3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Drew Allar Slides Behind 4 Other QBs

The 2025 NFL Draft is behind us, and teams are settling in for training camp within the next few weeks.

While there are still so many questions left unanswered as we enter the 2025 NFL season, let’s look ahead to how teams could approach the 2026 NFL Draft, including some of the promise under center.

1) Cleveland Browns

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Fernando Mendoza may not be a household name right now, but by the start of the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, he’ll be one of the most highly sought-after prospects. While at Cal in 2024, Mendoza flashed natural playmaking ability and a powerful arm. If the Cleveland Browns are resetting at quarterback, taking a player with tools is the route.

2) New York Jets

Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

Expectations are high for Clemson this season, and they’re especially high for Cade Klubnik. We’ve seen flashes of his former five-star pedigree, and this season is his chance to prove he can be a starter in the NFL. With more consistent decision-making, his arm and mobility will carry his draft stock for 2026.

I really believe in Clemson QB Cade Klubnik being a top 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s shown growth as a playmaker, flashes pinpoint accuracy into tight windows, and is impactful on the move pic.twitter.com/21BUdp0cT3

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) May 15, 2025

3) New Orleans Saints

LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

LaNorris Sellers may have the most potential of all of the quarterbacks in this class. His elite athleticism, rocket arm, and fortitude in the pocket are the best in the class. If he can build off a promising first year as a starter, he’ll solidify himself as a top-five pick.

4) Tennessee Titans

T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

T.J. Parker presents elite burst and finishing ability as a pass rusher to be the first non-quarterback picked. His ability to close down on quarterbacks and blow past blockers is uncanny. Once he flashes his athletic tools at the NFL Combine, his fate will be sealed as one of the best defenders in 2026.

Clemson EDGE TJ Parker is an early 2026 favorite of mine. One of the best finishers in the class because he can accelerate so quickly pic.twitter.com/DHP7NA071G

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) April 29, 2025

5) New York Giants

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Rebuilding the offensive line has been a rocky process for the New York Giants, but they may finally be able to march out a dominant unit if they take Lomu. Lomu displays fantastic recoverability, fluid mobility in pass protection, and underrated hand-fighting nuance to be a reliable right tackle.

6) Carolina Panthers

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Since trading away Brian Burns, the Carolina Panthers have lacked an alpha pass rusher on the outside of their defense. While they made two early commitments to pass rushers with Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen in the 2025 NFL Draft, adding another long presence on the outside will make their defensive line scary good.

Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk is an early name to track for EDGE1 in 2026. Massive dude who uses his length and burst well to win pic.twitter.com/PcwdqtMMXz

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) April 29, 2025

7) Indianapolis Colts

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

If the Indianapolis Colts are picking in the top 10, it’s time to reset at quarterback. Anthony Richardson was very inexperienced coming out of Florida with immense potential. They can right the ship by drafting Garrett Nussmeier, who is the same age as Richardson. Nussmeier presents a quick trigger arm and impressive touch as a passer.

8) Cleveland Browns

Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

After picking Mason Graham in the 2025 Draft, the Browns can round out their defensive line with another freakish Big Ten defender. Dani Dennis-Sutton has elite length and intriguing explosiveness to become a quality secondary rusher opposite Myles Garrett.

9) Las Vegas Raiders

Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

Drew Shelton is one of the most underrated prospects in this class and will be a more prominent name after this college football season. The Penn State left tackle is an easy mover with an anchor to become a stalwart on the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive line.

10) Los Angeles Rams

Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

The Los Angeles Rams’ defense is loaded with promising, young playmakers. However, they need fresh faces at cornerback to boost their secondary. Domani Jackson has the smooth hips and impactful physicality to be a CB1 in any defense.

11) Arizona Cardinals

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Spencer Fano appears to be one of this class’s highest floor offensive line prospects. Thanks to his quality movement skills and impact in the run game, Fano can plug and play right away for the Arizona Cardinals opposite Paris Johnson Jr.

12) Dallas Cowboys

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Could Jeremiyah Love be the missing piece to the Dallas Cowboys’ offense? Despite everyone hoping Dallas would pick a running back in 2025, Jerry Jones will not be able to say no to the most dynamic runner in this class.

