2026 NFL mock draft: Fernando Mendoza leads final 7-round predictions, then what?
Ayrton OstlyThe anticipation has been building for months. NFL teams have made moves via trade and free agency to signal what they think of their teams heading into 2026. The biggest roster-shaping event remaining is the 2026 NFL Draft.
This is a class that defies the norm. Yes, a quarterback is all but certain to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders who hope this passer fares better than their only other No. 1 pick in franchise history (JaMarcus Russell). Beyond that, this class shakes out a lot differently than others.
The top prospects come from familiar schools but at non-premium positions.
Ohio State's Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles headline one of the best linebacker classes in recent memory. Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love is a tier (or two) above the rest of the running back class as one of the top offensive players in the class, regardless of position. Ohio State's Caleb Downs tops a surprisingly deep and versatile safety class with developmental prospects down the board, as does Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq at tight end.
In all, 257 players will hear their names called over three days in Pittsburgh. The Raiders will start things off at No. 1 overall; the remaining 256 selections are completely up in the air.
We're doing our best to sort out what may happen from there. Here's our seven-round mock draft - with trades - predicting what could occur over the 2026 NFL Draft.
NFL seven-round mock draft 2026
Round 1
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
This is the most straightforward pick in the entire draft. Mendoza is the top quarterback in the class and a culture-changing addition to a franchise. He’ll usher in Klint Kubiak’s tenure with the Raiders and give the team a fresh start with his high floor thanks to timing, accuracy, football IQ, and overall arm talent.
2. New York Jets: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
It came down to Bailey or Arvell Reese. Bailey provides a more immediate answer to the need for an improved pass rush. He was one of the most productive edge rushers in college football in 2026 and would complement the additions the defense made in free agency to shore up its run defense.
3. Arizona Cardinals: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arizona is in a place where they have to take the best player available. At this spot, that’s Reese. The Buckeyes linebacker has the tools to grow into an edge rusher while continuing to be a standout off-ball in the meantime. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis could have fun deploying him all over the formation against the likes of Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan.
4. Tennessee Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Tennessee could easily go defense at this spot but 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward needs help on offense. Love is the most dynamic offensive weapon in the class and would have an immediate impact on the ground and through the air as a receiver. Tennessee will head to the defensive side of the ball later on in the draft.
5. New York Giants: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Malik Nabers should be back healthy in 2026 for Jaxson Dart to throw to and they get a running mate for him at No. 5 here. Tate is one of the most sure-handed receivers in the class, especially in contested catch situations, and would add a vertical element to the passing game thanks to that. He’ll be the latest Buckeyes receiver to be an impactful rookie.
6. Cleveland Browns: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
With Tate off the board, Cleveland takes the best prospect on the offensive line in this class. Fano could end up at tackle, guard or even center at the NFL level. Regardless, the Browns could use help at any of those spots. His elite athleticism and above-average will ensure he sticks in the NFL. Cleveland could keep him at right tackle as he was in Utah and bump Tytus Howard inside to guard.
7. Washington Commanders: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
Washington spent to bring in pass rushers in free agency but could always use more, especially for what was one of the oldest defenses in the league in 2025. Bain’s arm length questions will linger but his tape shows evidence that he relies on power within that shorter frame to win. He may never be a 20-sack player but he’d be enough to lift the floor of this Commanders defense.
8. Dallas Cowboys (via New Orleans Saints): LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
New Orleans sends No. 8 overall to Dallas for No. 12, No. 92 and a future third-round pick.
The first trade of this mock draft sees the Cowboys jump a few teams to get the star of the NFL combine in Styles. The supremely athletic off-ball linebacker addresses an immediate need at the position and gives the Cowboys a building block on defense for years to come.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
It came down to Delane or Caleb Downs at this spot and Delane addresses a more glaring need for the Chiefs. Kansas City traded away Trent McDuffie and lost Jaylen Watson in free agency as both ended up in Los Angeles. Delane can move in immediately to one of the outside spots in a defense that’s developed cornerbacks extremely well over the years.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
With Delane off the board, Cincinnati takes the other top defensive back in this class. This may be high for a safety that’s not an outlier athlete but Downs does so much to improve a defense against the run or the pass. He can line up in the box, nickel or free safety for Al Golden and help turn around what was one of the worst pass defenses in the league in 2025.
11. Miami Dolphins: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
Yes, the Dolphins have a glaring need at wide receiver but they will address that later on. What you can’t find later on in the draft is premium offensive line talent. Right tackle Austin Jackson signed a one-year extension which doesn’t preclude Miami from drafting his successor. Bringing Mauigoa in with his mauling presence and strong anchor will ensure Malik Willis has a clean pocket in 2026.
12. New Orleans Saints (via Cowboys): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
New Orleans needs more weapons on offense for quarterback Tyler Shough and select what was one of the most productive wide receivers in college football in 2025. Tyson has injury questions, but there’s no denying his production when he’s on the field. If the team decides against retaining Chris Olave long-term, adding Tyson could ensure there’s a top receiver for Shough to throw to.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
The Rams wanted to trade up for Brock Bowers in 2024 but couldn’t get a deal done. They stay put at 13th overall and get the top tight end in the class this time around. Sadiq isn’t on Bowers’ level as a tight end but he’s one of the younger prospects in the class and would be a vertical threat from the position immediately. The 13 personnel groups Los Angeles rolled out in 2025 would suddenly become much more dynamic in 2026 with Sadiq.
