2026 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Free Agency 4-Round Projection with Trades

We're just days away from the start of NFL free agency, and the first round of marquee signings is sure to have a massive impact on how teams approach the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

We may not know where this year's top names will be landing on the open market, but we do have a solid idea of which ones won't be returning to their previous teams, leaving behind significant voids that will have to be addressed with a high draft pick if a veteran replacement isn't signed.

We've also seen one big trade already alter the first-round landscape of the 2026 draft, and the deal between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams for cornerback Trent McDuffie won't be the only one when the league year officially kicks off next week. Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby could be on the move, and he could be joined by other household names looking for new surroundings in 2026.

2026 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS

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

As we prepare for next week's free-agent frenzy, here's an updated look at how the first four rounds of this year's draft could turn out, including projected compensatory selections and a handful of early trades that could shake up the early going:

*=projected trade

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana

This feels like the only sure thing in this draft at this point. The Raiders obviously need a franchise passer, and Mendoza's stellar 2025 campaign showed a tough, accurate passer with the physical and mental traits to be a successful starter at the next level. The rest of the roster still needs a ton of work if the Raiders want to build a winner around him, but Mendoza should give them what they need at the most important position.

2. New York Jets

Arvell Reese | Edge | Ohio State

Without a worthy quarterback to take here, the Jets are forced into pure "best player available" mode for a roster that needs help just about everywhere. After trading away Jermaine Johnson II, one of their most glaring needs is for a high-end edge rusher, and Reese brings elite physical traits and valuable versatility to the table. At just 20 years old, he's got as much upside as any player in this class.

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 if the Cards want their next quarterback to have more success than Kyler Murray, they'll need to make sure he's well-protected. They need a long-term replacement for veteran Jonah Williams at right tackle, and Mauigoa was nothing but dominant at that spot for the Canes.

4. Tennessee Titans

Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame

Finding as much help for Cam Ward as possible has to be the Titans' top priority this offseason, and it's hard to imagine a better gift for your franchise quarterback than a three-down weapon like Love. Arguably the best player in the entire draft, Love's ability to score on every touch would give an immediate boost to an offense that already has a high ceiling with Ward at the helm.

5. New York Giants

Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State

The Giants have needs on offense, and I won't be surprised if they go that route to help build a foundation around Jaxson Dart. But if they truly want the best match of need and value, that would be Styles, who brings rare size and athleticism to the second level of the defense. For all the talk of the league devaluing off-ball linebackers, it's incredibly hard to find elite playmakers at the position, and Styles has the traits to be that guy.

6. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE)*

David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech

Cowboys get: No. 6 overall , No. 39 overall

Browns get: No. 12 overall, No. 20 overall, No. 112 overall

After trading for Tytus Howard, the Browns filled their immediate need at right tackle, and they could be more interested in trading back than taking the top receiver off the board here. Instead, they move back and add a third first-round pick, moving up from their second-rounder and netting another fourth-round pick to aid their rebuild.

For the Cowboys, they jump at the chance to add an explosive edge rusher in Bailey, who could easily go as high as No. 2 overall. Their pass rush too a predictably massive hit when they traded away Micah Parsons, and Bailey has the elite speed to potentially have that kind of impact.

7. Miami Dolphins (from WAS)*

Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State

Dolphins get: No. 7 overall

Commanders get: No. 11 overall, No. 87 overall, No. 111 overall

Washington only has two of the top 145 picks in this draft, so I wouldn't be surprised if they tried hard to move out of this spot and add some much-needed draft capital in the middle rounds. They've got too many needs to come out of the top half of this draft with just two players, and this scenario would be ideal to allow them to balance both quality and quantity.

Miami, on the other hand, has six picks in the first four rounds, and could jump at the chance to deal from that surplus in order to land one of the elite talents in this draft. Downs could make a strong case as the best overall player in the entire class, and his playmaking ability against both the run and pass makes him the rare safety prospect worth making this move.

8. Baltimore Ravens (from NO)*

Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)

Ravens get: No. 8 overall, No. 73 overall

Saints get: No. 14 overall, No. 45 overall, No. 115 overall

A third straight trade, as the Ravens make a bold move to get the exact playmaker they need to get their defense back on track. For all the talk about Bain's lack of ideal arm length, the tape simply says he was one of the most dominant defenders in all of college football last season. He wins with speed and power as a pass rusher, and he puts his toughness, physicality and effort to good use against the run.

