More

    Way Too Early 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: 4 First-Round Quarterbacks

    The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, and draft season is officially over. That is, unless you’re a football sicko like myself and like to talk about the draft year round.

    With that being said, here is a way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft, just to get you guys thinking about the next wave of stars that will enter the league in just under a year.

    Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator
    Dive into PFSN’s FREE Mock Draft Simulator and run a mock by yourself or with your friends!

    3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft

    Before we get into the mock, the draft order comes from our PFSN 2026 Mock Draft Simulator, which is live and free to use!

    1) Cleveland Browns: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

    It’s only May, and to me, it’s clear that Cade Klubnik is the best quarterback in next year’s class. He made a big leap in the 2024 season, where he increased his passing touchdowns from the previous season by 17 and decreased his interceptions from nine to six.

    Klubnik’s footwork was better, he had better composure in the pocket, and he truly looked like he was in complete control of Clemson’s offense last season. I expect him to take an even bigger leap in 2025 and be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

    2) New York Jets: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

    Much like Klubnik, Drew Allar made a massive jump from 2023 to 2024. The biggest improvement in Allar’s game was his accuracy, as he saw a leap from 59% to 66%. He threw for more yards and just looked like the real deal in 2024.

    Allar was often overshadowed by Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen last season, but he was fantastic for Penn State last season and should be a very high draft pick in 2026.

    3) New Orleans Saints: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

    T.J. Parker is the clear-cut best EDGE in the 2026 NFL Draft, as we head into the 2025 season. He racked up 12 sacks for the Tigers last season, which leads all Power Four returning pass rushers.

    He stands at 6’5″ and weighs 265 pounds, which is prototypical NFL defensive end size. Not only is Parker a fantastic pass rusher, but he’s dominant in the run game as well, making him the complete package.

    4) Tennessee Titans: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State

    Caleb Downs is an elite safety prospect, and as we stand today, my No. 1 overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s elite in coverage with the ability to play both man and zone at a high level. Downs has a fantastic range and is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators.

    Downs is also great in the run game with great play strength and physical toughness, which allows him to come down in the box and lay the boom. His versatility, along with his coverage ability, makes him a safety worth taking in the top five.

    5) New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

    Francis Mauigoa is the first tackle that offensive lineman guru Mario Cristobal will send to the NFL from Miami. The 6’6″, 315-pound freak has been starting for Miami since his true freshman season and has been consistently dominant.

    Mauigoa allowed just two quarterback hits in 2024 on over 500 pass-blocking snaps, showing the world just how good of an anchor he is as a true sophomore. If he continues that kind of dominance in 2025, Mauigoa will be the first tackle taken off the board in 2026.

    6) Carolina Panthers: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

    Peter Woods is a special defensive tackle talent. While he stands at 6’3″ and weighs 315 pounds, Clemson utilized him at defensive end more than defensive tackle last season, and he still was elite.

    Woods was one of the best run defenders in college football last season and had a 15% pass-rush win rate, showing just how versatile he his as a DT. He could go even higher than this pick, but should easily be a top-10 lock next season.

    7) Indianapolis Colts: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

    Kadyn Proctor is another elite offensive tackle prospect in next year’s draft class. Proctor has been Alabama’s blindside blocker since his true freshman season in 2023 and made a major jump in 2024.

    Proctor stands at 6’7″ and weighs 369 pounds, which would make him one of the largest tackles the moment he entered the league. Despite his massive size, he’s still a great athlete, giving him scheme versatility, which only makes him a more valuable prospect.

    8) Cleveland Browns (via Jax): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

    As you can tell, the 2026 NFL Draft class is going to be producing some great OT talent, and Spencer Fano should be the third drafted in the top 10. Fano is easily the best run-blocking offensive tackle in the country, which is incredibly valuable in the NFL.

    He’s not too shabby as a pass protector either, consistently winning reps at Utah last season and protecting the Utes’ quarterback rotation. While arm length is a concern, and he might project better at guard in the league, Fano’s dominance in the run game should ensure that he’s a top-10 pick.

    9) Las Vegas Raiders: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

    Rueben Bain Jr. is another one of the elite pass rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Bain weighs 275 pounds, making him a true 4-3 defensive end at the next level. He suffered a calf injury in the 2024 season, but was elite in 2023.

    Bain has a 17% pass-rush win rate since 2023 and racked up 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss as a true freshman. He only appeared in nine games last year, but if he makes the leap I expect him to in 2025, he should find himself selected in the top 10.