14. Baltimore Ravens: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Baltimore has lots of needs on the offensive line and Ioane is the top prospect on the interior. He’d raise the floor of the unit as a whole in front of Lamar Jackson and give them a reliable presence, especially in the run game. There’s still more for Baltimore to do later on in the draft, and for now, they get a top man on the interior.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Tampa Bay addressed the linebacker position in free agency and went after defensive backs last year in the draft. They use their premium pick here for more edge rush help opposite Yaya Diaby. Faulk is one of the youngest players in the class with great length and athleticism for his size. He has a high floor as an edge setter in the run game with tools to develop rushing the passer.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
New York goes offense with their second pick in the first round with the big-bodied Boston. The Washington wide receiver excels on dig routes and is a physical receiver on the outside. He should pair well with Garrett Wilson to improve the passing attack for Geno Smith in 2026 and whoever plays quarterback for the team in 2027.
17. Detroit Lions: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
This worked out pretty perfectly for the Lions. They get one of the top left tackle prospects in this class and didn’t have to sacrifice any draft capital to do it. Freeling is an athletic outlier with a powerful frame who anchors well in pass protection. He needs some refinement to his game, specifically with his hand usage, but he could grow into a solid heir at left tackle for the Lions.
18. Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Minnesota needs a young defensive back to add to the room for Brian Flores and his defense. Thieneman seems like the versatile piece he’d like to have. The Oregon product lined up in multiple spots for the Ducks in 2025 and can be a contributor all over the formation. His motor and overall football IQ should make him a good fit to unlock the rest of the secondary.
19. Carolina Panthers: WR Makai Lemon, USC
Carolina spent big money in free agency on defense which leaves the draft to shore up the offense. The Panthers make it back-to-back first-round wide receivers with Lemon here to complement last year’s standout rookie Tetairoa McMillan. Lemon is a slot operator who rarely loses yardage with sure hands and a knack for finding holes in zone coverage.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Dallas is thrilled that Minnesota went with a safety instead of a cornerback, as the Cowboys desperately need more help at that spot. McCoy is a risky pick because he has one standout season (2024), when he looked like one of the best cornerbacks in this class. He missed 2025 but put on a good showing at his Pro Day (4.37-second 40-yard dash) that should quell concerns about his recovery from the ACL injury.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, had a solid 2025 campaign for a Clemson squad that underperformed on the whole. He’s slightly undersized at 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds, which may mean he sticks in the nickel, but he has the attitude to hold up there in run defense. He’s a turnover creator with five forced fumbles in 2025 alone.
22. Miami Dolphins (via Los Angeles Chargers): WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Los Angeles sends No. 22 overall to Miami for No. 30 and No. 94.
Another trade. Miami moves ahead of some wide receiver-needy teams to select one of the top pass-catchers from the national championship-winning Hoosiers squad. Cooper runs after the catch like a running back (27 forced missed tackles in 2025) with experience both outside and in the slot. Miami brought in speed in the wide receiver room with Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert but they get a more well-rounded player in Cooper here for Willis and the offense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Philadelphia’s offensive line went from a strength in 2024 to plenty of question marks in 2026. Landon Dickerson considered retirement before heading out of the country for ankle treatment. Proctor is one of the biggest prospects in the class at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds and could be a Mekhi Becton-like presence on the interior for the Eagles. He could take over for Dickerson sooner than later or grow into a successor for Lane Johnson at tackle.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Cleveland gets a dynamic wide receiver with their second first-round pick in Concepcion. The Texas A&M product is the best open-field threat among these top receiving talents and could provide a skillset the Browns don’t have on the roster. He’d offer immediate value as a returner and give whoever starts at quarterback another solid pass-catcher after Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin Jr.
25. Chicago Bears: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Chicago signed Cam Lewis and Coby Bryant in free agency, but still has a glaring need at safety after losing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. McNeil-Warren is the latest Toledo standout in the secondary to hit the draft. At 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds, he dishes out hits in run defense with solid ball skills as well in coverage with the frame to take on myriad assignments.
26. Buffalo Bills: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Buffalo upgraded the secondary in free agency but could use more cornerbacks if they hope to hang with the top offenses in the AFC in the playoffs. Johnson is a small-school standout who played extremely well for the Aztecs in 2025. He’s got a prototypical frame and ran well at the combine. He could start on the outside opposite Christian Benford and move 2025 first-round pick Maxwell Hairston to the nickel in time.
27. San Francisco 49ers: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
San Francisco hasn’t selected an offensive lineman in the first round since Mike McGlinchey in 2018. It may be time to do so. The 49ers have some questions at left tackle with Trent Williams’ future in doubt. Even if he’s back, the team could use more from its left guard after losing Spencer Burford in free agency. Lomu is a young prospect and could start at guard immediately before moving to left tackle - where he played for Utah - in time. His athleticism and anchor in pass protection give him a solid floor to work with in the NFL.
28. Houston Texans: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Houston has the scariest edge-rushing duo in the NFL with Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. They need more help on the interior, though. Woods looked like a potential top-five pick before a down year for Clemson in 2025. He’s shown flashes across his career with the Tigers that are worth betting on. In Houston, he’d have the environment to grow without pressure to contribute immediately.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams): Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
Kansas City went with a cornerback earlier and get much-needed help on the edge with another Clemson player. Parker took a step back in 2025 but still tallied 92 pressures and 18 sacks in his last two seasons. He’s a powerful edge who can run defend well with his 263-pound frame. He’s the kind of power rusher Kansas City’s liked at the position and could be a piece to develop.
