The 2025 NFL and college football seasons are almost back (not really, but I’m trying to stay positive here!), and there are several risers, fallers, and overall surprises that will shake things up for the 2026 NFL Draft. With that in mind, what better way to satisfy football addicts than with a three-round mock draft you can talk about, argue about, scream about, and more.
2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
It has been heavily reported that Arch Manning is not likely to opt in to the 2026 NFL Draft, so for the purposes of this article, let’s agree on that. No Manning.
With so much time until the real draft, I will be assuming the position of general manager for each team. As the title suggests, there are plenty of good quarterbacks, but there’s also an absolutely loaded 2027 draft on the horizon. In CSN’s Top 100 Returning College Football Players, four of the top five players are eligible in 2027.
The draft order for this mock is determined using an algorithm I created to simulate the NFL season based on market-implied team ratings and historical sliding home-field advantage.
1) New York Giants: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
You have to be really bad for a team to move on after just one season with you as a first-round quarterback. Because of the sunk-cost fallacy, this suggests Jaxson Dart gets at least one more season with the New York Giants.
That said, you’d expect New York to trade down here with so many good quarterbacks on the board. But with scheme differences and price disagreement, they stay put.
Instead, the Giants take behemoth Kadyn Proctor out of Alabama. Proctor has experience run blocking in both gap and zone schemes, which helps him fit well with a Giants team that mixes both. While Proctor normally plays left tackle, they’d slide him to the right, where he can keep dominating physically at the line of scrimmage.
2) Cleveland Browns: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Drew Allar is my second-ranked quarterback so far. Things can definitely change, but he has a strong arm and the ideal size. If Kevin Stefanski somehow survives another rough season, Allar’s comfort with play-action would be a solid fit for the Cleveland Browns. According to TruMedia, Allar ranked 22nd in EPA (expected points added) per dropback on play-action throws.
3) New Orleans Saints: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
There might be better scheme fits for the New Orleans Saints, but I think Cade Klubnik has more potential. He was an accurate thrower (43rd in adjusted completion percentage, per PFF) and a solid playmaker in the pocket. He has the athleticism to make plays outside the pocket, but struggles by holding the ball too long.
Klubnik took the fifth-most sacks outside the pocket in the FBS with 13. Overall, he’s a smooth operator with enough arm talent and good touch and poise. The Saints would be very happy with this outcome.
4) Tennessee Titans: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Tennessee Titans are actually decent on the defensive line. With Jeffrey Simmons playing both inside and out, and T’Vondre Sweat manning the edge, I expect solid years from Sebastian Joseph-Day and Arden Key. The secondary, though, needs serious work.
Caleb Downs is the best player available if you don’t factor in positional value. He would be an instant upgrade at safety. He’s a highly technical, do-it-all kind of player for Ohio State. I know it’s risky to compare players to all-time greats, but I see some Ed Reed in how Downs plays. He’s got rare instincts and elite ball skills (see his punt return against IU).
5) New York Jets: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Peter Woods lined up at 0 or 1-tech on 9% of snaps, 2/2i/3-tech on 48%, and head-up or outside tackle on 43%. The guy has the skill set of a J.J. Watt or Aaron Donald — just as effective inside as outside. At 6’3″, 315 pounds, Woods was a dominant run defender and is developing as a pass rusher.
The New York Jets run a four-man front most of the time, and Woods could start at both tackle and end. Ironically, Quinnen Williams already plays a similar hybrid role — mostly at 3-tech but sometimes as a nose or edge. Having two of those guys on one line makes game planning a nightmare.
6) Las Vegas Raiders (From CAR): LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
TRADE! The Raiders send third-, fourth-, and fifth-round picks to move up two spots and beat out other QB-needy teams for their guy.
LaNorris Sellers has room to grow. He’s not quite there as a passer or decision-maker, but he flashes promise in both. Still, I’d rate him above the college versions of Josh Allen and Anthony Richardson when it comes to accuracy.
#LaNorrisSellers is a magician. #GoGamecocks #Carolina #USC #Clemson pic.twitter.com/b8XJBvO5Su
— . (@GlennYandle3) November 30, 2024
Sellers ranked 82nd of 156 in adjusted completion percentage at 74.6% — something neither Allen nor Richardson hit as full-time starters. I bring those names up because Sellers brings that same freak athlete vibe. He’s a dynamic runner who’s tough to bring down.
