2026 NFL Mock Draft: Final 4-Round Forecast
We've only got one week remaining before the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh, but that's plenty of time to get in some last-minute mock drafts.
As is the case every year, we've got plenty of buzz and rumors swirling about what's going to happen at the top of the board, with nothing set in stone beyond the No. 1 overall pick. Some of the top prospects in this year's class play positions that aren't traditionally valued as being worthy of top-10 picks, but without a quality quarterback class, those players could still end up fetching a high draft slot.
How high will the likes of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane, and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs come off the board? Will a second quarterback sneak into the first round?
Here's my final take on how the first four rounds of this year's draft could turn out, including some early trades that could shake things up even further:
*= projected trade
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
This might be the only sure thing in this draft. The Raiders obviously need a new franchise quarterback, and Mendoza is the only prospect in this year's lackluster class who's worthy of this spot. He's not on the same level as the Caleb Williams/Jayden Daniels/Drake Maye trio from a couple of years ago, but he's an accurate passer who makes sound decisions with the football, and should develop into a successful starter if Las Vegas can build up his supporting cast.
READ MORE: Fernando Mendoza scouting report
2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese | Edge/LB | Ohio State
This comes down to upside/versatility vs. proven production, and considering where the Jets are in their current rebuilding process, I'm betting the'll prioritize the former. Reese is a more pro-ready prospect as an off-ball linebacker right now, but taking him here means Aaron Glenn and company would be investing in the sky-high ceiling he brings to the table as an edge defender with an impressive blend of explosiveness and athleticism.
READ MORE: Arvell Reese scouting report
3. Arizona Cardinals
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
I think the Cards would love to move out of this spot, but unless they're willing to take a lowball offer, I'm betting they'll be forced to stick and pick here. If that happens, they could throw positional value out the window and simply take the best player available, and that's Love. The haters will say you shouldn't take a running back this high, but recent history for highly drafted players at the position has actually panned out fairly well (Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott). Love is absolutely in that category as a prospect, and a true three-down weapon who can make big plays happen on the ground and through the air.
READ MORE: Jeremiyah Love scouting report
4. Tennessee Titans
David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
The Titans have big needs on both sides of the ball, and you could make a strong case for multiple options here (Carnell Tate, Sonny Styles). But if Love is off the board, and Bailey's not, I wouldn't be surprised if Robert Saleh bangs the table for the explosive pass rusher who brings proven production to the table. Pairing Bailey's ability to get to the quarterback off the edge with Jeffrey Simmons' dominant presence inside would be a fantastic way to kick off Tennessee's 2026 class.
READ MORE: David Bailey scouting report
5. New York Giants
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah
Another team that could go in any of a million directions with their top pick, the Giants have strong options to choose from on both sides of the ball here. It's a Harbaugh trait to prioritize the trenches, though, which is why Fano wouldn't be a surprising selection. He's big, athletic and powerful, and has the versatility to start right away at guard before eventually kicking back outside to right tackle to help keep Jaxson Dart protected for the long haul.
READ MORE:Spencer Fano scouting report
6. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE)*
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
Cowboys get: No. 6 overall, No. 39 overall
Browns get: No. 12 overall, No. 20 overall
I've had a feeling for a while now that this would be the spot where Dallas tries to jump up the board for one of the elite defensive prospects in this class. Caleb Downs could also be the target here, but Styles makes plenty of sense as a cornerstone for the next generation of the Cowboys defense. That unit desperately needs a tone-setter at the heart of the unit to transform them back into a consistently dominant group, and Styles is the perfect fit as both a player and a leader.
READ MORE: Sonny Styles scouting report
7. Baltimore Ravens (from WAS)*
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
Ravens get: No. 7 overall
Commanders get: No. 14 overall, No. 45 overall
Washington doesn't have a second-round pick at the moment, so they'll be motivated to find a trade-down partner to recoup some of that missing draft capital. They could find a fit with Baltimore, who could make a bold move to get ahead of multiple teams that could be targeting the top pass-catcher in this year's draft. Tate would give Lamar Jackson another dynamic playmaker to pair with Zay Flowers, and his well-rounded skill set as a route-runner and three-level threat could quickly make him the go-to target sooner than later.
