The 2026 NFL Draft is about six months away, and some of the top players in this class are coming into view. To the surprise of no one, the teams currently slated to pick at the top simply do not have functional QB play, so you can bet that a signal-caller is likely going first overall.
Much can change, though, but many of the bad teams in the NFL right now do not have a path to improving. What does stick out to me about this coming NFL Draft class is that it seemed to be very deep at the QB position, but it really doesn't feel like that now.
Our latest 2026 NFL mock draft is one round long and contains some familiar names up at the top.
Jets secure long-term QB in latest 2026 NFL mock draft predictions
1. New York Jets - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
It's really no shock to see this pairing at the top of our latest NFL mock draft. The New York Jets signed Justin Fields in free agency this past offseason, perhaps because they simply had no other option, but Fields has played, well, unplayable football and is honestly one of the three-worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL right now.
The Jets aren't going to improve unless they get this QB situation figured out, and Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is clearly the best passer in this class right now.
2. Miami Dolphins - Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The 1-6 Miami Dolphins are absolutely going to undergo some change in the coming weeks, perhaps. However, it's hard to figure out which position they might target in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, as they just signed Tua Tagovailoa to a contract extension, so taking a QB might be off the table right now.
Miami instead decides to bolster it's pass-rush with a young, explosive player in Rueben Bain Jr from Miami.
3. New Orleans Saints - Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Over the last 19 games for Auburn, pass-rusher Keldric Faulk has racked up 15 tackles for loss and nine sacks, so he gets in the backfield pretty regularly for the Tigers. The New Orleans Saints also might not be sold on a QB this high, as second-year QB Spencer Rattler has absolutely made a leap this year and might end up being someone the Saints could build around in 2026 and beyond.
A major issue with the Saints right now is that this team simply isn't very talented, and first-year head coach Kellen Moore hasn't had a ton of time to leave his mark on this franchise. Furthermore, the Saints do have a rookie QB in Tyler Shough on the roster, so we might instead see this team trying to boost a hugely important position in today's NFL and see if one of their QBs can make a huge jump in 2026.
GM Mickey Loomis is also someone I don't necessarily think will be there next year, as it might simply be time for some new blood.
4. Tennessee Titans - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Tennessee Titans were the first team to fire their head coach this season, so we already know they'll have a new regime in the coming months. On paper, the Titans are missing a ton of talent on either side of the ball and absolutely aren't taking a QB, so they could be in line to grab the best non-QB or best non-QB on offense.
Jordyn Tyson has a no. 1 WR profile and could be a huge weapon for Cam Ward, who has definitely struggled in his rookie season, but he's not throwing to very talented receivers, so GM Mike Borgonzi has to get this position situated.
5. Baltimore Ravens - Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Baltimore Ravens have had a season forget thus far, but Lamar Jackson might just be on the field in Week 8, which is a start. At 1-5, the Ravens likely have to win at least eight of their remaining games to get into the postseason, but with the poor defense and all the injuries they still have, that might not be likely.
It's a shame, too, as this is one of the best rosters in the NFL and definitely had a deep playoff run in mind this year, but the NFL is a brutal reality sometimes, as most of us thought this team would be a lot closer to 5-1 than 1-5.
Anyway, the Ravens are definitely hurting for some young talent on defense, and Peter Woods from Clemson is the best defensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft class. This would be a logical move for Baltimore to make, as it's never a bad idea to bolster the trenches.
6. Cleveland Browns - Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The Cleveland Browns have their own first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and also have the Jacksonville Jaguars' first-round pick. The Jags are currently 4-3, so that pick is a bit lower, but the Browns are currently picking at no. 6 and could target the second-best QB in the class.
While rookie Dillon Gabriel has looked fine, he's clearly not a franchise-caliber passer but instead might be a quality backup for this franchise. The Browns could reunite Dante Moore with Dillon Gabriel - both players were teammates at Oregon back in 2024.
Moore is also a much more well-rounded and polished NFL quarterback prospect, but I'd also have to think that this pairing could be good for the sake of them being former teammates. Some chemistry could be present, and that could help further things.
7. Las Vegas Raiders - Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
It's been a season to forget, yet again, for the Las Vegas Raiders. This team decided to trade actual NFL Draft capital for Geno Smith and also hired Pete Carroll, but their biggest error may have been taking running back Ashton Jeanty in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
It's not that Jeanty isn't talented, it's that this roster was and is terrible and needed a blue-chip player at a much more important position, like somewhere in the trenches. What we've seen from the Raiders over the last year and change is how to not build a football team.
Going forward, the Raiders have to grow up a bit and have a hard look in the mirror - this team will continue to circle the drain until they find a legitimate long-term QB solution, so they could grab Ty Simpson from Alabama at pick eight.
If nothing else, this is at least going down the right path to figure out the QB position.
