Latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft includes a heavy run on pass rushers and offensive linemen, some chalky selections, and even more unexpected twists and turns.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) after Smith scored a touchdown in the first half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
We are less than three weeks from the 2026 NFL Draft officially kicking off. With not much time remaining, everyone is frantically doing their last-second research on the class, finalizing scouting reports, and assessing team needs. A 2026 NFL mock draft is also a useful exercise this time of year.
Along with fellow A to Z NFL Draft analyst JT Ruhnke, we put together an updated three-round 2026 NFL mock draft. To maintain a steady flow, we alternated selections in increments of 10. Each first-round selection is labeled by the author and accompanied by the analysis that follows. You can do the math from there.
This latest mock draft was filled with some chalky picks, surprises, and even more interesting twists and turns. It was all made available by the brand new A to Z Sports mock draft simulator, which you can find HERE. Let’s have some fun.
NFL Draft Spotlight: Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy
Began his career at Oregon State; Recorded 31 total tackles, two interceptions, and 7 PBUs in 2023 as a freshman
2024 Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist; All-SEC First Team and All-American Second Team selection
Missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from a torn ACL
Was considered a three-star player coming out of Whitehouse (Texas) High School in the 2023 recruiting class
Finished college career with 75 total tackles, six interceptions, and 16 pass breakups in 25 games played
Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft
Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Despite signing Kirk Cousins to one of the fakest contracts of all time, the Raiders will take Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. Whether it is to start immediately or learn behind Cousins, Mendoza is what the Raiders need to hopefully get back to contention. – Ruhnke
New York Jets – Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
The Jets go pretty chalk here, taking Arvell Reese and adding the versatile defender to an Aaron Glenn defense still looking for an identity. Reese seems to project to be an edge rusher for most teams at the next level and will add much-needed juice to the front seven. – Ruhnke
Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
There are many different avenues Arizona could take, but with no quarterback lined up this year as their franchise guy, the smart move would be to build through the trenches. Mauigoa is the top tackle in the draft and would be a nice bookend with Paris Johnson Jr. for their next franchise guy. – Ruhnke
Tennessee Titans – David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Titans have been heavily linked to Jeremiyah Love, and while I do think it would be a phenomenal fit and a big help for Cam Ward, general manager Mike Borgonzi still believes the team is thin at edge rusher. That’s where Bailey comes in with a lightning first step and would slot perfectly into Saleh’s edge rotation to complete the room. – Ruhnke
New York Giants – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
I can’t get the idea of John Harbaugh getting his new Kyle Hamilton out of my mind. That’s why I have the Giants selecting Downs here and adding a super-versatile piece to a secondary room that needs some help. – Ruhnke
Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Browns are another team that could go in a lot of different directions, but adding Sheduer/Gabriel/Watson some weapons would be a smart move for Monken and his offense. Tate’s contested catch ability should make life easier for whoever is throwing him the ball. – Ruhnke
Washington Commanders – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Commanders have needs elsewhere, but the idea of protecting Jayden Daniels with a top 5 rushing attack in the league seems like a smart investment. Love is easily my top prospect in this class and would make a wicked one-two punch in Washington. – Ruhnke
New Orleans Saints – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Tyler Shough showed enough promise last season that the Saints should feel good about building around the former Louisville quarterback. Kellen Moore adds a dynamic receiver with a little bit of diva to a room with Chris Olave to jumpstart Shough in year two. – Ruhnke
Kansas City Chiefs – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Kansas City wastes no time rebuilding its secondary after shipping off Trent McDuffie, getting the best cornerback prospect in the league. Delane will add an alpha presence to Steve Spagnuolo’s defense and get the Chiefs closer to competing again. – Ruhnke
Cincinnati Bengals – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Bengals really need to go best defensive player available with their pick at ten, and Sonny Styles has an argument to be just that. An athletic freak and a smart defender, Styles will add some identity to the Bengals’ defense. – Ruhnke
Miami Dolphins – Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
With the Dolphins in a deep rebuild, giving some early attention to the trenches would be smart. Whether you wanted him at right tackle, offensive guard, or at center, Fano has the versatility to fill any role you need. – Roberts
Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
There’s no way that Bain falls this far, right? Right? I wouldn’t talk that definitively, but the Cowboys cash in on a powerful rusher who brings a very high floor as a run defender. – Roberts
Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
With the Rams in a winning window, they could opt for luxury early in this draft to maximize it. With the issues that star wide receiver Puka Nacua is going through, adding a talented pass catcher like Tyson would be a great addition. – Roberts
Baltimore Ravens – Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Ioane just feels like a Baltimore Raven. They are an organization that has made a habit of letting good football players fall into their lap. The former Penn State standout is one of the safety prospects in the 2026 class. – Roberts
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
While EDGE and linebacker are bigger priorities in the class, McCoy being available completely changes the formula. With McCoy showing he was healthy at the pro day, the hype is steadily climbing. He’s a physical press man cornerback with outstanding upside to work with. – Roberts
New York Jets (via IND) – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Woods didn’t take the step in 2025 that most wanted, but he is still incredibly talented. If he can become a more consistent player, then this becomes one of the better values in this class. The physical gifts are easy to see. – Roberts
NFL Draft
Leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, there are several divisive prospects who are expected to go much higher than most people believe.
Detroit Lions – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
With Taylor Decker leaving the team this offseason, the Lions have a massive haul at left tackle, literally. There is the potential for Penei Sewell to switch to the blindside, but either way, that leaves a big need at offensive tackle. Freeling is still a bit raw, but the physical tools are undeniable. – Roberts
Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
If Thieneman is somehow there when the Vikings pick, they need to run to the podium. With Harrison Smith’s future in question, Minnesota needs a safety who can create some game-changing plays. That defines Thieneman perfectly. – Roberts
Carolina Panthers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
A tight end this high may feel like a luxury for some, but Sadiq is exactly what the Panthers need. He’s an incredible athlete who has been compared to Vernon Davis in the past. His impact in the run game as a blocker also provides him with a strong floor. – Roberts
Dallas Cowboys (via GBP) – Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
I’m running out of reasons why Johnson won’t go in the first round. He put together some tremendous film in 2025, was a multi-year contributor, tested exceptionally well, and has great character. Johnson is an easy player to bet on. – Roberts
Pittsburgh Steelers – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Pittsburgh did a lot to build up its offensive skill room this offseason, adding Michael Pittman Jr and Rico Dowdle to an already pretty complete room. The main problem is that the quarterback position is still up in the air. Rodgers will most likely be back for one last ride with McCarthy, but this spot gives the Steelers a great chance to plan for the future in Simpson. – Ruhnke
Los Angeles Chargers – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio St
The Chargers did well to address their needs on the offensive line to protect Justin Herbert, but by no means are they done. An offensive lineman could be the pick here; however, I can’t see Jim Harbaugh passing up a run-stuffing monster in McDonald here. – Ruhnke
Philadelphia Eagles – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson are both returning for the 2026 season, but the writing is on the wall. The Eagles need to find a plan for life after those two, and Iheanachor would be the perfect fit to sit behind the Eagles’ line for a year and then be a monster in year two. – Ruhnke
Cleveland Browns (via JAX) – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The offense continues to get upgraded here for the Browns, and Proctor seems to have caught Cleveland’s eye over the predraft process. The former Crimson Tide tackle is a long-term play for a team without a real plan at quarterback, solidified. – Ruhnke
Chicago Bears – T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Chicago beefed up their defensive line and added yet another powerful guy in TJ Parker. While he may not be a complete rusher, Parker has the traits of a first round prospect and could do well to learn next to Montez Sweat. – Ruhnke
Buffalo Bills – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Bills could go anywhere on the defensive side of the ball, but adding a new element to their defense in Allen is something I couldn’t pass up. Allen may be one of the smartest and most instinctual defenders in the class and is a monster in coverage. – Ruhnke
San Francisco 49ers – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
After a disappointing exit for the 49ers in the playoffs, adding more to the offensive line feels like a solid investment for Shannahan’s offense. Lomu may be a bit of a project, but he has great movement skills to help in the run game from the jump. – Ruhnke
Houston Texans – Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
Protecting CJ Stroud should be the Texans’ top priority. That’s why Chase Bisontis feels like such a natural fit for Houston here. The former Aggie dominates in the run game and will pack a punch running in front of Woody Marks and David Montgomery. – Ruhnke
Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Chiefs aren’t lacking at the receiver position, but they also don’t have a “true X” receiver. Boston feels like a luxury pick here for the Chiefs that could take the league by storm next to Rice and Worthy whenever Mahomes returns. – Ruhnke