READ MORE: Carnell Tate scouting report
8. New Orleans Saints
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
Losing out on Tate might sting, but landing the clear-cut top corner in this year's class would hardly be a consolation prize for a New Orleans defense that desperately needs that kind of shutdown presence on the outside. Delane was dominant for the Bayou Bengals last season, shutting down top competition in the SEC. He would give the Saints an immediate upgrade at a premium position, and solid value that fills one of the most glaring holes on their roster.
READ MORE: Mansoor Delane scouting report
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
I don't expect the Chiefs to be picking in the top 10 again anytime soon, so if they get the chance to land arguably the best player in the entire draft, I wouldn't be surprised if that was an easy choice. Downs is a dynamic playmaker who can line up all over the field and wreak havoc on opposing offenses, and pairing his combination of physical talent and mental prowess with an elite defensive coordinator like Steven Spagnuolo would be an massive win for Kansas City.
READ MORE: Caleb Downs scouting report
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
Signing Boye Mafe to a huge deal in free agency should help offset the loss of Trey Hendrickson, but if the Bengals want some insurance just in case Shemar Stewart's development continues to take the scenic route, Bain would be an ideal pick here. One of the most dominant defenders in all of college football last season, Bain is a complete player who can get after the quarterback with speed, power and technique, and he sets a strong edge against the run that makes him an every-down impact player.
READ MORE: Rueben Bain Jr. scouting report
11. Miami Dolphins
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee
The rebuild is officially on in Miami, so this pick could go anywhere. McCoy is a tough prospect to project after he missed the entire 2025 season recovering from a knee injury, but his 2024 tape showed an elite playmaker with impressive athleticism, ball skills, instincts and leaping ability. If the Dolphins are comfortable with the medicals, McCoy could immediately give them a shutdown corner as they look to build their defense back into a respectable unit.
READ MORE: Jermod McCoy scouting report
12. Cleveland Browns (from DAL)*
Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)
This is an ideal scenario for the Browns, who drop back six spots, turn a second-round pick into a third first-rounder, and still address their biggest need while getting better value. They've done a solid job of adding veterans to rebuild the offensive line throughout the offseason, but Mauigoa's upside as a dominant right tackle or even a guard would be a valuable investment in the future of that group.
READ MORE: Francis Mauigoa scouting report
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Makai Lemon | WR | USC
Even without Puka Nacua's off-field situation, the Rams were already likely to be in the market for a long-term upgrade at the WR2 spot. Davante Adams was highly productive when healthy last year, but he struggled with nagging injuries, and isn't getting any younger. Lemon doesn't have his size, but he's an explosive playmaker with the toughness and physicality to make big plays at the catch point and after the catch.
READ MORE: Makai Lemon scouting report
14. Washington Commanders (from BAL)*
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
After moving back and getting a much-needed second-rounder to replace the one they traded to Houston in the Laremy Tunsil deal, the Commanders land the top tight end in this year's class. They did enough in free agency to plug some of their biggest holes on defense, which should allow them to invest their early picks on the other side of the ball. Jayden Daniels needs more weapons to work with across the board, and Sadiq would give him a mismatch player who can attack defenses downfield and after the catch.
READ MORE: Kenyon Sadiq scouting report
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (from TB)*
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
Steelers get: No. 15 overall
Buccaneers get: No. 21 overall, No. 76 overall, No. 121 overall
The Bucs should be highly motivated to move down and target better value on defense while collecting extra picks in the middle rounds, while the Steelers could look to package some of their surplus selections in that range to jump ahead of the Jets and land one of this year's top pass-catchers. Even after trading for Michael Pittman Jr. to pair with DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh could add another high-end receiver in Tyson, who could prove to be a bargain if he can avoid the injury issues that have plagued him recently.
READ MORE: Jordyn Tyson scouting report
16. New York Jets (from IND)
Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana
Missing out on Tyson could disappointing, but Cooper is a complete player who brings athleticism, versatility and toughness to the passing game. He brings added value as a downfield blocker, and he's got a knack for making big plays in clutch moments. The Jets already have one of the league's best young receivers in Garrett Wilson, but they need a significant upgrade at the WR2 spot, and Cooper would be an ideal fit.
READ MORE: Omar Cooper Jr. scouting report
17. Detroit Lions
Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia
This would be a fantastic scenario for the Lions, who are looking for a new starter at left tackle after moving on from longtime veteran Taylor Decker. Freeling made huge strides for the Bulldogs last season, showing impressive movement skills for his size, and the kind of toughness and physicality the Lions always prioritize, especially in the trenches. There's some boom-or-bust to his projection, but Freeling could eventually develop into the same kind of reliable presence Decker was for the last decade.
