We’re now a few weeks into the 2026 NFL free agency period. While there are still plenty of intriguing free agents available, a majority of the biggest signings have already been made.
This provides a clearer projection for the 2026 NFL Draft, as it’s easier to identify which positions each team needs. Coming out of the first wave of free agency, here’s how we anticipate the first three rounds of this year’s draft could play out using PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator.
1) Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana | QB
Having traded Geno Smith to the Jets, the Las Vegas Raiders all but confirmed they’d be taking a quarterback with the first overall pick. The anticipated selection has remained the same throughout this pre-draft process, and it will be finalized once the draft order is finalized.
No matter what the latest headline says to generate traffic, Fernando Mendoza is the best quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s a well-built, poised, and intelligent quarterback who sees the field well and has a natural sense of timing behind his throws.
The Heisman Trophy winner has excellent pocket presence and a strong arm that can hit targets in stride from all levels of the field. He’s a polished quarterback with a high floor, and he has more than enough arm talent to make big plays in the NFL.
2) New York Jets
Arvell Reese, Ohio State | LB/EDGE
With multiple first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Jets have a good opportunity to accelerate their rebuild. They focus on the defensive side of the ball to begin this mock draft, seeing as though there isn’t a quarterback on the board worth taking at No. 2.
An argument could be made that Arvell Reese is the best player in this draft class. The 6’4″, 241-pounder is a physical specimen with elite size and length for an off-ball defender, which he pairs with impressive speed and ideal physicality. His play strength, long arms, and craftiness as a blitzing defender have some projecting him as an edge rusher in the NFL, which he might become with the Jets here.
3) Arizona Cardinals
David Bailey, Texas Tech | EDGE
With the third overall pick, the Arizona Cardinals have many different directions they could go. They need a quarterback, and their offense could use some improvement, but they also need some additional juice off the edge alongside Josh Sweat.
David Bailey is pass-rushing lightning in a bottle, and he deserves to be selected early in Round 1 in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft. After a stellar Combine, which saw him run a 4.50 40-yard dash with a 1.62 10-yard split at 251 pounds, he propels himself all the way up to the third pick.
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 exploit the weaknesses of whichever offensive tackle he’s going up against.
4) Tennessee Titans
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame | RB
The Tennessee Titans found encouraging flashes out of No. 1 pick Cam Ward in 2025, but their roster is far too flawed to get the most out of their young quarterback. They signed Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency, but most of their big signings came on defense. It’s time to use the draft to invest around Ward.
Excluding positional value, I’d argue Jeremiyah Love is at least a top-five player in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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.
5) New York Giants
Sonny Styles, Ohio State | LB
Their record didn’t exactly show it, but the New York Giants played tough against many talented teams in 2025. They received encouraging early returns from Jaxson Dart, and though it could make sense to boost the offense for that reason, the defense is also a pretty big work in progress outside of their defensive line.
Sonny Styles has developed from a raw athlete into one of the top prospects in the entire 2026 NFL Draft.
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.
6) Cleveland Browns
Carnell Tate, Ohio State | WR
There’s a chance the Cleveland Browns consider a quarterback early, but in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, they look to give Shedeur Sanders a fair chance to be the guy. Their top wide receiver in 2025 was Jerry Jeudy with 602 yards, and he was their only player at the position with over 350 receiving yards all year.
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.
7) Washington Commanders
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL) | EDGE
The 2025 season was a disaster for the Washington Commanders. Injuries flooded their roster, but they also exposed their lack of developing young talent outside of injured quarterback Jayden Daniels. They have a serious chance in the 2026 NFL Draft to infuse their roster with much-needed youth.
Rueben Bain Jr. is a powerful edge rusher who accelerates quickly off the line of scrimmage.
Bain Jr. 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.
8) New Orleans Saints
Mansoor Delane, LSU | CB
Winning four of their last five games may have hurt their draft positioning, but that’s a trade-off the New Orleans Saints will take, considering the growth that Tyler Shough displayed. Now sitting with the No. 8 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they’re no longer in need of a quarterback early, which really opens up more options for them in Round 1.
With an allowed passer rating of just 26.7 in 2025, Mansoor Delane was 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.
