{"id":761363,"date":"2026-02-19T00:49:48","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T00:49:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/761363\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T00:49:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T00:49:48","slug":"2026-nfl-draft-pff-unveils-first-3-round-mock-featuring-big-movers-ahead-of-nfl-combine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/761363\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NFL Draft: PFF unveils first 3-round mock, featuring big movers ahead of NFL Combine"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the 2025 college football and NFL seasons firmly in the rearview mirror, and both sports officially in offseason mode, all eyes now turn to next week\u2019s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n

Next Monday, more than 300 NFL hopefuls will converge on the city knowns as \u201cThe Crossroads of America\u201d for the weeklong event inside Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the\u00a0Indianapolis Colts. This year\u2019s Combine kicks off Feb. 23 with on-field drills beginning Feb. 26 through March 1.<\/p>\n

Before that, though, NFL pundits everywhere are shaking up their projections for how the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft could play out in late April. That includes Pro Football Focus\u2018 Gordon McGuinness, who recently unveiled an expanded three-round mock draft that reveals the draft\u2019s first 100 overall picks. Without further ado, check out how PFF thinks the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft could shake out<\/a>:<\/p>\n

The Raiders should have this pick submitted to the NFL before the countdown even begins after what he accomplished last season. It was a magical year for Mendoza, who was the runaway Heisman Trophy winner and led Indiana to a perfect 16-0 season and its first-ever national championship in football. <\/p>\n

PFF: \u201cAt this point, there is little debate about whether the Raiders will use the No. 1 overall pick on Mendoza. The Indiana quarterback posted a 5.7% big-time throw rate and a 2.6% turnover-worthy play rate in 2025, helping him earn a 91.6 PFF overall grade for the season.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"OhioBarbara J. Perenic-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

This might be a little early for a safety, but Downs isn\u2019t your typical safety and has long been considered one of college football\u2019s best overall defenders since he stepped on campus three years ago. The 6-foot former five-star did it all as the leader of the Buckeyes\u2019 FBS-best defense the past two seasons.<\/p>\n

PFF: \u201cDowns notched an 85.0-plus PFF overall grade in each of the past three seasons and is firmly in the conversation as the best overall player in this draft. Positional value will determine when he ultimately comes off the board, but \u2026 consider how much earlier \u2026 Kyle Hamilton\u00a0would go in a redo.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the Jets passed on a pass rusher, the Cardinals get the opportunity to pick the draft\u2019s top EDGE and PFF expects they\u2019ll opt for Bailey, who led the FBS with 14.5 sacks in his lone season in Lubbock. The 6-foot-3 and 250-pound Bailey was a difference-maker for the Red Raiders\u2019 FBS-leading run defense.<\/p>\n

PFF: \u201cOne of the hottest debates of draft season will center on whether Bailey or Miami edge defender Rueben Bain Jr.<\/a> should be the first edge defender selected. Both are excellent prospects, but Bailey gets the nod after producing a 93.8 PFF pass-rush grade in 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Titans hold pat at No. 4 and still land one of the top two pass rushers in this year\u2019s draft class in Bain, who more than lives up to his name. The massive 6-foot-3, 275-pound EDGE is versatile enough to play inside or out after racking up 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season for Miami.<\/p>\n

PFF: \u201cThe Titans are in an ideal position to let the board come to them and take the best player available, which in this scenario is Bain. He generated an outstanding 23.5% PFF pass-rush win rate in 2025 and offers the versatility to kick inside as an interior rusher.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles<\/a>, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

\"SonnyMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

A second Buckeyes defender comes off the board in the first five picks as new head coach John Harbaugh secures the linchpin to an already loaded Giants defense. The 6-foot-4 and 243-pound Styles, a converted safety, posted a team-high 82 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception last year.<\/p>\n

PFF: \u201cStyles\u2019 grading profile is similar to that of\u00a0San Francisco 49ers\u00a0star linebacker\u00a0Fred Warner\u00a0from his\u00a0BYU\u00a0days, and he could easily be a decade-long NFL starter.\u201d<\/p>\n

6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate<\/a>, WR, Ohio State<\/p>\n

While the Browns have other more pressing needs, including at offensive line and even quarterback, the 6-foot-3 and 195-pound Tate is arguably one of the best deep-play threats to come out of WRU. Tate ranked third in the Big Ten with a Ohio State-leading 17.16 yards per catch\u00a0last season.<\/p>\n

PFF: \u201cTate has the size and skill set to be an elite X receiver at the next level after averaging 3.02 yards per route run, catching 85.7% of his contested targets and producing a 0.0% drop rate in 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the top two EDGE rushers already off the board, the Commanders secure a true home-run threat at running back for one of the NFL\u2019s top young backfields alongside QB Jayden Daniels. The\u00a0Doak Walker Award\u00a0winner rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on just 199 carries last season for Notre Dame.<\/p>\n

PFF: \u201cLove, who earned PFF overall grades above 90.0 in each of the past two seasons, could pair\u00a0Jayden Daniels\u00a0to give the Commanders their version of \u2026 Lamar Jackson\u00a0and Derrick Henry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

While there\u2019s no doubt the Saints covet Love, they secure arguably the third-best pass rusher in this draft class in the 6-foot-2, 248-pound Howell. The physical force racked up 15.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in two seasons in College Station, including a team-high 11.5 sacks in 2025 to rank second in the SEC.<\/p>\n

