NFL Mock Draft 2026: Final 3-round projections with Jordyn Tyson to Giants, Makai Lemon to Rams; Omar Cooper Jr. to Jets originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The 2026 NFL Draft is only a day and a half away. After a long pre-draft process that started in earnest with the 2025 college football season, the best pro prospects will finally have their names called in the first three rounds on April 23 and April 24 in Pittsburgh.
Now that all 32 teams are about to be on the clock, it's time to check with one last mock. With the latest information and rumors in mind, here's projecting how picks No. 1 through No. 100 might play out, including the lock at the top:
JUMP TO:Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-5, 236 pounds)
Mendoza to the Raiders is the only guarantee in the first round. Now the only question is whether he will beat out Kirk Cousins and start right away in Klint Kubiak's offense.
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State (6-4, 241 pounds)
The Jets have been debating Reese vs. David Bailey, because they're both dynamic pass rushers who also have a ton of athleticism to make big plays in every capacity. Reese offers just a little more versatility for Aaron Glenn.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-4, 251 pounds)
The Cardinals have become more enamored with Bailey as they try to boost their pass rush for retained defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. He also can be a huge needed coverage asset for them when needed.
MORE: Sporting News' complete 7-round mock draft
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 212 pounds)
The Titans have been attached to Love more during the early part of draft month, making him the second-most likeliest pick after the Mendoza lock. Love would make sense to support Cam Ward well in Brian Daboll's offense as the team blows up a fading Tony Pollard-led backfield.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-5, 244 pounds)
The Giants have some flexibility with this pick now that they have acquired No. 10 overall, too, from the Dexter Lawrence trade with the Bengals . They have loved Styles for a while as a needed dominant rangy playmaker.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 192 pounds)
The Browns should be thinking a lot more about offense over defense early in the draft and it comes down to wide receiver or offensive line with this pick. Here's sticking with Tate from Columbus in state to become their new outside No. 1.
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Caleb Downs , S, Ohio State (6-0, 206 pounds)
The Commanders are the strongest candidates to trade down in the first round with their multitude of needs that line up with the best players available. Downs would make sense plenty if they stay put as the top impact defender on the board for Dan Quinn.
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-2, 263 pounds)
The Saints also could consider a wide receiver early but it would be difficult to pass on Bain as the ideal replacement for Cameron Jordan in Brandon Staley's defense.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6-0, 187 pounds)
The Chiefs will be ready to jump on Delane, unless the Commanders make the bold move for him. Cornerback is a huge need for Kansas City after moving on from Trent McDuffie , Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams in the offseason.
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Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-2, 203 pounds)
The Giants have felt Tyson being the ideal versatile inside No. 2 to play off Malik Nabers . Tyson offers some big-slot and big-play pop now that any injury concerns have been mitigate. This would be a great get for QB Jaxson Dart .
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Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-6, 302 pounds)
The Dolphins will have their eyes on Tyson, too, after moving on from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle . Instead of forcing themselves into wide receiver early with a second first-rounder, Fano would be the ideal offensive line pick for their rebuild.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6-1, 188 pounds)
The Cowboys have been fickle about McCoy given his injury concern but overall they like him in their new defensive scheme under Christian Parker to better support DaRon Bland.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-11, 192 pounds)
The Rams have surprised some with their desire for a wide receiver, including different trade rumors with Davante Adams and A.J. Brown . They also need to be somewhat concern with Puka Nacua off the field. Regardless, they could use a dynamic slot in the Amon-Ra St. Brown to make MVP Matthew Stafford richer in a dangerous downfield passing game.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (6-4, 330 pounds)
The Ravens have been attached to some wide receivers and offensive tackles early, but with Tyson and Lemon gone, it would make sense to take their kind off interior run blocker. Ioane even has the potential to replace Tyler Linderbaum at center.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6-3, 241 pounds)
The Buccaneers need to replace the size and athleticism of Mike Evans to better support Baker Mayfield and 2025 first-round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka . New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson used Kyle Pitts well in Atlanta and would maximize the mismatch ability of Sadiq.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (6-0, 196 pounds)
The Jets will be a bit disappointed should Tyson and Lemon be gone for this pick but they can make a quick promising recovery instead to take Cooper's big-play ability to pair with Garrett Wilson.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 315 pounds)
The Lions will be ready to pounce on Mauigoa should the Dolphins and other teams pass on the highest-upside offensive tackle because of mild injury concerns. The Lions will be happy to have a potential left tackle to replace Taylor Decker opposite Penei Sewell.
Dillon Thienman, S, Oregon (6-0, 201 pounds)
The Vikings have been attached to Thieneman for a while since the end of Harrison Smith 's run and having a rather big weakness at safety. He is a dynamic athlete who can make a ton of plays cleaning up for Brian Flores.