9) Kansas City Chiefs
Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL) | OT
Realistically, it will be a long time before the Kansas City Chiefs pick this high again. With players like Bain and Delane off the board, they opt for an offensive tackle to pair with Josh Simmons in this mock draft.
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.
Mauigoa redirects pretty well and rarely overshoots his pass sets in pass protection, and he showcases good spatial awareness against exotic rush looks.
10) Cincinnati Bengals
Caleb Downs, Ohio State | S
When Joe Burrow returned to the Cincinnati Bengals’ starting lineup for the final few games of the year, it showed what this team can be when its franchise QB is healthy. That said, they still have a defense that ranked No. 28 in the NFL in PFSN’s DEFi. Improving that unit should be their top priority this offseason.
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 significant, 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.
11) Miami Dolphins
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee | CB
The Miami Dolphins seem to have committed to Malik Willis being their starting quarterback, at least for 2026. New head coach Jeff Hafley comes from a defensive background, and in this Mock Draft, they make a much-needed upgrade to their secondary in Round 1.
Jermod McCoy didn’t play 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.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon | S
The bad news for the Dallas Cowboys is that they had the worst defense in the NFL, according to the PFSN NFL Defense Impact metrics (DEFi), in the 2025 season. The good news, though, is that they have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving them the chance to double down on that weak unit.
Dillon Thieneman’s production dipped in 2024, but his transfer to Oregon gave him new life in 2025. As a freshman at Purdue, he had 6 interceptions and showed elite range in coverage. He projects as a rangy, high-upside free safety with playmaker potential who can also lower the shoulder as a downhill tackler.
13) Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
Monroe Freeling, Georgia | OT
The Los Angeles Rams put together a strong 2025 but ultimately fell just one game short of a Super Bowl appearance. After trading their own first-round pick to the Chiefs for star cornerback Trent McDuffie, they can use the pick they got from the Atlanta Falcons to improve their offensive line.
Within the last month or two, Monroe Freeling has become a red-hot name in draft circles. He stepped in as Georgia’s starting left tackle in 2025 and demonstrated elite physical prowess. He’s a bit raw but features tremendous size at 6’7″ and 315 pounds with rare athleticism for such a big man.
14) Baltimore Ravens
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State | WR
After their trade for Maxx Crosby fell through, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves back with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. An edge rusher seems unlikely after they signed Trey Hendrickson, which should see them pivot elsewhere with their early pick.
Jordyn Tyson is a threat with his agility, sinking his hips sharply into his breaks and consistently creating separation underneath.
He adjusts his approach with each step, depending on the coverage he sees, showcasing good footwork and strong defensive pattern recognition as a route runner. He’s also an effective YAC receiver with good ball-carrier vision.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keldric Faulk, Auburn | EDGE
As of this writing, Haason Reddick is still a free agent. Even if they bring him back, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lack of long-term answers along their defensive line, especially in their current group of edge rushers.
Keldric Faulk is a physical anomaly, standing 6’6″ and weighing 288 pounds, with long arms and a frame that carries his weight 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.
Faulk’s pass-rushing production dropped in 2025, but he still brings a high motor and impressive size-adjusted quickness to the table.
16) New York Jets (via Colts)
Makai Lemon, USC | WR
It could make sense for the Jets to use the second of their two first-round picks on defense, seeing as though they traded both Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline. Their offense, however, is severely lacking in passing-game weapons. In our latest NFL Mock Draft, we find a talented receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson.
Makai Lemon was an All-American in 2025 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.
17) Detroit Lions
Caleb Lomu, Utah | OT
Few expected the level of regression the Detroit Lions experienced in 2025. After the release of long-time starting left tackle Taylor Decker, they find themselves with a big hole along an offensive line that already took a step back after key departures the previous offseason.
Caleb Lomu is a smooth, polished left tackle who didn’t allow a single sack in 382 pass-blocking reps during the 2025 regular season. His hand timing, balance, and range in pass protection make him a top offensive tackle prospect and a worthy first-round selection in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
18) Minnesota Vikings
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo | S
All things considered, it’s a minor miracle the Minnesota Vikings went 9-8, given the instability they faced at quarterback this year. It’s far too early to give up on J.J. McCarthy, but their roster could benefit if they invest in their shaky secondary early 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.
