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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Free Agency Shakes Up New 4-Round Projection
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- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Free Agency Shakes Up New 4-Round Projection
The first wave of NFL free agency came fast and furious on Wednesday, with a flurry of marquee moves that are sure to have a significant impact on the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
From the blockbuster trade that fell through ( Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens ) to some of the biggest names on the market quickly finding new homes ( Trey Hendrickson , Tyler Linderbaum , Malik Willis and more), the first full day of the new league year gave us plenty of compelling storylines.
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The impact of these moves could have a massive influence on how teams approach their draft strategy, as some clubs have now filled some of their biggest needs, while others could be scrambling and forced to reach with their early-round picks at the top of the board.
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 wave of free agency, here's an updated look at how the first four rounds of this year's draft could turn out:
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* = projected trade
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
The Maxx Crosby fiasco notwithstanding, the Raiders are still winning the offseason with a flurry of new additions, all in hopes of building a winner around their new franchise quarterback. Mendoza is coming off an incredible 2025 campaign that included a Heisman Trophy, and undefeated season and a national title, and he's got all the tools to quickly develop into a quality starter in Vegas.
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2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese | Edge | Ohio State
Without a worthy quarterback to take here, the Jets need to bank on pure talent and upside, regardless of position. A 20-year-old prospect with rare athleticism and versatility for his size, Reese has as much potential as any player in this draft. Aaron Glenn needs more playmakers on his side of the ball, and no matter where Reese lines up, he's got all the athleticism to become a high-impact player.
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3. Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)
This might feel like a slight reach with some of the defensive talent still on the board, but the Cards need to find a long-term solution at right tackle beyond aging veteran Jonah Williams . And there could be a run at the position late in the first round that could deplete the top tiers of the class before Arizona gets back on the clock early in the second round. Mauigoa is a proven, powerful presence on the right side and would be an instant upgrade.
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4. Tennessee Titans
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
The point of free agency is to fill as many of your most immediate needs as possible so you can go into the draft with more freedom to simply take the best players available at every pick. The Titans have been aggressive in adding veterans on both sides of the ball right out of the gates this year, which should free them up to spend this pick on arguably the best player in the entire draft. Love's three-down skill set and big-play ability would be a huge help to Cam Ward .
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Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is the top running back prospect in this year's draft. (Michael Caterina-Imagn Images)Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
5. New York Giants
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
A right tackle was possible here until they re-signed Jermaine Eluemenor, and now the Giants can look elsewhere for better value at another position of need. Adding Tremaine Edmunds is strong, but the G-Men could use an upgrade over Micah McFadden , who re-signed on a cheap one-year deal. Styles is an elite athlete with rare size and athleticism, and the versatility to make big plays all over the field against both the run and pass.
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6. Cleveland Browns
David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
Trading for Tytus Howard shores up Cleveland's need at right tackle, and it's still early for the top left tackles in this class. A receiver is possible here, but there's strong depth at the position that should give the Browns strong options with one of their other top-40 picks. Instead, they opt for the most explosive edge rusher in this draft, lining up Bailey across from two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett (who just turned 30), giving him a constant flow of one-on-one situations to exploit off the edge.
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7. Baltimore Ravens (from WAS)*
Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
Even after signing Trey Hendrickson to a massive deal, I wouldn't be shocked if the Ravens still targeted one of the top edge rushers in this draft to turn a weakness into a strength after last year's defensive debacle. Washington replaces their missing second-round pick in this deal, while the Ravens make a bold move up the board to land a complete edge defender who can set the edge against the run and get after the quarterback with both speed and power.
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8. New Orleans Saints
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
Chris Olave has proved he can be a strong WR1 when healthy, but he's struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, and the Saints dealt their second-best receiver in Rashid Shaheed at the trade deadline last year. Tate's complete skill set would immediately give the Saints a massive WR2 upgrade, and he could easily eclipse Olave as Tyler Shough 's top target, especially if Olave's injuries continue to pile up.
