2026 NFL Mock Draft: New 3-Round Projection for Combine Week

The 2026 NFL Draft process is about to kick into another gear, as this year's NFL Scouting Combine is set to kick off in Indianapolis this week, with on-field workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium getting underway Thursday.

This year's event will once again put on display more than 300 of this year's top prospects, as they hope to impress league decision-makers in hopes of boosting their stock heading into this year's draft. While some of the biggest names might be opting out of certain drills, some marquee players are expected to fully take part, which should make for some must-see TV as they show off their athleticism for scouts and executives.

As we get ready for the combine, here's an updated look at how the first three rounds of this year's draft could turn out, including projected compensatory selections:

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana

Barring something unforeseen, this feels like a foregone conclusion. The Raiders are one of many teams desperate for a true franchise quarterback, and Mendoza is coming off an incredible 2025 campaign that including a Heisman Trophy, an undefeated season, and a national title. He's not the most athletic passer, but he's a tough, accurate thrower who excels from the pocket, and should develop into a high-quality starter is Las Vegas can build a winner around him.

2. New York Jets

Arvell Reese | Edge | Ohio State

I'm sure the Jets would love to trade out of this pick, but I doubt they'll find a willing partner. If forced to stick and pick, I wouldn't be surprised if they favored the upside of Reese, who is still just 20 years old. He's proven he can be a dynamic playmaker no matter where he lines up, making splash plays off the ball or out on the edge, and he's hardly scratched the surface of his potential.

3. Arizona Cardinals

David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech

I wouldn't count out one of the top offensive tackles here, but it just feels like too much of a reach while passing up the other blue-chip edge rushers in this class. Bailey's got a lightning-quick first step that helped him rack up 14.5 sacks for the Red Raiders last season (tied for the most in the FBS), and ability to win off the edge with elite speed could be enough to warrant a top-three slot.

4. Tennessee Titans

Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)

There are plenty of ways to help a young quarterback develop, and while the Titans could obviously use help along the offensive line and more weapons for Cam Ward, building out a dominant defense can be just as valuable. Whatever Bain may lack in ideal measurements, he more than makes up for with a complete skill set and the kind of tone-setting effort and presence Tennessee can build their entire unit around on that side of the ball.

5. New York Giants

Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)

The Giants might have something special in quarterback Jaxson Dart, but they'll never find out if they can't keep him healthy. He's already got one of the league's better left tackles in Andrew Thomas (when he's healthy himself), but the right tackle spot needs an immediate and long-term upgrade. Mauigoa would be the perfect fit, having dominated at that position for the Canes with a physical playing style.

6. Cleveland Browns

Spencer Fano | OT | Utah

The Browns might be tempted to take one of the top receivers on the board here, but the depth is strong at that position this year, and their needs along the offensive line are simply too dire. They could lose their entire starting lineup in the offensive trenches this offseason, and in this scenario, they're able to land an athletic tackle prospect in Fano, who has a ton of upside with impressive physical tools.

7. Washington Commanders

Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame

Considering their lack of a second-round pick, I'd imagine Washington would love to trade out of this spot. If they end up stuck here, adding a high-end playmaker for the defense makes the most sense, but they might not be able to pass up the opportunity to give Jayden Daniels a big-play machine like Love. His three-down skill set would be a huge boost on the ground and through the air, and he's arguably the best overall player in the entire draft.

8. New Orleans Saints

Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State

The Saints need just about everything, so this pick should lean heavily toward "best player available" territory (see Downs, Caleb). But if they think Tyler Shough can be their franchise quarterback for the long haul, they need to give him as much help as possible. Chris Olave has proven he can be a capable WR1 when healthy, but it couldn't hurt to add another high-end pass-catcher like Tate, who has all the traits to push Olave for that top spot on the depth chart.

9. Kansas City Chiefs

Makai Lemon | WR | USC

Even if Travis Kelce were to come back for another season, the Chiefs would still need to give Patrick Mahomes more playmakers to bring the passing game back to where it was a couple of years ago. Lemon may not have ideal size, but that never stopped Tyreek Hill from being an elite WR1 in the NFL, and while the former may not have Hill's rare top-end speed, he's still an explosive playmaker who can take the top off the defense and create big plays after the catch.

