The Super Bowl is finally in the rearview, and the 2026 NFL offseason has officially arrived for all 32 teams. It's time for the madness to begin.
The NFL Scouting Combine is already here, and NFL Free Agency will be close on its heels. We could have blockbuster trades breaking through the wire at any moment, even if no deals can officially happen until March 13. Along with the madness of the offseason comes all-new scenarios for our 2026 NFL Mock Draft predictions.
And this mock draft is going to get spicy. We've got some big-name veterans on the move, along with some projected trade values. While some teams are looking to reset and build from the ground up, other teams are looking to capitalize on their championship windows, and that could make for some blockbuster trades. We'll take a look at a handful of those potential moves in this full 3-round NFL mock draft.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: 3-round predictions with blockbuster trades galore
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Now that Klint Kubiak is in place as the Las Vegas Raiders’ next head coach, the Raiders appear to have their new brain trust offensively going forward. Of course, Fernando Mendoza might not have his playbook from Kubiak just yet, but this pick seems etched in stone. And while this may be similar to having a “FREE” space in the middle of your BINGO card as far as NFL mock draft picks go, the idea of Mendoza coming to Las Vegas, along with Kubia,k should give this franchise the type of jolt it hasn’t had in a long while.
Mendoza is not the most overwhelming quarterback prospect we’ve seen physically or athletically, but he’s a good leader, he’s tough, and he plays smart. He’s not going to have it easy with the Raiders, but it feels like he’s stepping into a solid overall situation, at least here at the beginning of it all.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Just like the Fernando Mendoza selection, it feels like this pick is almost a foregone conclusion at this point. This is not the strongest overall class of players at the top, but Arvell Reese has a chance to be a special weapon for a defense. And the Jets need all the help they can get at this point.
The disappointment of not having a legitimate QB2 in this class has sort of overshadowed the fact that the Jets would be getting a truly dynamic presence on the defensive side of the ball in Arvell Reese, who can play off the ball as well as line up on the edge and rush the passer. He’s a weapon for Aaron Glenn and an immediate difference maker.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
One of the things we’re going to try to do in this NFL Mock Draft is make predictions we haven’t really made before and haven’t really seen a lot of other folks make. One pick I haven’t seen projected all that much is Jeremiyah Love to the Arizona Cardinals, but the more I thought about it, the more it makes sense.
The Cardinals just hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, and LaFleur is inheriting a situation where his quarterback already has one foot out the door. If the Cardinals pivot to a bridge quarterback, they’re going to need a strong running game to keep defenses honest, and Jeremiyah Love is the best player on the board here. He is the top playmaker in this draft, and with James Conner coming off an injury, it makes even more sense.
4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Tennessee Titans need pass rush help in the worst way. For most of our mock draft scenarios, we’ve had them going after Miami EDGE Rueben Bain. And while that remains a possibility, there has been some talk lately about the fact that Bain, positionally, might be somewhere in the ‘tweener’ category. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but do the Titans want to take someone who has less than ideal measurables in terms of arm length or whatever it may be in this slot?
I don’t think there is a perfect edge rusher for this particular pick slot, and as a result, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Titans go after one of the Ohio State guys (Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs) because they’re simply the best player on the board. But David Bailey might be the best pure edge rusher in the class, so he would also make a lot of sense.
5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
I don’t know why it didn’t really click until just now, but the fact that John Harbaugh is the New York Giants’ head coach makes this selection a complete no-brainer if Caleb Downs is available. Harbaugh has had Kyle Hamilton for the last handful of years in Baltimore, and we’ve seen just how important Hamilton was to that entire operation, reflected in the way the Ravens paid him as well.
Caleb Downs may not be a one-for-one copy of Kyle Hamilton, but we know how important this position is for Harbaugh regardless of what the “norm” is around the NFL as far as the positional value at this point in the draft. Not only would Downs potentially be valued more highly by the Giants than other teams, but he’s probably also just flat-out the best player on the board here. He might be the best player on the board, regardless of position, after Jeremiyah Love.
