2026 NFL Draft: The perfect draw for any team in the first three rounds

Bradley Locker offered every NFL team a three-round draft based on current needs.

- Several teams will hope Rueben Bain Jr. slips: The sharp edge rusher could fit in Tennessee, Cincinnati or Baltimore.

- Valuable Day 2 Lineman: Jennings could be a dunker first guard or catch, and the Dolphins and 49ers are likely interested in his services.

The 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try out the best Mock Draft emulators in class and learn about the top 2026 futures when trading and drafting your favorite NFL teams.

Estimated study time: 36 minutes

The 2026 NFL Draft is still nearly two months away, but anticipation is growing by the day.With the NFL combine now underway from Indianapolis, the leaderboards and prospect evaluations should increase as draft weekend approaches.

Based on the current draft order and team needs in free agency, below is a realistic three-round pick for each franchise.Note that Fernando Mendoza is not a viable option for anyone but the Raiders (barring a trade).

Click here to switch to the team:

ARZ | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WAS

Arizona Cardinals: T. Spencer Fano, CB Chris Johnson, Zach Whitley

Without a quarterback no.Arizona could choose between Miami's Francisco Mauigoa or Utah's Spencer Fano, but Fano's size and athleticism (80.0-plus pass-and run-blocking grades) could make him a target for Mike LaFleur.

The Cardinals also had to settle for the 25th overall high school prospect last year.Johnson could be a good fit with heavyweight defensive lineman Nick Rallis after leading the nation with a 91.9 zone coverage rating last year and forming a tight end with Will Johnson.Similarly, Wheatley (83.5 coverage rating) could be a natural replacement and Jalen Thompson could leave in free agency.

Atlanta Falcons: CB Colton Hood, LB Jacob Rodriguez

Although A.J.With Otterell's return, the Falcons should increase the cap space for last year's 30th overall pick.Hood will bring his 80.3 grade and 91 percent in single coverage situations with starting ability.

With Kaden Elliss future uncertain, Atlanta could target the second or third round.Rodriguez could be a good fit with his all-around skills, earning a grade of 92.3 or better in defense and coverage.

Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., G Emmanuel Pregnon, Dl Gracen Halton

The Ravens desperately need to bolster their pass rush, which ranks 29th in pass rush quality.There might not be a better solution than adding Bane, the No. 2 prospect on the big projection board.Bain's 2025 season (92.4 pass rush grade) is comparable to the top five, but potential arm length issues could cause Bain to slide.Likewise, if they select Halton (76.9 pass rush grade) Nnamdi Madubuike's recovery from a neck injury continues, which could help the team internally.

Baltimore needs to fix its interior offensive line, especially at guard.Pregnon can start at left or right tackle and had a championship last season with Oregon, posting an 85.8 grade or better in blocking and run blocking.

Buffalo Bills: WR Denzel Boston, EDGE Romello Hite, LB Kyle Lewis

The fact that the Bulls came into the division ranked 24th in the receiving room is incredible, but the team should help the group this season.At 6-foot-4, Boston will provide additional size to Khalil Shakir as he can attack vertically and horizontally.Moreover, Boston can be the best option with a rate of 61.1%.hold on

Even after ranking 13th in EPA defense per play last year, I think the Bills are still prioritizing the side of the ball after hiring Jim Leonhard as defensive coordinator.His height (92.6 pass rush) could be a good secondary option for Greg Rousseau, especially if Joey Bosa leaves.Additionally, Louis (73.1 overall grade) will breathe life into a linebacker room without many long-term starters.

Carolina Panthers: EDGE Achim Messidor, LB Jake Goday, S Jake Slaughter

The Panthers are making the playoffs for the first time since 2017, but their defense needs a major overhaul on multiple levels.Carolina ranked 30th in pass-rush win rate among edge defenders last year, and while Nick Skorton and Princely Umanmillen have shined, the team could use an immediate impact starter like Macidore (92.5 pass-rush grade).Next, Gould (82.4 overall grade) could develop into a multi-year starter for a linebacker unit looking for growth.

The Panthers are not facing many key free-agent losses, but the team may be in need of an inside offensive line with both Austin Corbett and Cade Mays hitting the market.Killing has averaged 79.3 points or better in both of the past two years, and his block zone rating of 86.0 would line up with Dave Canales' offense.

Chicago Bears: Dl Peter Woods, S A.J.Haulcy, WR Skyler Bell

While the team's offense has flourished under Ben Johnson, the Bears' defense is still looking for upgrades at several positions.Chicago needs to add a starter along the interior defensive line, and Woods fits the bill well in 2024 with a 74.0 passer rating and 74.2 run defense last year.Additionally, with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker pending free agents, Hols (88.6 coverage grade) could be a safe replacement.

