2026 NFL Mock Draft 3.0—FINAL VERSION
This is it, my final mock! Teams have done their homework, met with prospects, and spread rumors. We’ve all parsed through the smokescreens to try and figure out what on Earth is going to happen tonight. This is my best guess, and I’ll be the first to admit that it is simply that: a guess. Every pick after #1 has an air of mystery to it, with particular ambiguity at EDGE, tackle, WR, and the secondary. Teams are holding their cards close to the vest, but that won’t stop me from taking a shot at predicting their picks. Sit back and enjoy the chaos, but first, here’s my final 2026 NFL mock draft! See this link for the previous version.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
No mystery here. Whenever a single QB is viewed this highly relative to his peers, the top pick is a slam dunk. Mendoza will be a Raider later tonight. The only question is whether the league asks them to milk the draft clock to stir up some fake drama. Mendoza has prototypical size, a Heisman trophy, and a national championship. He brings a big arm, a little bit of mobility, a tenacious competitive drive, and a great work ethic. From a character perspective, this is nothing like the last #1 pick the Raiders had (Jamarcus Russell). If Mendoza doesn’t pan out, it won’t be due to a lack of effort on his part. He’ll give it his all.
2. New York Jets – DE David Bailey, Texas Tech
I’ve never had a harder time deciphering the #2 pick. And it makes no sense. With the Raiders’ pick guaranteed, the Jets essentially have the top pick in the main draft. They don’t need to be this confusing because they control the draft, and nobody is trading a haul to get one of these non-QBs. We’ve known for a while now that the pick is between the two top edge rushers: Arvell Reese and David Bailey. This is REALLY close, but I’m going with the polished edge rusher who’s less of a projection. Either one would be a good choice, but the Jets need to hit on this pick, and Bailey is more of a sure thing off the edge.
3. Arizona Cardinals – LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
If you thought projecting the Jets’ pick was hard, you haven’t examined Arizona. The Cardinals could do several things: trade down like they supposedly want to do, draft the edge rusher that New York doesn’t take, select RB Jeremiyah Love in a stunner, or even take a tackle. Trading down doesn’t feel possible given the lack of talent in this draft, and Love just makes no sense whatsoever to me. Arizona just signed Tyler Allgeier and retained James Conner. Their need is at edge rusher, and a high-upside athlete is staring them in the face. This is the inflection point where this mock draft could fall apart, but I’m trusting logic.
4. Tennessee Titans – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Tennessee is easier in the sense that they’re likely to pick whichever player is left among Bailey, Reese, and Love. In this version of events, new coach Robert Saleh gets his franchise RB. Defensive coaches always love to play ball control with a dominant running game, and Saleh came from San Francisco, where he watched an offense flow through Christian McCaffrey. I’m sure he’s tempted by Sonny Styles, who could remind him a bit of his protégé Fred Warner. GM Mike Borgonzi is probably more interested in making QB Cam Ward’s life easier though, and I think the coaching staff and front office could compromise with Love.
5. New York Giants – LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
We’ve finally got a reasonably predictable pick. If he weren’t an off-ball LB, Styles would go higher. He’s an athletic freak who can do everything. Over the past two seasons, Styles tackled in run support, rushed the passer, and covered pass catchers with aplomb. The scary part is that he’s still learning how to play his position to the best of his ability, meaning he could get even better. With Dexter Lawrence traded, the Giants needed a new alpha for their defense. Styles is the perfect fit for them, and John Harbaugh should have his Roquan Smith right away. The only difference: Styles’ upside is even higher than Smith’s.
6. Cleveland Browns – OT/G Spencer Fano, Utah
With their two first-round picks, Cleveland is known to desire a tackle and a receiver. The question is: which one do they take at 6? Early projections had them favoring a WR, while later reports are trending toward an OT. Because the WR class is so deep and not too impressive at the top, I’m tentatively favoring the tackle. That position has a more finite supply, and it’s the more pressing concern for the Browns. The team’s brass seems to prefer Fano over Francis Mauigoa, perhaps due to the former’s position versatility. Cleveland could very well try to trade down from this spot, but like Arizona, they might not find a buyer.
7. Washington Commanders – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Based on the way this board has fallen, Washington is wiping sweat off their face. The team desired Styles, Love, or Tate, and only one of them is available here. After the way last season went, the Commanders need to improve the situation around Jayden Daniels, and only Terry McLaurin is a truly threatening pass catcher. Here, they can add one Buckeye to another with Tate, who’s viewed as the cleanest WR prospect. I personally see him as a WR2, which is exactly what he’ll be in Washington. Tate’s poor 40 time didn’t seem to hurt him, particularly in this weak class. I know Styles was the top choice, but Tate is the one who’s here.