19) Carolina Panthers
Kayden McDonald, Ohio State | DT
It wasn’t the prettiest season, but the Carolina Panthers did enough to come away victorious in the NFC South. Their weak division gives them a path to more playoff opportunities in the future, but continuing to bolster their defensive line, which looked better in 2025 but still needs work, could help them build off that success.
Kayden McDonald is a thickly built defender with a 1-technique’s body but the pass-rushing chops of a 3-technique.
He’s a powerful interior defender who can two-gap well with a sturdy anchor and good spatial awareness against the run, but he also has some juice coming off the line of scrimmage for such a big man.
20) Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL) | EDGE
In this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Cowboys added a talented Trevon Diggs replacement to their secondary in Delane. They’d be smart to take another defender with the pick they got from the Green Bay Packers, especially considering some of the defensive value still on the board in this hypothetical.
The tools have always been there for Akheem Mesidor, and he put it all together for the Hurricanes in 2025. He’s an older prospect entering the 2026 NFL Draft, but one with impressive power setting the edge and a deep arsenal to disengage from blocks as a pass rusher. He’s a high-floor edge rusher and projects as an immediate starter.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State | OG
After trading for Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers now have an intriguing wide receiver duo to boost their lackluster offense. To help them further get over the hump, some offensive line enhancements would be beneficial, too.
Olaivavega Ioane 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, and he dominated in pass protection, providing Penn State with elite guard play amid a disappointing season for the program.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M | EDGE
Arguably, the top guard in the 2026 NFL Draft went right before the Los Angeles Chargers in this mock, robbing them of a chance to make a needed upgrade along the interior offensive line. However, with Khalil Mack in the tail end of his career, it would make a lot of sense to invest along the defensive line to find his successor.
With a starting opportunity now in his reach at Texas A&M, Cashius Howell lived up to the hype in 2025. He finished the regular season with an SEC-leading 11.5 sacks, and he’s displayed tremendous acceleration and flexibility off the edge. Howell’s arms aren’t incredibly long, but there’s a lot there to be excited about with him on tape.
23) Philadelphia Eagles
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon | TE
Dallas Goedert is back in Philadelphia for another year. Though he’s coming off a career-high 11 receiving touchdowns, he’ll be 32 years old next offseason and might not be a long-term option for the Eagles beyond 2026. Luckily for them, they have a potentially elite tight end prospect fall into their laps in this mock draft.
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.
He caught 8 touchdown passes in the 2025 regular season, taking advantage of his first opportunity at cracking the starting lineup. His upside as a receiver is through the roof, making him worthy of a first-round selection in our 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
24) Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
Spencer Fano, Utah | OT
After improving their wide receiver room with Tate at No. 6 overall, the Browns have a great chance to double down on their offense with the second of their first-round selections. They traded for offensive tackle Tytus Howard this offseason, but Cleveland’s offensive line could still use some reinforcements.
Spencer Fano is not the biggest or strongest tackle out there, but he moves incredibly well, thanks to 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.
25) Chicago Bears
Zion Young, Missouri | EDGE
Ben Johnson led the Chicago Bears to a playoff appearance and an NFC North crown, solidifying them as one of the biggest turnarounds in the NFL this year. Much of that was due to their offense, though. Defensively, they’ve consistently struggled to get home with a four-man rush, and free agent additions Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett didn’t live up to the hype in 2025.
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. He’s gotten better every year as a pass rusher, adding new moves to his arsenal and showing improved first-step acceleration in 2025 for Missouri.
26) Buffalo Bills
CJ Allen, Georgia | LB
As the Buffalo Bills look to break their streak of playoff appearances without winning the AFC, they’ll need to get creative, adding talent through the draft. With Matt Milano getting older, they could use a long-term solution at off-ball linebacker.
He’s not the biggest linebacker in the class, but CJ Allen might be the most polished. He’s an intelligent run defender who fills his gaps properly and takes precise angles to the ball.
Allen’s exceptional athleticism enhances his calculated movements; he possesses tremendous straight-line speed, with sideline-to-sideline range and impressive agility. He also brings value as a physical blitzing defender.
27) San Francisco 49ers
Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana | WR
The San Francisco 49ers added Mike Evans to their offense in free agency, but they’re still thin at the wide receiver position. They’ll require a talent infusion at the position to complement the likes of George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey in the passing game, especially with Ricky Pearsall still relatively unproven.