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Ohio State's Carnell Tate is the latest in a long line of elite pass catchers 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 admitting defeat with the Jawaan Taylor experiment, the Chiefs are once again looking for a reliable presence at right tackle. Fano would be an ideal fit with his proven track record of success at that spot, and his physical traits give him a ton of upside, even if his technique needs some work. If he pans out, he could team up with Josh Simmons to give Patrick Mahomes a young tackle tandem to keep him protected for years to come.
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10. Cincinnati Bengals
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
This remains the ideal scenario for the Bengals, even with the signing of Bryan Cook . Downs is arguably the best overall player in the entire draft regardless of position, so the value is just too much to pass up here. His versatility allows him to line up just about anywhere on defense, and his well-rounded skill set puts him in position to make splash plays in a million different ways.
11. Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
The rebuild is on for the Dolphins, who need to load up on young talent all over their roster. In this scenario, the best match of need and value comes on defense, where Miami desperately needs to find a true shutdown corner. That's exactly what Delane was for the Bayou Bengals last season, proving he can erase an entire side of the field with his presence in coverage.
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12. Dallas Cowboys
Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon
This might feel a little high for Thieneman, but after his ridiculous showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, I wouldn't be surprised if he vaults himself into this range. He's got the versatility to line up all over the place, and his combination of athleticism, instincts and football IQ makes him a constant headache for opposing quarterbacks. The Cowboys need more playmakers on defense, and Thieneman fits the bill.
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USC WR Makai Lemon was a big-play machine for the Trojans. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Makai Lemon | WR | USC
Now that Matthew Stafford is back for at least one more season, the Rams need to give him as much help as possible if they want to make another Super Bowl run. Davante Adams was elite as a WR2 last season, but he's not getting any younger, and injuries nagged at him throughout the 2025 campaign. Lemon would be a fantastic long-term weapon opposite Puka Nacua , and his explosive, big-play potential would be fully unlocked in Sean McVay 's offense.
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14. Washington Commanders (from BAL)*
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee
After moving back and adding a much-needed second-round pick, the Commanders are still able to address their need for defensive playmakers while getting better value in the process. McCoy is a bit of a wild card after missing the entire 2025 season with a knee injury, but his 2024 tape shows an elite cover man with top-10 talent. If he stays healthy, he could prove to be a massive bargain at this spot.
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15. San Francisco 49ers (from TB)*
Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia
If teams want to land one of the top offensive tackles in this class, they're going to have to be aggressive. That's what the 49ers do in this scenario, sending a second-round pick and a fourth-rounder to the Bucs to jump ahead of multiple tackle-needy teams and land their guy. Freeling's size, athleticism and physicality gives him a ton of upside as Trent Williams ' potential successor at left tackle, and his movement skills are exactly what's required to operate in Kyle Shanahan's system.
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16. New York Jets (from IND)
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
It looks like the Jets are likely to punt on this year's quarterback class and wait for what could be a far more talented group in 2027, leaving them to add to the foundation of the roster in the meantime. Garrett Wilson is one of the NFL's best receivers, but New York needs to upgrade the WR2 spot with a high-end pass-catcher who can win one-on-ones when Wilson draws coverages his way. Tyson is a well-rounded prospect who runs sharp routes and creates big plays after the catch.
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Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson has a complete skill set and big-play ability after the catch. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
17. Detroit Lions
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah
The Taylor Decker era is over for the Lions, who now need to find themselves a new starting left tackle. Lomu would be an ideal match, and his film shows a high-upside player with a strong blend of size, power and athleticism. He'll need to refine his technique to be more consistent on every snap, but all the tools are there for him to develop into a reliable starter for a decade, just like Decker has been.
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18. Minnesota Vikings
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo
It looks like Harrison Smith is headed for retirement, which will leave the Vikings with a massive void on the back end of their defense. McNeil-Warren has the physical tools and playmaking instincts to be a Pro Bowler in his own right. The upside is through the roof for this smart, athletic, hard-hitting defender who can fly all over the field.
