NFL Mock Draft 2026: Final 3-Round Projections Unveil Top 100 Picks, Key Selections for Giants, Rams, Jets

POLICY WIRE — Pittsburgh, USA — Anticipation is building as the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh approaches, just a day and a half from its commencement.

Following an extensive pre-draft evaluation period, which began in earnest with the 2025 college football season, elite collegiate athletes are poised to hear their names called during the initial three rounds of selections on April 23 and 24. With all 32 franchises now on the clock, experts have released their final projections, mapping out the potential destiny of the draft’s first 100 prospects.

Round 1 Selections

• Las Vegas Raiders kick off the draft by securing quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana (6-5, 236 lbs). Mendoza is considered a lock, with the only question being his immediate impact on Klint Kubiak’s offense.
• The New York Jets are eyeing dynamic pass rushers, debating between Arvell Reese (LB/EDGE, Ohio State, 6-4, 241 lbs) and David Bailey. Reese’s versatility gives him a slight edge for Aaron Glenn’s scheme.
• The Arizona Cardinals are increasingly impressed by David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech, 6-4, 251 lbs), aiming to bolster their pass rush under defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, who is returning.
• The Tennessee Titans are strongly linked to running back Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame, 6-0, 212 lbs), positioning him as a key offensive asset to support Cam Ward in Brian Daboll’s system and revitalize the team’s backfield.
• The New York Giants, benefiting from an extra first-round pick acquired in the Dexter Lawrence trade with the Bengals, have flexibility. They are projected to pick linebacker Sonny Styles (Ohio State, 6-5, 244 lbs), a long-desired rangy playmaker.
• The Cleveland Browns are expected to prioritize offense early, with wide receiver or offensive line being the focus. They are projected to select in-state talent Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State, 6-2, 192 lbs) to become their primary outside receiver.
• The Washington Commanders are prime candidates for a trade-down, but if they hold their pick, safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State, 6-0, 206 lbs) is considered the top impact defender for coach Dan Quinn.
• The New Orleans Saints could consider a wide receiver but are unlikely to pass on Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami, 6-2, 263 lbs) as a potential successor to Cameron Jordan in Brandon Staley’s defense.
• The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to draft cornerback Mansoor Delane (LSU, 6-0, 187 lbs), a crucial need after offseason departures in their secondary.
• The New York Giants (via Bengals) secure Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State, 6-2, 203 lbs), an ideal versatile slot receiver to complement Malik Nabers and enhance the passing game for quarterback Jaxson Dart.
• The Miami Dolphins, having traded Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, are projected to solidify their offensive line with Spencer Fano (OT, Utah, 6-6, 302 lbs) for their rebuild.
• The Dallas Cowboys, despite injury concerns, are drawn to cornerback Jermod McCoy (Tennessee, 6-1, 188 lbs) for their new defensive scheme under Christian Parker.
• The Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons) surprisingly target wide receiver Makai Lemon (USC, 5-11, 192 lbs), a dynamic slot option to further empower Matthew Stafford’s potent passing game.
• The Baltimore Ravens are expected to address their interior offensive line, selecting guard Olaivavega Ioane (Penn State, 6-4, 330 lbs), a strong run-blocker with potential at center.
• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aim to replace Mike Evans’s presence, choosing tight end Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon, 6-3, 241 lbs) to support Baker Mayfield and Emeka Egbuka.
• The New York Jets (via Colts) quickly recover from missed receiver targets by drafting Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana, 6-0, 196 lbs) to add big-play capability alongside Garrett Wilson.
• The Detroit Lions are prepared to capitalize on offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa (Miami, 6-6, 315 lbs), a high-upside prospect with minor injury concerns, as a potential long-term left tackle.
• The Minnesota Vikings have long been connected to safety Dillon Thienman (Oregon, 6-0, 201 lbs) to fill a critical need in their secondary following Harrison Smith’s tenure.
• The Carolina Panthers might make a reach for wide receiver KC Concepcion (Texas A&M, 6-0, 196 lbs), adding speed and a complementary target for Bryce Young alongside Tetairoa McMillan.
• The Dallas Cowboys (via Packers) have consistently been linked to Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami, 6-3, 259 lbs) to boost their pass rush, potentially replacing some of Micah Parsons’s production.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers are projected to bolster their offensive line with tackle Monroe Freeling (Georgia, 6-7, 315 lbs) after prior disappointments at the position.
• The Los Angeles Chargers look to enhance their formidable pass rush, adding Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn, 6-6, 276 lbs) to support Khalil Mack and others.
• At the 23rd spot, the Philadelphia Eagles are projected to select offensive tackle Blake Miller from Clemson, a pick analyzed in detail. Read More: NFL Draft 2026: Eagles’ Crucial No. 23 Pick — Expert Predictions & Strategic Options
• The Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars) continue their offensive line overhaul, selecting Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah, 6-6, 304 lbs) for his versatility as a run-blocker.
• The Chicago Bears, facing a depleted safety room, are projected to draft Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo, 6-4, 201 lbs) to provide an active, playmaking presence.
• The Buffalo Bills are tied to drafting a high-energy pass rusher, with Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M, 6-3, 253 lbs) being a strong option.
• The San Francisco 49ers, despite Trent Williams’s presence, will still focus on offensive line depth, targeting Max Iheanachor (OT, Arizona State, 6-6, 330 lbs).
• The Houston Texans are linked to interior offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (G/C, Texas A&M, 6-5, 315 lbs) to provide immediate production and leadership.
• The Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams) look to fortify their defensive interior, adding Peter Woods (DT, Clemson, 6-2, 298 lbs) to complement Chris Jones.
• The Miami Dolphins (via Broncos) are projected to select defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (Ohio State, 6-3, 326 lbs) to bolster their interior pass rush.
• The New England Patriots, potentially influencing their defensive strategy under head coach Mike Vrabel, are projected to acquire Kadyn Proctor from Alabama at offensive tackle. Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel to Enter Counseling, Miss NFL Draft Days Amidst Controversy
• The Seattle Seahawks continue to prioritize defense, drafting linebacker C.J. Allen (Georgia, 6-1, 230 lbs) to enhance their Super Bowl-winning squad.

