2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big Trades, Surprises in New 4-Round Forecast

We're less than a month away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and the debates swirling around this year's top prospects are kicking into another gear as we come down the homestretch.

Whether it's a out-of-nowhere surge of attention around the second-best quarterback in this year's class (Alabama's Ty Simpson), or the idea that the best player in the entire draft (Ohio State safety Caleb Downs) could fall out of the top 10 because of positional value, this year's predraft process has officially entered full smokescreen and "lying season" status.

So, how to we separate the hot takes from sound advice? How could recent pro day workouts impact the top of the draft board?

2026 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS

QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | Edge | Interior DL | LB | CB | S

Here's an updated look at how the first four rounds of this year's draft could turn out, complete with a handful of trades that could shake up the early going:

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana

This one's pretty simple: The Raiders need a new franchise quarterback, and Mendoza is the best this year's class has to offer (sorry not sorry, Dan). He's not on the same level as the Caleb Williams/Jayden Daniels/Drake Maye trio from a couple of years ago, but Mendoza has a solid arm, throws with accuracy and anticipation, makes sound decisions with the football, and has the intangible qualities that show up bigtime in clutch situations.

2. New York Jets

Arvell Reese | Edge/LB | Ohio State

The Jets clearly just need to stockpile as much talent and potential as possible, so it would make sense if they swung on the high-ceiling prospect over the ones with perhaps a higher floor. There will be questions about Reese's best positional fit at the next level, but no matter where he lines up, his combination of size and athleticism could eventually be developed into a superstar defender with some patience and the right coaching staff.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)

This feels like a bit of a reach with the defensive talent that's still on the board here, but the Cards have an opportunity to fill their biggest need on offense (outside of quarterback) with a plug-and-play starter who can make a massive impact right away. Mauigoa was a dominant force for the Canes at right tackle, and he's exactly what Arizona needs to replace Jonah Williams at that spot.

4. Tennessee Titans

Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame

Giving Cam Ward as much help as possible has to be the priority for the Titans here, and it's hard to imagine a better scenario than giving him arguably the best overall player in the entire draft. The haters will tell you a running back isn't worth a top-5 pick in today's NFL, but Love's elite playmaking ability as both a runner and a receiver would be transformative for an offense that already has a budding superstar taking the snaps.

5. New York Giants

Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State

You're likely to hear the "positional value" argument with Styles, too, but the Giants would be wise to ignore it. Finding a truly dynamic off-ball linebacker who can make splash plays on all three downs is extremely valuable, and Styles brings a rare blend of size, athleticism and versatility to the table. He's one of the best pure athletes in the entire draft, and has all the mental tools to quickly become one of the league's best at his position.

6. Cleveland Browns

Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State

There's a chance the Browns could reach for a new left tackle (Monroe Freeling) here, but it feels more likely they'll go after a new No. 1 receiver to pair with Jerry Jeudy. Tate may not have elite straight-line speed, but he's a complete receiver who is plenty fast enough to threaten defenses at all levels of the field, and he checks every other box that typically translate to pro success. Drafting receivers from Columbus usually goes well, too.

7. Miami Dolphins (from WAS)*

Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)

Dolphins get: No. 7 overall

Commanders get: No. 11 overall, No. 75 overall, No. 130 overall

Washington needs picks, and Miami has a ton of them. This swap makes plenty of sense for both sides, as the Dolphins have an opportunity to deal from their surplus in pursuit of an elite edge rusher from across town. While others argue about his lack of ideal arm length, Miami's new management would be wise to simply go watch Bain play football on tape last season, when he absolutely dominated everyone who lined up across from him.

8. New Orleans Saints

David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech

The Saints need just about everything, so this pick is all about maximizing value and adding as much talent as possible on either side of the ball. Bailey could go as high as No. 2 overall, but this is a reasonable scenario that leaves him on the board here. Even if Cam Jordan ends up returning for another year, New Orleans needs to invest in the next generation of their pass rush, and Bailey would be a fantastic step in that direction.

9. Kansas City Chiefs

Spencer Fano | OT | Utah

After moving on from Jawaan Taylor, the Chiefs are once again in need of a reliable presence at right tackle to keep Patrick Mahomes protected. Fano still needs some work in the technique department, but he's got all the physical tools to develop into a high-level starter, and he plays with the physicality and competitiveness every team values in the trenches.