Omar Cooper Jr. is an impressive wide receiver with strong ball skills, coordination, and strong hands. He adjusts well to the ball in the air and can consistently make plays after the catch with his agility and toughness. If he continues to develop as a route runner, he has the potential to be an impact starter.
28) Houston Texans
Peter Woods, Clemson | DT
The Houston Texans have arguably the best edge-rushing duo in the NFL in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. As good as their defense has been this season, their interior defensive line is arguably the unit’s biggest weakness. They could use a massive space-eater to complement their stars rushing off the edge.
Peter Woods is an explosive defensive tackle with refined hands, a high motor, excellent agility for his position, and a high football IQ. He’s an effective two-gapping defensive tackle against the run, and he also brings plenty of value on passing downs.
That combination alone should make him highly sought after.
29) Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams)
Avieon Terrell, Clemson | CB
The Chiefs dealt Trent McDuffie to the Rams to acquire this selection, which naturally leaves them with a big hole at cornerback. After adding an offensive lineman with the first of their two selections in Round 1, they find their potential McDuffie replacement at No. 29.
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 2 interceptions and 12 pass breakups for Clemson, and he’s combined 21 pass deflections over the course of his last two seasons.
This year, he improved as a tackler, dropping his missed tackle percentage to 10.4% from 14.1% the year before.
30) Miami Dolphins (via Broncos)
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M | WR
Having traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, the Dolphins could look to draft a wide receiver with the first of their multiple first-round picks. They don’t do so in this mock draft, but luckily for them, there should be plenty of good value at the position with the No. 30 overall pick, too.
KC Concepcion is a dynamic receiver with tremendous YAC ability and impressive quickness, excelling as a route runner who shoots out of his breaks.
Throughout his stints at Texas A&M and NC State, he’s been a reliable underneath weapon with inside-outside versatility. His twitchiness underneath and speed-oriented game would give Miami a chance at finding a direct replacement for Waddle for much cheaper.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
31) New England Patriots
Denzel Boston, Washington | WR
The New England Patriots going from 4-13 in 2024 to 14-3 in 2025 is nothing short of incredible. If they want to maintain that level of newfound success, at the top of their list should be finding a bonafide top wide receiver to replace Stefon Diggs.
A big-bodied weapon at 6’4″ and 209 pounds, Denzel Boston is a sure-handed receiver with some of the best hands and physicality in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
He has impressive ball skills and coordination to high-point the ball and square up to it properly. As a route runner, Boston uses his hands well through his stems and can attack leverage points by adjusting his footwork to exploit a cornerback’s blind spot.
32) Seattle Seahawks
Malachi Lawrence, UCF | EDGE
As the defending Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks head into the offseason with a target on their back. After all, their offense was explosive in key matchups, and their defense was one of the most dominant units in the NFL this season.
Part of their success down the stretch came from their super deep defensive line rotation, though they lost Boye Mafe to Cincinnati in free agency. Keeping that deck strong could make them dominant along the defensive front for a long time.
With 35-inch arms and a wicked first step, Malachi Lawrence has the tools to go much higher than this in real life. He’s a bit raw and a little light in the pants, but the pass-rushing upside is palpable.
Round 2 | 33) New York Jets
Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech | OG
Keylan Rutledge is a mauler of a guard prospect who engages with a nasty demeanor at the point of attack. He brings great play strength to the table, and he’s coming off an impressive Combine performance, which saw him excel in positional drills with his polished footwork.
34) Arizona Cardinals
Max Iheanachor, Arizona State | OT
Max Iheanachor is listed at 6’6″ and 330 pounds; he has a large wingspan, and he’s an impressive athlete with great redirect skills 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.
35) Tennessee Titans
T.J. Parker, Clemson | EDGE
Clemson as a whole didn’t live up to expectations this year, but that doesn’t fall on T.J. Parker. He’s a tremendous, high-floor player with plenty of potential as he heads to the NFL.
He had 11 sacks as a sophomore and demonstrates great burst, strong lower body, and refined hands on tape. Though his sack production fell this year, he remained incredibly efficient at putting pressure on the quarterback.
