2026 NFL Mock Draft 3: Post-Free Agency
As NFL draft cycles go, 2026 has been pretty active. The NFL Combine is in the books and that saw its share of risers, with linebackers, safeties, tight ends, and the OL group showing better than advertised. Free agency saw Trey Hendrickson ship out to Baltimore. Enormous names swapped jerseys: Mike Evans, MVP Kenneth Walker and Kyler Murray are now a 49er, a Chief, and a Viking.
In short, it was seismic for the big boards and tectonic for team needs. So while free agency is ongoing, we’ve processed enough of it for a fresh take on how the 1st three rounds might look. Edge rushers are going to all quarters in the first two rounds. Offensive tackles have improved as a group (normal this time of year). We have two Quarterbacks off the board in 10 picks. So read on and see what Cutcall’s Mock Draft 3 has in store.
Malik Muhammad
Press-man competitiveness remains central to Jacksonville’s secondary identity. Muhammad’s physical coverage traits offer developmental outside depth. He profiles as a traits-supported rotational defender.
Team needs: IDL, LB, RB, EDGE
▷ Jaguars 3-round mock
Harold Perkins
Second-level speed continues shaping Minnesota’s defensive flexibility. Perkins’ pursuit explosiveness introduces hybrid usage potential if health stabilizes. He profiles as a high-variance linebacker investment.
Team needs: S, IDL, IOL, CB
▷ Vikings 3-round mock
Jalon Kilgore
Coverage range and disguise versatility remain useful safety traits for Carolina’s defensive growth. Kilgore’s ball skills provide developmental back-end flexibility. He profiles as a rotational defensive back.
Team needs: EDGE, CB, OT, WR
▷ Panthers 3-round mock
Daylen Everette
Boundary competition remains a constant within Green Bay’s defensive construction. Everette’s persistence in coverage introduces developmental outside depth. He profiles as a long-view corner investment.
Team needs: EDGE, CB, OT, QB
▷ Packers 3-round mock
Jake Slaughter
Interior protection communication remains central to Pittsburgh’s offensive line planning. Slaughter’s steadiness and center intelligence provide practical developmental depth. He profiles as a rotational interior option.
Team needs: QB, IOL, WR, S
▷ Steelers 3-round mock
Billy Schrauth
Physical trench play remains a cornerstone of offensive balance. Schrauth’s strength and demeanor introduce developmental guard reinforcement aligned with run-game continuity. He profiles as a long-term interior investment.
Team needs: IOL, IDL, S, EDGE, WR
▷ Chargers 3-round mock
Max Klare
Offensive spacing versatility continues shaping Miami’s skill-position layering. Klare’s receiving ability offers developmental tight end flexibility. He profiles as a matchup-oriented depth piece.
Team needs: WR, EDGE, CB, S
▷ Dolphins 3-round mock
Deontae Lawson
Run-fit discipline remains foundational to Jacksonville’s defensive stability. Lawson’s tackling productivity introduces reliable second-level depth. He profiles as a rotational linebacker with incremental upside.
Team needs: IDL, LB, RB, EDGE
▷ Jaguars 3-round mock
Kyle Louis
Coverage-capable linebackers continue influencing Chicago’s defensive modernization. Louis’ range and spatial awareness provide developmental versatility. He profiles as a multi-role second-level option.
Team needs: IDL, EDGE, S, IOL, OT
▷ Bears 3-round mock
Drew Allar
Quarterback economics often shape late-round roster planning. Allar’s physical traits offer a developmental upside swing aligned with long-term depth strategy. He profiles as a high-variance pipeline investment.
Team needs: WR, EDGE, CB, S
▷ Dolphins 3-round mock
Davison Igbinosun
Boundary depth remains a recurring structural need within Buffalo’s secondary. Igbinosun’s size and competitiveness provide developmental outside reinforcement. He profiles as a situational corner option.
Team needs: IDL, S, IOL, CB, LB
▷ Bills 3-round mock
Mike Washington
Backfield explosiveness continues complementing San Francisco’s offensive design. Washington’s acceleration introduces a developmental space weapon capable of influencing tempo. He profiles as a depth runner.
Team needs: OT, EDGE, CB, IOL, WR
▷ 49ers 3-round mock
Will Lee III
Length and coverage development remain useful defensive investments for Los Angeles. Lee’s frame provides traits worth cultivating within the secondary rotation. He profiles as a developmental perimeter defender.
Team needs: WR, OT, LB, QB
▷ Rams 3-round mock
Deion Burks
Quick separation ability can generate meaningful late-round offensive value. Burks’ burst introduces a developmental spacing option for Denver’s passing evolution. He profiles as a situational playmaker.
Team needs: IDL, LB, TE, OT
▷ Broncos 3-round mock
Markel Bell
The New England Patriots roll into 2026 with a 35 year old RT in Morgan Moses. And their tackle depth took a real hit with Vederian Lowe leaving in free agency. Their long term tackle situation is a big problem requiring a big solution. Answer? They draft Miami’s behemoth, Markel Bell. He’s a young tackle with huge upside, massive wingspan, and underrated athleticism. Plus Bell sports a track record to boot, yielding zero sacks in almost 800 pass blocking snaps his final year.
Team needs: WR, EDGE, OT, IOL, S
▷ Patriots 3-round mock
Logan Jones
Interior versatility continues shaping Seattle’s offensive line pipeline. Jones’ center-guard flexibility provides practical schematic depth. He profiles as a dependable reserve option.
Team needs: CB, EDGE, RB, BPA
▷ Seahawks 3-round mock