PFF: \u201cHowell makes sense because of the class\u2019 drop-off at edge defender after him. He earned a 90.3 PFF overall grade and produced a 19.9% PFF pass-rush win rate in 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Makai Lemon<\/a>, WR, USC<\/a><\/p>\n

After missing the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade (2014), Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs add a true playmaker at receiver in the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner. Lemon led the Big Ten averaging 96.3 receiving yards per game to go along with 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025.<\/p>\n

PFF: \u201cLemon averaged 3.13 yards per route run and dropped just 2.5% of the catchable targets thrown his way this past season.\u201d<\/p>\n

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Francis Mauigoa<\/a>, OT, Miami<\/p>\n

The draft\u2019s first offensive lineman comes off the board right at No. 10 as PFF projects the Bengals finally secure some much-needed protection for quarterback Joe Burrow, who missed more than two months with a turf toe injury. The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Mauigoa can play both inside and out at the next level.<\/p>\n

PFF: \u201cMauigoa spent the past three seasons at right tackle but could easily kick inside to guard and start immediately. He is coming off an 85.8 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets in 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n

PFF\u2019s updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft, pick Nos. 11-32<\/p>\n

\"\"Jordyn Tyson | Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

11. Miami Dolphins: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State<\/a>
12. Dallas Cowboys: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU<\/a>
14. Baltimore Ravens: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington<\/a>
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee<\/a>
16. New York Jets (via IND): Peter Woods, DT, Clemson<\/a>
17. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn<\/a>
18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
19. Carolina Panthers: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida<\/a>
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama<\/a>
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State<\/a>
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah<\/a>
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia<\/a>
25. Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
26. Buffalo Bills: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
27. San Francisco 49ers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
28. Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
29. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
30. Denver Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon<\/a>
31. New England Patriots: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
32. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina<\/a><\/p>\n

PFF\u2019s updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Round 2<\/p>\n

\"CJCJ Allen | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

33. New York Jets: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
34. Arizona Cardinals: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
35. Tennessee Titans: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville<\/a>
36. Las Vegas Raiders: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
37. New York Giants: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
38. Houston Texans (via WAS): Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
39. Cleveland Browns: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
40. Kansas City Chiefs: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo<\/a>
41. Cincinnati Bengals: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
42. New Orleans Saints: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
43. Miami Dolphins: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
44. New York Jets (via DAL): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
45. Baltimore Ravens: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas<\/a>
47. Indianapolis Colts: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati<\/a>
48. Atlanta Falcons: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma<\/a>
49. Minnesota Vikings: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois<\/a>
50. Detroit Lions: D\u2019Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
51. Carolina Panthers: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri<\/a>
52. Green Bay Packers: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State<\/a>
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt<\/a>
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State<\/a>
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Caleb Tiernan, OL, Northwestern<\/a>
57. Chicago Bears: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
58. San Francisco 49ers: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan<\/a>
59. Houston Texans: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
60. Buffalo Bills: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
61. Los Angeles Rams: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke<\/a>
62. Denver Broncos: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
63. New England Patriots: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
64. Seattle Seahawks: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington<\/p>\n

PFF\u2019s updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Round 3<\/p>\n

\"LSUGarrett Nussmeier | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

65. Arizona Cardinals: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
66. Tennessee Titans: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
67. Las Vegas Raiders: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
68. Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn
69. Houston Texans (via NYG): Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
70. Cleveland Browns: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State<\/a>
71. Washington Commanders: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
72. Cincinnati Bengals: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State<\/a>
73. New Orleans Saints: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
74. Kansas City Chiefs: Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC
75. Miami Dolphins: Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech<\/a>
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Devin Moore, CB, Florida
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
78. Indianapolis Colts: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
79. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor<\/a>
80. Baltimore Ravens: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa<\/a>
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET): Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State<\/a>
82. Minnesota Vikings: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
83. Carolina Panthers: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
84. Green Bay Packers: Brian Parker II, OT, Duke
85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
86. Los Angeles Chargers: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
87. Miami Dolphins: Carson Beck, QB, Miami
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
89. Chicago Bears: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
90. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Skyler Bell, WR, UConn<\/a>
91. Buffalo Bills: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
92. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
93. Los Angeles Rams: J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois
94. Denver Broncos: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
95. New England Patriots: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
96. Seattle Seahawks: Beau Stephens, OG, Iowa
97. Minnesota Vikings: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
98. Philadelphia Eagles: Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
99. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas<\/a>
100. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jack Endries, TE, Texas<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With the 2025 college football and NFL seasons firmly in the rearview mirror, and both sports officially in…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":761364,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2059],"tags":[5782,5784,9384,2005,9387,26735,7,5795,2004,392,2381,9391,11876,6,5808,34445],"class_list":{"0":"post-761363","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-indianapolis-colts","8":"tag-caleb-downs-23-mill-creek","9":"tag-carnell-tate-23-img-academy","10":"tag-cashius-howell-21-rockhurst","11":"tag-colts","12":"tag-david-bailey-22-mater-dei","13":"tag-fernando-mendoza-22-columbus","14":"tag-football","15":"tag-francis-mauigoa-23-img-academy","16":"tag-indianapolis","17":"tag-indianapolis-colts","18":"tag-indianapoliscolts","19":"tag-jeremiyah-love-23-christian-brothers-college","20":"tag-makai-lemon-23-los-alamitos","21":"tag-nfl","22":"tag-rueben-bain-23-miami-central","23":"tag-sonny-styles-22-pickerington-central"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116094552861231856","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/761363","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=761363"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/761363\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/761364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=761363"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=761363"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=761363"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}