2026 3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Five QBs in Round 1, Rams Find Matthew Stafford’s Successor

The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, but draft preparation is a year-round process. That means it’s time for a 2026 NFL Mock Draft!

A lot will change between now and next April’s draft. That said, a way-too-early mock can still provide valuable insight into what needs NFL teams have after the 2025 NFL Draft. It also highlights top prospects to watch in the coming college football season.

The draft order comes from PFSN’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft simulator, which you can use to create your own mocks.

1) Cleveland Browns

LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

LaNorris Sellers isn’t the consensus QB1 in the 2026 class, but he might have the best physical tools of any quarterback in college football. He’s strong-armed, athletic, tough to sack, and more accurate than he gets credit for.

Even though the Cleveland Browns drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in 2025, neither came with the kind of draft capital that signals long-term commitment. If Cleveland finishes with the league’s worst record, they’d be smart to take a swing at a true franchise QB.

2) New York Jets

Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA

The New York Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year deal, but if they finish second-to-last in 2025, it likely means Fields didn’t pan out. That would put them right back in the market for a long-term quarterback.

Some critics soured on Nico Iamaleava after his last-minute transfer from Tennessee, but there’s a reason his exit shook the college football world. He’s tall, strong, accurate over the middle, and shows good awareness in the pocket.

3) New Orleans Saints

Arch Manning, QB, Texas

The New Orleans Saints drafted Tyler Shough in Round 2 this year, but the idea of a Manning leading the offense in New Orleans feels right.

Arch Manning enters the 2025 season with just two college starts under his belt, and he still needs to improve his footwork and feel for backside pressure. But he’s a great athlete, sees the field well, and has a live arm with strong off-platform mechanics. He’s not QB1 yet — but he’s a clear top-three pick in this mock.

4) Tennessee Titans

Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

With Cam Ward now at quarterback, the Tennessee Titans must build around him during his rookie contract window.

Rueben Bain Jr. is my early EDGE1 for 2026. At 275 pounds, he brings power, short-area quickness, and relentless energy. He plays with excellent pad level, can kick inside, and constantly disrupts plays. He’s the kind of edge rusher who can anchor a defense.

5) New York Giants

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Giants made some big swings in 2025 with Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart, but still have work to do. At No. 5, best player available is the way to go.

Peter Woods fits that label. A twitchy, high-IQ 3-tech with violent hands and pass-rush counters, he can control gaps and make an impact inside. He’s a potential game-changer on the defensive line.

6) Carolina Panthers

T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

I liked what the Carolina Panthers did on Day 2 of the 2025 draft, grabbing Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. But with D.J. Wonnum and Jadeveon Clowney set to hit free agency, another edge rusher could be on the board.

T.J. Parker makes a lot of sense. He had 11 sacks as a sophomore and flashed great burst, bend, and lower-body strength. If he continues to produce, he’ll be a no-doubt top-10 pick.

7) Indianapolis Colts

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Even after signing Camryn Bynum this offseason, the Indianapolis Colts could still use an upgrade at safety. Fortunately, the 2026 NFL Draft features one of the best safety prospects in recent memory.

You could make the case that Caleb Downs is the best overall player in college football entering 2025. He’s a well-built, highly intelligent defensive back with elite range, sharp processing, and positional versatility. He’s effective in coverage, disruptive against the run, and brings strong ball skills and effort as a downhill tackler. He also happens to be the younger brother of Colts wide receiver Josh Downs — a bonus for Indy.

8) Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

There was early buzz that Cleveland might target Abdul Carter at No. 2 in 2025. Though they traded back, they’re still positioned to land a top-tier edge rusher.

Keldric Faulk is a rare athlete at 6’6″ and 288 pounds. Coming off a seven-sack sophomore season, he has elite size, power, and excellent athleticism for his frame. His burst off the ball and backside pursuit range are impressive, giving him every tool to be a dominant defensive force.

9) Las Vegas Raiders

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Pete Carroll understands better than most how crucial a strong offensive line is, and the Raiders need to get more consistent up front. That makes offensive tackle a key target in this mock.

