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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Free Agency 4-Round Projections
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- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Free Agency 4-Round Projections
The first wave of NFL free agency has washed over the league, sending big-name veterans to new destinations, and changing the landscape for many teams as they look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft .
While some teams have managed to fill their most glaring needs with big-ticket signings in free agency, others who missed out on the top names on the open market could be left reaching to fill those positions in the early rounds of the draft.
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We've had yet another trade involving a first-round pick changing hands, the latest in a flurry of deals this offseason that have seen some marquee names find new destinations in return for valuable draft capital.
2026 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | Edge | Interior DL | LB | CB | S
As the dust starts to settle from the first week of free agency, here's an updated look at how the first four rounds of this year's draft could turn out, complete with a few more projected trades, as well as compensatory selections:
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*=projected trade
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
The closest we have to a sure thing in this draft, the Raiders are in prime position to land their new franchise quarterback at the top of this year's board. Mendoza is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign that saw him win the Heisman Trophy and lead the Hoosiers to an undefeated season that culminated with the first national title in program history , and he's got the arm talent and decision-making ability to develop into a quality starter.
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2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese | Edge | Ohio State
This roster needs a ton of help on both sides of the ball, so this pick is about swinging big on pure talent and upside. As a 20-year-old prospect with impressive physical traits and limitless potential, Reese fits the bill. Whether he's lined up on the edge or off the ball, Reese brings a ton of big-play potential to Aaron Glenn's defense, a unit that was starved for splash plays and takeaways in 2025.
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3. Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)
No matter who ends up throwing the passes in Arizona next season and beyond, that quarterback is going to need as much protection as possible. This might feel like a bit of a reach with some of the defensive talent still on the board, but Mauigoa would give the Cards a plug-and-play starter at right tackle who brings dominant film and reliable consistency to the table at what has become a premium position.
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4. Tennessee Titans
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
The Titans have spent a ton of money this offseason to try and build a winner around their franchise quarterback in Cam Ward , which should free them up to spend this pick on the best player available, regardless of position. That's Love, arguably the top prospect in the entire class, who would give Ward a dynamic weapon as both a runner and receiver who can score on every touch.
Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love might be the best prospect in this year's draft, regardless of position. (Michael Caterina-Imagn Images)Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
5. New York Giants
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
This might feel early for an off-ball linebacker, but we don't see players like Styles come along at the position too often. His combination of size, athleticism, intelligence and playmaking instincts makes him a rare find, and worthy of top-five consideration. The Giants have a formidable defensive front, but could use a cornerstone presence to build around in the back seven, and Styles is the perfect fit.
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6. Cleveland Browns
Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
Seems like everyone has the Browns locked into an offensive tackle or a receiver here, but I'm not convinced they'll pass on better talent on the other side of the ball, despite those glaring needs. Lining up a dominant, three-down edge player like Bain across from Myles Garrett would be a nightmare for opposing offenses, making both players more dangerous, and Cleveland should still have strong options at OT/WR with their pair of remaining top-40 picks.
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7. Miami Dolphins (from WAS)*
David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
Dolphins get: No. 7 overall
Commanders get: No. 11 overall, No. 75 overall, No. 130 overall
Yes, the Dolphins have been loading up on extra picks to fuel a much-needed rebuild, but that doesn't mean they won't use some of that additional capital to make calculated moves up the board to land blue-chip players at premium positions. If an explosive, productive edge defender like Bailey is still on the board here, Washington could look to replace some of their missing picks by sliding down a few spots, while Miami makes a short jump up the board to create a promising young pair of pass rushers with Bailey and Chop Robinson .
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8. New Orleans Saints
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
Chris Olave is one of the better receivers in the league when healthy, but he's struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, and the Saints don't have much depth behind him after trading away Rashid Shaheed last year. Adding Tate would give New Orleans another complete pass-catcher with WR1 talent and potential, which would help ensure that Tyler Shough continues to develop into a quality starting quarterback.
