With players, scouts, and analysts gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft’s All-Star practices, there’s no better time to take a closer look at how the first three rounds might shake out.
Each team enters the offseason with a unique mix of hope and uncertainty, balancing immediate roster needs with long-term strategy as they hunt for the next player capable of redefining their franchise.
This mock draft leverages the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator, combining team needs, roster composition, and league-wide trends to create a realistic projection of the draft’s opening rounds.
1) Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
After sweeping college football’s highest honors with a national championship and a Heisman Trophy, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza enters the NFL Draft as one of the most accomplished passers in his class.
While Mendoza doesn’t possess a cannon arm that jumps off the tape, his game is built on precision and composure. He can be guilty of holding the ball too long, leading to unnecessary sacks, but his accuracy at all three levels consistently compensates for the lack of elite velocity.
At 6-foot-5, Mendoza checks every box from a physical standpoint, boasting the prototypical frame NFL teams covet in a franchise signal-caller. Beyond his size, his maturity and command of the huddle stand out. Mendoza’s leadership has been a defining trait throughout his rise at Indiana and will be a significant draw for a quarterback-needy team like Las Vegas.
2) New York Jets
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Are Justin Fields and Brady Cook the future of the Jets? Probably not, but with Dante Moore returning to Oregon, it is far too early to reach out for any other quarterback when there’s top-level defensive talent on the board this draft.
With several defensive players heading into free agency, taking a multi-faceted player like Arvell Reese could be the Jets’ best option at No. 2, as he is one of the top EDGE prospects and the No. 1 prospect per PFSN’s NFL Draft LB rankings.
Reese’s film jumps off the screen with a relentless motor and physical edge that defensive coordinators covet, all packaged in an elite 6-foot-4 frame. His explosiveness and power are evident the moment he fires off the line of scrimmage, combined with sideline-to-sideline speed and advanced football IQ.
3) Arizona Cardinals
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
What a replacement for Calais Campbell if the Arizona Cardinals select Rueben Bain Jr. at pick No. 3. After picking multiple defenders in the last draft, it appears the Cardinals are building a new identity in what is probably the most competitive division in the NFL.
Bain leaves college football with 20.5 sacks to his name in his three seasons at The U. With his elite bend and speed to get to the quarterback, he could very well be the first defensive player taken off the board if not Arvell Reese.
His relentless motor, strength, and explosiveness off the line at 6-foot-3 make the Miami pass rusher an intriguing target for a team like Arizona, which is molding its defensive tenacity. Paired with last season’s first-round pick, Walter Nolen III, the Cardinals could be on the brink of a two-headed beast on the defensive line.
4) Tennessee Titans
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
As Robert Saleh begins his second stint as head coach, the defensive-minded leader will place a premium on accelerating the development of franchise quarterback Cam Ward. One of the most effective ways to do that is by pairing him with a true X-receiver, and Ohio State’s Carnell Tate fits that mold as well as any prospect in the class.
At 6-foot-3, Tate checks every box teams look for in a potential WR1. He has the size and strong hands, and he consistently wins in contested situations. The lone critique on his résumé is that, despite starting since his freshman season at Ohio State, he was never formally labeled the Buckeyes’ top receiver.
Tate’s 2025 tape tells a different story. When given expanded opportunities, he proved capable of handling a featured role and carrying an offense. He posted an impressive 85% contested catch rate and led the nation in receptions of 30 yards or more. With his natural ability to separate, elite ball tracking, and big-play production, Tate profiles as one of the premier receiving talents in this draft.
5) New York Giants
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Looking at the New York Giants’ projected 2026 depth chart, the secondary stands out as a clear area in need of an impact playmaker. Few prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft address that need better than Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, widely viewed as the premier defensive player in the class.
Downs has been a first-round fixture since his standout 2024 campaign, when evaluators openly discussed his ability to come off the board inside the top 10 despite being ineligible as a sophomore.
He brings elite football intelligence, range, and physicality, while offering the versatility to align at safety, nickel, or in matchup-specific roles. That positional flexibility allows a defensive coordinator to build coverage schemes around him rather than merely plugging him into a role. With John Harbaugh set to take over in New York for 2026, expect the veteran head coach to prioritize a cornerstone defensive back for his team.
