NFL Mock Draft 3.0
Please check out my Substack for Mock Draft 2.0, posted back in October.
Thanksgiving week is here. And this year’s selection of NFL games certainly whets the appetite, with even a Black Friday game thrown in for good measure. But the main event for me may just be that the College Football season is concluding its regular season this long weekend with rivalry games littered across a slate from Clemson-South Carolina and the Iron Bowl. In what has been one of the more unpredictable seasons I can certainly remember, NFL talent evaluators will be keeping a close eye on who steps up in the biggest moments down the stretch for their respective college programmes. We have some idea who will be among the top prospects next April, but several more could make a late push to hear their name called during Day 1 by the Commissioner.
As always, the draft order for these Mocks is my own judgment based on current Win-Loss record and projecting forward as to how teams may finish. In addition, let me say that this is more a projection of what I think each team will do, rather than what I would do if I were in the GM’s seat. Let’s get into it.
#1 Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio State
If the Tennessee Titans land the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, it is my view that they would likely not hang onto it and would trade to a QB-hungry team (take your pick of any 4 in the Top 10). However, in this Mock, no trades are allowed, and therefore, the Titans stick with their pick and take the hottest non-QB in draft circles. Reese has had a meteoric rise since the beginning of the season, and could have a Micah Parsons-level trajectory when the festivities kick off in Pittsburgh in April.
#2 New Orleans Saints: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
None of the QBs on my board deserve to be selected this high, but Mendoza is my personal QB1 as we approach the end of November. Mendoza has cleaned up the turnovers in a big way in 2025, and he will need to keep it that way down the stretch for the Hoosiers. He has 3 picks in his last 4, but has taken care of the football for the most part, showcasing an impressive command of the Mike Shanahan offense in Indiana. Technique can be improved in spots, but the tools are there for Mendoza to be seen as an above-average starter at the next level. Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler are not the answer down in New Orleans, so it’s time to move on and give HC Kellen Moore a chance to get competent QB play consistently.
#3 New York Jets: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
The Jets pass on their QB here, knowing there should be decent options later in the 1st round or the possibility of a trade-up scenario. I know the Jets have spent a lot already on the offensive line in terms of draft capital; however, Mauigoa is my OL1 and is a Top-5 player in this class. The Jets have gotten strong play from their young bookend tackles, and several scouts have noted that Mauigoa could kick inside and be an All-Pro player at Guard, where the Jets could lose both starters to Free Agency. Last year’s #1 pick Membou also got some looks inside in the pre-draft process, so he could move with this pick, freeing up the Miami man to play on the right side. Either way, the Jets are doubling down on protecting whoever is under center in 2026.
#4 Las Vegas Raiders: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Raiders’ offensive line has been among the worst in the league all year, culminating in giving up 10 sacks to the Cleveland Browns this past Sunday. Their OTs looked incredibly overmatched, and that is not overly surprising when you consider Las Vegas hasn’t spent a Top-50 pick on an OT since the ill-fated selection of Alex Leatherwood back in 2021. It’s time to invest, and Fano offers arguably the most well-rounded skillset of any draft-eligible lineman. He could help open holes for Jeanty, while also keeping the QB upright, whoever he happens to be in 2026. The Geno Smith trade has not worked out, but I’m betting the Raiders go veteran hunting again with soon-to-be 75-year-old Pete Carroll seemingly untouchable in Sin City.
#5 Washington Commanders: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
Faulk only has 2 sacks on the season, which could hurt his overall stock, but we have seen the NFL in recent years draft more for measurables than production at the edge rusher position. He is versatile and could be an excellent fit in Dan Quinn’s versatile 4-3 defense, who have a big need at edge, particularly given the age profile of players like Von Miller and Deatrich Wise Jr., who are both on the opposite side of 30. Faulk shows ridiculous power and impressive speed, and while he can be more active with his hands, I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone take a flyer on him very early in Round 1.
#6 Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Browns finally and reluctantly started Shedeur Sanders this past Sunday, with Dillon Gabriel missing out due to a concussion, and….he did fine. It was overall one of the worst games you will see this season against the Raiders, but he did manage to win the game, becoming the first Browns QB to win his first start since the Mid-90s. However, that should not be enough to tempt the Browns to persist with him after the season. Kevin Stefanski clearly does not want Sanders as his starting QB, and given that he could be coaching for his job next year, he will lobby hard for a new signal-caller next April. Here, he gets his wish, and Cleveland selects the fast-rising Simpson. To be clear, I would hesitate selecting Simpson in the 1st round, never mind the Top 10, but someone will fall in love with him during the draft process and select him way higher than his talent would suggest. My comp for him is J.J. McCarthy, and I could see Stefanski opting for Simpson, the same way the Vikings did for McCarthy.