Kadyn Proctor fits the bill. At 6’7″ and 360 pounds, he’s a massive presence with long arms and powerful hands. He’s not just big — he’s coordinated and technically sharp, able to handle power and maintain anchor. He checks every box for a long-term NFL left tackle.

10) Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)

Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

If the draft pick acquired from Atlanta in the James Pearce Jr. trade ends up at No. 10, the Los Angeles Rams could look for Matthew Stafford’s successor.

Cade Klubnik made huge strides in 2024. He’s an accurate passer with good poise in the pocket and underrated mobility. While he doesn’t have elite tools, his consistency, rhythm, and decision-making make him a great fit in Sean McVay’s offense. He could be a strong long-term answer under center in Los Angeles

11) Arizona Cardinals

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

The Arizona Cardinals look to have a long-term building block in Paris Johnson Jr., but they’ll need a complement on the opposite side. Right tackle remains a need if they want to solidify the offensive line.

Francis Mauigoa, the younger brother of Jets linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, is a dominant presence in the trenches. He plays with a wide base, refined hands, and smooth footwork in pass sets. If he declares, there’s a good chance he’s a first-round lock.

12) Dallas Cowboys

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

With Micah Parsons’ future contract looming, the Dallas Cowboys may be unable to retain DaRon Bland after the 2025 season. That opens the door for Dallas to invest in another high-end corner.

Jermod McCoy has CB1 upside. He snagged four interceptions in 2024 and showed quick feet, hip fluidity, and strong closing ability. He’s long, competitive, and capable of handling field-side and boundary responsibilities.

13) Miami Dolphins

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Miami’s roster has top-tier talent, but it’s thin in certain spots, especially in the secondary. Safety stands out as a clear area for improvement entering 2025.

Dillon Thieneman’s production dipped in 2024, but his transfer to Oregon could help him return to form. As a freshman at Purdue, he had six interceptions and showed elite range. He projects as a rangy, high-upside free safety with playmaker potential.

14) New England Patriots

Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

New England bolstered its defensive front with Milton Williams and Harold Landry, but edge rusher remains a priority.

Dani Dennis-Sutton broke out with 8.5 sacks in 2024 and likely would’ve been a Day 2 pick had he declared last year. He’s a strong, long, explosive edge defender who has developed well as a pass-rush technician. He’d bring real juice to the Patriots’ front seven.

15) Seattle Seahawks

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Seattle Seahawks could extend Kenneth Walker after the 2025 season, but in this mock, they let him walk and find a cheaper replacement with major upside.

Jeremiyah Love isn’t far from the Ashton Jeanty comparisons you’ll hear in this class. He’s a dynamic, three-down runner with top-end burst, vision, balance, and fluid cuts. He’d be a natural fit in Seattle’s offense.

16) Chicago Bears

Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

The Chicago Bears have a few options at left tackle moving forward. They could extend Braxton Jones, or turn to Ozzy Trapilo or Kiran Amegadjie. But if they feel uneasy about the position after 2025, left tackle becomes a realistic Round 1 priority.

Isaiah World excelled at Nevada and now brings his game to Oregon. At 6’8″, he’s a massive, mobile lineman who posted an 82.3 pass-blocking grade last season, per PFF. His upside is undeniable.

17) Houston Texans

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Houston Texans added Cam Robinson, Aireontae Ersery, and Ed Ingram to fix a crumbling O-line. But without Laremy Tunsil, they may still be in trouble, especially if they miss the playoffs again.

Caleb Lomu is a smooth left tackle who only allowed two sacks on 425 pass-blocking snaps in 2024. His hand timing, balance, and range in pass protection make him a top tackle prospect, especially if he continues to bulk up.

18) Minnesota Vikings

DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado

Minnesota’s front seven is loaded after signing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, but the secondary remains a weak spot.

DJ McKinney made a name for himself across from Travis Hunter in Colorado’s defensive backfield, tallying three interceptions and nine pass deflections. He’s a 6’2″ corner with length, physicality, and NFL-ready ball skills — just what the Vikings need on the boundary.

