Welcome to Bobby Bishop’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft 3.0. Congratulations to the Indiana Hoosiers on becoming the 2025-2026 FBS National Champions! The college season is over, and draft season has begun. Players across the country are preparing to fly to Mobile, Alabama with the desire to increase their draft stock. Then a few weeks later, they will be traveling to the NFL Combine with their intentions doubled down. Before the draft season hype ramps up, we’re here to take one final temperature check.
In this edition, we’ve included All-22 film clips for the top offensive skill positions, courtesy of the Dynasty Nerds Film Room. To access hundreds of games of film on top NFL prospects, subscribe to the Film Room and see what the pros see. Without further ado, here is mock draft 3.0 for the 2026 NFL Draft.
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2026 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 | Every Team’s Selection
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Top 10 Picks | Picks 11–20 | Picks 21–32 | Round 2 Highlights | Draft Recap
Top 32 Selections & 2nd Round Additions Quick-View Chart
| Pick # | NFL Team | Prospect Name | Pos | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.01 | Las Vegas Raiders | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana |
| 1.02 | New York Jets | Reuben Bain Jr. | EDGE/DT | Miami |
| 1.03 | Arizona Cardinals | Arvell Reese | EDGE/LB | Ohio St. |
| 1.04 | Tennessee Titans | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona St. |
| 1.05 | New York Giants | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio St. |
| 1.06 | Cleveland Browns | Makai Lemon | WR | USC |
| 1.07 | Washington Commanders | Caleb Downs | S | Ohio St. |
| 1.08 | New Orleans Saints | Francis Mauigoa | OT/G | Miami |
| 1.09 | Kansas City Chiefs | David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech |
| 1.10 | Cincinnati Bengals | Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio St. |
| 1.11 | Miami Dolphins | Spencer Fano | OT | Utah |
| 1.12 | Dallas Cowboys | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | Auburn |
| 1.13 | Los Angeles Rams | Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU |
| 1.14 | Baltimore Ravens | Peter Woods | DT | Clemson |
| 1.15 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon |
| 1.16 | New York Jets | Denzel Boston | WR | Washington |
| 1.17 | Detroit Lions | Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah |
| 1.18 | Minnesota Vikings | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame |
| 1.19 | Carolina Panthers | T.J. Parker | EDGE | Clemson |
| 1.20 | Dallas Cowboys | Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama |
| 1.21 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama |
| 1.22 | Los Angeles Chargers | Olaivavega Ioane | IOL | Penn St. |
| 1.23 | Philadelphia Eagles | Akheem Mesidor | EDGE | Miami |
| 1.24 | Cleveland Browns | Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia |
| 1.25 | Chicago Bears | Kayden McDonald | DT | Ohio St. |
| 1.26 | Buffalo Bills | KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M |
| 1.27 | San Francisco 49ers | Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee |
| 1.28 | Houston Texans | Caleb Banks | DT | Florida |
| 1.29 | Los Angeles Rams | Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson |
| 1.30 | Denver Broncos | CJ Allen | LB | Georgia |
| 1.31 | New England Patriots | Cashius Howell | EDGE | Texas A&M |
| 1.32 | Seattle Seahawks | Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina |
| 2.15 | Indianapolis Colts | L.T. Overton | EDGE | Alabama |
| 2.16 | Atlanta Falcons | Ja’Kobi Lane | WR | USC |
| 2.20 | Green Bay Packers | D’Angelo Ponds | CB | Indiana |
| 2.24 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Blake Miller | OT | Clemson |
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ROUND 1 | 2026 NFL MOCK DRAFT 3.0
No. 1 | Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana | 6’5’’ | 225 lbs
The Raiders have suffered through many bad seasons, but this year they earned the 1st overall pick for the first time since 2007. That year they selected JaMarcus Russell, one of the biggest draft busts of all time. The Raiders are once again in need of a quarterback. This one seems to have a stronger work ethic and enthusiasm for watching film. The Raiders will select Fernando Mendoza, the only surefire franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza has been a revelation in an otherwise down QB class. He has multiple seasons of starting experience and elite production across two different schemes. Mendoza has limited mobility but just enough to be successful in the NFL. He sees the field well, goes through reads, and hits the open receiver with great accuracy and rhythm. Mendoza has a smooth and quick release. He will likely have a long career and could consistently land in the QB12-18 range for fantasy purposes.