10. Cincinnati Bengals

Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State

This is an ideal scenario for the Bengals, who are able to fill one of their biggest needs while getting incredible value. Downs might just be the best player in the entire draft, and Cincy's defense is desperate for playmakers at every level. The modern NFL game rewards defenses that have versatile safeties who can make plays all over the field and line up in multiple spots (Kyle Hamilton, Derwin James, Nick Emmanwori), and Downs is next in line.

11. Miami Dolphins

Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU

Another fantastic match of need and value, Delane is easily one of the top 10 players in this class, and he plays a premium position that's at the top of Miami's list of priorities. There's no true shutdown corner on this roster right now, and Delane proved he can be that guy be erasing his half of the field against SEC competition this past season. He would immediately become the best corner on the team, and would make an instant impact.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State

There are needs all over the place in Dallas, with the biggest and most pressing on defense. You could make a strong case for a corner or an edge defender here, but if Styles is still on the board, he just makes too much sense. It's hard to find elite linebackers with Styles' combination of size, athleticism and versatility, and his presence would be a massive boost at the heart of a Cowboys defense that needs more consistency and splash plays.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)

Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee

If the top two tackles are off the board, the Rams would likely pivot to their biggest needs on defense. Emmanuel Forbes was a revelation last year after he was claimed off waivers from Washington, but this defense could use another top-flight corner. McCoy is a risky projection after missing the entire 2025 season with a knee injury, but his 2024 tape shows an elite playmaker with impressive athleticism and ball skills.

14. Baltimore Ravens

Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn

Baltimore's defense was a shell of what we're used to seeing last season, and they need to load up on reinforcements this offseason at every level. The biggest need is for an impact player who can rush the passer off the edge, and Faulk brings an intriguing skill set with a rare blend of size, athleticism and versatility to the table. Still just 20 years old, Faulk has a sky-high ceiling, even if it takes some patience for him to reach that potential.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CJ Allen | LB | Georgia

This might feel a little early for Allen, but the Bucs are in desperate need of a tone-setter at linebacker as they wait to see if Lavonte David is going to return for a 15th season. Even if the future Hall of Famer comes back, Tampa Bay would need an upgrade next to him, and an eventual successor who can take the torch into the future. Allen has all the physical traits to make a three-down impact, and the mental prowess/intangibles to be the perfect fit.

16. New York Jets (from IND)

Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State

After landing a high-upside player for their defense at the top of the draft, the Jets use their additional first-rounder to bolster their passing game with a dynamic weapon. Garrett Wilson is one of the league's best receivers when healthy, but no matter who they have at quarterback, this offense will need another pass-catcher who can threaten opposing defenses. Tyson is a well-rounded receiver who would take full advantage of 1-on-1 chances.

17. Detroit Lions

Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia

Even if Taylor Decker puts off retirement for another season, it's clear the Lions need a long-term plan to replace their longtime starter at left tackle. Freeling had a stellar 2025 campaign for the Bulldogs, showing off rare movement skills for his size, and the kind of toughness and nonstop motor that will appeal to Dan Campbell and company. Whether he starts right away or waits for a year behind Decker, this would be a strong fit.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo

This remains one of my favorite first-round fits. Harrison Smith appears headed for retirement, which would leave the Vikings with a massive void on the back end of their defense. It's unfair to expect any rookie to immediately step into the shoes of a future Hall of Famer, but McNeil-Warren's combination of size, athleticism and range gives him the potential to be a worthy successor.

19. Carolina Panthers

Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (FL)

Yes, the Panthers invested multiple Day 2 picks last year in edge defenders (Nic Scourton, Princely Umanmielen), but you can never have too many talented pass rushers in today's NFL. Mesidor was an absolute wrecking ball for the Canes in 2025, and despite his age (he'll turn 25 years old before the draft), his dominant tape and pro-ready polish should be enough to warrant top-20 consideration.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)

Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee

There are a ton of needs the Cowboys could attack here after landing this year's best linebacker prospect in Styles, but none bigger than finding a shutdown corner to fill the void left behind by Trevon Diggs' rapid regression and eventual departure. With Jermod McCoy missing all year, Hood made the most of the spotlight and proved himself to be an first-round prospect in his own right while shutting down SEC receivers.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana