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Ohio State's Carnell Tate is the latest in a long line of elite pass-catching prospects to come out of Columbus. (The Columbus Dispatch)Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah
After moving on from Jawaan Taylor , the Chiefs are once again in need of a reliable presence at right tackle who can help keep Patrick Mahomes protected. This would be an ideal scenario with Fano still on the board, giving them a plug-and-play starter with a proven track record of experience at the position, but also an intriguing set of physical traits that give him a high ceiling.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
Speaking of ideal scenarios, the Bengals should be throwing a massive party in their draft room if Downs falls to them here. Arguably the best player in the entire draft, regardless of position, Downs is a three-level playmaker who can line up all over the field and create takeaways when the ball comes his way. This defense is desperate for impact players at any position, and Downs is exactly what they need to start rebuilding this unit.
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11. Washington Commanders (from MIA)*
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
After moving back and adding some much-needed draft capital, the Commanders are still able to grab a defensive playmaker, getting better value in the process. Delane was an absolute shutdown artist for the Bayou Bengals last season, proving he can erase an entire side of the field. That's exactly the kind of presence Washington's defense needs on the outside, and getting the top corner in this class outside of the top 10 would be a bargain.
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12. Dallas Cowboys
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee
Dallas has a ton of needs on defense, but in this scenario, they've got a chance to fill the void left behind by Trevon Diggs ' rapid regression and subsequent departure last season. McCoy is a tough prospect to project after he missed the entire 2025 season with a knee injury, but his 2024 tape shows an elite playmaker with high-level physical traits and ball skills that could make him a steal if he's able to return to full strength.
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USC WR Makai Lemon was a big-play machine for the Trojans last year. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Makai Lemon | WR | USC
Davante Adams was dominant when healthy last season, but injuries nagged at him throughout the year, and he's not getting any younger. If the Rams want to find a new WR2 to pair with Puka Nacua for the long haul, Lemon would be a fantastic candidate. Short but not small, Lemon plays with a ton of physicality at the catch point and after the catch, with the explosiveness to create big plays all over the field.
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14. Baltimore Ravens
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
Lamar Jackson needs more pass-catching weapons, and with Isaiah Likely gone and Mark Andrews getting older, they could take his opportunity to grab the unquestioned top tight end in this year's class off the board. Sadiq has an impressive blend of athleticism and strength that makes him a matchup nightmare for back-seven defenders, and he could immediately become a big-play magnet catching passes from Jackson.
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15. Cleveland Browns (from TB)*
Browns get: No. 15 overall
Bucs get: No. 24 overall, No. 70 overall, No. 107 overall
Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia
After going with pure value in the top 10, the Browns make a bold move up the board to fill their biggest need at left tackle. Freeling launched himself into the first-round conversation with a fantastic 2025 campaign, and his combination of size, athleticism and power gives him a sky-high ceiling at the next level. Banking on that upside at a premium position of need is well worth the price to move up ahead of multiple teams who could be targeting that skill set.
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16. New York Jets (from IND)
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
A quarterback is possible here, but I'm betting the Jets would rather keep building up the roster around their future quarterback instead of reaching for QB2 in a weak class. Garrett Wilson is one of the league's best receivers, but the Jets could use an upgrade at the WR2 spot. Tyson's route-running prowess and ability to create consistent separation and make big plays after the catch would make him the ideal candidate.
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Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson creates consistent separation with impressive route-running skills. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
17. Detroit Lions
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah
The Taylor Decker era has come to an end in Detroit, and it's time for the Lions to find his replacement after a decade of counting on him as their reliable left tackle. Lomu would be a fantastic replacement, with a balanced skill set as both a run blocker and pass protector, and a combination of size and athleticism that gives him a ton of potential. This is an ideal match of need and value for the Lions.
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18. Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon
It looks like Harrison Smith is headed for retirement, which would leave the Vikings with a massive void on the back end of their defense. It's unfair to expect any rookie to immediately have the same impact as a future Hall of Famer, but Thieneman's athleticism, versatility, and playmaking instincts give some of the same key components that allowed Smith to have so much success throughout his legendary career.