8. New Orleans Saints – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
The Saints supposedly wanted their own OSU receiver reunion with Tate, but landing Delane would be a better outcome for them anyway. Due to Jermod McCoy’s knee concerns, Delane became the clear-cut CB1 in this class. There’s now significant separation between him and the next corner in line. Having just lost Alontae Taylor, New Orleans needs a premium CB, and this may be their only chance to get one. The Saints are sending mixed signals about whether they want a WR, a front seven player, or simply the best player available. GM Mickey Loomis is typically aggressive about filling needs, so I have him doing that here.
9. Kansas City Chiefs – DE Rueben Bain Jr, Miami
With all of their secondary departures, the Chiefs have to be really tempted by Caleb Downs. Historically speaking though, KC has not spent their most premium picks on the secondary (especially safety), opting instead to let DC Steve Spagnuolo develop guys drafted a bit later. That plan has worked wonders, and I expect them to stick with it. The Chiefs don’t pick this high very often, so they want to make it count. To me, that means acquiring a premier edge rusher (since they seem to be set at tackle). Bain’s short arms aren’t deal-breakers for most teams, and his production is what will get him drafted this high.
10. New York Giants – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
A main reason I wait before writing my final mock is because picks could be traded early. Like this one. New York’s trade of Dexter Lawrence does not mean that the 10th selection will be a DT though. It’s too early for one in this class. One thing we learned is that GM Joe Schoen flew to Tyson’s pro day. We didn’t know why, but clearly the team knew that they’d have this pick. Tyson is easily this draft’s best WR, but his injury history is dubious. The Giants want to give Jaxson Dart more weapons, and Tyson is the clearest WR1 projection. If the NYG doctors clear him, he’s one of the surer picks in the entire draft.
11. Miami Dolphins – OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
In another hometown selection, Miami takes the local Hurricane product to fortify their offensive line. Third-year LT Patrick Paul is showing promise, but Austin Jackson spends his time on the right side either injured or ineffective. The team would be better served to have Jackson move inside and let Mauigoa be the mauler on the edge. Miami has been constantly been shuffling their line, and Mauigoa could stabilize it. Now that the team is transitioning to a running-based offense with new QB Malik Willis, the best run blocker in this class is a perfect match. Mauigoa’s floor and ceiling are both plenty good.
12. Dallas Cowboys – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Jerry Jones wanted to trade up for a premier defender, but he smartly refused to part with pick #20 in a potential move. A smaller leap upward is possible, but I’m having them stay put. In doing so, they get arguably the draft’s best player (if we throw positional value out the window) without sacrificing anything. Safeties, no matter how talented they are, get pushed down the board. Kyle Hamilton went 14th. Derwin James went 17th. This just seems to happen with the position. Dallas won’t complain though. They get to land my #1 overall prospect at a position where they’re hurting. Staying disciplined can get you the best outcome.
13. Los Angeles Rams – WR Makai Lemon, USC
Without many pressing needs, the Rams are free to use this pick in whatever way they want. After sniffing around AJ Brown, some suggest that a WR is the likely choice. I think if Mauigoa or Fano were available, they might go for one of those top two tackles. Without them around though, a WR feels correct. Puka Nacua could have some off-the-field issues in the near future, while Davante Adams is in the twilight of his career. This is an all-in team making a Super Bowl push, so supercharging the offense with Lemon, who GM Les Snead apparently really likes, is a good use of resources. I suppose I’ll ignore his Combine interviews.
14. Baltimore Ravens – G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
This one just makes too much sense. New Ravens coach Jesse Minter saw firsthand how poor guard play can ruin an offense with the Chargers. Andrew Vorhees has not developed the way Baltimore hoped, and with a running-based attack, that’s a problem. Ioane is heads and tails above the other guards on teams’ boards and for good reason. He’s a beast in the run game while also advanced in pass protection. You need to be a well-rounded lineman when Lamar Jackson is doing wild things behind you. Ioane possesses both the strength and the athleticism needed to thrive in Baltimore’s unique offensive scheme.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Buccaneers) – OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Trade! Howie Roseman is the only GM I’d project to make this move. Whenever he sees the slightest opening to extract value, he pounces. Knowing that the Lions desperately want Proctor, he might trade ahead of them to secure the best OT remaining. I had them taking a tackle at 23 in my last mock, but trades weren’t allowed then, and the OTs might come off the board even sooner than we thought. As both developmental insurance for Lane Johnson and a future long-term starter, Proctor makes so much sense for Philadelphia. This team extracts upside from linemen like no other, making them the perfect place for Proctor.