36) Las Vegas Raiders
Blake Miller, Clemson | OT
Blake Miller 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. He has the tools to be a long-term, solid starter.
37) New York Giants
Colton Hood, Tennessee | CB
In the absence of 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.
38) Houston Texans (via Commanders)
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama | OG
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, helping him dominate physically at the point of attack.
Proctor is not just big; he’s coordinated and can handle power and maintain an anchor in pass protection. I project him kicking inside to guard for the Texans in this scenario, shielding some of his strike timing and agility issues and maximizing his strengths.
39) Cleveland Browns
Gabe Jacas, Illinois | EDGE
Gabe Jacas tallied 19 sacks between his final two seasons at Illinois, demonstrating impressive strength, physicality, and effort in getting to the quarterback. He’s not the flashiest athlete off the edge, but he has a deep arsenal of moves he uses to beat blockers. That should see him contribute right away in the NFL.
40) Kansas City Chiefs
R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma | EDGE
R Mason Thomas has two seasons of strong SEC tape, having tallied 15.5 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 as an immediate contributor on passing downs when the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around.
41) Cincinnati Bengals
Christen Miller, Georgia | DT
There were always tools with Christen Miller, but he put it all together in a bigger role for Georgia in 2025. He’s a powerful run defender with a low center of gravity, good hand usage, and great gap awareness working off of blocks. Miller demonstrates some upside as a pass rusher with his first-step acceleration off the ball, too.
42) New Orleans Saints
Chris Bell, Louisville | WR
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. He falls a little bit due to a thin route tree and a season-ending injury, but one could argue that Bell has the highest ceiling among wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
43) Miami Dolphins
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon | OG
Amidst stints at Wyoming and USC, Emmanuel Pregnon 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.
44) New York Jets (via Cowboys)
Ty Simpson, Alabama | QB
Ty Simpson is only a one-year starter in college, but he’s pretty advanced given his limited playing time. 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. The Jets have an abundance of draft capital in the early rounds and a big need at quarterback, so using a second-round pick on a player like Simpson could be worth a shot.
45) Baltimore Ravens
D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana | CB
D’Angelo Ponds tallied 7 interceptions and 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.
46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jake Golday, Cincinnati | LB
Jake Golday has gone from an under-recruited, 190-pound edge rusher to one of the top linebackers in college football. He’s now 6’4″ and 240 pounds with freakish athleticism and improving instincts against the run, which gives him one of the highest ceilings in this linebacker class.
47) Indianapolis Colts
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech | LB
A Heisman Trophy hopeful for much of 2025, Jacob Rodriguez was incredibly productive for Texas Tech this year. He lacks prototypical linebacker size but plays with a relentless motor, showing off quick processing against the run and in zone coverage across the middle of the field.
48) Atlanta Falcons
Germie Bernard, Alabama | WR
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 Atlanta Falcons could desperately use alongside Drake London.
49) Minnesota Vikings
Chris Johnson, San Diego State | CB
With an allowed passer rating of just 16.1 this season, Chris Johnson is coming off a stellar season, which saw him dominate the Mountain West on a weekly basis. He’s a smooth, intelligent cornerback who reads route concepts well and also plays with a scrappy demeanor in run support.
50) Detroit Lions
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech | DT
At around 330 pounds, Lee Hunter is a monster of a man who can plug up gaps well in the run game with two-gapping abilities. He’s also a freak athlete for someone his size, though, and his closing speed is impressive for a nose tackle.
51) Carolina Panthers
Treydan Stukes, Arizona | S
Whether it’s as a slot cornerback or as a safety, I think Treydan Stukes will be a starter in the NFL for a long time. He started for Arizona’s secondary for four years, intercepting 4 passes in 2025. He has a competitive edge at the catch point, with good ball skills and a high comfort level processing in deep zone shells.
52) Green Bay Packers
Brandon Cisse, South Carolina | CB
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, allowing him to explode out of his breaks and act on his reads with more efficiency than most cornerbacks.
53) Pittsburgh Steelers
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas | LB
Anthony Hill Jr. led the SEC with 16.5 tackles for a loss in 2024, and he was a consistent presence in Texas’ defense in his three years with the team. 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.