19) Pittsburgh Steelers

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Sixth-round pick Will Howard was a solid flier, but the Pittsburgh Steelers may still be searching for their next franchise quarterback. They find a better option here.

Garrett Nussmeier isn’t the flashiest QB, but he’s accurate, smart, and calm under pressure. His pocket presence and decision-making stand out. LSU has quietly become a factory for pro-ready quarterbacks, and Nussmeier could be next in line.

20) Denver Broncos

Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

Bo Nix and Sean Payton have Denver’s offense trending upward, but they could use another dynamic pass-catcher to elevate the unit.

Antonio Williams caught 75 passes for 904 yards and 11 scores last year. He’s not the biggest wideout, but his quickness out of the slot, creativity after the catch, and sharp route-running make him a tough cover — and a potential riser in a weaker wide receiver class.

21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

Vita Vea turned 30 in February. While he’s still performing at a high level, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be wise to add depth up front to keep him and Calijah Kancey fresh.

Caleb Banks wouldn’t have to go far in this mock. The Florida standout is a 6’6″, 325-pound interior lineman with more pass-rush juice than expected for a player his size. He’s powerful and disruptive — a solid fit for Tampa’s defensive line rotation.

22) Los Angeles Chargers

Spencer Fano, OG, Utah

The Los Angeles Chargers declined Zion Johnson’s fifth-year option, suggesting they could move on unless he makes a leap in 2025. Interior O-line help becomes a top priority here.

Though Spencer Fano played tackle in college, he projects best as an NFL guard. He’s physical, mobile, and technically sound — traits that could translate to immediate value inside.

23) Green Bay Packers

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Edgerrin Cooper is one of the Green Bay Packers’ more intriguing young players, but they still need help at linebacker. They go back to Texas in Round 1 for the second straight year.

Anthony Hill Jr. put up 113 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and eight sacks in 2024. He’s explosive, tough, and rangy — built to thrive as a sideline-to-sideline off-ball linebacker with major blitz upside.

24) Los Angeles Rams

Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

After grabbing a quarterback earlier, the Rams turn their attention to the secondary with their second first-rounder. With a young D-line already in place, they target help in the defensive backfield.

Will Lee III is a long 6’3″ corner with surprising agility and solid ball skills. He’s totaled four interceptions and 16 pass breakups across his last two college seasons, showing the traits needed to thrive on the boundary.

25) San Francisco 49ers

Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC

The San Francisco 49ers lost Deebo Samuel this offseason and could lose Jauan Jennings in 2026. If Ricky Pearsall doesn’t break out, San Francisco may need another playmaker.

Ja’Kobi Lane brings size and production. At 6’4″ and 195 pounds, he scored 12 touchdowns on just 43 catches last season. He’s got a big catch radius, wins 50-50 balls, and moves well for a receiver his size.

26) Cincinnati Bengals

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

With Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow all locked up, Cincinnati should focus on rebuilding the defense.

Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell, is a high-IQ cover man with excellent speed and short-area burst. In 2024, he notched two interceptions and 12 pass breakups for Clemson.

27) Washington Commanders

Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

Washington’s offense broke out in 2024, but they still lack a dependable, every-down back. Nicholas Singleton could fill that role.

Singleton is a downhill bruiser who thrives in straight-line runs. He’s physical, punishing after contact, and consistently moves the chains — an ideal addition for a balanced offense.

28) Baltimore Ravens

Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

Baltimore never shies away from drafting talent. Here, they bolster the pass rush behind Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh.

Matayo Uiagalelei, younger brother of QB D.J., had 10.5 sacks in 2024 and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. He’s an advanced technician for his age with inside-outside versatility and great hand usage.

29) Detroit Lions

Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU

Detroit has few holes, but with Alex Anzalone nearing free agency, linebacker could become a need.

Harold Perkins Jr. racked up 13 sacks in two seasons before an ACL tear ended his junior year early. A true hybrid defender, he’s rangy, instinctive, and effective blitzing or chasing in space.

30) Buffalo Bills

Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

The Buffalo Bills are deep up front, but with Da’Quan Jones likely departing in 2026, they’ll need reinforcements.