16. New York Jets – WR Omar Cooper Jr, Indiana
Pretty much everyone is assigning a WR to the Jets for their second 1st-round pick. The problem is, Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Makai Lemon are all off the board. They either have to love one of the other WRs that conventional wisdom would call a reach or they need to look at another position. Trading back doesn’t feel likely because Philly just did the move that other teams would want to make. A trade up is certainly plausible, but I’m not seeing a path. Instead, I wonder if they’re the team cementing Cooper’s meteoric rise up draft boards. He’s a solid WR whose athleticism was better than expected at the Combine. It makes sense.
17. Detroit Lions – OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
It’s no secret: Detroit needs a lineman. Specifically, they need a tackle due to Taylor Decker’s departure (they need guards too, but it’s too early for that with Ioane taken). As sad as they are that Kadyn Proctor is gone, Freeling would be a pretty good consolation prize. He’s a developmental guy with true LT potential, and his draft stock has been all over the place. I’ve seen him as high as 6 and as low as 28. This is exactly in the middle of that range, and Freeling would go to a team that could ease him in by taking advantage of Penei Sewell’s presence at RT. In a year or two, Detroit could have a great tackle tandem.
18. Minnesota Vikings – S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
One of the most mocked pairings beyond pick #1, Thieneman is a natural fit for Minnesota. The Vikings just lost Harrison Smith, so they might jump at the chance to acquire a tailor-made replacement. Thieneman’s run defense was a known quantity, but his coverage opened some eyes last year. He then went and blew up the Combine with his stellar athletic testing, sending his draft stock soaring. A versatile chess piece for Brian Flores’ defense, Thieneman could solidify a secondary that seems to be in flux every season. The defense needs to be as good as possible with the mess that is Minnesota’s QB situation.
19. Carolina Panthers – TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Back-to-back Ducks. This one doesn’t make a ton of sense, but the rumors connecting Sadiq to Carolina are too strong to ignore. Yes, the Panthers need a TE, but they have other more pressing concerns that should be addressed at this spot. The reason that Sadiq is the likely pick anyway is Bryce Young. As a short QB, Young needs as many large targets as possible. Carolina has followed that line of thought with Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan already, and Sadiq would merely be a continuation of that plan. He’s basically an oversized and highly athletic WR, but don’t sleep on his blocking ability either.
20. Dallas Cowboys – DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
For the second time in 9 picks, Dallas gets a highly-graded player who didn’t align with other teams’ priorities. Faulk is a very confusing evaluation. The skillset is exceptional, as is his 2024 tape. In 2025, he wasn’t used properly by the Tigers, which caused his stats to plummet. From what I understand, this isn’t a “traits over production” case. Teams see Faulk’s 2024 season as proof that he can be an effective edge rusher when correctly deployed. Dallas, needing talent at all levels of their defense, would be thrilled to obtain a DE with such high upside. Faulk also comes with excellent football character.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Drafting a third 1st-round tackle in 4 years isn’t ideal, but the Steelers just got concerning news about Broderick Jones. Even if we ignore the neck injury, Jones wasn’t exactly impressing at LT. Overlooked due to Spencer Fano’s presence on the right side, Lomu was actually the left tackle for the Utes, and he played well. His strength isn’t fully developed yet, but his footwork and hand technique are advanced. Lomu would give Pittsburgh a real answer on the blind side, and they can worry about what to do with Jones later. Winding up with two good LTs would be a very nice problem to have, but the Steelers need to start with one.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – DT Peter Woods, Clemson
To tell you the truth, the Chargers have me puzzled. Their biggest need is at guard, but none make sense here. With Joe Hortiz as the GM, they haven’t traded down in the first round even once. With those two ideas discarded, I default to my Jim Harbaugh baseline: he loves attacking the trenches. No DTs have been taken yet, so the Bolts would have their pick here. Woods is someone who hasn’t produced up to his abilities, but everyone knows he has it in him. The size and speed are both good, so a team like the Chargers will be convinced that they can develop Woods. He has more potential than any other DT in the class.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Eagles) – DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Trade! I wasn’t planning to have TB trade down until I saw the board they were facing. Their needs didn’t match the available prospects, and sources suggest that they’re warming up to Mesidor, who would’ve been a reach at 15. I then found a natural partner in the Eagles, and this trade lets the Bucs pick up some extra capital while still landing their man. Mesidor (25) is an older prospect, and with that comes the ability to play immediately. He’ll provide an instant jolt for Tampa Bay’s poor pass rush, assuming his injury issues are behind him. A player this experienced is a safe pick because of his level of polish.
24. Cleveland Browns – WR Denzel Boston, Washington
As I said before, Cleveland wants an OT and a WR out of this first round. They got the tackle at 6, so now they address the receiving corps. When trying to find a WR1, you tend to look at traits. As a 6’4″ receiver with burst, Boston fits the bill. His size lets him win contested catches, particularly in the red zone. The primary goal of taking someone like that is to make things easier for your QB. Cleveland has no idea who that QB is yet, but he’ll need as much help as possible. Some say that Boston’s upside is limited for their tastes, but I’d counter that Cleveland needs players with high floors to jumpstart their rebuild.
