptive, only falling into Round 2 due to a foot injury.
42) Minnesota Vikings: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
A rotational back at Alabama before transferring to Michigan this year, Justice Haynes has come into his own as one of the best running backs in college football. He’s a patient back who runs tough and can evade tacklers with both his contact balance and his agility in the open field.
43) Atlanta Falcons: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Keith Abney II has made significant improvements to his stock this season, which lands him in Round 2 of this 2026 NFL Mock Draft. He’s a well-rounded corner with very good ball skills who brings ideal aggressiveness as a tackler.
44) Miami Dolphins: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Garrett Nussmeier excels in all the fundamentals: he’s accurate, smart, and composed under pressure. His pocket presence and decision-making stand out. His 2025 inconsistency sees him fall down the board a bit, but when he’s on like he was for most of 2024, he displays genuine NFL starting potential.
45) Pittsburgh Steelers: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
LaNorris Sellers is a big-bodied QB with a rocket arm, tremendous athleticism, and great sack avoidance. A lack of growth in terms of accuracy and full-field progression ability hurts him, but he’s an absurdly talented athlete worth gambling on, especially if you’re lacking a long-term answer at the position like the Steelers are.
46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Chiefs, projected trade): Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Jake Golday has come from an under-recruited, 190-pound edge rusher into one of the top linebackers in college football. He’s now 6’4″ and 240 pounds, which, combined with his freakish athleticism, gives him one of the highest ceilings in this linebacker class.
47) Carolina Panthers: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
R Mason Thomas has two seasons of strong SEC tape, having tallied 16.0 sacks and 22 tackles for a loss in that span. It’s his explosiveness, flexibility, and deep arsenal as a pass rusher that should have him in high demand when the draft rolls around.
48) Tennessee Titans (from Cowboys via Jets, projected trade): D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
D’Angelo Ponds tallied five interceptions from 2023 to 2024, and he’s had 30 pass deflections over his last three seasons. He’s an undersized cornerback at 5’9″ and 170 pounds, but Ponds is a tremendous athlete with great coverage instincts and a scrappy demeanor near the line of scrimmage.
49) Houston Texans: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
Gennings Dunker is a three-year starter at Iowa, having played right tackle and both guard positions in college. He packs a nice punch at the point of attack and can clear defenders off the ball in the run game.
50) Detroit Lions: Brian Parker II, C, Duke
As a collegiate starting tackle, I have Brian Parker II kicking inside to center, although a move to guard could also make sense. Regardless, his coordination, mobility, and high football IQ give him Day 1 starting potential in the pros.
51) Baltimore Ravens: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Listed at 6’2″ and 220 pounds, Chris Bell is a freak athlete for his size with the raw speed and strength to be a potential force at wide receiver. Being used in a complementary role alongside Zay Flowers in Baltimore would give him time to develop as a route runner, where he’s still raw but has shown some promise during his time at Louisville.
52) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Christen Miller is an effective run-defending defensive tackle with good spatial awareness in the trenches, heavy hands, and a sturdy anchor that helps him plug up gaps. His short-area quickness gives him some disruption upside on passing downs, too.
53) Philadelphia Eagles: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Malik Muhammad is a scrappy cover man who broke up eight passes last year. He’s physical, instinctive, and brings solid athleticism to the table. Should the Eagles’ draft play out as this 2026 NFL Mock Draft does, they’d have the last missing piece of their cornerback room.
54) Indianapolis Colts: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Listed at 6’5″ and 262 pounds, Zion Young is a high-floor edge rusher with impressive play strength and length that helps him set the edge well in run support. With his continued development as a pass rusher, he could go higher than this in real life.
55) Buffalo Bills: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
A rotational defender in 2024, Joshua Josephs has put together some impressive tape with a bigger role on Tennessee’s defense in 2025. He’s a little undersized for an edge rusher but brings impressive acceleration, flexibility, and motor rushing the passer.