Receiver is a wild card position for the Bears, as well.If D.J.Moore was traded, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Chicago wide out -- after all, the team was double-dipped on the pass-catcher last April.Bell enjoyed a solid season with UConn, registering an 85.1 receiving grade with 8.2 yards per reception when playing inside and outside.

Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Ruben Benn Jr., S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, LB Jake Golde

With Trey Hendrickson a free agent again, the Bengals will be looking at another glaring hole at edge rusher.Even after selecting Shemar Stewart in the first round last year, Payne will be a force at home — especially with his versatility against the run, recording an 86.2 defensive rating.

Cincinnati could also bolster the safety and linebacker units, which ranked just 25th overall.McNeil-Warren's coverage ability (92.0 coverage grade) would be welcome, and the Goldey native (82.4 overall grade) could join second-year linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr.

Cleveland Browns: WR Makai Lemon, T Monroe Freeling, LB Anthony Hill Jr., C Sam Hecht

With two picks in the top 24, the Browns will likely have a hard time improving on the league's worst offense by EPA per game.Lemon's firepower (91.4 receiver rating) boosts the second-lowest receiving group in the sport.Meanwhile, Freeling (85.6 pass-blocker rating) has the frame and athleticism to become a potential score on an offensive line that can beat and five starters.

With the Browns' other two picks in the first three rounds, they could target a player like Hill (72.8 overall grade) if Devin Bush leaves in free agency.Back on the offensive line, Hecht ranked third among qualified centers in overall grade (80.0) last year and could replace Ethan Posic.

Dallas Cowboys: S Caleb Downs, ED Cashius Howell

One of the few reasons Dallas' defense will be left behind in 2025 is its safety room, which the team had the second-worst overall grade last year.The team's need at the position will only be exacerbated by Donovan Wilson, who is under contract.If Downs (87.6 overall grade) ends up with the 12th pick, Jerry Jones should run down the map.

Like the Cowboys' other first-round pick, Jones should stay on defense with a linebacker or edge defender in mind.Assuming Sonny doesn't join the board, Howell could be a good choice.Dallas needs more pass-rushing energy on the outside, with Jadeveon Clowney a free agent, and Howell (19.9% ​​pass-rush completion rate) is just that.will be provided

Denver Broncos: TE Kenyon Sadiq, RB Jadarian Price, Dl Skyler Gill-Howard

While the Broncos were the top seed in the AFC last year, the team's journey to improving playoff position should be a multi-year process.With the Evan Engram experiment failing, Sadyk (70.4 overall grade) could be the tight end who stretches the field and blocks the pass.Meanwhile, Price (79.9 rush grade) rounds out the back end of the committee with RJ Harvey.

One position Denver could target is inside linebacker, where John Franklin-Myers could go.If they did, Gill-Howard would fit seamlessly into the team's deep defensive line with his passing acumen (90.0 passer rating).

Detroit Lions: EDGE Achim Messider, G Chase Byzantis

The Lions' defense deteriorated last season, with the main culprit being the lack of a second attacker.Although he will be 25 on draft day, Mesidor would fit right into the Lions' winning mentality and form a dynamic duo with Aidan Hutchinson.

Detroit will also look to upgrade its interior offensive line with the early pick.Bisontis (70.7 pass-blocking grade) could compete with Christian Mahogany to start after struggling in his second season.

Green Bay Packers: OL Caleb Tiernan, CB Chandler Rivers

Not selected until the second round, the Packers could prioritize their offensive line given the potential losses of Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins.Tyrnon, who played left tackle at Northwestern, could be a good fit to run inside.The former Wildcat has allowed just 26 attacks over the past two seasons.

Green Bay's brass seems content with the corner room.But the group is ranked 13th overall, and with Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine both free agents in 2027, Rivers can provide versatility to the team both inside and outside.After having a coverage grade of 74.5 or better in both man and zone last year.

Houston Texans: OL Cadin Proctor, RB Zadarian Price, LB Deontay Lawson

The Texans' offensive line takes a step forward in 2025, but the unit still faces big questions – especially with Ed Ingram on the market.Whether serving at guard or right tackle, Proctor (86.1 overall grade) could be a starter for the long haul.Similarly, with Joe Mixon's future unknown, Price could add to an offense that ranks 28th in EPA per play.

