The 2026 NFL Draft heads to Pittsburgh next Thursday, April 23, with teams finalizing their boards. Sporting News releases its 15th mock draft, featuring shifts in the top eight picks.
Fernando Mendoza remains locked as the Raiders’ No. 1 overall selection. The Jets make a change at No. 2.
This three-round projection covers picks through No. 100, tracking how teams might approach their needs.
JUMP TO: Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3
NFL Mock Draft 2026
Round 1
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-5, 236 pounds)
Mendoza is locked in as the Raiders’ franchise quarterback for Klint Kubiak and John Spytek. The focus shifts to upgrading his supporting cast on both sides of the ball.
2. New York Jets
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-4, 251 pounds)
The Jets considered Arvell Reese’s versatility at linebacker. Bailey offers more pass-rush upside while providing coverage skills when dropping into the secondary.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State (6-4, 241 pounds)
The Cardinals take the best defensive player available for Nick Rallis. Reese brings quarterback pressure while offering range in coverage and run support.
Bailey and Ohio State teammate Sonny Styles were also in consideration.
4. Tennessee Titans
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 212 pounds)
This pick gains momentum as Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll consider replacing Tony Pollard. Love provides Cam Ward with explosive running ability and receiving skills.
The organization sees echoes of Eddie George’s power or Chris Johnson’s speed.
5. New York Giants
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-5, 244 pounds)
The Giants don’t need edge rush help after drafting Abdul Carter last year. Styles upgrades their linebacker corps under defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
6. Cleveland Browns
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 192 pounds)
The Browns need wide receiver help for Shedeur Sanders or their starting quarterback. Tate continues Ohio State’s tradition of producing NFL receivers.
7. Washington Commanders
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6-0, 206 pounds)
The Commanders miss out on Love but land Downs to fill their safety need. Dan Quinn gets a versatile linebacker/safety hybrid for his defense.
Ohio State continues its first-round run.
8. New Orleans Saints
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-2, 263 pounds)
The Saints let the draft come to them and find Cameron Jordan’s successor. Bain’s strength and power draw comparisons to Jordan (6-4, 287).
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6-0, 187 pounds)
The Chiefs reload at cornerback after moving Trent McDuffie. Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams didn’t return in free agency.
Delane offers shutdown potential as the class’s strongest cover corner.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6-2, 298 pounds)
The Bengals beef up their interior pass rush. Woods climbed boards during the evaluation process and provides a solid anchor.
They’ll address edge rusher and cornerback later.
11. Miami Dolphins
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 315 pounds)
The Dolphins rebuild their offense around Malik Willis. Mauigoa brings size and athleticism while developing into a dominant run blocker.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6-1, 188 pounds)
The Cowboys aggressively target cornerback help. McCoy’s injury history creates some concern, but his playmaking ability offers high reward if he stays healthy.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons)
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-6, 302 pounds)
Rob Havenstein’s retirement leaves the Rams set with Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr. Fano provides swing backup depth with guard flexibility.
His run-blocking ability stands out.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (6-7, 315 pounds)
The Ravens enter best player available mode and find Ronnie Stanley’s successor. The 32-year-old left tackle needs a replacement opposite Roger Rosengarten.
Freeling’s draft range spans from top 10 to outside the top 20.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6-3, 241 pounds)
The Buccaneers need field-stretching ability for Baker Mayfield after losing Mike Evans. Sadiq provides red zone targets and 12-personnel flexibility for Zac Robinson.
He’ll boost last year’s first-rounder Emeka Egbuka.
16. New York Jets (from Colts)
Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-11, 192 pounds)
The Jets need slot receiver help to pair with Garrett Wilson. Lemon’s route-running mirrors former USC star Amon-Ra St. Brown’s reliability.
17. Detroit Lions
Olainavega Ioane, G, Penn State (6-4, 330 pounds)
The Lions rebuild their offensive line with Penn State’s powerful interior presence. Ioane maintains their run-blocking strength inside.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thienman, S, Oregon (6-0, 201 pounds)
The Vikings address safety needs after personnel losses. Thienman’s Combine performance showcased his playmaking ability in coverage.
19. Carolina Panthers
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-2, 203 pounds)
Free agency additions (Rasheed Walker, Jaelan Phillips, Devin Lloyd) give the Panthers flexibility. Tyson pairs with reigning OROY Tetairoa McMillan as a big target.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6-3, 259 pounds)
The Cowboys rebuild their pass rush in the new 3-4 base. Mesidor’s explosive burst fits their hybrid approach.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (6-6, 315 pounds)
The Steelers shore up right tackle with a powerful run blocker. Miller’s toughness matches their offensive mentality.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 186 pounds)
The Chargers considered pass rusher and offensive line but address cornerback needs. Terrell provides physical coverage and run support.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (6-4, 201 pounds)
The Eagles missed Thienman but land McNeil-Warren to address secondary needs. He’ll work alongside former Toledo teammate Quinyon Mitchell.