6) Cleveland Browns
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
There are multiple positions the Browns can address at pick No. 6, but none may be greater than the need to bolster the offensive line with a potential franchise player like Miami’s Francis Mauigoa.
Measuring 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds per Bruce Feldman’s 2025 freak list, Mauigoa has been regarded as an elite athlete for his size, with solid footwork and the ability to mirror pass rushers.
A natural finisher, Mauigoa routinely finishes his breakfast on the line, looking for pancake blocks or utilizing sheer force to get to the second level. His ability to withstand powerful defenders is evident on film, as he absorbs contact with ease.
7) Washington Commanders
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Deciding back and forth between a pass rusher or a tackle for the Commanders seems like the new struggle, considering the age on both sides of the trenches in Washington. Finding a replacement for aging Laremy Tunsil would be keen, but with only one other pick in this 3-round mock, selecting a highly rated pass rusher like Texas Tech’s David Bailey is too hard to pass up.
Washington needs a shot of youth on a roster that entered the 2025 season with an age average over 28.8. Bailey, age 22, provides not only youth to the Commanders but also an imposing bullrusher.
Bailey is another entrant from Bruce Feldman’s 2025 freak list because of the sheer strength he’s been able to display in a 6-foot-3 frame. He leaves college football with 29 sacks, ten forced fumbles, and a tape on how to make offensive coordinators lose their marbles.
8) New Orleans Saints
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
After trading away Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks in the middle of the season, New Orleans was left with limited playmakers on offense and completely lost their spark in the return game as well. Drafting Makai Lemon from USC not only gives the offense a Swiss Army knife to utilize, but also puts a dangerous weapon back on their special teams.
Lemon, who took home the Biltenikoff trophy this season, put on an absolute clinic en route to being named the best receiver in the country as he tallied over 1,100 yards and 13 total touchdowns.
With only three dropped passes between his sophomore and junior campaigns, Lemon’s hand strength and concentration prove to be top of his class. Although limited as a pass blocker, his speed and acceleration make him a dynamic weapon that could pose a significant threat alongside Chris Olave’s field-stretching ability.
9) Kansas City Chiefs
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
If there was one glaring weakness for the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2025 season, it was the run game. Its inconsistency ultimately played a major role in the team’s decision to reunite with former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love comes into this mock with a top-five PFSN Consensus Big Board ranking and has been regarded as one of the top offensive talents in the 2026 class.
Adding a player like Love to an arsenal of weapons featuring Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, and a future Hall of Famer, Travis Kelce, could potentially put the Chiefs back into Super Bowl contention after missing the playoffs this season.
What separates Love from the rest of the running back class is his rare combination of physicality and athleticism. He runs with violence between the tackles and offers the versatility to impact the game in multiple phases. Love is the only running back viewed as a consistent first-round talent across multiple evaluators, making him a true difference-maker rather than a rotational piece.
10) Cincinnati Bengals
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Through six NFL seasons, Joe Burrow has managed to complete only three fully healthy campaigns, making quarterback protection a clear priority for the Cincinnati Bengals moving forward. If Cincinnati is serious about keeping its franchise quarterback upright and content, Utah’s Spencer Fano fits the bill as a potential cornerstone addition.
Tied for the top spot on PFSN’s Consensus Top 10 Offensive Tackles, Fano stands out for his explosive athleticism and overwhelming power in the trenches.
Fano has the size, power, and temperament to hear his name called early, with a legitimate case to be the first offensive tackle selected in the draft. His physical profile and polish suggest he could step in as a Day 1 starter, immediately addressing one of Cincinnati’s most persistent shortcomings.
11) Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Competing in a division that features elite quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Drake Maye, the Miami Dolphins face an urgent need to upgrade their secondary. That need could be addressed at pick No. 11 by selecting LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, a prospect widely viewed as the top defensive back in the 2026 NFL Draft.
His dominance throughout the 2025 season backed up that billing, as he finished with a class-best 96.8 PFSN CB Impact score. Delane’s combination of instincts, athleticism, and technical refinement allows him to neutralize top receivers consistently.