No. 2 | New York Jets
Reuben Bain Jr. | EDGE/DT | Miami | 6’3’’ | 275 lbs
The New York Jets need to build as much talent as possible across the field. In my eyes, the best player available is Reuben Bain Jr. The Jets haven’t found a defensive coordinator yet; however, Bain is scheme versatile and can even fit multiple roles within the same scheme. In a 3-4 defense, he is capable of playing defensive end or as a stand-up outside linebacker. In a 4-3 defense, he fits best as a defensive end.
Reuben Bain Jr. led all FBS edge rushers with 83 pressures and posted a ridiculous 23.5% win rate. Some analysts may complain about his lack of length, but it doesn’t matter that offensive lineman get their hands on him first. They cannot move him. Bain has yet to come across any lineman who matches his speed, his power, and his explosiveness. He’s an every down player who will play at edge rusher on early downs and can slide inside when a designated pass rusher gets subbed in on 3rd downs. Bain is going to be a very impactful NFL defender, of which the Jets have few.
No. 3 | Arizona Cardinals
Arvell Reese | EDGE/LB | Ohio State | 6’4’’ | 243 lbs
The Arizona Cardinals could certainly go for an offensive lineman with this pick, but I have a feeling they’ll go defense. They were tied for 28th in the league with just 1.8 sacks per game. NFL defenses have to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable to be successful, and Arvell Reese is the best available player to make that happen. Ohio State didn’t always showcase Reese’s NFL skillset (more focused on winning games), but when watching Reese’s tape, he clearly has the athleticism, length, and closing speed to be a successful NFL edge rusher.
Reese split time between off-ball linebacker (286 snaps) and edge rusher (327 snaps) last season. He showed a weakness in coverage, but I don’t think that is a task he’ll be given in the NFL. He racked up 6.5 sacks and even drew Micah Parsons comparisons at time. As Reese transitions to full-time edge rusher, he could stand to add some bulk. Reese does not have a cut and dried profile, but he has Pro Bowl upside.
No. 4 | Tennessee Titans
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State | 6’2’’ | 200 lbs
The Titans selected Cam Ward with the first pick last year, and he showed flashes of excellence. The offseason blueprint is simple: protect Ward and get him offensive weapons. With this in mind, I have them selecting their new top receiver, Jordyn Tyson. The battle for WR1 is still very much alive, and it may come down to a simple pick-your-poison decision in April.
Tyson is a flat-out baller. He is a route-runner extraordinaire that creates separation in abundance. He plays with a high IQ and excels at locating the soft spots in zone defenses. Tyson has extremely reliable hands, with only 1 drop in 2025. He reminds me of Cooper Kupp, a savvy, intelligent, and crafty receiver who will make his quarterback’s life much easier. Cam Ward will be working extremely hard this offseason to make a sophomore jump, and the Titans need to work just as hard to surround him with talented players, like Tyson.
No. 5 | New York Giants
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State | 6’3’’ | 195 lbs
Jaxson Dart brought enough swagger and talent to the Giants team to make them interesting to watch down the stretch despite Malik Nabers and Cam Skattlebo’s season ending injuries. I enjoyed what I saw from Wan’Dale Robinson down the stretch, but he’s headed to Free Agency and you can never have too many playmakers. Adding Carnell Tate into this young offense could be the final jolt it needs to be one of the most explosive offenses in the league.
Despite being in the shadow of Jeremiah Smith, Tate has flashed this season. His ability to cut on a dime and then burst to his spot makes him one of the better route runners I’ve seen among big-bodied receivers. He has caught an unbelievable 85.7% of his contested catch opportunities, looking like a power forward grabbing a rebound against a point guard. Tate will provide an elite deep threat option for Jaxson Dart to open this Giants offense up.