56) San Francisco 49ers: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
Ja’Kobi Lane has been more of a complementary weapon than a true WR1 for USC, but he’s a 6’4″ receiver with tremendous ball skills and better athleticism than most his size. His physicality and coordination would make him a strong ‘X’ receiver for a 49ers offense that could use another reliable weapon.
57) Jacksonville Jaguars: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Anthony Hill Jr. put up 113 tackles, 16.5 TFL, and eight sacks in 2024. He’s explosive, tough, and rangy, and carries significant blitz upside. Whether it’s as a MIKE or a WILL, I think he develops into a quality starter.
58) Los Angeles Chargers: Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Missouri
A former five-star recruit in high school, Damon Wilson II is excelling at Missouri with 9.0 sacks in 12 games in 2025. He’s an elite athlete with quick hands and a flexible lower half who can really get to the passer off the edge. If he declares, he should be a Day 2 selection.
59) Green Bay Packers: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Domonique Orange is a physical run-stuffer up the middle who has the power and technical prowess to step into a defensive-line rotation and make an impact in the NFL. With Kenny Clark no longer in Green Bay, the Packers could use an investment along their interior defensive line in the 2026 draft.
60) Seattle Seahawks: Carter Smith, OL, Indiana
In 371 regular-season pass-blocking snaps this season, Carter Smith didn’t allow a single sack in pass protection. He’s a sturdy offensive lineman with a strong anchor and a refined technical style of play, and while I think he kicks inside to guard in the NFL, he should be a good starter in the league.
61) Los Angeles Rams: Whit Weeks, LB, LSU
An intelligent MIKE linebacker with NFL-ready physicality and instincts, Whit Weeks feels like a safe bet to at least become a decent starter in the league. He could feast at the second level with the Rams’ loaded defensive line in front of him.
62) Denver Broncos: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
With his inside-outside versatility, return experience, and consistent hands and ball skills, Germie Bernard feels like a safe bet to be a solid complementary weapon in the NFL, which the Broncos could use to pair with the likes of Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin.
63) Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman’s production dipped in 2024, but his transfer to Oregon has provided new life for him thus far in 2025. As a freshman at Purdue, he had six interceptions and showed elite range. He projects as a rangy, high-upside free safety with playmaker potential.
64) New England Patriots: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
2025 hasn’t been as consistent as Dani Dennis-Sutton likely hoped, but the flashes have still been impressive. He still has the size, length, and explosiveness to make NFL teams want to take a shot on him as a developmental edge rusher with starting upside.
Round 3 | 65) Tennessee Titans: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Gracen Halton is undersized for a defensive tackle at 6’2″ and 291 pounds. But he’s a fantastic athlete with good pad level, quick hands, and a high football IQ. He could be a serious difference maker up front.
66) Houston Texans (via Giants): Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
If you like your running backs in the bowling ball phenotype, Jonah Coleman is your guy in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s a stout back who runs with low pads and plays with great ball-carrier vision, patience, and contact balance in between the tackles.
67) New Orleans Saints: Anthony Smith, EDGE, Minnesota
With his impressive size, length, power, and versatility along the defensive line, Anthony Smith is a bit of a project but has all the physical tools NFL teams drool over at the edge rusher position.
68) Las Vegas Raiders: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Chris Brazzell II is a 6’5″ deep threat with a freakish combination of size and speed, and he adjusts well to the ball in the air with proper body control and high-pointing ability. He’s raw as a route runner, but the tools are unmatched.
69) Philadelphia Eagles (via Jets): Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
Michael Trigg has been on my draft radar for years due to his freakish athletic traits, but it wasn’t until 2025 that he put it all together. His fluidity and ball skills should make him one of the first tight ends picked in the 2026 class.
70) Arizona Cardinals: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
If A.J. Haulcy tests well athletically, he could end up selected higher than this in real life. The tape is impressive, as he’s a physical tackler who packs some serious pop in his pads when he engages in contact, and he’s an intelligent defensive back who processes well in coverage.