54) Philadelphia Eagles
Derrick Moore, Michigan | EDGE
Heading into 2025, I was already impressed by Derrick Moore’s first-step acceleration, pass-rushing arsenal, and motor. That said, I came out of this season impressed by how he added power to his game, giving him strong Day 2 upside in this year’s draft class.
55) Los Angeles Chargers
Gennings Dunker, Iowa | OG
Gennings Dunker is a three-year starter at Iowa, having played right tackle and both guard positions in college. I project him best as a guard in the NFL due to a lack of length, but I also think his ability to drive defenders off the ball as a down blocker would be better suited along the interior.
56) Jacksonville Jaguars
Caleb Banks, Florida | DT
Though Caleb Banks played in just three games in 2025 due to injury, and he suffered another broken foot at the Combine, he’s shown enough elite flashes on tape during his time at Florida to warrant an early-round selection.
He’s a 6’6″, 325-pound interior lineman with more pass-rush juice than expected for a player his size, giving him a very high ceiling at the NFL level. Banks is powerful and disruptive, passing down value to entice scouts.
57) Chicago Bears
Gracen Halton, Oklahoma | DT
Though he may have some detractors with his smaller frame for a defensive tackle, Gracen Halton makes up for it with his explosive style of play. He’s quick off the line of scrimmage, has a high motor stringing moves together through blocks, and he keeps a low center of gravity at the point of attack.
58) San Francisco 49ers
Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M | OG
One of multiple future NFL players along Texas A&M’s offensive line, Chase Bisontis won’t wow you as an athlete, but he is a sturdy guard with heavy hands who lands his strikes accurately. With his motor and physicality, he has the opportunity to be a Day 1 starter at the next level.
59) Houston Texans
Sam Hecht, Kansas State | C
Sam Hecht is a coordinated, intelligent interior offensive lineman who accelerates well off the snap and lands his strikes with precise timing and accuracy. His ability to block on the move in the run game and spatial awareness in pass protection will be very enticing to teams on Day 2.
60) Chicago Bears (via Bills)
A.J. Haulcy, LSU | S
A.J. Haulcy is one of the most physical safeties you’ll find in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he’s got some nice chops attacking the ball in the air, too. 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.
61) Los Angeles Rams
Antonio Williams, Clemson | WR
He may not have had the WR1-type season some expected from him, given his pre-draft hype, but Antonio Williams is still one of the best wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s a crafty route runner with good explosion out of his breaks, consistently creating separation.
62) Denver Broncos
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt | TE
Eli Stowers is one of the top athletes at tight end in this year’s draft class, as his incredible Combine outing indicated. He’s a bit raw as an in-line blocker, but offers good vertical speed and explosiveness as a route runner coming out of his breaks.
63) New England Patriots
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State | EDGE
It’s tough to gauge Dani Dennis-Sutton’s stock in this year’s draft. He’s a bit inconsistent on tape, but he has prototypical physical attributes and a high motor. He 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.
64) Seattle Seahawks
Connor Lew, Auburn | C
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. In a weak center class, he could still be drafted high, even with his injury.
Round 3 | 65) Arizona Cardinals
Jadarian Price, Notre Dame | RB
There were probably four or five college football programs where Jadarian Price would not have been a starting running back. Notre Dame just happened to be one of those schools. He’s a tough downhill runner with impressive patience and vision between the tackles, hitting open running lanes.
66) Tennessee Titans
Malachi Fields, Notre Dame | WR
A standout at the Senior Bowl, Malachi Fields didn’t get too much of an opportunity to display his gifts at Notre Dame, and a slower 40-yard dash at the Combine drops him out of the first two rounds in this mock draft.
However, he shows a lot to like on tape, demonstrating the body control, ball skills, and stem work that indicate he could have a bigger role in the NFL than he did for the Fighting Irish.
67) Las Vegas Raiders
Elijah Sarratt, Indiana | WR
Cooper Jr. may be the more explosive of Indiana’s two standout receivers, but Elijah Sarratt is the more refined of the bunch. He’s a big, crafty receiver who works leverage well through his stems and has the physicality needed to win above the rim. Reuniting him with Fernando Mendoza in the NFL would be a fun outcome for all parties involved.