Christen Miller is a stout run defender with upside on passing downs. He earned an 82.2 PFF grade in 2024 and should get more reps in 2025 to boost his stock.

31) Kansas City Chiefs

Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

Travis Kelce can’t play forever. With Mahomes under center, the Chiefs may start grooming his eventual replacement.

Max Klare had 51 catches for 685 yards and four TDs at Purdue before transferring to Ohio State. He’s a smooth athlete and dependable target underneath with plenty of upside.

32) Philadelphia Eagles

Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

Philly’s starting duo of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean looks strong, but a third outside corner could solidify the group.

Malik Muhammad is a scrappy cover man who broke up eight passes last year. He’s physical, instinctive, and brings solid all-around athleticism to a secondary that’s almost complete.

Round 2

33. Cleveland Browns 
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

34. New York Jets 
Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon

35. New Orleans Saints 
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

36. Tennessee Titans
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

37. New York Giants
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

38. Carolina Panthers
Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest

39. Indianapolis Colts
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

40. Jacksonville Jaguars
Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama

41. Las Vegas Raiders
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

42. Atlanta Falcons
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

43. Arizona Cardinals
Keon Sabb, S, Alabama

44. Dallas Cowboys
Maurice Westmoreland, EDGE, Tulane

45. Miami Dolphins
Austin Barber, OT, Florida

46. New England Patriots
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

47. Seattle Seahawks
Tristan Leigh, OT, Clemson

48. Chicago Bears
Jalon Kilgore, S, Clemson

49. Houston Texans
Earnest Greene III, OG, Georgia

50. Minnesota Vikings
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

51. Pittsburgh Steelers
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

52. Denver Broncos
Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

54. Los Angeles Chargers
Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon

55. Green Bay Packers
DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson

56. Los Angeles Rams
Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State

57. San Francisco 49ers
Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

58. Cincinnati Bengals
Jaeden Roberts, OG, Alabama

59. Houston Texans
Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

60. Baltimore Ravens
Jack Velling, TE, Michigan State

61. Detroit Lions
Michael Taaffe, S, Texas

62. Buffalo Bills
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

63. Kansas City Chiefs
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

64. Philadelphia Eagles
Jack Endries, TE, Texas

Round 3

65. Cleveland Browns
Trey Zuhn, OT, Texas A&M

66. Philadelphia Eagles 
Darrell Jackson, DT, Florida State

67. New Orleans Saints 
Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

68. Tennessee Titans 
Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

69. Houston Texans 
Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon

70. Carolina Panthers 
Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana

71. Indianapolis Colts 
Riley Mahlman, OT, Wisconsin

72. Jacksonville Jaguars 
Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M

73. Las Vegas Raiders 
Carson Beck, QB, Miami (FL)

74. Atlanta Falcons 
Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

75. Arizona Cardinals 
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

76. Dallas Cowboys 
Dalton Brooks, S, Texas A&M

77. Miami Dolphins 
Keanu Tanuvasa, DT, BYU

78. New England Patriots 
Xavier Nwankpa, S, Iowa

79. Seattle Seahawks 
Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina

80. Chicago Bears 
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

81. Miami Dolphins 
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

82. Minnesota Vikings 
John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming

83. Pittsburgh Steelers 
Bud Clark, S, TCU

84. Denver Broncos 
Aaron Graves, DT, Iowa

85. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
Parker Brailsford, OC, Alabama

86. Los Angeles Chargers 
Jalen Catalon, S, Missouri

87. Green Bay Packers 
Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan

88. Los Angeles Rams 
Kamari Ramsey, S, USC

89. San Francisco 49ers 
Eli Holstein, QB, Pittsburgh

90. Cincinnati Bengals 
Jeremiah Cooper, S, Iowa State

91. Washington Commanders 
Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor

92. Baltimore Ravens 
Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M

93. Jacksonville Jaguars 
Lawson Luckie, TE, Georgia

94. Buffalo Bills 
Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma

95. Kansas City Chiefs 
Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana

96. Philadelphia Eagles 
Kage Casey, OT, Boise State

97. Jacksonville Jaguars 
Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State