Arch Manning is the domino that defines the 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class. What happens if that domino never falls? What happens if he goes back to school in 2027?
For the purpose of projecting, we have to at least include Manning in the 2026 NFL Draft discussion. But the fact of the matter is, he still has work to do as a prospect, and he’s just as likely to stay in school until the 2027 cycle.
If Manning returns, the 2026 NFL Draft class should still have plenty of noteworthy QB talent. This 2026 NFL Mock Draft examines what the board might look like without the heavily anticipated Longhorns legacy QB.
Note: The NFL Draft order in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft was derived from the latest Super Bowl Odds, via BetMGM.
2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
1) New Orleans Saints: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Even if Manning returns to school, there are still QB prospects who could prove themselves worthy of the No. 1 overall pick. In fact, there are QB prospects better positioned than Manning to make that argument right now. One of those prospects is Fernando Mendoza.
Fernando Mendoza’s combination of anticipation, launch velocity, and layering ability can result in some pretty awesome throws. Love this laser on the crosser.
The ball explodes off his hand, and his arm elasticity / angle freedom adds even more dimensionality. pic.twitter.com/h1n7NolpGe
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) May 6, 2025
A prototypical passer at 6’5″, 220 pounds, with a rifle arm and nimble in-pocket athleticism and twitch, Mendoza has the wicked velocity and layering to throw WRs open and elevate the passing game. He’s not an elite creator, but he assuredly has franchise QB tools.
2) New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
For better or worse, Brian Daboll, Joe Schoen, and the New York Giants have hitched their wagon to Jaxson Dart, at least in the short term. The next priority is ensuring he has optimal support. Right tackle may soon be a point of emphasis within that lens.
In the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, Francis Mauigoa is one of the early favorites as a natural right tackle. An effortless accelerator with logic-defying lean mass at 6’6″, 315 pounds, Mauigoa undeniably looks the part. He’s strong, powerful, rangy in space, and he has plus recovery.
3) Cleveland Browns: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
The Cleveland Browns have four quarterbacks — Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett — which essentially means they have none. Perhaps Sanders could emerge, but more likely than not, the Browns will be looking for a QB again, not far down the line.
At 6’2″, 205 pounds, Cade Klubnik represents a style of passer that’s ascending in recent years. Klubnik bears similarity to Bo Nix with his athleticism, arm elasticity, “point guard” poise amid chaos, and creative freedom, and his processing and accuracy are on the way up.
4) Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
There’s no runaway EDGE1 to start the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, but there are plenty of contenders. Keldric Faulk is perhaps the most exciting one. He was a ready-made 6’6″, 270 pounds out of high school, and in 2024, he accumulated seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
The upper-lower synergy and down-to-down consistency are still developing for Faulk, but no one has the kind of acceleration, short-area energy, and tsunami-like range in pursuit that he has at 6’6″, 280 pounds. When it all clicks, his power and motor can overwhelm.
5) New York Jets: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
A top-five pick outcome for the New York Jets would cast doubt on Justin Fields’ future, but let’s operate with the assumption that he showed promise and that the Jets decide to see his two-year deal through. In that case, they can go with the best player available, Caleb Downs.
Downs was just a true sophomore in 2024, and already, he was a vocal leader for the Buckeyes on defense. At 6’0″, 205 pounds, his best functions show up in support, but he’s dynamic and fast-flowing in all phases, with alignment versatility and tone-setting tenacity.
6) Carolina Panthers: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
If Bryce Young at least shows enough to warrant additional time with the Carolina Panthers in 2025, then Carolina can use their first-round pick on other areas in the 2026 NFL Draft. A best-player-available approach could even be an option — in which case Peter Woods proves tantalizing.
There’s one defensive tackle who has stood out to me in the early DT1 race in 2026, and that’s Clemson’s Peter Woods. Explosive, versatile, relentless.
Here, he slants outside from 4i, beats the right tackle with a forklift swim, and manages to get the sack in quick pursuit. pic.twitter.com/UdnnDOdNud
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) April 28, 2025
Woods is 6’3″, 315 pounds, and yet he doesn’t look like it at all. He’s made entirely of lean muscle, with volcanic initial explosiveness and an unhinged pursuit disposition. With his burst, power, and alignment versatility, he can wreak havoc alongside Derrick Brown.
