2026 NFL Mock Draft: 3 QBs Destined for First Spherical — However Which Ones and The place To?

[ad_1] Everybody is aware of that quarterbacks will drive the 2026 NFL Draft — they do yearly — however maybe the largest query but to be answered is simply who among the many signal-callers will likely be accessible.

Underclassmen like Oregon’s Dante Moore, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Texas’ Arch Manning flash first-round traits in almost each sport, however their inexperience is simply as apparent. Given their relative rawness, in addition to the assured thousands and thousands they’ll make in NIL income, nobody needs to be shocked if any — or all — of them decide to return to varsity.

There may be loads of top-tier expertise amongst senior signal-callers, however the energy of this class is on protection.

With the NFL’s Nov. 4 commerce deadline looming, some aggressive common managers received’t wait till spring to deal with their membership’s largest wants. For many who do, these are the prospects (and staff suits) headed for the primary spherical on April 23.

1. New Orleans Saints (1-7): Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami, 6-3, 275 Halfway by way of his twenty third season on the helm, Mickey Loomis is the longest-tenured common supervisor within the NFL. In all that point, final 12 months’s choice of Tyler Shough at No. 40 total was the earliest the Saints have drafted a quarterback. Shough was hand-picked by rookie head coach Kellen Moore and will likely be given each alternative the remainder of this season to justify the choice. Bain isn’t a dominant prospect within the mould of Myles Garrett or Julius Peppers, however he’s bodily, passionate and productive and would add juice to an getting old protection.

2. New York Jets (1-7): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State, 6-0, 205 Like with the Saints a decide earlier, from an outdoor perspective, it appears apparent that the Jets would take a quarterback right here. I’m simply not satisfied that any of the quarterbacks on this class warrant a decide this excessive. Additional, like a variety of defensive-minded head coaches, I imagine Aaron Glenn would enormously favor a veteran quarterback somewhat than a rookie to information his staff. Defensive backs not often warrant top-five consideration, however Downs is particular, possessing the instincts, dependable open-field tackling and agility to show an already proficient secondary into one of many league’s elite models.

Buckeyes DB Caleb Downs could be the very best participant in America. (Photograph by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos)

3. Tennessee Titans (1-7): Arvell Reese, OLB, Ohio State, 6-4, 243 With all due respect to Cam Ward, the one-win Titans are proof {that a} membership wants greater than only a proficient rookie quarterback to spark a franchise revival. Ward has been sacked greater than another quarterback within the NFL over the primary eight weeks of the season, however with thousands and thousands already invested of their offensive line, the Titans will both be in search of a playmaker or a defender right here. Reese is as gifted an athlete as there's on this class, providing a Micah Parsons-like impression as a do-it-all linebacker.

4. Cleveland Browns (2-6): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah, 6-5, 310 The Browns added veteran left deal with Cam Robinson by way of an in-season commerce with Houston, however his contract is up on the finish of the season. Fano is essentially the most proficient deal with on this class and would assist present a safe pocket for whomever the Browns roll with long run at quarterback.

5. Miami Dolphins (2-6): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, 6-0, 190 By means of the primary eight video games of the season, the Dolphins have surrendered 12 passing touchdowns and solely intercepted one go, rating behind solely Dallas in opposing quarterback charge (109.4). Delane has not but allowed a landing this season for LSU, providing the agility and acceleration wanted to blanket opposing receivers.

6. New York Giants (2-6): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State, 6-1, 195 Although he’s simply 2-3 as a starter, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has energized the Giants, offering hope that the membership might need discovered its subsequent star quarterback. In that case, New York ought to make sure to shield its funding by including extra weapons. Tyson’s savvy route-running and suddenness would make him an excellent match reverse a wholesome Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo.

7. Baltimore Ravens (2-5): Peter Woods, DT, Clemson, 6-3, 315 Accidents have wreaked havoc on the Ravens this season, however Eric DeCosta is without doubt one of the NFL’s greatest at reloading come draft time. Woods performs like a Raven, displaying an identical skill to clog up operating lanes as longtime Baltimore star Haloti Ngata.

8. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, 6-5, 225 The Raiders had been definitely anticipating greater than a league-leading 10 interceptions by way of seven video games from Geno Smith, after buying and selling for him and awarding the 35-year-old quarterback a two-year, $75 million extension that every one however ensures he will likely be again in black subsequent season. Nonetheless, with their alternative of quarterbacks accessible, the membership shouldn’t hesitate to draft for the long run. Mendoza’s fast launch and mobility could be an intriguing slot in Chip Kelly’s offense, and Smith’s presence would purchase the younger quarterback time to acclimate to the NFL.

