2026 NFL mock draft 3.0: Eagles’ post-free agency board might inspire a draft-day trade

With free agency essentially wrapped up, all eyes turn toward next month’s NFL draft to be held in Pittsburgh on April 23-25. Most teams at this point have draft-proofed their roster to ensure there aren’t pressing needs and are sending NFL scouts across the country for the pro-day circuit.

The first and second editions of our 2026 mock draft were of the one-round variety, but our latest installment is three rounds — and filled with seven first-round trades.

Here’s how we’re projecting the first 100 picks:

This projection has been consistent throughout the draft cycle. Mendoza, the reigning Heisman winner, finds his new home in Las Vegas with first-year head coach Klint Kubiak.

The Jets’ pick has seemed to be trending this way since the NFL Scouting Combine. Reese, the explosive off-ball linebacker, gives New York a defensive player to build around.

Predicted trade: Arizona Cardinals send picks Nos. 3, 143, and 217 to New York for Nos. 5, 105, and 192.

The Giants get aggressive here and move up to ensure Arizona or Tennessee doesn’t take Styles, who has elite sideline-to-sideline range, sound tackling ability, and coverage instincts to make an immediate NFL impact.

Tennessee has several needs on both sides of the ball, but it has been missing a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield. Love is an explosive, patient runner who is an excellent receiver and among the best athletes in this class.

Predicted trade: Arizona moves back from pick No. 3 to 5.

After a small trade back with the Giants, Arizona gets fast-rising tackle Freeling to play opposite Paris Johnson and gives the Cardinals’ offensive line another foundational piece during their rebuild.

Predicted trade: Cleveland Browns send picks Nos. 6 and 107 to New Orleans for Nos. 8, 73, and 150.

The Saints jump a few teams to ensure they get Bain, who can rush from the interior and as an outside pass rusher, giving New Orleans a major boost in its edge corps.

Washington misses out on Bain but instead gets Tate, who excels as a route-runner when matched up one-on-one and gives Jayden Daniels another weapon at receiver alongside Terry McLaurin.

Predicted trade: Cleveland moves back from pick No. 6 to 8.

The Browns are rebuilding for their future. Tyson gives Cleveland some much-needed juice after the catch and a player who can win as a route runner in the slot and as an outside receiver.

After trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams, Kansas City should address cornerback in the first round, and gets a lockdown corner with excellent anticipatory skills in Delane.

Even after the shake-up above, the Bengals remain in line to land Downs, whom we projected to go here in mock 2.0. Downs is the most instinctual player in the draft and performed well in interviews with teams.

Predicted trade: Miami Dolphins send picks Nos. 11, 87, and 130 to Tampa for Nos. 15, 46, and 155.

With Bailey slipping out of the top 10, Tampa gets aggressive to upgrade its pass rush. Bailey is the type of explosive pass rusher that the Buccaneers lacked off the edge last year.

With Delane off the board, the Cowboys take Thieneman, who was a big NFL Scouting Combine winner, has the range to play as a single-high safety and the instincts to play a box safety role.

Predicted trade: Los Angeles Rams send pick Nos. 13 and 207 to Carolina for Nos. 19, 119, and 158.

Carolina has been aggressive throughout the offseason and that continues in the draft, where it trades up for Sadiq, a vertical threat at tight end. The Panthers haven’t been shy about drafting pass-catchers recently.

Mauigoa ends up lasting a little longer than expected, mainly because of the uncertainty of his NFL projection at guard or tackle. In this scenario, the Ravens take him to compete for either the left tackle or left guard spot and shore up the future of their offensive line.

Predicted trade: Miami moves back from pick No. 11 to 15.

Miami is rebuilding under Jeff Hafley and has a lot of needs to fill — offensive line is among its biggest issues. Taking Fano, who could play tackle or guard, improves the line’s situation.

New York needs more playmakers in its receiver corps, especially at slot receiver. Lemon, who ran a solid 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash at his pro day, brings that skill set for an offense set to start Geno Smith at quarterback.

Detroit has a big hole at left tackle after releasing Taylor Decker. Proctor, who is incredibly athletic for his 6-foot-7, 352-pound size, gives the Lions a road grader in the run game and a young player to pair up with Penei Sewell at tackle.

Predicted trade: Minnesota Vikings send pick Nos. 18 and 163 to the Chargers for Nos. 22 and 123.