No. 6 | Cleveland Browns
Makai Lemon | WR | USC | 5’11’’ | 195 lbs
The Cleveland Browns continue the run on wide receivers, the best position in the 2026 draft, by selecting Makai Lemon. I’m really not sure what the Browns do at the quarterback position next year. Roll with Shedeur Sanders? One final shot for Deshaun Watson? Bring in a veteran? Whatever they do, they need to build the rest of the team up and help the position find success for the future. Lemon would step in and immediately be the best receiver on the team.
Lemon has slightly below average size, but he doesn’t play like it. He has a low center of gravity and will fight with anybody for the football. He reminds me of D.J. Moore, turning into a running back with the ball in his hands. Lemon averaged 6.4 yards after the catch in 2025. Many analysts will have him closer to the mid-1st Round, but I’m bullish on Lemon’s future. I see the exact type of receiver who finds success in the modern NFL. I think Makai Lemon could easily find himself as a top-10 pick.
No. 7 | Washington Commanders
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State | 6’0’’ | 205 lbs
One of the few blue chip prospects in this class, Caleb Downs has future All-Pro written all over him. The Commanders could use safety help. In 2025, they gave up 242.5 passing yards per game, which ranked 28th in the NFL. Safeties traditionally fall farther than they should in the NFL Draft, but I don’t think the NFL will make the same mistake with Downs after seeing the impact that a stud safety like Nick Emmanwori is having on the Seahawks defense on the way to a potential Super Bowl.
Downs is special. He is able to do it all. He can be a sideline to sideline ballhawk. Downs can come closer to the line and play an imposing nickel. He tackles well. Downs is explosive as a blitzer. His instincts are extremely impressive, often diagnosing a play before it develops. In the modern NFL, defensive coordinators are getting better and better at disguising coverages, but it helps to have versatile defenders. Downs would be the perfect fit to be the captain of the new age Commanders defense.
No. 8 | New Orleans Saints
Francis Mauigoa | OT/G | Miami | 6’6’’ | 315 lbs
Tyler Shough showed enough promise that I truly believe he could be the future at the quarterback position for the Saints. They really need to surround him with weapons, but after the three top receivers got selected, the Saints turn to the best offensive lineman in the draft, Francis Mauigoa. His fit with the Saints is slightly tricky. The Saints have an open guard spot on their offensive line. Mauigoa could fill that role easily, or he could play right tackle, and Taliese Fuaga could kick inside. Regardless, it is a good problem to have.
Mauigoa is a beast. He is a powerful run blocker who gets downhill with bad intentions. Mauigoa does his part to keep a clean pocket. Over the last two seasons, he has only given up 3 sacks in 1133 pass blocking snaps. The Saints allowed 2.9 sacks per game which ranked 24th in the league. They only rushed for 94.3 yards per game which ranked 28th in 2025. The offensive line clearly wasn’t good enough. An investment in the top lineman in the draft will pay dividends.
No. 9 | Kansas City Chiefs
David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech | 6’3’’ | 250 lbs
The Chiefs simply put were not the same team in 2025. The offense couldn’t find a rhythm. The defense wasn’t good enough. The worst part was that future Hall of Famer, Patrick Mahomes, tore his ACL in Week 15. Mahomes aims to be back by Week 1, so the Chiefs should aim to put together a championship caliber team to go with him. One of their major flaws was a lack of pressure on the opposing QB. The Chiefs only had 2.1 sacks a game in 2025 (tied for 22nd in the NFL). They could use a premier edge rusher, and the best one available is David Bailey, the Power 4 leader in sacks with 14.5.
Bailey is an explosive accelerator into the backfield. His reaction time is so fast that it seems like he has a superpower of telepathy, reading the center’s mind and erupting into the backfield as the ball is being snapped. Bailey is more than just a designated pass rusher. His run defense is good enough to keep him on the field as an every down player, but his speed rush is what sets him apart as one of the top defenders in the draft.