10. Cincinnati Bengals

Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU

There are more immediate needs elsewhere on defense for the Bengals, but if Delane is still on the board here, they might not be able to pass him up. His 2025 tape was absolutely dominant for the Bayou Bengals, as he absolutely erased SEC receivers on a weekly basis. I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up being a top-5 pick, which would make him an absolute bargain for Cincy if they can get him here.

11. Washington Commanders (from MIA)*

Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State

Let me be clear: Letting Downs fall out of the top 10 would be absolutely bonkers. He's the No. 1 overall player on my board, and should have no business still being on the board here. But the NFL continues to prove incapable of learning their lesson when given the chance to properly value elite safety prospects (Derwin James, Kyle Hamilton, Nick Emmanwori), so we shouldn't be shocked if they do it again. Downs may lack the elite size of that trio, but he's a three-level playmaker with elite instincts and intelligence.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee

This defense needs an infusion of new talent at every level, and with a pair of first-round picks, they'll have a chance to land multiple impact players on that side of the ball. McCoy is a hard prospect to project after missing the entire 2025 season with a knee injury, but his 2024 tape showed a dynamic playmaker with elite athleticism, instincts and ball skills. If he's able to be that player again, landing him outside of the top 10 picks will look like a steal.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)

Makai Lemon | WR | USC

If the Rams want to maximize their Super Bowl window with Matthew Stafford still under center, they need to give him as many weapons as possible. Davante Adams was dominant when healthy last season, but he dealt with nagging injuries, and he's not getting any younger. Lemon's explosiveness and big-play ability after the catch would give Sean McVay's offense another dynamic playmaker alongside Puka Nacua.

14. Baltimore Ravens

Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon

Lamar Jackson should be primed for a bounce-back campaign in 2026, but the Ravens need to bolster his supporting cast in every way they can. With Isaiah Likely's departure in free agency, and Mark Andrews turning 31 in September, Baltimore could spend this pick on a high-upside playmaker in Sadiq, who's easily the top tight end prospect in this year's class. His combination of athleticism and versatility would give Jackson a mismatch weapon to pair with Zay Flowers.

15. San Francisco 49ers (from TB)*

Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia

49ers get: No. 15 overall

Buccaneers get: No. 27 overall, No. 58 overall, No. 127 overall

The 49ers were aggressive in filling some of their biggest needs with veterans in free agency, but one thing they still don't have is a potential successor for Trent Williams at left tackle. Freeling's athleticism would make him an ideal fit for Kyle Shanahan's offense, and he's still just scratching the surface of his potential after a stellar 2024 campaign. Jumping ahead of multiple teams that could be targeting him could be worth making a bold move up the board, while the Bucs get to add extra picks and target better value at their biggest positions of need later in the first round.

16. New York Jets (from IND)

Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State

It's possible the Jets could spend this pick on the next-best quarterback in this class (Ty Simpson), but I'm betting they'll wait until next year to address their future under center. Instead, they could start laying the foundation to help that future franchise passer by adding a dynamic pass-catcher like Tyson to pair with Garrett Wilson. Tyson would likely be a top-10 pick if not for concerns about his injury history and durability, but if he stays healthy, he could prove to be a bargain here.

17. Detroit Lions

Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah

After the departure of Taylor Decker, the Lions have a void to fill at left tackle for the first time in a decade. Thankfully, this scenario would give them an ideal successor in Lomu, who has a proven track record of success at the position, and some impressive film that shows flashes of Pro Bowl potential. If he can get stronger and polish his technique a bit, he could quickly develop into the kind of reliable presence Decker was for years in Detroit.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon

It sure looks like Harrison Smith is headed for retirement, which will leave a massive void on the back end of Minnesota's defense. It's never fair to compare an incoming rookie to a future Hall of Famer, but Thieneman has all of the physical and mental traits to be an ideal replacement, with an impressive blend of athleticism, versatility and instincts that made him a big-play machine against both the run and pass for the Ducks.