25. Chicago Bears – OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Three areas are in play for this pick: safety, the defensive line, and tackle. Whether they address the offensive line comes down to Ozzy Trapilo’s prognosis (he suffered a brutal knee injury and may miss the 2026 season). The Bears don’t tend to take safeties in round 1, and I’m not sure the available edge rushers are to their liking. So let’s circle back to that tackle spot. Miller is a guy whose stock is rising due to his good perceived ceiling. Unfortunately, this pick would be an admission that Trapilo’s future is too cloudy to trust. However, a GM’s job is to prepare for all contingencies, so the Bears might have no choice but to make this pick.
26. Buffalo Bills – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
With one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, I’d consider a DT if they didn’t just take a few of them in the last draft. I think they’ll count on those guys to develop and address their other defensive need: safety. Buffalo signed Geno Stone in free agency, but he’s a bandage, not a cure. McNeil-Warren reminds me a little bit of Nick Emmanwori, the 2025 pick who took Seattle’s defense to another level. He makes plays all over the field against both the run and the pass. The main question mark is his level of competition having played in the MAC, but we saw Quinyon Mitchell come from Toledo and excel in the NFL as a rookie.
27. San Francisco 49ers – WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
This is one of the few picks from my last mock that’s staying the same. I still love the fit here. Concepcion has the run-after-catch ability that HC Kyle Shanahan loves in his wideouts. He brings speed to complement Mike Evans’ size, with the short-area quickness that drives defenders crazy. Brandon Aiyuk will be gone soon, Jauan Jennings remains unsigned, and Ricky Pearsall is trending toward a bust. It wouldn’t surprise me if SF added multiple receivers in this draft due to their acute need. As an added bonus, he provides the team with excellent return capabilities. “The more you can do” as the scouts say!
28. Houston Texans – OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
No matter how many linemen came off the board, I was finding one for the Texans to take in round 1. They happen to land the last one in this particular tier. Iheanachor is a project, as he is nowhere near his peak given his relatively recent introduction to football. His physical capabilities are immense, and he’s already a standout run blocker. Where he needs work is his pass protection, but I think he’ll get better with time. The problem is technique, which he simply needs to learn because he’s barely done this in his career. Houston could end up with a great tackle despite their late pick if they develop him the right way.
29. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
McCoy is the most intriguing prospect here. Based on his 2024 tape, he’s the best CB in this class. His ACL tear hurt his stock a bit, but that wasn’t the issue. A bone plug in that knee has teams scared, and McCoy could need another surgery. The situation reminds me of Will Johnson from last year. You may recall that Johnson fell all the way out of the first round. However, McCoy has better tape and looked superb at his Pro Day. Kansas City, a perennial contender, is the exact kind of team that can take a chance on this type of player. If McCoy’s knee holds up, he’s an excellent replacement for Trent McDuffie.
30. Miami Dolphins – CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Back-to-back Volunteer corners here. Hood had first-round projections early on, faded a bit, and then regained steam as we got closer to the draft. Without Jermod McCoy available for Tennessee last year, Hood had the chance to show that he could be the main guy. He took full advantage of the opportunity. Some teams have moved him into the CB2 position on their boards. Which precise corner a team likes is subjective, but enough of them prefer Hood to make him my pick at this spot. Miami also needs a receiver and an edge rusher, but I think the value at this juncture pushes them to fill their CB hole.
31. New England Patriots – DE Malachi Lawrence, UCF
People who watched Lawrence at the Combine knew that he might rise. This is quite the leap though, and I actually have him slightly lower than most other projections. If you think that the Patriots might prefer Zion Young, Cashius Howell, or TJ Parker, that’s totally reasonable. I just know that NE needs someone who can hunt the QB, regardless of his run defense. New England already has plenty of size on the defensive line, so they can afford to take a pure edge rusher. After watching how the Jets use Will McDonald, HC Mike Vrabel is probably fully aware of how best to deploy someone like Lawrence, who has a very similar build.
32. Arizona Cardinals (via Seahawks) – QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Trade! I often project around this spot for a team that wants to trade up for a QB. They do so because the fifth-year option that comes with first-round picks is crucial for that particular position. I also see a natural fit here, even if it’s a rare intra-divisional trade. Seattle has just 4 picks in this draft, and GM John Schneider is always looking to move down anyway unless there’s someone he REALLY wants. Meanwhile, the Cardinals might want to get ahead of the Jets, who pick at 33 and have QB needs of their own. After Simpson, there’s a major drop-off in the QB class, so Arizona might need to pay up to land their guy.