30. Los Angeles Chargers (via Dolphins): Edge Zion Young, Missouri
Los Angeles moved back to recoup more draft capital and get one of the highest-motor edge rushers in the top 50. Young doesn’t have elite traits but is very good at most everything a team will want from the position with a good frame at 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds. He plays a game reminiscent of Za’Darius Smith and would give the pass rush a big boost.
31. New England Patriots: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
New England has a star on the outside in Christian Gonzalez but Carlton Davis III is entering his age-30 season. He didn’t miss a regular-season game in 2025 for the first time in his eight-year career. The Patriots can’t rely on that kind of health in perpetuity. Hood took a step in 2025, with teammate McCoy out, and showed his versatility as a cornerback in both man and zone schemes.
32. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Seattle sends No. 32 overall to New York for No. 33 and 140.
New York has a new staff under Aaron Glenn in year two of his regime and the pressure is on to win. Geno Smith is hopefully a reliable veteran starter but he's entering his age-36 season. Simpson comes at a slight premium with the move up to No. 32 overall and offers insurance for Glenn. If Smith doesn't pan out, Simpson could be an option to extend his time in New York. If Smith works, Simpson is the successor, much like Jordan Love in Green Bay. If neither works, the Jets are likely changing the regime again anyway and picking early in 2027.
Round 2
33. Seattle Seahawks (via Jets): IOL Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
Seattle recouped a little more draft capital by leaving the end of the first round and Bisontis is a great consolation prize. The Seahawks boosted the interior offensive line with Grey Zabel last year and bring on a former tackle in Bisontis to shore up the other guard spot. He brings tackle experience, quick feet and consistent hands.
34. Arizona Cardinals: DT Christen Miller, Georgia
Arizona has recent first-round picks Darius Robinson and Walter Nolen on the defensive line, but has relied more on free agent signings to shore up the depth. Miller brings a high floor as a run defender with tools to develop as a pass rusher and could be the future alongside those two premium prospects.
35. Tennessee Titans: OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
Tennessee continues to invest in its young quarterback by bringing in the reliable Tiernan. The Northwestern product is a good pass protector from Day 1 who hasn’t missed a snap in four years of college play. His massive frame (6-foot-8, 323 pounds) and reliable anchor should help him contend for starting snaps with Dan Moore.
36. Las Vegas Raiders: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
Las Vegas brought in Jalen Nailor and Dareke Young in free agency to bolster the pass-catchers around Mendoza. But they’re still lacking a big body on the outside to win on the boundary. Fields could quickly become a go-to target in the red zone with his big frame at 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds. His physicality will be an asset for Mendoza to rely on.
37. New York Giants: IOL Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
New York needs some help on the interior and get it with the long guard prospect Pregnon. He’s a limited athlete but his strong anchor and hands should make him a contributor as a rookie. Pregnon could contend for starting snaps at right tackle earlier than later and quell concerns about protecting Dart on the inside.
38. Houston Texans (via Commanders): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)
Houston brought in help on the interior in Round 1 and grab an older prospect with a high floor as an edge rusher. Mesidor will be 25 years old when drafted which raises concerns about his overall ceiling. Those worries won’t be as big a deal on a defense with Hunter and Anderson. He can be a rotational rusher early on and spell those two stars when needed.
39. Cleveland Browns: CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
Cleveland had one of the best defenses in the league in 2025, but has a new defensive coordinator in the building following Jim Schwartz’s departure. Denzel Ward is reliable on the outside and the Browns could use an upgrade at nickel. Ponds is undersized but an outstanding athlete with a track record of ball production and limiting opposing wideouts.
40. Kansas City Chiefs: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Kansas City can’t rely on Travis Kelce forever. The future Hall of Famer is getting to his late 30s and lacked a step in the regular season last year. Stowers is one of the most athletic tight ends in the class who could be a vertical threat immediately for the Chiefs’ offense and grow into a successor for Kelce as star quarterback Patrick Mahomes ages into his prime.
41. New England Patriots (via Bengals): DT Caleb Banks, Florida
Cincinnati sends No. 41 overall to New England for No. 63 and No. 131.
New England is armed with nearly a dozen picks and weaponizes them to snatch up Banks before he falls much further. The Florida product had a foot injury at the NFL combine, his second in less than a calendar year. That’s raising some questions about his long-term durability in the NFL. Still, the talent is undeniable. He could pair with Milton Williams in the interior for years to come with a massive frame that makes Patriots fans forget about losing Khyiris Tonga.
42. New Orleans Saints: Edge Derrick Moore, Michigan
For years, New Orleans drafted and developed long, powerful edge rushers in Dennis Allen’s preference. But Allen is out and Brandon Staley may want different edges in year two of his system. Moore wins with speed-to-power in his 6-foot-4, 255-pound frame and he took a huge step forward in 2025. More development under Staley in the NFL could see him provide a boost to the Saints’ pass rush, which needs significant help.
43. Miami Dolphins: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Finally, the Dolphins address the secondary. Cisse is an athletic outside cornerback with the speed to take on plenty of assignments but he needs some discipline to reduce the number of big plays he gives up on a game-by-game basis. Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley’s specialty is the secondary and Cisse could grow into a long-term starter outside.
