As the Clemson Tigers continue to gain offseason steam, our latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft demonstrates the reality behind the hype. Five of Dabo Swinney’s talented roster feature on Day 1, but a prospect from the other side of the Palmetto Bowl rivalry is surging up draft boards with the potential to steal the limelight. Where do these players land, and who else should you watch for this fall?
The draft order has used reverse Super Bowl odds and follows the order of our Mock Draft Simulator, which you can use for free.
1) Cleveland Browns: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Despite drafting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, taking another quarterback in 2026 will be unavoidable if the Cleveland Browns are drafting in the top 10. Never mind if they held the first overall selection.
Cade Klubnik is the top-rated quarterback on CSN’s top 100 players for the 2026 NFL Draft and played lights out in the second half of the 2024 season, showcasing outstanding accuracy and a live arm. The Clemson passer threw 3,639 yards in 2024, ranked 10th in the nation, whilst also throwing the third most touchdowns (36) in the FBS.
2) New York Jets: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
If the Jets are picking No. 2 overall in next year’s draft, then you have to think that the Justin Fields experiment has failed.
LaNorris Sellers has exceptional upside as a dual-threat quarterback who has delivered 3,534 yards and 18 touchdowns through the air, as well as adding a further 674 yards and seven scores with his legs in 2024. The South Carolina Gamecocks’ quarterbacks’ elite physical tools and threatening rushing ability provide a high ceiling moving to the next level.
3) New Orleans Saints: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
The Saints just took Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but they could revisit the quarterback well if they hold a top-three selection in 2026.
In this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Garrett Nussmeier links up with his father Doug Nussmeier, the offensive coordinator in New Orleans. The LSU Tiger QB ranked fifth in the nation with 4,039 passing yards in 2024, the most of any returning player, displaying solid instincts, anticipation, and creation capacity.
4) Tennessee Titans: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
T.J. Parker currently holds the top spot on CSN’s early 2026 NFL Draft Big Board, and the 6’3”, 265-pound Clemson edge rusher is expected to put up huge numbers again in 2025. The Tigers’ pass rusher had more tackles for a loss (19) than any returning college football player in 2024 and used his relentless play style to be a physically intense sack merchant.
5) New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The 2026 NFL Draft offers a deep offensive tackle class with much promise. But Francis Mauigoa may have the highest ceiling of them all.
MORE: Where Is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Miami Hurricanes’ right tackle gave up just one sack in 2024, using his 6’6”, 335-pound frame to drop anchor in pass protection. He also showcased nimble, active footwork and above-average athleticism to protect the pocket.
6) Carolina Panthers: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say that Caleb Downs might be the best defensive player in college football, and potentially the top-rated player eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Ohio State Buckeyes transfer brings elite instincts and intelligence to be mentally one step ahead on any down. Meanwhile, his outstanding ball skills, keen athleticism, and flexible mobility combine to make him one of the top safeties to enter the NFL in recent years.
7) Indianapolis Colts: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
At 6’7 and 369 pounds, there aren’t many people on this planet who are built like Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. The mammoth tackle prospect possesses bruising strength and physicality, while also having unnatural smooth movement. Proctor allowed just three sacks in 2024 and can get caught against speed rushers. But his size, athleticism, and nasty demeanor provide fantastic upside at the next level.
8) Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
A versatile offensive tackle prospect, Spencer Fano is a nasty, physical offensive lineman whose appetite to overwhelm his opponent instantly stands out on film. In the run game, the Utah Utes’ right tackle uses his leg drive and strength profile to put his opponent in the dirt, while also having the hand usage and smooth agility to control the point of attack as a pass blocker.
9) Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Peter Wood rounds out three Clemson prospects in the top 10 picks, highlighting why the Tigers currently sit No. 3 in CSN’s early Top 25 Power Rankings. The 6’3”, 315-pound defensive tackle is insanely disruptive as an interior presence, where his 8.5 TFLs and three sacks in 2024 showcase Woods’ ability to overpower with his upper body strength but also his instant first step that allows him to avoid contact and burst into the backfield.