19. Houston Texans (from CAR)*

Peter Woods | DL | Clemson

Texans get: No. 19 overall, No. 158 overall

Panthers get: No. 28 overall, No. 69 overall

The Texans don't have many glaring needs on their roster, but one thing that could take their already-scary defense to another level is a disruptive interior defender who can explode off the ball and get into the backfield. Evaluations are all over the place on Woods, but Demeco Ryans feels like the perfect coach to unlock his lofty potential. After playing out of position far too often at Clemson, Woods could be a dominant force as a 3-technique in Houston.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)

Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn

After adding a potential shutdown corner earlier in the round, the Cowboys have a chance to double-dip on defensive playmakers, this time addressing their desperate need for a high-impact edge defender. Faulk isn't the second coming of Micah Parsons, but he does bring an intriguing blend of size, athleticism and versatility to the table, and a high floor as a stout run defender. If he can learn to maximize his physical tools as a pass rusher, Faulk could turn into a value pick here.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Olaivavega Ioane | OL | Penn State

After filling some of their most glaring needs in free agency, the Steelers have the opportunity to make a tone-setting pick in the offensive trenches here. Ioane is by far the top guard prospect in this year's class, and arguably one of the top 10 players in the entire draft, regardless of position. If Pittsburgh wants to re-establish a physical, punishing identity on offense, adding Ioane to the mix would be an ideal use of this selection.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Kadyn Proctor | OL | Alabama

Getting both of their starting tackles back from season-ending injuries will be a huge help, but the Chargers still need to upgrade the interior of their offensive line to ensure Justin Herbert remains well-protected in 2026 and beyond. Proctor is one of the most intriguing prospects in this class, thanks to his rare combination of size, power and athleticism, but his development will take some patience. After playing tackle for the Tide, Proctor might be best suited to slide inside at the next level, where his strength and movement skills could make him an All-Pro down the road.

23. Philadelphia Eagles

Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (FL)

Recent departures have left the Eagles without much in terms of proven depth among their edge rushers, but this year's loaded class should give them plenty of strong options to address that in the first round. If the board falls this way, Philly wouldn't be shy about adding a pro-ready prospect like Mesidor, despite the fact that he'll turn 25 years old before the draft. He's polished and productive, and would make an instant impact.

24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama

Would I spent a first-round pick on a quarterback with limited starting experience, limited physical tools, and inconsistent film that trended in the wrong direction down the stretch last season? I would not. But the Browns have a history of making quarterback decisions that I wouldn't, so that's not likely to stop them this time around. History hasn't been kind to prospects with Simpson's profile and body of work, but the flashes of potential he displayed at times last year could still be enough to get Cleveland to bite here.

25. Chicago Bears

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo

Signing Coby Bryant in free agency was a solid move, but after losing both Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker, the Bears still have an opening in the starting lineup at safety. If the board falls this way, Chicago could pass on the defensive trenches players here to land a big-play machine on the back end in McNeil-Warren, who has impressive range and athleticism for his size, and brings a hard-hitting style of play to the table.

26. Buffalo Bills

Denzel Boston | WR | Washington

Trading for DJ Moore gives Josh Allen a proven target to bolster the passing game, but that shouldn't stop the Bills from targeting another receiver with a complementary skill set. Boston's a big, athletic pass-catcher who dominates at the catch point, and could give Allen the go-to red-zone option Buffalo still hasn't gotten out of Keon Coleman.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SF)*

Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M

After moving back and adding multiple picks, the Bucs are able to get better value while filling their massive need for a high-impact edge rusher. Howell is another prospect who will get dinged for his lack of arm length, but the tape tells the story of an explosive, highly productive defender who consistently creates havoc for opposing quarterbacks, and can win with speed, power and technique.

28. Carolina Panthers (from HOU)*

Blake Miller | OT | Clemson

Another NFC South team that moves back and gets better value while filling a big need, the Panthers are able to land their right tackle of the future here. Taylor Moton has been a mainstay in Carolina, but he'll turn 32 in August, so it's time to find his replacement. Miller is a 54-game starter at the position who showed marked improvement in the run game last year, and will be ready to hit the ground running when it's time to move on from Moton.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR)

Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson

The Chiefs acquired this pick by trading away Trent McDuffie, so why not spend it on a similar player at the same position? Much like McDuffie, Terrell lacks ideal size for a corner, but he makes up for it in every other area of his game. He's feisty and competitive, with a level of physicality that's admirable for his size, and he brings polished technique and big-play ball skills to the table.

