As summer scouting takes off and a new college football season nears, the depth and talent likely to be available in the 2026 NFL Draft are beginning to take shape. This group of NFL prospects has a lot to offer and will have fans excited about adding them to their favorite team’s roster.
This class will be one of the most highly thought of groups we have seen in the past few cycles. The draft order is certain to change, but here’s a look at how things could shake out.
1) Cleveland Browns
Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Projected as the 2026 class’s most coveted prospect, Texas quarterback Arch Manning could end up the consensus No. 1 pick sooner rather than later. Despite limited playing time, Manning possesses all the necessary attributes to become a transformative franchise quarterback.
His exceptional poise, accuracy, and athleticism suggest he’s destined for future success as a top-tier NFL quarterback. Scouts will closely monitor his development as he steps into his first year as a starter.
2) New York Jets
Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Justin Fields has a great chance to succeed in New York, and the Jets are doing everything in their power to make that happen. With that said, it is unlikely that Fields takes that next step as a starter. And if the Jets are picking this high in the draft, then it likely means Fields failed to establish himself.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik had one of his best career games against NC State. 270 total yards and four total touchdowns — along with this beauty to Antonio Williams.
Recognizes interior pressure, rolls out, and delivers a 40-yard off-platform rope with touch. pic.twitter.com/lvUK2jZPrb
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) September 23, 2024
Cade Klubnik is a player whose instincts, velocity and overall athleticism all stand out. If he continues to take steps forward like he did last season, he will undoubtedly be a top-five pick.
3) New Orleans Saints
TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Quarterback was an intriguing option here, but the Saints are more likely to need the draft’s top pass rusher: Clemson’s TJ Parker.
Parker is a long and explosive athlete who is still scratching the surface of his potential. He plays with noticeable power and speed, and a motor that allows him to make plays late in the down. He has double-digit sack potential in the NFL.
4) Tennessee Titans
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Tennessee secured its long-term quarterback by drafting Cam Ward recently. Now, their focus shifts to bolstering the defense.
Rueben Bain Jr. stands out as an elite talent in college football. His impressive length, explosive athleticism, and diverse pass-rush arsenal make him a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. With a projected dominant upcoming season, expect Bain Jr. to be a premier defensive selection in the draft.
5) New York Giants
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
With the Giants securing their quarterback of the future in last year’s draft with the selection of Jaxon Dart, now it’s time to build around him.
The Evan Neal experiment was a failure, but that shouldn’t keep the Giants from dipping their toes back in the Alabama well. Proctor possesses rare physical attributes, offering exceptional size, length, and athleticism. He projects as a plug-and-play tackle for the G-Men.
6) Carolina Panthers
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Similar to the Giants, continuing to build around the team’s franchise quarterback should be the Panthers’ priority number one.
Spencer Fano is a massive human being with surprisingly nimble feet and quickness. He plays with a strong base and is a technician in both the running and passing game. He would be a strong building block up front for the Panthers.
7) Indianapolis Colts
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
This year’s quarterback class is clearly much better than last year’s, and the Colts take their swing here with the addition of Garrett Nussmeier.
Nussmeier could have been a first-round pick in this past year’s draft had he declared, but now, with a strong 2025 season, he has a chance to go in the top ten. Nussmeier has solid size, accuracy, and arm talent, but needs to refine his decision-making.
8) Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs has an argument to be the best player in the class. He is an exceptional athlete, but even more than that, he pairs his rare athleticism with outstanding instincts and football intelligence. He is a hard-nosed player who excels when triggering in the run game and has elite coverage ability in the passing game.
The Browns have quite a few holes, so taking the best player available makes sense. Adding Downs and Mason Graham in back-to-back drafts would be quite the feat.
9) Las Vegas Raiders
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Another Clemson defensive lineman goes off the board. The Raiders could go a lot of ways here, and a quarterback to sit and learn behind Geno Smith was in consideration, but a playmaking defensive lineman to help alleviate pressure from Maxx Crosby might be too valuable to pass on.
