2026 3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Arch Manning Lands in Vegas, Browns Go QB at No. 1

Preparing for the NFL Draft is a year-round activity, and we believe there’s no such thing as a “too-early” NFL Mock Draft.

While much will change between now and next April, using the full year to prepare for the NFL Draft gives teams and analysts alike as much time to do their research and identify which collegiate prospects could be potential stars at the next level.

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


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1) Cleveland Browns

Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

Cade Klubnik made huge strides in 2024. He’s an accurate passer with good poise in the pocket and underrated mobility. His consistency, rhythm, and decision-making all give him a high floor and project him as a potential long-term starter in the league.

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

LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

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.

Though LaNorris Sellers isn’t the consensus QB1 in the 2026 class, 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.

3) New Orleans Saints

Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

The New Orleans Saints have a handful of glaring needs heading into the 2025 season, but they go with arguably the best player available at a premier position in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

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.

4) Tennessee Titans

T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

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

T.J. Parker would give them an edge rusher with elite potential. He had 11 sacks as a sophomore and flashed great burst, bend, and lower-body strength. If he continues to produce at the level he did in 2024, he’ll be a no-doubt top-10 pick.

5) New York Giants

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

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.

At 6’7″ and 360 pounds, Kadyn Proctor fits the bill. 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 perfect running mate alongside Andrew Thomas in New York.

6) Carolina Panthers

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

I liked what the Carolina Panthers did on Day 2 of the 2025 draft, grabbing Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen after going offense in Round 1. That said, their defense is still a few pieces away from completion.

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.

7) Indianapolis Colts

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

Should the Indianapolis Colts finish with a top-10 pick in 2026, an argument could be made that they look to draft a quarterback to move on from Anthony Richardson. In this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, though, they invest in the offensive line with a high-level prospect.

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.

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 in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft to land a top-tier edge rusher with the extra pick they got from Jacksonville.

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

Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Geno Smith gives the Las Vegas Raiders a huge upgrade at quarterback for the 2025 season, but he turns 35 in October and has a potential out after 2026. That’s the perfect opportunity to draft a quarterback early next year and have him sit for a year or two behind Smith.

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 pick in this mock.

10) Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

As long as Rob Havenstein has been a reliable starting tackle for the Los Angeles Rams — dating all the way back to their days in St. Louis — they may eventually need a successor for the 33-year-old.

Caleb Lomu is a smooth offensive 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.

11) Arizona Cardinals

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

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.

Spencer Fano could project very well as either a tackle or a guard. He’s physical, mobile, and technically sound — traits that could translate to an immediate starting value almost anywhere along Arizona’s offensive line.

12) Dallas Cowboys

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Dallas Cowboys extended Osa Odighizuwa this offseason, but if the value is right, it wouldn’t be surprising if they invested a premier draft position at the defensive tackle position alongside him in 2026.

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

13) Miami Dolphins

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

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

Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell Jr., 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.

14) New England Patriots

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Will Campbell was a great selection to protect Drake Maye in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, and in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the New England Patriots use their first-round pick the following year on a potential WR1 for him.

Patriots fans may get a bad taste in their mouths from Arizona State wide receivers after N’Keal Harry, but Jordyn Tyson is an entirely different player. He’s a great YAC receiver thanks to his agility and ball-carrier vision, but he’s explosive coming out of his breaks and exploits leverage spots well against man coverage by adjusting his stems.

15) Seattle Seahawks

Austin Barber, OT, Florida

Grey Zabel should be a good addition to their offensive line, but the Seattle Seahawks are still a move or two away from completing that unit.

With ideal size, length, and mobility, Austin Barber has a very high ceiling as a pass-protector and will be a four-year SEC starter by the end of the 2025 season. If he can improve his pad level and maximize his physical attributes, he could rise even higher when it’s all said and done.

16) Chicago Bears

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Chicago Bears ultimately didn’t make a splash at running back, leaving the starting job to D’Andre Swift for another year. That said, they can certainly improve at the position, and in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, they’re in a perfect position to do so.