7) Las Vegas Raiders: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Geno Smith was extended for two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, prolonging his contract past the 2026 campaign. He’s in his prime right now and in a comfortable setting, but he’ll be 37 years old in 2027. It’s not a bad idea for Las Vegas to go the Jordan Love route in 2026.
An uncommon talent like LaNorris Sellers, in particular, could be the ideal developmental target for Pete Carroll and John Spytek. At 6’3″, 240 pounds, with 99th-percentile acceleration and cutting flexibility, Sellers is an unnatural creator, and his arm is live.
8) Indianapolis Colts: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
This is admittedly more of a let’s-have-fun pick than anything else, but at this point in the offseason, there’s plenty of room for these kinds of selections. Jonathan Taylor has two years left on his deal, and the opportunity is ripe to create a historic RB tandem in Indy.
Jeremiyah Love is a bit taller, leaner, and leggier than Taylor, but he’s the kind of deadly explosive presence who can help the Colts emulate the David Montgomery-Jahmyr Gibbs combo in Detroit. A supercharged slasher with awesome flexibility and balance, Love is different.
9) Los Angeles Rams: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
After the Atlanta Falcons gift-wrapped a 2026 first-rounder to the Los Angeles Rams this past April, the Rams are now projected to have a top-10 selection they hadn’t anticipated next cycle. Theoretically, they could use that selection on a premier player like Kadyn Proctor.
With Rob Havenstein’s contract nearing expiration, Proctor could be a phenomenal addition. At 6’7″, 350 pounds, Proctor has the body type to shift from left tackle to right tackle. He’s incredibly physical, with rare torque output, and he’s mobile enough to get out in space.
10) Cleveland Browns: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Browns managed to lock down Myles Garrett long-term, and they have intriguing young talent across from him with Isaiah McGuire and Alex Wright. That said, they should still jump at the chance to add a prospect like Rueben Bain Jr. if they’re able to.
At 6’3″, 275 pounds, Bain is built for trench battle, and he excels with his combined power and finesse. Even at his weight, he moves with uncanny burst, quickness, and flexibility, and he defies the expectation of a young player with his nuanced pass-rush skills.
11) New England Patriots: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
The New England Patriots added Harold Landry III and got one of the better value deals in the 2025 NFL Draft on paper with Bradyn Swinson, but there’s still a sense of uncertainty with the team’s EDGE rotation. That’s something they can attack by adding Dani Dennis-Sutton in 2026.
After accruing 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 2024, Dennis-Sutton is the next man up at Penn State. He has every physical tool possible at 6’5″, 272 pounds, but his burst, bend, and length are at the very foundation.
12) Seattle Seahawks: DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado
Devon Witherspoon has been as advertised for the Seattle Seahawks as a versatile nickel, but Riq Woolen is coming off a regression year, and Josh Jobe — a pleasant surprise — is only back on a one-year deal. Mike Macdonald may need to find his own first-round CB soon.
At 6’2″, 190 pounds, McKinney has the physical profile and the brand of athleticism to earn Macdonald’s interest. McKinney offers spry and fluid athleticism to go along with his length, and he has the ball skills and proactive mentality to convert at the catch point.
13) Miami Dolphins: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
It feels like the Miami Dolphins could very well blow it up and start over soon. In that scenario, high-liability players like Jalen Ramsey could be traded. It’s been theorized for months, but should this scenario come to fruition, a talent like Domani Jackson could help them rebuild.
At 6’1″, 197 pounds, Jackson has elite vertical speed (10.25-second 100-meter dash), crisp short-area recalibration, smooth fluidity and technique, and he’s physical in support. But even more impressive is his almost infallible balance and discipline in press-man coverage.
14) Dallas Cowboys: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
The Dallas Cowboys’ trade for George Pickens improves their WR room in the short term, but Pickens is still only on a one-year deal, and the options beyond him and CeeDee Lamb aren’t promising. As such, Dallas may once again be in the WR1 discussion in 2026.
Right now, my WR1 in the 2026 NFL Draft is Clemson’s Antonio Williams. He’s not a traditional X receiver at just 5’11”, 190 pounds, but he’s a hyperactive mover with electric quickness, acute angle freedom, and reliable hands — a high-quality complement to Lamb.
