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Triston Casas's injury raises doubts about his future with the Red Sox.
The 2026 NFL Mock Draft projects significant changes in the top eight picks, with the Jets set to select David Bailey and Ty Simpson. The draft will take place in Pittsburgh on April 23, with a comprehensive three-round analysis provided.
NFL Mock Draft 2026, 3-round edition: Jets land David Bailey & Ty Simpson; Jeremiyah Love, Rueben Bain Jr. get new homes originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With about a week to go before the 2026 NFL Draft goes on the clock in Pittsburgh next Thursday, April 23, it's time for a new Sporting News mock draft. In the 15th and latest version of projecting where prospects will be picked, there's a considerable shakeup in the top eight overall picks.
After the no-brainer for the Raiders at No. 1 and the new slated selection for the Jets at No. 2, it's time to go through another three-round exercise, not stopping until No. 100.
Here's taking another look into the crystal ball, keeping up to date with every team might be thinking most:
JUMP TO: Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3
Mendoza is locked into being the Raiders' No. 1 overall pick for Klint Kubiak and John Spytek and the focus will be on upgrading his offensive and defensive support for the rest of the draft.
The Jets will also consider the versatility of capable pass rusher Arvell Reese for the second level of their defense, but Bailey also can come through as a gifted cover man, dropping back on top of being disruptive in the backfield vs. run and pass.
The Cardinals are positioned to take the best defensive player available for Nick Rallis and will also have Bailey and Reese's Ohio State teammate, Sonny Styles, high on their radar. But Reese gives them the quarterback attack element while also providing rangy lateral playmaking as a cover man and tackler.
MORE:Sporting News' complete 7-round mock draft
This pick is gaining more steam of late as Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll consider replacing Tony Pollard with this young workhorse back to give Cam Ward a stronger, more explosive running game and good receiving outlet on whom to lean in Year 2. Love can channel what the organization once had, either early with Eddie George or later with Chris Johnson.
The Giants don't need to lock into edge rush help early after getting Abdul Carter early in last year's draft but they could use someone to clean up well all over the field to upgrade their linebacker corps under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. Styles would be a welcome centerpiece.
The Browns need to upgrade wide receiver for Shedeur Sanders or whoever their starting quarterback will be, so it makes sense to go to Columbus to get this top big-play option for the outside. Tate will be the latest to tap into the Buckeyes' rich pro wideout tradition.
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The Commanders keep the Buckeyes run going and overcome their disappointment in not landing Love with Downs sliding down to them to fill a need for a busy playmaking linebacker/safety hybrid. Dan Quinn will love having this impactful chess piece.
Rueben Bain Jr.
The Saints also can be fortunate to let the draft "come to them" and land Bain to be their pass-rushing and run-stopping successor to Cameron Jordan. The strength and power comparisons to Jordan (6-4, 287) are uncanny.
The Chiefs can go to work reloading at corner after moving Trent McDuffie and also not bringing back Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams. Delane is the strongest cover corner in this class with some shutdown potential.
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The Bengals need to beef up their interior disruptive potential. Woods, back up boards through the reevaluation process, would be a solid anchor as they address edge rusher and cornerback later.
The Dolphins are in rebuild mode for their offense and an important piece for Malik Willis will be landing a big, athletic pass protector who is learning how to use his frame to be a dominant force in the running game, too.
The Cowboys will be willing to be more aggressive to get cornerback help and although McCoy, with his recent injury history, is a bit polarizing inside the building, his big-play ability would come with huge reward if he can stay healthy.
The Rams are in good shape at tackle with Rob Havenstein retiring, thanks to Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr. But they can consider Fano as a strong swing backup with the run-blocking pop to take over at either guard potentially.
The Ravens will go into best player available mode and land their successor to 32-year-old Ronnie Stanley at left tackle to put opposite rising right tackle, Roger Rosengarten. Freeling can go anywhere from top 10 to outside the top 20 in the first round, with his quickness and footwork setting up him to be groomed well for the blindside role.