71) Cleveland Browns: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
There’s a good chance Connor Lew would go much higher than he does in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, had he not torn his ACL. He’s a little bit light for a center, but he’s an impressive athlete at the position with good spatial awareness and a high football IQ.
72) Washington Commanders: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. is an impressive athlete at wide receiver with impressive ball skills, coordination, and strong hands. If he continues to develop as a route runner, taking him in Round 3 could be very good value.
73) Minnesota Vikings: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
Will Lee III is a long 6’3″ corner with surprising agility and solid ball skills. He’s totaled four interceptions and 23 pass breakups over the course of his last three seasons along the boundary, making him a likely upgrade for the Vikings’ secondary in our 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
74) Atlanta Falcons: Max Klare, TE, Oregon
A high-level producer for Purdue in 2024, Max Klare is an athletic and fluid tight end with a high ceiling on passing downs. He’s faded into the background a bit at Ohio State but is still a tight end with an NFL starting ceiling.
75) Cincinnati Bengals: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Blake Miller has started at Clemson for four seasons, and though he isn’t the flashiest athlete out there, he lands his strikes with accurate placement and timing, and he blocks with a nasty demeanor needed to drive defenders off the ball.
76) Miami Dolphins: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
Last season, Domani Jackson was one of the best run-defending cornerbacks in college football. He’s physical in man coverage with good route-recognition instincts, and while his ball production has dipped in 2025, there’s still solid tape to be found.
77) Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Scott, CB, Illinois
Xavier Scott stands out to me as a high-floor nickel cornerback who can also play out wide or as a safety. He doesn’t have elite physical tools, but has sharp route-recognition skills, good fluidity in coverage, and ideal physicality as a tackler.
78) Pittsburgh Steelers: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
Amidst stints at Wyoming and USC, Emmanuel Pregnant transferred to Oregon in 2025 and has put together strong tape everywhere he’s gone. He’s a flexible, powerful guard who offers solid starting upside in the NFL.
79) Carolina Panthers: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Through two seasons at USC before his transfer to Georgia, Zachariah Branch has been one of the most dynamic receivers in football. He’s undersized but thrives in space with elite athleticism and ball-carrier vision that shines when he returns kicks and punts.
80) Pittsburgh Steelers (via Cowboys): Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Tacario Davis missed some time at the beginning of the year due to a rib injury, but he was impressive when he came back healthy. He finished the 2025 regular season with two picks in seven games, and he’s used his length and fluidity efficiently in coverage.
81) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Lions): Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
An athletic, productive tight end with 1,773 yards over his last three seasons, Eli Stowers isn’t the biggest tight end in the world, but he’s an explosive route runner who can stretch the field effectively.
82) Miami Dolphins (via Texans): Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
Darrell Jackson Jr. is a pro-ready run defender with extraordinary length and power at the point of attack. He’s a high-floor rotational lineman along the interior, but he also has some juice as a pass rusher up the middle, which could make for an intriguing interior group with Zach Sieler and Kenneth Grant.
83) Baltimore Ravens: Austin Siereveld, OG, Ohio State
Though Austin Siereveld is Ohio State’s left tackle, I think he’s a better fit as a guard in the NFL. He uses his hands well and has the spatial awareness and anchor strength needed to stand his ground at the next level.
84) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Oscar Delp is a sure-handed receiving tight end with vertical athleticism needed to stretch the field. He won’t wow anybody as a run blocker, but his athleticism should have him high in demand by NFL teams.
85) Indianapolis Colts: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Max Iheanachor is listed at 6’6″ and 330 pounds, and he’s an impressive athlete for such a big offensive tackle. He may be a raw technician who struggles with pad level, but his physical tools are some of the best of the offensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft.