15) Arizona Cardinals: Austin Barber, OT, Florida
The Arizona Cardinals will likely go with a mix of Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum at right tackle in 2025, but they need a long-term solution across from Paris Johnson Jr. In the 2026 NFL Draft, Austin Barber is a candidate with high-end tools and some RT experience.
At 6’6″, 314 pounds, Barber has the size and frame density, and he’s one of the best in the 2026 class at using knee bend and smooth weight transfers to acquire leverage. He needs to improve his hand precision and sustain, but his elite athleticism makes everything easier.
16) Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
The Pittsburgh Steelers chose to pass on all of the early-round QBs in the 2025 NFL Draft, and now they’re still in limbo with Aaron Rodgers; 2026 will be the QB cycle for Pittsburgh, and Drew Allar is a compelling in-state prospect.
With Drew Allar, you have a field general under center. Can make pre-snap checks and cue motions. You can execute action rollouts and move the pocket with him. And his easy velocity and angle freedom enables him to layer quick-hitting passes when in-rhythm. pic.twitter.com/eV41kNVbat
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) May 5, 2025
A former five-star recruit, Allar is 6’5″, 238 pounds with an angle-diverse rocket launcher on his right shoulder. He’s young yet experienced, and has grown as a field general in his time at Penn State. Accuracy and precision will determine how high he rises in 2026.
17) Denver Broncos: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Denver is positioned to compete for playoff positioning in 2025, but in 2026, their defense will experience some turnover. In particular, both Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers are free agents. Allen should stick around, but there’ll be a void across from him.
At 6’5″, 309 pounds, Caleb Banks can be the replacement the Denver Broncos need in their odd-front scheme. With his build, his rocket-propelled first-step explosion, his menacing motor, and his prying length, Banks can eventually be an equal to Allen in terms of impact.
18) Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Chicago Bears have worked themselves into a surprisingly solid spot with their roster, especially after Joe Thuney’s extension. One of the only remaining long-term question marks is safety. Kevin Byard is a free agent soon, and Jaquan Brisker’s availability is a concern.
Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman could give the Bears an ideal successor in the 2026 NFL Draft cycle. At 6’0″, 207 pounds, he’s explosive, fluid, and a defensive leader, with single-high, two-high, and box ability. He can ball-hawk on the back end and accrue TFLs in the box.
19) Houston Texans: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
DeMeco Ryans is a former linebacker himself, but he hasn’t heavily invested in the LB position yet. The 2026 NFL Draft class, however, appears very rich at LB on the surface. With Christian Harris nearing free agency, a prime upgrade opportunity is on the horizon.
At 6’1″, 235 pounds, CJ Allen could be Ryans’ hand-picked MIKE LB of the new half-decade. Allen is already a field commander at his young age, with swarming sideline-to-sideline range, sharp eyes and reaction, and conclusive physicality at contact.
20) Minnesota Vikings: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Outside of Byron Murphy Jr., the Minnesota Vikings have almost no proven long-term assets at the CB position. Isaiah Rodgers will provide value in the short term, and Mekhi Blackmon has some potential, but CB could be an area Minnesota circles in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Having said all this, Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy could be a favorite for the Vikings around the top-20 range. Coming off a four-INT season, McCoy thrives with his throttle control and vision in zone coverage, and he can match and gather with his burst and twitch in man.
21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Buccaneers’ pass rush has been a problem area for a while. In 2025, they finally seem to have a respectable group. But Haason Reddick is only a one-year rental, and past YaYa Diaby, there isn’t much in the realm of proven utility. T.J. Parker can change that in 2026.
Parker amassed 11 sacks and 20 TFLs in a dominant 2024 campaign. At 6’3″, 265 pounds, he doesn’t have a high-level bend component, nor is he the longest player. But Parker is explosive, powerful, and workmanlike, with a venerable counter arsenal and a hot motor.
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
The Los Angeles Chargers, under Jim Harbaugh, have emphasized the offensive line as one of the most important units on the team. Their revisioned front is nearly complete, but a long-term replacement for Zion Johnson should be on the radar. Emmanuel Pregnon might suffice.
Pregnon, who stands at 6’5″, 320 pounds, with massive lever arms, was a second-team All-Big Ten performer at USC in 2024, and he’s since transferred to Oregon. Pregnon is built exactly the way Harbaugh likes his guards, with burst, length, and power for days.