    10) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Arch Manning, QB, Texas

    Arch Manning hasn’t played a lot of significant football, but he’s already being projected as a first-round pick in 2026. Manning has all the traits you want in an NFL quarterback. He stands at 6’4″ and weighs 223 pounds, has a rocket arm, and good mobility.

    KEEP READING: Todd McShay Promotes Arch Manning Could Be the Most NFL-Ready Prospect in Years Amid Growing Questions

    If Manning is as good as he’s expected to be in 2025, there’s no reason why he can’t be a top-10 pick next season. However, that’s a big if, and I think there’s a chance that he doesn’t declare after this season.

    11) Arizona Cardinals: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

    Jermod McCoy is one of the top returning cornerbacks in the country next season. He’s first and foremost a disgusting athlete with the ability to run with anyone in man coverage. McCoy has great ball-hawking skills, catching four interceptions for the Vols last season. His footwork is top-notch, and he’s an incredibly loose mover with fluid hips and long arms.

    12) Dallas Cowboys: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

    Jeremiyah Love is the best running back in the country heading into next season. His 1,125 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns last season were a big part of why Notre Dame reached the National Championship game.

    Love is the perfect combination of speed and power, and he consistently gets big-time yards after contact. His game is built for the NFL, and he’s a good enough receiver to be an every-down back at the next level.

    13) Miami Dolphins: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

    Avieon Terrell is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons lock-down cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. and looks to be just as good. Not only is Terrell an awesome athlete, but he’s physical as well and is one of the best run-stopping corners in the country.

    He’s also great in coverage, leading all Power Four CBs with 14 pass breakups in 2024. With another dominant season in 2025, Terrell should be a first-round lock with a chance to go even higher than this.

    14) New England Patriots: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

    I haven’t been this excited about an off-ball linebacker prospect for a long time. Anthony Hill Jr. is the most versatile player in the country and should be valued highly by all NFL teams.

    He’s a fantastic run stopper, racking up 17 TFLs last season for the Longhorns. Hill can also rush the passer as well, sacking the quarterback eight times in 2024. On top of that, he’s great in pass coverage as well, with 32 coverage stops since his freshman season in 2023. He should be elite again in 2025.

    15) Seattle Seahawks: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

    LT Overton has always had the traits to be a high selection since he committed to Texas A&M as a five-star recruit in 2022. However, he got off to a slow start in his college career, but last season, after transferring to Alabama, has seemed to put it all together.

    At 285 pounds, Overton projects to be somewhat of a 3-technique at the next level, but can certainly rush the passer as he had an 18% pass rush win rate last season. He’s a fantastic run-stopper as well and will have another season to build on in 2025.

    16) Chicago Bears: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

    Keldric Faulk has been starting for Auburn since his true freshman season in 2023. Faulk is best suited as a run-stopper (32 run stops last season) but has continued to develop as a pass rusher.

    As of right now, Faulk doesn’t have a deep bag of pass-rush moves or counters, but he showed flashes in 2024. And with another offseason to develop, he could be even more improved in 2025. If he continues to mature as a player, I think the sky’s the limit for his game.

    17) Houston Texans: Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, G, Texas A&M

    Ar’Maj Reed-Adams projects to be a guard at the next level. However, he’s played tackle at times and has the size to do so if necessary, as he stands at 6’5″ and weighs 330 pounds.

    Reed-Adams is a physical monster in the run game and has truly elite play-strength, consistently moving defenders off their spot at the point of attack. He’s pro-ready right now and should come to the NFL and be an immediate starter for any team.

    18) Minnesota Vikings: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

    While the 2026 class doesn’t seem stacked with receiver talent, that could change, especially if players like Jordyn Tyson continue to develop. Tyson was often overshadowed by Cam Skattebo in 2024, but he was a true weapon for Arizona State last season.

    Tyson separates at a very high level, as he’s a smooth and nuanced route runner with a large route tree. He racked up over 1,100 yards last year and scored 10 touchdowns. I think he’ll be the first receiver off the board in 2026.

    19) Pittsburgh Steelers: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

    Garrett Nussmeier very well could be the No. 1 overall pick next season, given the flashes he showed in 2024. To me, Nussmeier wasn’t as consistent as Allar or Klubnik, but he has the tools to be an NFL quarterback.

    Nussmeier put the ball in harm’s way a lot for the Tigers last season, and doesn’t have the mobility that Manning, Allar, and even Klubnik have. If he can prove to scouts that he can cut down on the bad throws, he should be a first-round pick in 2026.

