2026 NFL Mock Draft V3
With the primary wave of free agency over, and a month away today from the 2026 NFL Draft, here is my third iteration of the mock draft. Expect a gap between this an V4, which will go up around a week before, and V5 behind my final go on Draft Day.
Round 1
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32
V2 Pick: Vega Ioane (G, Penn State)
V1 Pick: Keldric Faulk (DE, Auburn)
This is one of the toughest picks in the 2026 mock, largely because the Lions consistently draft to the beat of their own drum. They’re rumored to be high on Keldric Faulk, but the roster now has a glaring hole at left tackle. Penei Sewell—arguably the best offensive lineman in football—could shift from right tackle to the left side, similar to Tristan Wirfs, but either way Detroit needs a new bookend. If they want a right tackle, someone like Kadyn Proctor makes more sense. But if the plan is to keep Sewell on the right, Monroe Freeling is the cleanest fit in this class. Freeling has rocketed up boards thanks to his rare athletic profile, outstanding size, and long‑term upside at left tackle. His movement skills jump off the tape—lateral agility, foot quickness, and range that are all high‑end traits for the position. He’s not a finished product, but the raw tools are exactly what teams bet on at premium positions. With proper coaching, Freeling has the ceiling to develop into a high‑end NFL tackle.
V1 Pick: Keldric Faulk (DE, Auburn)
This is one of the toughest picks in the 2026 mock, largely because the Lions consistently draft to the beat of their own drum. They’re rumored to be high on Keldric Faulk, but the roster now has a glaring hole at left tackle. Penei Sewell—arguably the best offensive lineman in football—could shift from right tackle to the left side, similar to Tristan Wirfs, but either way Detroit needs a new bookend. If they want a right tackle, someone like Kadyn Proctor makes more sense. But if the plan is to keep Sewell on the right, Monroe Freeling is the cleanest fit in this class. Freeling has rocketed up boards thanks to his rare athletic profile, outstanding size, and long‑term upside at left tackle. His movement skills jump off the tape—lateral agility, foot quickness, and range that are all high‑end traits for the position. He’s not a finished product, but the raw tools are exactly what teams bet on at premium positions. With proper coaching, Freeling has the ceiling to develop into a high‑end NFL tackle.
V2 Pick: Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
V1 Pick: Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
The Vikings’ veteran stopgaps at defensive tackle — Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave — served their purpose in 2025 but are now off the roster, leaving a clear long‑term need. Peter Woods or Kayden McDonald would make plenty of sense here. However, given Brian Flores’ scheme, this defense could benefit even more from an explosive, highly athletic safety who can eventually replace Harrison Smith and become the new anchor of the secondary. That’s where Thieneman comes in. After a breakout 2025 season and an elite combine performance, he’s surged up draft boards. Premium safeties often slip into Round 2, but in a weaker class, Thieneman has a very realistic chance to land in the back third of Round 1.
V1 Pick: Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
The Vikings’ veteran stopgaps at defensive tackle — Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave — served their purpose in 2025 but are now off the roster, leaving a clear long‑term need. Peter Woods or Kayden McDonald would make plenty of sense here. However, given Brian Flores’ scheme, this defense could benefit even more from an explosive, highly athletic safety who can eventually replace Harrison Smith and become the new anchor of the secondary. That’s where Thieneman comes in. After a breakout 2025 season and an elite combine performance, he’s surged up draft boards. Premium safeties often slip into Round 2, but in a weaker class, Thieneman has a very realistic chance to land in the back third of Round 1.