10) Los Angeles Rams: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Transferring from the Cal Golden Bears to the Indiana Hoosiers in 2025, Fernando Mendoza is expected to build on his already solid college resume. The 6’5”, 225-pound quarterback has a clean release and pinpoint accuracy, makes wise decisions with the ball, and breezes through his progressions. Furthermore, Mendoza is an underrated athlete who can make off-platform throws.
11) Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
Caleb Lomu is a refined, clean, technical offensive lineman who brings light footwork and stormy physicality and is the second Utah offensive tackle to be taken in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
At 6’5” and 295 pounds, Lomu offers positional versatility and uses his concrete base and active footwork to secure the pocket as a pass protector, while his work in the running game displays a prospect with an innate violent mentality.
12) Dallas Cowboys: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Putting up 13 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, and one interception in 2024, Matayo Uiagalelei was incredibly productive on the Oregon Ducks’ defensive line and overwhelmed with his length. At 6’5” and 270 pounds, the disruptive pass rusher used his size and comprehensive wingspan to secure tackles, while his rare bend and refined pass rush plan allowed him to conquer offensive linemen with power and athleticism.
13) Miami Dolphins: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
With Jalen Ramsey on the trade block, the Miami Dolphins must address what will become a glaring need on their roster. Aveion Terrell is currently the top cornerback on CSN’s 2026 NFL Draft Big Board and would be an instant starter in South Florida.
The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons CB A.J. Terrell, the 5’11” and 180-pound Clemson cornerback has exceptional ball skills and a natural ability to take the ball away. His 13 pass breakups tied the school record for sophomores and were the most by any Tiger since 2014.
14) New England Patriots: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
On tape, Anthony Hill Jr. is everywhere. The do-it-all linebacker led the SEC with 17 TFLs in 2024, as well as recording 113 tackles, eight sacks, and one interception. The Texas Longhorns defender is a maneuverable weapon whose athleticism, instincts, agility, and intelligence allow him to make plays in coverage and as a pass rusher.
15) Seattle Seahawks: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Caleb Banks has the skill set to be an ascending prospect during the 2025 college football season. The Florida Gators’ defensive tackle is bruising when powering through contact, and has a potent burst off the line to barge past offensive linemen with his pure explosive force. At 6’6” and 329 pounds, Banks produced 29 QB pressures in 2024, registering 4.5 sacks, and has the potential to be even more disruptive.
16) Chicago Bears: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
At 6’6” and 288 pounds, Keldric Faulk is a big, strong, stout edge rusher whose frame, strength, and athleticism overwhelm offensive linemen. The Auburn Tigers pass rusher has 11 TFLs and seven sacks in 2024, displaying exemplary flexibility and pass rush arsenal to get after the passer. Meanwhile, his run defense ranks among the best in this class.
17) Houston Texans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love is an explosive, dynamic playmaker with thunderous power and instant speed.
MORE: Top 100 Players for the 2026 NFL Draft
The 6’6”, 206-pound rusher averaged 6.9 yards per carry in 2024, registering 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, and is projected to be the next first-round running back and figures to play a more expansive role in 2025.
18) Minnesota Vikings: Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
After dominating college football as a true freshman in 2023, having 12.5 TFLs and 7.4 sacks in his maiden season, injury hampered Rueben Bain Jr.’s ascent in 2024. But if he can get back to his best now at full health, a beast is waiting to be unlocked.
The 6’3”, 275-pound, Hurricanes pass rusher has instant burst and twitchy body control, while having the flexible body contortion and instinctive movement to get around the edge and use his polished bag of pass rush moves to get after the passer.
19) Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
At some point, the Pittsburgh Steelers will need to stop kicking the quarterback can down the road and invest in a young talent to be the future of their franchise.
Drew Allar still has some work to do to improve his accuracy, but as a field general QB who thrives from inside the pocket, the Penn State Nittany Lions passer has the processing ability, strong arm, and game management to diagnose defenses and make plays.
20) Denver Broncos: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Antonio Williams ranked seventh in the nation with 11 receiving touchdowns in 2024, but showcased versatility, rushing for a further 101 yards and one touchdown, as well as passing for 62 yards and one touchdown. The 5’11”, 195-pound wide receiver was the key weapon for Klubnik and exhibited exceptional YAC ability, refined route running, and explosive movement.