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (6-0, 196 pounds)
The Panthers might seem like they're reaching to jump on Concepcion with Tyson, Lemon and Sadiq offf the board as potential complementary speedy playmakers for 2025 first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan. Concepcion'a quickness would be a welcome target option for Bryce Young .
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6-3, 259 pounds)
The Cowboys have been tied to Mesidor for a while as their best initial pass rusher move to help replace the production of Micah Parsons . He has shown juice in his own right since working the draft process well after operating opposite Bain.
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (6-7, 315 pounds)
The Steelers need to stop messing around up front and shore up left tackle with this big strong prospect after the big literal disappointment of Broderick Jones .
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Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 276 pounds)
The Chargers need to give Khalil Mack and others help on their strong pass rush. Faulk will be a great way to replace Odafe Oweh .
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (6-6, 315 pounds)
The Eagles look like they will be trading A.J. Brown for a future first-rounder but that doesn't mean they will force into wide receiver early. Miller would make a lot of sense to draft as the successor to Lane Johnson at right tackle.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6-6, 304 pounds)
The Browns are in the process of an offensive line overhaul and Lomu is the classic athletic run blocker to start either at guard or right tackle.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (6-4, 201 pounds)
The Bears saw their safety room clear out with Kevin Byard III , Jaquan Brisker and C.J. Gardner-Johnson gone and they need an active big playmaker to replace Byard next to former Seahawk Coby Bryant.
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-3, 253 pounds)
The Bills are tied more to taking a high-energy natural rotational pass rusher early and Howell would be a better relentless-type pick early over Malachi Lawrence.
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (6-6, 330 pounds)
The 49ers locked up Trent Williams for a few more seasons but they still would focus on offensive line help. Iheanachor's rise as an athletic blocker lines up with playing right tackle or guard for a while before being groomed to take over for Williams.
Chase Bisontis, G/C, Texas A&M (6-5, 315 pounds)
The Texans have been linked more to taking Bisontis to address their need on the interior offensive line. Bisontis can be plugged and played to give them good production and line leadership at center next to new left guard Wyatt Teller.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6-2, 298 pounds)
The Chiefs need to think about better supporting Chris Jones with some extra pass-rush pop inside their front. Woods would be a good fit to also disrupt vs. the run.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State (6-3, 326 pounds)
The Dolphins would be keeping an eye on Woods but new defensive-minded coach Jeff Hafley can be OK with landing McDonald instead as an inside pass rusher.
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Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-7, 366 pounds)
The Patriots have loved Proctor's size with the though he can be a massive right-tackle run-bookend to last year's first-rounder at left tackle, Will Campbell .
C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (6-1, 230 pounds)
The Seahawks won't mind to keep thinking defense after winning the Super Bowl with Allen, who would fit well working with the coverage skills of Ernest Jones inside.
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Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 186 pounds)
The Jets traded Sauce Gardner in the middle of last season and need to work to strengthen corner for Glenn, a long-time star at that position. Terrell would make a lot of sense in Brian Duker's defense.
Ty Simpson , QB, Alabama (6-1, 211 pounds)
The Cardinals are making it clear they don't want to give in more to Jacoby Brissett as their bridge QB, pushing them more into taking a shot on Simpson after moving on from Kyler Murray
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6-4, 265 pounds)
The Titans need to beef up their pass rush as part of their key rebuilding needs and coach Robert Saleh will like the power Parker can bring to his new defense.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (6-4, 212 pounds)
The Raiders need to give Mendoza some extra receiving help beyond Brock Bowers , Ashton Jeanty and a mixed bag of wideouts. Adding Boston's big presence on the outside will be welcome through the red zone.
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia (6-4, 321 pounds)
The Giants, should they go linebacker and wide receiver in the first round, need to think about replenishing defensive tackle most after trading Lawrence.
Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri (6-6, 262 pounds)
The Texans broke the bank with Will Anderson Jr. and have Danielle Hunter , too, but Young is their kind of active pass rusher who can make them richer situationally at first.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (6-6, 327 pounds)
The Browns can take some calculated risks in this draft and Banks would make sense for their defense as one-time first-round consideration.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (6-0, 193 pounds)
The Chiefs need to replace multiple cornerbacks and pairing Delane and Hood for the outside would complete their overhaul with newcomer Kader Kohou working the slot.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas (6-2, 238 pounds)
The Bengals took care of a big inside need with Lawrence but they need a thumper of a linebacker who can clean up plenty for Al Golden.
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville (6-2, 222 pounds)
The Saints need to get a No. 2 opposite Chris Olave for Tyler Shough . Bell's strength and toughness as a physical route runner would be ideal.