V2 Pick: Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia)
V1 Pick: CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)
Ikem Ekwonu has likely played his last down in Carolina, tearing his patellar tendon in the wildcard entering his 5th year option year, but a solid 1-year deal Rasheed Walker likely eschews that need for 2026. Meanwhile, the Panthers have struggled to find a true long-term TE1 for Bryce Young, and their top option JT Sanders is coming off a significant injury. Carolina needs to surround Young with talent in a critical year for him, and Sadiq is the best player available at this juncture. WhileSadiq as raw, his physical gifts are undeniable: he’s explosive, powerful, and — in this writer’s view — a far more polished route runner than he’s given credit for. Combine that with his willingness as an in‑line blocker and his ability to create mismatches from the slot, you have a prospect with the potential to emerge as one of the league’s top tight ends in a few years
V1 Pick: CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)
Ikem Ekwonu has likely played his last down in Carolina, tearing his patellar tendon in the wildcard entering his 5th year option year, but a solid 1-year deal Rasheed Walker likely eschews that need for 2026. Meanwhile, the Panthers have struggled to find a true long-term TE1 for Bryce Young, and their top option JT Sanders is coming off a significant injury. Carolina needs to surround Young with talent in a critical year for him, and Sadiq is the best player available at this juncture. WhileSadiq as raw, his physical gifts are undeniable: he’s explosive, powerful, and — in this writer’s view — a far more polished route runner than he’s given credit for. Combine that with his willingness as an in‑line blocker and his ability to create mismatches from the slot, you have a prospect with the potential to emerge as one of the league’s top tight ends in a few years
V2 Pick: CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)
V1 Pick: Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
The Cowboys’ top need is inside linebacker, as their veteran group are pitiful in 2025. However, Dallas could be in a difficult position where they are too low to pick Sonny Styles with their 1st pick and too low to pick CJ Allen with their second. Meanwhile, Keldric Faulk is similar to Mykel Williams in that he brings a high floor as a stout, technically sound run defender with the frame and strength to hold up immediately. Faulk’s physical traits are outstanding, and his power‑based style translates cleanly to the next level. Faulk has an interesting projection as he could go as high as 8 or 9 due to his upside, or slide to the late 1st round due to his limited production. Expect his name to be called on Thursday night either way.
V1 Pick: Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
The Cowboys’ top need is inside linebacker, as their veteran group are pitiful in 2025. However, Dallas could be in a difficult position where they are too low to pick Sonny Styles with their 1st pick and too low to pick CJ Allen with their second. Meanwhile, Keldric Faulk is similar to Mykel Williams in that he brings a high floor as a stout, technically sound run defender with the frame and strength to hold up immediately. Faulk’s physical traits are outstanding, and his power‑based style translates cleanly to the next level. Faulk has an interesting projection as he could go as high as 8 or 9 due to his upside, or slide to the late 1st round due to his limited production. Expect his name to be called on Thursday night either way.
V2 Pick: Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
V1 Pick: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
This Pittsburgh regime has - in 3 drafts - drafted Broderick Jones, Tony Fautanu and Zach Frasier in the first two rounds. All are versatile, big linemen who can play multiple positions. With Jones really struggling at left tackle, and coming off spinal surgery, the Steelers could decline the 5th year option and consider planning for the future. Fautanu is versatile, and they also have a hole at left guard after losing Isaac Suemalo in free agency. Proctor is one of the draft’s most polarizing prospects. Concerns about his weight and maturity create real risk, but his raw talent is unmistakably top‑10 caliber, and his 2025 film showed meaningful growth. His size and power are NFL-ready, though inconsistent footwork and issues with pure speed suggest he may ultimately project better at right tackle or as a dominating guard. Even so, his ceiling is enormous. With proper development, Proctor has the tools to become a multi‑contract, Pro Bowl‑level offensive lineman.