44. New York Jets (via Cowboys): LB CJ Allen, Georgia
New York gets a potential linebacker of the future as ageless wonder DeMario Davis reaches his late-30s. Allen is the next-best off-linebacker in the class after the Buckeyes duo. He’s a bit smaller than them but a true sideline-to-sideline defender at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds.
45. Baltimore Ravens: TE Max Klare, Ohio State
Baltimore retained Mark Andrews ahead of free agency but Isaiah Likely is gone to New York. Klare could come in and grow into the eventual tight end No. 1 for Lamar Jackson. He took a back seat targets-wise to the likes of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate at Ohio State which means he could have a higher ceiling in the NFL than college. He’s an explosive receiver who can separate and is a willing blocker as well.
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Germie Bernard, Alabama
Tampa Bay lost a franchise icon in Mike Evans this offseason. Bernard is not a one-to-one comparison as he’s much smaller than Evans at 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds but he does everything you’d like from a wide receiver at this level. He wouldn’t need to be the top wideout in Tampa Bay so he could take on a complementary role to Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin to make sure this passing offense doesn’t miss Evans so much in 2026.
47. Indianapolis Colts: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Indianapolis has a lot of directions they could go with their first pick in this draft and opt to build up the linebacking corps for Lou Anarumo. Golday’s an outstanding athlete for his size with the hands to shed blocks in the run game. He needs to improve his understanding of zone coverage to stick in the NFL but has a solid foundation of traits to develop.
48. Atlanta Falcons: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
Atlanta has plenty of questions around the quarterback with Michael Penix Jr. recovering from injury and Tua Tagovailoa signed in free agency. The Falcons will have time to sort that out and get a wideout to start opposite Drake London on the outside. Brazzell is another tall wideout (6-foot-4, 198 pounds) who has great burst off the line and operates well underneath for his size.
49. Minnesota Vikings: DT Domonique Orange, Iowa State
Minnesota continues to address defense and this time brings in a strong presence on the interior of the defensive line. The Cyclones’ interior defender has a great mix of burst and size at 6-foot-2 and 322 pounds with the length to take on blocks in the running game. He could help free up the Vikings’ linebackers to make more plays against the run and develop into a more consistent pass-rushing force in the middle as well.
50. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Lions): LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Detroit sends No. 50 overall to Jacksonville for No. 56 and No. 164.
Jacksonville got a bevy of picks from Detroit in 2025 for the deal that landed the Lions Isaac TeSlaa. Now they’re making deals once again. Jacksonville lost All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency to the Panthers and move up a few spots to make sure they get a suitable replacement. Rodriguez won the Butkus Award in 2025 for the nation’s top linebacker and showed out at the combine to dispel concerns about his athleticism.
51. Carolina Panthers: CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
Carolina spent in free agency to bolster the front seven of their defense and could use more on the back end via the draft. The Ohio State cornerback is a very good athlete at 6-foot-2 and 189 pounds who plays much bigger than that in run defense. He’s at his best in press coverage with good ball production at the position. He didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage in 2025, something Ejiro Evero should look to build on in 2026.
52. Green Bay Packers: Edge Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Micah Parsons is on the mend from his late-season ACL tear which could see him miss some time to start 2026. With that in mind, Green Bay grabs the productive Jacas with their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Illinois edge had 85 pressures and 20 sacks in his last two years and is rising up the board with his athleticism. At 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, he’d likely hit the size requirements for the Packers’ edge rushers.
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Howell falls well out of the first round thanks to his outlier arm length (30 ¼ inches). The Steelers looked past that with Nick Herbig in 2023 and could do something similar with Howell here. The Aggies product is a bendy edge rusher with the burst to impact opposing offensive lines. In Pittsburgh, he could at least be a rotational pass rusher from Day 1.
54. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Chris Bell, Louisville
Amid all of the talk about A.J. Brown’s future, the Eagles could safeguard against this departure by getting Bell at No. 54 overall here. Bell is built like a running back at 6-foot-2 and 222 pounds but fell out of the first round due to a late-season ACL injury. Philadelphia could let him get healthy in 2026 before deploying his versatile skillset in a bigger role in 2027.
55. Los Angeles Chargers: S A.J. Haulcy, LSU
The Tigers’ defensive back played in multiple systems during his college career and that makes him a versatile piece for an improving Chargers defense. He has near-linebacker size at 6-foot and 215 pounds but brings enough athleticism and ball skills to hang in coverage alongside Elijah Molden.
56. Detroit Lions (via Jaguars): Edge Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Aidan Hutchinson is an ace off the edge for the Lions but he needs help around him. Dennis-Sutton is a long, powerful edge at 6-foot-5 and 256 pounds. He can set the edge in run defense and his hand usage bodes well for development as a pass rusher. He will need to improve his consistency but the tools are there for the Lions to get the most out of him.
57. Chicago Bears: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Chicago signed Devin Bush in free agency but he can’t be the long-term answer for the defense at linebacker opposite T.J. Edwards. Hill brings good size (6-foot-2, 238 pounds) and excels best against the run, something the Bears will have to contend with in-division facing the Lions and Packers. He has the athleticism and length to develop in coverage but may have to remain in zone schemes to begin his career. At 21 years old, there’s plenty of runway for improvement.
58. Denver Broncos (via 49ers): Edge R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
San Francisco sends No. 58 overall to the Broncos for No. 62 and No. 170 overall.