No. 10 | Cincinnati Bengals
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State | 6’4’’ | 243 lbs
The Bengals have to invest in their defense this offseason. They have a Super Bowl caliber offense combined with one of the worst defenses in the league. Ultimately, defenses win championships, so they need to get more talented on that side of the football. I’ll get them started with an addition to their linebacker unit, which was arguably the worst in the league. Demetrius Knight Jr. had a promising rookie year, but otherwise, they need to clean house. The Bengals can turn a weakness into a strength by selecting Sonny Styles, the best off-ball linebacker in the draft.
In just his second year playing the linebacker position (transitioned from safety), Styles proved that he was born to fill gaps. His tackling improved tremendously from 19 missed tackles in 2024 to just 2 missed tackles in 2025. The Bengals run defense gave up a league worst 147.1 rushing yards per game. Drafting a tackle machine like Styles would be the first step towards having a competitive defense.
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Top 10 Picks | Picks 11–20 | Picks 21–32 | Round 2 Highlights | Draft Recap
No. 11 | Miami Dolphins
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah | 6’6’’ | 302 lbs
The Dolphins are entering a multi-year rebuild. New GM. New coach. New quarterback. The team needs to build from the trenches out, and this starts by creating an elite offensive line. Spencer Fano is in a draft season battle to be the top offensive tackle in the draft. He is the best pass protector, only having allowed 3 sacks over 1099 pass blocking snaps in college. In 2026, Fano allowed 0 sacks and only 5 pressures. Fano would be an excellent building block for the new age Miami Dolphins.
No. 12 | Dallas Cowboys
Keldric Faulk | EDGE | Auburn | 6’6’’ | 285 lbs
The Dallas Cowboys defense was atrocious in 2025, allowing league-worst 30.1 points and 251 passing yards a game. They need more talent everywhere, but it starts by pressuring the quarterback. Keldric Faulk is the best available edge rusher. He’s massive, and he’s incredibly agile for his size. At 20-years old, he’s one of the youngest players in the draft. Faulk is already an elite run defender, and he hasn’t hit his ceiling as a pass rusher. Faulk is a high character guy, who could work toward eventually being a captain and a leader on this Cowboys defense.
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No. 13 | Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU | 6’0’’ | 190 lbs
The Rams are an extremely talented football team, but I view their secondary as their biggest weakness this offseason. Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary are free agents. They may be able to keep one, but both would be difficult. Mansoor Delane is my CB1 in the 2026 draft class. He’s long and has smooth hips to mirror receivers’ routes in man coverage. Delane would be a Day 1 starter, which is an important consideration for a Super Bowl contender.
No. 14 | Baltimore Ravens
Peter Woods | DT | Clemson | 6’3’’ | 315 lbs
The Ravens top offseason priority has to be improving their defensive line that only got 1.8 sacks per game last season (28th in the NFL). If you truly want a Super Bowl, you have to have an imposing defensive line. Peter Woods came into the season as a potential top-5 pick, but he didn’t have a productive year. Woods faced many double teams, and he was sometimes put out of position by the Clemson staff, playing 66 snaps out on the edge. Woods has a fierce swim move that will play at the next level. I think Woods and the Ravens would be a perfect fit.
No. 15 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon | 6’3’’ | 245 lbs
Can you ever have enough weapons? I say no, and I think Baker Mayfield would agree with me. The Buccaneers snipe the Panthers and upgrade their weakest offensive position at the same time. Kenyon Sadiq is the best tight end in the draft, and he is the only one worthy of a 1st Round selection. He is going to have one of the better Relative Athletic Scores (RAS) of all time. This addition would put so much pressure on opposing defenses. Somebody is going to be open, and a fully healthy Mayfield is going to get the ball to them.
No. 16 | New York Jets (via IND)
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington | 6’4’’ | 209 lbs
The Jets need to draft best player available, but fortunately, this pick overlaps with a need. Despite getting hurt and missing over half of the season, Garrett Wilson led the Jets in receiving yards with (triple checks notes) 395 yards. Adonai Mitchell had the second most for a receiver, and he joined the team halfway through the year. Mitchell may develop into a dude, but this team needs more weapons. Denzel Boston is an well-rounded receiver who runs smooth routes, creates separation, and gains yards after the catch. The Jets may choose to sign a bridge quarterback and punt the position to the 2027 NFL Draft. If this is the path, they need to begin to prepare the team for his arrival, and this selection would be a great start.