V1 Pick: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
This Pittsburgh regime has - in 3 drafts - drafted Broderick Jones, Tony Fautanu and Zach Frasier in the first two rounds. All are versatile, big linemen who can play multiple positions. With Jones really struggling at left tackle, and coming off spinal surgery, the Steelers could decline the 5th year option and consider planning for the future. Fautanu is versatile, and they also have a hole at left guard after losing Isaac Suemalo in free agency. Proctor is one of the draft’s most polarizing prospects. Concerns about his weight and maturity create real risk, but his raw talent is unmistakably top‑10 caliber, and his 2025 film showed meaningful growth. His size and power are NFL-ready, though inconsistent footwork and issues with pure speed suggest he may ultimately project better at right tackle or as a dominating guard. Even so, his ceiling is enormous. With proper development, Proctor has the tools to become a multi‑contract, Pro Bowl‑level offensive lineman.
V2 Pick: Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
V1 Pick: Vega Ioane (G, Penn State)
The Chargers - like the Ravens - have a terrible interior OL, but there are better zone-blocking fits like the scheme OC Mike McDaniel will presumably run on Day 2. Meanwhile, they need to bolster their defensive line - both at edge rusher (Khalil Mack is old, Odafe Oweh is gone), as well as at DT. In this mock, the Chargers still have their pick of the interior defensive lineman, and choose Peter Woods. The Clemson prospect plays with heavy hands, outstanding leverage, and has a good ability to anchor, shed, and squeeze gaps makes him a high‑floor defender from day one. While he may not be the twitchiest interior rusher, Woods is the one of the best players on the board at a position of huge need.
V1 Pick: Vega Ioane (G, Penn State)
The Chargers - like the Ravens - have a terrible interior OL, but there are better zone-blocking fits like the scheme OC Mike McDaniel will presumably run on Day 2. Meanwhile, they need to bolster their defensive line - both at edge rusher (Khalil Mack is old, Odafe Oweh is gone), as well as at DT. In this mock, the Chargers still have their pick of the interior defensive lineman, and choose Peter Woods. The Clemson prospect plays with heavy hands, outstanding leverage, and has a good ability to anchor, shed, and squeeze gaps makes him a high‑floor defender from day one. While he may not be the twitchiest interior rusher, Woods is the one of the best players on the board at a position of huge need.
V2 Pick: Kadyn Proctor (IOL/OT, Alabama)
V1 Pick: Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
The Eagles are one of the hardest teams to pin down in any mock draft, but their edge group has been decimated over the last few off-seasons, losing Hassan Reddick, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham and now Jaelen Phillips in quick succession. Cashius Howell is one of the most dynamic speed rushers in this class. If he were a bit taller and carried more functional strength, he’d be a top‑20 lock as his 2025 tape was exceptional. Instead, his smaller frame may push him into early Day 2. However, Howell’s production as a 3‑4 outside linebacker, paired with his electric first step, acceleration, and natural bend, gives him real impact potential, so one bets on him still cracking the first round. He can contribute immediately as a situational rusher while he develops, and his ceiling is that of a double‑digit sack producer
V1 Pick: Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
The Eagles are one of the hardest teams to pin down in any mock draft, but their edge group has been decimated over the last few off-seasons, losing Hassan Reddick, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham and now Jaelen Phillips in quick succession. Cashius Howell is one of the most dynamic speed rushers in this class. If he were a bit taller and carried more functional strength, he’d be a top‑20 lock as his 2025 tape was exceptional. Instead, his smaller frame may push him into early Day 2. However, Howell’s production as a 3‑4 outside linebacker, paired with his electric first step, acceleration, and natural bend, gives him real impact potential, so one bets on him still cracking the first round. He can contribute immediately as a situational rusher while he develops, and his ceiling is that of a double‑digit sack producer
V2 Pick: Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah)
V1 Pick: KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
Lomu is one of the most intriguing developmental tackles in the class: long, athletic, and exceptionally fluid in space, with the movement skills tailor made for a zone blocking scheme. His foot quickness and natural bend consistently show up on tape, and he’s already comfortable working laterally and climbing to the second level. He still needs to add functional strength and sharpen his hand usage, but the foundational traits are outstanding. Charlie Campbell reported teams are expecting Caleb Lomu to go somewhere in the late-1st round as a raw but physically talented prospect who plays a premium position.