Thomas is in a similar mold to the likes of Nik Bonitto, so the Broncos leap over a few teams to secure him. Denver has needs on the interior, but that position is lacking at this point on the board. Thomas could be the rotation edge to ensure Denver’s pass rush doesn’t take a step back.
59. Houston Texans: IOL Gennings Dunker, Iowa
Houston brought in Wyatt Teller but he’s a band-aid for a need on the interior. Dunker is a former tackle who lacks the lateral quickness to stay there at the NFL level and will need to move inside. He can bring a nasty streak to the Texans’ interior with great power to boost the running game and ease pressure off of C.J. Stroud.
60. Chicago Bears (via Bills): OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Iheanachor is a rare athlete at the position, thanks to his soccer and basketball backgrounds. At 6-foot-6 and 321 pounds, he has the frame to make it as a long-term tackle if the Bears are concerned about Ozzy Trapilo’s recovery from injury. If not, he could make for a great guard with the athleticism to thrive under Ben Johnson’s system.
61. Los Angeles Rams: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
After getting the flashy weapon in Round 1, Los Angeles eats its vegetables by getting a tackle to develop in protecting Matthew Stafford (or his successor). Miller was a four-year starter on the right side and could step in for the retired Rob Havenstein if Warren McClendon Jr. isn’t an above-average starter. Miller’s outstanding frame and athleticism give him good traits to develop.
62. San Francisco 49ers (via Broncos): Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Nick Bosa should be back healthy in 2026, and the team got a pass-rush boost with Osa Odighizuwa arriving via trade. But the team could use more pass rushers to fill out the edge room, especially with 2025 first-rounder Mykel Williams having more of an impact as a run defender early on. Lawrence is full of tools with prototypical size and elite burst off the line. He’s more of a projection at this point but could develop well under Kris Kocurek.
63. Cincinnati Bengals (via Patriots): CB Chandler Rivers, Duke
Rivers is another undersized cornerback at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds who plays bigger than his frame, with a thumping run-defense presence. Downs’ arrival in Round 1 will raise the floor of the secondary and Rivers could compete for the nickel spot to ease pressure on Downs to stick to that spot from Day 1. Rivers could also compete for an outside spot where he spent time in college.
64. Seattle Seahawks: DB Treydan Stukes, Arizona
Seattle lost Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant in free agency and could use more depth in the secondary if they hope to repeat in 2026 or at least contend for another title. Stukes started out his career as a cornerback for the Wildcats before transitioning to a safety role. He was one of the fastest defensive backs at the NFL combine and his hybrid background could be a fit in a defense that thrives on versatility from its secondary.
Round 3
65. Arizona Cardinals: WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
Arizona builds up the skill positions around Simpson even more with one of the most explosive wideouts in the class. Lance is a big, fast target who can be the true vertical threat this offense needs.
66. Tennessee Titans: LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
Tennessee finally gets Robert Saleh a linebacker to develop with the athleticism to be good in coverage. His slight run defense concerns will be eased with Jeffery Simmons in front of him.
67. Las Vegas Raiders: DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Las Vegas finally addresses defense by getting a big man in the middle to eat up blocks in run defense. Hunter’s massive frame at 6-foot-3 and 318 pounds can free up the second-level defenders in Las Vegas, including free agent signees Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean.
68. Philadelphia Eagles (via Jets): S Kamari Ramsey, USC
Philadelphia traded away Sydney Brown ahead of the draft and get a potential successor at free safety in Ramsey. He’s an adept zone coverage safety with outstanding play recognition and great mirroring.
69. Houston Texans (via Giants): RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Houston brought in a powerful running back in David Montgomery this offseason and get a speedster to complement him. Price shared carries with Jeremiyah Love but still warrants consideration as the No. 2 running back in this class thanks to his speed and patience.
70. Cleveland Browns: DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Mason Graham had some solid flashes as a rookie but the Browns could use more bulk up front. Jackson uses his massive wingspan at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds to disrupt the running game with the strength to make arm tackles reliably.
71. Washington Commanders: WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Washington’s back on the board and snatches up the do-everything Hoosier wide receiver. Sarratt isn’t a breakaway threat in the passing game but is an adept route-runner with reliable hands and alignment versatility.
72. Cincinnati Bengals: IOL Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
Cincinnati could use more help on the interior offensive line and Rutledge is a good value at this spot. The Georgia Tech product offers great burst off the line as a standout run blocker for the future on the interior.
73. Pittsburgh Steelers (via Saints): QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
New Orleans sends No. 73 overall to Pittsburgh for No. 76 and No. 216 overall.
Armed with several Day 3 picks, Pittsburgh makes a small bump up the order in Round 3 to get a potential quarterback of the future. Nussmeier’s father, Doug, worked with Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, so he’s plenty familiar with the LSU passer. Nussmeier could play better in the NFL than expected after recovering from a core injury that plagued his 2025 season.
74. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State
Delane is a great addition in Round 1, but the Chiefs continue to restock at cornerback after lots of departures in 2026 and many free agents-to-be in 2027. Abney is a physical cornerback at 5-foot-10 and 187 pounds who may end up best at the nickel but has the background to play outside if needed.
75. Miami Dolphins: S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
Miami overhauls the secondary even more in Round 3 with a safety to build around for the future. Wheatley took a step in coverage in 2025 (69.2 passer rating when targeted) while continuing his physical presence against the run.