The Saints need just about everything, and if they want to build the kind of roster that can be successful with Tyler Shough as their long-term starter at quarterback, they're going to need as many early picks as possible.

9. Kansas City Chiefs

Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State

Patrick Mahomes needs more weapons, and in this scenario, the Chiefs have multiple options to choose from who would make a massive impact right away. This passing game has some effective role players, but nobody with the complete skill set Tate brings to the table. He could be the immediate WR1 for Mahomes, and would be in line for a massive target share as a rookie, especially if Travis Kelce decides to retire.

10. Carolina Panthers (from CIN)*

Spencer Fano | OT | Utah

Panthers get: No. 10 overall

Bengals get: No. 19 overall, No. 51 overall, No. 156 overall

The top tackles in this class are going to start coming off the board fast at some point in the first round, and any team that wants to get their guy will have to be aggressive. Fano could easily be a top-five pick, but if he's still on the board here due to teams having needs on the left side instead of the right, a team like the Panthers could pounce. Carolina needs a long-term replacement for longtime veteran Taylor Moton on the right side, and Fano's upside is worth the move up the board.

The Bengals have a CVS receipt worth of needs on defense, and if the picks in front of them fall this way, a trade-down to add additional picks would allow them to upgrade multiple starting spots and bolster their depth at multiple spots.

11. Washington Commanders (from MIA)*

Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU

After moving back and adding additional picks they desperately need, the Commanders are still able to add a blue-chip playmaker for their defense. The Marshon Lattimore trade was a huge bust for Washington, and they still need a true shutdown corner to anchor their pass defense. Delane had that kind of presence for the Bayou Bengals last season, and would be a solid value pick here.

12. Cleveland Browns (from DAL)*

Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia

This would be the ideal scenario for the Browns, who move back a handful of spots and get better value at their biggest position of need, all while adding additional picks. Freeling's impressive 2025 campaign launched him into the first-round conversation, and true left tackles with his combination of athleticism, toughness and upside don't stay on the board long. He'll need some technical refinement at the next level, but the potential is through the roof.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)

Makai Lemon | WR | USC

This is a scary fit for the rest of the league. With Davante Adams aging and dealing with nagging injuries, the Rams should target a high-end WR2 to pair with Puka Nacua, and Lemon would be the perfect candidate. He's an undersized but explosive weapon who can stretch the field over the top and after the catch, and he's more effective than you'd expect in contested-catch situations.

14. New Orleans Saints (from BAL)*

Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee

There's some boom-or-bust to this pick, as McCoy missed the entire 2025 season with a knee injury. That said, his 2024 tape was elite, showing a true shutdown corner who erased his side of the field against SEC competition. He's got impressive athleticism, instincts and ball skills, and especially after moving back and adding additional picks, this is an ideal scenario for a team that needs to add as much high-end talent as possible.

15. San Francisco 49ers (from TB)*

Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah

49ers get: No. 15 overall

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

Remember what I said about the offensive tackles? Yeah, the 49ers get the memo here, moving ahead of multiple teams that could also be targeting one of the few true left tackles in this class who could start right away if needed. They have plenty of needs elsewhere, so giving up extra picks would sting a little, but finding a worthy replacement for Trent Williams is simply too important.

It's a steep drop for the Bucs, but there's not a huge difference between the value on the board here at their biggest positions of need (linebacker, edge defender) and what should be on the board at the end of the first round.

16. New York Jets (from IND)

Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State

Whoever ends up throwing the passes for the Jets in 2026 and beyond, that quarterback will need more weapons if the offense wants to have sustained success. Tyson's well-rounded skill set and route-running polish should allow him to make a big impact right away, and lining him up across from Garrett Wilson will ensure he gets plenty of 1-on-1 opportunities.

17. Detroit Lions

Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama

Taylor Decker has been a mainstay for the Lions at left tackle since they picked him at No. 16 overall 10 years ago, but it's time to pass the torch to a younger, healthier successor. Proctor still needs a ton of refinement, but his physical traits are off the charts. It'll take some patience, but Proctor has All-Pro potential once he polishes his technique and learns to maximize his rare talent.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon

Speaking of stalwart veterans likely headed for retirement, Harrison Smith appears ready to hang up his cleats, and his departure would leave the Vikings with a massive void on the back end of their defense. Following a future Hall of Famer is a tall task, but Thieneman has the athleticism, instincts and versatility to be an elite playmaker in his own right.