No. 17 | Detroit Lions
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah | 6’6’’ | 304 lbs
Taylor Decker and the Detroit Lions are expected to break up this offseason. Decker is weighing his possible retirement, and he wants to keep playing, he could be a cap casualty regardless. The Lions are going to have some options for an offensive tackle in the mid-first round, and I have them landing on Caleb Lomu. He is simply the best pass protecting left tackle remaining. Lomu gave up 0 sacks in 382 pass blocking snaps last season. He is not the most well-rounded tackle, with a clear weakness at run blocking. He needs to hit the second level with more ferocity and ill will towards linebackers. To keep Jared Goff upright for the foreseeable future, I think Lomu is the best option for the Lions.
No. 18 | Minnesota Vikings
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame | 6’0’’ | 214 lbs
The Vikings would be thrilled for Jeremiyah Love to fall into their laps. Love is one of the few blue chip prospects at their position in the 2026 NFL Draft; however, running back is a lower priority position. The Raiders showed us last year that a running back without an offensive line or quarterback is like a Ferrari with no gas. If the Vikings can find a veteran QB in free agency to compete with J.J. McCarthy, I think they would have the luxury to draft a running back in the first round, especially one as talented as Love. The Notre Dame runner is well-rounded. Love is hard to tackle with the strength and contact balance to break arm tackles and the agility to force missed tackles. He has breakaway speed. Love is a solid receiving back with good routes and soft hands. He hurdles diving, would-be tacklers instinctively. Love could transform the Vikings run game.
No. 19 | Carolina Panthers
T.J. Parker | EDGE | Clemson | 6’3’’ | 265 lbs
The Carolina Panthers were one of the worst teams at pressuring opposing QBs off the edge last season. They only had 1.7 sacks per game which ranked 30th in the NFL. Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen hope to take a sophomore leap, but the Panthers need to add another pass rusher. T.J. Parker is the best available option. After an 11 sack season as a sophomore, Parker took a step back this season. He struggled for much of the season, but in a rivalry game against SEC competition, we saw vintage T.J. Parker. He demolished South Carolina with 10 pressures and 4 sacks, causing most of the offensive line to enter the transfer portal. Most likely, they still see Parker in their nightmares, despite having new homes across the country. The Carolina Panthers have never drafted a Clemson Tiger, but I think the streak ends this April.
No. 20 | Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama | 6’7’’ | 366 lbs
The Cowboys could certainly go a few different directions with this pick. Some fans may complain that they aren’t taking a cornerback, but I still have faith in Shavon Revel Jr., who didn’t look great coming back from his ACL tear. His best football is ahead of him. I also didn’t want to reach for an off-ball linebacker. Instead, the Cowboys are boosting their offensive line by selecting Kadyn Proctor. He was inconsistent at times last season, but with his size and movement skills, no offensive lineman has higher upside this season. This pick would give the Cowboys options to move Tyler Guyton back to his more natural spot at right tackle or even kick him inside. You can never have enough talented offensive linemen.
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Top 10 Picks | Picks 11–20 | Picks 21–32 | Round 2 Highlights | Draft Recap
No. 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama | 6’2’’ | 208 lbs
The Steelers are getting a fresh start in 2026, and they may have a brand new quarterback to go with it. Ty Simpson is by far the second-best quarterback in the draft. His biggest flaw is his lack of experience. He only had one year of starting, during which he fought through several injuries. Simpson’s tape suffered accordingly, but teams will be able to put his play into context of the injuries he battled through. I believe he will still be a first round pick because of the supply and demand for quarterbacks this offseason and because of his upside. The Steelers would be wise to pair him with a veteran quarterback (Got one more year in ya, Aaron Rodgers?) for Simpson to learn and develop before getting thrown into the fire. Alas, NFL franchises rarely have the patience, but the success rate for first round quarterbacks who received a glorified redshirt season speaks for itself.