The Buccaneers need more field-stretching and red zone weaponry for Baker Mayfield and some 12 personnel flexibility for new coordinator Zac Robinson after losing wide receiver Mike Evans. Sadiq would be welcome in that dual role, boosting Emeka Egbuka from last year's first round.
Makai Lemon
Troy Wayrynen - Imagn Images
The Jets could use a quick, reliable route-running slot to pair with Garrett Wilson. Lemon makes sense as someone who can get open often in the middle, la la fellow former Trojan Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The Lions need to focus on their offensive line rebuild and getting the big, powerful and mean Ioane from the Nittany Lions would be ideal to maintain their run blocking strength inside.
The Vikings need to replenish safety with some personnel losses and weaknesses. Thienman blew up the Combine as a dynamic athlete who can give them a huge playmaking force in coverage.
The Panthers worked on their offensive line (Rasheed Walker) and defensive front seven (Jaelan Phillips, Devin Lloyd) well in free agency to the point they have some best player available flexibility early in the draft. Tyson would be a nice big target to pair opposite reigning OROY Tetairoa McMillan.
The Cowboys can work on rebuilding their pass rush for Parker, too, with Mesidor providing some explosive burst to transition well as a hybrid producer in the new base 3-4.
The Steelers need to shore up right tackle with a powerful presence in the running game and his toughness and technique are ideal for their offensive mentality.
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The Chargers will consider pass rusher and offensive line early, too, but they do have a key need at corner for a physical cover man who can also be an asset cleaning up vs. the run, which Terrell would fill.
The Eagles will have their eye on Thienman to address their key defensive need in the secondary but also should love the fact of McNeil-Warren meshing well in making plays in coverage with his first-round former college teammate, Quinyon Mitchell.
The Browns, after landing some wide receiver help early in Tate, need to go to work in reconstructing the offensive line. Lomu can start inside or outside soon for them with his nice blend of power and athleticism.
Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk
Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) blitzes as Auburn Tigers take on Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Ball State Cardinals 42-3. Imagn Images.
The Bears have been attached to Faulk as a big complementary pass rusher to Montez Sweat since early in the draft process. His powerful style plays well as a No. 2 end for Dennis Allen.
The Bills need a high-energy, productive young pass rusher to rev up their rotation. Howell was built to thrive in their scheme.
The 49ers have become more enamored with the massive athlete as they prepare to soon replace Trent Williams at left tackle. Proctor's appeal is how nimble is for that size and how he can develop consistent technique and execution in their blocking system.
The Texans will keep piling on to their defense by addressing some of the weak spots. McDonald fills a big hole for adding more inside pass-rush pop, including maintaining power run-stopping.
The Chiefs aren't in desperate need at wide receiver but will need to think long before passing on Cooper should he remain on the board. There are enough questions with Rashee Rice and the rest of the wideout corps to think they would be aggressive enough to make this surprise but offense-changing move with their second first-rounder.
The Dolphins need to think about replacing Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill with a quick, speedy playmaker to give new QB Malik Willis a go-to guy. Concepcion can deliver well right away in that role all over the field.
The Patriots go for the best player available and take a linebacker in Allen whose speed, versatility, intangibles and sound tackling can make him quickly a favorite on-field leader of their former linebacker head coach Mike Vrabel.
The Seahawks lost Boye Mafe in free agency and would benefit from adding this instinctual pass rusher to their rotation given his strong asset vs. the run.
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The Jets should be wanting to consider Simpson to develop behind Smith in the first round, but here he's worth more of a shot as an accurate intermediate passer with good intangibles and a chance to grow with stronger downfield throws.
The Cardinals can go right down the road in Tempe to find a needed big, strong run-blocking option at right tackle.
The Titans need to keep upgrading the playmakers around Cam Ward after adding Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency. Boston would be a strong big-play outside complement.
The Raiders need a smooth, physical route-runner to serve as Mendoza's young go-to guy,y and Bell would be a great supporting second pick in that vein.
The Giants need to keep supporting Dexter Lawrence and the rest of their front. Miller's relentless upfield disruption is a great fit.
The Texans will want to give Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. some situational pass-rush support. Young can provide that with a high effort before rounding out his game with more consistent technique.