19. Denver Broncos (from CAR)*
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
Denver already has one of the NFL's best defenses, but they need to surround Bo Nix with as many weapons as possible in order to make more deep playoff runs. Giving up a second-round pick and getting a fifth-rounder back from Carolina, the Broncos make a bold move up the board to land Sadiq, by far the best tight end prospect in this class. His athleticism, physicality and versatility would be maximized in Sean Payton's offense.
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20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
Dallas needs to load up on as much defensive talent as possible, and if the board falls this way, it could point them to a high-upside trench player. Faulk's massive frame and impressive physical traits allow him to line up all over the defensive front, and at just 20 years old, he's barely scratched the surface of his lofty potential. It may take a little time, but Faulk could eventually develop into a dominant three-down player.
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Alabama QB Ty Simpson could sneak into the first round. (David Leong-Imagn Images)David Leong-Imagn Images
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
I'm not gonna lie, I kind of hate this pick. But that doesn't mean it won't happen. It feels too much like Kenny Pickett 2.0 for my taste, but the Steelers could see an opportunity to land their future starter at the game's most important position. There are obvious drawbacks (lack of starting experience, no elite physical traits, decreased consistency down the stretch last season), but Simpson showed flashes of promise that could eventually be developed into a successful starter. For many teams, that's worth the gamble when it comes to quarterbacks.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Olaivavega Ioane | OL | Penn State
Even with both offensive tackles returning from injury in 2026, the Chargers need to load up on as much protection as possible for Justin Herbert . After moving on from Mekhi Becton and Zion Johnson this offseason, they need to reload at the guard spot, and Ioane is easily the top prospect in this year's class at the position. He's a plug-and-play starter with the polish and talent to quickly become Pro Bowl material.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Max Iheanachor | OT | Arizona State
This guy's gonna go higher than you think. Iheanachor has as much upside as anyone in this year's deep tackle class, and his film shows flashes of dominance that jump off the screen. The Eagles need to find a successor for Lane Johnson at right tackle, and Iheanachor would be the perfect understudy. After not playing football until junior college, Iheanachor has quickly developed into a first-round talent, and the sky's the limit for what he can become at the next level.
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama
After going "best player available" in the top 10, the Browns address one of their bigger needs here, finding their new left tackle of the future. Proctor still needs a ton of refinement from a technical standpoint, but he's got rare physical traits for such a massive blocker, along with all the power you'd expect. He's loaded with potential, and with the right coaching, he could eventually turn into an All-Pro.
Clemson DL Peter Woods has rare athleticism for his size. (The Greenville News)Syndication: The Greenville News
25. Chicago Bears
Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
The offense is promising with Ben Johnson and Caleb Johnson at the helm, but if the Bears want to go deeper in the playoffs, they need more difference-makers on defense. That need is greatest in the trenches, where Chicago lacks a true impact player along the interior. Woods could change all that, with a rare combination of size and athleticism that gives him a ton of potential if he can be used the right way.
26. Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
Even after trading for DJ Moore , the Bills could still target another high-end weapon to make sure Josh Allen has everything he needs to keep the offense running at full tilt. Boston's combination of size, athleticism and physicality makes him a dominant red zone threat who thrives in contested-catch situations, and his skill set would be the perfect complement to what Moore brings to the table.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SF)*
CJ Allen | LB | Georgia
After trading back and acquiring multiple additional picks, the Bucs are able to get a better match of need and value at this spot. Even if Lavonte David comes back for a 15th season, the Bucs didn't have another starting-caliber linebacker on the roster in 2025, and they need a more long-term solution than Alex Anzalone . Allen is a high-floor prospect who brings the intelligence, reliability and intangible qualities to be the ideal fit.
28. Houston Texans
Caleb Banks | DL | Florida
The offensive line is Houston's top priority, but after signing Braden Smith to replace Tytus Howard at right tackle, they could wait to until Day 2 to address the interior. That could free them up to spend this pick on another high-upside weapon for DeMeco Ryans ' defense, bringing Banks' massive frame and rare physical traits into a defense that's built to maximize what he does well, with a coaching staff that will get the most out of his talent.