It’s no secret Los Angeles is looking for an upgrade in the interior offensive line, and Ioane, a mauling lineman who has power as a run blocker, helps fill that need for the Chargers.

Predicted trade: Rams moved back from pick No. 13 to 19.

The Rams have been rumored to be in on the A.J. Brown trade sweepstakes, so it’s clear they’re looking for a dynamic weapon at wide receiver. Concepcion is explosive with the ball in his hands and gives Matthew Stafford a deep threat.

Dallas traded for Rashan Gary, but should continue to add more edge rushers to its corps. Faulk is an excellent run defender and could factor in on passing downs.

Cooper, who has the speed to run by a secondary and is hard to bring down in the open field, would be a nice complement to a receiver corps in Pittsburgh led by D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.

Predicted trade: Vikings moved back from pick No. 18 to 22.

McCoy has shutdown corner ability and despite not working out yet during the predraft cycle, he would fit nicely in Brian Flores’ aggressive defense. His talent would suggest that he goes earlier than this spot.

Predicted trade: Eagles send pick Nos. 23 and 98 to Kansas City for Nos. 29, 74, and a 2027 fifth-rounder.

Kansas City gets aggressive here and trades up, with receivers flying off the board in the first round. Boston is a big receiver who can win vertically and thrives at the catch point with his strong hands. He would give Patrick Mahomes a much-needed go-to receiver, especially in the red zone and on third downs.

Lomu is a skilled pass protector with quick and nimble feet and recovery ability, and gives Cleveland a foundational tackle piece to build around as the Browns begin the Todd Monken era.

When healthy, Banks has game-wrecking ability that the Bears need on their defensive line, especially against the run. Chicago could use an upgrade at that spot next to Grady Jarrett.

Allen, who has been hampered by knee swelling during the draft process after getting a minor knee procedure, according to ESPN, has excellent instincts and range that Buffalo needs after Matt Milano hit free agency.

McNeil-Warren is an outstanding athlete with excellent playmaking ball skills who would be a nice addition as a big nickel or strong safety in San Francisco’s defense.

McDonald is a run stuffer who has the quickness to shoot gaps on run downs, the power to push the pocket in drop-back scenarios, and would fit Houston’s attack style of defense.

Predicted trade: Eagles move back from pick No. 23 to 29.

The Eagles get some nice value in a trade back and select Miller, who has light feet in pass protection and the grip strength to stop pass rushers in their tracks. Miller also has the athleticism to block in space, which could be beneficial in Sean Mannion’s offense. He’s a potential Lane Johnson heir.

After passing up cornerback earlier in the first round, the Dolphins get Terrell, who has a fearless mentality attacking downhill, excellent ball skills, and coverage instincts to fit at multiple spots in the secondary.

Mesidor is an older prospect (turning 25 next season) but has violent, active hands as a pass rusher and is savvy enough to counter offensive linemen if his initial rush is stopped. He gives New England more juice coming off the edge.

Predicted trade: Seattle Seahawks send pick Nos. 32 and 188 to New York for Nos. 33 and 103.

Even though Geno Smith is the starter, the Jets take a flier here on Simpson and get a player who showed flashes of arm talent, processing, and accuracy in his first year as a starter last season.

Predicted trade: Saints send pick Nos. 42 and 172 to Chicago for pick Nos. 57, 129, and a 2027 fifth-rounder

Acquired from Buccaneers in predicted first-round trade

Bernard is a smooth, sudden athlete with the ability to find the soft spots against zone coverage and generate enough separation working in the boundary. Regardless of whether A.J. Brown is back or not, the Eagles need more difference-making pass catchers.

Saints moved back from pick No. 42 to 57 in predicted trade with Bears.

Haulcy had plenty of ball production in his final year at LSU (three interceptions, one forced fumble). His ability to run the alley, deliver jarring hits, and his route recognition all stand out. The Eagles need more playmaking safeties after trading Sydney Brown.

Acquired in predicted first-round trade with Saints

Acquired in predicted first-round trade with Chiefs

The Eagles ended up swapping a third-rounder with Kansas City in our first-round trade scenario. Even with the tight end corps getting Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra back and adding Johnny Mundt, most of the tight ends are on one-year deals. Roush has nice route pacing, finds soft spots in zone coverage over the middle of the field, and has blocking ability in the run game.

Acquired in predicted first-round trade with Dolphins

Acquired in predicted first-round trade with Eagles