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19. Carolina Panthers
Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
The Panthers already have one of the NFL's best interior defenders in Derrick Moore , but they could make their defensive front even more dangerous with the addition of Woods. His production dipped last season while playing much of the year out of position, but if his skill set is utilized properly in Carolina, he could team up with Moore to terrorize opposing offenses for years to come.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (FL)
It was painfully obvious last season how much trading away Micah Parsons torpedoed the Cowboys' pass rush, and they need to find someone early in this draft who can help replace some of that impact. Mesidor is an older prospect (he'll turn 25 before the draft), but he was highly productive for the Canes, and his 2025 tape shows a dominant edge rusher who just knows how to get to the quarterback early and often.
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Miami's Akheem Mesidor is one of the most productive edge rushers in this class. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana
Depth was a huge issue for the Steelers last year, and even with the acquisition of Michael Pittman Jr. via trade, they should still look to load up on high-end talent at the position. Cooper's well-rounded skill set and physical playing style would be an ideal fit, and his knack for making big plays in clutch moments would be a valuable addition, no matter who ends up under center in Pittsburgh next year or beyond.
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22. Los Angeles Chargers
Olaivavega Ioane | OL | Penn State
After moving on from Mekhi Becton and losing Zion Johnson in free agency, the Chargers need to make some big investments along the interior of their offensive line, especially after how much Justin Herbert was battered down the stretch last year. Easily the best guard prospect in this year's draft, Ioane would be an immediate upgrade for a team that has high hopes of making deeper playoff runs in the near future.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama
Offensive line play has been a point of pride for the Eagles in recent years, but injuries and inconsistency fueled struggles for that unit last year, and they need to bring in some reinforcements. Proctor needs a ton of technical refinement, but he's got rare physical traits for his massive frame, giving him a ton of upside at the next level. Whether he ends up at tackle or guard, there's All-Pro potential here in the right situation.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from JAX via CLE)*
CJ Allen | LB | Georgia
After trading back and adding more picks, the Bucs are able to get better value while filling one of their biggest needs. Even if Lavonte David returns for a 15th season, Tampa Bay needs to invest in an eventual successor for the future Hall of Famer, and Allen would be a strong candidate. He's proven he can be an every-down playmaker against both the run and pass, and he has the mental traits and intangibles to handle the "green dot" role at the heart of the defense.
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a hard-hitting safety with tons of athleticism. (James Snook-Imagn Images)
25. Chicago Bears
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo
Coby Bryant was a big addition in free agency, but after losing both Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker , the Bears still need to fill one more safety spot in their starting lineup. This would be an ideal scenario in that regard, as McNeil-Warren could easily be a top-20 pick with his combination of size, range, and playmaking ability. He's a hard-hitting presence on the back end, and would be a fantastic blend of need and value for Chicago.
26. Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
Even after trading for DJ Moore , the Bills could still target another pass-catcher who brings more size to the table. Boston fits the bill, with a big frame and the athleticism, physicality, length and body control that makes him a dominant threat in the red zone. Buffalo has to give Josh Allen as much help as possible, and loading up on high-end receivers to elevate the passing game would be a wise investment.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are both coming off season-ending injuries, and you can never have too much blue-chip talent along the defensive front. After filling many of their biggest needs in free agency, the 49ers could invest in their depth along the defensive trenches with Faulk, who has a ton of upside due to his size and athleticism, along with the versatility to line up at multiple positions.
28. Houston Texans
Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M
I could see the Texans wanting to move out of this spot, but if they don't find any takers, the most glaring need is along the interior of the offensive line. Bisontis is a versatile blocker with experience at both guard and tackle, and a combination of athleticism and physicality that gives him plenty of upside no matter where he lines up. His punishing style of play would be a perfect fit for DeMeco Ryans and his team.