READ MORE: Monroe Freeling scouting report
18. Minnesota Vikings
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo
With Harrison Smith likely headed for retirement, the Vikings are in prime position to land his successor at this spot. They've got two strong candidates, but McNeil-Warren's frame and skill set compare more favorably to Smith's, which could give him the nod over Oregon's Dillon Thieneman. McNeil-Warren is a hard-hitting presence with and impressive combination of size, athleticism and range, with the instincts and ball skills to make splash plays whenever the ball comes his way.
READ MORE: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren scouting report
19. Carolina Panthers
Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon
I wouldn't be surprised if Thieneman is off the board at this point, but if he's not, the Panthers could jump at the chance to bring his versatility and playmaking ability to their defense. He can line up over the top, down in the box, or out in the slot, and Thieneman's nose for the ball can be a thorn in the side of any offensive coordinator or quarterback that loses sight of him. This could be a strong value pick that makes an immediate impact in Carolina.
READ MORE: Dillon Thieneman scouting report
20. Cleveland Browns (from GB via DAL)*
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama
After adding yet another first-round pick by trading out of the top 10, the Browns put themselves in position to double-dip at offensive tackle. While Francis Mauigoa would give Cleveland an immediate upgrade at guard and a long-term solution at right tackle beyond Tytus Howard, Proctor could do the same at the left tackle spot. Proctor's range is all over the place thanks to rare physical traits and inconsistent technique, but this is a sensible spot where the Browns could bank on that upside at a premium position.
READ MORE: Kadyn Proctor scouting report
21. Miami Dolphins (from PIT via TB)*
Olaivavega Ioane | OL | Penn State
I know the Dolphins have been stockpiling picks to accelerate their rebuild, but those picks can also be used as currency to move up the board for the right player. Trading up for a guard might seem odd, but Ioane is a top-10 prospect in this draft, and has instant All-Pro potential as the top interior offensive lineman in this draft. Making this jump up the board for an elite blocker would help Malik Willis and the offense hit the ground running, and getting this kind of talent outside of the top 20 is a big win, regardless of position.
READ MORE: Olaivavega Ioane scouting report
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
It's possible the Chargers could reach for the next-best interior offensive lineman here, but if the board falls this way, I could see them changing gears and targeting better value on the other side of the ball. They could use another young edge rusher to pair with Tuli Tuipolotu long-term after Khalil Mack moves on, and while Faulk's production was lacking in terms of the pass rush, his combination of size, athleticism and versatility gives him tons of upside.
READ MORE: Keldric Faulk scouting report
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Max Iheanachor | OT | Arizona State
Lane Johnson is back for another year, but the Eagles need to plan for the future at right tackle. A late-comer to the gridiron, Iheanachor is still just scratching the surface of his potential, and what we've seen so far is superstar potential. With the right coaching staff, Iheanachor's physical traits and punishing style of play could eventually be turned into All-Pro material, making this the ideal landing spot for his talents.
READ MORE: Max Iheanachor scouting report
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
After double-dipping at offensive tackle, the Browns use the last of the hat trick of first-round picks to address a massive need at wide receiver. Concepcion brings big-play explosiveness to the passing game, with the ability to stretch the field and challenge opposing defenses over the tap, as well as after the catch. Whoever ends up playing quarterback in Cleveland long-term, the passing game will be better off for having Concepcion as a primary target.
READ MORE: KC Concepcion scouting report
25. Chicago Bears
T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson
The Bears should be a primary landing spot if the Giants end up trading Dexter Lawrence, and this pick could be involved. If Chicago stays at this spot, though, they could dip into a loaded class of edge rushers to find a three-down presence in Parker. His well-rounded skill set would boost the Bears' defensive front against both the run and pass, and he's a pro-ready prospect who should make an instant impact for a playoff contender.
READ MORE: T.J. Parker scouting report
26. Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
Buffalo could be a trade-down candidate thanks to their lack of a second-round pick, but despite trading that selection for DJ Moore, they could still use their first-rounder to add another high-end weapon to help out Josh Allen. Boston would bring a completely different dynamic to the passing game compared to Moore's skill set, giving Allen that above-the-rim presence that can dominate in contested-catch situations, and especially in the red zone.