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 as the primary back for Ben Johnson in Chicago.

17) Houston Texans

Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

The Houston Texans have an impressive edge-rushing duo in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, but their defensive interior could use a difference-maker to give their defensive line a dominant three-headed monster.

A 6’6″, 325-pound interior lineman with more pass-rush juice than expected for a player his size, Caleb Banks has a very high ceiling at the NFL level. He’s powerful and disruptive — a solid fit for Tampa’s defensive line rotation.

18) Minnesota Vikings

Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

Minnesota’s front seven is loaded after signing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. That said, Andrew Van Ginkel is slated to hit free agency next offseason, and if Dallas Turner doesn’t take a leap in 2025, they could look to bring in competition.

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 Vikings’ front seven.

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

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

A team on the rise with Sean Payton and Bo Nix leading the way, the Denver Broncos go back to the Oregon well in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

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.

21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

Lavonte David has been the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive cornerstone for well over a decade, but he could use a running mate and/or eventual replacement when the time comes for him to call it a career.

With impressive speed, agility, instincts against the run, and consistent tackling form, CJ Allen is a true sideline-to-sideline linebacker with elite range as a tackler.

22) Los Angeles Chargers

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Los Angeles Chargers addressed most of their needs over the course of the 2025 NFL offseason, but one position that remains up in the air is the tight end group.

Though he’s been a backup at Oregon leading up to 2025, Kenyon Sadiq has the chance to be a breakout star this upcoming season. He’s an elite athlete at tight end 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.

23) Green Bay Packers

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Green Bay Packers seem likely to keep Jaire Alexander going into 2025, but whether or not he plays for them this upcoming season, their cornerback room raises some questions on paper.

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.

24) Los Angeles Rams

Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

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.

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.

25) San Francisco 49ers

Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

Trent Williams turns 37 in July, and Colton McKivitz is a solid if unspectacular starting option. Luckily for the San Francisco 49ers, they have the chance to add a potential long-term answer at offensive tackle that they desperately need.

Isaiah World excelled at Nevada and now brings his game to Oregon. At 6’8″, he’s a massive, mobile lineman, and his upside is undeniable.

26) Cincinnati Bengals

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

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

Though he likely would’ve been a Day 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Mansoor Delane could potentially be a first-round pick in 2026 with another strong year. He’s a lengthy cornerback who thrives in zone with good fluidity and instincts underneath in coverage.

27) Washington Commanders

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

While the Washington Commanders still have Bobby Wagner playing at a very high level at linebacker, he turns 35 in June, and they could eventually use a long-term pairing with Frankie Luvu if the value is right.

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.

28) Baltimore Ravens

A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State

The Baltimore Ravens addressed safety by pairing Kyle Hamilton with Malaki Starks, but they’re still one more perimeter cornerback away from having potentially the most complete secondary in the NFL.

At 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, A.J. Harris has ideal size and length for the cornerback position. Though he’s a taller corner, he’s a tremendous athlete with fluid hips and encouraging lateral quickness coming out of his breaks.

29) Detroit Lions

Anto Saka, EDGE, Northwestern

Detroit has few holes, but they could still use one more pass-rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson off the edge, especially as he’s coming off of injury.

This is a projection placing Anto Saka this high, since he was a backup his first two years at Northwestern. However, the tools are there for him to be a massive breakout star in 2025. He’s a twitchy, explosive edge rusher who has the speed and flexibility to give offensive tackles fits, and he’s a high-motor player with refined hand usage.

30) Buffalo Bills

Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

The Buffalo Bills are deep up front, but they can shoot a little higher in terms of identifying a long-term fit alongside Gregory Rousseau off the edge.

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.

31) Kansas City Chiefs

Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

While the Kansas City Chiefs remain the class of the AFC, they could stand to add some investments in the secondary going forward, particularly at cornerback alongside Trent McDuffie.