23) Green Bay Packers: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
The Green Bay Packers unexpectedly exercised Devonte Wyatt’s fifth-year option, but that doesn’t change the need for more long-term security and dynamic upside on the interior line. At 6’1″, 290 pounds, with a unique leverage and length blend, Zane Durant could be a target.
With his profile, Durant — who racked up three sacks and 11 TFLs in 2024 — projects well as a versatile 3- or 5-tech disruptor in the 2026 NFL Draft. At his size, with his natural ability to get under his opponents’ pads, he’s absurdly explosive, with the length and bend to pry ahead.
24) San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
With every year that passes, Trent Williams gets older, and across from him, right tackle Colton McKivitz is in a contract year. The San Francisco 49ers can’t keep neglecting their offensive line. Luckily for them, the 2026 NFL Draft is rich with high-upside blocking prospects.
While he needs to keep improving his play strength, Caleb Lomu excels at acquiring leverage, keeping balance and square positioning, and playing with upper-lower synergy. And at 6’6″, 304 pounds, he has light feet and extraordinary flexibility on recovery.
25) Cincinnati Bengals: Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina
Affectionately, the Cincinnati Bengals’ secondary is kind of a mess right now. Underperforming picks like Cam Taylor-Britt, Daxton Hill, and DJ Turner will all be given a chance to redeem themselves in 2025, but odds are, the Bengals will seek reinforcements in 2026.
For Al Golden in particular, a physical hybrid nickel/safety could be a tremendous help. At a long 6’1″, 211 pounds, Jalon Kilgore fits that vision. He’s played field safety, robber, nickel, and overhang linebacker, with plus coverage IQ, mobility, and sturdiness in support.
26) Los Angeles Rams: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Matthew Stafford is under contract through the 2026 season. As long as he doesn’t regress, he’ll be the Rams’ QB through that mark, at the very least, but the time is coming soon for the Rams to think about the future. The 2026 class should give them chances to do so.
Ideally, the Rams target a QB with more physical upside, but Garrett Nussmeier is intriguing in his own right. He’s garnered comparisons to Tony Romo with his savvy brand of creativity and gunslinger mentality, and he can widen windows with his elastic arm.
27) Washington Commanders: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
If there’s one criticism of the Washington Commanders’ 2025 NFL Draft haul, it’s that they didn’t address the EDGE position at all. Dorance Armstrong, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Clelin Ferrell can underpin the unit in the short term, but Washington needs a premier talent again soon.
At 6’5″, 270 pounds, Matayo Uiagalelei is that premier talent, with high-level mass, frame density, and length. With his explosiveness and length, his power element can be overwhelming, and he flashes exciting ankle flexion while speeding around the apex.
28) Detroit Lions: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Lions brought back Tim Patrick as their big-bodied WR3 after a quality campaign from the veteran, and truth be told, their offensive structure doesn’t require a high-level WR3. But with a young talent like Denzel Boston, defenses could finally be stretched too thin.
At 6’4″, 209 pounds, Boston — who accrued over 800 yards and nine TDs in 2024 — is a gliding size-speed specimen with strong hands, easy hip sink and lower-body flexibility, and RAC ability, and he flashes the quickness and physicality necessary to beat press as an X.
29) Kansas City Chiefs: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
Andy Reid and Brett Veach have shown that they’re willing to take RBs in Round 1 if the situation calls for it. Looking at the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster status and the long-term uncertainty with Isiah Pacheco and others, a player like Nicholas Singleton could be high on their board.
Singleton could’ve declared in 2025, but instead, he returns in 2026 as a top RB prospect with rare raw talent. He’s a home-run threat at 6’0″, 227 pounds with good vision, footwork efficiency, and receiving versatility. He can blink through gaps and bury defenders.
30) Buffalo Bills: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
In his prime, Matt Milano was one of the best LBs in the game, but since his All-Pro campaign in 2022, he’s played just nine total games, with two major injuries across that stretch, and he’s turning 31 years old in July. It may be time for Buffalo to look to the future.
Terrel Bernard has emerged as a force, but only a select few have the potential to be a game-changer of Milano’s caliber. Sonny Styles is one of those few. A former safety-turned LB with natural coverage feel, Styles’ size, athleticism, IQ, and physicality set him apart.
