2026 NFL mock draft: Final 3-round projections
We made it.
The 2026 NFL Draft gets underway Thursday at 8 p.m. EST (on ESPN/ABC in the U.S., and TSN in Canada). There won't be much drama at the top, as the Las Vegas Raiders have been focused on their quarterback of the future throughout the process. But it's anyone's guess from there.
My final mock of the predraft cycle includes projections for the first three rounds. And considering the unpredictable nature of this year's event, it seemed fitting to spice things up with a few trades.
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Round 1
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders could have turned the card in months ago. Mendoza might not be a generational quarterback prospect, but he's absolutely worthy of the No. 1 overall pick. His arm talent, accuracy, and decision-making traits should shine in Klint Kubiak's offense. And the signing of Kirk Cousins means Las Vegas won't have to rush Mendoza's development.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Credit to the Jets: While this pick will almost certainly be one of the top two edge rushers, nobody seems to know which way they're leaning. The team cancelling its predraft visit with Bailey might suggest that he won't be the guy, but I'm not sure how much we can read into that during peak gamesmanship season. The Texas Tech star is the more polished pass-rusher right now. For a Jets staff under pressure to get things rolling in the right direction, that may well be the deciding factor.
🚨 MOCK TRADE: Chiefs acquire No. 3 from Cardinals for No. 9, No. 40
Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
The Cardinals might be desperate enough to trade down that they're wiling to take a discount. Could this be the Chiefs' opportunity to get a blue-chip talent on defense? Kansas City sends picks No. 9 and No. 40, keeping its second first-rounder at No. 29, for the right to draft Reese. The Ohio State star may need some time to realize his potential, but his rare explosiveness gives him elite upside off the edge.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
This would probably qualify as a surprise given the way industry mock drafts have been trending of late. Robert Saleh could successfully push for Sonny Styles, and there's certainly a case to be made for Jeremiyah Love, but getting a potential No. 1 receiver is a better way to help Cam Ward's development. Tate's route-running skills and contested-catch prowess could make him a great fit alongside last year's top pick.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
John Harbaugh gets to work with one of the best players in this draft to begin his Giants tenure. Selecting a running back in the top five will always garner some criticism, but Love is a true blue-chip prospect who should immediately emerge as one of the NFL's best at the position. In a draft lacking premium talent, it's tough to argue against taking a player with All-Pro upside.
🚨 MOCK TRADE: Cowboys acquire No. 6 from Browns for No. 12, No. 92, 2027 2nd-round pick
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
There's been a lot of talk about the Cowboys sniffing around trade-up opportunities to get a player such as Styles. Normally, I'd expect Dallas to relish the headlines for a little while only to do nothing in the end. I really think this time might be different. Styles, one of the most athletic linebacker prospects we've ever seen, addresses what's long been a glaring need for this defense. And if the Cowboys can make it happen without moving off No. 20, why not do it?
🚨 MOCK TRADE: Rams acquire No. 7 from Commanders for No. 13, No. 93, 2027 2nd-round pick
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Blockbuster. The Rams are leaning back into their old ways this offseason, going bold in an effort to capitalize on what's left of this Super Bowl window with Matthew Stafford. And after reportedly making a run at A.J. Brown, it's clear that they see room for improvement at receiver. Tyson's route-running skills and highlight-reel plays at the catch point would make him an excellent fit next to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Saints should be focused on the defensive side of the ball, considering the top two receivers are already off the board. Downs takes care of another obvious need, adding a potential playmaker in the secondary. But this is more about getting a premium talent in the building than anything else. New Orleans capitalizes on teams overthinking safety value and comes away with my No. 1 overall player in this class.
🚨 MOCK TRADE: Cardinals acquire No. 9 as part of Chiefs' trade up to No. 3
Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Mauigoa has long been considered a favorite to be the first offensive lineman off the board. After sliding back and collecting extra picks, the Cardinals opt to improve the foundation for Mike LaFleur's offense. Mauigoa should be an instant-impact starter at right tackle, teaming up with 2023 first-rounder Paris Johnson Jr. to give Arizona a solid pair of bookends for the foreseeable future.
Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
The Giants have needs at receiver and in the secondary after opting for Love at No. 5. But is Harbaugh really going to pass on the opportunity to make a meaningful addition in the trenches? Ioane is a powerhouse guard who, along with Love, will help carry out the veteran head coach's vision of a dominant run game in New York. Defense can be the focus on Day 2.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Dolphins could use help almost everywhere as they begin to rebuild their roster from the ground up. With Delane on the board later than he probably should be, Jeff Hafley doesn't let a potential No. 1 corner slip past Miami. The LSU star is a fluid cover man who plays with outstanding instincts and good ball skills, not to mention he punches above his weight in the run game.
🚨 MOCK TRADE: Browns acquire No. 12 as part of Cowboys' trade up to No. 6
Monroe Freeling, OL, Georgia
Getting a collection of picks from the Cowboys while landing a left tackle of the future is a dream scenario for Cleveland. Freeling is an elite athlete who has the highest ceiling of any lineman in this draft. Adding No. 92 gives the Browns an extra swing this year, and the 2027 second-rounder could come in handy if they need to trade up for a quarterback in next year's loaded draft.
🚨 MOCK TRADE: Commanders acquire No. 13 as part of Rams' trade up to No. 7
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Commanders slide back, pick up some much-needed draft capital this year and next, and still end up with a dynamic playmaker to boost their offense. Lemon, a potential slot superstar, is my No. 1 receiver in this class. His arrival, combined with the presence of Terry McLaurin and perhaps eventually Brandon Aiyuk, could set up Jayden Daniels for a big rebound in Year 3.
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Baltimore has glaring needs on its interior offensive line, but Bain is too good to pass up at No. 14. The Miami product should be long gone by this point; he's the No. 1 edge rusher on my board. Some teams may shy away due to his lack of length, though. Bain joining Trey Hendrickson to give the Ravens a dominant pass rush could quickly make any such concerns look foolish.
Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
🚨 MOCK TRADE: Steelers acquire No. 15 from Buccaneers for No. 21, No. 76
I love this move for the Steelers. With 12 picks at your disposal, including six in the first 121 selections, why not trade up to get a potential difference-maker? Fano, one of the most athletic linemen in this class, could be one of the few who fit that description. His presence, whether at tackle or guard, will be a massive boost for the offense of new head coach Mike McCarthy.
🚨 MOCK TRADE: Eagles acquire No. 16, No. 140 from Jets for No. 23, No. 68
Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
The Eagles are another team with extra picks that shouldn't be content to sit back. Proctor may not be a perfect fit, considering Philadelphia is moving to a zone-blocking scheme, but he's an outstanding athlete for a lineman who checks in at nearly 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds. Crucially, he could be a Day 1 starter at guard before eventually succeeding Lane Johnson at right tackle.
Max Iheanachor, OL, Arizona State
Detroit choosing an offensive tackle at No. 17 feels like a lock. Iheanachor may need some time to realize his potential, but his rare athletic traits give him as much upside as any lineman in this draft. He'd be a natural fit at right tackle, with Penei Sewell sliding over to the left side to replace Taylor Decker.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Vikings have glaring needs on defense, so opting for Sadiq here might be a little polarizing. But T.J. Hockenson's future is clearly up in the air after he settled for a pay cut this offseason. And the idea of adding a freaky tight end alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison surely appeals to Kevin O'Connell as he looks to get the offense back on track with Kyler Murray.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
There's been a lot of buzz about the Panthers being high on Thieneman in this spot, and it makes sense. His range over the top would be a strong complement to Tre'Von Moehrig at safety. This selection, along with Carolina's big spending in free agency to bolster its front seven, could help the defense take a massive step forward.