21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Buccaneers were heavily linked to Jihaad Campbell during the 2025 NFL Draft, but opted to push their linebacker need into the future. Here they land Georgia Bulldog CJ Allen, one of two linebackers from Athens currently in the top 25 of CSN’s 2026 NFL Draft big board.
At 6’1” and 235 pounds, Allen is incredibly instinctual and is inconspicuously fast. Run defense is the linebackers’ bread and butter, but his ability to work through traffic and stay sticky in coverage gives him a high floor and upside in the NFL.
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Expect the Washington Huskies to take a jump in 2025, and Denzel Boston’s connection with new starting QB Desmond Williams will be key. The wide receiver had 834 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, and at 6’4” and 209 pounds, has the size, physicality, but also fluid movement to dominate on the perimeter. He now needs to show he can take the next step.
23) Green Bay Packers: Raylen Wilson, LB, Georgia
The second Georgia linebacker in the first round of this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Raylen Wilson has the potential to have a similar effect on the Bulldogs’ defense as Jalon Walker a year ago. The 6’1” and 235 pounds defender is a promising playmaker in run defense (42 tackles in 2024, strong footwork and awareness in coverage, and offers brutal, dominating strength and a blazing, explosive pass rush plan as a blitzer.
24) Los Angeles Rams: Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman has been the best player on a poor Purdue Boilermakers side, but takes the step up to Oregon in 2025, expected to shine on a brighter stage. The Ducks’ transfer has exceptional coverage technique and blazing speed. The 6’0”, 207-pound safety is expected to run a 40-yard dash in the low 4.4s and has elite range.
25) San Francisco 49ers: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
World by name, world by nature. At 6’8” and 312 pounds, Isaiah World has extreme length and towers over defensive linemen while possessing startling hand strength and bulky anchor. Transferring from the Nevada Wolfpack to the Ducks in 2025, the redshirt senior still needs to clean up some technique, which has seen him consistently penalized at the collegiate level, but World has the enviable size and raw tools to climb up draft rankings.
26) Cincinnati Bengals: Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina
Recording the joint-most interceptions in the SEC in 2024 (5), Jalon Kilgore is one of college football’s most productive defensive backs and will bring versatility and big-play ability to the NFL. The 6’2” and 219-pound defensive back has exceptional size, fluid movement, and powerful physicality to be used all over the secondary.
27) Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Carnell Tate could be the next Ohio State wide receiver to be drafted in the first round, after having a wideout taken in the last four editions of the NFL Draft. The 6’3”, 191-pound pass catcher is a technical route runner and confident separator, who registered 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns in 2024
28) Baltimore Ravens: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Penn State sending pass rushers to the NFL is nothing new. Dani Dennis-Sutton could be the latest Nittany Lion to have his name called in the NFL Draft and is on course to build on his 13 TFLs and 8.5 sacks in 2024. Also a solid run defender, the 6’5”, 265-pound edge rusher has powerful motion attacking offensive linemen’s chests and has the play strength to disengage blockers.
29) Detroit Lions: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
An instinctive cover corner, Jermod McCoy is one of the top returning defensive backs in the nation and has the skillset to be a lockdown corner on Sundays.
MORE: Every Current Starting NFL QB Drafted Outside the First Round
At 6’0” and 193 pounds, the Tennessee Volunteer has 13 pass deflections in 2024, is the second most of any returning player, and is disruptive at the catchpoint while maintaining physicality and awareness in coverage.
30) Buffalo Bills: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
At 6’3” and 275 pounds, Gabe Jacas has an NFL-ready frame and, with 13 TFLs, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles, has the production that is translatable to the next level. The Illinois Fighting Illini pass rusher is a leverage dominator and uses his wrestling background to dominate the point of attack. Meanwhile, he is ultra athletic and plays with a hot motor.