30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN)

KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M

Speaking of replacing players with the picks you acquired for them, the Dolphins could do the same here, spending their additional first-round selection to find a new big-play receiver after dealing Jaylen Waddle to Denver. Concepcion is a big-play machine after the catch, with strong hands and a combination of physicality and explosiveness that makes him a dynamic weapon in the open field.

31. New England Patriots

CJ Allen | LB | Georgia

If anyone knows the value of a tone-setting linebacker, it's Mike Vrabel. His defense needs that kind of presence if they want to be a more consistent unit in 2026 and beyond, and Allen would be an ideal fit. He made huge strides in his consistency throughout the 2025 season, and brings the kind of mental prowess required of the "green dot" role. He still needs to grow as a coverage player, but he's a reliable downhill defender against the run who has proven he can get better.

32. New Orleans Saints (from SEA)*

Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana

Saints get: No. 32 overall, No. 96 overall

Seahawks get: No. 41 overall, No. 73 overall

If the Saints want to ensure that Tyler Shough continues to develop into a long-term starter who can find consistent success, they need to give him as many weapons as possible. Chris Olave has been stellar when healthy, but injuries have been an issue over the past couple of seasons, and trading away Rashid Shaheed left this offense without a high-level secondary target. Cooper is a well-rounded receiver who can win in multiple ways, and has a proven track record of making big plays in clutch moments.

SECOND ROUND

33. New York Jets

Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina

34. Arizona Cardinals

Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State

35. Tennessee Titans

T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson

36. Las Vegas Raiders

Max Iheanachor | OT | Arizona State

37. New York Giants

Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee

38. Houston Texans (from LV)

Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M

39. Cleveland Browns

Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State

40. Kansas City Chiefs

Caleb Banks | DL | Florida

41. Cincinnati Bengals

Lee Hunter | DL | Texas Tech

42. Seattle Seahawks (from NO)*

Malachi Lawrence | Edge | UCF

43. Miami Dolphins

D'Angelo Ponds | CB | Indiana

44. New York Jets (from DAL)

Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas

45. Baltimore Ravens

Zion Young | Edge | Missouri

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech

47. Indianapolis Colts

Gennings Dunker | OT | Iowa

48. Atlanta Falcons

R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma

49. Minnesota Vikings

Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State

50. Detroit Lions

Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon

51. Carolina Panthers

Keionte Scott | DB | Miami (FL)

52. Green Bay Packers

Christen Miller | DL | Georgia

53. Pittsburgh Steelers

Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee

54. Philadelphia Eagles

Chris Bell | WR | Louisville

55. Los Angeles Chargers

Derrick Moore | Edge | Michigan

56. Jacksonville Jaguars

A.J. Haulcy | S | LSU

57. Chicago Bears

Gabe Jacas | Edge | Illinois

58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SF)*

Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State

59. Houston Texans

Connor Lew | OL | Auburn

60. Chicago Bears (from BUF)

Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia

61. Los Angeles Rams

Caleb Tiernan | OT | Northwestern

62. Denver Broncos

Eli Stowers | TE | Vanderbilt

63. New England Patriots

Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama

64. Seattle Seahawks

Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame

THIRD ROUND

65. Arizona Cardinals

Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State

66. Tennessee Titans

Kamari Ramsey | S | USC

67. Las Vegas Raiders

Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame

68. Philadelphia Eagles (from NYJ)

Keylan Rutledge | OL | Georgia Tech

69. Carolina Panthers (from NYG via HOU)*

Darrell Jackson Jr. | DL | Florida State

70. Cleveland Browns

Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State

71. Washington Commanders

Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC

72. Cincinnati Bengals

Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati

73. Seattle Seahawks (from NO)*

Treydan Stukes | DB | Arizona

74. Kansas City Chiefs

Oscar Delp | TE | Georgia

75. Washington Commanders (from MIA)*

Mike Washington Jr. | RB | Arkansas

76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from DAL)

Zakee Wheatley | S | Penn State

77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josiah Trotter | LB | Missouri

78. Indianapolis Colts

LT Overton | Edge | Alabama

79. Atlanta Falcons

Devin Moore | CB | Florida

80. Baltimore Ravens

Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana

81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)

