Another week is in the books, and we saw another elite slate of 2026 NFL Draft prospect performances. This week, some of the top showings came from wide receivers, which is great news for teams in need of pass-catching help like the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams.
In addition to standout performances from the wideouts, several players projected to go in the first round, including Rueben Bain Jr. and Fernando Mendoza, continued to put up impressive numbers.
Top 10 performances from week three
1. Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
NFL Fit: New Orleans Saints
Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II is rapidly climbing up draft boards, and his breakout performance against Georgia explains why. Brazzell torched the Bulldogs’ defense with six receptions for 177 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing both big-play ability and consistency. His rise has caught national attention, with Todd McShay labeling him the most talented receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. With Rashid Shaheed approaching free agency, investing a Day 2 pick in Brazzell could give the Saints a dynamic weapon for the future.
2. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
NFL Fit: Los Angeles Rams
Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. is a receiver with top-tier athletic tools but an uneven track record of production. Through the first two weeks of the season, he managed just three receptions. Then, in Week 3, he exploded for one of the best performances in school history, hauling in 10 catches for 207 yards and four touchdowns against Indiana State. As a prospect, Cooper’s quickness and agility stand out, giving him intriguing upside as a slot receiver at the next level. For a team like the Rams, he could be an excellent value target in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
"Omar Cooper's got the ability to be an outstanding football player. He's got to do it day out, play in and play out. He's got to get rid of the inconsistency, set higher standards for himself, and have the discipline and commitment to achieve his goals and become what he wants to be. The talent’s there, the flashes are there."Indiana HC Curt Cignetti
3. Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
NFL Fit: Dallas Cowboys
Going into the season, I said Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. was a player who could see his stock rise quickly, and that’s exactly what’s happening. Through three games, he owns a 93.8 Pro Football Focus grade and is showing the same form that made him ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. In his latest game against South Florida, Bain posted six tackles and five pressures, once again proving to be a dominant presence. His explosiveness and motor make him an ideal fit for Dallas, where he could eventually step into a role similar to Micah Parsons.
4. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
NFL Fit: Las Vegas Raiders
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson got off to a rough start against Florida State, but since then he has been on fire, completing over 80% of his passes in each of his last two games while tossing seven touchdowns with zero interceptions. Against Wisconsin, he showed the poise and accuracy of an elite quarterback and even reminded me of Tom Brady at times with the way he commanded the offense. With the Raiders in need of a young developmental quarterback, don’t be surprised if Brady himself pulls the trigger on drafting Simpson in April.
Ty Simpson out here looking like Tom Brady. His accuracy is ridiculous as he is hitting even the smallest windows.
— John Blair (@johnblairjunior) September 13, 2025
5. Ismail Mahdi, RB, Arizona
NFL Fit: Dallas Cowboys
Another prospect who would make a lot of sense in Dallas is Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi, as he could be the type of playmaker the Cowboys were hoping for when they drafted Jaydon Blue in 2025. In his last game, Mahdi rushed for 189 yards on just 22 carries and finished with 221 all-purpose yards. He also displayed the blazing speed Dallas needs in its backfield, breaking off four runs of at least 15 yards against Kansas State.
6. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
NFL Fit: Carolina Panthers
Going into the season, I named Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, and so far he is playing like a possible franchise cornerstone. Against Indiana State, he put on a show with elite accuracy, impressive mobility, and quick decision-making, completing 19 of 20 passes for 270 yards and accounting for six total touchdowns. With Bryce Young once again proving he is not the long-term answer in Carolina, Mendoza could be the quarterback the Panthers need to reset their future.
No. 15 for our first score ❗️@qb_fernando | #IUFB | 📺: @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/2dP9oZy6h9
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) September 12, 2025
7. Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC
NFL Fit: Chicago Bears
A player who is having a true breakthrough season is USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald, who currently holds the top safety grade in college football according to PFF. He has already tied his career high with three interceptions, two of which came in Week 3 against Purdue. In that game, he also added five tackles and allowed only one completion, showing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Safety is one of the Bears’ many needs, so expect Chicago to keep a close eye on Fitzgerald as the season continues.
8. John Henry Daley, DE, Utah
NFL Fit: Arizona Cardinals
Another player who has played himself into a draftabel grade this year is Utah’s John Henry Daley who is tied for the FBS lead with five sacks this season. In his latest game against Wyoming he earned two sacks and an impressive 90.3 PFF grade. One team that could make sense for him is the Arizona Cardinals especially if they can get him on day three.
9. Caleb Tiernan OT Northwestern
NFL Fit: New York Giants
For the second consecutive week, Northwestern offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan makes the NFL Mock top 10 performers list. This week he excelled against Oregon, not allowing a single pressure against one of the best defensive lines he will face all season. Right now, Tiernan is one of the most underrated players in the 2026 NFL Draft and has the potential to be a Day 1 starter at right tackle for the New York Giants.
10. Hollywood Smothers, RB, North Carolina State
NFL Fit: San Francisco 49ers
A playmaker who will likely go in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft is North Carolina State running back Hollywood Smothers. Last season, Smothers finished second in the ACC in yards per carry, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per attempt, and this year he is averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He has also rushed for at least 140 yards in each of his last two games, including 164 yards against Wake Forest. With his explosiveness and vision, Smothers could be a dangerous fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense in San Francisco.