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The offensive line is going to be a consistent theme for the Cleveland Browns in this mock draft and for the duration of the 2026 offseason. The Browns, as we’ve been discussing for months, have a wide variety of offensive linemen set to hit NFL free agency, including their entire starting five.
It’s possible that we’ll see them retain some of those players, but it’s also possible that we’ll see them just go heavy on the offensive line in this year’s draft. And honestly, this would not be a bad year to do just that.
Spencer Fano would be a really nice pick for the Browns here with his combination of size, athleticism, and power at the right tackle spot. He’d be able to slot into the starting lineup right away and help new head coach Todd Monken establish an identity as a run-first team.
7. Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami
The Washington Commanders have needed help off the edge for quite some time. While Dan Quinn’s defense has been able to compensate in terms of sack numbers, the lack of a truly consistent presence off the edge is something this team needs to fix immediately in the 2026 offseason.
And if they are so fortunate as to have Rueben Bain or David Bailey on the board here with the 7th overall pick, I don’t think they’d hesitate to turn in the card as fast as they possibly can. Getting coached up at Miami by Hall of Famer Jason Taylor is a huge help for Bain, who is already going to come to the NFL with an arsenal of pass rush moves from a variety of different alignments. His frame is not exactly the prototype for an NFL edge rusher these days, but he’s going to be an impactful player right away.
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
There are no guarantees when it comes to the NFL Draft, but the New Orleans Saints taking a playmaker in this slot feels like somewhat of a safe bet at this point. And the idea of the Saints getting Carnell Tate might be a dream come true for that fan base, and more importantly for Tyler Shough.
The development of Shough over the course of the 2025 season took a giant monkey off of GM Mickey Loomis’s back, especially considering the surprise nature of Derek Carr’s retirement last offseason. The Saints took a shot on Shough in the 2nd round of the draft, and it ended up – at the very least – giving the team some runway and clarity for 2026.
We’ll see how Shough follows up his rookie year performance, but the Saints have every reason to set the table as though they have a franchise QB in place, no matter what. If they can get a long-term deal done with Chris Olave and add Tate to the mix, they’d have a tremendous young duo for the QB to spread the ball around to.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
We promised some big-time trades in this mock draft scenario, and just trust that they are coming. The Kansas City Chiefs will be involved, and this pick is a direct response to the trade they make. More on that later.
For the time being, the Chiefs already have enough players set to hit free agency in the secondary that it wouldn’t be shocking at all to see them go after a cornerback prospect in this slot. And Mansoor Delane could be the ideal fit for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense with his man coverage skills in combination with Spagnuolo’s affinity for blitzing.
The Chiefs’ defense has been the biggest reason for their team’s success, as the offense has sputtered a bit in recent years. They haven’t drafted overly well and need some picks to make an immediate impact. Delane could step right into the starting lineup as a CB1.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Cincinnati Bengals fans, you can rejoice. This mock draft does not include a Caleb Downs selection for the Bengals. And maybe that isn’t cause for rejoicing, because Downs is a special prospect. And Bengals fans would probably sprint to buy his jersey, being an Ohio State guy.
With that said, the idea of the Bengals just being backed into a corner with this pick of taking the top defensive player on the board might not be a foregone conclusion. The Bengals also have needs on the offensive line, and they have to figure out a way to keep Joe Burrow upright.
The future of the franchise depends on it. Getting an offensive lineman with this selection would be a great investment because the Bengals certainly don’t have that unit figured out at this point. And Francis Mauigoa could slot in as the starter at either right tackle or right guard, whichever the Bengals feel is the more obvious need.
11. Miami Dolphins: Vega Ioane, OL, Penn State
The Miami Dolphins are ripping this thing down to the studs, and they’re probably right to do so. They’ve already moved on from a couple of big contracts and older veterans by cutting Bradley Chubb and Tyreek Hill. Up next, you would have to assume they’re going to be moving on very soon from Tua Tagovailoa, so it will be fascinating to see what the pivot is at the quarterback position.
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley know that this is a long-term project, very clearly. And what should you do when you’re in the midst of such a long-term rebuild? You should go after the trenches.