What sets Delane apart is his ability to play as a true island corner. He processes route concepts quickly, shows excellent anticipation in coverage, and isn’t shy about attacking downhill with physicality in the run game. For a Miami defense currently relying on aging veterans and facing impending free agent turnover, Delane offers an immediate upgrade and a long-term solution on the perimeter.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Building through the offensive line has become a defining philosophy for Jerry Jones’ Cowboys, as Dallas invested first-round picks in the trenches in 2022, 2024, and 2025. That approach paid dividends when healthy, highlighted by Javonte Williams’ resurgence behind the Dallas offensive line. Looking ahead to 2026, reinforcing the right side of the line appears to be the next logical step.
Utah’s Caleb Lomu fits seamlessly into that plan. Like teammate Spencer Fano, Lomu entered the draft cycle regarded as PFSN’s top offensive tackle in the 2026 class.
Lomu’s football intelligence and spatial awareness are evident in pass protection, where he shows refined technique, well-timed strikes, and precise hand placement. As a run blocker, Lomu displays impressive body control and mobility, thriving when asked to block in space or climb to the second level.
13) Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Armed with two first-round picks, the Los Angeles Rams have the flexibility to invest in high-upside offensive talent, and Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson fits the profile of a player Sean McVay could fully unlock if available at pick No. 13.
His skill set aligns with how McVay has utilized receivers like Davante Adams in recent seasons, attacking leverage and creating mismatches through route nuance rather than relying solely on size or contested catches.
He logged 298 run-block snaps in college, showcasing a willingness to do the dirty work and remain on the field in all situations. If the Rams are comfortable with his medical outlook, Tyson projects as a high-ceiling playmaker that McVay can feature as a focal point of the offense.
14) Baltimore Ravens
Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Listed at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds pre-combine, Ioane enters the 2026 NFL Draft widely projected as the top guard in the class. His combination of football IQ and natural anchoring ability has even allowed him to hold up at tackle, a level of versatility that would be especially appealing to a team like the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore’s interior offensive line depth is currently thin, and with Ronnie Stanley now 31 years old, investing in a versatile lineman capable of contributing across the front makes strategic sense.
While positional value often pushes guards toward the latter portion of the first round, Ioane’s standing as the clear best player at his position could override that trend. Several evaluators view him as a plug-and-play starter whose polish and power translate cleanly to the NFL level. For teams in need of a savvy, high-floor offensive lineman, Ioane’s talent may be too strong to pass up earlier than expected.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
If not for the emergence of fellow Buckeye Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles would have had a strong case to be viewed as the top linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft. With his positional flexibility and coverage ability, Styles projects as a modern linebacker who can stay on the field in all situations.
A fixture on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, Styles brings rare athletic traits paired with advanced football intelligence, giving him the tools to develop into a high-impact NFL defender.
Thanks to his experience as a defensive back, he is an unusually fluid linebacker in space, capable of handling zone responsibilities with ease. That versatility makes him an ideal fit for today’s NFL, where linebackers are asked to defend both the run and the pass at a high level.
16) New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
After dealing away Quinnen Williams during the 2025 season, the Jets are left searching for a new interior presence capable of anchoring their defensive front. Addressing that void early in the draft would make sense, and Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods offers the type of impact profile New York needs up front.
For a Jets defense in need of a new centerpiece inside, Woods projects as a plug-and-play starter with three-down upside and the versatility to be deployed creatively across the front.
MORE: Use our FREE PFSN Mock Draft Simulator
Woods combines rare strength with impressive burst for a 300-plus-pound lineman, traits that earned him recognition on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 Freaks List. He is comfortable aligning as a 3-technique, sliding across multiple interior spots, and contributing in sub-packages without coming off the field.
17) Detroit Lions
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Detroit’s defense took a significant step forward when it added Aidan Hutchinson, but sustaining that momentum will require another young pass rusher capable of tilting the field. Finding a long-term running mate for Hutchinson remains one of the Lions’ clearest needs, and Auburn edge defender Keldric Faulk fits that vision.
Paired with Hutchinson, Faulk would give Detroit a formidable edge duo capable of pressuring quarterbacks and controlling the line of scrimmage.
Faulk consistently sets the edge against the run and has the strength to collapse the pocket when rushing the passer. Offenses are forced to account for him in protection, often sliding help his way or altering blocking schemes to keep him contained.
