Simpson has been climbing draft boards all across the NFL over the past few weeks, especially after other analysts ESPN\u2019s Dan Orlovsky and podcaster Todd McShay recently hailed the one-year Crimson Tide starter as a better QB prospect than Indiana<\/a>\u2018s Fernando Mendoza<\/a>, the reigning Heisman winner and projected No. 1 overall pick. But after starting the draft process as a likely second-round pick only to recently climb into the Top 15, a jump into the Top 3 might be a step too far for some folks.<\/p>\n With that in mind, check out the rest of Charles Davis\u2019 updated NFL.com Mock Draft 3.0 below<\/a>:<\/p>\n This pick has been set in stone since Mendoza capped a magical 2025 by delivering Indiana its first-ever national championship in late January, which much of the Raiders brass \u2014 including minority owner Tom Brady<\/a> \u2014 saw in person. The reigning Heisman Trophy-winner fills a major hole for Las Vegas after the organization dealt last year\u2019s starter,\u00a0Geno Smith<\/a>, to the Jets earlier this month.<\/p>\n NFL.com: \u201cAs long as Tom Brady does not decide to add\u00a0STARTING QB\u00a0to his list of daily tasks, a new era for the Raiders begins with Mendoza.\u201d<\/p>\n Aaron Glenn<\/a>\u00a0is entering his second season in Gotham and has already started a defensive overhaul. After adding a couple of pass rushers in free agency, the Jets nab the versatile 6-foot-4 and 243-pound Reese, who could be New York\u2019s version of Micah Parsons<\/a> as a dynamic, off-ball linebacker\/edge pass rusher.<\/p>\n NFL.com: \u201cThe Jets pick Reese, showing confidence in the uber-talented Ohio State product\u2019s ability to make a smooth transition to full-time pass rusher.\u201d<\/p>\n After opting to part ways with former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray<\/a> this offseason, the Cardinals are desperate for a new starting QB after only adding career backup Gardner Minshew<\/a> in free agency. Simpson might be a stretch at No. 3, but given his recent rise up draft boards, Arizona might not want to press its luck in hope the former Crimson Tide starter falls to the second round.<\/p>\n NFL.com: \u201cLast year, I opined\u00a0in one of my early mocks\u00a0that\u00a0Jaxson Dart\u00a0would go to the Giants with the third overall pick. \u2026 This year, I think Simpson ends up with the Cardinals, even if this is not the spot where they pick him.\u201d<\/p>\n The new-look Titans landed their QB of the future in Cam Ward<\/a> with the No. 1 overall pick last year, and now secures the best pure pass rusher in this year\u2019s draft class at No. 4. The 6-foot-3 and 250-pound Bailey revolutionized the Red Raiders\u2019 defense in 2025 while leading the FBS with 14.5 sacks.<\/p>\n NFL.com: \u201cAfter kicking off their offseason roster renovation with\u00a0a bunch of spending\u00a0in free agency and\u00a0a couple trades, the Titans are thrilled to add perhaps the best edge rusher in the draft.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite drafting Cam Skattebo<\/a> in the fourth round last year, the Giants and new head coach John Harbaugh<\/a> don\u2019t hesitate on a talent like Love. The 2025\u00a0Doak Walker Award\u00a0winner is considered one of the draft\u2019s best backs in recent memory after rushing for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.<\/p>\n NFL.com: \u201cWhat helps young quarterbacks? Explosive players making explosive plays. You\u2019re welcome,\u00a0Jaxson Dart<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n 6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate<\/a>, WR, Ohio State<\/p>\n Despite still not having a settled starting quarterback, the Browns instead turn their attention to providing them one of the draft\u2019s top big-play threats in Tate. The 6-foot-2 former Buckeyes WR ranked third in the Big Ten with an Ohio State-best 17.16 yards per catch\u00a0in 2025.<\/p>\n NFL.com: \u201cPlaymakers have been at a premium for the Browns, who stay in state to find their new starting receiver.\u201d<\/p>\n 7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles<\/a>, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n After turning heads and opening eyes with a stellar showing at last month\u2019s NFL Combine, the\u00a06-foot-5, 244-pound Styles lands in the nation\u2019s capitol as the Commanders\u2019 new defensive leader. A converted safety, the uber-athletic Styles led the Buckeyes\u2019 FBS-best defense with\u00a082 total tackles in 2025.<\/p>\n NFL.com: \u201cThe dynamic Styles could replace\u00a0Bobby Wagner<\/a>\u00a0or learn from the six-time first-team All-Pro if Washington re-signs him.\u201d<\/p>\n After securing its QB of the future with the selection of Tyler Shough<\/a> in the second round last year, the Saints land him one of college football\u2019s most dynamic pass catchers the past few years in Tyson. The 6-foot-2, 203-pound Tyson would give New Orleans a potent 1-2 punch at WR along with Chris Olave<\/a>.<\/p>\n NFL.com: \u201cLast year, the Saints hit on QB\u00a0Tyler Shough\u00a0in the second round. This year, they give him more support on the perimeter.