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2026 NFL Mock Draft: New 3-Round Forecast for Super Bowl Week
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- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: New 3-Round Forecast for Super Bowl Week
Super Bowl week is upon us, and we're just days away from finding out who will hoist the Lombardi Trophy this time around.
But while the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots are hard at work preparing for the biggest game of the year, the rest of the league is already preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft in hopes of adding the talent necessary to find themselves in their shoes next February.
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This year's big-ticket quarterback is Indiana's Fernando Mendoza , fresh off a Heisman Trophy-winning season that ended with the Hoosiers' first national championship in program history . There's a huge drop-off between Mendoza and the rest of this year's quarterback class, leaving the rest of the league to scramble for other options if he comes off the board at No. 1 overall.
Where could the next-best passers in this year's class land on draft weekend? How will the lack of top-end talent at quarterback impact the rest of the early selections?
Here's an updated look at how the first three rounds of this year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated order heading into Super Bowl week:
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1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
The Raiders are looking for a fresh start with Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak expected to take the head-coaching job following the Super Bowl, and they're in perfect position to hand him a new franchise quarterback to start his tenure. Mendoza has the arm talent, football IQ, and intangibles to be a star at the next level if Las Vegas can build a strong supporting cast around him.
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2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese | Edge | Ohio State
Without a worthy quarterback at this point (thanks, Dante Moore ), the Jets are left to go the "best player available" route, regardless of position. Reece can make as strong a case as any prospect for that title this year, with his rare blend of size, athleticism and versatility. Aaron Glenn's defense needs more dynamic weapons, and Reese fits the bill.
3. Arizona Cardinals
David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
The bigger needs are on offense, particularly in the trenches, but passing up an elite pass rusher to reach for need is bad business. Bailey's rare explosiveness helped him rack up 14.5 sacks for the Red Raiders last season, tied for the most in the FBS, and he's a huge reason why they earned a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Arizona can take advantage of a deep offensive line class on Day 2.
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4. Tennessee Titans
Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
Building a winner around your young franchise quarterback includes putting together a dominant defense, and that's what the Titans can work towards with this pick. There will be concerns about his arm length, but turn on the tape and you'll simpy see one of the most dominant defenders in all of college football last season. Bain's three-down skill set as both a pass rusher and a run defender should make him an easy pick here.
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Miami edge defender Rueben Bain Jr. was an absolute game-wrecker for the Canes in 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
5. New York Giants
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
Another team that could go offensive tackle here, the Giants would also be wise not to pass up better talent at another position of need. Delane was an absolute eraser for the Bayou Bengals this season, completely shutting down his side of the field and making top competition disappear on a weekly basis. He would immediately be the best corner on New York's roster.
6. Cleveland Browns
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
This could be a tough call for the Browns, who simply need as much help on offense as possible. They could take the top tackle off the board, but I wouldn't be surprised if they opted for Tate instead. Cleveland needs an upgrade at the WR1 spot over Jerry Jeudy , and Tate has the size, speed, athleticism and hands to be the ideal candidate.
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7. Washington Commanders
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
Helping out Jayden Daniels with an offensive addition would make sense here, but this defense is so desperate for playmakers. If Downs is still on the board, it might be too difficult to pass up arguably the best overall prospect in the entire draft. It's unfair to compare any prospect to the legendary Sean Taylor, but if any franchise knows the value of an elite safety, it's this one.
8. New Orleans Saints
Makai Lemon | WR | USC
Chris Olave is one of the league's better receivers, but he's struggled with multiple injuries over the past couple of seasons. Even when he's healthy, the Saints lack a high-end WR2 after trading away the speedy Rashid Shaheed to Seattle at the deadline. Lemon makes up for his lack of ideal height with elite route-running chops, reliable hands, and explosiveness that makes him dangerous over the top and after the catch.
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Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love is a three-down weapon who can score on every touch. (Michael Caterina-Imagn Images)
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
The Chiefs need to surround Patrick Mahomes with as many playmakers as possible, regardless of where they line up on the field. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are a solid tandem when healthy, but neither of them bring the kind of explosiveness and big-play ability that Love does as both a runner and a receiver. I don't know if KC would take a running back this high, but Love is a top-five talent in this class, and he'd be a menace in this offense.