18) Minnesota Vikings
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
A glance at the Minnesota Vikings’ depth chart reveals a clear need for playmaking help at wide receiver, especially with Jordan Addison’s name surfacing in trade speculation. Minnesota may look to address that void through the draft, and Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion offers the kind of dynamic skill set that could immediately energize the offense.
At 5-foot-11, Concepcion brings versatility that few receivers in this class can match. He began his collegiate career at NC State, lining up at both running back and wide receiver, before transferring to Texas A&M.
He’s a true yards-after-catch weapon with elite change-of-direction ability, routinely making the first defender miss and turning short completions into chunk gains. His “human joystick” movement skills, combined with calculated quickness off the line, allow him to beat press coverage and create explosive plays in multiple ways.
19) Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq enters the draft cycle as the clear star at his position, carving out a reputation as one of the most reliable weapons in college football. Paired with Tetairoa McMillan, Sadiq would give the Panthers a young, dynamic pass-catching duo capable of stressing defenses horizontally and vertically.
For Carolina, Sadiq would step into an immediate role and likely emerge as the most complete tight end on the roster from the moment he arrives.
Developing alongside Bryce Young, he projects as a high-IQ tight end who can serve as both a safety blanket and a featured weapon within Carolina’s offense. His skill set translates cleanly to the NFL, giving him a realistic path to early contributions as a rookie.
20) Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Dallas’ secondary struggled mightily during the 2025 season, consistently surrendering explosive plays and getting beaten over the top. Those issues eventually led to a reset at cornerback, including the late-season release of veteran Trevon Diggs.
As a result, the Cowboys are likely to use a first-round pick to inject young talent into the secondary, and Tennessee’s Colton Hood fits the profile of a potential solution with the skill set to be one of the first corners selected in 2026.
Hood rose to the occasion when Tennessee lost Jermod McCoy, stepping into the CB1 role and steadying the defense during a critical stretch. Embracing the responsibility of shadowing top receivers, Hood limited opposing quarterbacks to a 69.8 passer rating and added two defensive touchdowns, showcasing both discipline and playmaking ability.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
After shoring up the edges of their defensive line, the Pittsburgh Steelers may soon look for a successor to Cameron Heyward, and Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald offers a profile built for that role.
A rising star on the PFSN Draft Board, McDonald brings the power, technique, and instincts to make an immediate impact in the middle.
At Ohio State, McDonald showed an ability to dominate when paired with a strong supporting cast. His low center of gravity, balance, and core strength allow him to absorb double teams and remain disruptive well past the initial contact.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Chargers are still searching for a true vertical weapon to stretch defenses and give Justin Herbert a downfield complement to slot specialist Ladd McConkey. Washington’s Denzel Boston fits that role perfectly, blending size, skill, and scoring ability into a package built for the NFL.
He’s a proven playmaker, hauling in 19 touchdowns across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Boston turns nearly every target into a potential big gain, showing vision, hands, and acceleration to turn short completions into explosive plays consistently.
For a Chargers offense craving a genuine deep threat, Boston offers the kind of downfield production and contested-catch ability that can immediately change the passing game’s dynamic.
23) Philadelphia Eagles
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Philadelphia’s defensive line could use a shakeup, and with just one defensive end currently on the 2026 depth chart, the Eagles are likely to target a high-impact edge rusher early. Clemson’s T.J. Parker offers Philadelphia a combination of production, savvy technique, and leadership that projects to an immediate starting role.
A natural disruptor, Parker has a nose for the ball. He forced six fumbles in 2024 alone and racked up 21.5 sacks across three seasons, hitting at least five sacks each year.
When he’s at his best, he can dominate the backfield, collapse pockets, and change the momentum of a game. If the Eagles tap into that 2024 form, Parker could quickly become a stud on their pass rush at pick No. 23.
24) Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The younger brother of Falcons CB1 A.J. Terrell, Avieon Terrell has quickly carved out his own identity as one of the most versatile and disruptive cornerbacks in the 2026 class. Listed at 5-foot-11, Terrell consistently plays bigger than his size, showing high-level instincts to challenge receivers at every point of the route.
His ball-hawking ability is elite; he has forced eight fumbles, logged 25 pass deflections, three interceptions, and added four sacks over his collegiate career, making him a constant threat around the football.