Clemson's Avieon Terrell is and undersized but competitive cornerback with impressive ball skills and playmaking instincts. (Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR)
Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson
The Chiefs acquired this pick by trading away an undersized but feisty corner who consistently punched above his weight, so why not spend it on a similar player? Terrell is highly competitive and plays with a ton of effort and physicality despite his smaller frame, and his combination of instincts and ball skills allows him to get his hands on a ton of passes and make bit plays when the ball comes his way.
30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN)
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
Much like the Chiefs at the previous pick, the Dolphins are in prime position to replace Jaylen Waddle with one of the picks they acquired for him. Concepcion is a smaller but explosive pass-catcher who can create big plays down the field and after the catch, making him an ideal replacement for Waddle. The rebuild might take time in Miami, but Concepcion would be in line for a ton of early targets from Malik Willis .
31. Arizona Cardinals (from NE)*
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
Cardinals get: No. 31 overall
Patriots get: No. 34 overall, No. 143 overall, 2027 4th-round pick
If the Cards want to land Simpson, they might have to jump back into the first round to get ahead of the Jets at the top of the second. The division-rival Seahawks won't want to help them land a potential franchise quarterback of the future, but the Pats wouldn't mind making sure the Jets don't get one. Simpson has some big question marks (lack of starting experience and high-end physical traits, inconsistent play down the stretch), but there were flashes of potential that could eventually be developed into a quality starter with the right supporting cast.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Lee Hunter | DL | Texas Tech
I wouldn't be surprised to see the defending champs trade out of this spot, but if forced to stick and pick, they're in a strong position to make the league's best defense even more dominant. Hunter is a massive mauler who can shut down the run game and push the pocket from the inside as a pass rusher, and lining him up next to Byron Murphy II would be borderline unfair for opposing offenses.
SECOND ROUND
Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez made tons of splash plays for the Red Raiders on their run to the College Football Playoff. (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
33. New York Jets
34. New England Patriots (from ARI)*
Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M
35. Tennessee Titans
37. New York Giants
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina
38. Houston Texans (from LV)
39. Cleveland Browns
Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee
Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State
43. Miami Dolphins
Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State
44. New York Jets (from DAL)
Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech
45. Baltimore Ravens
R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma
Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati
48. Atlanta Falcons
Christen Miller | DL | Georgia
50. Detroit Lions
Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon
Max Iheanachor | OT | Arizona State
Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State
Derrick Moore | Edge | Michigan
A.J. Haulcy | S | LSU
57. Chicago Bears
Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia
Caleb Tiernan | OT | Northwestern
59. Houston Texans
Connor Lew | OL | Auburn
60. Chicago Bears (from BUF)
61. Los Angeles Rams
Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State
62. Denver Broncos
63. New England Patriots
64. Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame
THIRD ROUND
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier could be a valuable investment late on Day 2. (The Clarion-Ledger)© Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State
66. Tennessee Titans
Keionte Scott | DB | Miami (FL)
67. Las Vegas Raiders
Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame
68. Philadelphia Eagles (from NYJ)
Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State
69. Houston Texans (From NYG)