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10. Cincinnati Bengals
Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
Another defense that needs help all over the place, the Bengals need to start their rebuild on that side of the ball in the trenches. History tells us they have a type when targeting edge defenders, and Faulk is the perfect fit. Much like with Shemar Stewart last year, Faulk has a rare blend of size and athleticism that gives him limitless upside, and he can even slide inside on passing downs.
11. Miami Dolphins
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee
The Dolphins haven't had a true shutdown corner since trading away Jalen Ramsey , but this scenario gives them an opportunity to fix that. McCoy is a unique prospect in that he missed the entire 2025 season with a knee injury, but if you go back to his 2024 tape, his physical tools and ball skills were out of this world. If he can be that player again once he's back to full strength, he could prove to be a bargain outside of the top 10.
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12. Dallas Cowboys
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
They obviously need a pass rusher to replace Micah Parsons , but if the board falls this way, I wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys targeted a difference-maker at the second level of their defense instead. Styles is easily the best off-ball linebacker in this class, with a rare combination of size, length and athleticism that would make him an instant-impact player on all three downs in Dallas.
Ohio State's Sonny Styles is the best linebacker prospect in this year's class. (The Columbus Dispatch)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah
If the Rams want to ensure that Matthew Stafford stays healthy as long as he wants to keep playing, they would be wise to invest in the future of their offensive line. Rob Havenstein isn't getting any younger, and this would be an ideal spot to find his eventual successor at the right tackle spot. Fano has a ton of athleticism and upside, and his experience on both sides of the line would make him a strong match of need and value here.
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14. Baltimore Ravens
Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)
The biggest needs in Baltimore are on defense, but protecting Lamar Jackson has to remain the Ravens' top priority at all times. Mauigoa was a dominant force at right tackle for the Canes, but his skill set could also make him effective if he slides inside at the next level. Upgrading the interior of the offensive line would help keep Jackson clean in the pocket, and also ensure that the ground game remains productive to keep the offense balanced.
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M
Tampa Bay 's defense has been inconsistent at best over the past few seasons, and it call comes back to a lackluster pass rush that struggles to get after opposing quarterbacks with just the front four. That could change with the addition of Howell, who has proven he can single-handedly take over games and end drives with a rush plan that features speed, power, and refined technique.
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16. New York Jets (from IND)
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
This might be a spot for Alabama's Ty Simpson , but I think it's more likely the Jets punt on this weak quarterback class and see what next year brings. Instead, they could prepare for that future franchise passer by adding another dynamic pass-catcher to pair with Garrett Wilson . Tyson has a well-rounded skill set, and wins with smooth route-running that creates consistent separation, and he's dangerous after the catch.
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Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson has impressive route-running ability and big-play potential after the catch. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
17. Detroit Lions
Vega Ioane | OL | Penn State
Injuries have plagued the Lions in the offensive trenches over the past couple of seasons, and there are multiple spots that could use long-term upgrades. In this scenario, the best value is along the interior, where Ioane is the top guard prospect in this year's class. He's athletic and powerful, with the polish and experience to be a plug-and-play starter for a playoff contender.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo
Harrison Smith is expected to retire this offseason, and the future Hall of Famer's departure will leave a massive void on the back end of Minnesota's defense. One of the most underrated prospects in this class, McNeil-Warren is a big, hard-hitting safety with the range, athleticism, and playmaking instincts to be a worthy replacement. An elite defensive coordinator like Brian Flores will get the most out of his skill set.
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19. Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
If the Panthers want Bryce Young to keep developing and eventually become a true franchise quarterback, they'll need to keep loading him up with as many weapons as possible. JT Sanders showed promise last season, but he suffered a serious ankle injury late in the year. Sadiq's combination of size, athleticism and physicality would give Young and the Carolina offense another mismatch weapon in the passing game.
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20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee
I wouldn't be surprised if they take an edge rusher here, but if the board falls this way, they might see more value in a shutdown corner like Hood. After Trevon Diggs ' rapid regression and eventual departure, the Cowboys defense desperately needs another high-quality starter on the outside. Hood proved he can be that guy by shutting down SEC competition all year long with Jermod McCoy sidelined with his knee injury.
