2026 first-round NFL mock draft: Three QBs in the top 10

A switch from Cal, Mendoza has put himself in consideration as the highest decide within the draft after a blazing begin to his tenure at Indiana. By way of 5 video games, he is accomplished 73% of his passes and 16 touchdowns whereas additionally displaying mobility. New Orleans will probably be out there for a quarterback except second-round rookie Tyler Shough impresses down the stretch.

Justin Fields signed with the Jets within the offseason, however he is but to do something to persuade the crew he is their long-term reply at quarterback. Sellers has related strengths as a extremely cellular quarterback, operating for 674 yards final season, however he additionally has a powerful arm.

Bain continues to carry out for the Canes this season, and seems to have a really excessive probability to be a top-five decide. He is recorded 3.5 sacks via 5 video games this season, and the Titans might flip to the defensive aspect of the ball after specializing in offense within the 2025 draft.

Cleveland will attempt to reply whether or not Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders is their long-term reply at quarterback for the remainder of this yr. Regardless, they should proceed constructing their offensive line, and the 6-foot-6 Fano is a powerful candidate to assist.

The 6-foot-2 Tyson has confirmed to be an impressive Purple Zone risk, already recording seven touchdowns in 5 video games this season after catching 10 touchdowns final yr. With Miami more likely to transfer on from Tyreek Hill after this season, they’re going to be out there for a wideout.

Baltimore’s protection has taken a pointy fall during the last two seasons, and there are main questions on their defensive position. Woods has an opportunity to be an elite inside cross rusher after recording 8.5 sacks for the Tigers final season.

The Raiders added Geno Smith within the offseason, however might nonetheless look towards discovering their longer-term reply at quarterback. Nussmeier is a traditional pocket passer, displaying nice accuracy and a powerful arm.

The Giants have closely addressed the offense in latest drafts and should shift their focus to the protection subsequent yr. McCoy might miss all of 2025 because of a torn ACL however stays arguably the highest nook on the board.

With one other main damage to Joe Burrow this season, the offensive line will likely be underneath the microscope for Cincinnati this offseason. Lomu has intensive expertise at left sort out and has excelled with the Utes.

The Panthers have bulked up their entrance seven, however nonetheless need assistance on the again finish. Dowsn was an All-American final season after transferring from Alabama to Ohio State, and is off to a very good begin in 2025.

The offensive line continues to be an issue for Houston regardless of its efforts to deal with that space within the offseason. The huge 360-plus-pound Proctor might be a pressure on the NFL stage.

The lack of Micah Parsons has created a pass-rushing void in Dallas. After recording 11 sacks final season, Faulk is off to a different sturdy begin for Auburn this yr with three sacks in his first 5 video games.

New England added Stefon Diggs this season, however Drake Maye might nonetheless use extra assist. Lemon is having a breakout yr for the Trojans, with 35 catches for 589 yards and 5 touchdowns via his first 5 video games.

Denver addressed its offense closely within the 2025 draft, and will revert again to protection in 2026. Parker has an opportunity to be a premium edge rusher after displaying his elite recreation at Clemson with 11 sacks final season and two sacks in 5 video games this yr.

Ben Johnson has loads of weapons to work with in Chicago, however the crew has been ineffective operating the ball early this season. Love has dynamic potential as a runner and receiver, scoring 19 touchdowns final season and 9 in his first 5 video games this yr.

Arizona has former first-round decide Paris Johnson at left sort out, however the remainder of the road has been patchwork at instances. Mauigoa is a superb match for Arizona with intensive expertise on the best aspect.

Minnesota has spent vital cash on the secondary lately, however might look to get youthful in that space this offseason. Terrell proved to be a playmaker for the Tigers final season with 12 passes defensed and two picks, and he already has six passes defensed in his first 5 video games of 2025.

Moore has proven a vastly improved recreation since transferring from UCLA two years in the past. The Oregon star has accomplished almost 75% of his passes with 14 touchdowns, whereas additionally contributing together with his ft. The Rams might be out there for a passer, given Matthew Stafford’s age (37) and minor damage illnesses.

An exodus of expertise on the defensive position has made that space a necessity for Washington subsequent yr. Uiagalelei recorded 10.5 sacks final season, and the sting rusher already has 4 sacks in 5 video games this season.

There are whispers that future Corridor of Fame tight finish Travis Kelce is in his swan tune. The Chiefs might have a look at a alternative like Sadiq, who’s off to a powerful begin this season with 204 yards and three touchdowns in his first 5 video games.

A switch from Virginia Tech, Delane was a ballhawk final season with 4 picks and is proving his price early this yr for LSU. The Rams have struggled at cornerback early this season.

Reese is proving to be a key participant on the Buckeyes’ protection this season, recording 29 tackles and three sacks within the crew’s first 5 video games. He might assist beef up the Cowboys’ entrance seven following the departure of Micah Parsons.

Whether or not the Browns handle quarterback in subsequent yr’s draft stays to be seen, however they’re going to virtually definitely discover assistance on offense. The 6-foot-4 Boston is a superb match on the surface and recorded 9 touchdowns final yr for the Huskies with 4 scores via his first 5 video games this yr.

Seattle added seasoned veteran DeMarcus Lawrence within the offseason, however may benefit from getting youthful at that place. Hill recorded eight sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss final yr, and has already pressured two fumbles this yr.

The Bucs invested in veteran Haason Reddick in the course of the offseason, and will look to switch him within the draft. Bailey has proven enchancment every season. After recording seven sacks at Stanford final season, he has 5.5 sacks in 5 video games this yr.

Manning would most likely like to comply with within the footsteps of his uncle, Peyton Manning, in Indianapolis. If he opts to depart Texas after this season, he might be able to affix the crew. Nevertheless, Manning’s outcomes early this season have been mounted, finishing solely 60% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 5 picks in 5 video games because the Longhorns have fallen out of the highest 25.

Mateer threw 29 touchdowns at Washington State final season and was off to a superb begin for Oklahoma earlier than struggling a hand damage. The Steelers will very probably be out there for a quarterback with Aaron Rodgers‘ retirement quickly.

As left sort out Taylor Decker performs his tenth season, the Lions might be trying to handle left sort out. A switch from Nevada, the 6-foot-8 World can be an excellent match for the mauling Lions offensive line.

With the lack of Joey Bosa within the offseason and Khalil Mack‘s age, cross rush might be prime of thoughts for the Chargers. Overton has flashed nice potential for the Crimson Tide and has 1.5 sacks in his first 5 video games this season.

Trent Williams is nearing the tip of his profession, leaving San Francisco able to deal with left sort out quickly. The 6-foot-7 Chaplin has been a stalwart for Virginia Tech and Auburn.

Allen has been all around the area in his time with the Bulldogs, and has 36 tackles and two sacks in his first 5 video games this season. He might be a alternative subsequent season for the oft-injured Matt Milano.

Eagles star wideout A.J. Brown has been seemingly disgruntled since final season. Whereas he is due $29 million assured subsequent season, Philly might look past him. Harbor has an analogous profile as an elite deep risk at 6-foot-5, and has averaged 20 yards per catch early this season.