2026 first-round NFL mock draft: Three QBs within the high 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 means of 5 video games, he is accomplished 73% of his passes and 16 touchdowns whereas additionally displaying mobility. New Orleans will possible be available in the market 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 workforce he is their long-term reply at quarterback. Sellers has comparable strengths as a extremely cell 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 by means of 5 video games this season, and the Titans may 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 Crimson Zone menace, 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 available in the market 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 may nonetheless look towards discovering their longer-term reply at quarterback. Nussmeier is a basic pocket passer, displaying nice accuracy and a powerful arm.

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

With one other main harm to Joe Burrow this season, the offensive line might be beneath the microscope for Cincinnati this offseason. Lomu has intensive expertise at left deal with 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 superb begin in 2025.

The offensive line continues to be an issue for Houston despite its efforts to deal with that space within the offseason. The large 360-plus-pound Proctor may very well be a drive on the NFL degree.

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 robust begin for Auburn this yr with three sacks in his first 5 video games.

New England added Stefon Diggs this season, however Drake Maye may nonetheless use extra assist. Lemon is having a breakout yr for the Trojans, with 35 catches for 589 yards and 5 touchdowns by means of 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 sport 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 workforce has been ineffective operating the ball early this season. Love has dynamic skill 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 deal with, however the remainder of the road has been patchwork at instances. Mauigoa is a superb match for Arizona with intensive expertise on the fitting aspect.

Minnesota has spent important cash on the secondary lately, however may 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 sport 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 along with his toes. The Rams may very well be available in the market for a passer, given Matthew Stafford’s age (37) and minor harm 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 track. The Chiefs may have a look at a substitute 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 workforce’s first 5 video games. He may 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 nearly actually discover assistance on offense. The 6-foot-4 Boston is a good match on the surface and recorded 9 touchdowns final yr for the Huskies with 4 scores by means of 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 compelled 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 observe within the footsteps of his uncle, Peyton Manning, in Indianapolis. If he opts to go away Texas after this season, he may very well be able to affix the workforce. 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 harm. The Steelers will very possible be available in the market for a quarterback with Aaron Rodgers‘ retirement quickly.

As left deal with Taylor Decker performs his tenth season, the Lions may very well be seeking to handle left deal with. A switch from Nevada, the 6-foot-8 World could be a fantastic match for the mauling Lions offensive line.

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

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

Allen has been all around the subject in his time with the Bulldogs, and has 36 tackles and two sacks in his first 5 video games this season. He may very well be a substitute 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 may look past him. Harbor has an identical profile as an elite deep menace at 6-foot-5, and has averaged 20 yards per catch early this season.