    20) Denver Broncos: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

    Dani Dennis-Sutton’s 2024 performance was overshadowed by Abdul Carter’s dominance, but he’s an NFL-level talent in his own right. Dennis-Sutton stands at 6’5″ and weighs 265, giving him prototypical NFL EDGE size.

    The former five-star recruit has 75 pressures in his last two seasons and had 8.5 sacks last year for the Nittany Lions. I expect him to develop even further in 2025 and become one of the most coveted pass rushers in the 2026 draft.

    21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

    Malik Muhammad was the Robin to Jahdae Barron’s Batman last season, and now will be the No. 1 CB on Texas’ defense in 2025. Muhammad has great length and has broken up 17 passes over the last two seasons.

    While he has an elite football IQ and instincts, Muhammad’s athleticism leaves some to be desired, which could cause him to fall out of the first round. I think he’s talented enough to be selected high, but will need a good 2025 campaign to prove it.

    22) Los Angeles Chargers: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

    Caleb Banks enjoyed a breakout season in 2024 with the Florida Gators. He’s 6’6″ and weighs 328 pounds, giving him a good frame to be a 3-4 DE or a 4-3 DT at the next level.

    Banks is a great run stuffer and showed some flashes as a pass rusher last season. He racked up 4.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss in 2024, and those numbers should see another jump in 2025.

    23) Green Bay Packers: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama

    Deontae Lawson was Jihaad Campbell’s counterpart last season and was also very good for Alabama last season. Lawson is a great athlete and was fantastic in pass coverage, especially breaking up eight passes in his two seasons.

    He has totaled 56 run stops as well in his career, consistently showing his ability to get off blocks and affect the run game. Lawson should be Alabama’s defensive leader this season and will be a great off-ball LB prospect in 2026.

    24) Los Angeles Rams: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

    Denzel Boston is another receiver who could see his draft stock rise even more with a good 2025 season. Boston started for the first time in his career last season and racked up 63 catches for 834 yards and nine touchdowns.

    He has great play speed and can make things happen after the catch despite having a massive 6’4″, 209-pound frame. Boston is a true X receiver and should find himself in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

    25) San Francisco 49ers: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

    Zane Durant is an undersized defensive tackle, only standing at 6’1″. Yet, what he lacks in size, he makes up for in talent, technique, athleticism, and strength.

    Durant is the complete package at DT, making plays in both the pass and run games. He was an elite run stopper last year, racking up 14 TFLs and also logging 28 pressures as a pass rusher. Expect him to make a big impact for Penn State once again and for his draft stock to continue to rise.

    26) Cincinnati Bengals: Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon

    Outside of Downs, Dillon Thieneman is currently the best safety in the 2026 draft class. Thienman had an elite freshman year at Purdue, but was asked to play outside of his free safety position a lot in his sophomore season, which caused him to have a drop-off in production.

    Now that Thieneman is at Oregon, he’ll be back to playing exclusively free, where he will be far more comfortable and should see a similar year to his freshman campaign. If he can return to the level that he played in 2023, he’ll be a first-rounder in 2026.

    27) Washington Commanders: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

    Singleton is one of the best RB prospects in this draft class and should hear his name called on Day 1. He returned to Penn State for his senior year after logging a 1,100-yard season in 2024.

    With another year of that kind of production, I find it hard to believe that NFL scouts won’t value Singleton highly. His ability to break tackles and his elite elusiveness make him an elite prospect already, and he probably would’ve been a Day 2 pick in 2025 had he declared.

    28) Baltimore Ravens: A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State

    A.J. Harris transferred from Georgia to Penn State after not playing much his freshman year with the Bulldogs. In his sophomore season with the Nittany Lions, he broke out, allowing less than one yard per coverage snap.

    Harris has all the talent in the world and will be on an island a lot this season. If he can hold his own and keep up his coverage production, he’ll be highly coveted come draft day in 2026.

    29) Detroit Lions: Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida

    Tyreak Sapp had a breakout season in 2024 after being semi-quiet for his first three seasons with the Gators. Sapp originally committed to Florida as a defensive tackle but moved to EDGE last year and balled out.

    Sapp was great in the run game last season with 13 TFLs, and produced as a pass rusher as well with 7.5 sacks. If he can have another year with that kind of production off the edge in 2025, he should be a Day 1 selection.

    30) Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

    CJ Allen stepped into a starting role as an off-ball linebacker in 2024 and was great. The former four-star is an amazing athlete and is great both as a run defender and in pass coverage.