Sellers’ ability to avoid defenders and extend plays will have scouts drooling. Even better, the Las Vegas Raiders still have Geno Smith, which gives Sellers time to develop before taking over.
7) Dallas Cowboys: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Clemson’s defensive line is stacked again. One of the stars is T.J. Parker, who had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles last season. He’s got the size and tools to thrive opposite Micah Parsons.
Now, if the Dallas Cowboys are picking seventh overall, we have to talk about Parsons’ future in Dallas. Maybe the market’s just down on them, locking in Parsons long term seems like a no-brainer. You don’t let a guy like that walk.
8) Carolina Panthers (From LV): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
The Carolina Panthers pick up extra picks and still land a stud right tackle. If they’re picking eighth, Bryce Young likely hasn’t panned out, but you’ve still got that fourth rookie year to give him another shot. Like I said earlier, teams will be trading down because of how loaded the 2027 class looks.
If Carolina ends up back in the top 10 in 2027, they now have an extra third, fourth, and fifth to chase a guy like Manning, DJ Lagway, CJ Bailey, Dylan Raiola, or someone else who breaks out. And they’ll also hopefully have WR1 Tetairoa McMillan and RT1 Mauigoa. Mauigoa allowed just one sack in 2024 — a credit to his pass blocking, massive range, and power.
9) Indianapolis Colts: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Indianapolis Colts have a great setup for a quarterback. A top-10 offensive line, a star running back, a young receiver group, and a defense that’s coming back together. The last piece? The QB.
Fernando Mendoza ranked 32nd in time to throw at 2.59 seconds last year. That matches what you see on film — he diagnoses well and reacts quickly when pressure comes. He likes to extend plays, which leads to sacks, and it shows in a rough 25% pressure-to-sack rate.
Still, Mendoza is an accurate passer (28th in adjusted completion percentage) and has room to grow with Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers. If Shane Steichen somehow sticks around, this could be a perfect pairing.
10) Seattle Seahawks: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Garrett Nussmeier’s top trait is sack avoidance — something the Seattle Seahawks will value after a rough year with Sam Darnold behind a bad line. Unlike his time in Minnesota, Darnold didn’t have elite receivers, protection, or play-calling to help him out. That’s why grabbing Nussmeier on a rookie deal matters.
Aside from avoiding sacks, the Nuss Buss has great anticipation on throws. He can put zip on it and isn’t afraid to squeeze it into tight windows. Nussmeier ranked 11th in EPA last year on throws targeting the slot — great news for a team that has both Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
11) Cleveland Browns (From JAX): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Spencer Fano dominated college football last season. His 93.6 PFF run-blocking grade ranked second out of 1,260 offensive linemen, and he allowed just one sack and 14 pressures on 424 pass-blocking snaps. Even more impressive, he played all of 2023 at left tackle and all of 2024 on the right side, showing how flexible he can be.
That’s great news for Cleveland, which badly needs OT help. Lucky for Allar, he’s used to working with a thin receiver group, so beefing up the line first makes sense. They can go after weapons in the next couple of rounds.
12) Los Angeles Rams (From ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Picking 12th and missing out on the top five quarterbacks is rough for the Los Angeles Rams. Thankfully, that’s thanks to the Atlanta Falcons, not their own performance. Nevertheless, that makes picking Jermod McCoy an easy call, especially with extra draft capital to find Matthew Stafford’s replacement later or in 2027.
I’m really excited about McCoy’s 2025 season. In 2024, he looked like a true lockdown corner — allowing just 31 catches on 62 targets, grabbing four interceptions (tied for 11th), breaking up six passes, and giving up a 53.6 passer rating (39th out of 494). Even better, McCoy showed up against big-name receivers.
Texas A&M transfer Kevin Concepcion had just one catch for seven yards on two targets against McCoy. Florida’s Elijhah Badger and Eugene Wilson III combined for one catch and 18 yards on four targets. The most intriguing battle was against Alabama’s Ryan Williams, who finished with eight catches, 73 yards, and a touchdown. However, only one catch for 12 yards (and a pick) came against McCoy.