The Dolphins have a chance in this draft to really upgrade the offensive and defensive lines, as well as take advantage of the depth of this cornerback class. Starting off a huge haul in this draft with arguably the best IOL in the crop is a wise move.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
This would probably be the ideal outcome for the Dallas Cowboys. The closer we get to the NFL Draft, the more I start to think that a player like Sonny Styles – even as an off-ball linebacker – is going to be tremendously valued by teams for a variety of reasons.
He’s an elite athlete with “create-a-player” size at the linebacker position. He’s a converted safety with great cover skills, range, and playmaking ability. He can attack the line of scrimmage, he’s got great football character, and he might be a top-5 overall player in this class.
If the Cowboys are able to capitalize on the devaluing of the receiver position, I don’t think they’d complain about it. And they’re not done making big splashes in this mock draft with a trade coming up in the next handful of picks that I think Cowboys fans will love.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Los Angeles Rams don’t have a pressing need for a wide receiver, but they have maybe one more year with Matthew Stafford, and need to approach the 2026 season as though that will be the case. The Rams are all-in on the current window with Stafford, but they also have some long-term questions at the wide receiver position.
Davante Adams isn’t going to play forever. Puka Nacua is amazing, but you also have to wonder how much you can rely on his availability over the long haul of a season. Getting more receiver help and being able to keep things chugging along in the event of an injury could be an underrated play for Rams GM Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay.
Makai Lemon has been drawing some comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown and those comparisons look justified. He’s tailor-made for an offense like McVay’s and could be a superstar in this situation. He won’t have to move very far, either.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Baltimore Ravens brought in Jesse Minter as their new head coach, and we know what he brings to the table as a defensive coordinator. Minter is exceptional when it comes to scheming up a defense, and he’s found ways to make things work no matter what personnel the Chargers have had in recent years. He’s the tide raising the boats in the harbor.
With that in mind, the Ravens definitely need to address the defensive front in this draft class. If you can raise the level of play in the trenches, you can raise the floor for your entire team. Winning the line of scrimmage is going to be essential for Minter to have success right away with this team, and Keldric Faulk could be an ideal fit.
The presence he brings off the edge, the upside athletically, as well as positional versatility, also make this a no-brainer pickup.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Buccaneers are entering what I would consider to be a make-or-break year with the organization as currently constructed here in 2026. The Bucs brought back Todd Bowles, and they’ve obviously gotten into the habit of running it back under general manager Jason Licht.
Licht has done a great job of building this roster around multiple quarterbacks, but the Bucs’ collapse this past year cannot be ignored and the pressure should be on this season. But I like the decision to run it back with 10 other teams already in the market for new coaches.
The Bucs are almost certainly going to address the linebacker and EDGE positions in free agency so they can get to the draft without any huge needs. I think this pick could be either a corner or someone like Akheem Mesidor, even though he’s a bit on the older side for a rookie pass rusher.
McCoy is a bit of a risk here, but he also might be the best bang for your buck as the top corner in the class when healthy.
16. New York Jets (from Colts): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
I don’t mind the Jets’ wide receiver situation as currently constructed. They’ve obviously got Garrett Wilson (for now) and AD Mitchell came in from the very trade that provided them with this selection in the first place. Ultimately, when you look at it on paper, it doesn’t look as great to send Sauce Gardner away for two receivers and a future pick, but the Jets have to add building blocks.
And when you can get a potential star at a premium position, that’s a good use of NFL Draft real estate. If the Jets could get Jordyn Tyson in this pick slot, maybe they would start having some conversations about trading away Garrett Wilson. Right now, they really have no reason to do that.
Even with Wilson in for the long haul, AD Mitchell as a dart throw, the Jets need to keep setting the table for their QB of the future.
17. Detroit Lions: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
The Detroit Lions need to address the trenches on both sides of the ball with their primary assets this offseason. If they could somehow swing it to get Tyler Linderbaum in free agency and trade this pick for Maxx Crosby, they’d really be cooking with gas.
But the Lions get beaten in the trade sweepstakes for Maxx Crosby in this mock draft scenario. Sorry, Lions fans.