Terrell offers NFL defenses valuable scheme flexibility, being equally comfortable in man or zone coverage. With his combination of physicality, instincts, and football pedigree, Terrell ranks as one of the safest and most NFL-ready cornerback prospects in this class, capable of contributing immediately and anchoring a secondary for years to come.
25) Chicago Bears
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Following Chicago’s impressive playoff run in 2025, bolstering the offensive line to protect Caleb Williams is a clear priority for the 2026 draft. Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor brings a rare combination of size, strength, and versatility that makes him a potential immediate starter at tackle or a move-inside option to guard if the team needs him there.
Recognized on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 Freaks List, Proctor pairs his dominating frame with the technique and football IQ to succeed at the next level. Whether lining up on the outside or inside, he’s a high-floor offensive lineman.
Proctor is a physical anomaly at 6-foot-6, 369 pounds, combining massive anchor strength with surprisingly nimble footwork. He moves with deceptive efficiency on pulls and zone schemes, while his bend and leverage allow him to neutralize edge rushers and control defenders in one-on-one matchups.
26) Buffalo Bills
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
At pick No. 26, the Buffalo Bills have the flexibility to address multiple needs, but South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse stands out as one of the top defensive backs available. Considered one of the most versatile cornerbacks in the class after Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, Cisse combines physical tools with the technical skill set to make an immediate impact.
Cisse’s 2025 campaign earned him a PFSN CB Impact grade of 80.9, reflecting his ability to mirror releases, close quickly on throws, and consistently challenge receivers at the catch point.
With his combination of size, instincts, and versatility, Cisse offers the potential to become a top-tier CB1 capable of shadowing an offense’s best receiver while contributing immediately to a Bills secondary in need of playmakers.
27) San Francisco 49ers
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Zachariah Branch may not yet be generating tons of first-round buzz, but the Georgia receiver has the film to change that quickly. His 2025 production earned him the third-highest PFSN WR Impact grade in the nation at 85.6, highlighting his ability to consistently create separation, make contested catches, and threaten defenses downfield.
With the right system and play-caller like Kyle Shanahan, Branch can become a dynamic offensive focal point, racking up yards and creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
A true Swiss army knife, Branch thrives when used creatively. His quickness, vision, and speed make him a dangerous weapon on designed touches, jet sweeps, and screen passes, and he has the potential to contribute immediately as a returner.
28) Houston Texans
Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis is a physical presence on the offensive line with the versatility to play guard or tackle, making him a prime target for teams like the Texans looking to shore up an aging front and keep C.J. Stroud protected.
For a team in need of toughness, reliability, and positional versatility, Bisontis is an NFL read lineman who pairs size with surprising agility, giving him the tools to dominate both inside and on the edge.
His movement skills allow him to pull and climb to the second level efficiently, creating running lanes and sustaining blocks in traffic. Bisontis also brings a finish-first mentality, playing through the whistle and maximizing displacement on every play.
29) Los Angeles Rams
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
With Matthew Stafford nearing the twilight of his career, the Los Angeles Rams could turn to Alabama’s Ty Simpson as a future heir to the offense. If any coach in the NFL can help the talented arm of Simpson reach its full potential, it may be Sean McVay.
With Dante Moore returning to college, Simpson positions himself as a top-tier QB2 in the class, offering immediate depth and the potential to develop into a franchise signal-caller.
What sets Simpson apart is his mechanical precision. His throwing motion is smooth and repeatable, with consistent hip torque, shoulder alignment, and release timing that translate cleanly to the NFL. He reads defenses with a quarterback’s instincts, spotting coverage gaps pre-snap and anticipating throws over the middle with advanced timing.
30) New England Patriots
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Patriots’ secondary showed promise with rookies filling in for two departed starters, but adding a talent like Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would be a transformative boost. At 6-foot-3, with over 32-inch arms, McNeil-Warren combines rare size, athleticism, and playmaking ability, giving him the tools to dominate both in coverage and near the line of scrimmage.
A natural ball-hawk, McNeil-Warren has an uncanny ability to create turnovers. He forced eight fumbles and recorded five interceptions during his time at Toledo, routinely attacking the football at the point of contact and turning routine plays into turnovers.