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith did get the better of McCoy with two catches for 32 yards and a touchdown on two targets. Still, Smith is a once-in-a-generation player.
13) New England Patriots: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Dani Dennis-Sutton is the next pass-rushing menace from Penn State. He ended his 2024 season with 8.5 sacks and 45 pressures, and he can line up with his hand in the dirt or stand up, despite weighing 266 pounds. That gives the New England Patriots flexibility to play him in their 3-4 scheme without a hitch.
14) Arizona Cardinals: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Arizona Cardinals are desperate for pass rushers. After ranking 25th in pressure rate, they took Walter Nolen in the 2025 draft to help inside. Now, they add Rueben Bain Jr. to beef up the edge. Bain’s still developing as a pass rusher, but he’s already proven himself as a run stopper, logging 44 tackles for no gain or a loss over the last two seasons.
15) Chicago Bears (From MIN): Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
TRADE! In a rare intra-division deal, the Vikings get a fifth-round pick from the Bears to move down three spots.
The Chicago Bears give Ben Johnson a legit running back to pair with a tough O-line and a loaded receiver room. Jeremiyah Love’s explosiveness is unreal (just ask Indiana). After a huge College Football Playoff run, he’s now a legit Heisman candidate.
But it wasn’t just the playoffs. Love ranked 18th in FBS in yards after contact per attempt, forced 62 missed tackles (16th), finished 11th in breakaway rushing yardage, and ranked 21st in breakaway run percentage. That kind of big-play threat takes pressure off Caleb Williams and makes the 12 personnel play-action game even more dangerous.
16) Los Angeles Chargers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
It’s been nice seeing a little resurgence from Quentin Johnston and a feel-good Mike Williams reunion, but the Los Angeles Chargers still need more help for Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey. Denzel Boston has lined up outside for more than 80% of his career snaps and is a great deep and intermediate option to pair with McConkey.
17) Pittsburgh Steelers: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
If this were real life, I’d expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to panic and reach for a quarterback here. If they’re drafting 17th, it means Aaron Rodgers didn’t move the needle, and they’re still looking for a long-term answer at QB.
But I’m the GM now, so I’m sticking to the plan and building the roster while we wait for 2027 to get our franchise guy. I might even consider trading T.J. Watt, since his timeline doesn’t fit the rebuild. Avieon Terrell is a legit cornerback — he gave up just a 70.9 passer rating and broke up 10 passes in 2024.
18) Minnesota Vikings (From CHI): Iapani Laloulu, C, Oregon
Iapani Laloulu started at center for Oregon in 2024 and put up strong numbers. He didn’t allow a sack in 760 pass-blocking snaps, and in the run game, Oregon averaged 4.7 yards per carry in the A-gap — proof of his power inside. This pick helps the Minnesota Vikings keep the offensive line rolling when Ryan Kelly eventually retires.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
With Lavonte David near the end of his career, linebacker makes sense here. Anthony Hill Jr. fits the role well. He’s a physical run defender, ranking 44th among 2,447 defenders in tackles that stopped the offense cold. He also brings heat as a blitzer, tallying 23 pressures and six sacks. He’s got a little Devin White in his game.
20) Washington Commanders: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Keldric Faulk is a 6’6″, 280+ pound force for Auburn. He recorded seven sacks and 45 pressures in 2024. His size also lets him kick inside, having played 3-tech on about 8% of his snaps, showing real versatility.
The Washington Commanders would get a Montez Sweat–style disruptor to reload their defensive line.
21) Cincinnati Bengals: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
LT Overton looks like a solid replacement for Trey Hendrickson once he’s gone. Between Overton and Shemar Stewart, the Cincinnati Bengals now have a rookie-contract pass-rushing duo to help balance out their high-powered offense.
Overton flashed at times for Alabama, and many expect a breakout season from the 6’5″, 283-pound giant.
22) Miami Dolphins: Caleb Lomu, LT, Utah
The Miami Dolphins grab their left tackle of the future with Caleb Lomu. He impressed in his first full season as a starter, earning PFF grades over 70 in both pass and run blocking. Facing top-tier pass rushers, Lomu allowed just two sacks and 17 pressures over 425 pass-blocking snaps.
