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Three-round 2026 NFL mock draft: Texans take RB in Round 2; Chiefs, Ravens boost pass rush

When it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft class, this is not looking like the year of the quarterback.

Consider the three-round mock draft I assembled below, which includes five QBs -- but just two first-rounders, and none in Round 2. By contrast, seven offensive linemen and six wideouts are snagged in Round 1 by teams hoping to push their offenses to the next level. All told, edge rushers, offensive linemen and wide receivers dominate early, comprising nearly half of the 100 selections.

I also project four draft-day trades in the first round and four compensatory picks at the end of the third round. The first three are projected to go to the Vikings, Eagles and Steelers for losing free agents, per Over the Cap. The fourth goes to the Lions because their defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, was hired as a minority head coach by the Jets last year -- that pick was traded to the Jaguars last April.

PROGRAMMING NOTE:

  • NFL Network and NFL+ will have live coverage of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine beginning Feb. 26.
Pick
33
Clemson · DT · Junior


Pick
34
Georgia · WR · Junior


Pick
35
Indiana · WR · Junior


Pick
36
Arkansas · CB · Senior


Pick
37
Georgia · OT · Junior


Pick
38
(via WAS)
Oregon · OG · Senior


Pick
39
Ohio State · CB · Senior


Pick
40
Miami · Edge · Senior


Pick
41
Missouri · Edge · Senior


Pick
42
Michigan · Edge · Senior


Pick
43
Oregon · S · Junior


Pick
44
(via DAL)
Notre Dame · WR · Senior


Pick
45
Oklahoma · Edge · Senior


Pick
46
Georgia · LB · Junior


Pick
47
Florida · DT · Senior


Pick
48
Baylor · TE · Senior


Pick
49
Texas · LB · Junior


Pick
50
Indiana · CB · Junior


Pick
51
Iowa · C · Senior


Pick
52
South Carolina · CB · Junior


Pick
53
Notre Dame · OG · Junior


Pick
54
Clemson · Edge · Junior


Pick
55
Texas A&M · Edge · Senior


Pick
56
Texas Tech · LB · Senior


Pick
57
South Carolina · S · Junior


Pick
58
Oklahoma · WR · Senior


Pick
59
Notre Dame · RB · Junior (RS)


Pick
60
Texas Tech · Edge · Senior


Pick
61
Mississippi · WR · Senior


Pick
62
Vanderbilt · TE · Senior


Pick
63
Arizona State · OT · Senior


Pick
64
San Diego State · CB · Senior