V1 Pick: KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
Lomu is one of the most intriguing developmental tackles in the class: long, athletic, and exceptionally fluid in space, with the movement skills tailor made for a zone blocking scheme. His foot quickness and natural bend consistently show up on tape, and he’s already comfortable working laterally and climbing to the second level. He still needs to add functional strength and sharpen his hand usage, but the foundational traits are outstanding. Charlie Campbell reported teams are expecting Caleb Lomu to go somewhere in the late-1st round as a raw but physically talented prospect who plays a premium position.
V2 Pick: Emmanuel McNeill-Warren (S, Toledo)
V1 Pick: Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
The Bears signed Coby Durant in free agency, but lost Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard. Meanwhile, there are two fringe-1st round options available to them in Emmanuel McNeill-Warren and Dillon Thienemann. McNeil‑Warren fits the profile of safety the Bears covet - rangy, physical, and versatile enough to handle multiple roles in coverage and run support. McNeill is a dominating physical presence, who has explosive closing speed. strong tackling discipline and versatility, allowing him to rotate between deep safety and playing in the box.
V1 Pick: Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
The Bears signed Coby Durant in free agency, but lost Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard. Meanwhile, there are two fringe-1st round options available to them in Emmanuel McNeill-Warren and Dillon Thienemann. McNeil‑Warren fits the profile of safety the Bears covet - rangy, physical, and versatile enough to handle multiple roles in coverage and run support. McNeill is a dominating physical presence, who has explosive closing speed. strong tackling discipline and versatility, allowing him to rotate between deep safety and playing in the box.
V2 Pick: KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
V1 Pick: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)
The Bills cannot go into 2026 with Khalil Shakir as their top wideout. With Keon Coleman being a total bust, they will likely target a Mike Evans/Alec Pierce type in free agency and look to supplement the pick with another early-round selection. Concepcion really impressed this writer in 2025 and went up the draft board with his elusive running ability, deep threat ability, speed and route-running prowess. On top of this, he’s also adept with the ball in his hands and can do real damage after the catch. Concepcion is a candidate to be a real riser during the pre-draft process.
V1 Pick: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)
The Bills cannot go into 2026 with Khalil Shakir as their top wideout. With Keon Coleman being a total bust, they will likely target a Mike Evans/Alec Pierce type in free agency and look to supplement the pick with another early-round selection. Concepcion really impressed this writer in 2025 and went up the draft board with his elusive running ability, deep threat ability, speed and route-running prowess. On top of this, he’s also adept with the ball in his hands and can do real damage after the catch. Concepcion is a candidate to be a real riser during the pre-draft process.
V2 Pick: Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)
V1 Pick: KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
The 49ers are likely to go in a DE-WR or WR-DE approach in Rounds 1 and 2. In spite of the Mike Evans and Christian Kirk signings, the 49ers still have a need at receiver. Evans, Pearsall and Kirk is a quality trio if healthy, but Mike Evan’s “3 year” deal is essentially a 1 year deal with a 2 year contractual option if it goes well. Meanwhile, Christian Kirk is a WR3-level player at this point in his career. Thus a receiver early is still likely. However, with a league-low sack total in 2025, one suspects John Lynch will want to double down with back to back Round 1 edge rushers. With Raheem Morris taking over as defensive coordinator, San Francisco gains more flexibility in body types and usage but the 49ers traditionally value length, power, and run‑game sturdiness on the edge, and Zion Young fits that prototype cleanly. Young is one of the most intriguing projection players in the class. His length, first‑step burst, and natural leverage give him a raw but enticing foundation. He’s far from a finished product - his hand usage is inconsistent, and teams will need to vet the character concerns stemming from his DUI arrest - but the upside is undeniable. In a rotation with a healthy Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, Young could be brought along at the right pace while still offering immediate value as a sub‑package rusher.