68) Philadelphia Eagles (via Jets)
Zakee Wheatley, Penn State | S
If there’s one thing Penn State knows how to produce, it’s physical safeties. Zakee Wheatley is a hard hitter with a 6’2″, 202-pound frame that helps him lay out ball-carriers. He also processes route combinations well in zone and offers plenty of alignment versatility.
69) Houston Texans (via Giants)
Josiah Trotter, Missouri | LB
An early declaration for the 2026 NFL Draft, Josiah Trotter has shown, between stops at West Virginia and Missouri, that he’s ready for the next level. He’s an instinctive, physical tackler at the MIKE spot who wraps up with proper form, takes precise angles in pursuit, and doesn’t shy away from taking blocks head-on.
70) Cleveland Browns
Logan Jones, Iowa | C
Logan Jones is an experienced Big Ten lineman with a large sample size and a tremendous Combine performance to his name. He’s explosive off the line of scrimmage and carries the raw power and tenacity to drive run defenders off the ball consistently.
71) Washington Commanders
Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State | WR
To the surprise of very few, least of all me, Brenen Thompson ran the fastest 40-yard dash at this year’s Combine. He’s undersized and lacks ideal physicality, but he’s an incredible athlete with elite deep speed and scary shiftiness with the ball in his hands.
72) Cincinnati Bengals
Joshua Josephs, Tennessee | EDGE
A rotational defender in 2024, Joshua Josephs 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.
73) New Orleans Saints
Max Klare, Ohio State | TE
A high-level producer for Purdue in 2024, Max Klare is an athletic and fluid tight end with a high ceiling on passing downs. His numbers dropped a little with his move to Ohio State, but his tape remained strong, keeping him firmly in Day 2 conversations as one of the top tight ends in this year’s class.
74) Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee | WR
Chris Brazzell II is a 6’5″ serious 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.
75) Miami Dolphins
Keyron Crawford, Auburn | EDGE
Keyron Crawford isn’t as big or as strong as his more heralded teammate Keldric Faulk, but he offers high-level explosiveness, flexibility, and effort getting to the passer. His value as a situational pass rusher right out of the gate should be apparent to teams needing some more juice up front, and he has the upside to turn into more.
76) Pittsburgh Steelers (via Cowboys)
Genesis Smith, Arizona | S
Genesis Smith is a 6’2″ rangy safety who brings ideal versatility to the safety position. He’s a true centerfielder in that he has the fluidity and route processing speeds to make plays in single-high formations in coverage.
77) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Zane Durant, Penn State | DT
An undersized yet explosive defensive tackle, Zane Durant is an impactful pass-rushing interior defender with top-notch athleticism for his position. The finesse and activity his hands show on film indicate he should be a high priority for teams in need of a penetrating 3-technique defender.
78) Indianapolis Colts
Zachariah Branch, Georgia | WR
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.
79) Atlanta Falcons
Keith Abney II, Arizona State | CB
Keith Abney II made significant improvements to his stock this season, looking the part of a potential NFL starter along the perimeter. He’s a well-rounded cornerback with very good ball skills who brings ideal aggressiveness as a tackler.
80) Baltimore Ravens
Jake Slaughter, Florida | C
Battle-tested against some of the top defensive lines in college football, Jake Slaughter is a mobile center with good quickness as a pull blocker and solid agility run-blocking on the move. He’s also an intelligent lineman who keeps his head on a swivel for work in pass protection.
81) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Lions)
Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas | RB
You don’t find 6’1″, 223-pound running backs who can run a 4.33 40-yard dash very often. That’s exactly what you have in Mike Washington Jr., who’s a dynamic straight-line runner with raw speed and power to project as a high-upside swing for RB-needy teams on Day 2 of the draft.
82) Minnesota Vikings
Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest | RB
He’s a smaller running back, but Demond Claiborne is one of the most electric runners in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s a twitchy athlete who changes direction well, has impressive breakaway speed, and has the patience to let the play develop in front of him before exploding through an open running lane.
83) Carolina Panthers
Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern | OT
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.
84) Green Bay Packers
Domonique Orange, Iowa State | DT
Domonique Orange is a physical run-stuffer up the middle whose size makes him difficult to move around at the point of attack. He has the power and technical prowess to step into a defensive line rotation and make an impact in the NFL.