No. 22 | Los Angeles Chargers
Olaivavega Ioane | IOL | Penn State | 6’4’’ | 330 lbs
The Chargers offensive line could go from worst to best next season. Both elite offensive tackles will be coming back healthy, but they should still add an interior offensive lineman in the draft to complete the turnaround. Olaivavega Ioane is the best plug-and-play interior offensive lineman in the draft. Penn State had a down year, but Ioane stood out. He provided excellent pockets to the quarterbacks with 0 sacks and only 4 pressures in 311 pass blocking snaps. His 98.7% win rate was among the best in the nation. While primarily a left guard, Ioane is a versatile lineman who has taken snaps at all 5 spots throughout his college career. The Chargers would love to add an elite guard like Ioane to their offensive line.
No. 23 | Philadelphia Eagles
Akheem Mesidor | EDGE | Miami | 6’3’’ | 280 lbs
The Eagles suffered a very disappointing end to their season, but they are too talented to stay down for long. Due to their mindset as perennial contenders, I don’t think they’ll mind drafting an older prospect, knowing that he’ll make a day 1 impact. Akheem Mesidor has the tools to become an elite NFL edge rusher, but he will be 25 years old on draft night. If his 5th year option gets picked up, his rookie contract will not expire until he is 30 years old. Despite this flaw, the Eagles would be happy to bring in immediate help to fill the hole on the opposite side of Nolan Smith.
No. 24 | Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia | 6’7’’ | 315 lbs
The Browns offensive line was a major weakness last season. They gave up 3.0 sacks per game, which ranked 25th in the league. Monroe Freeling showed stark pass blocking improvement this year. He allowed 21 pressures on 363 pass blocking snaps in 2024, but he brought that down to just 9 pressures in 469 snaps this year. He has a quick first step and great length to get his hands on edge rushers first to dictate how the rep goes. Not to mention, he’s built like The Mountain from Game of Thrones. He could be the Browns franchise left tackle.
No. 25 | Chicago Bears
Kayden McDonald | DT | Ohio State | 6’3’’ | 326 lbs
The Chicago Bears have an up and coming football team, but one of their biggest weaknesses was stopping the run. They gave up 131.4 rushing yards per game (26th). They need more beef on the defensive line, so Kayden McDonald would be a great addition. McDonald’s 3.3% missed tackle percentage showcases how difficult it was to get around him last year. Defensive tackles rarely fill up a stat sheet, but McDonald is an exception. In 2025, he had 3 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 65 total tackles. PFF keeps up with a stat called defensive stops. It is a somewhat subjective stat that keeps up with tackles that constitute a “failure” for the offense. Kayden McDonald led all defensive tackles in the FBS in defensive stops with 30.
No. 26 | Buffalo Bills
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M | 5’11’’ | 190 lbs
The Bills are in for a rocky offseason. Coach Sean McDermott was fired, but GM Brandon Beane received a promotion. In the owner’s press conference, he blamed the Keon Coleman selection on the coaching staff. I don’t believe Coleman will be a Bill come September, and wide receiver is a position that they need to hardcore target. The best one available at the end of the first round is KC Concepcion. I love his ability to create extra yards. Concepcion is explosive, averaging 7.2 yards after the catch per reception—almost a first down. Josh Allen needs more weapons, and Concepcion fits the bill(s).
No. 27 | San Francisco 49ers
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee | 6’0’’ | 193 lbs
Apparently, the main thing the 49ers need this offseason is a new practice field, far away from electromagnetic forces. The 49ers are consistently willing to draft best player available, regardless of position. This practice has allowed them to be consistently competitive. Jermod McCoy is the best player available. He may have been a top-10 pick this year if he had returned to the field. He had an ACL late in 2024 and didn’t play a single down in 2025. The last time we saw McCoy, he was one of the best cornerbacks in college football. With extremely tight man coverage, nobody in the SEC wanted to throw his directions. As long as he has clean medicals and can work out for teams, McCoy could be a steal.
