With the free agency frenzy in the rearview mirror, teams are shifting their focus to the 2026 NFL Draft. Using the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator to assess the landscape, this three-round projection explores how teams might address their needs given the current roster constructions and available talent.
While the class lacks the blue-chip depth of recent years, there are still impact players to be found — starting with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who appears locked in as the top overall pick for the Las Vegas Raiders.
1) Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana | QB
This pick is a lock. Fernando Mendoza is the most bona fide quarterback prospect in the 2026 class, and he’s no stranger to turning around a downtrodden organization.
Mendoza is a dynamic leader and a program elevator. His persistent positivity and relentless pursuit of perfection will be refreshing for the Las Vegas Raiders, an organization that looks to make the silver and black revered again.
2) New York Jets
Arvell Reese, Ohio State | EDGE
Although the New York Jets may be wandering in quarterback purgatory, having welcomed back their true prodigal son, Geno Smith, they are quietly building a solid foundation. They’ve collected an abundance of premium draft capital and have spent wisely in free agency up to this point.
2026 may not be the year they make their jump, but adding a premier impact defender like Arvell Reese, who has the versatility to rush off the edge or control the middle of the field at linebacker, could be the inflection point that uplifts the organization. The Jets need as many good players as they can get, and Reese has a chance to be great.
3) Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL) | OT
In a class lacking blue-chip talent, Francis Mauigoa is a prospect who can start and succeed as a tackle, maybe even at Pro-Bowl caliber, but also has the long-term potential to bump inside and become an all-pro-caliber guard.
Selecting a prospect with extensive experience and a high-floor can only help whoever is playing quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals in 2026, seemingly Jacoby Brissett, and bodes well for whoever they select in 2027 to be their long-term option.
4) Tennessee Titans
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame | RB
Jeremiyah Love is the only true blue-chip player in this year’s draft class. While this may feel high for a running back, he is clearly the best player available, and one of the best ways to support a young quarterback is with a strong, explosive ground game.
Both the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs felt compelled to secure veteran help at running back within the opening hours of the legal tampering period. That urgency suggests a conviction that either the Tennessee Titans or the Washington Commanders could be preparing to select Love.
5) New York Giants
Sonny Styles, Ohio State | LB
As expected, Sonny Styles absolutely dominated the combine. The physical specimen ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, jumped a 43.5” vertical, and measured in at 6’5”, 244 pounds.
Styles is a freakish athlete with positional flexibility. He’s a former slot corner turned linebacker. Styles is highly instinctive and technically sound; he’s a great block destroyer, has excellent ball skills, and consistently rallies to the football. It’s easy to see why John Harbaugh and the New York Giants will like him.
6) Cleveland Browns
Spencer Fano, Utah | OT
The Cleveland Browns arguably had the best draft class in 2025 and can build on that momentum by further fortifying their offensive line. If they’re going to give second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders any chance to succeed, they simply can’t afford to surrender 51 sacks again.
The Browns have already overhauled their line by trading for tackle Tytus Howard and adding Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson in free agency. Spencer Fano would be the finishing piece to the Browns’ new unit.
7) Washington Commanders
Carnell Tate, Ohio State | WR
The Commanders signed four edge rushers in free agency, including $100 million man Odafe Oweh, giving them the flexibility to target the best separator in the draft, Carnell Tate.
Tate is a true technician. Everything he does is sharp and precise. An elite route runner, he consistently wins with leverage, attacks space, and finds ways to win. Tate would form an excellent tag-team partnership with fellow Buckeye Terry McLaurin.
8) New Orleans Saints
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State | WR
The Saints may have struck gold by selecting Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick in 2025. However, the group of receivers he worked with was at best piecemeal.
New Orleans has already invested time, money, and draft capital into fortifying the offensive line and can now afford to give Shough a formidable set of weapons. Jordyn Tyson, alongside Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson, and Travis Etienne, forms a group that’s easy to get excited about.
9) Kansas City Chiefs
Caleb Downs, Ohio State | S
The Chiefs’ starting secondary from 2025 has been entirely dismantled. Caleb Downs is one of the few sure-fire prospects in this draft class and can step in and play right away.
He’s detail-oriented, processes information rapidly, and can line up anywhere on the field. His character is impeccable, and he’s an elite playmaker. A perfect fit for this defensive reload.