31) Kansas City Chiefs: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Tacario Davis was expected to be in the 2025 NFL Draft but didn’t live up to expectations during the 20245 season, leading him to opt to return to college and transfer to Washington. At 6’4” and 200 pounds, the instinctual perimeter corner has elite length and uses his elongated arm length to disrupt the catch point and jam routes at the line of scrimmage.
32) Philadelphia Eagles: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Howie loves his SEC guys. After transferring from the Texas A&M Aggies in 2024, LT Overton had a breakout season, leading to 42 tackles, three for a loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Despite his positive play, the Alabama defensive linemen didn’t put up the corresponding production and had nine missed tackles, but he could take the jump in 2025.
At 6’5” and 285 pounds, Overton is deemed a tweener and is still figuring out if his best home is inside or on the edge, but as a movable, versatile defensive lineman, the Crimson Tide prospect has the size, athleticism, and strength profile to be a long-time NFL player.
2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 2
33) Cleveland Browns
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
34) New York Jets
Darrell Jackson, DT, Florida State
35) New Orleans Saints
Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
36) Tennessee Titans
Eric Singleton, WR, Auburn
37) New York Giants
Suntarine Perkins, LB, Ole Miss
38) Carolina Panthers
Ethan Onianwa, OT, Ohio State
39) Indianapolis Colts
DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado
40) Jacksonville Jaguars
Deonte Lawson, LB, Alabama
41) Las Vegas Raiders
Cayden Green, IOL, Missouri
42) Atlanta Falcons
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
43) Arizona Cardinals
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
44) Dallas Cowboys
Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
45) Miami Dolphins
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
46) New England Patriots
Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
47) Seattle Seahawks
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
48) Chicago Bears
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
49) Houston Texans
Austin Barber, OT, Florida
50) Minnesota Vikings
Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
51) Pittsburgh Steelers
Mikael Kamara, EDGE, Indiana
52) Denver Broncos
Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Luke Hasz, TE, Ole Miss
54) Los Angeles Chargers
Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
55) Green Bay Packers
Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon
56) Los Angeles Rams
Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan
57) San Francisco 49ers
Elijah Surratt, WR, Indiana
58) Cincinnati Bengals
Roderick Kearney, IOL, Florida
59) Houston Texans
Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
60) Baltimore Ravens
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
61) Detroit Lions
Patrick Payton, EDGE, LSU
62) Buffalo Bills
Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
63) Kansas City Chiefs
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
64) Philadelphia Eagles
Lawson Luckie, TE, Georgia
2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 3
65) Cleveland Browns
Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
66) Philadelphia Eagles
Jaeden Roberts, IOL, Alabama
67) New Orleans Saints
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
68) Tennessee Titans
Jack Velling, TE, Michigan State
69) Houston Texans
Parker Brailsford, IOL, Alabama
70) Carolina Panthers
Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
71) Indianapolis Colts
Keon Sabb, SAF, Alabama
72) Jacksonville Jaguars
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
73) Las Vegas Raiders
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
74) Atlanta Falcons
Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame
75) Arizona Cardinals
Kamari Ramsey, SAF, USC
76) Dallas Cowboys
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
77) Miami Dolphins
DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
78) New England Patriots
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
79) Seattle Seahawks
J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida
80) Chicago Bears
Isaac Smith, SAF, Mississippi State
81) Miami Dolphins
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
82) Minnesota Vikings
Amare Campbell, LB, Penn State
83) Pittsburgh Steelers
Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State
84) Denver Broncos
Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Missouri
85) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida
86) Los Angeles Chargers
Lee Hunter, DT, UCF
87) Green Bay Packers
Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M
88) Los Angeles Rams
Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma
89) San Francisco 49ers
DJ Campbell, IOL, Texas
90) Cincinnati Bengals
Conner Tollison, IOL, Missouri
91) Washington Commanders
Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
92) Baltimore Ravens
Tree Babalade, OT, South Carolina
93) Jacksonville Jaguars
Quintrevion Wisner, RB, Texas
94) Buffalo Bills
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
95) Kansas City Chiefs
Bryson Washington, RB, Baylor
96) Philadelphia Eagles
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
97) Jacksonville Jaguars
Cole Wisniewski, SAF, Texas Tech
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