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.

32) Philadelphia Eagles

Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

The Philadelphia Eagles have shown a penchant towards two things: consistent investment in the defensive line and drafting Georgia players. This accomplishes both!

Christen Miller is a stout run defender with upside on passing downs due to his short-area quickness. He should get more reps in 2025 to boost his stock.

Round 2

33. Cleveland Browns 
Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

34. New York Jets 
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

35. New Orleans Saints 
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

36. Tennessee Titans
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

37. New York Giants
Suntarine Perkins, LB, Ole Miss

38. Carolina Panthers
Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida

39. Indianapolis Colts
Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA

40. Jacksonville Jaguars
DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado

41. Las Vegas Raiders
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC

42. Atlanta Falcons
Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama

43. Arizona Cardinals
Cayden Green, OG, Missouri

44. Dallas Cowboys
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

45. Miami Dolphins
Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

46. New England Patriots
Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama

47. Seattle Seahawks
Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

48. Chicago Bears
Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina

49. Houston Texans
Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon

50. Minnesota Vikings
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

51. Pittsburgh Steelers
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

52. Denver Broncos
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

54. Los Angeles Chargers
Charles Jagusah, OG, Notre Dame

55. Green Bay Packers
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU

56. Los Angeles Rams
Keon Sabb, S, Alabama

57. San Francisco 49ers
Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon

58. Cincinnati Bengals
Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon

59. Houston Texans
Kage Casey, OT, Boise State

60. Baltimore Ravens
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

61. Detroit Lions
Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

62. Buffalo Bills
Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

63. Kansas City Chiefs
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

64. Philadelphia Eagles
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

Round 3

65. Cleveland Browns
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

66. Philadelphia Eagles 
Jaeden Roberts, OG, Alabama

67. New Orleans Saints 
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

68. Tennessee Titans 
DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson

69. Houston Texans 
Earnest Greene III, OG, Georgia

70. Carolina Panthers 
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

71. Indianapolis Colts 
Michael Taaffe, S, Texas

72. Jacksonville Jaguars 
Jack Velling, TE, Michigan State

73. Las Vegas Raiders 
Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest

74. Atlanta Falcons 
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

75. Arizona Cardinals 
Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

76. Pittsburgh Steelers
Patrick Payton, EDGE, LSU

77. Miami Dolphins 
Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina

78. New England Patriots 
Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana

79. Seattle Seahawks 
Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State

80. Chicago Bears 
Whit Weeks, LB, LSU

81. Miami Dolphins 
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

82. Minnesota Vikings 
Ar’maj Reed-Adams, OG, Texas A&M

83. Pittsburgh Steelers 
Keanu Tanuvasa, DT, BYU

84. Denver Broncos 
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

85. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

86. Los Angeles Chargers 
Darrell Jackson, DT, Florida State

87. Green Bay Packers 
Tellek Lockette, OG, Texas State

88. Los Angeles Rams 
Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State

89. San Francisco 49ers 
Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan

90. Cincinnati Bengals 
Kamari Ramsey, S, USC

91. Washington Commanders 
Quintrevion Wisner, RB, Texas

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

93. Jacksonville Jaguars 
Lander Barton, LB, Utah

94. Buffalo Bills 
Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College

95. Kansas City Chiefs 
CJ Baxter, RB, Texas

96. Philadelphia Eagles 
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

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

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2 COMMENTS

    0
    Buster Smith 12 months ago

    This writer knows nothing about what makes a pro quarterback, a career all pro. Athleticism is not number one. Michael Vick was one of the best athletic QBs of all time. And at best an average quarterback. Payton Manning was a great athlete, but not by this writers standards and he was the greatest QB of all time. It’s the mental processing that is most important. And it’s possible to have both as Joe Montana and Patrick Mahomes have shown.

    0
    Elijah 12 months ago

    Dante Moore, QB, Oregon? 5 star athlete. Starting at a major university. Not even mentioned. Many others, not even mentioned. Back to the drawing board!

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