READ MORE: Denzel Boston scouting report
27. San Francisco 49ers
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah
This would be an ideal situation for the 49ers, who have a long-term question mark at left tackle that won't be answered by Trent Williams returning for the 2026 season. Regardless of whether or not that happens, Lomu would be a fantastic addition, with the physical tools and experience to be an immediate starter if necessary, but the opportunity to learn for a year behind the future Hall of Famer would help ensure he reaches his full potential in the future.
READ MORE: Caleb Lomu scouting report
28. Houston Texans
Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
It's hard to imagine this defense having any glaring needs after the way they played last season, but finding a disruptive interior defender with pass-rushing potential would be ideal. Woods is a somewhat polarizing prospect due to inconsistent production (mostly due to odd alignment and usage at Clemson), but his full potential could be unlocked by DeMeco Ryans, who knows how to put his players in position to maximize their respective skill sets.
READ MORE: Peter Woods scouting report
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR)
Blake Miller | OT | Clemson
Protecting Patrick Mahomes has to be a top priority for the Chiefs, and after moving on from veteran Jawaan Taylor, they could use an upgrade at right tackle. Miller made 54 starts at that spot for the Tigers, and that kind of experience should allow him to be a plug-and-play starter for a contending team. He made huge strides as a run blocker last season, making him a more complete player and worthy of a first-round pick.
READ MORE: Blake Miller scouting report
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from DEN via MIA)*
Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas A&M
After moving back twice from their original spot, the Bucs have added four extra picks between the third and fourth rounds, and are still able to fill one of their biggest needs while getting better value. There are some tempting edge rushers on the board here, but with future Hall of Famer Lavonte David recently announcing his retirement, Tampa Bay needs to find the next great linebacker to usher in the next generation for their defense. Rodriguez has all the physical and mental traits to be the perfect fit, and I don't see any way he gets to them halfway through the second round.
READ MORE: Jacob Rodriguez scouting report
31. Arizona Cardinals (from NE)*
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
Cardinals get: No. 31 overall
Patriots get: No. 34 overall, No. 143 overall
I'm not sold on Simpson as a first-round prospect, but that doesn't mean a QB-needy team won't get desperate and jump back into this range to land him. In return for a fifth-round pick, the Cards leap ahead of the Jets to land their quarterback of the future after moving on from Kyler Murray. Simpson has a ton of question marks, but he had some flashes of potential during his only season as a starter, and Arizona could bank on that upside instead of waiting and hoping for next year's quarterback class to deliver on the hype.
READ MORE: Ty Simpson scouting report
32. Seattle Seahawks
Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State
Much like Houston, it feels unfair to give this defense another weapon after the dominance we saw from this unit in 2025. Johnson has some of the cleanest film of any prospect in this class, and would be an ideal replacement for Riq Woolen, who left in free agency. Johnson is a polished prospect with refined technique, scheme versatility, and the instincts/ball skills to be a big-play magnet when opposing quarterbacks challenge him downfield.
READ MORE: Chris Johnson scouting report
SECOND ROUND
33. New York Jets
34. New England Patriots (from ARI)*
Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (FL)
35. Tennessee Titans
Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State
Keylan Rutledge | OL | Georgia Tech
37. New York Giants
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina
38. Houston Texans (from LV)
Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M
39. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE)*
Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M
43. Miami Dolphins
44. New York Jets (from DAL)
45. Washington Commanders (from BAL)*
R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma
48. Atlanta Falcons
50. Detroit Lions
Christen Miller | DL | Georgia
Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon
Derrick Moore | Edge | Michigan
Caleb Tiernan | OL | Northwestern
57. Chicago Bears
Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee
59. Houston Texans
60. Chicago Bears (from BUF)
Dominique Orange | DL | Iowa State
61. Los Angeles Rams
62. Denver Broncos
63. New England Patriots
Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia
64. Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame
THIRD ROUND
Keionte Scott | DB | Miami (FL)
66. Tennessee Titans
Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame
67. Las Vegas Raiders
Darrell Jackson Jr. | DL | Florida State
68. Philadelphia Eagles (from NYJ)
Ted Hurst | WR | Georgia State
69. Houston Texans (From NYG)
Josiah Trotter | LB | Missouri
70. Cleveland Browns
Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State
71. Washington Commanders
Mike Washington Jr. | RB | Arkansas
72. Cincinnati Bengals
Gracen Halton | DL | Oklahoma
73. New Orleans Saints
Jaishawn Barham | Edge | Michigan
74. Kansas City Chiefs
Oscar Delp | TE | Georgia
75. Miami Dolphins
Max Klare | TE | Ohio State
76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from DAL via PIT)*
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Treydan Stukes | DB | Arizona
78. Indianapolis Colts
Chandler Rivers | CB | Duke
79. Atlanta Falcons
Dametrious Crownover | OT | Texas A&M
80. Baltimore Ravens
Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)
82. Minnesota Vikings
Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington
83. Carolina Panthers
Antonio Williams | WR | Clemson
84. Green Bay Packers
Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State
85. Pittsburgh Steelers
86. Los Angeles Chargers
Devin Moore | CB | Florida
87. Miami Dolphins (from PHI)
De'Zhaun Stribling | WR | Ole Miss
88. Jacksonville Jaguars
Chris McClellan | DL | Missouri
89. Chicago Bears
90. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from HOU via MIA)*
Kaleb Proctor | DL | Southeastern Louisiana
91. Buffalo Bills
Zakee Wheatley | S | Penn State
92. Dallas Cowboys (from SF)
Malik Muhammad | CB | Texas
93. Los Angeles Rams
94. Miami Dolphins (from DEN)
Bud Clark | S | TCU
95. New England Patriots
Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor
96. Seattle Seahawks
Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee
97. Minnesota Vikings
Sam Hecht | OL | Kansas State
98. Philadelphia Eagles
Genesis Smith | S | Arizona
99. Pittsburgh Steelers
Julian Neal | DB | Arkansas
100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)
Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech
FOURTH ROUND
101. Tennessee Titans
Will Lee III | CB | Texas A&M
102. Las Vegas Raiders
103. New York Jets
Jalen Farmer | OL | Kentucky
104. Arizona Cardinals
Dontay Corleone | DL | Cincinnati
105. New York Giants
Deion Burks | WR | Oklahoma
106. Houston Texans (from WAS)
Nicholas Singleton | RB | Penn State
107. Cleveland Browns
108. Denver Broncos (from NO)
Austin Barber | OT | Florida
109. Kansas City Chiefs
Skyler Bell | WR | UConn
110. Cincinnati Bengals
Deontae Lawson | LB | Alabama
111. Denver Broncos (from MIA)
Taurean York | LB | Texas A&M
112. Dallas Cowboys
Jalon Kilgore | S | South Carolina
113. Indianapolis Colts
Bryce Lance | WR | North Dakota State
114. Philadelphia Eagles (from ATL)
Daylen Everette | CB | Georgia
115. Baltimore Ravens
Billy Schrauth | OL | Notre Dame
116. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC
117. Las Vegas Raiders (from MIN)
Isaiah World | OT | Oregon
118. Detroit Lions
Kaytron Allen | RB | Penn State
119. Carolina Panthers
Harold Perkins | LB | LSU
120. Green Bay Packers
Caden Curry | Edge | Ohio State
121. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from PIT)*
Logan Jones | OL | Iowa
122. Atlanta Falcons (from PHI)
Keyron Crawford | Edge | Auburn
123. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Joly | TE | NC State
124. Jacksonville Jaguars
Emmett Johnson | RB | Nebraska
125. New England Patriots (from CHI)
Keyshaun Elliott | LB | Arizona State
126. Buffalo Bills
Tim Keenan III | DL | Alabama
127. San Francisco 49ers
Anthony Lucas | Edge | USC
128. Detroit Lions (from HOU)
Ephesians Prysock | CB | Cal
129. Chicago Bears (from LAR)
Brenen Thompson | WR | Mississippi State
130. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from DEN via MIA)*
Sam Roush | TE | Stanford
131. New England Patriots
DeMonte Capehart | DL | Clemson
132. New Orleans Saints (from SEA)
Joe Royer | TE | Cincinnati
133. San Francisco 49ers
Hezekiah Masses | CB | Cal
134. Las Vegas Raiders
VJ Payne | S | Kansas State
135. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jude Bowry | OT | Boston College
136. New Orleans Saints
137. Philadelphia Eagles
138. San Francisco 49ers
Kaleb Elarms-Orr | LB | TCU
139. San Francisco 49ers
Brian Parker II | OL | Duke
140. New York Jets
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 7:01 AM.