76. New Orleans Saints (from Cowboys via Steelers): Edge Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
Josephs is another long, lean, explosive pass rusher from the Volunteers’ program. New Orleans went all-offense earlier in this mock, so they get some much-needed pass rush help after moving down a few spots with Pittsburgh.
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
Vita Vea, A’Shawn Robinson and Calijah Kancey are all set to hit free agency in 2027. Tampa Bay has to get help up front, and getting another massive nose tackle in Corleone (6-foot-1, 340 pounds) could be the way to do it.
78. Indianapolis Colts: WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
This worked out pretty perfectly for the Colts. With Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh, the team needs more help at wide receiver and gets arguably the top route-runner in the class. He’ll complement Alec Pierce’s speed in the pass-catching group very well.
79. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Falcons): DT Zxavian Harris, Ole Mis
Atlanta sends No. 79 to Jacksonville for No. 88 and No. 233 overall.
Harris is one of the biggest players in this draft class at 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds. He’s a stout run defender with the size to take up blocks. With new starting linebackers for 2026, some extra help up front could make that transition easier.
80. Baltimore Ravens: C Conner Lew, Auburn
Baltimore continues to address big needs on the interior with the top center prospect in the class. Lew is slightly undersized at 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, but plenty athletic to make combination blocks and mirror in pass protection.
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Lions): S Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
Kilgore has the size (6-foot-1, 211 pounds) and athleticism to stick at safety or the nickel spot in the NFL. Jacksonville could use him as a movable piece to ease the secondary in with a higher dose of Travis Hunter at cornerback.
82. Minnesota Vikings: DB Keionte Scott, Miami (FL)
Scott played a mix of outside corner at Auburn before transitioning to safety at Miami. That kind of versatility could go a long way in Brian Flores’ system. His ball skills and pass rush production (five sacks in 2025) could make for a fun fit.
83. Carolina Panthers: S Genesis Smith, Arizona
Carolina gets more help at the safety position after shoring up cornerback in Round 2. Smith is a long centerfielder-type safety at his best in Cover 1 and Cover 3. Pairing him with Tre’Von Moehrig on the back end would ease run defense concerns.
84. Green Bay Packers: LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri
Trotter brings ideal size to the position (6-foot-3, 237 pounds) with productivity as a pass rusher. He could stick more off-ball to help fill the void left by Quay Walker or contribute off the edge as Micah Parsons returns from injury.
85. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
The Steelers brought in Michael Pittman Jr. and still have DK Metcalf, but could use even more speed if they hope to contend in the AFC. Branch would be a great fit if Aaron Rodgers returns in 2026 as he's a screen merchant who thrives on quick passes.
86. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Brian Parker II, Duke
The Chargers overhauled the interior offensive line in free agency and could add even more bodies to the position in the draft. Parker is a former tackle who is better suited at guard in the NFL due to his frame but should perform well thanks to his strong hands and mean streak.
87. Miami Dolphins (via Eagles): WR Ja’Kobi Lane, USC
After getting a top wideout in Round 1, Miami continues to add to the room in Round 3. Lane is a big-bodied outside target at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds who uses his basketball background to box out defenders. He could be a solid red zone target sooner rather than later.
88. Atlanta Falcons (via Jaguars): CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
Atlanta spent in free agency to bolster the front seven and could use more help at outside cornerback. Muhammad relies on technique and anticipation to stay in position and excel in zone coverage. Atlanta gets a solid prospect after moving down nine spots.
89. Chicago Bears: CB Tacario Davis, Washington
The Bears lost their tall, long cornerback Nahshon Wright in free agency and get another 6-foot-4 outside corner to develop in his place. Davis is at his best in press coverage with the length to disrupt receivers at all levels.
90. Miami Dolphins (via Texans): RB Jonah Coleman, Washington
De’Von Achane is set for a ludicrous number of carries in 2026 and needs some help. Coleman is a sturdy 5-foot-8, 220 pounds, with the pass-protecting acumen to stay in on passing downs. He’d be good insurance for the Dolphins’ top offensive weapon.
91. Buffalo Bills: OT Kage Casey, Boise State
Casey was a three-year starter at left tackle but will likely move to guard due to his sawed-off frame. The Bills lost David Edwards in free agency in 2026 and need another solid starter to keep the offense humming. Casey could work on the inside and provide tackle depth in a pinch.
92. New Orleans Saints (from 49ers via Cowboys): WR Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State
New Orleans got a potential WR1a in Round 1 with Jordyn Tyson. Thompson was the fastest player at the NFL Combine and led the SEC in receiving in 2025. He'd add another dimension to the offense under Kellen Moore to capitalize on Tyler Shough's arm strength.
93. Los Angeles Rams: QB Drew Allar, Penn State
Matthew Stafford is coming off his first career MVP award but he’s nearing 40 years old and can’t do this forever. Allar had a potential Round 1 pedigree after 2024, but a down 2025 season with injury knocked him down here. He has elite tools for Sean McVay to try molding into Stafford’s successor.
94. Los Angeles Chargers (from Broncos via Dolphins): Edge Romello Height, Texas Tech
The Chargers could use more contributors off the edge as Khalil Mack continues to age. Height will fall due to his age and smaller frame (239 pounds) but he is bendy and productive. Los Angeles could rotate him in on third downs to be a contributor off the edge.