    Allen made 76 total tackles with three TFLs and one interception last season. While his production wasn’t off the charts, his athleticism makes him an exciting prospect, and he should be selected early with a good 2025 season.

    31) Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

    Carnell Tate will play a bigger role for Ohio State in 2025, alongside Jeremiah Smith. Despite being the third receiver on the depth chart for the Buckeyes in 2024, Tate still produced — racking up 733 yards last season with four touchdowns.

    As the WR2 for the Buckeyes in 2025, that production will see a jump, and Tate has all the traits to be a great NFL wide receiver.

    32) Philadelphia Eagles: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

    Chandler Rivers is the best nickel prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft and should be highly valued at that position by many NFL teams. Rivers had a breakout during his junior season with Duke and proved that he’ll be a force in the league.

    Rivers is the perfect nickel cornerback as he’s both athletic and physical. He’s sticky in man-coverage and has good ball skills. He’s also great in the run game and is often utilized in Duke’s blitz packages. I expect a great 2025 campaign out of him, which will only further raise his draft stock.

    Round 2

    33) Cleveland Browns
    Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn

    34) New York Jets
    Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

    35) New Orleans Saints
    Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M

    36) Tennessee Titans
    Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana

    37) New York Giants
    Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

    38) Carolina Panthers
    Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

    39) Indianapolis Colts
    Carson Beck, QB, Miami (FL)

    40) Jacksonville Jaguars
    Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

    41) Las Vegas Raiders
    LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

    42) Atlanta Falcons
    David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

    43) Arizona Cardinals
    Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

    44) Dallas Cowboys
    Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia

    45) Miami Dolphins
    Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee

    46) New England Patriots
    Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

    47) Seattle Seahawks
    D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

    48) Chicago Bears
    Michael Taaffe, SAF, Texas

    49) Houston Texans
    Makai Lemon, WR, USC

    50) Minnesota Vikings
    Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

    51) Pittsburgh Steelers
    Bray Hubbard, SAF, Alabama

    52) Denver Broncos
    Austin Romaine, LB, Kansas State

    53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama

    54) Los Angeles Chargers
    Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

    55) Green Bay Packers
    Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest

    56) Los Angeles Rams
    Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

    57) San Francisco 49ers
    Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

    58) Cincinnati Bengals
    Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State

    59) Houston Texans
    Keon Sabb, SAF, Alabama

    60) Baltimore Ravens
    Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

    61) Detroit Lions
    Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

    62) Buffalo Bills
    Iapani Laloulu, C, Oregon

    63) Kansas City Chiefs
    Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

    64) Philadelphia Eagles
    Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

    Round 3

    65) Cleveland Browns
    Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

    66) Philadelphia Eagles
    Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

    67) New Orleans Saints
    Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State

    68) Tennessee Titans
    Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

    69) Houston Texans
    Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

    70) Carolina Panthers
    Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

    71) Indianapolis Colts
    DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson

    72) Jacksonville Jaguars
    Jalon Kilgore, SAF, South Carolina

    73) Las Vegas Raiders
    Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan

    74) Atlanta Falcons
    Tristan Leigh, OT, Clemson

    75) Arizona Cardinals
    Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

    76) Pittsburgh Steelers
    Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

    77) Miami Dolphins
    Austin Barber, OT, Florida

    78) New England Patriots
    Zeke Berry, CB, Michigan

    79) Seattle Seahawks
    Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama

    80) Chicago Bears
    Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon

    81) Miami Dolphins
    Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon

    82) Minnesota Vikings
    Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

    83) Pittsburgh Steelers
    Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

    84) Denver Broncos
    Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC

    85) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    Jaeden Roberts, G, Alabama

    86) Los Angeles Chargers
    Connor Lew, C, Auburn

    87) Green Bay Packers
    Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor

    88) Los Angeles Rams
    Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

    89) San Francisco 49ers
    Xavier Scott, CB, Illinois

    90) Cincinnati Bengals
    DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado

    91) Washington Commanders
    Dalton Brooks, SAF, Texas A&M

    92) Baltimore Ravens
    Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma

    93) Jacksonville Jaguars
    Quintrevion Wisner, RB, Texas

    94) Buffalo Bills
    Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

    95) Kansas City Chiefs
    Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU

    96) Philadelphia Eagles
    Patrick Payton, EDGE, LSU

    97) Jacksonville Jaguars
    Trey Zuhn III, OT, Texas A&M

    College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college footballmen’s college basketballwomen’s college basketball, and college baseball!

    Related Articles

    More CFB From CSN