V1 Pick: KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
The 49ers are likely to go in a DE-WR or WR-DE approach in Rounds 1 and 2. In spite of the Mike Evans and Christian Kirk signings, the 49ers still have a need at receiver. Evans, Pearsall and Kirk is a quality trio if healthy, but Mike Evan’s “3 year” deal is essentially a 1 year deal with a 2 year contractual option if it goes well. Meanwhile, Christian Kirk is a WR3-level player at this point in his career. Thus a receiver early is still likely. However, with a league-low sack total in 2025, one suspects John Lynch will want to double down with back to back Round 1 edge rushers. With Raheem Morris taking over as defensive coordinator, San Francisco gains more flexibility in body types and usage but the 49ers traditionally value length, power, and run‑game sturdiness on the edge, and Zion Young fits that prototype cleanly. Young is one of the most intriguing projection players in the class. His length, first‑step burst, and natural leverage give him a raw but enticing foundation. He’s far from a finished product - his hand usage is inconsistent, and teams will need to vet the character concerns stemming from his DUI arrest - but the upside is undeniable. In a rotation with a healthy Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, Young could be brought along at the right pace while still offering immediate value as a sub‑package rusher.
V2 Pick: Max Iheanachor (OT, Arizona State)
V1 Pick: Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama).
The Texans largely address their offensive line in free agency, so one suspects they could opt to address their defensive front, which needs an injection of young at defensive tackle quite badly. Kayden McDonald was the top run‑defending defensive lineman in college football last season, earning an elite 91.2 PFF run‑defense grade. He also took a step forward as a pass rusher with 3.5 sacks, though there’s still room for growth in that area only earning a 4% pass rush win rate. Although he had a mixed combine, McDonald’s power, leverage, and road grading consistency would be a welcome compliment to the Texans’ elite pass defense.
V1 Pick: Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama).
The Texans largely address their offensive line in free agency, so one suspects they could opt to address their defensive front, which needs an injection of young at defensive tackle quite badly. Kayden McDonald was the top run‑defending defensive lineman in college football last season, earning an elite 91.2 PFF run‑defense grade. He also took a step forward as a pass rusher with 3.5 sacks, though there’s still room for growth in that area only earning a 4% pass rush win rate. Although he had a mixed combine, McDonald’s power, leverage, and road grading consistency would be a welcome compliment to the Texans’ elite pass defense.
V2 Pick: N/A - Rams traded out of pick
V1 Pick: N/A - Rams traded out of pick
The Chiefs acquired this pick from the LA Rams for Trent McDuffie, and go about finding his replacement here. Colton Hood is a fluid, instinctive corner with the footwork and transitional quickness to mirror receivers in man coverage. His ball skills flash on tape, and he plays with the kind of competitive edge the Chiefs covet on the perimeter. While he’ll need to add strength and refine his press technique, his movement skills and feel for routes give him legitimate starting upside.
V1 Pick: N/A - Rams traded out of pick
The Chiefs acquired this pick from the LA Rams for Trent McDuffie, and go about finding his replacement here. Colton Hood is a fluid, instinctive corner with the footwork and transitional quickness to mirror receivers in man coverage. His ball skills flash on tape, and he plays with the kind of competitive edge the Chiefs covet on the perimeter. While he’ll need to add strength and refine his press technique, his movement skills and feel for routes give him legitimate starting upside.
V2 Pick: N/A - Broncos traded out of pick
V1 Pick: N/A - Broncos traded out of pick
Acquired from Miami in the Jaylen Waddle trade, this pick — much like Kansas City’s earlier — is used to replace their departing player. While this writer has Chris Bell (Louisville) and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) graded slightly higher, Denzel Boston is the safest of the remaining receivers, and there have been rumblings of strong interest from Miami after his pro day. Boston offers prototypical size, dependable hands, and impressive acceleration for a bigger-bodied wideout. He’s more of a “jack of all trades, master of none,” but that versatility gives him a high floor. As with many receivers built like him, his draft range will ultimately hinge on how consistently he can separate against NFL-caliber coverage. He’s still a likely late first‑rounder, and if he slips into Friday, he won’t be waiting long.