95. New England Patriots: OT Jude Bowry, Boston College
Los Angeles lost both starting tackles to injury in 2025 and could use more depth at the position. Bowry started the last two years at left tackle for Boston College and has elite twitch out of his sets. Hand usage and consistency need to improve long-term.
96. Seattle Seahawks: WR Skyler Bell, Connecticut
Cooper Kupp is entering his age-33 season and the Seahawks retained Rashid Shaheed long-term. That means they’ll need a successor in the slot sooner than later. Bell spent a third of his snaps there in 2025 with good acceleration, body control and sure hands.
97. Minnesota Vikings: Edge Keyron Crawford, Auburn
Jonathan Greenard is on the trade block and Andrew Van Ginkel will be a free agent next offseason. Bringing in a pass rusher to develop makes sense. Crawford is experienced as a pass rusher, run defender and coverage linebacker.
98. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Michael Trigg, Baylor
Dallas Goedert is back in Philadelphia but is entering his age-31 season. Trigg is a dynamic weapon who operates more like an oversized wide receiver with his route knowledge and attacking mentality against opposing defenses.
99. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
Barham was an off-ball linebacker but could rush the passer more in the NFL thanks to his explosive athleticism. He will need time to develop his tools but the block shedding is there to be a contributor off the edge and grow into a hybrid role.
100. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Lions): OT Austin Barber, Florida
Jacksonville’s offensive line was solid in the regular season before getting exploited in the playoffs. Barber was a three-year starter at left tackle for the Gators with ideal length and fluid athleticism. He’s a standout run blocker with the tools to develop long-term into a potential starter or swing tackle.
Round 4
101. Tennessee Titans: CB Devin Moore, Florida
102. Las Vegas Raiders: CB Will Lee III, Texas A&M
103. New York Jets: TE Jack Endries, Texas
104. Arizona Cardinals: OT Drew Shelton, Penn State
105. New York Giants: LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
106. Houston Texans (via Commanders): TE Joe Royer, Cincinnati
107. Cleveland Browns: QB Carson Beck, Miami (FL)
108. Denver Broncos (via Saints): DT DaMonte Capehart, Clemson
109. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State
110. Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Anthony Lucas, USC
111. Denver Broncos (via Dolphins): S Michael Taaffe, Texas
112. Dallas Cowboys: CB Julian Neal, Arkansas
113. Indianapolis Colts: RB Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
114. Philadelphia Eagles (via Falcons): Edge LT Overton, Alabama
115. Baltimore Ravens: WR Reggie Virgil, Texas Tech
116. San Francisco 49ers (via Buccaneers): WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma
Tampa Bay sends No. 116 overall to San Francisco for No. 127 overall and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
117. Las Vegas Raiders (via Vikings): IOL Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
118. Detroit Lions: S Jakobe Thomas, Miami (FL)
119. Carolina Panthers: C Sam Hecht, Kansas State
120. Green Bay Packers: DT Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana
121. Chicago Bears (via Steelers): C Jake Slaughter, Florida
Pittsburgh sends No. 121 overall to Chicago for No. 129 overall and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
122. Atlanta Falcons (via Eagles): OT Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M
123. Los Angeles Chargers: CB TJ Hall, Iowa
124. Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Justin Joly, Houston
125. New England Patriots (via Bears): QB Taylen Green, Arkansas
126. Buffalo Bills: IOL Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
127. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via 49ers): CB Daylen Everette, Georgia
128. Detroit Lions (via Texans): TE Sam Roush, Stanford
129. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Rams via Bears): DT Tim Keenan III, Alabama
130. Miami Dolphins (via Broncos): DT Chris McClellan, Missouri
131. Cincinnati Bengals (via Patriots): RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
132. New Orleans Saints (via Seahawks): DT Albert Regis, Texas A&M
133. San Francisco 49ers: S VJ Payne, Kansas State
134. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
135. Pittsburgh Steelers: S Bud Clark, TCU
136. New Orleans Saints: TE Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
137. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Markel Bell, Miami (FL)
138. San Francisco 49ers: CB Hezekiah Masses, Cal
139. San Francisco 49ers: Edge George Gumbs Jr., Florida
140. Seattle Seahawks (via Jets): RB Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Favorite fits:
- DT DaMonte Capehart to the Denver Broncos: Capehart was one of multiple Clemson defenders who underperformed in 2025. He's got the tools to grow into a contributor for the Broncos.
- WR Deion Burks to the San Francisco 49ers: After Reggie Virgil came off the board to Baltimore, San Francisco knew they had to trade up to get some speed at wide receiver. Burks is a dynamic addition to the team's pass-catching corps.
- IOL Trey Zuhn III to the Las Vegas Raiders:Tyler Linderbaum is a steadying presence in the middle in Las Vegas. Zuhn brings tackle experience and athleticism to the interior to bolster the line in front of Fernando Mendoza.
- S Jakobe Thomas to the Detroit Lions: Detroit's safety spot is up in the air with injuries to Brian Burns and Kerby Joseph. Thomas brings a physical brand of football to the position that should endear him to the Lions' staff.
- DT Kaleb Proctor to the Green Bay Packers: Proctor was a star of the NFL Combine as a small-school athletic talent. He'd be in a good place with the Packers to develop into a contributor sooner than later.
- C Pat Coogan to the Philadelphia Eagles: Philadelphia center Cam Jurgens' injury history means they could use an experienced hand at the middle. Coogan's not an athletic outlier but an impressive technician with lots of starting experience.