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Alabama QB Ty Simpson (15) could sneak into the first round. (David Leong-Imagn Images)David Leong-Imagn Images
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
Even if Aaron Rodgers returns for another year in Pittsburgh and reunites with Mike McCarthy , the Steelers don't have a long-term plan at the game's most important position. Simpson struggled with consistency down the stretch last season, and he's just a one-year starter who needs patience, but this could be the ideal scenario for him to sit and learn behind one of the best to ever do it.
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22. Los Angeles Chargers
T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson
The offensive line needs help along the interior, but there's better value on the other side of the ball in this scenario. Parker is a three-down player who can set a strong edge against the run, as well as get after the passer with both speed and power. He would be an ideal replacement for Khalil Mack , and would team up with Tuli Tuipolotu to give the Chargers a talented young tandem on the edges of the defensive front.
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23. Philadelphia Eagles
Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson
There are bigger needs elsewhere, but Eagles GM Howie Roseman has always been a fan of letting talent fall to him and taking the best player, regardless of position. He's also never been afraid of taking undersized players who are competitive, smart, and athletic. Terrell checks all of those boxes, and has the ball skills to make big plays downfield, despite his lack of ideal size.
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah
After landing a new No. 1 receiver in the top 10, the Browns now address their needs along the offensive line, where they could use long-term upgrades at both tackle spots. Lomu has all the physical traits to develop into a Pro Bowler once he polishes his technique, but the eventual payoff could be massive for a team that needs as many difference-makers as possible at premium positions.
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Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods has a rare blend of size, power, and athleticism. (The Greenville News)Syndication: The Greenville News
25. Chicago Bears
Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
Year 1 of the Ben Johnson experience in Chicago was a massive win, and the future is mighty bright if they can balance the roster with some big additions on defense this offseason. They need to address the trenches before anything else, and Woods would be a fantastic centerpiece. There's some inconsistency on tape, but you just can't teach the combination of size, athleticism, power and explosiveness he brings to the position.
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26. Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
Despite multiple attempts, the Bills have still yet to find a true No. 1 receiver for Josh Allen since Stefon Diggs ' departure. They need to keep swinging until they find that guy, and Boston is a fantastic candidate. His size and physicality make him a dominant red-zone target, and he's got surprising athleticism after the catch for a receiver his size. He could be what the Bills were hoping to get out of Keon Coleman these past two years.
27. San Francisco 49ers
CJ Allen | LB | Georgia
The 49ers will be thrilled to get Fred Warner back next season, but they'll still need to find another high-end linebacker to line up next to him. Allen was a three-down force for the Bulldogs, with the range and athleticism to make plays all over the field, and the physicality to lay the lumber on any ball carrier that comes his way. He's a valuable leader with the intangibles to make a big impact right away.
28. Houston Texans
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama
Protecting Kadyn Proctor has to be Houston's top priority moving forward, and they need upgrades at multiple spots along the offensive line. Proctor needs a ton of development in terms of his technique if he wants to reach his ceiling, but that ceiling is sky-high with his rare combination of size, power and athleticism. It might take some patience, but he could eventually become a dominant force with All-Pro potential.
Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion is a big-play threat down the field and after the catch. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)
29. Los Angeles Rams
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
I wouldn't count out a corner here, but if Concepcion is still on the board, the fit would just be too much fun to ignore. Davante Adams isn't getting any younger, and he dealt with nagging injuries last season, and the Rams don't have much proven depth otherwise behind Puka Nacua . What he lacks in ideal size, Concepcion makes up for with big-play explosiveness, and he's got the intelligence, physicality, and route-running skills to excel in Sean McVay 's system.
30. Denver Broncos
Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia
Garett Bolles has been a mainstay for the Broncos at left tackle for a decade, but he can't play forever, and Denver would be smart to invest in his eventual successor as soon as possible. Freeling has rare movement skills for such a huge blocker, and he showed marked improvement last season that has launched him into the first-round conversation. He could learn behind Bolles for a year and refine his skills before taking over as Bo Nix 's new blind-side protector.