Peter Woods possesses a rare power, easily knocking back guards and centers. He plays with outstanding leverage and is impossible to move in the run game.
10) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)
LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Matthew Stafford has been rumored to be considering retirement for the last few offseasons, and while he is back with the Rams for the 2025 season, it is very likely that he only has a few years left. Adding a young quarterback through the draft feels like a must for the Rams.
It seems that some people think LaNorris Sellers doesn’t have an arm.
Here’s a reminder… pic.twitter.com/9J3IKYKe37
— GamecockRetweeter (@bradsales312) May 13, 2025
LaNorris Sellers is an incredibly fun prospect who is oozing with potential. He is thick, athletic and has a rocket arm. He is able to make plays both within and out of structure and would be a great ball of clay for Sean McVay to try and mold.
11) Arizona Cardinals
Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Antonio Williams could be the first receiver drafted in the 2026 Draft. He is a savvy route runner, has outstanding speed, and can separate at all three levels of the field. He will likely have another strong season and cement himself as a first-round pick.
Williams would be a great fit with the Cardinals and would give them two talented pass catchers in Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. Williams’ ability to play inside and outside would give Arizona the ability to get creative with their personnel groupings.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Cowboys currently have the weakest running back room in the NFL, and it’s not particularly close. This team has been at its best when they are able to run the rock and be physical upfront and allow Dak Prescott to win off of play action.
Jeremiyah Love is the best back in this class by a long shot and will be a Heisman finalist this upcoming fall with another strong season. His power, vision and breakaway speed make him a dynamic runner.
13) Miami Dolphins
DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado
Jalen Ramsey isn’t long for Miami and is very likely to be cut or traded in the next few months. Adding a talented cover man would make sense for this Dolphins team.
DJ McKinney may not be Travis Hunter, but he is an ultra-talented corner who possesses length, quickness, and ball skills. With a strong season, there is a good chance McKinney is the first corner off the board.
14) New England Patriots
Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Following their offensive draft focus last year, Mike Vrabel will look to bolster New England’s defense in the upcoming draft.
Matayo Uiagalelei stands out as a top-tier pass rusher in college football, demonstrating a blend of speed, strength, and unwavering motor to pressure quarterbacks. His considerable potential could further escalate with another impressive season at Oregon.
15) Seattle Seahawks
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Seattle’s recent draft success is great to see, and bolstering their interior offensive line with Grey Zabel in last year’s draft was a smart move. While Charles Cross is solid at left tackle, upgrading the right tackle position could further enhance their offensive line.
Francis Mauigoa is a mauler at the point of attack and is outstanding in the run game. His power, size, and length allow him to engulf defenders and move them out of the gap.
16) Chicago Bears
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman is an athletic and rangy safety who excels in coverage. He possesses impressive ball skills and instincts and has been highly productive throughout his career at Purdue. Now at Oregon, look for Thieneman to burst onto the national scene.
The Bears’ defense has come along nicely, and they could use a playmaking defensive back to create big plays and turn the ball over.
17) Houston Texans
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Houston has an impressive secondary with players like Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre manning their back end. However, with a talent like Jermod McCoy still on the board, the Texans can’t pass him up.
McCoy is a sticky coverman who plays with quickness and patience. He excels covering vertically and is also a firm player against the run.
18) Minnesota Vikings
Jalen Kilgore, S, South Carolina
Many mock drafts had the Vikings drafting a safety in this year’s class, but the team opted to take an offensive lineman instead to build around J.J. McCarthy. With the team still having a hole at safety, Kilgore makes a lot of sense.
Kilgore is a long and rangy hybrid player who can play nickel or in the deep areas of the field. His coverage instincts and toughness will allow him to be a plug-and-play player at the next level.
19) Pittsburgh Steelers
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Despite the team passing on a quarterback in last year’s draft, the Steelers are highly anticipated to target one in 2026, given the strong potential of that year’s draft class.
Drew Allar is a strong bet to be drafted in the first round and could go as high as the top three with a strong year. While many draft analysts question Allar, he is a high upside prospect who has all the potential in the world. With his arm talent, athleticism and size, NFL teams will covet him.
