With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, the anticipation continues to build. Teams are finalizing their draft boards as we week with the completion of “30” visits from prospects on their radar.
The Las Vegas Raiders control the draft with the No. 1 overall selection in the draft. While the top pick is a well-known, presumptive selection, the rest of the draft could be incredibly unpredictable.
Expect this to be one of the wildest drafts against the consensus in recent memory, featuring crazy movement and shocking selections. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at how the selection process plays out on April 23.
Predicting the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft
No. 1) Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, quarterback, Indiana
Mendoza is a great quarterback prospect who shouldn’t be overthought. He may have come from an RPO-heavy system, but made NFL reads and progressions consistently. There is a chance he doesn’t start in Week 1 over Kirk Cousins, but he is at least assured to be the long-term franchise passer.
No. 2) New York Jets — Arvell Reese, linebacker, Ohio State
Reese is a hybrid linebacker who provides pass rush value and could be one of the best front-seven defenders in football if he reaches his ceiling as a pro. The Jets need that type of dynamic ability on defense, and Reese is the perfect guy to do so.
No. 3) Dallas Cowboys (via Arizona Cardinals) — Sonny Styles, linebacker, Ohio State
Arizona Cardinals sent No. 3 overall to Dallas Cowboys for No. 12 and No. 20 overall.
The first trade of this mock draft sees the Cowboys get their linebacker of the future. Styles is someone I envision as arguably the top off-ball defender in the sport, and Dallas needs all the help they need on defense. Making this aggressive trade for a top prospect shows they’re serious about opening a potential championship window.
No. 4) Tennessee Titans — Jeremiyah Love, running back, Notre Dame
The Titans would save $7.25 million in salary cap space with a post-June 1 release of Tony Pollard. Love is an exceptional talent worthy of a Top 10 selection for its playmaking ability along, along with all of the positional value arguments. In this draft, positional value is thrown into the garbage as the best players come from positions of lesser importance in roster construction.
No. 5) New York Giants — Spencer Fano, offensive lineman, Utah
I have no idea who the first tackle drafted will be. In this final prediction, let’s make this the ever-fascinating Fano. Whether he plays center, guard, or right tackle for the Giants is a great question to ask, but his versatility could prove valuable to Jim Harbaugh and protecting the young Jaxon Dart, one way or another. In New York, he starts out at right tackle as he continues to add more strength in the lower half.
No. 6) Kansas City Chiefs (via Cleveland Browns) — Rueben Bain Jr., edge rusher, Miami (FL)
Cleveland Browns sent No. 6 to Kansas City Chiefs for No. 9, 74 and 169 overall.
Kansas City gets aggressive to land a game-changer at edge rusher. As the best pass rusher in the draft, Bain is a pure disruptor who could do magical things opposite of George Karlaftis. Bain’s short arms don’t hold him back much, despite arguments to the contrary, and he could emerge as a key asset as a rookie as the Chiefs look to get back to the postseason.
No. 7) Washington Commanders — Carnell Tate, wide receiver, Ohio State
Terry McLaurin is getting older, and the Commanders need talent at pass-catcher outside of Treylon Burks and Luke McCaffrey. Tate is the consensus No. 1 wideout in the draft and should be the first one off the board. It comes here to Washington, where Tate becomes the successor to McLaurin and becomes a new favorite target for Jayden Daniels.
No. 8) New Orleans Saints — David Bailey, edge rusher, Texas Tech
As we get closer to draft night, I could see Bailey falling out of the Top-10, but someone like the Saints could utilize his special pass rush ability while sacrificing the warts of his inadequate run defense from time to time. Bailey would pair nicely with Carl Granderson and Chase Young to form an ample pass rush rotation.
No. 9) Cleveland Browns (via Chiefs) — Monroe Freeling, offensive tackle, Georgia
Trading back with the Chiefs allows the Browns' decision to be smoother with their first pick. Freeling isn't my cup of tea, but he will likely be the first left tackle drafted next week. His size, length, athleticism, and pass protection ability would be a risk worth taking for Cleveland, who have spent the offseason rebuilding its offensive line.
No. 10) Cincinnati Bengals — Caleb Downs, safety, Ohio State
The Bengals must draft the best defender on the board. In this case, it is Caleb Downs, my No. 1 rated prospect in this year's draft. While it is way too early to say whether they will pay him in four years, should he remain healthy and productive, Downs is someone who could transform the Bengals' defense for years to come with the potential to be one of the best safeties in the NFL.