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6-6, 304 pounds)
After adding Tate at receiver, the Browns reconstruct their offensive line. Lomu’s power and athleticism offer inside/outside flexibility.
25. Chicago Bears
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 276 pounds)
The Bears target Faulk as Montez Sweat’s complement. His powerful style fits Dennis Allen’s defense as a No. 2 edge rusher.
26. Buffalo Bills
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-3, 253 pounds)
The Bills need pass-rush rotation help. Howell’s high-energy production suits their scheme perfectly.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-7, 366 pounds)
The 49ers prepare for Trent Williams’ eventual replacement. Proctor’s massive frame comes with surprising nimbleness and developing technique.
28. Houston Texans
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State (6-3, 326 pounds)
The Texans continue building their defense by addressing interior pass rush. McDonald maintains power run-stopping alongside his pass-rush ability.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams)
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (6-0, 196 pounds)
The Chiefs aren’t desperate at receiver but won’t pass on Cooper. Questions around Rashee Rice and the receiving corps make this an offense-changing selection.
Their second first-rounder provides flexibility.
30. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos)
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (6-0, 196 pounds)
The Dolphins need to replace Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill eventually. Concepcion gives Malik Willis a quick, speedy go-to option.
31. New England Patriots
C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (6-1, 230 pounds)
The Patriots take the best player available in Allen. His speed, versatility, and tackling make him a natural leader for head coach Mike Vrabel.
32. Seattle Seahawks
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6-4, 265 pounds)
The Seahawks lost Boye Mafe in free agency. Parker’s pass-rush instincts and run-stopping ability boost their rotation.
Round 2
33. New York Jets
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6-1, 211 pounds)
The Jets develop Simpson behind their first-round edge rusher. His accuracy in intermediate routes and strong intangibles offer development potential.
His downfield throwing needs work.
34. Arizona Cardinals
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (6-6, 330 pounds)
The Cardinals head down the road to Tempe for right tackle help. Iheanachor brings size and run-blocking strength.
35. Tennessee Titans
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (6-4, 212 pounds)
The Titans continue upgrading Cam Ward’s weapons after adding Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency. Boston provides outside playmaking ability.
36. Las Vegas Raiders
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville (6-2, 222 pounds)
The Raiders need Fernando Mendoza’s go-to receiver. Bell’s smooth route-running and physicality complement their second overall pick perfectly.
37. New York Giants
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia (6-4, 321 pounds)
The Giants support Dexter Lawrence with interior help. Miller’s upfield disruption fits their defensive front needs.
38. Houston Texans (from Commanders)
Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri (6-6, 262 pounds)
The Texans give Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. situational support. Young brings high effort while developing more consistent technique.
39. Cleveland Browns
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (6-0, 193 pounds)
The Browns address cornerback needs behind Myles Garrett’s pass rush. Hood’s physical presence needs technique refinement but shows shutdown potential.
40. Kansas City Chiefs
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (6-6, 327 pounds)
The Chiefs stash Banks while Chris Jones returns for another season. His massive disruptive upside could emerge by Year 2 if he stays healthy.
41. Cincinnati Bengals
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas (6-2, 238 pounds)
The Bengals need better run defense. Hill offers downhill tackling plus dynamic coverage and blitzing ability for their defensive rebuild.
42. New Orleans Saints
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama (6-1, 206 pounds)
The Saints covet Bernard’s route versatility and open-field quickness. He’ll complement Chris Olave for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.
43. Miami Dolphins
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 189 pounds)
The Dolphins need inside coverage toughness. Cisse handles big slot receivers while providing physicality in run support.
44. New York Jets (from Cowboys)
Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (5-10, 187 pounds)
The Jets replenish their secondary without Sauce Gardner. Abney offers versatile coverage skills.
45. Baltimore Ravens
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech (6-4, 318 pounds)
The Ravens return to power run defense inside. Hunter brings the thumping presence they need.
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati (6-5, 239 pounds)
Lavonte David’s retirement creates a void. Golday provides immediate replacement value as a physical playmaker.
47. Indianapolis Colts
Chase Bisontis, G/C, Texas A&M (6-5, 315 pounds)
The Colts continue tweaking their offensive line. Bisontis offers positional flexibility across the interior.