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
I've had Faulk going to the Cowboys in all but one mock draft since the end of the regular season. Can you tell that I love the fit? Jerry Jones will appreciate the fact that the Auburn product is the best run defender in this class of edge rushers. And while he may not be the type of player who can provide elite sack production on the outside, his athleticism will play up when he kicks inside on passing downs. Dallas' front seven suddenly becomes a strength with Styles and Faulk in the fold.
🚨 MOCK TRADE: Bucs acquire No. 21 as part of Steelers' trade up to No. 15
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
I wouldn't rule out the possibility of the Bucs taking Lawrence at No. 15 in the event they can't find a trade partner. Most would see that as a reach, though. Acquiring a few extra picks first would be the far more appealing outcome. Lawrence needs development as a run defender, but his athletic upside and pass-rush arsenal are among the best in this class.
Chase Bisontis, OL, Texas A&M
The Chargers still have work to do on their interior offensive line. This might seem a little early for Bisontis, but he's gotten plenty of first-round buzz as the draft nears. The Texas A&M product has the athleticism to fit Mike McDaniel's offense, and he gave up just one sack each of the last two seasons, according to PFF.
🚨 MOCK TRADE: Jets acquire No. 23 as part of Eagles' trade up to No. 16
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
In Cooper, the Jets get another playmaker for Geno Smith (and the quarterback they'll select early in next year's draft) after trading down with the Eagles. Cooper's explosiveness and physicality after the catch make him a particularly interesting option to round out New York's receiving corps, which features Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell.
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
I don't think the Browns should be tempted to take a swing on Ty Simpson here. The pursuit of a potential franchise quarterback can wait until next year, and finding a playmaker at receiver is an important step in building a more favorable situation when that time comes. Concepcion easily creates separation at every level of the field, and he's a problem after the catch.
Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Ben Johnson might be enticed by one of the supremely athletic offensive tackles still left on the board, but bolstering the other side of the ball should probably be the priority here. Young's size, length, and power make him a strong fit on the edge of Dennis Allen's defense. He'll become a high-level run defender while providing some much-needed pass-rush upside.
Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Bills' defense rebounding from last year's abomination to become even a league-average unit against the run would go a long way toward getting back in the Super Bowl mix. McDonald's presence at nose tackle could be enough to make that happen. The Ohio State product is the best run defender in this class.
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Mesidor would be a polarizing Day 1 pick. Personally, I'd prefer to avoid spending first-round draft capital on players who are already 25 years old. But there's no denying that he's one of the most polished and explosive pass-rushers in this class. Considering their need at the position, and the potential to win now, the 49ers can absolutely justify the gamble.
Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
If a team such as the Cardinals were to trade into the late first round to draft Ty Simpson, this may be the most likely spot. If the Texans stick and pick, however, I love the idea of them adding some pass-rush juice on the inside. Woods' athleticism would be an exciting interior complement to Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter off the edge.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Chiefs already addressed their need on the edge with an aggressive move up for Reese at No. 3. Here, they find their new corner with the pick acquired from the Rams in the Trent McDuffie trade. Hood's athleticism and press-man coverage skills make him the kind of player that Steve Spagnuolo can develop into a star.
Blake Miller, OL, Clemson
I was tempted to go with Denzel Boston here because the Dolphins desperately need to upgrade their receiver room for Malik Willis. But improving the offensive line will be equally important in setting their new quarterback up for success. Miller is a special athlete who should be a Day 1 starter at right tackle.
Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
The Patriots will say that Will Campbell is staying at left tackle. We'll see if that lasts. Either way, they could still use a long-term starter who can slide in on the right side. Lomu is a high-end athlete whose pro-ready skills in pass protection would go a long way toward keeping Drake Maye clean.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
The Seahawks being the team to end Jermod McCoy's slide would be fascinating. But NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported earlier this week that teams are concerned the former Tennessee corner will need a second knee surgery to replace a bone plug that was used to repair a cartilage defect. Johnson is the safer pick with that in mind, and I'd argue he has quite a bit of upside too. He's got the athleticism, instincts, and physicality Mike Macdonald values in a starting corner.
Round 2
Round 3
Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.