No. 28 | Houston Texans
Caleb Banks | DT | Florida | 6’6’’ | 330 lbs
To fix the Texans, it ultimately starts with C.J. Stroud doing a soul search to figure out how he was dominant as a rookie. He has been on a downward, slippery slope ever since. If they are able to add a running back and an offensive lineman in free agency, the Texans could go into the draft looking for best player available. Caleb Banks would be a great replacement for upcoming free agent Tim Settle. Banks had a very limited 2025 season due to a foot injury, but he is fully healthy and will participate in the Senior Bowl. This week could be huge for Banks to prove his health and showcase that he is a first round talent. Adding an elite defensive tackle could help the Texans defense get even more scary—if that’s even possible.
No. 29 | Los Angeles Rams
Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson | 5’11’’ | 180 lbs
Would it be crazy for the Rams to double up on cornerbacks in the first round? At the moment, both their starters are on expiring contracts, and they don’t have many needs at all across their roster, so no. If Avieon Terrell falls to the end of the first round, I think he would definitely be in play for the Los Angeles Rams. He plays bigger than his size, and he’s the best cornerback prospect I’ve ever evaluated at forcing fumbles. While tackling, his hands are always active, slicing and punching to try to get the ball loose. Terrell’s big brother is A.J. Terrell, star cornerback for the Falcons, which is extremely nice to have an All-Pro on speed dial. Terrell can play outside cornerback in the league, but he will always have a fallback as an elite nickel.
No. 30 | Denver Broncos
CJ Allen | LB | Georgia | 6’1’’ | 235 lbs
The Broncos received devastating news after their Divisional Round win over the Bills. Bo Nix’ ankle injury is tragic. They aren’t going anywhere though. This team is built to be a playoff staple over the next decade. They don’t have any holes, but an option for them at the end of the first round would be a playmaking linebacker, Georgia’s CJ Allen. He would replace free agent Alex Singleton, and this extremely tough defense wouldn’t miss a beat. Allen has gotten exposed in coverage this season, but when blitzing the quarterback or stopping the run, there have been very few linebackers in the nation as explosive as him. If the coaching staff can be creative with Allen, he would be a defensive weapon for a great defense to get even scarier.
No. 31 | New England Patriots
Cashius Howell | EDGE | Texas A&M | 6’2’’ | 248 lbs
The Patriots need another edge rusher opposite of Harold Landry III, and they won’t find one better than Cashius Howell in the late 1st Round. There have been some concerns about his lack of length, but despite a leverage disadvantage, Howell has been extremely productive. He had an 11.5 sack season for Texas A&M this year, following a 9.5 sack season for Bowling Green in 2023. He racked up 132 pressures throughout his college career. Pure and simple, Howell gets after opposing quarterbacks.
No. 32 | Seattle Seahawks
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina | 6’0’’ | 190 lbs
With Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen entering free agency, the Seahawks without doubt need another cornerback on the opposite side of Devon Witherspoon. Here at the end of the 1st Round, Brandon Cisse would be my top pick. He’s long and physical. Quarterbacks only completed 47.4% of their passes when targeting Cisse. His tackling was impressive, which is getting more and more important as offensive coordinators use quick passes as an extension of the run game. Cisse will be an important addition to keep the Seahawks defense the best in the league.
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Top 10 Picks | Picks 11–20 | Picks 21–32 | Round 2 Highlights | Draft Recap
Round 2 — Teams without Round 1 Selections
No. 47 | Indianapolis Colts
L.T. Overton | EDGE | Alabama | 6’5’’ | 278 lbs
The Colts are going to need an edge rusher on the opposite side of Laiatu Latu. I really like L.T. Overton as a DE in their system. He’s best served as a DE in a 4-3 or 3-4 system. He’s versatile enough to kick inside on pass rushing downs. Overton put up 24 defensive stops in each of the last two seasons.
No. 48 | Atlanta Falcons
Ja’Kobi Lane | WR | USC | 6’4’’ | 200 lbs
I really thought Ja’Kobi Lane would stay for one more season to get out from under Makai Lemon’s shadow and prove he can be a WR1. Luckily, the Falcons won’t need him to be a WR1. Lane will take some of the pressure off Drake London. Together, they would form one of the largest receiver tandems in the league.