Ultimately, it would definitely feel like a consolation to stick with this selection and whoever is on the board as an option to pair up with Aidan Hutchinson off the edge, especially because Mesidor is not much younger than Hutchinson. But does that really matter? This Lions team is in a win-now window, and they need to find ways to get after the quarterback.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
It’s not impossible that we could see some massive changes coming to the offensive personnel for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. In fact, it would be surprising to see anything but that, given the fact that the Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and didn’t even trust him to get through this year’s NFL Draft.
One of the moves that could make some sense for the Vikings this offseason is to offload veteran tight end TJ Hockenson for draft compensation and cap relief, and if they end up doing that, Kenyon Sadiq would be a hand-in-glove fit with this selection.
Sadiq can block, he’s a playmaker in the passing game, and he’d be a tremendous weapon for Kevin O’Connell to keep some pressure off of Justin Jefferson.
19. Carolina Panthers: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Carolina Panthers have a strong cornerback duo of Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, but the way this board has fallen, I wouldn’t blame them for adding to that room even more. You can never have too many corners in the NFL, and you can never have too many good pass rushers.
I would love to pick Kenyon Sadiq here, but he’s off the board. You’d love to see Akheem Mesidor on the board, even, but it wasn’t meant to be. Avieon Terrell is a nice fit for the Panthers because he can play both inside and outside, he’s got NFL bloodlines, and he’s a physical playmaker in the secondary.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is a defensive backs guy by trade, so the Panthers strengthen a strength with this pick and properly invest high draft capital in premium position groups.
20. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cowboys): Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon
TRADE: Chiefs trade CB Trent McDuffie to Cowboys for 20th overall pick
At long last, we have our first major trade of this mock draft. I know we promised trades, so we’ve got to deliver. And trust me when I say, this is just the tip of the iceberg, but a blockbuster move nonetheless.
There has not been any individual team more committed to upgrading its roster via trade than the Dallas Cowboys in recent years. The Cowboys have to find ways to upgrade the defensive side of the ball, and they might be better of going after an established player with this 20th overall pick than spending it on another rookie.
Trent McDuffie is a star, the Chiefs need salary cap relief, and they simultaneously get a talented player for their secondary who could be an immediate fit and impact player.
With Bryan Cook set to hit free agency this year, just one year after Justin Reid left for the Saints, the Chiefs need to reload all over the secondary. They get Mansoor Delane and Dillon Thieneman to start that process.
The Cowboys get Trent McDuffie, sign him to a big-money deal, and replace what they’ve lost in recent years in the secondary. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker would be a happy man in this scenario.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
When in doubt, put a big man in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ pick slot of a mock draft prediction.
The Pittsburgh Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach this offseason, and that move is probably the perfect fit as they say goodbye to the incredible Mike Tomlin era. The decision to hire McCarthy may have unintended short-term benefits, considering his history with Aaron Rodgers, who could realistically come back for another year. That would allow the Steelers to punt the QB situation down the road a bit, but also could give some clarity in the 1st round of the draft.
The Steelers have Isaac Seumalo set to hit free agency, and while Kadyn Proctor doesn’t provile as the ideal offensive guard, he could slide right into the lineup next to Broderick Jones and give Pittsburgh a couple of mountainous men in front of Rodgers as well as road graders in the run game.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Nobody is quite sure where to project Caleb Banks at this point. Considering how limited he was this past season (just 3 games played), it would be understandable if there were too many question marks for teams to take him in the top 25 picks overall.
Then again, players who check in at 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds with elite movement skills, 11-inch hands, and 35-inch arms don’t come around every day. When you have the chance to get difference-makers like this on the interior defensive line, it’s hard to pass on.
A team like the Chargers could make a ton of sense for Banks because they have a great infrastructure in place, and they need the bodies on the interior defensive line. Banks is so talented and physically gifted that it would almost be malpractice to let him slip by in this instance.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, SAF, Toledo
It wasn’t all that long ago that the Philadelphia Eagles found one of the best players on their roster from the Toledo program in the 1st round of the NFL Draft (CB Quinyon Mitchell). And maybe general manager Howie Roseman will be inclined to go back to that talent pool in 2026 with safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on the board here in this pick slot.