19. Cincinnati Bengals (from CAR)*

Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn

Seeing Thieneman come off the board just ahead of them might sting, but the depth of the safety class should give them strong value on Day 2. They have plenty of needs elsewhere on defense, and finding another top-shelf edge defender to replace Trey Hendrickson and pair with Shemar Stewart should top the list. Cincy has always preferred massive edge rushers with athleticism and versatility, making Faulk an obvious fit.

20. Cleveland Browns (from DAL)*

Denzel Boston | WR | Washington

After trading out of the top 10 and still landing a new starter at left tackle, the Browns fill another big need on offense with an upgrade over Jerry Jeudy as the WR1. Boston's size, length and physicality makes him an automatic target in the red zone, with the ability to consistently win contested-catch situations. He's got surprising after-the-catch ability for a bigger-receiver, too.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana

This has been one of my favorite first-round fits for a while now. Trading for DK Metcalf was obviously a huge win for the Steelers last year, but the rest of their receiver room leaves much to be desired. Finding a high-end WR2 should be a top priority this offseason, and Cooper's skill set would fit the role perfectly. He's a complete receiver who can line up anywhere and win in multiple ways, and his toughness and clutch factor gives him a valuable edge.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Vega Ioane | OL | Penn State

This pick just has to happen for the Chargers, who desperately need to improve the protection around Justin Herbert, especially with Zion Johnson heading for free agency. Ioane is easily the top guard prospect in this year's draft, and he's got the complete skill set and polish to make an instant impact for a team that will have hopes of a deeper playoff run next season.

23. Philadelphia Eagles

Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon

I don't think Eagles GM Howie Roseman would normally consider using a first-round pick on a tight end, but Sadiq could easily be a top-10 pick based on the athleticism and potential he brings to the table. With Dallas Goedert set to hit free agency, Sadiq would give Philly yet another dynamic offensive weapon with the ability to create matchup problems for opposing defenses, and it would be hard to argue with the value here.

24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson

Now that both of their biggest needs on offense are filled in this scenario, the Browns could use their third first-round pick to finally bring in some reinforcements for the defense. Denzel Ward has lived up to his top-five draft slot despite lacking elite size for the position, but he's about to turn 29, and it might be time for Cleveland to invest in his eventual successor. Terrell would be the perfect fit, with his similar size, technical prowess, and playmaking ability.

25. Chicago Bears

Peter Woods | DL | Clemson

The Bears have one of the NFL's most explosive and promising offenses under Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams, but the defense needs a ton of work this offseason. They need to start in the trenches, where they lack a true difference-maker along the interior. Woods' tape and production was inconsistent last year as he played out of position for much of the season, but used properly, his rare athleticism and explosiveness for his size could make him a dominant force in Chicago.

26. Buffalo Bills

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo

They still need a true No. 1 receiver to help Josh Allen, but if the board falls this way, the Bills will have better value at other positions of need. Their best bet would be to land one of this year's top safety prospects in McNeil-Warren, who brings an impressive blend of size, athleticism and playmaking instincts to the table. Cole Bishop's breakout 2025 campaign was encouraging, but pairing him with a high-upside rookie like McNeil-Warren would be a huge win.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SF)*

CJ Allen | LB | Georgia

This is the ideal scenario for the Bucs, who drop down 12 spots and get better value while addressing one of their biggest needs and adding additional picks. Finding an immediate upgrade next to Lavonte David is imperative, and it needs to be someone who can take over for the future Hall of Famer whenever he decides to call it a career. Allen was the "green dot" presence for the Bulldogs, with a three-down skill set that will allow him to make a big splash right away.

28. Houston Texans

Max Iheanachor | OT | Arizona State

If the Texans want C.J. Stroud to return to his rookie-year form, they need to make big investments in the offensive line. Aireontae Ersery showed promise as a rookie at left tackle, but the Texans now need a new starter on the right side after trading away Tytus Howard. An impressive athlete who didn't play football until he got to college, Iheanachor has limitless potential once he refines his technique and finds more consistency.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR)

Caleb Banks | DL | Florida

Trading away Trent McDuffie will hurt the Chiefs' defense in the short-term, but it also netted them four draft picks, including this additional first-rounder. They could use it on a replacement for McDuffie at corner, but with Chris Jones about to turn 32 years old, they might prefer to invest it in another huge, athletic defensive lineman with a high ceiling thanks to his rare physical traits.