No. 52 | Green Bay Packers
D’Angelo Ponds | CB | Indiana | 5’9’’ | 170 lbs
Beside Fernando Mendoza, D’Angelo Ponds was the most impressive player to me during Indiana’s title run. He truly plays with so much confidence, larger than his size. If a team can overlook his size, I believe they will get one of the most physical outside cornerbacks in the draft. Ponds may eventually have to move inside to nickel, but I truly believe he can hold his own on the outside.
No. 56 | Jacksonville Jaguars
Blake Miller | OT | Clemson | 6’6’’ | 315 lbs
Blake Miller has 3762 snaps at offensive tackle (3662 at right tackle, 100 at left tackle) for the Clemson Tigers over the last four years. He’s only given up 8 sacks throughout that time. You’d be hard pressed to find another offensive tackle in the draft with more experience and reps than him. This shows up in Miller’s technique. So much of what he does is teach tape. He may not be the most athletic offensive lineman in the draft, but Miller is one of the most pro-ready.
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2026 NFL Mock Draft Recap | All 32 Teams Summary
As this mock wraps up, the main takeaway is how quickly the 2026 class steers teams back toward the league’s core priorities: quarterback stability, pass rush, and receivers who can tilt coverage. Fernando Mendoza stands alone at the top as the cleanest franchise QB projection, while the early receiver run featuring Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate, and Makai Lemon reflects just how much teams are chasing separation, reliability, and yards after the catch. Defensively, the board also shows a clear appetite for impact and versatility, with prospects like Reuben Bain Jr., Arvell Reese, and Caleb Downs landing as immediate tone-setters.
The back half of Round 1 reads like the part of the draft where team-building discipline matters most, with several franchises opting for trench investments and long-term stability over splash. Picks like Spencer Fano, Kadyn Proctor, and Monroe Freeling underscore how often “boring” becomes the smart answer, while selections such as Jeremiyah Love to Minnesota and Ty Simpson to Pittsburgh highlight the few spots where upside swings can redefine an offense. With the evaluation circuit still ahead, this version serves as a snapshot of where the class and team needs intersect right now, before the next wave of testing and rumor inevitably reshapes the board.
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🧠 2026 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 FAQ
Which team is most likely to draft Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft?
A: The Minnesota Vikings are the team paired with Jeremiyah Love here. The logic is that if Minnesota finds a veteran QB to compete with J.J. McCarthy, they can afford a first-round running back, and Love is presented as a potential difference-maker who could transform their run game.
Which quarterbacks are getting first-round buzz right now?
A: Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson are the 2 quarterbacks placed in Round 1. Mendoza is framed as the lone “surefire franchise quarterback,” while Simpson is positioned as a high-upside option whose limited starting experience and injuries are part of his evaluation.
Which wide receivers headline the early part of the 2026 NFL Draft conversation?
A: The early run of receivers includes Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and later Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion. Tyson is praised for separation and reliability, Tate for contested-catch dominance and deep threat ability, Lemon for play strength and YAC, Boston as a well-rounded separator, and Concepcion for explosive yards after the catch.
Which defenders are being projected as immediate-impact difference makers?
A: Caleb Downs is called a blue-chip prospect with future All-Pro upside because of his versatility, instincts, tackling, and blitz ability. Reuben Bain Jr. is positioned as an every-down disruptor with elite pressure production, and David Bailey is highlighted as a premier edge rusher with top-end sack output and explosive get-off.
Which offensive linemen are being viewed as potential first-round building blocks?
A: The first-round tackles/linemen highlighted are Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, Kadyn Proctor, Monroe Freeling, and interior lineman Olaivavega Ioane. Fano is singled out for elite pass protection, Mauigoa for power and versatility, Lomu for clean pass-pro reps, Proctor for rare upside, Freeling for measurable pass-blocking improvement, and Ioane for plug-and-play versatility across the line.
Which prospects could be “steals” later in Round 1 based on the way they’re framed here?
A: Jermod McCoy is the clearest “value” profile because the article notes he didn’t play in 2025 after a late-2024 ACL, but was viewed as one of the best corners the last time he was on the field. Avieon Terrell is also framed as a strong late-round fit because of his physical play style and elite forced-fumble traits, with an NFL-ready role as an outside corner or high-end nickel.