10) Cincinnati Bengals
David Bailey, Texas Tech | EDGE
David Bailey is a pure-bred pass rusher. He recorded 14.5 sacks in his lone year at Texas Tech, which is more than 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart recorded in his entire collegiate career.
Bailey is a powerful, smooth, and relentless off-the-edge player, and he’s produced at multiple stops in his college career. He will be a refreshing addition to a Cincinnati Bengals defense that is desperate for any momentum it can find.
11) Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane, LSU | CB
The Miami Dolphins appear fully committed to a complete rebuild, which means the priority is simple: take the best available player.
Mansoor Delane has premier lockdown corner written all over him. He’s the kind of prospect that absolutely pops on tape… You can feel him. He’s got elite instincts, quick feet and hips, is explosive and twitchy, plays through the football, and has the confidence and ability to play on an island.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee | CB
Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys aggressively worked to improve the defensive front through trades and free agency, giving them the flexibility to address the secondary with this pick.
Jermod McCoy is a confident, physical, and sticky corner who would immediately add some edge to Christian Parker’s new defense.
13) Los Angeles Rams
Makai Lemon, USC | WR
The Los Angeles Rams are in the market to add to their already tremendous receiving corps. If you thought Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were fun, buckle up! Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, and Makai Lemon are going to be pure rocket fuel as the Rams load up on a last-ditch effort to maximize their championship window with Matthew Stafford at the helm.
14) Baltimore Ravens
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL) | EDGE
Trey Hendrickson is the opposite of the Baltimore Ravens’ prototype pass rusher. He’s pure speed and finesse. Adding Rueben Bain Jr.’s speed, power, and physical pass-rushing style is the perfect complement.
It feels very weird having a prospect as productive as Bain drop this far in the draft, but Tyler Warren was selected in this slot a year ago, so maybe it’s poetic.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon | TE
Kenyon Sadiq is a genuine receiving threat who can command the middle of the field. He has a huge catch radius, strong hands, and true run-after-the-catch ability. He’s an instant-impact player at a position of need, and one of the best players available at this point in the draft. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use a talented catcher in the squad.
16) New York Jets
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo | S
The Jets have been busy since the opening of free agency, and they believe they’ve at least solidified their roster to the point where they can select the best player available.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is an explosive, twitchy athlete with long-range speed, strong instincts, and a physical style of play. He’s a strong tackler, has the ability to powerfully set the edge as a rusher, runs and rallies to the football, and is an absolute ball hawk.
17) Detroit Lions
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama | OT
The Detroit Lions have made a concerted effort to rebuild their depleted offensive line. They’ve signed Cade Mays and Larry Borom and traded for Juice Scruggs, but that won’t stop them from continuing the overhaul with this pick.
Kadyn Proctor is a physical, punishing run blocker who has no issue pulling or working up to the second level, and he’s big and strong enough that he rarely gets walked back. He’s an elite athlete with immense upside, an immediate plug-and-play prospect.
18) Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon | S
The Minnesota Vikings had one of the league’s best defensive units in 2025. Speed kills, and Dillon Thieneman ran an official 4.35 40-yard dash at the combine. He’s a do-it-all defender. He has the speed to match anyone in coverage, has strong ball skills, and is more than willing to get involved in the run game.
19) Carolina Panthers
Peter Woods, Clemson | DT
Peter Woods is an incredibly unique prospect. He’s a First-Team All-ACC defensive tackle and doubled as a short-yardage power back for the Clemson Tigers in 2025. He’s a smooth and natural athlete, has elite quickness, and can be a pure disruptor on the interior.
He’d be a significant change of pace for the Carolina Panthers’ three-man front, but he offers an interior pass-rush skill set that has become increasingly valuable, and would be a perfect fastball in sub-packages.
20) Dallas Cowboys
Keldric Faulk, Auburn | EDGE
The Cowboys have been aggressive in rebuilding their defense, adding Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, followed by Rashan Gary and Otito Ogbonnia this offseason. With this pick, they add another wave to their pass rush in Keldric Faulk.
Excellent speed, bend, a powerful bull rush, and the ability to get slippery. He won’t be asked to carry the load on day one, which should allow him to ease into the role and develop into the dynamic pass rusher many project him to be.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Kayden McDonald, Ohio State | DT
After the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr., they can pivot their attention to another position of need and bulk up their interior defensive line.