30. Denver Broncos

KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M

Denver has one of the league's best defenses, so their focus this offseason should be giving Bo Nix as much help as possible on the other side of the ball. The passing game needs more playmakers, and despite his lack of elite size, Concepcion brings a ton of explosiveness and big-play ability to the table. He can take the top off the defense and create huge gains after the catch, and he puts his toughness and physicality to good use on 50/50 balls.

31. New England Patriots

Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (FL)

Drake Maye's MVP-worthy play in 2025 masked a ton of issues for Mike Vrabel's defense, but they need to address that side of the ball in a big way this offseason. The Pats need a high-impact edge rusher who can get to the quarterback early and often, and few defenders in college football did that more effectively last season than Mesidor. He's an older prospect at 25 years old, but he'd make an instant impact for a title contender.

32. New York Jets (from SEA)*

Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama

Jets get: No. 32 overall

Seahawks get: No. 33 overall, No. 206 overall

Seahawks GM John Schneider rarely misses an opportunity to trade down, and this would be an easy flip for the defending champs, moving down one spot and picking up a late-round pick just to let someone else have a player they wouldn't have taken here anyway.

This isn't the year to reach for a quarterback in the first round, but Simpson is widely regarded as the No. 2 prospect in the class behind Mendoza. There are plenty of drawbacks (lack of starting experience, inconsistent play down the stretch, lack of elite physical tools), but teams desperate for even competent quarterback play are always willing to overpay. Simpson could eventually develop into a solid starter with the right supporting cast, and if he hits, getting that fifth-year option on his rookie deal will end up being well worth giving up that extra pick.

SECOND ROUND

33. Seattle Seahawks (from NYJ)*

Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee

34. Arizona Cardinals

Lee Hunter | DL | Texas Tech

35. Tennessee Titans

T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson

36. Las Vegas Raiders

Gennings Dunker | OT | Iowa

37. New York Giants

Blake Miller | OT | Clemson

38. Houston Texans (from LV)

Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon

39. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE)*

Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas

40. Kansas City Chiefs

Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina

41. Cincinnati Bengals

Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State

42. New Orleans Saints

Zion Young | Edge | Missouri

43. Miami Dolphins

Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State

44. New York Jets (from DAL)

Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M

45. New Orleans Saints (from BAL)*

Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M

47. Indianapolis Colts

D'Angelo Ponds | CB | Indiana

48. Atlanta Falcons

Chris Bell | WR | Louisville

49. Minnesota Vikings

Mike Washington Jr. | RB | Arkansas

50. Detroit Lions

R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma

51. Cincinnati Bengals (from CAR)*

A.J. Haulcy | S | LSU

52. Green Bay Packers

Christen Miller | DL | Georgia

53. Pittsburgh Steelers

Darrell Jackson Jr. | DL | Florida State

54. Philadelphia Eagles

Caleb Tiernan | OT | Northwestern

55. Los Angeles Chargers

Malachi Lawrence | Edge | UCF

56. Jacksonville Jaguars

Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State

57. Chicago Bears

LT Overton | Edge | Alabama

58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SF)*

Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech

59. Houston Texans

Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State

60. Buffalo Bills

Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame

61. Los Angeles Rams

Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati

62. Denver Broncos

Eli Stowers | TE | Vanderbilt

63. New England Patriots

Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama

64. Seattle Seahawks

Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee

THIRD ROUND

65. Arizona Cardinals

Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas

66. Tennessee Titans

Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC

67. Las Vegas Raiders

Connor Lew | OL | Auburn

68. Philadelphia Eagles (from NYJ)

Keionte Scott | DB | Miami (FL)

69. Houston Texans (From NYG)

Josiah Trotter | LB | Missouri

70. Cleveland Browns

Keylan Rutledge | OL | Georgia Tech

71. Washington Commanders

Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State

72. Cincinnati Bengals

Kamari Ramsey | S | USC

73. Baltimore Ravens (from NO)*

Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee

74. Kansas City Chiefs

Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame

75. Miami Dolphins

Garrett Nussmeier | QB | LSU

76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from DAL)