#7 New York Giants: Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
The Giants appear to have their starting QB of the future on the roster; now they just need to keep him upright. That should be priority No.1 for the incoming coach, particularly since it likely was a factor in the firing of Brian Daboll. Lomu is an excellent pass blocker, perhaps the best in the class, as he has yet to allow a sack this season for the Utes. That should be music to the ears of the Giants faithful, who have been competitive in every game, including beating the Eagles and Chargers, while running the Broncos, Packers and Lions close. New York could be a playoff sleeper next year with the right offseason talent accumulation, and that might start here with Lomu.
#8 Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
Rueben Bain Jr.’s production has dropped off slightly in his last 2 games for the Hurricanes, but there is an argument to be made that he was the best defensive player in college football through 10 weeks. I questioned the Shemar Stewart pick the minute it was made, and so far, it has been a disaster. With Trey Hendrickson likely departing via Free Agency, there is no way the Bengals can rely on Stewart and fellow former 1st-rounder Myles Murphy moving forward. Maybe 3rd time’s the charm here, as Cincinnati finally gets a ready-made pass rusher to improve their struggling defense.
#9 Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Bailey leads the FBS in sacks and may be seen as a little high here, but I think he is a perfect fit in the Cardinals defense. He reminds me of Cardinals former 2nd-rounder B.J. Ojulari, who can’t seem to stay healthy, while the Texas Tech edge rusher possesses the versatility that Arizona seems to covet. He could pair with Josh Sweat and form a formidable pass-rush duo to go along with last year’s 1st-rounder inside, Walter Nolen. I was tempted to go QB here, with the rumours around Kyler Murray’s future, but I think Arizona sticks with their former No.1 overall pick and selects one of the best defensive players available.
#10 Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Few would have thought the Vikings would have a Top-10 pick in the 2026 Draft, but here we are. A combination of injuries and terrible QB play leaves me with little confidence in a Minnesota revival in 2025. The elephant in the room is J.J. McCarthy, but for this pick, I am assuming Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings do not give up on their former 1st-round QB. The Vikings might just luck out and get the best overall player in the draft in Downs, who could be a long-term replacement for Harrison Smith. He would slot seamlessly into the Flores defense and could be an All-Pro-calibre player during his rookie contract.
#11 Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons): Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama:
The Rams need depth at the offensive tackle position, particularly with starting RT Rob Havenstein projected to be a free agent. Proctor has had an up-and-down season, but has looked mightily impressive for the Crimson Tide over the last 5 weeks. At 6’7, 369 pounds, it’s hard to miss the former 5-star recruit, who plays with high-level explosion and strength. Proctor would also provide insurance at the LT position, given starter Alaric Jackson’s previous health and off-the-field issues.
#12 Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy has yet to get on the field in 2025 due to a torn ACL in January, but he showed during his 2024 season that he was one of the best CBs in college football. Assuming his medicals check out, I believe he will be the first corner off the board in April. The Dolphins have been one of the worst teams defending the pass all season, and McCoy could give them a shutdown corner on the outside that the team could build around for years to come. He is physical, long, and while he has some deficiencies in the run game, I still expect teams to value his coverage skills high enough to warrant a Top-15 selection.
#13 Carolina Panthers: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyson is the best receiver in the class and would be a nice fit in Carolina, which could look to adopt the Tampa Bay mantra of never having enough playmakers. This pick would mean back-to-back WRs on Day 1 and effectively mean the Panthers giving up on former 1st-rounder Xavier Legette, whose play has been inconsistent at best. The Arizona State man has missed some time, which could see him fall a few spots, but when on the field, Tyson is one of the most dynamic receivers in the class, both as a route-runner and after the catch.
#14 Dallas Cowboys: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
Formerly thought of as a consensus Top-5 pick, Parker has slid significantly since the beginning of the 2025 season, not unlike many of his Tigers teammates. I am still banking on his talent and believe Dallas could take a flyer on him in the first half of Round 1. The Cowboys’ edge rusher room obviously massively downgraded following the trade of Micah Parsons; however, their defense overall has held up fairly well these last few weeks. Parker could bring more juice in getting after the QB and round out a solid front-seven.