It may seem strange to draft a defensive player for the league's top class, but Houston may need a sharp linebacker in the final years with Azez Al-Shair and Henry Tooto.Lawson (83.6 run-defense rating) could keep an eye on another former Crimson Tide standout in DeMeco Ryans.

Indianapolis Colts: T Max Iheanachor, EDGE Joshua Josephs

While the statuses of Alec Pierce and Daniel Jones dominate the Colts this spring, one thing that shouldn't be forgotten is that longtime right tackle Braden Smith is also a free agent.Even when Smith returns, he's on the heels of his two worst overall rating seasons.Iheanachor (78.3 pass-blocking rating) could be another developmental project for Indianapolis, which has found some gems along its offensive line.

Indianapolis still needs a defenseman, especially with Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis already under contract.Josephs' profile (21.3% rushing win rate, 90.6 rushing rate) could give the Colts another starter out of Laiatu Latu.

Jackson ia Jaguar: LB Anthony Hill Jr, RB Jonah Coleman, CB Daylen Everette, S Genesis Smith

The Jaguars won't pick later in the second round with the first pick in the last draft, but they should have a chance to fill their potential in the first place.If Devin Lloyd is out, then Hill (4.5 percent interception rate) could be a solid option under center.Also, if Travis Etienne finds a new home, then Coleman (83.8 rushing grade) would fit into Liam Coen's zone.

Jacksonville could also look for depth in the secondary, especially with Montaric Brown, Greg Newsome II and Andrew Wingard in closing deals.Everette (73.8 coverage grade) makes sense in Anthony Campanile's primary zone system, while Smith (88.5 coverage grade) could compete to start alongside Eric Murray.

Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE David Bailey, TE Eli Stowers, RB Jonah Coleman

Jeremiah Love is attractive at No. 9 overall, but I feel like the Chiefs are more likely to invest more aggressively.Kansas City ranks 27th in the edge defense's pass-rush class in 2025, but the explosive Bailey (93.8 pass-rush grade) could provide a boost next to George Karlaftis and an aging Chris Jones.

Offensively, the Chiefs still need a replacement for Travis Kelce -- and Stowers (85.3 receiving grade) would make perfect sense.Instead of Love, Coleman could be a late rounder that fits Andy Reid's scheme.The team will certainly need him with free agents Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.

Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, WR Omar Cooper Jr., CB Davison Igboson.

Given the completely unexpected loss of the first overall pick, the Raiders are set to take Mendoza early in the 2026 NFL Draft.A Heisman win would revitalize a group that finished 28th last season.If Mendoza does indeed head to Sin City, one of his favorite targets, Cooper, could follow.Cooper's rare combination of receiving skills (86.0 receiving grade) and blocking rating (69.8 run-blocking grade) could get him off the board before the 36th overall pick.

The Raiders could theoretically compete for any defensive back position in the second or third rounds, but cornerback remains a huge need — especially if Eric Stokes doesn't commit.Igbinosun solved his penalty woes in 2025 with an 81.0 coverage grade, including 80.0 player appearances.

Los Angeles Chargers: G Olivaga Ion, AD Derrick Moore, TE Michael Trigg

The Chargers have no choice but to fix the worst offensive line in the league this winter, with the interior a key area of ​​weakness.Ioane will be a plug-and-play starter after posting an 87.0 pass-blocking grade last year with a 78.6 run-blocking mark.

With their next two picks, the Chargers will be able to close out other teams that will be thinner.Moore (92.4 passer rating) could team up with Jim Harbaugh in a room that could lose Udappa Oh and Khalil Mack.Meanwhile, Trigg (77.3 receiving grade) could add to the 20th-ranked receiving corps in a crowded market where Kyle Pitts is no longer on the board.

Los Angeles Rams: CB Jermod McCoy, T Monroe Freeling, QB Ty Simpson, CB Treydan Stukes

The Rams' defense improved to 10th in EPA per game last year, but the team still ranks 18th in cornerback coverage.McCoy (89.6 coverage grade in 2024) is a good fit, especially since Los Angeles hired former Tennessee coach Michael Hunter.In the third inning, the Stokes (89.5 zone coverage score) when starting the bat again in Chris Shula's partial scheme.

LA's offense is the best in the league in 2025, but the Rams are always moving forward.Freeling is under contract for only one more campaign, especially with McClendon, Warren McClendon Jr. In addition, Simpson (83.1 overall rating) will need time to adjust after struggling at the end of his first season as a starter, and it will be a good place to fall to learn behind Stafford.