With his size, instincts, and elite playmaking ability, McNeil-Warren is a high-floor, NFL-ready safety capable of stepping in immediately and elevating a top-tier secondary.
31) Denver Broncos
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The Denver Broncos have a strong defensive foundation, but adding Florida’s Caleb Banks could give them a true game-changing presence up front. While he has battled injuries, including a missed 2025 season due to foot issues and a procedure against LSU, his upside is undeniable.
Banks is a rare combination of size and athleticism at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, showing fluidity and explosiveness that would be expected from a much lighter player.
He pairs that speed with elite power, stacking and shedding blockers while generating a bull rush that often forces double teams and collapses the pocket. When healthy, Banks projects as a three-down disruptor who can dominate the interior, pressure quarterbacks, and anchor a defensive front for years.
32) Seattle Seahawks
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy may slide slightly in the 2026 draft after missing all of 2025 with a torn ACL, but his talent and upside remain undeniable. When healthy, McCoy profiles as one of the most complete and dynamic cornerbacks in the class.
If his medicals are clean, McCoy has the tools to step in as an immediate contributor and develop into a boundary corner capable of shadowing an offense’s top weapon.
McCoy excels in coverage and as a playmaker. He tracks the ball with precision, consistently high-pointing passes and maintaining control through contact. His instincts and timing allow him to generate turnovers, making him a constant threat in any secondary.
Round 2 | 33) New York Jets
A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
Continuing to invest on the defensive side of the ball in Round 2, the Jets could look to LSU’s A.J. Haulcy as a versatile chess piece for the secondary. Haulcy brings experience, toughness, and adaptability. All traits that translate well to an NFL defense that values flexibility on the back end.
34) Arizona Cardinals
Carson Beck, QB, Miami
After Carson Beck’s impressive run in the college football season, teams like the Cardinals should seriously consider taking a chance on the 6-foot-4 quarterback. He has demonstrated solid production at two of college football’s top programs: Georgia and Miami (FL). His experience and leadership qualities are likely to attract coaches during interviews.
35) Tennessee Titans
Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
The Titans’ secondary is in urgent need of reinforcements, and Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal offers an immediate upgrade with the physical traits teams covet, measuring at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds. He uses his length effectively at the line of scrimmage and at the catch point, disrupting timing and shrinking quarterbacks’ throwing windows.
36) Las Vegas Raiders
Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
There’s little value in selecting a franchise quarterback first overall if the protection in front of him isn’t elite. Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon checks that box as one of the premier interior offensive linemen in the 2026 class.
37) New York Giants
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Louisville’s Chris Bell brings an intriguing physical profile to the wide receiver position, offering size and speed at 6-foot-2, with 32-inch arms.
MORE: 2026 NFL Draft Order
Bell’s game is built on power and range. He uses his strength and length to win at the catch point while flashing short-area quickness that allows him to separate underneath.
38) Houston Texans
C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Adding another linebacker could be a smart move for the Texans as they continue to fine-tune an already strong defense. Georgia’s C.J. Allen is at his best when the play unfolds quickly. He processes information rapidly, allowing him to flow downhill at full speed without false steps.
39) Cleveland Browns
Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Standing 6-foot-5, Chris Brazzell II brings elite length and catch-point dominance that few defensive backs can match. He consistently creates separation down the field with long-strider speed, also showing exceptional focus and body control, routinely hauling in high throws and contested targets that most receivers can’t reach.
40) Kansas City Chiefs
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Kansas City could add instant energy and toughness to its defensive front with Miami edge defender Akheem Mesidor. Though he’ll enter the league as an older rookie, Mesidor plays with the urgency, effort, and physical edge that defensive coaches value. His background across multiple positions, ranging from interior alignments to wide stand-up roles, gives the Chiefs a flexible piece who can be deployed in a variety of fronts and packages.
41) Cincinnati Bengals
Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
Kamari Ramsey projects as a defensive anchor capable of lining up in multiple roles, giving coordinators a true chess piece in coverage. He’s comfortable everywhere on the field, working over the top as a traditional safety, patrolling the box against the run, or sliding inside as a nickel corner.
42) New Orleans Saints
R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s R. Mason Thomas is an edge rusher built for the modern NFL, blending speed, bend, and technique into a complete package. Thomas’ athleticism is elite. His combination of leverage, hip flexibility, and lower-body mechanics allows him to turn the corner sharply without losing momentum, generating torque and power that consistently threaten the quarterback.