85) Pittsburgh Steelers
Keionte Scott, Miami (FL) | CB
A physical, hard-hitting nickel cornerback with good ball skills, Keionte Scott looks the part of a Day 2 selection on tape. He brings a more physical edge than most corners in the run game, and he’s aggressive, making plays in coverage. Don’t be surprised if he goes higher than this in real life.
86) Los Angeles Chargers
Devin Moore, Florida | CB
Devin Moore is a tall, lengthy cornerback who brings ideal physicality in press coverage and as a tackler at the wrap-up point. He has a deep injury history but has the combination of size, speed, and aggressiveness to warrant a third-round pick.
87) Miami Dolphins (via Eagles)
Justin Joly, NC State | TE
After standing out at UConn for two years, Justin Joly made the jump seamlessly to NC State for his final two years. He’s a little smaller for a tight end, but is a fluid athlete with great hands who knows how to work himself open against zone coverage.
88) Jacksonville Jaguars
Harold Perkins Jr., LSU | LB
Harold Perkins Jr. is a Swiss Army knife of sorts. He’s an elite athlete at linebacker with tremendous agility and straight-line speed, and he has good pass-rushing and coverage instincts. His injury history and lack of size will hurt him, but he’s a fun watch.
89) Chicago Bears
Brian Parker II, Duke | C
An offensive tackle in college, I foresee Brian Parker II moving to center due to a lack of ideal length. He has all the tools to succeed along the interior, though: spatial awareness, refined hand placement, and good coordination blocking on the move.
90) Miami Dolphins (via Texans)
Ted Hurst, Georgia State | WR
The Dolphins double down at wide receiver early in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft. Ted Hurst is a 6’3″ weapon with very good deep speed and the subtle stem work needed to work himself open against different coverage looks.
91) Buffalo Bills
Kamari Ramsey, USC | S
He brings average athleticism to the safety position, but Kamari Ramsey is a physical DB with a high football IQ who can make plays in coverage thanks to his quick processing speed, high motor, and ball skills. He should end up being a solid starter in the pros.
92) Dallas Cowboys (via 49ers)
Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU | LB
Kaleb Elarms-Orr is a hard-hitting, speedy linebacker who wraps up with proper form and physicality. He should be a special teams demon early in his career and has eventual starting upside.
93) Los Angeles Rams
Deontae Lawson, Alabama | LB
A three-year starter at Alabama, Deontae Lawson brings ideal physicality and play strength to the linebacker position. He lacks a bit in coverage, but should be an instant contributor against the run with good blitzing capabilities.
94) Miami Dolphins (via Broncos)
Taylen Green, Arkansas | QB
He’s as raw as the day is long, but I’d argue no quarterback in the 2026 draft has the physical tools that Taylen Green has. He’s an elite athlete at quarterback with a big frame and a strong arm, making him worth a flyer for a team with a lot of mid-round capital like the Dolphins.
95) New England Patriots
Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina | S
If you like versatility in your defensive backs, Jalon Kilgore is a prospect you’ll enjoy. He’s smart enough to play as a deep safety, in the nickel, and in the box. His physicality and high motor make him a reliable tackler, and he has good ball skills in coverage.
96) Seattle Seahawks
Emmett Johnson, Nebraska | RB
Though he didn’t exactly light it up at the Combine, Emmett Johnson deserves Day 2 looks after leading the Big Ten with 1,451 rushing yards in 2025. He’s a big-play machine who’s elusive in space and brings good receiving value to the running back position.
97) Minnesota Vikings
Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M | C
A likely convert to the interior from his usual offensive tackle spot, Trey Zuhn III could project as either a guard or center in the pros. He’s a tall lineman who moves well for his size, and he showcases good grip strength when he gets his hands right.
98) Philadelphia Eagles
Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M | OT
With his pad level and inconsistent processing speed, I wouldn’t consider Dametrious Crownover a Day 1 starter in the NFL. That said, he’s a 6’7″, 336-pound freak of nature with incredible length and really good agility for his size. Someone will bet on upside with him.
99) Pittsburgh Steelers
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU | QB
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 pretty significantly, but when he’s on like he was for most of 2024, he displays genuine NFL starting potential.
100) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Lions)
Skyler Bell, UConn | WR
2025 was a banner year for Skyler Bell. He 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.