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Germie Bernard , WR, Alabama (6-1, 206 pounds)
The Dolphins, after going offensive line and defensive tackle early, can work on restocking their wide recever corp next. Bernard is a well-rounded route-runner who can help restore some of the speed and quickness lost without Waddle and Hill.
Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati (6-5, 239 pounds)
The Jets would really have a shot at a big defensive upgrade if they take Golday following selections of Reese and Terell. They have loved more of what Golday can do cleaning the action upfield in a big frame he moves well.
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech (6-4, 318 pounds)
The Ravens need to get a little stronger up front inside defensively, too, and have been attached to Hunter later in the process.
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 189 pounds)
The Buccaneers need a little corner help inside and Cisse has the size, quickness and instincts to cover all kinds of slot receivers.
Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (5-10, 187 pounds
The Colts need a corner they can move around to better support Gardner and Abney is a good fit with Lou Anarumo's defense.
Chris Johnson , CB, San Diego State (6-0, 193 pounds)
The Falcons got their pass rush going last season, No. 2 in the league. Now they need keep shoring up the coverage and big-play potential behind it.
Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (5-11, 203 pounds)
The Vikings have a uncertain mess between Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason and could benefit from one clear lead back to better complement Murray or J.J. McCarthy. Price has a change to earn their three-down role.
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF (6-4, 253 pounds)
The Lions like Lawrence's natural pass rush finishing energy and can be confdient he can also develop to be more useful vs. the run opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Chris Brazell II, WR, Tennessee (6-4, 190 pounds)
The Panthers could use a little more size to put in their wide receiver corps after gettting Concepcion behind McMillan.
D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana (5-9, 182 pounds)
The Packers have had a keen eye on Ponds to fill their need for a feisty cover corner who plays bigger than his size.
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois (6-4, 260 pounds)
The Steelers could use some pass-rush depth behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith . Jacas has the versatility to get to the quarterback from several alignments.
A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU (6-0, 215 pounds)
The Eagles would like his natrual linebacker run-supporting and coverage skills to help replace Reed Blankeship.
Emmanuel Pregnon, G/C, Oregon (6-5, 318 pounds)
The Chargers can go down the line and fill another need for a potential big upgrade at righet guardl
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech (6-1, 231 pounds)
The Jaguars didn't re-sign Devin Lloyd to need to replace him with a prolific, rangy upfield linebacker who was good enough to get Heisman consideration.
Keionte Scott, S, Miami (5-11, 193 pounds)
The Bears shoulldn't mind thinking about interior coverage improvements multiple times. Scott can be a real bonus working the inside like a corner hybrid.
Jonah Coleman , RB, Washington (5-8, 220 pounds)
The 49ers need a zone-blocking friendly backup to Christian McCaffrey and Coleman has even a little Frank Gore to his game.
Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri (6-2, 237 pounds)
The Texans go back to the Tigers to get Jeremiah Trotters's to lead the defense on the field like DeMerco Ryan once did as a second-rounder.
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Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana (6-3, 210 pounds)
The Bears can focus on getting some depth back for their wide receiver corps with his boundary acquisition in the wake of trading D.J. Moore to the Bills.
Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern (6-7, 325 pounds)
The Rams need to thikn about the future at right tackle and Tiernaa's size and strength should be well appealing to them.
Eli Stowers , TE, Vanderbilt (6-4, 239 pounds)
The Broncos are in the market for a athletic impact receiving tight end and Stowers is a flat-out playmaker in many alignments as a converted quarterback.
Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-3, 239 pounds)
The Patriots have tied themselves plenty to liking Height as a needed complementary pass rusher and he's a good fit in Mike Vrabel's defense.
Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas (6-1, 233 pounds)
The Seahawks have seen Washington climb up boards as a potential complete back and for them represents a strong replacement for Kenneth Walker III and contingency for Zach Charbonnet.
R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma (6-2, 241 pounds)
The Cardinals have a surefire dominant playmaker with Bailey in this mock. It would make sense to have this developmental situational player to further boost the pass rush.
Connor Lew, G/C Auburn (6-3, 300 pounds)
The Titans can keep going to work on improving their front for Ward with a strong candidate to start right away at center or right guard.
Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State (6-2, 322 pounds)
The Raiders have been tied to Orange's reliable rotational production for a while to mesh with Rob Leonard's defense.
Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (6-0, 187 pounds)
The Eagles can prepare for moving Brown by adding another explosive receiving element to their offense.
Genesis Smith, S, Arizona (6-2, 202 pounds)
The Texans have looked at Smith closely for some Nick Emmanwori-like impact for Ryans' defense.
Sam Hecht, G/C, Kansas State (6-4, 300 pounds)
The Browns, after going Lomu in the first round, need some true interior help and Hecht isn't that far down from the versatile inside talents of Bisontis and Lew.
