{"id":855065,"date":"2026-04-05T13:00:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T13:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/855065\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T13:00:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T13:00:23","slug":"prospects-find-their-new-nfl-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/855065\/","title":{"rendered":"Prospects find their new NFL home"},"content":{"rendered":"

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. <\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"Ohio
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOhio 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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Along with fellow A to Z NFL Draft analyst JT Ruhnke<\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. Let\u2019s have some fun.\u00a0<\/p>\n

NFL Draft Spotlight: Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy<\/p>\n

Began his career at Oregon State; Recorded 31 total tackles, two interceptions, and 7 PBUs in 2023 as a freshman<\/p>\n

2024 Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist; All-SEC First Team and All-American Second Team selection<\/p>\n

Missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from a torn ACL<\/p>\n

Was considered a three-star player coming out of Whitehouse (Texas) High School in the 2023 recruiting class<\/p>\n

Finished college career with 75 total tackles, six interceptions, and 16 pass breakups in 25 games played<\/p>\n

Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft\u00a0<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders \u2013 Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/a><\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Ruhnke\u00a0<\/p>\n

New York Jets \u2013 Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State<\/a><\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Arizona Cardinals \u2013 Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami<\/a><\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Tennessee Titans \u2013 David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s where Bailey comes in with a lightning first step and would slot perfectly into Saleh\u2019s edge rotation to complete the room. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

New York Giants \u2013 Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State<\/a><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t get the idea of John Harbaugh getting his new Kyle Hamilton out of my mind. That\u2019s why I have the Giants selecting Downs here and adding a super-versatile piece to a secondary room that needs some help. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Cleveland Browns \u2013 Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s contested catch ability should make life easier for whoever is throwing him the ball. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Washington Commanders \u2013 Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame<\/a><\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

New Orleans Saints \u2013 Makai Lemon, WR, USC<\/a><\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Kansas City Chiefs \u2013 Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s defense and get the Chiefs closer to competing again. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Cincinnati Bengals \u2013 Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019 defense. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins \u2013 Spencer Fano, OL, Utah\u00a0<\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys \u2013 Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami\u00a0<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no way that Bain falls this far, right? Right? I wouldn\u2019t talk that definitively, but the Cowboys cash in on a powerful rusher who brings a very high floor as a run defender. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) \u2013 Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State\u00a0<\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

Baltimore Ravens \u2013 Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State\u00a0<\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Buccaneers \u2013 Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u2019s a physical press man cornerback with outstanding upside to work with. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

New York Jets (via IND) \u2013 Peter Woods, DT, Clemson\u00a0<\/p>\n

Woods didn\u2019t 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. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\"Mar\t\t<\/p>\n

NFL Draft<\/p>\n

Leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, there are several divisive prospects who are expected to go much higher than most people believe.<\/p>\n

Detroit Lions \u2013 Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia\u00a0<\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings \u2013 Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon\u00a0<\/p>\n

If Thieneman is somehow there when the Vikings pick, they need to run to the podium. With Harrison Smith\u2019s future in question, Minnesota needs a safety who can create some game-changing plays. That defines Thieneman perfectly. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers \u2013 Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon\u00a0<\/p>\n

A tight end this high may feel like a luxury for some, but Sadiq is exactly what the Panthers need. He\u2019s 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. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys (via GBP) \u2013 Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State\u00a0<\/p>\n

I\u2019m running out of reasons why Johnson won\u2019t 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. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers \u2013 Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama<\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Chargers \u2013 Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio St<\/p>\n

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\u2019t see Jim Harbaugh passing up a run-stuffing monster in McDonald here. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Eagles \u2013 Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State<\/p>\n

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\u2019 line for a year and then be a monster in year two. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Cleveland Browns (via JAX) \u2013 Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama<\/p>\n

The offense continues to get upgraded here for the Browns, and Proctor seems to have caught Cleveland\u2019s 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. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Chicago Bears \u2013 T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson<\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Buffalo Bills \u2013 CJ Allen, LB, Georgia<\/p>\n

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\u2019t pass up. Allen may be one of the smartest and most instinctual defenders in the class and is a monster in coverage. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

San Francisco 49ers \u2013 Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

After a disappointing exit for the 49ers in the playoffs, adding more to the offensive line feels like a solid investment for Shannahan\u2019s offense. Lomu may be a bit of a project, but he has great movement skills to help in the run game from the jump. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Houston Texans \u2013 Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Protecting CJ Stroud should be the Texans\u2019 top priority. That\u2019s 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. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) \u2013 Denzel Boston, WR, Washington<\/p>\n