31) Baltimore Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
In 2025, the Ravens have a stable WR trio with Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and DeAndre Hopkins, but Hopkins is a one-year rental, and Bateman’s contract will be up in 2027. The 2026 NFL Draft presents a chance for Baltimore to re-invest at the spot.
At 6’1″, 195 pounds, Tyson bears uncanny physical similarity to Bateman, and his 75-catch, 1,101-yard, 10-TD 2024 campaign put him on the map. He’s an easy accelerator with deceptive motion and smooth fluidity, and his body control can come up big down the field.
32) Philadelphia Eagles: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
The Eagles are consistently in a position where they can draft for the future late in Round 1. And right now, the biggest blip on the horizon is the question of succession beyond Lane Johnson. In the 2026 NFL Draft, few OT prospects have more potential than Isaiah World.
World is aptly named; his 6’8″, 309-pound frame invites allusions to the Greek mythical figure Atlas, who hoisted the entire world on his shoulders after defying Zeus in the Titanomachy. Along with superlative size, World has logic-defying quickness and range.
2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 2
33) New Orleans Saints: Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn
At 5’11”, 190 pounds, Eric Singleton Jr. is a true speed and explosion specialist who can operate from the slot or the boundary. Beyond that, he knows how to use his speed and bend to stem defenders, and he can make acrobatic catches in claustrophobic situations.
34) New York Giants: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
At 6’2″, 209 pounds, Elijah Sarratt is a smooth and flexible athlete with stride freedom, stem IQ, and icy focus and body control at the catch. For Jaxson Dart, Sarratt would serve as a high-quality WR2 alongside Malik Nabers, with zone splicing and conversion upside.
35) Cleveland Browns: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn
A plus athlete at 6’3″, 300 pounds, who lettered as a wrestler in high school, Connor Lew has the physical traits, football IQ, and physical temperament to be a high-quality starter. His feel for proper leverage and his ability as a recovery artist add to his accolades.
36) Tennessee Titans: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Anthony Hill Jr. must continue to improve his coverage spacing, but he’s just as athletic as you’d expect at 6’3″, 238 pounds with his pedigree. With his length, instant explosiveness, and ability to take on blocks and blitz gaps, he’d be a worthwhile investment for the Titans on defense.
37) New York Jets: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
Ja’Kobi Lane was the USC Trojans’ designated big-play and red-zone threat in 2024, with 12 TDs on just 43 catches. The New York Jets could use a vertical threat like the 6’4″ Lane alongside Garrett Wilson, and Lane’s bend on route transitions suggests separation upside.
38) Carolina Panthers: Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest
With Taylor Moton’s contract soon to expire, the Panthers should have eyes on a natural right tackle in 2026. At 6’5″, 317 pounds, Fa’alili Fa’amoe profiles well with his lively twitch and foot speed, natural knee bend, imposing hand force, and overarching balance.
39) Las Vegas Raiders: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
At 6’3″, 190 pounds, Will Lee III is ultra-competitive and controlling in press-man, and he can use his length to contend at the catch point. He might not have elite hip fluidity or transition freedom, but he has the size, reach, and short-area quickness to magnify his physicality.
40) Indianapolis Colts: Eli Holstein, QB, Pittsburgh
The odds are slim that Anthony Richardson recaptures any magic we saw earlier in his career. As such, the Colts could be looking for a QB in 2026. Eli Holstein is a sleeper to watch: A 6’4″, 225-pound prolific creator who bears stylistic resemblance to a young Sam Darnold.
41) Atlanta Falcons: Jack Endries, TE, Texas
Watching Mendoza’s 2024 California tape, Jack Endries always shows up big. The 6’4″, 244-pound pass-catcher is strong over the middle, spry in the RAC phase, and has definitive vertical speed for his size. Playing with Manning should only keep his stock on the rise.
42) Jacksonville Jaguars: Deontae Lawson, LB, Texas
Deontae Lawson projects as a solid NFL starter with his closing burst, reach, gap-alignment IQ, spacing discipline in zone coverage, and willing physicality at his size (6’2″, 230 pounds). If the Jaguars let Devin Lloyd walk, Lawson could fill that void on the starting lineup.