8. New York Giants - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Don't look now, but the New York Giants may have found a long-term QB in Jaxson Dart. We're probably still a full year from knowing that for sure, but Dart and the Giants are fun and frisky, and that's really all you can ask from a rookie passer.
The Giants do need another weapon on offense, especially as Malik Nabers slowly works his way back from a torn ACL. Ohio State wide receivers typically profile very nicely into the NFL, so GM Joe Schoen could get a slam-dunk producer in Carnell Tate.
Soon enough, New York might have something special brewing on offense with Nabers, Tate, Dart, and running back Cam Skattebo. At the end of the day, the Giants might not be that far off from competing.
9. Arizona Cardinals - Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
The Arizona Cardinals might be undergoing more change than you think in the 2026 NFL Offseason. GM Monti Ossenfort has added a ton of talent to this roster, and it seemed like the Cardinals were on the right track after a solid 2-0 start to begin the season.
However, now losers of five games in a row, the Cardinals have more questions than answers at this point, and I think the biggest move we could see them make would be moving on from Kyler Murray in some capacity. Murray has been their starting QB since the 2019 season and just hasn't ever really established himself near the top of the QB hierarchy in the NFL.
Murray is a fine player, but he's pretty average for the position and doesn't appear to be a long-term answer. Ossenfort would have a heck of a time finding an upgrade, but he could at least look to the offensive line as an area of improvement. It's a solid unit on paper, but Ossenfort has been one to prioritize the trenches, so Francis Mauigoa might be a logical choice here.
10. Houston Texans - Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Another team that absolutely has to get better along the offensive line is the Houston Texans. This team has been in a regression since the start of the 2024 NFL Season due to the ineptitude of their OL, and it's simply a unit that needs more talented players. In my opinion, they should target the highest-ranked offensive lineman on their board when their first-round draft pick comes around, and I am not sure there is another position that needs to be considered here.
The OL needs another makeover, and time is ticking for GM Nick Caserio if he can't figure out a solution. Caleb Lomu from Utah is the pick for Houston.
11. Cincinnati Bengals - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Cincinnati Bengals have to simply stack up a ton of young, defensive talent, and I am not sure they have to target a certain position - Cincy needs to figure out how to field a competent defense, and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs might be the best non-QB in the class and the best defensive prospect.
However, on the flip side, the offensive line still feels like a concern for the Bengals, and it's been that way for years. Joe Burrow has suffered yet another long-term injury, so it's been another wasted year in that regard. Cincy managed to extend Trey Hendrickson, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins this past offseason, but they may have been better suited letting Higgins leave in free agency and bolstering the defense more with that cap space.
The Bengals have just struggled to maximize the Joe Burrow era, and there might not be many more wins on their schedule in the 2025 NFL Season. If de-facto GM Duke Tobin can't begin hitting on more defensive prospects, this entire operation is going to crumble.
12. Washington Commanders - Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
I was high on the Washington Commanders this past offseason, but I am also not surprise this team is regressing a bit. The roster is old and simply not that talented on paper, and QB Jayden Daniels has struggled to stay on the field.
GM Adam Peters has to get to work this offseason filling this roster with young talent so success can be sustained for the long-term, as neither side of the ball is very threatening. This could be a 'best player available' selection for Washington, so Arvell Reese could be the pick.
Most of the NFL's top defenses have a stud at the linebacker position, as linebackers are the ones who call the plays and are also in the middle of everything.
13. Minnesota Vikings - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Things have not been going well for the Minnesota Vikings this year, and it really all boils down to the QB position. JJ McCarthy simply hasn't been able to stay healthy, and backup QB Carson Wentz is having a rough go.
The Vikings' decisions to let both Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold leave last offseason has backfired, and this win-now roster that the front office assembled has already seen a year begin to go down the drain.
What may end up happening is that McCarthy gets the rest of the starts beginning in Week 9 and is hopefully able to put a full offseason together leading up to 2026. Perhaps then, the Vikings will finally find some long-term stability at the position.
In the meantime, they can bolster a shaky secondary with Mansoor Delane from LSU. Stacking talent has to be the top priority for the front office this coming offseason.
14. Dallas Cowboys - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
One of the best linebackers in the country is Sonny Styles from Ohio State, and it feels like the Dallas Cowboys are a competent offense away from becoming a contender. It's actually largely been a good season for Dallas, as QB Dak Prescott is playing at a high level, and the WR duo of George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb has been elite.
Jerry Jones and the rest of the Cowboys' front office has a simple mission this offseason: find a way to re-sign Pickens and go heavy on the defense in the 2026 NFL Draft. Sonny Styles would be a great start, and they also have another first-round pick, originally belonging to the Green Bay Packers, who traded for Micah Parsons before the start of the season.