Kayden McDonald is a stout and physical run defender who will be no stranger to the Steeler way. He’s a seamless fit.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State | OG
One of the most exciting prospects in this class, Olaivavega Ioane, is a dynamic run blocker and a physical finisher.
The Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line last year was a case of roster-building malpractice. Ioane will step in with free agent additions Cole Strange and Tyler Biadasz in a revamped offensive line.
23) Philadelphia Eagles
Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL) | EDGE
Howie Roseman has a knack for landing players who somehow fall down the draft board. If Akheem Mesidor were only 21, he’d be a lock for the top ten. Instead, he’ll be 25 on draft day. As demonstrated in previous years, Roseman doesn’t care. He values skill sets and production.
Mesidor is a violent pass rusher coming off a 12.5-sack season on a team that reached the National Championship, offering incredible value for the back half of the first round for the Philadelphia Eagles.
24) Cleveland Browns
Denzel Boston, Washington | WR
The Browns desperately need to bolster their offensive line and add a playmaker or two to give Shedeur Sanders a fighting chance. In this mock, they snagged Fano with the sixth overall pick and found their playmaker here.
Denzel Boston is a big-bodied, physical receiver. He plays with strong, reliable hands, has a good feel for space, and brings the grit that thrives in cold-weather cities.
25) Chicago Bears
Max Iheanachor, Arizona State | OT
The Braxton Jones re-signing is essentially an incentive-laden one-year insurance policy. Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson won’t leave the offensive line to chance. If they don’t secure a tackle now, they may not have the opportunity later.
Max Iheanachor is a big body with agile feet and strong hands. He excels as a run blocker, has no trouble climbing to the second level, and brings the nasty temperament that Ben Johnson covets with the Chicago Bears.
26) Buffalo Bills
Zion Young, Missouri | EDGE
Zion Young has an elite frame at 6’6”, 262 pounds. He’s long, rangy, and powerful, and creates separation with his long arms. The Buffalo Bills need help getting after the quarterback, and hope that Young can provide the physical presence they desperately need.
27) San Francisco 49ers
Monroe Freeling, Georgia | OT
The San Francisco 49ers are listening to trade offers for legendary left tackle Trent Williams. Even if he remains in San Francisco, Williams will turn 38 in July, making now the perfect time to plan for his replacement.
Monroe Freeling is a calm, poised prospect with elite agility, fluid feet, exceptional bend, a powerful anchor, and plays with a nasty edge in his game. While he has only 16 career starts, he has the potential to acclimate to the NFL while learning behind a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.
28) Houston Texans
Caleb Lomu, Utah | OT
The Houston Texans have a major decision to make regarding CJ Stroud, and they can’t get an accurate evaluation of him or the best out of him if they can’t protect him.
The latest transactions of trading Tytus Howard to Cleveland and signing veteran Braden Smith signify yet another makeover for their lackluster offensive line.
Caleb Lomu’s 6’6”, 308-pound frame allows him to anchor and slow down any bull rush. He’s a solid pass protector, has great power, really good bend, and a strong punch.
29) Kansas City Chiefs
Blake Miller, Clemson | OT
The Chiefs’ offensive line woes are well-documented at this point. If they don’t take a tackle with this pick, they may be out of viable options later in the draft.
Blake Miller is an underrated prospect at this point in the process. He’s an elite finisher, has a high motor, great play speed, elite temperament, and the ability to generate and transfer power effectively. Miller could immediately push Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons for playing time, which would be a welcome boost in KC.
30) Denver Broncos
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech | DT
The free agent market and the 2026 draft class of interior defensive linemen are remarkably shallow. Lee Hunter is a true nose tackle.
He’s strong and stout, explosive in bursts, and has the ability to plug gaps and collapse the pocket. He would be a day-one contributor for the Denver Broncos.
31) New England Patriots
CJ Allen, Georgia | LB
CJ Allen is simply a good football player. He possesses an elite play temperament, a distinctive and effective pass-rushing skill set, excellent play speed, strong instincts, and physicality on the football field. The rookie could be the next Super Bowl ticket for the New England Patriots.
32) Seattle Seahawks
Chris Johnson, San Diego State | CB
Chris Johnson is one of my favorite players in this class. He has a long, prototypical frame, is technically sound, has great start-and-stop ability, fluid mobility, elite eye discipline, and is an absolute ball hawk. Johnson absolutely pops on tape and could instantly work his way onto the field with the Seattle Seahawks.