No. 11) Miami Dolphins — Mansoor Delane, cornerback, LSU
I was split on a wide receiver and cornerback here, but the pass-catching group in this year's draft is strong, and Delane has emerged as the de facto consensus No. 1 cornerback in the NFL Draft after a terrific pro day. Delane is an excellent man coverage defender with ample ball skills and closing speed to attack and assert himself at the catch point for the Dolphins.
No. 12) Arizona Cardinals (via Cowboys) — Francis Mauigoa, offensive tackle, Miami (FL)
The Cardinals land the player they likely would've selected at No. 3 at No. 12 with Mauigoa. Paris Johnson enters a big year at left tackle, but the right side is in desperate need of an upgrade. Mauigoa has been arguably the best offensive tackle in the sport for the past couple of seasons, and head coach Mike LaFleur would enjoy having a concrete wall on the right side of his offensive line.
No. 13) Minnesota Vikings (via Los Angeles Rams) — Jermod McCoy, cornerback, Tennessee
Los Angeles Rams sent No. 13 to Minnesota Vikings for No. 18, No. 82 and No. 163 overall
The Vikings make a big move for a cornerback instead of a safety, an example of how crazy and weird the NFL Draft could be on April 23. Minnesota lands arguably the top corner in the draft when healthy, as McCoy's tape as a sophomore is outstanding and would've helped him get drafted high regardless. His pro day at Tennessee was excellent and gives Brian Flores a terrific young cornerback on his defense.
No. 14) Baltimore Ravens — Olaivavega Ioane, guard, Penn State
A match made in heaven: Ioane is, to some, the best offensive lineman in the draft, period. He is excellent in a phone booth at guard with incredible strength, impressive movement skills, and technique in all phases. Protecting Lamar Jackson should remain a priority, especially if his elite athleticism begins to fade as he gets older.
No. 15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Cashius Howell, edge rusher, Texas A&M
Another surprise, but not too shocking considering the Buccaneers' need for a dynamic pass rusher. Howell might be the best pure pass rusher in the draft, and he could still be selected high in the draft order. The speed, bend, explosiveness off the snap, pass-rush bag, and run game penetration ability intrigue Tampa Bay enough to make Howell a Top-15 pick.
No. 16) New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts) — Makai Lemon, wide receiver, USC
Having a long-term weapon alongside Garrett Wilson is critical, especially if the Jets remain all-in on sending out talented pieces on the roster in a true rebuild. Lemon has the best hands in the draft and is an excellent route runner who can win inside and out, but will likely be a slot or flanker Z receiver in the NFL, giving Geno Smith an impressive pass-catcher to toss the rock to on Sundays.
No. 17) Detroit Lions — Kadyn Proctor, offensive tackle, Alabama
This is about as Dan Campbell of a selection as this can get. Proctor is an absolute monster at offensive tackle, though his foot speed in pass protection is average at best, which has led to some possibilities of a move to guard. With Taylor Decker gone, Proctor could start at left or right tackle, especially if the Lions choose to move Penei Sewell to left tackle.
No. 18) Los Angeles Rams (via Vikings) — Jordyn Tyson, wide receiver, Arizona State
The Rams take advantage of the trade-down and gain draft capital to invest in one of the most talented wide receivers in the draft. The No. 1 rated wideout on my board, Tyson has the chance to be a special player in the NFL if he remains healthy, showcasing the competitive toughness and skill set to thrive in Sean McVay's offense.
No. 19) Carolina Panthers — Dillon Thieneman, safety, Oregon
It is a dream scenario for the Panthers, landing one of the best defenders in the draft at a position that is lacking a dynamic player on the backend of the team's defense. Thieneman is an elite ball hawk with ample versatility, range, athleticism, and football IQ to thrive as a potential Pro Bowl safety in the NFL.
No. 20) Arizona Cardinals (via Cowboys) — Malachi Lawrence, edge rusher, Central Florida
Another shocker is the Top-20 selection of Lawrence, who has had a great rise from the Shrine Bowl to the scouting combine with great showcases in either event. This is a long pass rusher with a hefty bag of moves that must be taught to be brought together while continuing to grow as a run defender. The Cardinals may not be competing for the postseason anytime soon, so there would be little pressure on Lawrence to thrive early on.