*31. New England Patriots
Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (FL)
Mike Vrabel's defense has been on a heater to close out the season, but looking ahead to next year, they still have a ton of holes to fill on that side of the ball. Milton Williams is a destructive force along the interior of the defensive front, but the Pats need an edge rusher who can make a similar impact. Mesidor would be the perfect choice with his track record of production, and his punishing style of play would be the ideal fit for Vrabel's team.
*32. Seattle Seahawks
Lee Hunter | DL | Texas Tech
Byron Murphy II has quickly developed into one of the NFL's most disruptive interior defenders, but the Seahawks should make a long-term investment into the spot next to him. Finding a massive nose tackle to take on double-teams and give Murphy more 1-on-1 opportunities would be ideal, and Hunter would be the perfect pick after the season he just had for the Red Raiders.
SECOND ROUND
Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. makes big plays in clutch situations. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
33. New York Jets
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina
Max Iheanachor | OT | Arizona State
35. Tennessee Titans
Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia
Gennings Dunker | OT | Iowa
37. New York Giants
Blake Miller | OT | Clemson
38. Houston Texans (from LV)
Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon
39. Cleveland Browns
Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State
Caleb Banks | DL | Florida
Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State
Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon
43. Miami Dolphins
Chris Bell | WR | Louisville
44. New York Jets (from DAL)
Christen Miller | DL | Georgia
45. Baltimore Ravens
R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma
Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas
Zion Young | Edge | Missouri
48. Atlanta Falcons
Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee
Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State
50. Detroit Lions
LT Overton | Edge | Alabama
Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech
Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas
Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana
Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC
Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M
Connor Lew | OL | Auburn
57. Chicago Bears
Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee
Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame
59. Houston Texans
Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State
60. Buffalo Bills
A.J. Haulcy | S | LSU
61. Los Angeles Rams
62. Denver Broncos
Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama
*63. New England Patriots
*64. Seattle Seahawks
Devin Moore | CB | Florida
THIRD ROUND
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier could be a Day 2 gem for the right team. (Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)© Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
65. Arizona Cardinals
Deion Burks | WR | Oklahoma
66. Tennessee Titans
Keionte Scott | DB | Miami (FL)
67. Las Vegas Raiders
Darrell Jackson Jr. | DL | Florida State
68. Philadelphia Eagles (from NYJ)
Caleb Tiernan | OT | Northwestern
69. Houston Texans (From NYG)
Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame
70. Cleveland Browns
Isaiah World | OT | Oregon
Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State
72. Cincinnati Bengals
Kamari Ramsey | S | USC
73. New Orleans Saints
Malik Muhammad | CB | Texas
74. Kansas City Chiefs
Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor
75. Miami Dolphins
Keylan Rutledge | OL | Georgia Tech
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from DAL)
Will Lee III | CB | Texas A&M
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech
Chandler Rivers | CB | Duke
79. Atlanta Falcons
Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State
80. Baltimore Ravens
Malachi Lawrence | Edge | UCF
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)
Zakee Wheatley | S | Penn State
82. Minnesota Vikings
Dontay Corleone | DL | Cincinnati
83. Carolina Panthers
Austin Barber | OT | Florida
Jake Slaughter | OL | Florida
85. Pittsburgh Steelers
Bud Clark | S | TCU
86. Los Angeles Chargers
Tim Keenan III | DL | Alabama
87. Miami Dolphins (from PHI)
Zane Durant | DL | Penn State
88. Jacksonville Jaguars
Daylen Everette | CB | Georgia
89. Chicago Bears
Genesis Smith | S | Arizona
90. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
Joe Royer | TE | Cincinnati
91. Buffalo Bills
Derrick Moore | Edge | Michigan
92. San Francisco 49ers
Gabe Jacas | Edge | Illinois
93. Los Angeles Rams
Garrett Nussmeier | QB | LSU
94. Denver Broncos
Josiah Trotter | LB | Missouri
*95. New England Patriots
Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati
*96. Seattle Seahawks
Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington
*= draft slot to be determined by Super Bowl LX results
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