V1 Pick: N/A - Broncos traded out of pick
Acquired from Miami in the Jaylen Waddle trade, this pick — much like Kansas City’s earlier — is used to replace their departing player. While this writer has Chris Bell (Louisville) and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) graded slightly higher, Denzel Boston is the safest of the remaining receivers, and there have been rumblings of strong interest from Miami after his pro day. Boston offers prototypical size, dependable hands, and impressive acceleration for a bigger-bodied wideout. He’s more of a “jack of all trades, master of none,” but that versatility gives him a high floor. As with many receivers built like him, his draft range will ultimately hinge on how consistently he can separate against NFL-caliber coverage. He’s still a likely late first‑rounder, and if he slips into Friday, he won’t be waiting long.
V2 Pick: Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M)
V1 Pick: Cashius Howell EDGE, Texas A&M)
If the playoffs told us anything, it is that the Patriots’ work on the offensive line is not over. Will Campbell really struggled coming back from injury, after a promising rookie campaign beforehand. Meanwhile, Morgan Moses is a 35-year old journeyman who can be cut after 2026. Blake Miller is a rock solid early 2nd round type RT who would be a forgivable pick at this juncture to future proof their offensive line. Miller is a right tackle only, but he was very good in 2024 and 2025 and has some fans in the scouting community.
V1 Pick: Cashius Howell EDGE, Texas A&M)
If the playoffs told us anything, it is that the Patriots’ work on the offensive line is not over. Will Campbell really struggled coming back from injury, after a promising rookie campaign beforehand. Meanwhile, Morgan Moses is a 35-year old journeyman who can be cut after 2026. Blake Miller is a rock solid early 2nd round type RT who would be a forgivable pick at this juncture to future proof their offensive line. Miller is a right tackle only, but he was very good in 2024 and 2025 and has some fans in the scouting community.
V2 Pick: Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
V1 Pick: Emmanuel Pregnon (G, Oregon)
The Seahawks lost several key contributors in free agency after their Super Bowl run, but no departure stings more than Kenneth Walker III. With Zach Charbonnet expected to miss at least part of 2026 due to a late‑season injury — and entering a contract year — Seattle suddenly has a glaring need in the backfield. This is earlier than most mock drafts slot Jadarian Price, but he’s the No. 36 player on my board, and there’s a steep drop‑off at running back after him . Given how the Seahawks traditionally value the position and how central the run game is to their offensive identity, Price becomes a justifiable reach to close out Round 1. Price also fits Seattle’s system beautifully. He’s a smooth, decisive runner with the burst to threaten the perimeter. His blend of patience, acceleration, and balance mirrors the traits Seattle has historically prioritized — making him a natural stylistic successor to Walker and an ideal complement once Charbonnet returns.
V1 Pick: Emmanuel Pregnon (G, Oregon)
The Seahawks lost several key contributors in free agency after their Super Bowl run, but no departure stings more than Kenneth Walker III. With Zach Charbonnet expected to miss at least part of 2026 due to a late‑season injury — and entering a contract year — Seattle suddenly has a glaring need in the backfield. This is earlier than most mock drafts slot Jadarian Price, but he’s the No. 36 player on my board, and there’s a steep drop‑off at running back after him . Given how the Seahawks traditionally value the position and how central the run game is to their offensive identity, Price becomes a justifiable reach to close out Round 1. Price also fits Seattle’s system beautifully. He’s a smooth, decisive runner with the burst to threaten the perimeter. His blend of patience, acceleration, and balance mirrors the traits Seattle has historically prioritized — making him a natural stylistic successor to Walker and an ideal complement once Charbonnet returns.
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32