Round 5
141. Houston Texans (via Raiders): LB Kyle Louis, Pitt
142. Tennessee Titans (via Jets): CB Jadon Canady, Oregon
143. Arizona Cardinals: Edge Tyreak Sapp, Florida
144. Tennessee Titans: WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss
145. New York Giants: OT Kegan Trost, Missouri
146. Cleveland Browns: C Logan Jones, Iowa
147. Detroit Lions (via Commanders): OT J.C. Davis, Illinois
Washington sends No. 147 overall to Detroit for No. 157 and No. 222 overall.
148. Kansas City Chiefs: LB Taurean York, Texas A&M
149. Cleveland Browns (via Bengals): TE Nate Boerkircher, Iowa
150. New Orleans Saints: Edge Wesley Williams, Duke
151. Miami Dolphins: DT Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
152. New Orleans Saints (via Cowboys): LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
153. Green Bay Packers (via Falcons from Eagles): DT Rene Konga, Louisville
154. Baltimore Ravens: RB Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
155. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE Oscar Delp, Georgia
156. Indianapolis Colts: Edge Max Llewellyn, Iowa
157. Washington Commanders (via Lions): WR Malik Benson, Oregon
158. Carolina Panthers (via Vikings): IOL Jeremiah Wright, Auburn
159. Baltimore Ravens (via Panthers): OT Isaiah World, Oregon
Carolina sends No. 159 overall to Baltimore for No. 174 and No. 253 overall.
160. Green Bay Packers: IOL Beau Stephens, Iowa
161. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington
162. Baltimore Ravens (via Chargers): S Louis Moore, Indiana
163. Minnesota Vikings (via Eagles): RB Jadyn Ott, Oklahoma
164. Kansas City Chiefs (via Jaguars): RB Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
Jacksonville sends No. 164 overall to Kansas City for No. 169 and a 2027 sixth-round pick.
165. Buffalo Bills (via Bears): LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
166. Jacksonville Jaguars (via 49ers): WR Josh Cameron, Baylor
167. Houston Texans: DT Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M
168. Buffalo Bills: RB Adam Randall, Clemson
169. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams via Chiefs): IOL Jalen Farmer, Kentucky
170. San Francisco 49ers (via Broncos): LB Justin Jefferson, Alabama
171. New England Patriots: TE Tanner Koziol, Houston
172. New Orleans Saints (via Seahawks): S Bishop Fitzgerald, USC
173. Baltimore Ravens: OT Diego Pounds, Ole Miss
174. Carolina Panthers (via Ravens): Edge Trey Moore, Texas
175. Las Vegas Raiders: Edge Caden Curry, Ohio State
176. Kansas City Chiefs: IOL Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
177. Dallas Cowboys: Edge Mikail Kamara, Indiana
178. Philadelphia Eagles: WR CJ Daniels, Miami (FL)
179. New York Jets: CB Thaddeus Dixon, North Carolina
180. Dallas Cowboys: S Jalen Stroman, Notre Dame
181. Detroit Lions: QB Cole Payton, North Dakota State
Favorite fits:
- RB Demond Claiborne to the Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens lost speedy running back Keaton Mitchell in free agency. Claiborne is one of the fastest backs in the class and can complement Derrick Henry in the backfield.
- WR Malik Benson to the Washington Commanders: We had the Commanders moving down and recouping an extra draft pick and they still get a vertical threat at wide receiver in Benson.
- CB Ephesians Prysock to the Pittsburgh Steelers: Prysock is an intriguing project at cornerback as one of the longest prospects in the class. Pittsburgh could develop him into a potential option outside.
- RB Jaden Ott to the Minnesota Vikings: Who knows how much longer Aaron Jones Sr. will be effective for the Vikings' offense? Ott is a proven receiver out of the backfield who could be best in a shared role with Jordan Mason.
- RB Le'Veon Moss to the Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City signed Kenneth Walker III as a dynamic weapon in the backfield. Moss fills a void for early-down running with his powerful style.
- Edge Mikail Kamara to the Dallas Cowboys: Dallas needs all the help it can get at edge. Kamara may be undersized but he's a savvy rusher who can help raise the floor of the pass-rushing group as a whole.
Round 6
182. Buffalo Bills (via Jets): DT Zane Durant, Penn State
183. Arizona Cardinals: TE Lake McRee, USC
184. Tennessee Titans: CB Domani Jackson, Alabama
185. Las Vegas Raiders: CB Toriano Pride Jr., Missouri
186. New York Giants: RB J’Mari Taylor, Virginia
187. Washington Commanders: LB Owen Heinecke, Oklahoma
188. Seattle Seahawks (via Browns): Edge Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan
189. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin
190. New Orleans Saints: DT Skyler Gill-Howard, Texas Tech
191. Cincinnati Bengals (from Chiefs via Patriots): Edge Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke
192. New York Giants (via Dolphins): WR Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech
193. New York Giants (via Cowboys): LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
194. Tennessee Titans (via Ravens): IOL Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma
195. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
196. Minnesota Vikings (via Colts): WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech
197. Philadelphia Eagles (via Falcons): RB Adam Randall, Clemson
198. Detroit Lions (via Vikings from Patriots): IOL Anez Cooper, Miami (FL)
New England sends No. 198 overall to Detroit for No. 205 overall and a 2027 seventh-round pick.