#15 Pittsburgh Steelers: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
If Sellers declares, he will be the most polarising prospect in the class. Some teams will not have a 1st-round grade, while some teams will bet on the flashes and take him in the Top 15. I am hedging my bets slightly here by having him go at exactly 15 to the Steelers. At some point, Pittsburgh has to swing for the fences a bit at the QB position, and Sellers would certainly represent that. The Redshirt Sophomore has had insane flashes of potential against the likes of Alabama and Texas A&M, while also showing his immaturity with some 2nd half collapses. The Steelers have Aaron Rodgers (who says he won’t be back, but who knows) and Mason Rudolph under center, so Sellers could sit and learn before taking on the big boys in the AFC North.
#16 Chicago Bears: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Don’t look now, but the Chicago Bears have a chance to win the NFC North. In this Mock, they narrowly miss out; however, either way, ‘Da Bears fans have plenty to look forward to in the Windy City. Caleb looked impressive Sunday against a solid Steelers defense, but one area that didn’t look so impressive was the Bears run defense, giving up 186 yards to a below-average rushing team in Pittsburgh. Woods has had his struggles for the Clemson defense, but is stout against the run and offers real upside for a Bears front that could do with a bit more splash.
#17 Los Angeles Chargers: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Chargers certainly need help along the offensive line, but when their starting line is out there, it’s actually been pretty decent. So, I’m going with the best defensive player available on my board in Mansoor Delane. Delane missed LSU’s game vs Western Kentucky this past weekend but looked impressive last time out against Arkansas, picking up his 2nd INT of the season. I have yet to be convinced by the Chargers’ starting corners, and the former Virginia Tech Hokie represents a long-term upgrade over anyone at the position.
#18 New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts): John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
There is always one wildcard QB on Day 1, and that player for me in this Mock is the Sooners’ signal-caller. Assuming Dante Moore or Arch Manning don’t declare, Mateer could be the next best QB and the 4th taken for what is a QB-needy set of NFL teams heading into 2026. Mateer was hot in draft circles before his hand injury, but has been more game-manager than playmaker since returning. However, Oklahoma has a chance to make the College Football Playoff and play into January, which may tempt Mateer to try his hand in a weak QB class if he plays well, similar to how Jaxson Dart snuck into the 1st round a year ago. I like Mateer overall as a prospect, and I think he has the arm and confidence in himself to convince NFL decision-makers to take a chance on the former Washington State man.
#19 San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Banks has had an interesting 2025 season to say the least. He missed the first 2 games for the Gators, played vs LSU and then missed every game before this weekend against the Volunteers. He has flashed in both 2025 games, and his 2024 tape reveals incredible length along with power in his hands, beyond anything the Niners currently have on their roster. Watching Banks, I thought he was a more twitched-up version of former Texas DT Alfred Collins, who happened to be San Francisco’s 2nd-rounder last April.
#20 Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love has been stuffing the stat sheet all season for the Fighting Irish and has them on the cusp of a CFP berth. Since a disappointing Week 1 tilt vs Miami, he has failed to crack 100 total offensive yards only once in 10 games, while utterly dominating in games vs Texas A&M, USC and this past weekend’s drubbing of Syracuse. The Chiefs reportedly called at the deadline for a RB, but didn’t like the asking price for any of the guys on offer. Here, Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach decide to pull the trigger on one of the best overall offensive prospects in the class at No.20.
#21 Seattle Seahawks: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Slaughter remains one of my favourite center prospects in this class, and I still think he has a chance to go in the Top 50. With the Seahawks struggling at the position, they go ahead and get a plug-and-play guy here at Pick 21. He has allowed only 2 sacks since the start of the 2024 season, and has been Mr Consistent for the Gators in what has been an anything-but-consistent season. He doesn't jump off the film per se and struggles with length and some of the twitchier tackles he has faced in the SEC gauntlet, but for me, could be a starter for multiple years in the NFC West.
#22 New England Patriots: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles is a Swiss-Army knife for the Buckeyes, lining up at Will, Mike and even box safety at times. Well, that’s good for the Patriots, because you could argue they need help at all 3 positions. The former 5-star recruit has been sensational in the Matt Patricia defense, emerging as a real leader at the 2nd level in his Senior season. The Patriots defense is not too dissimilar to Ohio State’s, with plenty of 3-safety looks, and Styles could get a chance to play early for New England and become a real asset for Mike Vrabel’s men.
#23 Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Having already spent their first pick on a QB in Ty Simpson, why not pair him with the best overall WR left on my board? Lemon is a dynamic slot receiver who has been insanely productive for the Trojans this season. He is a versatile player with kick return skills and should be a safety blanket for Simpson with his consistent hands, body control and route running. The Browns’ receiving corps has been anything but dynamic, so Lemon should immediately come in and help the offense produce more consistently.