Round 2
33) New York Jets
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M | WR
34) Arizona Cardinals
Ty Simpson, Alabama | QB
35) Tennessee Titans
Colton Hood, Tennessee | CB
36) Las Vegas Raiders
Omar Cooper, Indiana | WR
37) New York Giants
Avieon Terrell, Clemson | CB
38) Houston Texans
Caleb Banks, Florida | DT
39) Cleveland Browns
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M | EDGE
40) Kansas City Chiefs
Brandon Cisse, South Carolina | CB
41) Cincinnati Bengals
D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana | CB
42) New Orleans Saints
TJ Parker, Clemson | EDGE
43) Miami Dolphins
Chris Bell, Louisville | WR
44) New York Jets
Christen Miller, Georgia | DT
45) Baltimore Ravens
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon | OG
46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas | LB
47) Indianapolis Colts
Malachi Lawrence, UCF | EDGE
48) Atlanta Falcons
Germie Bernard, Alabama | WR
49) Minnesota Vikings
Jadarian Price, Notre Dame | RB
50) Detroit Lions
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech | LB
51) Carolina Panthers
AJ Haulcy, LSU | S
52) Green Bay Packers
R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma | EDGE
53) Pittsburgh Steelers
Antonio Williams, Clemson | WR
54) Philadelphia Eagles
Keionte Scott, Miami | CB
55) Los Angeles Chargers
Derrick Moore, Michigan | EDGE
56) Jacksonville Jaguars
Gracen Halton, Oklahoma | DT
57) Chicago Bears
Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State | CB
58) San Francisco 49ers
Zachariah Branch, Georgia | WR
59) Houston Texans
Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M | OG
60) Chicago Bears
LT Overton, Alabama | EDGE
61) Los Angeles Rams
Josiah Trotter, Missouri | LB
62) Denver Broncos
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt | TE
63) New England Patriots
Malachi Fields, Notre Dame | WR
64) Seattle Seahawks
Gabe Jacas, Illinois | EDGE
Round 3
65) Arizona Cardinals
Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee | WR
66) Tennessee Titans
Jake Golday, Cincinnati | LB
67) Las Vegas Raiders
Kamari Ramsey, USC | S
68) Philadelphia Eagles
Gennings Dunker, Iowa | OT
69) Houston Texans
Deontae Lawson, Alabama | LB
70) Cleveland Browns
Connor Lew, Auburn | C
71) Washington Commanders
Emmett Johnson, Nebraska | RB
72) Cincinnati Bengals
Keith Abney II, Arizona State | CB
73) New Orleans Saints
Devin Moore, Florida | CB
74) Kansas City Chiefs
Elijah Sarratt, Indiana | WR
75) Miami Dolphins
Max Klare, Ohio State | TE
76) Pittsburgh Steelers
Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh | LB
77) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State | DT
78) Indianapolis Colts
Ted Hurst, Georgia State | WR
79) Atlanta Falcons
Chandler Rivers, Duke | CB
80) Baltimore Ravens
Sam Hecht, Kansas State | OC
81) Jacksonville Jaguars
Mike Washington, Arkansas | RB
82) Minnesota Vikings
Malik Muhammad, Texas | CB
83) Carolina Panthers
Michael Trigg, Baylor | TE
84) Green Bay Packers
Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern | OT
85) Pittsburgh Steelers
Treydan Stukes, Arizona | CB
86) Los Angeles Chargers
Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech | OG
87) Miami Dolphins
Domonique Orange, Iowa State | DT
88) Jacksonville Jaguars
Skyler Bell, UCONN | WR
89) Chicago Bears
Zakee Wheatley, Penn State | S
90) Miami Dolphins
Ja’Kobi Lane, USC | WR
91) Buffalo Bills
Joshua Josephs, Tennessee | EDGE
92) Dallas Cowboys
Julian Neal, Arkansas | CB
93) Los Angeles Rams
Isaiah World, Oregon | OT
94) Denver Broncos
Deion Burks, Oklahoma | WR
95) New England Patriots
Justin Joly, NC State | TE
96) Seattle Seahawks
Jake Slaughter, Florida | OC
97) Minnesota Vikings
Genesis Smith, Arizona | S
98) Philadelphia Eagles
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State | EDGE
99) Pittsburgh Steelers
Keyron Crawford, Auburn | EDGE
100) Jacksonville Jaguars
Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina | S