The Chiefs aren\u2019t lacking at the receiver position, but they also don\u2019t have a \u201ctrue X\u201d 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. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins (via DEN) \u2013 Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana<\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Ruhnke<\/p>\n

New England Patriots: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn<\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

Seattle Seahawks: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo\u00a0<\/p>\n

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. \u2013 Roberts\u00a0<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\"Jan\t\t<\/p>\n

NFL Draft<\/p>\n

The latest 2026 NFL mock draft includes a ton of trades and even more chaos. <\/p>\n

Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft\u00a0<\/p>\n

New York Jets: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Arizona Cardinals: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Tennessee Titans: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville\u00a0<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson<\/p>\n

New York Giants: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n

Houston Texans (via WAS): Caleb Banks, DT, Florida\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cleveland Browns: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

Kansas City Chiefs: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami<\/p>\n

Cincinnati Bengals: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri<\/p>\n

New Orleans Saints: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Syracuse<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina<\/p>\n

New York Jets (via DAL): D\u2019Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana\u00a0<\/p>\n

Baltimore Ravens: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee<\/p>\n

Atlanta Falcons: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings: Christian Miller, DT, Georgia\u00a0<\/p>\n

Detroit Lions: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF<\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon<\/p>\n

Green Bay Packers: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama\u00a0<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Eagles: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona\u00a0<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Chargers: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Jaguars: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chicago Bears: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona\u00a0<\/p>\n

San Francisco 49ers: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan<\/p>\n

Houston Texans: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chicago Bears (via BUF): Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU<\/p>\n

Denver Broncos: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt<\/p>\n

New England Patriots: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa<\/p>\n

Seattle Seahawks: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\"Oct\t\t<\/p>\n

NFL Draft<\/p>\n

How high should former Washington running back Jonah Coleman go in the 2026 NFL Draft? <\/p>\n

Round Three of the 2026 NFL Draft\u00a0<\/p>\n

Arizona Cardinals: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Tennessee Titans: Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Eagles (via NYJ): Max Klare, TE, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Houston Texans (via NYG): Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas<\/p>\n

Cleveland Browns: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson<\/p>\n

Cincinnati Bengals: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC<\/p>\n

New Orleans Saints: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Kansas City Chiefs: Kaleb Proctor, DT, SE Louisiana\u00a0<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers (via DAL): Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU<\/p>\n

Atlanta Falcons: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee\u00a0<\/p>\n

Baltimore Ravens: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET) Jalen Farmer, IOL, Kentucky<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings Devin Moore, CB, Florida<\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Green Bay Packers Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Chargers Keionte Scott, CB, Miami<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins (via PHI) Bud Clark, S, TCU<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Jaguars Mike Washington Jr, RB, Arkansas<\/p>\n

Chicago Bears Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins (via HOU) Bryce Lance, WR, NDSU<\/p>\n

Buffalo Bills: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys (via SF): Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Samuel Hecht, IOL, Kansas State<\/p>\n

New England Patriots: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana<\/p>\n

Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings (conditional): Logan Jones, OC, Iowa<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Eagles (conditional): Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers (conditional): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Jaguars (via DET, conditional): Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\"Oct\t\t<\/p>\n

NFL Draft<\/p>\n

New information about the 2026 NFL Draft surfaced at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft includes a heavy run on pass rushers and offensive linemen, some chalky…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":855066,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2076],"tags":[4955,2240,54,3619,7,7805,110,4002,896,55,2572,2571,6,30,71731,397,2413],"class_list":{"0":"post-855065","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-new-orleans-saints","8":"tag-2026-nfl-draft","9":"tag-carnell-tate","10":"tag-cleveland-browns","11":"tag-fernando-mendoza","12":"tag-football","13":"tag-jeremiyah-love","14":"tag-kansas-city-chiefs","15":"tag-mock-draft","16":"tag-new-orleans","17":"tag-new-orleans-saints","18":"tag-neworleans","19":"tag-neworleanssaints","20":"tag-nfl","21":"tag-nfl-mock-draft","22":"tag-rueben-bain","23":"tag-saints","24":"tag-tennessee-titans-news"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116352237011347450","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/855065","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=855065"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/855065\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/855066"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=855065"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=855065"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=855065"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}