Round 2 Projections

Round 2 continues to address key team needs across the league:

• The New York Jets select cornerback Avieon Terrell (Clemson, 5-11, 186 lbs) to rebuild their secondary after trading Sauce Gardner.
• The Arizona Cardinals make a bold move for quarterback Ty Simpson (Alabama, 6-1, 211 lbs) after moving on from Kyler Murray, opting against relying on Jacoby Brissett.
• The Tennessee Titans aim to enhance their pass rush with T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson, 6-4, 265 lbs), fitting Robert Saleh’s defensive vision.
• The Las Vegas Raiders provide Fernando Mendoza with another receiving option, drafting wide receiver Denzel Boston (Washington, 6-4, 212 lbs).
• The New York Giants reinforce their defensive line with Christen Miller (DT, Georgia, 6-4, 321 lbs).
• The Houston Texans (via Commanders) add pass rusher Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri, 6-6, 262 lbs), further strengthening a unit already featuring Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
• The Cleveland Browns take a calculated risk on defensive tackle Caleb Banks (Florida, 6-6, 327 lbs).
• The Kansas City Chiefs continue to overhaul their cornerback position, selecting Colton Hood (Tennessee, 6-0, 193 lbs) to pair with Mansoor Delane.
• The Cincinnati Bengals address an interior need with linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas, 6-2, 238 lbs).
• The New Orleans Saints look to provide Tyler Shough with a secondary receiving threat, choosing wide receiver Chris Bell (Louisville, 6-2, 222 lbs).
• The Miami Dolphins, after early line picks, restock their wide receiver corps with Germie Bernard (Alabama, 6-1, 206 lbs) to restore speed.
• The New York Jets (via Cowboys) make a significant defensive upgrade with linebacker Jake Golday (Cincinnati, 6-5, 239 lbs).
• The Baltimore Ravens strengthen their interior defensive line with Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech, 6-4, 318 lbs).
• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers add cornerback Brandon Cisse (South Carolina, 6-0, 189 lbs) for slot coverage.
• The Indianapolis Colts acquire versatile cornerback Keith Abney II (Arizona State, 5-10, 187 lbs).
• The Atlanta Falcons continue to bolster their secondary with cornerback Chris Johnson (San Diego State, 6-0, 193 lbs).
• The Minnesota Vikings address their backfield uncertainty with running back Jadarian Price (Notre Dame, 5-11, 203 lbs).
• The Detroit Lions add pass-rushing depth with Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, UCF, 6-4, 253 lbs) to complement Aidan Hutchinson.
• The Carolina Panthers enhance their receiver room with Chris Brazell II (WR, Tennessee, 6-4, 190 lbs).
• The Green Bay Packers target feisty cornerback D’Angelo Ponds (Indiana, 5-9, 182 lbs).
• The Pittsburgh Steelers secure pass-rushing depth with Gabe Jacas (EDGE, Illinois, 6-4, 260 lbs).
• The Philadelphia Eagles look to safety A.J. Haulcy (LSU, 6-0, 215 lbs) for run support and coverage.
• The Los Angeles Chargers reinforce their offensive line with guard Emmanuel Pregnon (Oregon, 6-5, 318 lbs).
• The Jacksonville Jaguars replace Devin Lloyd with prolific linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech, 6-1, 231 lbs).
• The Chicago Bears add interior coverage with safety Keionte Scott (Miami, 5-11, 193 lbs).
• The San Francisco 49ers draft zone-blocking friendly running back Jonah Coleman (Washington, 5-8, 220 lbs) as a backup to Christian McCaffrey.
• The Houston Texans secure linebacker Josiah Trotter (Missouri, 6-2, 237 lbs) to lead their defense.
• The Chicago Bears (via Bills) add wide receiver depth with Elijah Sarratt (Indiana, 6-3, 210 lbs) after the D.J. Moore trade.
• The Los Angeles Rams look to the future at right tackle with Caleb Tiernan (Northwestern, 6-7, 325 lbs).
• The Denver Broncos seek an athletic receiving tight end, selecting Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt, 6-4, 239 lbs).
• The New England Patriots pick complementary pass rusher Romello Height (EDGE, Texas Tech, 6-3, 239 lbs).
• The Seattle Seahawks target running back Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas, 6-1, 233 lbs) as a potential long-term option.

