2026 NFL Draft: PFF unveils first 3-round mock, featuring big movers ahead of NFL Combine

Pro Football Focus' Gordon McGuinness projects the first 100 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft ahead of next week's Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 3:23pm

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With the 2025 college football and NFL seasons in the rearview mirror, all eyes are now on next week's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Ahead of the event, Pro Football Focus' Gordon McGuinness has unveiled an expanded three-round mock draft revealing the draft's first 100 overall picks.

Why it matters

The annual NFL Scouting Combine is a crucial event for NFL teams to evaluate top prospects ahead of the draft. PFF's three-round mock provides an early look at how the 2026 draft could play out, with several big movers and shakers projected in the top 10 picks.

The details

PFF's mock has the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, followed by the New York Jets taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 2. The Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans then land the top two EDGE rushers in Texas Tech's David Bailey and Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. at Nos. 3 and 4, respectively.

  • The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off on February 23 in Indianapolis.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for late April.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Indiana quarterback was the runaway Heisman Trophy winner in 2025 and led the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and their first-ever national championship.

Caleb Downs

The Ohio State safety has been considered one of college football's best overall defenders over the past three seasons, earning an 85.0-plus PFF overall grade in each year.

David Bailey

The Texas Tech EDGE led the FBS with 14.5 sacks in 2025 and was a difference-maker for the Red Raiders' FBS-leading run defense.

Rueben Bain Jr.

The Miami EDGE is a massive 6-foot-3, 275-pound defender who racked up 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season.

Sonny Styles

The Ohio State linebacker, a converted safety, posted a team-high 82 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“At this point, there is little debate about whether the Raiders will use the No. 1 overall pick on Mendoza. The Indiana quarterback posted a 5.7% big-time throw rate and a 2.6% turnover-worthy play rate in 2025, helping him earn a 91.6 PFF overall grade for the season.”

— Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus Analyst

“Downs notched an 85.0-plus PFF overall grade in each of the past three seasons and is firmly in the conversation as the best overall player in this draft. Positional value will determine when he ultimately comes off the board, but ... consider how much earlier ... Kyle Hamilton would go in a redo.”

— Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus Analyst

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.