43) New England Patriots: Zeke Berry, CB, Michigan
At 5’11”, 196 pounds, Zeke Berry profiles as one of the most versatile young DBs in the 2026 NFL Draft. He can play the boundary or nickel, and he’s a quality contributor in both phases. In coverage, his quick recalibration lends well, and he shoots downhill in support.
44) Seattle Seahawks: Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon
Kenneth Walker III has regressed since his rookie season, and Zach Charbonnet might not be an optimal replacement. As such, Makhi Hughes could be on the Seahawks’ radar in a similar range next April. Hughes is dynamic, well-leveraged, and has third-down value.
45) Miami Dolphins: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
With Jonnu Smith now being floated in trade discussions, Mike McDaniel may soon need to find a replacement pass-game catalyst at TE. At 6’3″, 245 pounds, Kenyon Sadiq is a smooth, gliding mover with springy RAC ability and invigorating separation potential.
46) Dallas Cowboys: LT Overton, DL, Alabama
LT Overton is still too raw to be a Round 1 lock, but at 6’5″, 280 pounds, with effortless athleticism and extraordinary lean mass and length, he has rare alignment-versatile upside at his peak. He could grow to become a mismatch piece for Dallas alongside Micah Parsons.
47) Arizona Cardinals: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
At 5’10”, 175 pounds, Zachariah Branch has truly special explosive freedom, stop-and-start ability, and change-of-direction skills. His polish as a route runner is still developing, but in the Cardinals’ offense, with Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr., he could be dangerous.
48) Pittsburgh Steelers: Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor
The Pickens trade was the best long-term move for the Steelers, but it leaves a void alongside DK Metcalf. At 6’1″, 218 pounds, Josh Cameron has the physicality to fill that void. He’s a uniquely built multi-strider with RAC, vertical, and chain-moving chops.
49) Denver Broncos: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Evan Engram is likely a short-term solution for Sean Payton. Max Klare can be the long-term fix. At 6’4″, 240 pounds, Klare is a quick, efficient route runner and a soft-handed hands-catcher with a nice blend of shake and bend, which he can also use in the RAC phase.
50) Chicago Bears: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
A 5’11”, 229-pound bowling ball with surprising speed, suddenness, cutting flexibility, and creative instincts to couple with his physicality, Kaytron Allen could be Ben Johnson’s new David Montgomery in a revamped Chicago Bears offense.
51) Houston Texans: Drew Shelton, OL, Penn State
The Texans need reliability on the line, first and foremost, and Drew Shelton fits the bill better than most 2026 prospects. At 6’5″, 308 pounds, Shelton has the functional athleticism, balance, and hand proficiency to be a potential Swiss Army knife.
One of my favorite OL watches so far in the 2026 NFL Draft class has been Penn State OT Drew Shelton (#66).
Amped-up mover at 6’5″, 308, with keen angle IQ, fast and violent hands, and a finishing mentality. Built a whole portfolio with his snatch / snatch-and-trap in ’24. pic.twitter.com/mzvV79vQGY
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) May 7, 2025
52) Minnesota Vikings: Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana
Harrison Smith’s contract, which expires in 2026, is symbolic; the Vikings will need to reinvest at safety soon. At 6’2″, 200 pounds, Amare Ferrell has one of the most tantalizing profiles in the class. He’s rangy, malleable, a first responder in support, and a true ball hawk.
53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Zyon McCollum’s contract is up soon, and Jamel Dean might be in the twilight of his Buccaneers career. Even with Benjamin Morrison in the fold, Mansoor Delane, with his size-speed profile, fluidity, and playmaking imprint, is a tailor-made addition for Tampa Bay.
54) Los Angeles Chargers: Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
Tuli Tuipulotu is positioned to be a successor for Khalil Mack, and Kyle Kennard has upside, but the Chargers should continue reinforcing their EDGE group in 2026. Tyreak Sapp fits their profile with his density, compact mass, explosion, bend, and red-hot motor.
55) Green Bay Packers: Tristan Leigh, OT, Clemson
The Packers have insinuated that Jordan Morgan will be given a chance to succeed Rasheed Walker at left tackle, but he should have competition. If Tristan Leigh can infuse his game with more control, the 6’6″, 315-pound blocker has one of the highest ceilings in the 2026 class.