Jeremiyah Love is the best running back in the country, argue with a wall pic.twitter.com/XWS1WywKrP

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) April 28, 2025

13) Miami Dolphins

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Although Jermod McCoy suffered an offseason injury (torn ACL), if he returns to the field this season, he should still be one of the first defensive backs drafted. His range and ball skills are desperately needed by a Miami Dolphins team that lacks any talent at corner.

14) New England Patriots

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The New England Patriots historically have been anchored on defense by a cerebral inside linebacker. To return to their level of consistent defensive dominance, they need to draft CJ Allen to hunt down every ball carrier who challenges him in the box.

15) Seattle Seahawks

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

Establishing better offensive line play is key to the Seattle Seahawks’ future success. After picking Grey Zabel this year, they can round out their unit with a physical presence at right tackle in Francis Mauigoa.

Miami RT Francis Mauigoa plays with such a reliable base in pass pro. Another player who will be huge for the Hurricanes’ success in 2025 pic.twitter.com/OqFP9GD31z

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) May 6, 2025

16) Chicago Bears

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

While Caleb Downs may be one of the most talented prospects in the 2026 class, we need to remind ourselves of where top safeties are typically drafted. After we saw Malaki Starks slide to the back end of the first round, Downs landing with the Chicago Bears at Pick 16 makes the most sense. It would also help him hit the ground running on a playoff-contending team.

17) Houston Texans

Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

Caleb Banks has the potential to be one of the highest-drafted defenders in this class. He is a massive presence in the middle, with the rare upside of becoming a disruptive pass rusher.

18) Minnesota Vikings

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Harrison Smith is on his way out, and the Minnesota Vikings need a new headhunter at free safety. Dillon Thieneman is a phenomenal tackler with the instincts to be one of the best safeties in the NFL.

19) Pittsburgh Steelers

Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

Drew Allar is deservedly being projected as an early first-round pick because of his large frame and powerful arm. I’m not as high on Allar due to inconsistencies with his touch, timing, and decision-making. If he were to slide, this would be a home run for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who need a gifted player to mold at QB.

20) Denver Broncos

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Peter Woods falling this far would be surprising, but in these circumstances, the Denver Broncos would not be complaining. He plays with tremendous leverage and quick feet to become a problem to block in the middle of Denver’s defense.

21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

LT Overton may lack the typical production of a first-round EDGE prospect, but he does make up for it with his rare flexibility. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have built a unique pass rush unit with their defensive line body types, and Overton would elevate them to become challenging to throw against.

22) Los Angeles Chargers

Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

Matayo Uiagalelei was highly productive last season for the Oregon Ducks in his breakout sophomore season. With another year to refine his pass rush moves, he should be in the mix for becoming a first-round selection.

23) Green Bay Packers

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Last season, we witnessed the Green Bay Packers’ defense thrive with an athletic freak as a linebacker in Edgerrin Cooper. Pairing him with Sonny Styles would create one of the NFL’s fastest and most explosive linebacker units.

24) Los Angeles Rams

Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

Isaiah World is an enormous presence at offensive tackle with surprising flexibility for his 6’8″, 300+ pound build. The Rams have needed younger options on their offensive line for some time, and World provides them with that option.

25) San Francisco 49ers

Xavier Chaplin, OT, Auburn

Xavier Chaplin possesses the length and physical play style to be an impactful starting offensive lineman in the NFL. As Trent Williams ages out, an heir to his position should be on the San Francisco 49ers’ radar for this draft.

26) Cincinnati Bengals

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Any defensive position would suffice for the Cincinnati Bengals, considering how porous they were in 2024. Their secondary could use a threat like Avieon Terrell on the outside at cornerback.

27) Washington Commanders

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Considering how the Washington Commanders are handling Terry McLaurin’s contract, it may be a sign they need to look for younger options at receiver. Regardless, having a reliable target like Jordyn Tyson would take Washington’s offense to another level.

28) Baltimore Ravens

Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

When you have a roster as loaded as the Baltimore Ravens’, you can have the luxury of adding depth to your already strong receiver room. Antonio Williams is a dynamic playmaker whose play style would fit nicely in Baltimore’s receiving unit.