In a matter of some months, Fernando Mendoza has emerged as a first-round QB prospect — and maybe the primary QB to come back off the board in 2026. (Photograph by Justin Casterline/Getty Photos)

9. Arizona Cardinals (2-5): Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, 6-0, 212 Maybe no pairing on this mock looks like extra of a slam dunk than Love for the Cardinals, given the accidents the franchise has endured so far of the season. Love is a dynamic expertise with the ability and velocity to undertaking as a real bell-cow.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5): Keldrick Faulk, DE, Auburn, 6-6, 270 We're roughly midway by way of the 2025 season, and the Bengals don’t seem like any nearer to extending star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, probably opening up an enormous void within the membership’s go rush subsequent season. Certain, the membership can hope that latest first-round picks Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart will begin to stay as much as expectations, however there was too little proof of that to disregard a expertise like Faulk ought to he nonetheless be accessible — assuming Hendrickson is enjoying elsewhere subsequent season.

11. Washington Commanders (3-5): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, 6-3, 240 At 35-years-old, Zach Ertz at present leads the Commanders in landing receptions and is second in catches total (27), displaying the identical dependable route-running and smooth fingers that will very properly sometime earn him a spot in Canton. He can’t play endlessly, although, and Washington could be clever to proceed including seam-stretchers to benefit from Jayden Daniels’ playmaking skill.

12. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons, 3-4): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami, 6-6, 315 Talking of defending quarterbacks, the very best technique the Rams might make use of to maintain Matthew Stafford upright (and enjoying like a future Corridor of Famer) could be an improve at proper deal with. Mauigoa will get missed, at instances, with the entire expertise on the Hurricanes, however his measurement, agility and energy make him a first-round cinch.

13. Minnesota Vikings (3-4): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia, 6-1, 235 The Vikings have been ravaged by accidents as a lot as any staff within the NFL, however common play from their linebackers has additionally performed a job in Minnesota's disappointing 2025 season to this point. Allen is lower from the identical fabric as different latest star linebackers from Athens, boasting the majority, physicality and velocity that translate properly to the professional sport.

14. Houston Texans (3-4): Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan, 5-11, 210 Whereas quarterbacks get the overwhelming majority of the eye, this 12 months’s operating again class is the extra gifted group. Haynes has vaulted up draft boards together with his stellar 2025 season, main the Large Ten with 857 dashing yards by way of seven video games and demonstrating the breakaway component Houston has been missing all 12 months lengthy.

15. Dallas Cowboys (3-4): Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M, 6-2, 248 No particular person rusher on this class goes to make the Cowboys overlook about Micah Parsons (or DeMarcus Lawrence for that matter), however scouts in Dallas received’t must enterprise far to search out high quality defenders able to serving to flip across the league’s leakiest protection. Howell flashed at Bowling Inexperienced, and whereas serving as an oft-used and versatile backup for Texas A&M a 12 months in the past. However the passionate defender has emerged as a verifiable star for the Aggies this season, main the SEC with 9.5 sacks by way of eight video games.

Might the Cowboys draft star edge rusher Cashius Howell as Micah Parsons' alternative? (Photograph by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Photos)

16. Carolina Panthers (4-4): David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech, 6-3, 250 If the aforementioned Cowboys don’t see Howell as a clear match out of School Station, maybe Bailey’s even higher numbers out of Lubbock would do the trick. If not, the Panthers could be clever to grab up the Large 12’s sack chief (10.5 sacks in eight video games), who boasts this 12 months’s greatest mixture of velocity and hand-play off the sting.

17. Chicago Bears (4-3): Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas, 6-3, 237 Hill is an instinctive and versatile linebacker who's at present being requested to play off the road extra usually than in years previous. The brand new function has diminished his sack manufacturing but solely bolstered his skill to deal with a number of duties. That would definitely help a comparatively toothless Bears protection, which at present ranks twenty fifth in each factors and yards allowed.

18. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars, 4-3): Makai Lemon, WR, USC, 5-11, 190 Put merely, long-suffering Browns followers (and quarterbacks) deserve a playmaking receiver like Lemon. With two first-round picks on this draft because of Jacksonville’s aggressive commerce up this previous spring to land Travis Hunter, Cleveland has no excuse to depart the opening body of the 2026 draft with out boosting its anemic receiving corps.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3): Carson Beck, QB, Miami, 6-4, 225 Maybe the Steelers see Will Howard as Aaron Rodgers’ successor. If not, Beck’s arm, expertise (and swagger) might make him an excellent prospect to switch the long run Corridor of Famer.

If Aaron Rodgers is one and executed for the Steelers, they could look to search out his successor on Day 1 of the draft. (Photograph by Megan Briggs/Getty Photos)

20. San Francisco 49ers (5-3): Kayden Proctor, OT, Alabama, 6-7, 360 The 49ers have lengthy bullied opponents on each side of the road of scrimmage, however age, accidents and free-agent defections have taken their toll. Proctor is huge however surprisingly athletic. He might start his profession at proper deal with and in the end be groomed to take over for Trent Williams on the left facet, the place the previous has lined up for the Crimson Tide.

21. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3): Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State, 6-4, 328 Solely as soon as previously 10 NFL drafts (2017) has a primary spherical come and gone with no single inside offensive lineman listening to his identify referred to as. Not surprisingly, Jim Harbaugh was teaching in faculty at the moment. His dedication to profitable up entrance can have the Chargers once more trying to reinforce a proficient however injury-prone offensive line.

22. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (5-3): Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington, 5-9, 229 The return of Rashee Rice has already sparked a resurgence to the Chiefs' offense, however I stay satisfied that they should enhance their operating sport to actually return to their earlier Tremendous Bowl kind. Coleman is a hearth hydrant on curler skates with the ballast and burst to star within the NFL.

23. Los Angeles Rams (5-3): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU, 6-1, 205 With a glowing 17 touchdowns thrown towards simply two interceptions, Matthew Stafford is enjoying at an MVP-caliber degree. However I ponder if common supervisor Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay would possibly bounce on the probability to search out his successor if the correct quarterback fell into their laps — particularly since L.A. owns two first-round picks in 2026. Nussmeier lacks Stafford’s arm energy, however he performs with the center, smarts and precision that would make him a terrific slot in McVay’s scheme.

The Rams will possible have to draft Matt Stafford's successor sooner somewhat than later. (Photograph by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Photos)

24. Detroit Lions (5-2): Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State, 6-5, 265 With six sacks (and 4 compelled fumbles) in seven video games to begin the season, Aidan Hutchinson is clearly again. With all due respect to Al-Quadin Muhammad and Derrick Barnes, the Lions might use a lift on the other finish, and the long-armed and high-effort Dennis-Sutton is a pure match.

25. Buffalo Payments (5-2): Christen Miller, DT, Georgia, 6-4, 310 With Buffalo a legit Tremendous Bowl contender, GM Brandon Beane would possibly select to deal with defensive deal with by way of a commerce somewhat than watch for the draft to search out assist for a entrance that bitterly misplaced stud Ed Oliver to a season-ending biceps tear. Nobody would confuse the run-stuffing Miller with Oliver, however his measurement and energy would make it tough for opponents to maintain the ball out of Josh Allen’s fingers.

26. Seattle Seahawks (5-2): Akeem Mesidor, DE, Miami, 6-3, 280 The genius of Mike Macdonald’s protection is that it schemes up one-on-one matchups for varied defenders somewhat than counting on anybody pass-rusher to star. As such, Seattle boasts one of many league’s greatest go rushes (23 sacks in seven video games) regardless of no particular person rating among the many prime 10 within the NFL. Mesidor fittingly performs for the Hurricanes, providing a whirlwind of burst, energy and uneven fingers to persistently play on the opposite facet of the road of scrimmage.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, 6-0, 193 Buccaneers GM Jason Licht might have drafted the NFL’s Rookie of the Yr with Emeka Egbuka at No. 19 total this previous spring. He might discover a related falling star in McCoy — a participant who obtained early first-round grades from space scouts previous to the season — however has not performed this 12 months after tearing his ACL in January.

28. Denver Broncos (6-2): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, 5-11, 180 A pec pressure suffered by star cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. in final week’s thrashing of the Cowboys goes to check the depth of Denver’s secondary. Whereas the harm is (fortunately) not of the season-ending selection, it does increase considerations and will push GM George Paton to make a commerce for reinforcements. If the Broncos wait till the draft, Terrell’s agility and confirmed ball-hawking proficiency from nickel would make him an excellent match.

29. New England Patriots (6-2): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington, 6-4, 210 Drake Maye is rising as a verifiable star, having already matched the 15 passing touchdowns he threw throughout his rookie marketing campaign in simply eight video games this 12 months. Now think about if he had dependable weapons round him. Boston’s measurement, agility and smooth fingers could possibly be the proper addition.

The Patriots needs to be available in the market for a No. 1 receiver to pair with budding star QB Drake Maye. (Photograph by Steph Chambers/Getty Photos)

30. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2): T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson, 6-3, 265 Sure, the Eagles boast arguably essentially the most proficient entrance within the NFL. However with accidents and free-agent defections a continuing drawback, don’t be shocked if GM Howie Roseman provides one other promising edge rusher to the combination. Parker entered the season with top-10 buzz, however his season has personified his program's, as he is struggled to show his potential into manufacturing.

31. Dallas Cowboys (from Inexperienced Bay Packers, 5-1-1): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon, 6-0, 207 For a protection needing reinforcements at nearly each place, the Cowboys can’t afford to overlook on their first-round picks. Thieneman doesn’t get as a lot hype as different defenders on this class, however his instincts, agility and dependable open-field tackling have popped off the tape since his time at Purdue.

32. Indianapolis Colts (7-1): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State, 6-3, 195 Thanks significantly to Daniel Jones’ resurgence, the Colts are the toast of the NFL — no less than over the primary half of the season. If his stellar play is to proceed, Indianapolis might want to proceed including weapons to their passing sport. Tate isn’t as explosive as latest Buckeyes wideouts drafted within the first spherical, however his dependability as a pass-catcher and downfield blocker would make him an excellent slot in Shane Steichen’s offense.

Rob Rang is an NFL Draft analyst for FOX Sports activities. He has been protecting the NFL Draft for greater than 25 years. He additionally works as a scout with the BC Lions of the Canadian Soccer League. Comply with him on X @RobRang.

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