23) Houston Texans: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
With no offensive tackles worth a first-round pick left on the board, the Houston Texans turn to the defensive interior. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. are monsters off the edge, so Zane Durant would get plenty of 1-on-1s if drafted here.
Durant is a true every-down 3-tech who can disrupt the run and get after the quarterback. Among 340 defensive tackles with 100+ run snaps, Durant ranked 68th in tackle rate.
24) Green Bay Packers: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
Jaire Alexander is now 28 and nearing the end of his deal. The Green Bay Packers need to find a reliable zone corner for the outside. While man coverage is great, they run the ninth-least man and the eighth-most zone.
Duke CB Chandler Rivers (@_ChandlerRivers) is one of the top corners in the country. Physical, instinctive, and a strong tackler — he checks a lot of boxes. I expect he’ll be a hot name come April 2026. 🔒🔥#BlueDevils pic.twitter.com/TiHVfWPeFq
— Bryan (@BGauvin23) May 11, 2025
Chandler Rivers fits the mold. Though a bit undersized, he ranked 44th out of 533 defenders in passer rating allowed in zone. He also showed solid ball skills with three interceptions and five pass breakups. Even more impressive, Rivers was only flagged once in both 2023 and 2024.
25) Carolina Panthers (From LAR): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
TRADE! The Rams send picks 25, 89, 143, 164, and a 2027 third-rounder to Carolina for pick 38 and the Panthers’ 2027 first-rounder.
The Rams load up future assets in a post-Stafford world, while the Panthers continue to build around Young or whoever ends up under center.
Jordyn Tyson is a strong complement to McMillan, playing about half his 2024 snaps in the slot. He posted over 1,000 yards and had 10 touchdowns last season and is expected to build on that with rising quarterback Sam Leavitt.
26) Denver Broncos: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
With Tyson snagged right ahead of them, the Denver Broncos pivot to Antonio Williams. He saw 100 targets last year and caught 75 for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Klubnik had a 139.1 passer rating when throwing Williams’ way (13th-best in the FBS). Williams can line up inside or out, making him a great fit alongside Courtland Sutton.
27) Detroit Lions: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Malik Muhammad didn’t get the same buzz as Jahdae Barron, but he still played well, especially on the outside. Muhammad faced loaded receiver groups — Clemson, Ohio State, Arizona State — and held up, allowing 30 catches on 60 targets and a 77.8 passer rating.
If Terrion Arnold makes a leap in Year 2, Muhammad gives Detroit a nice depth piece behind him and D.J. Reed. That secondary already boasts elite slot play from Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
28) Indianapolis Colts (From SF): Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
TRADE! The 49ers send pick 28 to the Colts for picks 41 and 187.
The Colts lock down their center of the future with Jake Slaughter and improve the line in front of Mendoza. Tanor Bortolini can now move full time to guard, where he has experience at both spots.
Slaughter gave up just three sacks and 18 pressures on 730 pass-blocking snaps over the past two seasons. San Francisco moved back because no clear replacement for Trent Williams was available here. With more picks now, they’ll try to find one later.
29) Baltimore Ravens: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
The Baltimore Ravens have been elite on the ground every year Lamar Jackson’s been healthy. Drafting Nicholas Singleton now ensures that continues whenever Derrick Henry slows down.
Since 2019, Baltimore leads the league with 492 runs of 10+ yards (112 more than the next best; Philadelphia). They also have 137 runs of 20+ yards, 45 more than Arizona in second.
Singleton fits right in, ranking 32nd out of 476 backs in 10-yard runs last season and 34th in breakaway yards (15+). He averaged seven yards per carry against non-stacked boxes, and that number could rise behind Jackson.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Caleb Banks is a traditional DT who was solid as a pass rusher in 2024, with four sacks and 29 pressures on 233 pass-rush snaps. At 6’5″, 325 pounds, Banks mostly lined up like Chris Jones — outside the A-gap instead of inside it.
The Kansas City Chiefs hope Banks can eventually replace Jones, who turns 32 before the 2026 season. This pick is a projection (Banks isn’t a first-rounder just yet), but the potential is real.