The Browns have a fair cornerback need behind Myles Garrett's pass rush. Hood brings a tough, physical presence with the coverage skills to be developed into a shutdown hype with more consistent technique.
The Chiefs can take a chance on stashing Banks with Chris Jones back for another season, hoping he can heal enough by Year 2 to tap into his massive disruptive upside.
The Bengals need to get downhill better against the run, but Hill also offers them dynamic work vs. the passing game as a lateral cover man and blitzer to accelerate their defensive rebuild.
The Saints should covet his route versatility and quickness to make plays in the open field to complement Chris Olave well for second-year QB Tyler Shough.
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The Dolphins need some more toughness for their inside coverage. Cisse is versatile enough to handle big receivers well in the slot as well as use his physicality well in run support.
The Jets need to replenish their secondary, minus Sauce Gardne,r with versatile cover men such as the rising Abney.
The Ravens need to go back to more thumping vs. the run inside, DE, and Hunter is very game in that role.
The Buccaneers now know that Lavonte David is retiring after his venerable, steady career as a physical playmaker and Golday would be a sneaky strong immediate replacement.
The Colts need to keep tweaking their offensive line. Bisontis gives them options at any position of need.
The Falcons shouldn't mind investing this high in strong insurance for Bijan Robinson in the ideal Tyler Allgeier replacement.
The Vikings can keep up their secondary theme of this draft early with Johnson, who can raise their playmaking quotient again for Brian Flores.
Lawrence can be a dynamic pass-rushing complement to Aidan Hutchinson and can become more of an asset vs. the run in time.
Ponds plays bigger than his size and can fill a corner need for the Panthers with Brent Grimes-like outside coverage upside.
The Packers need to replace Romeo Doubs with a big target for Jordan Love and can't sit on hoping Matthew Golden suddenly pans out to help Christian Watson.
The Steelers need to bolster their pass-rush rotation, and Jacas's size and versatility are fine to support T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
After addressing safety in the first round, the Eagles will be thrilled to land this coveted Duck to address the rebooting of their offensive line.
The Chargers can upgrade a lot of inside coverage with this versatile safety/corner hybrid after landing Terrell at corner in this mock.
The Jaguars need to get back on track with their linebacker corps with Devin Lloyd gone. Rodriguez can give them what they once had in prime Paul Posluszny.
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Bears can rebound well from losing Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker in free agency with this mashup of hard-hitting and coverage ball skills.
Coleman's quick running style would be the ideal new backup plan for the 49ers with Brian Robinson Jr. leaving in free agency.
The Texans can take a shot at more size for their offensive line as they try to shore things up, minus Tytus Howard as a swing backup and contingency for Aireontay Ersery and aging free-agent pickup Braden Smith.
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The Bears don't have a glaring need for a true tight end after taking Colston Loveland and still having Cole Kmet, but Stowers can be classified more as a wideout hybrid to help on the outside and in the red zone for Caleb Williams.
The Rams know Davante Adams is 33 and should be a little concerned with Puka Nacua off the field. They also could use some renewed depth at the position. Sarratt is a strong, big-bodied receiver with flashy, big-play and scoring sense.
The Broncos have been paying close attention to Jeremiah Trotter's son in the process to give them a needed physical run stopper in the old-school Danny Trevathan mold.
The Patriots need to go after some pass-rush help, too, after addressing linebacker with Allen. Height can be dynamic situationally until he grows stronger overall with his frame.
The Seahawks have been looking at this back for a while, with Kenneth Walker III not returning and Zach Charbonnet facing a long recovery. Washington fits as a strong power runner with an explosive burst.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas
Imagn Images
The Cardinals can benefit from a versatile defensive lineman with a variety of pass rush moves who can become a bigger inside factor with improved technique and run defense.
Lew would be a solid pick to address the interior to upgrade between recent first-rounders, left guard Peter Skoronski and right tackle J.C. Latham.
The Raiders need a strong rising, well-rounded lineman with starting upside at multiple positions. Orange is a solid fit in their scheme.