20) Denver Broncos
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Denver is in a great position as they have a young quarterback with an offensive genius as a head coach. Adding playmakers should be of utmost importance for this team.
AN UNREAL HURDLE FROM OREGON’S KENYON SADIQ TO GIVE THEM THE LEAD ON THE OPENING DRIVE OF THE GAME 😱 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oC5rtFIUmV
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2024
Kenyon Sadiq is poised for a breakout season now that he will be the team’s full-time starter in 2025. Sadiq is a freak athlete with rare movement skills and natural receiving ability. He would give the Broncos a weapon in the passing game.
21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The Buccaneers’ defensive line has long been one of the best in the NFL, and that’s because they believe in investing high draft capital in the trenches. That trend continues here with the selection of the explosive Banks.
For an interior defensive lineman, Caleb Banks has a great pass-rushing toolbox and wins with speed, power, and bend. He would fit in nicely in this defensive tackle rotation.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
There is a chance that the Chargers are all set at receiver with Ladd McConkey emerging as one of the NFL’s best young pass catchers and the addition of Tre Harris in this past year’s draft. With that said, the Chargers could still need more firepower to ensure Justin Herbert continues to succeed.
Boston is the next in line for great Washington receivers and will look to be the next Husky pass catcher to hear his name called in the first round. He is a well-rounded player who flashes good route running, ball skills, and run-after-catch ability.
23) Green Bay Packers
Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Austin Barber is an experienced offensive tackle who has all the tools to be a starter in the NFL. He has good length, power and plays with good hands and balance. He has some things to clean up with his pad level, but his high-end reps are outstanding.
The Packers will need to draft a tackle early in next year’s draft, and Barber makes a lot of sense at this point in the first round. Barber can earn a starting role early on in his career.
24) Los Angeles Rams
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Los Angeles is in need of a new lockdown corner, and Avieon Terrell is a steal at this point in the draft.
His NFL bloodlines — brother to NFL star A.J. Terrell — production, and overall athleticism should allow him to develop into a top-tier coverman very early in his professional career.
25) San Francisco 49ers
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
The upcoming season could very well be Trent Williams’ last, leaving a significant void at left tackle. Addressing this crucial position in the first round of the draft is highly advisable, making it a smart choice in this mock draft scenario.
Isaiah World is a highly athletic and toolsy tackle who may work his way much higher in the first round come draft day. World has rare length and has great feet for a player his size.
26) Cincinnati Bengals
Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
The Bengals’ offense is always one of the league’s best, with some of the top playmakers in the NFL on their roster. The issue is that the Bengals’ defense always fails to deliver when it’s crunch time.
Adding Will Lee III to this secondary would go a long way in fixing up this defense. Lee is a long and athletic corner with excellent ball skills.
27) Washington Commanders
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
Nicholas Singleton was one of the best running backs in the country last season and was very likely to go early in the 2025 NFL Draft if he had declared. He is explosive and has excellent vision as a runner. His blend of power, contact balance, and patience is impressive.
The Commanders are in need of a bit more juice at running back, as Brian Robinson is a fine player but not necessarily a dynamic runner. Singleton would give this team a much-needed boost in the run game.
28) Baltimore Ravens
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Projected to be a top receiver selection in next year’s draft, Jordyn Tyson stands out as one of the nation’s premier talents. His exceptional speed, reliable hands, and precise route running enable him to excel both in the slot and out wide.
Despite the Ravens’ efforts to bolster Lamar Jackson’s supporting cast, they would significantly benefit from adding Tyson. His skills would seamlessly complement and enhance the Ravens’ current receiving corps.
29) Detroit Lions
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
CJ Allen is yet another alpha to add to this Detroit Lions defense. He plays with a physical temperament and is a “see ball, get ball” player. His play strength, instincts, and speed are outstanding at the second level.
With Jack Campbell already in the fold, the Lions would have two athletic playmakers at the linebacker position.
30) Buffalo Bills
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
LT Overton is a rugged and raw pass rusher who plays with a mean streak. He has violent hands and can shock and displace blockers at the point of attack with ease.