Miami Dolphins (via DEN) – Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
Even though Miami is rebuilding for all to see, Malik Willis will still need someone to throw to. Omar Cooper feels like the perfect versatile piece to add to an offense that desperately needs playmakers. – Ruhnke
New England Patriots: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
While most have cooled on Faulk, he is still loved around the NFL. At over 6-5 and 276 pounds, the former Auburn is a long and talented athlete on the edge. Becoming consistent is the name of the game. – Roberts
Seattle Seahawks: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Coby Bryant left for the Chicago Bears via free agency this offseason, leaving a hole on the back end next to Julian Love. McNeil-Warren would be an extremely interesting complement to him and Nick Emmanwori, creating one of the most versatile secondaries in the NFL. – Roberts
NFL Draft
The latest 2026 NFL mock draft includes a ton of trades and even more chaos.
Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft
New York Jets: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Arizona Cardinals: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Tennessee Titans: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Las Vegas Raiders: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
New York Giants: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Houston Texans (via WAS): Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Cleveland Browns: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Kansas City Chiefs: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Cincinnati Bengals: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
New Orleans Saints: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Syracuse
Miami Dolphins: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
New York Jets (via DAL): D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Baltimore Ravens: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Indianapolis Colts: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee
Atlanta Falcons: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Minnesota Vikings: Christian Miller, DT, Georgia
Detroit Lions: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
Carolina Panthers: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
Green Bay Packers: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Pittsburgh Steelers: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Philadelphia Eagles: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
Los Angeles Chargers: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn
Jacksonville Jaguars: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Chicago Bears: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
San Francisco 49ers: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Houston Texans: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
Chicago Bears (via BUF): Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Los Angeles Rams: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
Denver Broncos: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
New England Patriots: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
Seattle Seahawks: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
NFL Draft
How high should former Washington running back Jonah Coleman go in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Round Three of the 2026 NFL Draft
Arizona Cardinals: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Tennessee Titans: Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech
Las Vegas Raiders: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Houston Texans (via NYG): Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas
Cleveland Browns: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Cincinnati Bengals: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
New Orleans Saints: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
Kansas City Chiefs: Kaleb Proctor, DT, SE Louisiana
Miami Dolphins: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Indianapolis Colts: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
Atlanta Falcons: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
Baltimore Ravens: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET) Jalen Farmer, IOL, Kentucky
Minnesota Vikings Devin Moore, CB, Florida
Carolina Panthers Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Green Bay Packers Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
Pittsburgh Steelers Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Los Angeles Chargers Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
Miami Dolphins (via PHI) Bud Clark, S, TCU
Jacksonville Jaguars Mike Washington Jr, RB, Arkansas
Chicago Bears Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
Miami Dolphins (via HOU) Bryce Lance, WR, NDSU
Buffalo Bills: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Dallas Cowboys (via SF): Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
Los Angeles Rams: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Samuel Hecht, IOL, Kansas State
New England Patriots: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
Minnesota Vikings (conditional): Logan Jones, OC, Iowa
Philadelphia Eagles (conditional): Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan
Pittsburgh Steelers (conditional): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET, conditional): Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
NFL Draft
New information about the 2026 NFL Draft surfaced at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week.