Williams would make sense for the Eagles as an explosive No. 3 with route-running upside in their new offense under Sean Mannion.
The Texans added the former Brown Wyatt Teller to start at right guard, but need to keep working on the rest of the interior with Ed Ingram better suited as a swing backup.
Getting both Lomu and Dunker for their interior line vs. some makeshift veterans would give the Browns some real long-term run blocking promise. Dunker can also be further developed as a potential left tackle.
The Commanders need to get more dynamic in the slot to help Terry McLaurin and Branch offer more as a big playmaker with some outside upside.
The Bengals need to replace Trey Hendrickson by committee at first, and the big-framed Lucas can be a valuable means to that end.
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The Saints have evaluated Muhammad well as a strong replacement for free-agent loss Alontae Taylor with his ace inside coverage.
Moore is a great fit for Steve Spagnuolo's defense with his versatility to get to the quarterback from multiple line positions and also using a variety of pass-rush moves.
Fields would be a good complement to a first-rounder such as Concepcion as a big-boided target for the outside all the way through the red zone.
The Steelers could use an impact corner-like cover man at the position after moving a fading Minkah Fitzpatrick last offseason.
After getting Golday to help replace David at the second level of Todd Bowles' 3-4, Josephs would be the welcome aggressive pass rusher to deliver at outside linebacker.
The Colts have scouted Halton well as a capable run-stopper with rare inside pass-rush quickness.
The Falcons felt the effects of the since-retired Drew Dalman leaving in free agency and should target Jones as the ideal new starting center.
The Ravens lost both Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. Klare would be a good option to groom in the new offense behind Mark Andrews.
The Jaguars should covet his experience and pass-rush versatility to boost their production behind Josh Hines-Allen.
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The Vikings can continue to thrill Brian Flores with this haul for the defensive back seven, including this adept cleanup tackler and safety-like cover man.
The Panthers have paid close attention to the prospect from down the road in Durham as the smart, savvy missing piece to their slot coverage.
The Packers could use a big and shifty cover corner with his physical skill set.
The Steelers need to upgrade their receiving athletic upside at tight end and Trigg does the trick.
Baylor Bears tight end Michael Trigg
Imagn Images
The Chargers will like the idea of Barham's speed and production in their pass-rush rotation while he proves he can be more of a complete force.
The Dolphins need to keep working on their defensive rebuild with this coverage technician with a nose for making a lot of plays on the ball.
The Jaguars can get more physical in outside coverage away from Travis Hunter.
The Bears should be in the market to take a second such defensive back after taking Haulcy earlier. He is a valuable, versatile asset to have vs. run and pass.
The Dolphins need to use some of their draft capital to replenish some key depth in their defensive line rotation. Benny's natural run-stopping would be a welcome add.
The Bills need to add more to the wide receiver position after trading for DJ Moore, and Bell would be ideal with his open-field quickness after the catch.
The 49ers have liked his natural run-stopping abilities outside to go with a developing pass rush.
Garrett Nussmeier
Nussmeier has gotten a long look from the Rams as a nice developmental pocket-passing backup to groom behind Matthew Stafford.
The Dolphins, after going with Mauigoa for immediate results early, can be a little patient with World's injury recovery and see what kind of massive upside he has as a run-blocking force outside.
The Patriots will like getting a variety of production from this versatile and quick smaller-school prospect.
The Seahawks lost Riq Woolen in free agency and can replace him well with the versatile Stukes, a tenacious cover man capable of using his physicality outside or inside to make big plays.
Slaughter can start right away to upgrade the center with his experience and athleticism in run blocking.
Dallas Goedert re-signed but is getting near the end. Endries is a smooth, short-to-intermediate receiver to groom well into his successor.
The Steelers can be patient with Klubnik developing better downfield passing mechanics behind Aaron Rodgers (presumably), with his natural accuracy and comfort moving in and out of the pocket.
emmett johnson
The Jaguars need to give Bhayshul Tuten some well-rounded, compact, and quick running support with Travis Etienne gone in free agency.
The top picks include David Bailey and Ty Simpson for the Jets, with the Raiders projected to select first.
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