Florida DL Caleb Banks has tons of potential thanks to his rare physical traits. (Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images)Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR)
Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson
The Chiefs opted to trade away Trent McDuffie instead of giving him the massive contract extension he'd earned, so why not spend the first pick from that deal on a similar player to fill his role? Much like McDuffie, Terrell makes up for his lack of ideal size with intelligence, technique, instincts and ball skills, and he plays with an elite level of competitiveness that makes his presence on the field seem much bigger than his listed measurements.
30. Carolina Panthers (from DEN)*
Blake Miller | OT | Clemson
This is a huge win for the Panthers, who jump down the board and pick up an extra second-round pick, and still fill one of their biggest needs with a high-floor prospect at a premium position. Miller made 54 starts at right tackle for the Tigers, and he could be a plug-and-play starter if Carolina ends up needing him to replace Taylor Moton sooner than later.
31. New England Patriots
Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (FL)
Drake Maye 's MVP-worthy 2025 campaign covered up a ton of issues for New England on defense, and those problems need to be addressed this offseason. That task has already started with some free agent additions, but the Pats need to find a high-impact edge rusher who can get after the quarterback early and often. Mesidor is an older prospect at age 25, but he's also the kind of pro-ready pass rusher who can make an instant impact for a Super Bowl contender.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State
Seattle re-signed Josh Jobe but lost Riq Woolen in free agency, leaving it in need of another starting-caliber corner. There are plenty of worthy candidates on the board in this scenario, but Johnson is my favorite of the bunch. His film shows a clean, consistent cover man with polished technique and the ball skills to make big plays when quarterbacks test his side of the field.
SECOND ROUND
Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. was a clutch playmaker for the national champs. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
33. New York Jets
Lee Hunter | DL | Texas Tech
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina
35. Tennessee Titans
Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana
36. Las Vegas Raiders
37. New York Giants
Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee
38. Houston Texans (from LV)
Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon
39. Cleveland Browns
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
Zion Young | Edge | Missouri
Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State
T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson
43. Miami Dolphins
Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M
44. New York Jets (from DAL)
Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas
45. Washington Commanders (from BAL)*
Chris Bell | WR | Louisville
Malachi Lawrence | Edge | UCF
48. Atlanta Falcons
Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State
Christen Miller | DL | Georgia
50. Detroit Lions
R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma
A.J. Haulcy | S | LSU
Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State
Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M
Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee
Kamari Ramsey | S | USC
57. Chicago Bears
Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State
58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SF)*
Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech
59. Houston Texans
Connor Lew | OL | Auburn
60. Chicago Bears (from BUF)
Zakee Wheatley | S | Penn State
61. Los Angeles Rams
Caleb Tiernan | OT | Northwestern
62. Carolina Panthers (from DEN)*
Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia
Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati
64. Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame
THIRD ROUND
Penn State QB Drew Allar is coming off a season-ending injury but has tons of upside. (Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
65. Arizona Cardinals
Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee
66. Tennessee Titans
LT Overton | Edge | Alabama
67. Las Vegas Raiders
Keylan Rutledge | OL | Georgia Tech
68. Philadelphia Eagles (from NYJ)
Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama
69. Houston Texans (From NYG)
Josiah Trotter | LB | Missouri
70. Cleveland Browns
Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State
71. Washington Commanders
Mike Washington Jr. | RB | Arkansas
72. Cincinnati Bengals
Keionte Scott | DB | Miami (FL)
73. New Orleans Saints
Devin Moore | CB | Florida
74. Kansas City Chiefs
Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame
75. Miami Dolphins
Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from DAL)
Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Darrell Jackson Jr. | DL | Florida State
Dametrious Crownover | OT | Texas A&M
79. Atlanta Falcons
Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech
80. Baltimore Ravens
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)
Jake Slaughter | OL | Florida
82. Minnesota Vikings
Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington
83. Carolina Panthers
Malik Muhammad | CB | Texas
Will Lee III | CB | Texas A&M
85. Pittsburgh Steelers
Deion Burks | WR | Oklahoma
86. Los Angeles Chargers
Treydan Stukes | CB | Arizona
87. Miami Dolphins (from PHI)
Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor
88. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dontay Corleone | DL | Cincinnati
89. Chicago Bears
Deontae Lawson | LB | Alabama
90. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
Austin Barber | OT | Florida
91. Buffalo Bills
Bud Clark | S | TCU
92. Dallas Cowboys (from SF)
Chandler Rivers | CB | Duke
93. Los Angeles Rams
Drew Allar | QB | Penn State
94. Denver Broncos
Isaiah World | OT | Oregon
95. New England Patriots
Antonio Williams | WR | Clemson
96. Seattle Seahawks
Derrick Moore | Edge | Michigan
*97. Minnesota Vikings
Gabe Jacas | Edge | Illinois
*98. Philadelphia Eagles
Genesis Smith | S | Arizona
*99. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kaleb Proctor | DL | Southeastern Louisiana
*100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)
Kyle Louis | LB | Pitt
FOURTH ROUND
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier could prove to be a bargain pick on Day 3. (The Clarion-Ledger)© Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
101. Tennessee Titans
Keyshaun Elliott | LB | Arizona State
102. Las Vegas Raiders
103. New York Jets
Garrett Nussmeier | QB | LSU
104. Arizona Cardinals
Tim Keenan III | DL | Alabama
105. New York Giants
Kendrick Law | WR | Kentucky
106. Houston Texans (from WAS)
Nicholas Singleton | RB | Penn State
107. Cleveland Browns
Taurean York | LB | Texas A&M
108. Denver Broncos (from NO)
Skyler Bell | WR | UConn
109. Kansas City Chiefs
Joe Royer | TE | Cincinnati
110. Cincinnati Bengals
Gracen Halton | DL | Oklahoma
111. Miami Dolphins
Harold Perkins | LB | LSU
112. Dallas Cowboys
Bryce Lance | WR | North Dakota State
113. Indianapolis Colts
DeMonte Capehart | DL | Clemson
114. Atlanta Falcons
Kaytron Allen | RB | Penn State
115. Baltimore Ravens
Logan Jones | OL | Iowa
116. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jaishawn Barham | Edge | Michigan
117. Las Vegas Raiders (from MIN)
Daylen Everette | CB | Georgia
118. Detroit Lions
Aiden Fisher | LB | Indiana
119. Carolina Panthers
Justin Joly | TE | North Carolina State
120. Green Bay Packers
Anthony Lucas | Edge | USC
121. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jalon Kilgore | S | South Carolina
122. Philadelphia Eagles
Keyron Crawford | Edge | Auburn
123. Los Angeles Chargers
Billy Schrauth | OL | Notre Dame
124. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ted Hurst | WR | Georgia State
125. New England Patriots (from CHI)
Oscar Delp | TE | Georgia
126. Buffalo Bills
Tacario Davis | CB | Arizona
127. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SF)*
Brian Parker II | OL | Duke
128. Detroit Lions (from HOU)
Carson Beck | QB | Miami (FL)
129. Chicago Bears (from LAR)
Sam Hecht | OL | Kansas State
130. Denver Broncos
Zxavian Harris | DL | Ole Miss
131. New England Patriots
Ar'maj Reed-Adams | OL | Texas A&M
132. New Orleans Saints (from SEA)
Emmett Johnson | RB | Nebraska
*133. San Francisco 49ers
Caden Curry | Edge | Ohio State
*134. Las Vegas Raiders
Eric McAlister | WR | TCU
*135. Pittsburgh Steelers
Bryce Boettcher | LB | Oregon
*136. New Orleans Saints
Max Klare | TE | Ohio State
*137. Philadelphia Eagles
Taylen Green | QB | Arkansas
*138. San Francisco 49ers
Kaleb Elarms-Orr | LB | TCU
*139. San Francisco 49ers
Brenen Thompson | WR | Mississippi State
*140. New York Jets
Domani Jackson | CB | Alabama
* = compensatory selection
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