43) Miami Dolphins
Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
For the Dolphins, Trigg projects as a dynamic weapon in both the passing game and red zone. He can stretch the field, win contested catches, and serve as a reliable chain-mover, providing a quarterback with a versatile, physical target that defenses will struggle to account for at every level.
44) New York Jets (via Dallas Cowboys)
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
Standing 6-foot-4, Lane combines size, length, and athleticism to create a matchup nightmare, especially near the goal line. Lane’s background as a basketball player shows up in his elite body control and timing. He can contort mid-air, adjust to poorly thrown passes, and snatch balls that most defenders can’t reach.
45) Baltimore Ravens
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Christen Miller is a prototypical run-stuffing defensive tackle who combines brute strength with refined technique. At 305 pounds, he consistently overpowers blockers, using violent hand strikes and a powerful stack-and-shed style to control the line of scrimmage. Miller’s combination of raw power, balance, and awareness makes him a true anchor for a defensive front.
46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
LT Overton already shows flashes of dominance off the edge, but the next step in his progression is expanding his move set and developing consistent pass-rush production. His combination of length, speed, and body control makes him a natural fit in multiple alignments, giving defensive coordinators a dynamic chess piece capable of attacking both inside and outside.
47) Indianapolis Colts
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Explosive off the snap, Blake Miller moves with surprising ease for a man of his stature, displaying elite lateral agility and the ability to reach second-level targets with precision. He hasn’t missed a start in his college career, logging multiple seasons with over 950 snaps in one of the nation’s most demanding systems.
48) Atlanta Falcons
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Paired with Drake London, drafting Elijah Sarratt would give Atlanta a formidable vertical and red-zone duo. Sarratt isn’t defined by pure speed, but his footwork, tempo, and route intelligence allow him to create separation with subtlety and precision.
49) Minnesota Vikings
Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Keith Abney II is a technically polished, physical cornerback who brings immediate impact to Minnesota’s secondary. Standing 5-foot-11, he compensates for size with elite mirror-and-match footwork, quickly recovering from off-balance positions and keeping receivers guessing throughout their routes.
50) Detroit Lions
Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
A 2025 Bruce Feldman Freaks List honoree, Parker Brailsford, combines uncommon athletic traits with functional strength, giving him the tools to dominate in a physically demanding position. For the Lions, he offers immediate reliability and high football IQ, capable of anchoring the line in pass protection and imposing himself in the run game.
51) Carolina Panthers
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
D’Angelo Ponds is a dynamic cornerback who blends instinctive ball skills with elite field awareness, consistently putting himself in the right place to make impactful plays. Though slightly undersized, he plays with surprising physicality, tackling with authority and holding his ground against bigger receivers
52) Green Bay Packers
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Chris Johnson is a smooth, explosive cornerback who thrives in space, covers ground quickly, and consistently puts himself in position to make plays on the ball. A willing and physical defender, he engages blockers effectively and contributes in run support.
53) Pittsburgh Steelers
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss pairs explosive speed with elite open-field acceleration, turning designed runs and broken plays into big gains. His arm strength allows him to consistently push the ball downfield with both velocity and touch, putting single-high safeties in tough positions and giving his receivers room to make plays.
54) Philadelphia Eagles
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Georgia’s Monroe Freeling is a rare physical specimen at offensive tackle, blending length, power, and fluid athleticism in a way few players can match. His massive 84-inch wingspan allows him to control defenders at the line, while his flexibility and footwork let him mirror elite edge rushers effortlessly in space.
55) Los Angeles Chargers
Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Missouri’s Zion Young is a prototypical edge rusher with length, athleticism, and power that translate immediately to the NFL. For the Chargers, Young projects as an explosive, versatile edge who can dominate both rushing lanes and passing situations. His combination of lean power, explosive athleticism, and technical polish gives L.A. a dynamic pass-rush weapon capable of impacting games from day one.
56) Jacksonville Jaguars
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
At 320 pounds, Max Iheanachor moves with the agility of a much lighter lineman, effortlessly climbing to the second level and reaching linebackers with smooth, controlled footwork. His natural knee bend, hip sink, and balance allow him to pull, seal, and redirect defenders with precision, making him a force in both power and zone running schemes.