Miami Dolphins: CB Mansoor Delane, DB Keionte Scott, OL Gennings Dunker, WR Malachi Fields, EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton

The Dolphins need help at defensive back, especially free agent Rasul Douglas and prospect Minkah Fitzpatrick and the team is struggling.Delane (90.7 coverage rating) is one of the leading defensive backs in college football, earning at least a 76.7 coverage rating in the area.Likewise, Scott (87.1 coverage rating, 91.2 point-defensive rating) was an impact on defensive openings in the Miami College Football Playoff.

If Miami retains three third-round picks, the team could add quality depth in other important areas. Dunker (82.0 overall grade) compete for starting reps at both guard positions. Fields (76.2 receiving grade) would add size, which new general manager John Eric Sullivan expressed a desire to wideout.It could help reform the Rusher group.

Minnesota Vikings: Dl Caleb Banks, S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, LB Josiah Trotter, WR Zachariah Branch

Although the Vikings spent a combined $81 million on Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen last season, the team will likely turn to an inside linebacker in 2026 due to the team's poor performance. Banks' action count in 2025 was limited to 96 snaps, but he had a 73.2 rushing grade the year before, and with a great combination, his stock could rise to the middle of the first round.

Outside of the first round, Minnesota could pursue a replacement for Harrison Smith at safety McNeil-Warren (91.9 overall grade).Additionally, Trotter (26.5% pass rush win rate) could be a fun asset to Brian Flores' blitz scheme, and Branch (82.6 receiving grade) could become a WR3 if Jalen Nailor leaves in free agency.

New England Patriots: EDGE T.J. Parker, TE Max Clare, C Jack Slaughter

The Patriots can certainly add more running back room through free agency, but adding other competitive options through the draft could also be logical.Parker's pass-rush productivity (15.5% pass-rush win rate) will be desirable in a unit that was the worst in the league for the lowest pass-rush win rate last season.

New England could find another tight end if Austin Hooper leaves in free agency and Clare (85.6 2024 grade) joins the team's 12-man roster.The center could be upgraded after Garrett Bradbury's poor performance while keeping the offense intact.Slaughter can be developed early in the future.

New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiah Love, CB D'Angelo Bonds, LB Jacob Rodriguez.

It's hard to pinpoint Love's perfect landing spot in the top 10, but the Saints might be.New Orleans wants to upgrade a rushing attack that was 29th in EPA per game in 2025, and Love (93.7 rushing grade) will be the successor of Alvin Kamara - along with a building block around Tyler Shaw.

New Orleans' 10th-ranked defense impressed, but the Saints could stand to make additions.With Alontae Taylor a free agent, Ponds (89.9 coverage rating) might start in the slot.Over the middle, Rodriguez (93.0 total grade) could replace Demario Davis or learn from the all-time great.

Raksasa New York: WR Makai Lemon, T Blake Miller

If he has to make money with free agent Wan Dale Robinson, he will likely be cut in New York.As a result, the Giants will need to find a playoff spot - and Lemon will be, producing 3.13 yards per carry while playing 75.6% of his career inside.It's tough to pick against Ohio State's Carnell Tate in this pick.

The return of New York's offensive linemen Jermaine Eluemunor and Greg Van Roten may be uncertain.Miller would be a viable second-round pick after posting an 83.5 blocking grade in 2025, possibly playing right tackle or guard.

Jets Nua-Eabhrac: LB Arvell Reese, WR Carnell Tate, QB Ty Simpson, G Emmanuel Pregnon

The Jets may not be able to deal with Sous Gardner or Kevin Williams again, but at least they now have two picks in the top 16.At No. 2, New York is likely to choose between Reese, Bain and Bailey -- and while neither would be a bad pick, Reese (76.5 overall grade) might make the most sense if he can or contributes to either linebacker.With the 16th pick, finding a wide receiver to complement Garrett Wilson would be smart, and Tate (89.0 grade) does just that.

With two more top-44 picks, New York should try to acquire offensive pieces for a long time. If the team gets a shortstop in 2026, Simpson (6% big-time shooting rate) could watch or eventually take the reins. Also, Pregnone (86.7 overall grade) could play guard if Alia Vera-Tucker or John Simpson leave in March.

Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE T.J. Parker, CB Keith Abney II, SS Kamari Ramsey, T Justin Jolley.

It may seem strange for the Eagles to spend their first three picks on a defense that ranked eighth in EPA per game and success rate last year, but Howie Roseman never denied an opportunity for improvement.The edge defender, (third) corner and safety are the low points of the team in 2025, and each of them will be victims of free agent departure in the next two seasons.Abney (81.7 zone coverage grade) would fit well in Vic Fangio's defense behind Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, and Ramsey (77.0 class coverage) could improve in a department where Reed Blankenship was poor last campaign.