Round 3 Outlook

The third round offers teams opportunities to add depth and developmental talent:

• The Arizona Cardinals continue to build their pass rush with R Mason Thomas (EDGE, Oklahoma, 6-2, 241 lbs).
• The Tennessee Titans reinforce their offensive line with guard/center Connor Lew (Auburn, 6-3, 300 lbs).
• The Las Vegas Raiders bolster their defensive interior with Domonique Orange (DT, Iowa State, 6-2, 322 lbs).
• The Philadelphia Eagles (via Jets) prepare for the future by adding explosive wide receiver Antonio Williams (Clemson, 6-0, 187 lbs).
• The Houston Texans (via Giants) target safety Genesis Smith (Arizona, 6-2, 202 lbs) for defensive impact.
• The Cleveland Browns address interior offensive line needs with Sam Hecht (G/C, Kansas State, 6-4, 300 lbs).
• The Washington Commanders take a chance on diminutive wide receiver Brenen Thompson (Mississippi State, 5-9, 164 lbs).
• The Cincinnati Bengals continue to add to their pass rush with Anthony Lucas (EDGE, USC, 6-6, 256 lbs).
• The New Orleans Saints look to replace Alontae Taylor in their secondary with cornerback Malik Muhammad (Texas, 6-0, 182 lbs).
• The Kansas City Chiefs provide edge help for George Karlaftis with Derrick Moore (EDGE, Michigan, 6-4, 255 lbs).
• The Miami Dolphins add boundary size to their wide receiver group with Malachi Fields (Notre Dame, 6-5, 218 lbs).
• The Pittsburgh Steelers (via Cowboys) bolster their offensive line with guard/center Gennings Dunker (Iowa, 6-5, 315 lbs).
• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secure aggressive pass rusher Joshua Josephs (EDGE, Tennessee, 6-3, 242 lbs).
• The Indianapolis Colts add run-stopping defensive tackle Gracen Halton (Oklahoma, 6-3, 293 lbs).
• The Atlanta Falcons address an interior void on their offensive line with guard/center Logan Jones (Iowa, 6-3, 302 lbs).
• The Baltimore Ravens acquire tight end Max Klare (Ohio State, 6-4, 243 lbs) for receiving and blocking versatility.
• The Jacksonville Jaguars (via Lions) deepen their pass rush rotation with LT Overton (EDGE, Alabama, 6-3, 274 lbs).
• The Minnesota Vikings add linebacker/safety hybrid Kyle Louis (Pittsburgh, 6-0, 220 lbs).
• The Carolina Panthers target slot cornerback Chandler Rivers (Duke, 5-10, 185 lbs).
• The Green Bay Packers enhance their pass-rushing options with Jaishawn Barham (EDGE, Michigan, 6-4, 240 lbs).
• The Pittsburgh Steelers boost their tight end athleticism with Michael Trigg (Baylor, 6-4, 240 lbs).
• The Los Angeles Chargers upgrade their outside cornerback position with Devin Moore (Florida, 6-3, 198 lbs).
• The Miami Dolphins (via Eagles) rebuild their secondary with safety Kamari Ramsey (USC, 6-0, 202 lbs).
• The Jacksonville Jaguars value the versatility of safety Jalon Killgore (South Carolina, 6-1, 210 lbs).
• The Chicago Bears secure early-down run stopper Rayshaun Benny (DT, Michigan, 6-3, 298 lbs).
• The Miami Dolphins (via Texans) acquire large cornerback Julian Neal (Arkansas, 6-2, 203 lbs).
• The Buffalo Bills target wide receiver Skyler Bell (UConn, 6-0, 192 lbs) for speed and quickness.
• The San Francisco 49ers (via Browns) add defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State, 6-5, 270 lbs) for run defense and pass-rush potential.
• The Los Angeles Rams stash developmental quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (LSU, 6-2, 203 lbs) behind Matthew Stafford.
• The Miami Dolphins (via Broncos) take a patient approach with offensive tackle Isaiah World (Oregon, 6-8, 318 lbs).
• The New England Patriots strengthen their interior pass rush with defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana, 6-2, 291 lbs).
• The Seattle Seahawks find a potential replacement cornerback in Treydan Stukes (Arizona, 6-1, 190 lbs).
• The Minnesota Vikings (compensatory) address interior offensive line with guard/center Jake Slaughter (Florida, 6-4, 303 lbs).
• The Philadelphia Eagles (compensatory) groom tight end Jack Endries (Texas, 6-5, 245 lbs) as a successor to Dallas Goedert.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory) take a flier on quarterback Cade Klubnik (Clemson, 6-2, 207 lbs).
• The Jacksonville Jaguars (via Lions, compensatory) add running back Emmett Johnson (Nebraska, 5-10, 202 lbs) to complement Bhayshul Tuten.