31) Philadelphia Eagles: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
With Cooper DeJean sliding into the slot and Reed Blankenship playing deep, Dillon Thieneman gives the Philadelphia Eagles an explosive option at box safety. In 2023, Thieneman ranked fifth in FBS in coverage snaps per target, with just 12 passes thrown his way in 438 coverage snaps.
In two seasons at Purdue, he racked up 210 tackles with just 31 misses. Even if they move on from Blankenship after 2025, Thieneman has more experience playing deep than in the box—he could do either.
32) Buffalo Bills: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Matayo Uiagalelei had 10.5 sacks and 31 pressures in 2024 for Oregon, playing mostly as a traditional defensive end. He fits Buffalo’s scheme perfectly — they like bigger edges who can set the edge and hold up against doubles.
At 270 pounds, Uiagalelei made 24 defensive stops (offensive failures) and should help anchor the line for years.
2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 2
33) New York Giants
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
34) Cleveland Browns
Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
35) New Orleans Saints
DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado
36) Tennessee Titans
Bryce Foster, C, Kansas
37) New York Jets
Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
38) Los Angeles Rams (from CAR)
Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn
39) Dallas Cowboys
Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
40) Las Vegas Raiders
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
41) San Francisco 49ers (from IND)
Isaiah World, LT, Oregon
42) Seattle Seahawks
Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
43) Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
44) Atlanta Falcons
Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
45) New England Patriots
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
46) Arizona Cardinals
Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
47) Minnesota Vikings
Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
48) Los Angeles Chargers
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
49) Pittsburgh Steelers
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
50) Chicago Bears
Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
51) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Eli Holstein, QB, Pittsburgh
52) Houston Texans (from WAS)
Aamil Wagner, RT, Notre Dame
53) Cincinnati Bengals
Jaeden Roberts, G, Alabama
54) Miami Dolphins
A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
55) Houston Texans
Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon
56) Green Bay Packers
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
57) Los Angeles Rams
Micah Morris, G, Georgia
58) Denver Broncos
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
59) Detroit Lions
Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
60) San Francisco 49ers
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
61) Baltimore Ravens
Kalil Alexander, EDGE, Texas State
62) Kansas City Chiefs
Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana
63) Philadelphia Eagles
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
64) Buffalo Bills
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 3
65) Houston Texans (from NYG)
Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
66) Cleveland Browns
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
67) New Orleans Saints
Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
68) Tennessee Titans
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
69) Philadelphia Eagles (from NYJ)
Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest
70) Carolina Panthers
Connor Lew, C, Auburn
71) Pittsburgh Steelers (from DAL)
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
72) Las Vegas Raiders
Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
73) Indianapolis Colts
Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
74) Seattle Seahawks
Patrick Payton, EDGE, LSU
75) Jacksonville Jaguars
Luke Hasz, TE, Ole Miss
76) Atlanta Falcons
DJ Campbell, G, Texas
77) New England Patriots
Eugene Wilson III, WR, Florida
78) Arizona Cardinals
J.D. Lampley, EDGE, East Carolina
79) Minnesota Vikings
Keon Sabb, S, Alabama
80) Los Angeles Chargers
Cameron Blaylock, DT, UTSA
81) Pittsburgh Steelers
Tristan Leigh, LT, Clemson
82) Chicago Bears
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
83) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
84) Washington Commanders
Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma
85) Cincinnati Bengals
Ben Purvis, G, Navy
86) Miami Dolphins
Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
87) Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
88) Green Bay Packers
Austin Barber, OT, Florida
89) Carolina Panthers (from LAR)
Carson Beck, QB, Miami (FL)
90) Denver Broncos
Jack Velling, TE, Michigan State
91) Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)
Arias Nash, DT, Virginia Tech
92) San Francisco 49ers
Tomas Rimac, G, Virginia Tech
93) Baltimore Ravens
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
94) Kansas City Chiefs
Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
95) Philadelphia Eagles
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
96) Buffalo Bills
Drayk Bowen, LB, Notre Dame
97) Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaden Greathouse, WR, Notre Dame
98) Minnesota Vikings
Darius Taylor, RB, Minnesota
99) Pittsburgh Steelers
Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa
100) Philadelphia Eagles
Earnest Greene III, OT, Georgia