Dontay Corleone | DL | Cincinnati

82. Minnesota Vikings

Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington

83. Carolina Panthers

Antonio Williams | WR | Clemson

84. Green Bay Packers

Julian Neal | DB | Arkansas

85. Pittsburgh Steelers

Drew Allar | QB | Penn State

86. Los Angeles Chargers

DeMonte Capehart | DL | Clemson

87. Miami Dolphins (from PHI)

Max Klare | TE | Ohio State

88. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kyle Louis | LB | Pitt

89. Chicago Bears

Zane Durant | DL | Penn State

90. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)

Isaiah World | OT | Oregon

91. Buffalo Bills

Bud Clark | S | TCU

92. Dallas Cowboys (from SF)

Deion Burks | WR | Oklahoma

93. Los Angeles Rams

Harold Perkins | LB | LSU

94. Miami Dolphins (from DEN)

Genesis Smith | S | Arizona

95. New England Patriots

Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech

96. New Orleans Saints (from SEA)*

Malik Muhammad | CB | Texas

*97. Minnesota Vikings

Tim Keenan III | DL | Alabama

*98. Philadelphia Eagles

Dametrious Crownover | OT | Texas A&M

*99. Pittsburgh Steelers

Chandler Rivers | CB | Duke

*100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)

Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee

FOURTH ROUND

101. Tennessee Titans

Will Lee III | CB | Tennessee

102. Las Vegas Raiders

Kaleb Proctor | DL | Southeastern Louisiana

103. New York Jets

Garrett Nussmeier | QB | LSU

104. Arizona Cardinals

Anthony Lucas | Edge | USC

105. New York Giants

Ted Hurst | WR | Georgia State

106. Houston Texans (from WAS)

Deontae Lawson | LB | Alabama

107. Cleveland Browns

Austin Barber | OT | Florida

108. Denver Broncos (from NO)

Taurean York | LB | Texas A&M

109. Kansas City Chiefs

Skyler Bell | WR | UConn

110. Cincinnati Bengals

Gracen Halton | DL | Oklahoma

111. Denver Broncos (from MIA)

Markel Bell | OT | Miami (FL)

112. Dallas Cowboys

Jalon Kilgore | DB | South Carolina

113. Indianapolis Colts

Aiden Fisher | LB | Indiana

114. Philadelphia Eagles (from ATL)

Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor

115. Baltimore Ravens

Billy Schrauth | OL | Notre Dame

116. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sam Roush | TE | Stanford

117. Las Vegas Raiders (from MIN)

Daylen Everette | CB | Georgia

118. Detroit Lions

Keyron Crawford | Edge | Auburn

119. Carolina Panthers

Justin Joly | TE | NC State

120. Green Bay Packers

Caden Curry | Edge | Ohio State

121. Pittsburgh Steelers

Xzavian Harris | DL | Ole Miss

122. Atlanta Falcons (from PHI)

Bryce Lance | WR | North Dakota State

123. Los Angeles Chargers

Ephesians Prysock | CB | Washington

124. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jake Slaughter | OL | Florida

125. New England Patriots (from CHI)

Joe Royer | TE | Cincinnati

126. Buffalo Bills

Hezekiah Masses | CB | Cal

127. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SF)*

Jaishawn Barham | Edge/LB | Michigan

128. Detroit Lions (from HOU)

Bryce Boettcher | LB | Oregon

129. Chicago Bears (from LAR)

Brian Parker II | OL | Duke

130. Washington Commanders (from DEN via MIA)*

Sam Hecht | OL | Kansas State

131. New England Patriots

Chris McClellan | DL | Missouri

132. New Orleans Saints (from SEA)

Dae'Quan Wright | TE | Ole Miss

*133. San Francisco 49ers

Kaleb Elarms-Orr | LB | TCU

*134. Las Vegas Raiders

Nicholas Singleton | RB | Penn State

*135. Pittsburgh Steelers

Brenen Thompson | WR | Mississippi State

*136. New Orleans Saints

Keyshaun Elliott | LB | Arizona State

*137. Philadelphia Eagles

Tacario Davis | CB | Washington

*138. San Francisco 49ers

Logan Jones | OL | Iowa

*139. San Francisco 49ers

Eric McAlister | WR | TCU

*140. New York Jets

Kaytron Allen | RB | Penn State