Josiah Trotter | LB | Missouri
70. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from CLE)*
Darrell Jackson Jr. | DL | Florida State
Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC
72. Cincinnati Bengals
Chandler Rivers | CB | Duke
73. New Orleans Saints
LT Overton | Edge | Alabama
74. Kansas City Chiefs
Oscar Delp | TE | Georgia
75. Washington Commanders (from MIA)*
Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from DAL)
Kamari Ramsey | DB | USC
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keylan Rutledge | OL | Georgia Tech
Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech
79. Atlanta Falcons
Devin Moore | CB | Florida
80. Baltimore Ravens
Malik Muhammad | CB | Texas
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)
Dontay Corleone | DL | Cincinnati
82. Minnesota Vikings
Tim Keenan III | DL | Alabama
83. Carolina Panthers
Treydan Stukes | DB | Arizona
Julian Neal | DB | Arkansas
85. Pittsburgh Steelers
Deion Burks | WR | Oklahoma
86. Los Angeles Chargers
Zakee Wheatley | S | Penn State
87. Miami Dolphins (from PHI)
Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor
88. Jacksonville Jaguars
Kyle Louis | LB | Pitt
89. Chicago Bears
DeMonte Capehart | DL | Clemson
90. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
Dametrious Crownover | OT | Texas A&M
91. Buffalo Bills
Bud Clark | S | TCU
92. Dallas Cowboys (from SF)
93. Los Angeles Rams
94. Miami Dolphins (from DEN)
Genesis Smith | S | Arizona
95. New England Patriots
Max Klare | TE | Ohio State
96. Seattle Seahawks
Will Lee III | CB | Texas A&M
97. Minnesota Vikings
Mike Washington Jr. | RB | Arkansas
98. Philadelphia Eagles
99. Pittsburgh Steelers
100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)
Jake Slaughter | OL | Florida
FOURTH ROUND
Miami QB Carson Beck brings a ton of starting experience against top competition to the next level. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
101. Tennessee Titans
Antonio Williams | WR | Clemson
102. Las Vegas Raiders
Daylen Everette | CB | Georgia
103. New York Jets
Billy Schrauth | OL | Notre Dame
104. Arizona Cardinals
Keyron Crawford | Edge | Auburn
105. New York Giants
Ted Hurst | WR | Georgia State
106. Houston Texans (from WAS)
Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington
107. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from CLE)*
Jaishawn Barham | Edge/LB | Michigan
108. Denver Broncos (from NO)
Isaiah World | OT | Oregon
109. Kansas City Chiefs
Bryce Lance | WR | North Dakota State
110. Cincinnati Bengals
Gracen Halton | DL | Oklahoma
111. Denver Broncos (from MIA)
Deontae Lawson | LB | Alabama
112. Dallas Cowboys
Keyshaun Elliott | LB | Arizona State
113. Indianapolis Colts
Eric McAlister | WR | TCU
114. Atlanta Falcons
Anthony Lucas | Edge | USC
115. Baltimore Ravens
Kendrick Law | WR | Kentucky
116. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sam Roush | TE | Stanford
117. Las Vegas Raiders (from MIN)
Kaleb Proctor | DL | Southeastern Louisiana
118. Detroit Lions
Taurean York | LB | Texas A&M
119. Carolina Panthers
Skyler Bell | WR | UConn
120. Green Bay Packers
Harold Perkins | LB | LSU
121. Pittsburgh Steelers
Zxavian Harris | DL | Ole Miss
122. Philadelphia Eagles
Joe Royer | TE | Cincinnati
123. Los Angeles Chargers
Tacario Davis | CB | Washington
124. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jalon Kilgore | S | South Carolina
125. New England Patriots (from CHI)
Aiden Fisher | LB | Indiana
126. Buffalo Bills
Ephesians Prysock | CB | Washington
127. San Francisco 49ers
Justin Joly | TE | North Carolina State
128. Detroit Lions (from HOU)
Caden Curry | Edge | Ohio State
129. Chicago Bears (from LAR)
Brian Parker II | OL | Duke
130. Washington Commanders (from DEN via MIA)*
Logan Jones | OL | Iowa
131. New England Patriots
Chris McClellan | DL | Missouri
132. New Orleans Saints (from SEA)
Jack Endries | TE | Texas
133. San Francisco 49ers
Sam Hecht | Kansas State
134. Las Vegas Raiders
Nicholas Singleton | RB | Penn State
135. Pittsburgh Steelers
Austin Barber | OT | Florida
136. New Orleans Saints
Brenen Thompson | WR | Mississippi State
137. Philadelphia Eagles
Taylen Green | QB | Arkansas
138. San Francisco 49ers
Kaleb Elarms-Orr | LB | TCU
139. San Francisco 49ers
Jalen Farmer | OL | Kentucky
140. New York Jets
Carson Beck | QB | Miami (FL)
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