Overton would fit very nicely in this Buffalo defense and would give them another edge defender to pair alongside Gregory Rousseau. His physicality would be a welcome addition to the Bills’ front.
31) Kansas City Chiefs
Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
Chandler Rivers is a feisty coverman who plays with excellent instincts and physicality. He has very good speed and short-area quickness and has the fluidity to mirror and match routes with ease. He is a versatile defender who can play in the slot or outside.
For the past several seasons, the Chiefs have boasted a strong secondary. To further bolster this strength, adding another top-tier player is prudent. The potential pairing of Trent McDuffie and Rivers at cornerback would create a formidable and highly effective combination.
32) Philadelphia Eagles
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Philadelphia is always dangerous when drafting in the first round, and they often allow the board to fall to them. Much is the same in this mock draft as Miller falls directly into their laps.
Christen Miller is a versatile defensive lineman who plays with elite strength and quickness. He is still working on his technique and pad level, but his upside is sky high as both a run defender and pass rusher.
2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 2
33) Cleveland Browns
Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
34) New York Jets
Dani Dennis Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
35) New Orleans Saints
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
36) Tennessee Titans
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
37) New York Giants
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
38) Carolina Panthers
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
39) Indianapolis Colts
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
40) Jacksonville Jaguars
Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
41) Las Vegas Raiders
Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
42) Atlanta Falcons
Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
43) Arizona Cardinals
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
44) Dallas Cowboys
Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
45) Miami Dolphins
Nic Anderson, WR, LSU
46) New England Patriots
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
47) Seattle Seahawks
A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
48) Chicago Bears
Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
49) Houston Texans
Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon
50) Minnesota Vikings
Jack Velling, TE, Michigan State
51) Pittsburgh Steelers
Eric Singleton Jr, WR, Auburn
52) Denver Broncos
Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jaden Roberts, G, Alabama
54) Los Angeles Chargers
DJ Campbell, G, Texas
55) Green Bay Packers
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
56) Los Angeles Rams
Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma
57) San Francisco 49ers
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
58) Cincinnati Bengals
Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
59) Houston Texans
Dontay Corleon, DT, Cincinatti
60) Baltimore Ravens
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
61) Detroit Lions
Tomas Rimac, OL, Virginia Tech
62) Buffalo Bills
DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
63) Kansas City Chiefs
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
64) Philadelphia Eagles
Jack Endries, TE, Texas
2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 3
65) Cleveland Browns
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
66) Philadelphia Eagles
Keon Sabb, S, Alabama
67) New Orleans Saints
Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
68) Tennessee Titans
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
69) Houston Texans
Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest
70) Carolina Panthers
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
71) Indianapolis Colts
Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
72) Jacksonville Jaguars
Aaron Anderson, WR, LSU
73) Las Vegas Raiders
Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
74) Atlanta Falcons
Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
75) Arizona Cardinals
Zeke Berry, CB, Michigan
76) Pittsburgh Steelers
Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
77) Miami Dolphins
Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
78) New England Patriots
Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor
79) Seattle Seahawks
Lawson Luckie, TE, Georgia
80) Chicago Bears
Tristan Leigh, OT, Clemson
81) Miami Dolphins
Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
82) Minnesota Vikings
CJ Baxter, RB, Texas
83) Pittsburgh Steelers
Connor Lew, OL, Auburn
84) Denver Broncos
Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan
85) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
86) Los Angeles Chargers
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
87) Green Bay Packers
Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
88) Los Angeles Rams
Trey Zuhn, OT, Texas A&M
89) San Francisco 49ers
Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
90) Cincinnati Bengals
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
91) Washington Commanders
Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina
92) Baltimore Ravens
Aidan Chiles, QB, Michigan State
93) Jacksonville Jaguars
Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana
94) Buffalo Bills
Gabe Jacas, EDGE Illinois
95) Kansas City Chiefs
Lander Barton, LB, Utah
96) Philadelphia Eagles
Patrick Payton, EDGE, LSU
97) Jacksonville Jaguars
Riley Mahlman, OT, Wisconsin