It remains to be seen if Dallas Goedert will return to Philadelphia. However, his overall grade of 66.7 was the lowest of his career in 2025. Jolly (81.6 receiver) could be the team's last TE1.

Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Makai Lemon, CB D'Angelo Ponds, G Keylan Rutledge, LB Jacob Rodriguez, QB Garrett Nussmeier

Boasting five of the top 99 picks, the Steelers are in a good position to trade up in the first round.If they do, Lemon will be a perfect internal target to complement D.K.Could be an option the team needs for depth, and Ponds (an 86.0-plus grade in run-defense, tackling and coverage) could be a sparkplug in the slot.

Pittsburgh now owns three picks in the third round.These picks should be used to stock potential starters at positions that are weaker in 2026 and beyond, such as guard, defense and midfield.Rutledge (76.7 overall) was successful in both the pass and the run against Georgia Tech and could fill the position when Isaac Seumalo leaves;Rodriguez joins a group that features future prospects Patrick Quinn;and Nussmeyer (77.1 overall) is a mediocre shooter after a successful college career.

San Francisco 49ers: WR KC Concepcion, Edge R Mason Thomas, OL Gennings Dunker

With Brandon Ayuk set to be released soon and Jaun Jennings set to become a free agent, the 49ers may soon find themselves facing a much smaller receiver room than they'd like.In return, drafting Concepcion (79.9 points) would give Brock Purdy additional depth alongside Ricky Pearsall.

San Francisco surrendered three of its first five picks in 2025 to its frontcourt, but still needs to upgrade the unit after finishing last in the entire class.Thomas fills a big need in both departments after posting a 79.4 run-defense grade and a 20.3% pass-rush win rate.Ultimately, he could be a dunker and answer long on the left side with Trent Williams, who turns 38 in August, or he could push Spencer Burford to left guard.

सिएटल Seahawks: CB Avieon Terrell, G Chase Bisontis, RB Emmett Johnson

Admittedly, it's a little difficult to predict how the Seahawks will fare in April given the number of free agents they have.But with Josh Jobe and Tarik Woolen both cornering the market, the team is likely to pick a top one high.Terrell (83.5 overall grade) could be good with the 32nd pick, but Seattle would love to grab him if he slips.

Offensively, the reigning Super Bowl champions also need to step up.Guard remains the inferior spot, and Bisontis (98.4 pass-blocking efficiency score) could start in place of Anthony Bradford.Meanwhile, even if Kenneth Walker III is extended, the Seahawks need a running back from Zach Charbonnet's torn ACL.Johnson looks versatile after posting a 76.6 rush grade or better in both the gap and area.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Sonny Styles, EDGE Gabe Jacks, DL Domonique Orange

Finding the perfect spot for a first-round defender, even one of Styles' caliber, isn't easy.But considering the Buccaneers have the 28th overall rating at the position and Lavonte David holds the job year after year, the team needs answers for years to come.Styles (88.6 overall rating) and his overall game would be just that.

Tampa Bay should focus on their underperforming defense in 2025. In defense, Jacus (88.5 pass-rush grade) can play out the defense next to Yaya.Borderless Diaby Meanwhile, Orange (82.6 overall grade in 2024) can be a potential project considering Vita Vea and Khalijah Cansey are free agents in 2027.

Tennessee Titans: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., WR Chris Bell, CB Davison Igbinosun

The Titans' acquisition of Jermaine Johnson II shouldn't change their draft plans too much, which figures to select a top pass rusher with the fourth overall pick.It would be hard to find a better match for him than Benn, who could be reunited with former college teammate Cameron Ward.

With the 35th overall pick, Tennessee should aim to add a major pass catcher to Ward, with the possibility of Bell (83.3 receiving grade).Returning to the defense of Robert Saleh would be wise in the third round, and Igbinosun (81.5 points) would add a secondary that finished 28th in the coverage grade.

Komandan Washington: S Caleb Downs, WR Germie Bernard

The Chiefs' task this offseason will undoubtedly be to fix one of the league's worst defenses by advanced metrics.It would be difficult for Washington to pass on Downs, who is arguably the best linebacker in the draft — especially given the state of the team's safety room.

Although he was not selected until the third round.The Commanders could still get a starting quality receiver next to Terry McLaurin.Bernard averaged 1.70 yards per route;He provided additional attributes after posting 6.2 yards per catch and an 80 percent completion percentage.He's useful in a receiving corps that could lose Deebo Samuel, and McLaurin doesn't have much next to him.