The safety position may not be at the very top of priorities for the Eagles, but McNeil-Warren might be the best player on the board here and is a fantastic playmaker on the back end. Over the past few seasons, he’s racked up five interceptions and nine forced fumbles.
Get Vic Fangio another ballhawk for the secondary and keep that unit moving along. Reed Blankenship is set to hit free agency, and even if the Eagles bring him back, the Seahawks just showed us all the value of having chess pieces all over the defensive backfield.
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
I told you all at the beginning of this mock draft that it was going to be heavy on offensive line for the Cleveland Browns, and I’m going to deliver on that promise. Todd Monken is coming in with a reputation for pounding the ball on the ground, but the Browns simply don’t have the personnel on the offensive line to make that happen consistently.
And maybe a bunch of rookies won’t be the answer, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of getting a couple of players like Spencer Fano and Monroe Freeling. If you can land a pair of bookend offensive tackles on rookie contracts for the foreseeable future, it’s going to be huge for GM Andrew Berry as he picks up the pieces from the debacle that was the Deshaun Watson deal.
The Browns once again need to be building in this draft with the long term in mind. Not that a receiver or another position can’t help here, but you don’t buy windows and doors before the cement is poured for the foundation of the home.
25. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears): Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
TRADE: Raiders trade EDGE Maxx Crosby to Bears for 25th overall pick, 2027 1st-round pick, 2027 3rd-round pick
Here we have yet another blockbuster trade going down, potentially the biggest one of the entire NFL offseason if it happens. Maxx Crosby has made it clear that he wants out of Las Vegas, and if they grant him his wish, it would be shocking if the Chicago Bears weren’t barging down John Spytek’s door to make it happen.
The Bears have every reason right now to give up whatever it takes to get a player like Crosby. They had so much extra capital from the 2023 trade for the #1 overall pick, they have a great roster right now, and if anyone is positioned for a deal like this, it’s them. Adding Crosby would probably make the Bears the preseason favorites in the NFC, even over the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
For the Raiders, this would be a brutal pill to swallow, but they could at least have some clarity for the future. Crosby will be 29 this coming season, so while he has some great years left (and there will be an initial sting from the move), they could justify it.
And as an immediate replacement, the Raiders go after the talented Cashius Howell, whose pass rush traits translate immediately to the NFL level, even if he needs work rounding out his game as a true three-down EDGE player.
26. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Everybody knows the Buffalo Bills have one primary need to address early (and possibly often) this offseason, and it’s the wide receiver position.
The fact that the Bills have an MVP at the quarterback position in Josh Allen getting completely let down by his pass catchers is a huge disappointment. And it’s a major reason why a lot of folks are surprised to see GM Brandon Beane return after the team fired Sean McDermott.
That had more to do with playoff success than the roster situation, but Beane shouldn’t be out of the woods, either. He’s got to get it right this offseason at receiver, and if the Bills could lure in an experienced player on the outside before drafting someone like Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion, it would drastically change the complexion of that offense moving forward.
27. San Francisco 49ers: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Even after using a top pick last year on Mykel Williams, the San Francisco 49ers were at the bottom of the league in the sack department. Considering they had Robert Saleh calling the defense, that is a shocking fact, even with the injury to Nick Bosa a clear factor. This team needs help on the defensive front and getting after the quarterback is essential to success in the postseason.
The 49ers will be in an interesting position here and have already been rumored as a possible Maxx Crosby trade destination. We’ll see what ends up happening, but one of the things we know about Mykel Williams is that he can play multiple spots on the defensive front, so they could get creative with personnel groupings.
The bottom line here is that TJ Parker might be the best bang for your buck as well. His stock is down after a tough year in 2025 at Clemson, but he was considered a lock for the top 10 picks going into the season based on his 2024 tape.
28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Houston Texans, at least from my seat, are one of the easiest teams to predict in the 2026 NFL Draft. If they don’t take a big man for either the offensive or defensive line here in round one, it would be a shocker.