86) Buffalo Bills: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
With his size, physicality, and closing speed as a run defender in pursuit, Deontae Lawson has NFL starting physical tools and could be a good long-term investment for the Bills’ linebacker room in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
87) Miami Dolphins (via Eagles): Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
Tyreak Sapp is a versatile, high-floor defensive lineman who can win inside or outside on passing downs. Sapp has an explosive first step and a low center of gravity, and he excels at taking on blocks head-on and breaking them down against the run.
88) San Francisco 49ers: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
Though he’s a bit undersized by NFL defensive tackle standards, Zane Durant makes up for it with how explosive he shoots off the snap. His low center of gravity and agility gives him serious pass-rushing value along the interior.
89) Los Angeles Chargers: Bear Alexander, DT, Oregon
It’s been a long time coming, but Bear Alexander finally put it all together in 2025. He’s an explosive defensive tackle with versatility along the defensive line, and he’s improved his ability to stack and shed blocks as a run supporter.
90) Jacksonville Jaguars: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Davison Igbinosun entered Ohio State as a toolsy, raw prospect with high highs and low lows. That’s still the case, though he’s evened out a bit. His instincts are showing progress in 2025, but it’s his length and athleticism that have him firmly on NFL radars.
91) Green Bay Packers: Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan
Over his last two seasons, Jyaire Hill has been an effective starting cornerback for Michigan. He’s 6’2″ with impressive athleticism for his size, and he’s a scrappy tackler along the perimeter.
92) Seattle Seahawks: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
2025 has been a banner year for Skyler Bell. He’s had 101 catches for 1,278 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns this year, and he’s an athletic weapon with the ability to create separation at all three levels of the defensive secondary.
93) Los Angeles Rams: Carson Beck, QB, Miami (FL)
Though he’s not quite the potential No. 1 pick some made him out to be going into 2024, Carson Beck rebounded quite nicely at Miami this season. He’s shown he’s an accurate passer who can distribute the ball on time and serve as an effective game manager for an offense.
94) Denver Broncos: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
David Bailey gets all the attention on Texas Tech’s defensive line, but don’t sleep on Romello Height, either. He’s an extremely efficient pass rusher who’s a little light in the pants but makes up for it with his explosiveness off the snap and red-hot motor chasing the quarterback.
95) Chicago Bears: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
A stout player with ideal pad level and good hands, Dontay Corleone is one of the best run-stopping defensive tackles in the upcoming 2026 draft class. He’s also quite athletic for a man listed at 335 pounds.
96) New England Patriots: Cayden Green, OG, Missouri
Due to injuries, Missouri Cayden Green started at left tackle this year, but he’s a natural guard who I think will kick back inside in the pros. He has the power, athleticism, and hand placement to be a long-term starting guard in the NFL.
97) Minnesota Vikings (projected compensatory pick): Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
I come away impressed with Ted Hurst’s deep-threat ability, as he’s an impressive athlete with great straight-line speed and a large catch radius with a 6’3″ frame. He’s a tad raw as a route runner, but he’s shown enough in how he attacks leverage points through his stems to display upside in that regard.
98) Philadelphia Eagles (projected compensatory pick): Kage Casey, OT, Boise State
Boise State isn’t making as many headlines as they did last year, but Kage Casey has been just as reliable as their left tackle as he was in 2024. He’s a powerful lineman who keeps his legs churning through contact and has good spatial awareness in pass protection.
99) Pittsburgh Steelers (projected compensatory pick): Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
One of multiple future NFL players along Texas A&M’s offensive line, Chase Bisontis won’t wow you as an athlete, but is a sturdy guard with heavy hands who lands his strikes accurately. His motor would fare well along the Steelers’ interior.
100) Jacksonville Jaguars (projected compensatory picks via Lions): Logan Jones, C, Iowa
A converted defensive lineman who started right away and has since become an anchor of Iowa’s offensive line, Logan Jones is an athletic and powerful center with some injury history, but the tape of a future NFL starter.