48. Atlanta Falcons
Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (5-11, 203 pounds)
The Falcons invest in Bijan Robinson insurance. Price replaces Tyler Allgeier as a quality backup option.
49. Minnesota Vikings
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (6-0, 193 pounds)
The Vikings continue their secondary focus. Johnson raises their playmaking quotient for Brian Flores’ defense.
50. Detroit Lions
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF (6-4, 253 pounds)
Lawrence complements Aidan Hutchinson with dynamic pass-rush ability. His run defense will develop over time.
51. Carolina Panthers
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana (5-9, 182 pounds)
Ponds plays bigger than his size with Brent Grimes-like outside coverage upside for the Panthers.
52. Green Bay Packers
Chris Brazell II, WR, Tennessee (6-4, 190 pounds)
The Packers replace Romeo Doubs with a big target for Jordan Love. They can’t rely on Matthew Golden’s development to help Christian Watson.
53. Pittsburgh Steelers
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois (6-4, 260 pounds)
The Steelers bolster their pass-rush rotation. Jacas’s size and versatility support T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
54. Philadelphia Eagles
Emmanuel Pregnon, G/C, Oregon (6-5, 318 pounds)
After addressing safety in Round 1, the Eagles land this coveted Duck for their offensive line rebuild.
55. Los Angeles Chargers
Keionte Scott, S, Miami (5-11, 193 pounds)
The Chargers upgrade inside coverage with this safety/corner hybrid after taking Terrell at cornerback.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech (6-1, 231 pounds)
The Jaguars rebuild their linebacker corps without Devin Lloyd. Rodriguez offers Paul Posluszny-like production.
57. Chicago Bears
A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU (6-0, 215 pounds)
The Bears rebound from losing Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker. Haulcy combines hard-hitting with coverage ball skills.
58. San Francisco 49ers
Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington (5-8, 220 pounds)
Coleman’s quick running style replaces Brian Robinson Jr. as the ideal backup plan.
59. Houston Texans
Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern (6-7, 325 pounds)
The Texans add offensive line size without Tytus Howard. He provides contingency for Aireontay Ersery and aging Braden Smith.
60. Chicago Bears (from Bills)
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt (6-4, 239 pounds)
The Bears have Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet but add Stowers as a receiver hybrid for outside and red zone help.
61. Los Angeles Rams
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana (6-3, 210 pounds)
Davante Adams turns 33 and Puka Nacua faces off-field concerns. Sarratt provides big-body receiving with scoring ability.
62. Denver Broncos
Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri (6-2, 237 pounds)
The Broncos target Jeremiah Trotter’s son for physical run-stopping in the Danny Trevathan mold.
63. New England Patriots
Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-3, 239 pounds)
The Patriots add pass-rush help after taking Allen at linebacker. Height offers dynamic situational rushing while building strength.
64. Seattle Seahawks
Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas (6-1, 233 pounds)
Kenneth Walker III didn’t return and Zach Charbonnet faces recovery. Washington provides power running with explosive burst.
Round 3
65. Arizona Cardinals
R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma (6-2, 241 pounds)
The Cardinals benefit from Thomas’s versatility and pass-rush moves. He needs improved technique and run defense development.
66. Tennessee Titans
Lew Nichols, G, Central Michigan (6-3, 318 pounds)
Nichols upgrades the interior between recent first-rounders Peter Skoronski and J.C. Latham.
67. Las Vegas Raiders
Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State (6-2, 322 pounds)
The Raiders need well-rounded interior line help with starting upside. Orange fits their scheme at multiple positions.
68. Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets)
Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (6-0, 187 pounds)
Williams provides explosive No. 3 receiver ability with route-running upside in Sean Mannion’s offense.
69. Houston Texans (from Giants)
Sam Hecht, G/C, Kansas State (6-4, 300 pounds)
The Texans added Wyatt Teller at right guard but need interior help with Ed Ingram better suited as backup depth.
70. Cleveland Browns
Walker Dunker, G/C, Kansas (6-6, 322 pounds)
Pairing Lomu and Dunker gives the Browns long-term run-blocking promise. Dunker could develop at left tackle.
71. Washington Commanders
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia (5-9, 177 pounds)
The Commanders need slot dynamics to help Terry McLaurin. Branch offers big-play ability with outside potential.
72. Cincinnati Bengals
Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC (6-6, 256 pounds)
The Bengals replace Trey Hendrickson by committee. Lucas’s big frame provides valuable pass-rush help.
73. New Orleans Saints
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas (6-0, 182 pounds)
The Saints evaluated Muhammad as Alontae Taylor’s replacement with strong inside coverage skills.