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State (5-9, 164 pounds)
The Commanders would think about Zachariah Branch from Georgia here, but his recent arrest on misdemeanor charges clouds that. Instead, they can take an aggressive shot on this dimnutive dasher.
Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC (6-6, 256 pounds)
The Bengals, after using their first-rounder to get Lawrence and then taking Hill in this mock can work on replacing the relentless pass rush lost with no Trey Hendrickson.
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Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas (6-0, 182 pounds)
The Saints lost Alontae Taylor to the Titans in free agency and they can recover right away to help them cover the big slot well.
Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan (6-4, 255 pounds)
The Chiefs need to give George Karlaftis some edge help with a fair chance that oft-injured first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah doesn't pan out.
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (6-5, 218 pounds)
The Dolphins could also use some boundary size at wide receiver after getting Bernard to help replace Waddle inside.
Gennings Dunker, G/C Iowa (6-5, 315 pounds)
The Steelers getting a one-two blocking punch of Freeling and Dunker for the inside and outside would be their kind of old-school upgrade.
Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee (6-3, 242 pounds)
The Bucs have seen that Josephs would be the welcome aggressive pass rusher to deliver at outside linebacker in Todd Bowles' 3-4.
Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma (6-3, 293 pounds)
The Colts have scouted Halton well as a capable run-stopper with rare inside pass-rush quickness.
Logan Jones, G/C, Iowa (6-3, 302 pounds)
The Falcons have felt a void inside since now retired Drew Dalman bolted for the Bears in free agency last offseason. Here's another option for center as they try to maintain their run blocking strength for Bijan Robinson.
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State (6-4, 243 pounds)
The Ravens lost both Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar behind Mark Andrews in free agency and Klare would bring some welcome in-line strength on top of receiving ability.
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LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama (6-3, 274 pounds)
The Jaguars need to get a little more depth in the pass rush to produce behind Josh Hines-Allen.
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Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh (6-0, 220 pounds)
The Vikings can keep up the theme for Flores' front seven by getting this linebacker/safety hybrid to pair with Thieneman.
Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke (5-10, 185 pounds)
The Panthers have looked at Rivers' smarts and instincts as a good fit for their slot coverage.
Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan (6-4, 240 pounds)
The Packers can add a well-rounded pass-rushing option for Jonathan Gannon's defense.
Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor (6-4, 240 pounds)
The Steelers need to boost their athleticism at tight end behind Pat Freiermuth and Trigg has proved he can be a versatile weapon.
Devin Moore, CB, Florida (6-3, 198 pounds)
The Chargers need to upgrade on the outside opposite Donte Jackson and Moore's size would be a welcome potential No. 2.
Kamari Ramsey, S, USC (6-0, 202 pounds)
The Dolphins need to rebuild their inside coverage and Ramsey's rangy work is a good fit.
Jalon Kllgore, S, South Carolina (6-1, 210 pounds)
The Jaguars should like the versatility he can bring to a secondary to further help Hunter with big physical coverage.
Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan (6-3, 298 pounds)
The Bears need an early-down run stopper to fill a defensive need and Benny is the best option at this spot.
Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas (6-2, 203 pounds)
The Dolphins can rest assured they can also get in on the run of big corners in the second round with Neal on teh board.
Skyler Bell, WR, UConn (6-0, 192 pounds)
The Bills can target Bell's speed and quickness as a further upgrade to complement newcomer D.J. Moore.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State (6-5, 270 pounds)
The 49ers will like his frame in run defense with a chance to tap way more into high pass-rush upside.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6-2, 203 pounds)
The Rams can stash this developmental pocket passer to see what he can do getting groomed behind the big-armed Stafford.
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon (6-8, 318 pounds)
The Dolphins can afford to take a few chances with some picks that require patience. World can start at either tackle in time ocne he gets healthier and further develops his pass protection.
Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana (6-2, 291 pounds)
The Patriots go for a second Proctor in this mock, this time beefing up their inside pass-rush potential.
Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona (6-1, 190 pounds)
The Seahawks can go after the ideal playmaking replacement for free-agent departure Riq Woolen.
Jake Slaughter, G/C Florida (6-4, 303 pounds)
The Vikings also need to think about interior offensive line on Day 2 and Slaughter has rare natural pass blocking skills for the position.
Jack Endries, TE, Texas (6-5, 245 pounds)
The Eagles can land the ideal tight end to groom behind aging Dallas Goedert, back only on a one-year deal.
Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson (6-2, 207 pounds)
The Steelers can take their shot on a QB just in case Aaron Rodgers really isn't returning.
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska (5-10, 202 pounds)
The Jaguars need to give Bhayshul Tuten some new support with Travis Etienne Jr. gone and Johnson can be a solid complement with his balanced and speedy running.
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