Drew Allar | QB | Penn State

77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech

78. Indianapolis Colts

Derrick Moore | Edge | Michigan

79. Atlanta Falcons

Devin Moore | CB | Florida

80. Baltimore Ravens

Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State

81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)

Jake Slaughter | OL | Florida

82. Minnesota Vikings

Malik Muhammad | CB | Texas

83. Carolina Panthers

Gabe Jacas | Edge | Illinois

84. Green Bay Packers

Brian Parker II | OL | Duke

85. Pittsburgh Steelers

Treydan Stukes | CB | Arizona

86. Los Angeles Chargers

Will Lee III | CB | Texas A&M

87. Washington Commanders (from PHI via WAS)*

Deion Burks | WR | Oklahoma

88. Jacksonville Jaguars

Zakee Wheatley | S | Penn State

89. Chicago Bears

Bud Clark | S | TCU

90. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)

Austin Barber | OT | Florida

91. Buffalo Bills

Anthony Lucas | Edge | USC

92. San Francisco 49ers

Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana

93. Los Angeles Rams

Chandler Rivers | CB | Duke

94. Denver Broncos

Isaiah World | OT | Oregon

95. New England Patriots

Deontae Lawson | LB | Alabama

96. Seattle Seahawks

Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington

*97. Minnesota Vikings

Dontay Corleone | DL | Cincinnati

*98. Philadelphia Eagles

Kyle Louis | LB | Pitt

*99. Pittsburgh Steelers

Antonio Williams | WR | Clemson

*100. Jacksonville Jaguars

Nicholas Singleton | RB | Penn State

FOURTH ROUND

101. Tennessee Titans

Daylen Everette | CB | Georgia

102. Las Vegas Raiders

Keyshaun Elliott | LB | Arizona State

103. New York Jets

Tacario Davis | CB | Arizona

104. Arizona Cardinals

Kendrick Law | WR | Kentucky

105. New York Giants

Skyler Bell | WR | UConn

106. Houston Texans (from WAS)

Parker Brailsford | OL | Alabama

107. Cleveland Browns

Taurean York | LB | Texas A&M

108. Denver Broncos (from NO)

Aiden Fisher | LB | Indiana

109. Kansas City Chiefs

Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor

110. Cincinnati Bengals

Gracen Halton | DL | Oklahoma

111. Washington Commanders (from MIA)*

Kaytron Allen | RB | Penn State

112. Cleveland Browns (from DAL)*

Logan Jones | OL | Iowa

113. Indianapolis Colts

Dametrious Crownover | OT | Texas A&M

114. Atlanta Falcons

Keyron Crawford | Edge | Auburn

115. New Orleans Saints (from BAL)*

Harold Perkins | LB | LSU

116. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

DeMonte Capehart | DL | Clemson

117. Las Vegas Raiders (from MIN)

Zane Durant | DL | Penn State

118. Detroit Lions

Jaishawn Barham | LB | Michigan

119. Carolina Panthers

Genesis Smith | S | Arizona

120. Green Bay Packers

Domani Jackson | CB | Alabama

121. Pittsburgh Steelers

Joe Royer | TE | Cincinnati

122. Philadelphia Eagles

Ted Hurst | WR | Georgia State

123. Los Angeles Chargers

Bryce Lance | WR | North Dakota State

124. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kaleb Proctor | DL | Southeastern Louisiana

125. New England Patriots (from CHI)

Caden Curry | Edge | Ohio State

126. Buffalo Bills

Tim Keenan III | DL | Alabama

127. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SF)*

Oscar Delp | TE | Georgia

128. Detroit Lions (from HOU)

Billy Schrauth | OL | Notre Dame

129. Chicago Bears (from LAR)

Sam Hecht | OL | Kansas State

130. Denver Broncos

Chris McClellan | DL | Missouri

131. New England Patriots

Max Klare | TE | Ohio State

132. New Orleans Saints (from SEA)

Emmett Johnson | RB | Nebraska

*133. San Francisco 49ers

Nadame Tucker | Edge | Western Kentucky

*134. Las Vegas Raiders

Hezekiah Masses | CB | Cal

*135. Pittsburgh Steelers

Jalon Kilgore | S | South Carolina

*136. New Orleans Saints

Bryce Boettcher | LB | Oregon

*137. Philadelphia Eagles

Beau Stephens | OL | Iowa

*138. San Francisco 49ers

Kaleb Elarms-Orr | LB | TCU

*=projected compensatory pick