74. Kansas City Chiefs
Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan (6-4, 255 pounds)
Moore fits Steve Spagnuolo’s defense with positional versatility and varied pass-rush moves.
75. Miami Dolphins
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (6-5, 218 pounds)
Fields complements a first-round receiver like Concepcion as a big target through the red zone.
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Cowboys)
Genesis Smith, S, Arizona (6-2, 202 pounds)
The Steelers need impact coverage after moving Minkah Fitzpatrick last offseason. Smith provides corner-like ability at safety.
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee (6-3, 242 pounds)
After Golday replaces David, Josephs brings aggressive pass-rush ability to Todd Bowles’ 3-4 outside linebacker spot.
78. Indianapolis Colts
Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma (6-3, 293 pounds)
The Colts scouted Halton as a run-stopper with rare inside pass-rush quickness.
79. Atlanta Falcons
Logan Jones, G/C, Iowa (6-3, 302 pounds)
Drew Dalman’s retirement in free agency creates center needs. Jones provides ideal starting replacement.
80. Baltimore Ravens
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State (6-4, 243 pounds)
The Ravens lost Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. Klare develops behind Mark Andrews in the new offense.
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions)
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama (6-3, 274 pounds)
The Jaguars covet Overton’s experience and pass-rush versatility behind Josh Hines-Allen.
82. Minnesota Vikings
Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh (6-0, 220 pounds)
The Vikings continue thrilling Brian Flores with defensive back seven help. Louis offers cleanup tackling and safety-like coverage.
83. Carolina Panthers
Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke (5-10, 185 pounds)
The Panthers target the local Duke product as their smart, savvy slot coverage piece.
84. Green Bay Packers
Devin Moore, CB, Florida (6-3, 198 pounds)
The Packers add a big, shifty cover corner with Moore’s physical skill set.
85. Pittsburgh Steelers
Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor (6-4, 240 pounds)
The Steelers upgrade their receiving ability at tight end. Trigg provides the athletic upside they need.
86. Los Angeles Chargers
Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan (6-4, 240 pounds)
The Chargers like Barham’s speed and production in their pass-rush rotation while he develops as a complete player.
87. Miami Dolphins (from Eagles)
Kamari Ramsey, S, USC (6-0, 202 pounds)
The Dolphins continue their defensive rebuild with this coverage technician who makes plays on the ball.
88. Jacksonville Jaguars
Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas (6-2, 203 pounds)
The Jaguars add physical outside coverage away from Travis Hunter.
89. Chicago Bears
Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina (6-1, 210 pounds)
The Bears target a second defensive back after Haulcy. Kilgore provides versatile run and pass coverage.
90. Miami Dolphins (from Texans)
Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan (6-3, 298 pounds)
The Dolphins use draft capital to replenish defensive line depth. Benny’s run-stopping provides welcome addition.
91. Buffalo Bills
Skyler Bell, WR, UConn (6-0, 192 pounds)
The Bills add receiver depth after trading for DJ Moore. Bell’s open-field quickness after the catch stands out.
92. San Francisco 49ers (from Browns)
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State (6-5, 270 pounds)
The 49ers like Dennis-Sutton’s run-stopping abilities with developing pass-rush skills.
93. Los Angeles Rams
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6-2, 203 pounds)
The Rams evaluate Nussmeier as a developmental pocket passer behind Matthew Stafford.
94. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos)
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon (6-8, 318 pounds)
After Mauigoa for immediate help, the Dolphins stay patient with World’s injury recovery. His massive frame offers run-blocking upside.
95. New England Patriots
Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana (6-2, 291 pounds)
The Patriots like this versatile, quick smaller-school prospect’s varied production.
96. Seattle Seahawks
Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona (6-1, 190 pounds)
The Seahawks lost Riq Woolen in free agency. Stukes provides versatile coverage with physicality inside or outside.
97. Minnesota Vikings (compensatory)
Blake Slaughter, C, Kansas State (6-4, 294 pounds)
Slaughter starts immediately at center with experience and athleticism in run blocking.
98. Philadelphia Eagles (compensatory)
Jack Endries, TE, Texas (6-5, 245 pounds)
Dallas Goedert re-signed but approaches career’s end. Endries develops as his smooth receiving successor.
99. Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory)
Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson (6-2, 207 pounds)
The Steelers develop Klubnik behind Aaron Rodgers. His accuracy and pocket comfort need downfield passing work.
100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions, compensatory)
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska (5-10, 202 pounds)
The Jaguars give Bhayshul Tuten compact, quick support with Travis Etienne gone in free agency.