29) Detroit Lions

Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

Rueben Bain Jr. battled through injuries in 2024 and looks to return to his freshman-year form. His physical rushing style and high motor are conducive to becoming a quality secondary rusher, opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

I love the aggressiveness and ferocity that Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. plays with. Hurricanes will need a big year out of him in 2025 pic.twitter.com/Ki0yRiVMun

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) May 2, 2025

30) Buffalo Bills

Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

It’s so easy to project Georgia defensive linemen to become first-round picks in any draft class. However, Christen Miller justifiably lives up to the hype of being picked this high because of his powerful lower body and ability to blow up rushing plays at the line of scrimmage consistently.

31) Kansas City Chiefs

Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

Cornerback isn’t a pressing need for the Kansas City Chiefs, but they can’t go wrong adding a lockdown force like Will Lee III to their already elite defense.

32) Philadelphia Eagles

Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

Dallas Goedert’s future in Philadelphia is uncertain, and this draft could provide them with a younger solution. After transferring from Purdue to Ohio State, Max Klare will get the chance to prove his dominance with a championship contender. He compares favorably to another former Philadelphia Eagles tight end: Zach Ertz.

Round 2

33) Cleveland Browns
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

34) New York Jets
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

35) New Orleans Saints
DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado

36) Tennessee Titans
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

37) New York Giants
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

38) Carolina Panthers
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

39) Indianapolis Colts
Connor Lew, C, Auburn

40) Jacksonville Jaguars
Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT/OG Wake Forest

41) Las Vegas Raiders
Patrick Payton, EDGE, LSU

42) Atlanta Falcons
DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson

43) Arizona Cardinals
Kamari Ramsey, S, USC

44) Dallas Cowboys
A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State

45) Miami Dolphins
Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

46) New England Patriots
Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas

47) Seattle Seahawks
Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

48) Chicago Bears
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

49) Houston Texans
Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame

50) Minnesota Vikings
Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon

51) Pittsburgh Steelers
Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

52) Denver Broncos
Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn

53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

54) Los Angeles Chargers
Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama

55) Green Bay Packers
Xavier Scott, DB, Illinois

56) Los Angeles Rams
Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon

57) San Francisco 49ers
Barion Brown, WR, LSU

58) Cincinnati Bengals
Keon Sabb, S, Alabama

59) Houston Texans
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

60) Baltimore Ravens
Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M

61) Detroit Lions
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

62) Buffalo Bills
Makai Lemon, WR, USC

63) Kansas City Chiefs
Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida

64) Philadelphia Eagles
Raylen Wilson, LB, Georgia

Round 3

65) Cleveland Browns
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

66) Philadelphia Eagles
Christian Gray, CB, Notre Dame

67) New Orleans Saints
Lawson Luckie, TE, Georgia

68) Tennessee Titans
Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama

69) Houston Texans
Quinten Joyner, RB, Texas Tech

70) Carolina Panthers
Tristan Leigh, OT, Clemson

71) Indianapolis Colts
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC

72) Jacksonville Jaguars
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU

73) Las Vegas Raiders
Eli Holstein, QB, Pittsburgh

74) Atlanta Falcons
Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan

75) Arizona Cardinals
J.Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida

76) Pittsburgh Steelers
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

77) Miami Dolphins
Xavier Nwankpa, S, Iowa

78) New England Patriots
Austin Barber, OT, Florida

79) Seattle Seahawks
CJ Baxter, RB, Texas

80) Chicago Bears
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

81) Miami Dolphins
Devonte Ross, WR, Penn State

82) Minnesota Vikings
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

83) Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaeden Roberts, OG, Alabama

84) Denver Broncos
Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M

85) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

86) Los Angeles Chargers
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

87) Green Bay Packers
Kage Casey, OT/OG Boise State

88) Los Angeles Rams
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma

89) San Francisco 49ers
Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana

90) Cincinnati Bengals
Earnest Greene III, OT/OG, Georgia

91) Washington Commanders
Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma

92) Baltimore Ravens
Zeke Berry, CB, Michigan

93) Jacksonville Jaguars
Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

94) Buffalo Bills
Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana

95) Kansas City Chiefs
Jamal Haynes, RB, Georgia Tech

96) Philadelphia Eagles
Dane Key, WR, Nebraska

97) Jacksonville Jaguars
Zane Durant, DT, Penn State