The Texans have a number of veterans set to hit free agency on the defensive line, and their offensive line was a renovation project that only started to take shape last offseason. It just makes sense for them to raise the level of talent on both lines of scrimmage and get some more rookie contract players in at those positions.
Kayden McDonald probably isn’t going to come in and sell a bunch of jerseys for this team, but what can they do to make life easier on Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter off the edge? Get some guys who take up space on the interior and occupy attention from the inside out.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
After taking a stud wide receiver earlier in this mock draft, the Rams’ needs for later in the 1st round became abundantly clear. They have to, at some point, address the cornerback position. We saw them make a variety of moves (and attempt others) to really upgrade the secondary this past season, whether we’re talking about the trades for Emmanuel Forbes and Roger McCreary or the attempted trade for Jalen Ramsey.
General manager Les Snead will make sure he gets the right players for the secondary after a couple of significant breakdowns last season, and Colton Hood will likely be a supplementary type of move as opposed to the only move.
I would expect the Rams to go after a big-name free agent or trade target at corner this offseason, but getting a player like Hood – who dominated in the absence of Jermod McCoy – would be a great pickup this late in the 1st round.
30. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
TRADE: Dolphins trade WR Jaylen Waddle to Broncos for 30th overall pick
We have another big-time trade here, and the Miami Dolphins continue the mass exodus away from South Beach by sending wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos for the 30th overall pick.
The Broncos were a team that called interim GM Champ Kelly last year during the season to see if they could pry Waddle away before the trade deadline, but the asking price was understandably very high. We’ll see if the new regime is as difficult with a player like Waddle, but this would make sense for both parties.
The Broncos desperately need a proven playmaker at the receiver position, and Waddle would be exactly what they need in terms of a receiver who can separate quickly and get open at all three levels of the field while also making plays after the catch.
The Dolphins get a fast-rising prospect in Omar Cooper Jr., who would reset the clock at the receiver position for them and put a young playmaker in place for whoever is playing quarterback.
31. New England Patriots: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Patriots definitely need to look into some help at the wide receiver position this offseason, although they also couldn’t go wrong in this slot with an offensive lineman or pass rusher. But the value of a prospect like Denzel Boston is too good to ignore here.
Boston has arguably the best hands in the draft, a massive catch radius, and he would fit perfectly with a Patriots offense that pushed the ball downfield more than most teams last season.
Drake Maye is coming off of a truly historic year when it comes to his ability to push the ball downfield accurately, but his receivers helped a ton by making those plays when he put the ball on them. And Denzel Boston is another difference maker on the outside that this team could build around.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
After watching the Seattle Seahawks dominate in the Super Bowl the way they did, there’s absolutely no question about what they need to do with this pick: Strengthen the strength.
The defense got the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, and the defense paved the way for them to absolutely embarrass the Patriots for nearly the entire four quarters of the game. With so many members of the secondary set to hit free agency this offseason, it would make a lot of sense for Seattle to go after more help at cornerback here.
Tariq Woolen seems likely to leave in free agency, so Seattle should be looking at outside corners. Chris Johnson has the type of versatility to play inside and outside that Mike Macdonald will absolutely love, but maybe even above scheme versatility, he’s a playmaker with a physical mentality when he takes the field. This is a great prospect-team fit.