#24 Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers): Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
Back-to-back USC WRs here and a bit of a wildcard pick. Lane has been dominant opposite Lemon, showing great concentration and catch radius, making him an excellent redzone target. He is still a bit raw on film, but I got George Pickens vibes watching him, just maybe with slightly more consistency in blocking. Pickens has been great in Dallas, but the Cowboys have not been overly willing to open the cheque book recently. The Cowboys could franchise tag Pickens, but I’d be surprised if he willingly played under that. Dallas may look to secure a cheaper, more stable option in Lane with their second 1st-round pick.
#25 Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Texans have gone to Free Agency consistently trying to shore up the interior of their defensive line with pickups like Sheldon Rankins, Tim Settle Jr. and Folorunso Fatukasi, but none have worked out to any great degree. Now could be the time to address the position through the draft by taking one of the biggest risers since the preseason. McDonald is starting for the first time this year for the Buckeyes, and has been unblockable at times. He is exceptional against the run, playing with a motor that is almost unmatched in the class. By the time the college football season ends next year, McDonald may not even be available at Pick 25 for the Texans to take, such has been his rise.
#26 Detroit Lions: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The Lions need a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson. This has been clear for some time, so I doubt this pick will actually be an edge rusher, but the Lions don’t have a ton of other weaknesses, so I’m going with Howell here. Howell has really burst onto the scene this year for the Aggies, having previously been a reserve, and at Bowling Green before that. He has 12 sacks on the year, including his famous 3 sacks in 3 plays vs Utah State. Howell can certainly improve against the run and has some maturing to do, but at this stage, it would be a surprise if he didn’t hear his name called in the Top 50 in April.
#27 Baltimore Ravens: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State
Penn State has had a disastrous season, resulting in the firing of James Franklin and needing a win vs Rutgers in their regular season finale, just to finish 6-6. Baltimore drafted Mike Green last year in the 2nd round, but moved on from Odafe Oweh after a couple of up-and-down years for the former 1st-rounder back in 2021. The Ravens go back to the Penn State well to get Dennis-Sutton, who has been more than solid for a Nittany Lions defense that has held some good teams to close games, despite a far from ideal QB situation.
#28 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Buccaneers should win the NFC South again this season, but will need more defensive help if they are to compete with the upper-echelon teams in the conference. CB Zyon McCollum had a nightmare vs the Rams and can’t be counted on long term at the position. Enter Avieon Terrell, who has put together a solid 2025 season with Clemson without putting up overly impressive numbers. His NFL bloodlines and well-rounded skillset should see him drafted inside the Top 50 at worst, and the Buccaneers bet on his 2024 tape and select him in the 1st round here.
#29 Philadelphia Eagles: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Muhammad has been fine for the Longhorns, without tearing up any trees. But he was spectacular in 2024 and has flashes of being a dominant force in the Texas secondary, littered with future NFL draft picks. The Eagles got torched in the 2nd half vs the Cowboys, and were unable to stop George Pickens, it seemed, on every drive. Muhammad has the length and movement skills to be a potential island corner, as he locks receivers up with physicality and anticipation. He will need to show up well in the pre-draft circuit, but could climb in a weaker CB class.
#30 Denver Broncos: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Two Longhorns in a row, with the Hill Jr. to Broncos pick almost making too much sense on paper. He is my best available player here and an obvious fit to replace one, if not both of Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, who are both free agents. The Broncos are cheap at QB, which helps, but they will have a lot of mouths to feed on defense with so many playing well, and getting cheaper at the LB position could help tremendously. Hill Jr. has cleaned up a lot on his missed tackles and has some splash to his game, as he showed against Georgia. He has moved all over the board a bit during his Junior season, but finds himself nestled in the 1st round in this Mock.
#31 Buffalo Bills: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Keon Coleman is doing his best to try and get the Bills to give up on him, and they might just grant his wish this offseason. Either way, Josh Allen needs more weapons when opposing teams take away his No.1 option. Tate has been explosive for the Buckeyes, providing Freshman QB Julian Sayin an outlet whenever Jeremiah Smith is covered. The former IMG Academy man is an excellent straight-line athlete and could provide Allen with the deep threat he has been sorely lacking.
#32 Los Angeles Rams: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Thieneman has stepped into the Ducks’ defense and immediately looked at home. With the Rams set to possibly lose 2 secondary players to Free Agency, he could look to equally step in and fill that void for the projected Super Bowl champions. The former Purdue man puts his all into every hit and looks to set the tone when coming downhill or challenging the receivers to test him over the middle. He sneaks into the 1st round here as the second safety drafted and could look to cement that status, if Oregon make a deep run into January.