No. 21) Pittsburgh Steelers — Omar Cooper Jr., wide receiver, Indiana
Cooper just feels like a player who would represent the city of Pittsburgh well. He's a tough player who plays like a running back after the catch with impressive balance and physicality to pair with a great pass-catching skill set. For the Steelers, he could become a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers or whoever the starter will be at quarterback.
No. 22) Los Angeles Chargers — Emmanuel Oregon, guard, Oregon
It would not surprise me to see John Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz attack the offensive trenches at No. 22, no matter what. Pregnon is a terrific mover and displacement blocker who can thrive in multiple blocking schemes. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel would get him in space and allow him to succeed on combo and duo blocks.
No. 23) Philadelphia Eagles — Kenyon Sadiq, tight end, Oregon
Philadelphia could've gone the tackle route here with Blake Miller or Max Iheanachor, but adding more weapons to the offense is always intriguing, especially with the A.J. Brown trade rumors. As Dallas Goedert gets older, Sadiq would be a great No. 2 as the move end or big slot while developing his play strength as a run blocker.
No. 24) Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars) — KC Concepcion, wide receiver, Texas A&M
Much has been discussed around Concepcion's drops, but the issues have mostly been around his catch technique, which can improve, easing my concerns for his prospects at the next level. Denzel Boston is an option here if they want size, but Concepcion is an excellent route runner who provides great return specialist value and speed after the catch.
No. 25) Chicago Bears — Zion Young, edge rusher, Missouri
Young's range in this draft is fascinating: he could go as high as No. 17 to Detroit or fall into the middle of the second round. The Bears could have some serious intrigue in Young's edge-setting ability and speed-to-power, which gives Ben Johnson an exciting young pass rusher to add to his defense.
No. 26) Buffalo Bills — CJ Allen, linebacker, Georgia
The Bills need youth and competition at linebacker, with Matt Milano getting hurt and unable to stay healthy consistently. Allen is in contention to be the first linebacker drafted after Styles and Reese, as his range, closing speed, tackling, and football intelligence stand out as a great fit for Buffalo's new defensive system.
No. 27) San Francisco 49ers — Caleb Lomu, offensive tackle, Utah
The No. 1 rated offensive tackle on my draft board, Lomu, should be the first player at his position drafted, but there are play strength and mechanical concerns that could scare some teams. Maybe not the 49ers, who add their successor for Trent Williams, and could see the field sooner than later if Williams were to miss time with an injury.
The best available offensive lineman should be the choice here for Houston, or a defensive tackle to shore up the defensive trenches. Miller is an experienced tackle with ample pass-blocking skills and a mauler mentality as a run blocker that can get him by as he improves the technical aspects of his game.
No. 29) Arizona Cardinals (via Chiefs) — Ty Simpson, quarterback, Alabama
Arizona Cardinals sent No. 34 and No. 104 to Kansas City Chiefs for No. 29 overall
Monti Ossenfort makes another daring move for the Cardinals to take the second quarterback off the board at No. 29 overall. Simpson has his fair share of concerns, but landing with an offensive-minded head coach in Mike LaFleur gives the Cardinals a baseline to succeed in overall play in the coming seasons. If Simpson thrives, this could be the move of the draft.
No. 30) Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos) — Ahkeem Mesidor, edge rusher, Miami (FL)
Mesidor stays home with the Dolphins in this final mock draft. Currently rated as my No. 3 edge rusher in this year's class, the All-American and All-ACC pass rusher is one of the most disruptive players in the draft. If Jeff Hafley is able to get at least five years of ample production from Mesidor, this selection is worth it 10 times out of 10.
No. 31) New England Patriots — Jacob Rodriguez, linebacker, Texas Tech
While I am much lower on Rodriguez than the consensus, his instincts and football intelligence are special, and it allows him to be in the right spots at the right time. The Patriots need a playmaker at linebacker, and the best off-ball defender in college football last season would be that guy for the NFL's championship runner-ups.
No. 32) Seattle Seahawks — Avieon Terrell, cornerback, Clemson
Terrell's lackluster pro day shouldn't keep him from falling in the draft if teams saw the same thing everyone else did: an explosive, rangy defender with run defense prowess, closing speed, and coverage diversity to be an ample inside-out starter at the next level. The things Mike McDonald could do with Terrell in the secondary entice me.