\u201d<\/p>\n While some have questioned his position in the NFL given a less-than-ideal frame, including sub 31-inch arms, the 6-foot-2, 263-pound Bain brings a level of versatility and pass rushing prowess that the Chiefs will welcome after racking up 9.5 sacks last season at Miami.<\/p>\n NFL.com: \u201cGrit, resolve and physicality are baked into Bain\u2019s DNA.\u201d<\/p>\n 10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs<\/a>, S, Ohio State<\/p>\n Despite some speculation about Downs\u2019 long-term health after rumors flew at last month\u2019s NFL Combine, the 6-foot, 206-pound Downs is arguably the best natural defensive player in this draft. Downs immediately elevates the Bengals\u2019 porous defense both in the secondary and at the line of scrimmage.<\/p>\n NFL.com: \u201cWith Downs patrolling the secondary, Cincinnati won\u2019t give up nearly as many big plays though the air.\u201d<\/p>\n 11. Miami Dolphins: Kenyon Sadiq<\/a>, TE, Oregon<\/a>![\"Ohio](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Untitled-84-1024x538.png\")
(Samantha Madar-Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)<\/p>\n![\"Jeremiyah](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774589050_138_Jeremiyah-Love.jpg\")
(Michael Caterina-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/USATSI_27180597_168401306_lowres-e1771448464261-1024x502.jpg\")
(Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n![\"Oregon](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Untitled-16-1024x538.png\")
(Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane<\/a>, CB, LSU<\/a>
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Francis Mauigoa<\/a>, OT, Miami
14. Baltimore Ravens: Spencer Fano<\/a>, OT, Utah<\/a>
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor<\/a>, EDGE, Miami
16. New York Jets (via IND): Jermod McCoy<\/a>, CB, Tennessee<\/a>
17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor<\/a>, OT, Alabama
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman<\/a>, S, Oregon
19. Carolina Panthers: Makai Lemon<\/a>, WR, USC<\/a>
20 Dallas Cowboys (via GB): CJ Allen<\/a>, LB, Georgia<\/a>
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr.<\/a>, WR, Indiana
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane<\/a>, OG, Penn State<\/a>
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Monroe Freeling<\/a>, OT, Georgia
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Caleb Lomu<\/a>, OT, Utah
25. Chicago Bears: Peter Woods<\/a>, DT, Clemson<\/a>
26. Buffalo Bills: Keldric Faulk<\/a>, EDGE, Auburn<\/a>
27. San Francisco 49ers: Blake Miller<\/a>, OT, Clemson
28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald<\/a>, DT, Ohio State
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): Colton Hood<\/a>, CB, Tennessee
30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren<\/a>, S, Toledo<\/a>
31. New England Patriots: Max Iheanachor<\/a>, OT, Arizona State
32. Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell<\/a>, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is now officially less than a month away. And while…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":547845,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[174547,127886,175216,218945,126779,179248,42973,42152,216825,127887,174550,175227,7314,399,175231,139553,179249,175237,175238,175240,179250,175243,127110,175247,218963,211754,398,396,397,42988,175251,126786,42169,175254,99,53934,175258],"class_list":["post-547844","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ncaa-football","tag-akheem-mesidor-20-clearwater-academy-international","tag-arvell-reese-23-glenville","tag-avieon-terrell-23-westlake","tag-blake-miller-22-strongsville","tag-caleb-downs-23-mill-creek","tag-caleb-lomu-23-highland","tag-carnell-tate-23-img-academy","tag-cj-allen-23-lamar-county-comprehensive","tag-colton-hood-23-eagles-landing-christian-academy","tag-david-bailey-22-mater-dei","tag-dillon-thieneman-23-westfield","tag-emmanuel-mcneil-warren-22-lakewood","tag-fernando-mendoza-22-columbus","tag-football","tag-francis-mauigoa-23-img-academy","tag-jeremiyah-love-23-christian-brothers-college","tag-jermod-mccoy-23-whitehouse","tag-jordyn-tyson-22-independence","tag-kadyn-proctor-23-southeast-polk","tag-kayden-mcdonald-23-north-gwinnett","tag-keldric-faulk-23-highland-home","tag-kenyon-sadiq-23-skyline-senior","tag-makai-lemon-23-los-alamitos","tag-mansoor-delane-22-archbishop-spalding","tag-max-iheanachor-22-king-drew-medical-magnet","tag-monroe-freeling-23-oceanside-collegiate-academy","tag-ncaa","tag-ncaa-football","tag-ncaafootball","tag-omar-cooper-22-lawrence-north","tag-peter-woods-23-thompson","tag-rueben-bain-23-miami-central","tag-sonny-styles-22-pickerington-central","tag-spencer-fano-23-timpview","tag-sports","tag-ty-simpson-22-westview","tag-vega-ioane-22-graham-kapowsin"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/547844","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=547844"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/547844\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/547845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=547844"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=547844"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=547844"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}