This is another fit I just can't quit. The Steelers got a huge win with the DK Metcalf trade, but they need a secondary target who can make opposing defenses pay for rolling coverages to his side of the field. Cooper is a complete player who can win with explosiveness and physicality, make huge tough catches in clutch moments, and he does all the little things at a high level even when the ball isn't coming his way.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Vega Ioane | OL | Penn State

Justin Herbert's life should be easier next season with both of his tackles back healthy, but the Chargers still need to bolster the offensive line with more interior help. Easily the best guard prospect in this year's class, Ioane is one of the most polished and pro-ready prospects in the entire draft, and would ensure that Herbert stays protected while also bolstering the running game.

23. Philadelphia Eagles

Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon

If they aren't able to re-sign Dallas Goedert, the Eagles could be in the market for another mismatch weapon at the tight end spot. Sadiq is by far the top prospect in this year's class, with an impressive combination of athleticism and physicality that makes him a tough draw for any back-seven defender. His strong, reliable hands and after-the-catch explosiveness would give Jalen Hurts another valuable weapon.

24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

Denzel Boston | WR | Washington

This would be a fantastic scenario for the Browns, who land one of this year's top tackles earlier in the round, and still find themselves in position to grab a new WR1 to upgrade over Jerry Jeudy. Boston's big frame and large catch radius make him a dangerous red-zone threat, and he's got surprising after-the-catch ability for a bigger receiver. This first-round pair would be a huge win for Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland offense.

25. Chicago Bears

Peter Woods | DL | Clemson

The Bears' offense is in good hands with Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson, but the defense needs a ton of help all over the place, especially if they're not able to keep some key free agents. One of the most glaring needs is for a disruptive interior presence up front, and Woods would be the ideal fit. His production dipped in 2025 thanks to playing out of position at nose tackle much of the time, but he's a rare athlete for his size, and could be a dominant 3-technique.

26. Buffalo Bills

Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon

Cole Bishop had a breakout season last year, but the Bills still need another reliable, playmaking safety to replace veteran Jordan Poyer. Thieneman is a versatile defender who can handle single-high responsibilities, come down and mix it up in the box, or even line up in the slot. If they can't land a true No. 1 receiver to help Josh Allen here, Thieneman would be a solid consolation prize.

27. San Francisco 49ers

Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah

Even if the 49ers are able to bring back Trent Williams on a reworked contract for the 2026 season, they'll still need a succession plan at left tackle. Lomu has proven starting experience and an solid blend of size and athleticism that gives him a ton of upside. Learning for a year behind the future Hall of Famer would be ideal, but he could start right away if needed.

28. Houston Texans

Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama

If the Texans want to go deeper in the playoffs than they have the last few years, they'll need to invest in their offensive line to keep C.J. Stroud playing at his best. Proctor still needs a ton of polish from a technical standpoint, but he's got rare physical gifts for his size, giving him unlimited potential. With some patience and the right coaching, he could eventually develop into a dominant blocker with All-Pro capabilities.

29. Los Angeles Rams

Blake Miller | OT | Clemson

Rob Havenstein's retirement leaves the Rams with an immediate need at right tackle, and this year's loaded class at the position should give them some solid options in this range. Miller would be the perfect candidate, thanks to his polish and experience as a four-year starter for the Tigers. He's ready to be a Day 1 starter for a Super Bowl contender, ensuring Matthew Stafford is able to stay healthy for another potential MVP run.

30. Denver Broncos

KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M

There are some pressing needs on both sides of the ball, but Denver's top priority has to be surrounding Bo Nix with as much help as possible. In this scenario, the value points them to the wide receiver spot, where they land another explosive downfield target in Concepcion, who makes up for his lack of ideal size with sharp routes, reliable hands, and the physicality to break tackles and create big gains after the catch.

31. New England Patriots

T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson

The Pats overachieved in Mike Vrabel's first season head coaching his old team, but they have a ton of needs heading into next year, the most pressing on defense. They need an impact edge rusher who can make big plays on all three downs, and Parker has the well-rounded skill set to do just that. He can defend the run at a high level, and wins as a pass rusher with both speed and power.