56) San Francisco 49ers: Febechi Nwaiwu, OG, Oklahoma
At 6’4″, 323 pounds, Febechi Nwaiwu pops on film with his easy leveraging, foot speed, explosive range, fast and powerful hands, and certified mauler mentality in space. For the 49ers, he provides a push-producing interior blocker with two-phase impact upside.
57) Cincinnati Bengals: Keanu Tanuvasa, DT, BYU
Even after the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bengals still need more disruptors on the interior defensive line. Utah transfer Keanu Tanuvasa is still refining his game as a pass-rush operator, but at 6’4″, 301 pounds, he has incredible burst and twitch on the attack.
58) Los Angeles Rams: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
The Rams brought back Ahkello Witherspoon for the 2025 season, emphasizing their desire for length on the boundary. Tacario Davis, however, could be an upgrade. At 6’4″, 201 pounds, Davis is a size-speed phenom with inspiring composure and malleability.
59) Houston Texans: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The Texans hit the offensive line hard in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, adding Blake Miller shortly after acquiring Shelton. At 6’6″, 315 pounds, Miller needs to up his play strength and anchoring ability, but he’s an elite mover with synergetic, efficient technique.
60) Detroit Lions: Anto Saka, EDGE, Northwestern
The Lions came away from the 2025 cycle with little EDGE reinforcements opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Anto Saka changes that. At 6’4″, 247 pounds, Saka is still a bit raw, but he’s explosive, urgent, and physical, and inspires awe at times with his cornering ability.
61) Kansas City Chiefs: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
The Chiefs will experiment with Kingsley Suamataia at guard, but another draft pick could ultimately uncover the solution. At 6’6″, 330 pounds, Chase Bisontis matches Suamataia’s easy athleticism, play strength, and hand force, and he might have better leveraging tools.
62) Buffalo Bills: Quintrevion Wisner, RB, Texas
If the Bills opt not to extend James Cook and instead dip into the 2026 NFL Draft RB crop, Quintrevion Wisner can be a viable successor. At 6’0″, 200 pounds, Wisner’s elusive instincts, space-swimming ability, and base recalibration post-contact make him unique.
63) Baltimore Ravens: DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
If the Ravens lose Travis Jones in free agency next offseason, DeMonte Capehart can be a quality replacement in time. At 6’5″, 315 pounds, he’s explosive and relentless off the snap, his power output steamrolls opponents off the line, and he can stack and shed.
64) Philadelphia Eagles: A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
Whether the Eagles opt to play Cooper DeJean on the boundary or at the nickel spot long-term, A.J. Harris can be a great addition alongside DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell with his bristling speed, quickness, and positioning feel at 6’1″, 191 pounds.
2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 3
65) New Orleans Saints
Anthony Smith, EDGE, Minnesota
66) Houston Texans
Darrell Jackson, DT, Florida State
67) Cleveland Browns
Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
68) Tennessee Titans
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
69) Philadelphia Eagles
Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
70) Carolina Panthers
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
71) Las Vegas Raiders
Dane Key, WR, Nebraska
72) Indianapolis Colts
Riley Mahlman, OT, Wisconsin
73) Atlanta Falcons
Collin Wright, CB, Stanford
74) Jacksonville Jaguars
Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
75) New England Patriots
Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
76) Seattle Seahawks
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
77) Miami Dolphins
Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
78) Pittsburgh Steelers
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
79) Arizona Cardinals
Tomas Rimac, OL, Virginia Tech
80) Pittsburgh Steelers
Kapena Gushiken, DB, Ole Miss
81) Denver Broncos
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
82) Chicago Bears
Charles Jagusah, OT, Notre Dame
83) Miami Dolphins
Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan
84) Minnesota Vikings
Jam Miller, RB, Alabama
85) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lander Barton, LB, Utah
86) Los Angeles Chargers
Markis Deal, DT, TCU
87) Green Bay Packers
Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
88) San Francisco 49ers
Parker Brailsford, OC, Alabama
89) Cincinnati Bengals
Ashton Stamps, CB, LSU
90) Los Angeles Rams
Keon Sabb, S, Alabama
91) Washington Commanders
DeAndre Moore Jr., WR, Texas
92) Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawson Luckie, TE, Georgia
93) Kansas City Chiefs
Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
94) Buffalo Bills
Jaeden Roberts, OG, Alabama
95) Baltimore Ravens
Desmeal Leigh, OT, Youngstown State
96) Philadelphia Eagles
R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