2026 NFL mock draft: Full 2nd-round predictions with big trades
TRADE: Miami Dolphins trade RB De’Von Achane to Houston Texans for 38th overall pick, future 4th
TRADE: Dallas Cowboys trade WR George Pickens to Baltimore Ravens for 45th overall pick, future 2nd
33. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
34. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
35. Tennessee Titans: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
36. Las Vegas Raiders: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
37. New York Giants: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
38. Miami Dolphins (from Texans): R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
39. Cleveland Browns: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
40. Kansas City Chiefs: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
41. Cincinnati Bengals: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
42. New Orleans Saints: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
43. Miami Dolphins: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
44. New York Jets (from Cowboys): Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
45. Dallas Cowboys (from Ravens): Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
47. Indianapolis Colts: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
48. Atlanta Falcons: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
49. Minnesota Vikings: Zakee Wheatley, SAF, Penn State
50. Detroit Lions: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
51. Carolina Panthers: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
52. Green Bay Packers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
55. Los Angeles Chargers: AJ Haulcy, SAF, LSU
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech
57. Chicago Bears: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
58. San Francisco 49ers: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa
59. Houston Texans: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
60. Buffalo Bills: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
61. Los Angeles Rams: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
62. Denver Broncos: Jalen Farmer, OL, Kentucky
63. New England Patriots: Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn
64. Seattle Seahawks: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
The obvious blockbusters happening here in the 2nd round include the Miami Dolphins trading De'Von Achane to the Houston Texans as well as the Dallas Cowboys sending George Pickens packing for Baltimore.
If the Dolphins would make Achane available, they could get a really nice haul for him, and a pick this high in round two would be great value considering Achane is on the final year of his contract. Again, the Dolphins are rebuilding, and they definitely have some playmakers behind Achane on the depth chart to work with (Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon). The question here is whether or not they would truly want to gut the whole roster or keep some of the previous players around.
As for the Cowboys with Pickens, there have been rumors about Dallas being willing to trade him away for a 2nd-round pick after franchise tagging him, which at this point has yet to take place. It makes zero sense for the Cowboys to get no value for Pickens, but it could make sense for them to trade him this offseason.
In this mock draft scenario, the Cowboys obviously swung a deal for Trent McDuffie, and he'd need to get paid. They need to have rookie contract players somewhere, and here they recoup the 2nd-round pick they're missing because of the Quinnen Williams trade.
2026 NFL mock draft: Complete 3rd-round predictions
65. Arizona Cardinals: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
66. Tennessee Titans: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
67. Las Vegas Raiders: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
68. Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State
69. Houston Texans (from Giants): Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon
70. Cleveland Browns: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
71. Washington Commanders: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
72. Cincinnati Bengals: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
73. New Orleans Saints: Austin Barber, OL, Florida
74. Kansas City Chiefs: Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State
75. Miami Dolphins: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Cowboys): Genesis Smith, SAF, Arizona
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LT Overton, EDGE/DL, Alabama
78. Indianapolis Colts: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
79. Atlanta Falcons: Keionte Scott, DB, Miami
80. Baltimore Ravens: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Steelers): Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
82. Minnesota Vikings: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
83. Carolina Panthers: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
84. Green Bay Packers: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
86. Los Angeles Chargers: Billy Schrauth, OL, Notre Dame
87. Miami Dolphins (from Eagles): Justin Joly, TE, NC State
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State
89. Chicago Bears: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
90. Miami Dolphins (from Texans): Chris McClellan, DL, Missouri
91. Buffalo Bills: Kage Casey, OL, Boise State
92. San Francisco 49ers: Trey Zuhn III, OL, Texas A&M
93. Los Angeles Rams: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
94. Denver Broncos: Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
95. New England Patriots: Brenen Thompson, WR, Texas A&M
96. Seattle Seahawks: Rayshaun Benny, DL, Michigan
97. Minnesota Vikings: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
98. Philadelphia Eagles: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
99. Pittsburgh Steelers: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions): Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
The third round of this 2026 NFL mock draft shows off the depth of this class at a few positions, including the wide receiver spot. There are a lot of receivers that could end up flying off the board within the first two days of the draft, which is why it wouldn't be shocking to see some teams offload veterans with big contracts and reset the clock there.
Over the course of this mock draft, we're also seeing the depth of this class at the linebacker position being flexed a little bit. The Denver Broncos are a team that could be in the market for a linebacker as early as the 1st round, but in this scenario, they take the last linebacker in all three rounds, and Bryce Boettcher of Oregon has the type of ability and traits to start from Day 1.
It's a really talented class at a few positions, but the one position that looks extremely thin on the first two days is running back. This mock draft only had a few backs selected, including both Notre Dame running backs (who could both end up in the 1st round) as well as Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson.
We'll see how that fact affects the veteran running back market before the draft takes place.