32. Seattle Seahawks

Lee Hunter | DL | Texas Tech

It seems unfair to give this defense any more help after what they did to most of their opponents last season, but that's exactly what happens in this scenario. Hunter is a dominant force along the interior who can power through double-team blocks and shut down the ground game, and he can push the pocket as a pass rusher. Lining him up next to Byron Murphy II would be a nightmare for opposing offenses.

SECOND ROUND

33. New York Jets

Caleb Banks | DL | Florida

34. Arizona Cardinals

Max Iheanachor | OT | Arizona State

35. Tennessee Titans

Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame

36. Las Vegas Raiders

Gennings Dunker | OT | Iowa

37. New York Giants

Aveion Terrell | CB | Clemson

38. Houston Texans (from LV)

Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon

39. Cleveland Browns

Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina

40. Kansas City Chiefs

Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame

41. Cincinnati Bengals

Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State

42. New Orleans Saints

Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas

43. Miami Dolphins

Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia

44. New York Jets (from DAL)

Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State

45. Baltimore Ravens

Chris Bell | WR | Louisville

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M

47. Indianapolis Colts

D'Angelo Ponds | CB | Indiana

48. Atlanta Falcons

Zion Young | Edge | Missouri

49. Minnesota Vikings

Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State

50. Detroit Lions

R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma

51. Carolina Panthers

Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech

52. Green Bay Packers

Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas

53. Pittsburgh Steelers

Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama

54. Philadelphia Eagles

Caleb Tiernan | OT | Northwestern

55. Los Angeles Chargers

Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M

56. Jacksonville Jaguars

A.J. Haulcy | S | LSU

57. Chicago Bears

LT Overton | Edge | Alabama

58. San Francisco 49ers

Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC

59. Houston Texans

Connor Lew | OL | Auburn

60. Buffalo Bills

Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee

61. Los Angeles Rams

Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama

62. Denver Broncos

Eli Stowers | TE | Vanderbilt

63. New England Patriots

Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati

64. Seattle Seahawks

Devin Moore | CB | Florida

THIRD ROUND

65. Arizona Cardinals

Deion Burks | WR | Oklahoma

66. Tennessee Titans

Keionte Scott | DB | Miami (FL)

67. Las Vegas Raiders

Christen Miller | DL | Georgia

68. Philadelphia Eagles (from NYJ)

Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech

69. Houston Texans (From NYG)

Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State

70. Cleveland Browns

Keylan Rutledge | OL | Georgia Tech

71. Washington Commanders

Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee

72. Cincinnati Bengals

Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State

73. New Orleans Saints

Malachi Lawrence | Edge | UCF

74. Kansas City Chiefs

Darrell Jackson Jr. | DL | Florida State

75. Miami Dolphins

Oscar Delp | TE | Georgia

76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from DAL)

Malik Muhammad | CB | Texas

77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor

78. Indianapolis Colts

Derrick Moore | Edge | Michigan

79. Atlanta Falcons

Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State

80. Baltimore Ravens

Josiah Trotter | LB | Missouri

81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)

Jake Slaughter | OL | Florida

82. Minnesota Vikings

Dontay Corleone | DL | Cincinnati

83. Carolina Panthers

Austin Barber | OT | Florida

84. Green Bay Packers

Brian Allen II | OL | Duke

85. Pittsburgh Steelers

Zakee Wheatley | S | Penn State

86. Los Angeles Chargers

Chandler Rivers | CB | Duke

87. Miami Dolphins (from PHI)

Gabe Jacas | Edge | Illinois

88. Jacksonville Jaguars

Will Lee III | CB | Texas A&M

89. Chicago Bears

Kamari Ramsey | S | USC

90. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)

Zane Durant | DL | Penn State

91. Buffalo Bills

Anthony Lucas | Edge | USC

92. San Francisco 49ers

Kyle Louis | LB | Pitt

93. Los Angeles Rams

Deontae Lawson | LB | Alabama

94. Denver Broncos

Isaiah World | OT | Oregon

95. New England Patriots

Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana

96. Seattle Seahawks

Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington

*97. Minnesota Vikings

Mike Washington Jr. | RB | Arkansas

*98. Philadelphia Eagles

Antonio Williams | WR | Clemson

*99. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kendrick Law | WR | Kentucky

*100. Jacksonville Jaguars

Tim Keenan III | DL | Alabama

*projected compensatory selection