57) Chicago Bears
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman is a fundamentally sound, physical safety with the instincts and toughness to make an immediate impact in Chicago’s secondary. Thieneman combines sharp football IQ with reliable tackling technique, consistently hitting his angles and finishing plays at the point of contact.
58) San Francisco 49ers
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
For the 49ers, Anthony Hill Jr. projects as a potential three-down contributor, someone who can energize the defense with sideline-to-sideline range, disrupt both run and pass, and serve as a physical, turnover-generating centerpiece in the front seven.
59) Houston Texans
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter is a high-motor, powerhouse interior lineman who combines rare strength with athleticism for a 325-pound defender. He consistently overwhelms blockers at the point of attack, using violent hands and a solid anchor to control double teams and dominate gap assignments.
60) Buffalo Bills
Skyler Bell, WR, UCONN
At 6-foot, Skyler Bell brings dynamic YAC ability, turning routine receptions into significant yardage with sharp vision and balance. While he will be an older rookie, his polished skill set, football IQ, and three-level versatility make him a ready-to-play weapon for the Bills’ offense, capable of impacting both inside and outside immediately.
61) Los Angeles Rams
Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
Iowa’s Gennings Dunker is a trench-wrecking offensive lineman who blends brute strength with polished technique. He drives defenders off the line with relentless leg power, precise hand placement, and an aggressive finish, consistently controlling the point of attack in both run and pass schemes.
62) New England Patriots
Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
Alabama’s Deontae Lawson is a cerebral linebacker who runs the defense with precision and authority. A physical tackler, he generates force through his hips and wraps securely, consistently driving ball carriers backward and finishing plays with authority.
63) Denver Broncos
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
While his route tree in the intermediate game still has room to grow, Omar Cooper Jr. shows advanced tempo control and subtle deception, using footwork and body language to manipulate defenders and create separation. His combination of contested-catch skill, RAC explosiveness, and vertical range makes him a versatile three-level weapon.
64) Seattle Seahawks
Connor Lew, C, Auburn
Auburn’s Connor Lew is a technically refined center with an elite feel for pass protection. His hand placement, punch timing, and reset ability helped him allow just one sack and nine pressures across 442 pass-blocking snaps, ranking him among the SEC’s most dependable interior linemen.
Round 3
65) Arizona Cardinals
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
66) Tennessee Titans
Harold Perkins, LB, LSU
67) Las Vegas Raiders
Trey Zuhn III, C/OT, Texas A&M
68) Philadelphia Eagles
Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
69) Houston Texans
Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
70) Cleveland Browns
Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech
71) Washington Commanders
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
72) Cincinnati Bengals
Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
73) New Orleans Saints
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
74) Kansas City Chiefs
Will Lee II, CB, Texas A&M
75) Miami Dolphins
Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas
76) Pittsburgh Steelers
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
77) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Justin Joly, TE, NC State
78) Indianapolis Colts
Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
79) Atlanta Falcons
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
80) Baltimore Ravens
Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
81) Jacksonville Jaguars
Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
82) Minnesota Vikings
Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
83) Carolina Panthers
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
84) Green Bay Packers
Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
85) Pittsburgh Steelers
Hezekiah Masses, CB, California
86) Los Angeles Chargers
Brian Parker II, OG, Duke
87) Miami Dolphins
Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
88) Jacksonville Jaguars
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
89) Chicago Bears
Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
90) Miami Dolphins
Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
91) Buffalo Bills
CJ Daniels, WR, Miami (FL)
92) San Francisco 49ers
Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
93) Los Angeles Rams
Preston Hodge, CB, Colorado
94) Denver Broncos
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
95) Seattle Seahawks
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
96) New England Patriots
Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
97) Minnesota Vikings
Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
98) Philadelphia Eagles
Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri
99) Pittsburgh Steelers
Beau Stephens, OG, Iowa
100) Jacksonville Jaguars
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
9ers aren’t drafting a LB in the 2nd round. They get Fred Warner back. Winters and Bethune proved they can play. AND Nick Martin is going to be a start in 2 years. 9er fans know, OT is a top priority along with interior OL. LB and RB in the 2nd and 3rd rounds is a luxury they do not have.