The Cowboys get Styles to bolster the middle of their defense in our latest NFL mock draft.
15. Los Angeles Rams - Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Los Angeles Rams feature one of the best and most well-rounded rosters in the NFL. At 5-2 heading into Week 8, the Rams figure to be in the mix for the NFC West title and even the top seed in the NFL playoffs.
One thing this franchise has done insanely well in recent years is hit on players in the NFL Draft, especially along the defensive line, but it might be time to address a different position. Avieon Terrell is one of the top CB prospects in the country and could be yet another young player that Les Snead and Sean McVay hit on.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford is playing at an insanely high level, and it really doesn’t feel like he’s going to decline anytime soon, so the Rams should keep their foot on the gas and continue stacking talent. Terrell is the pick with the 15th overall selection, and this pick originally belonged to the Atlanta Falcons, so the Rams are stocked with two first-round picks next April.
16. Carolina Panthers - LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Don’t look now, but the Carolina Panthers are 4-3 entering Week 8, and it seems like both sides of the ball are coming together. It’s too early to crown this team anything, but head coach Dave Canales really appears to be building something here.
I do still have some concerns about QB Bryce Young, but he could continue to stack strong performances and make those concerns die down. As the Panthers progress through the rest of the season and turn to the offseason, one area they could address is getting better at creating pressure.
With just 11 sacks through seven games in 2025, Ejiro Evero’s unit needs more talented players. Defensive tackle Derrick Brown leads the team with three sacks. The Panthers do have some young pass-rushers, but this team could find itself at a hugely important season in 2026, so they might have to field a winning, playoff-caliber team.
The Panthers grab LT Overton from Alabama in this first-round mock draft.
17. Kansas City Chiefs - Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love could be a difference-maker for the Kansas City Chiefs. All of a sudden, after a shaky 0-2 start, the Chiefs are staring down a 5-3 record after Week 8 concludes, and QB Patrick Mahomes is playing quite well. With Rashee Rice back in the picture and a healthy offensive unit, Kansas City could be back to their old ways.
Winners of the AFC three years in a row now, they look to make it four and capture their fourth Super Bowl title since the 2019 NFL Season, but at the end of the day, this roster is a bit flawed, and let’s not pretend that it isn’t.
Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are doing a lot of heavy-lifting for this team, as the defense could use some talent, and there is a need for another weapon. Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame could be that missing piece. He’s averaged over six yards per carry across his career and has 26 touchdown runs since the start of last season.
18. Chicago Bears - Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
The Chicago Bears seem to be building something sustainable under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, but the pass rush could use a boost, and GM Ryan Poles really has to keep this solid roster building up. The Bears have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, and it’s honestly to a point where Poles can go into this next NFL Draft and hone in on roster needs rather than grabbing the best player available.
The Bears need to get to the QB at a higher level if they hope to take that next step into contention, and at this current pace here in 2025, Chicago could earn a Wild Card seed in the playoffs.
And if that does happen, we can all guess what kind of chatter might be surrounding this team in the 2026 NFL Offseason. The Bears grab Matayo Uiagalelei at pick 18 in this mock draft and might just see this rebuild peak in 2026.
19. Cleveland Browns - Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Cleveland Browns have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, as the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up with them during the 2025 NFL Draft to be able to select Travis Hunter. The Browns could really do themselves a massive favor here, as two first-round picks could change the course of the franchise.
After grabbing Dante Moore at pick six in this NFL mock draft, the Browns double-down on offense and grab Makai Lemon from USC. GM Andrew Berry seems to have brought in a very encouraging rookie class for 2025, so I do believe there is a path for this regime to remain in 2026.
The Deshaun Watson trade has really thrown things off for the Browns, but there could be some light at the end of the tunnel. Cleveland gets their hopeful franchise QB at pick six and grabs a wide receiver to further bolster the offense.
20. Los Angeles Chargers - Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Despite being a solid 5-3, the Los Angeles Chargers have dealt with some shaky offensive line play this season. Rashawn Slater is out for the year, and Joe Alt just returned from a multi-game absence. The interior of the offensive line has also been subpar for multiple years now.
A lot of this falls on GM Joe Hortiz, and he simply has to stop this madness and fix the offensive line once and for all. Spencer Fano could be the pick for the Bolts in Round 1, and when Slater returns, he could occupy one of the interior spots.
That might not seem like a likely solution, but it’s highly unlikely that Joe Alt kicks back over to right tackle when Slater is healthy. Alt is too good to not protect Justin Herbert’s blindside.
21. Buffalo Bills - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
It’s not been a great season for the Buffalo Bills thus far. Not only have they been dealing with some injuries, but the offense hasn’t been quite as good as it was last year, and the defense is turning into a total liability.
Losing two games in a row heading into their bye, Buffalo hopes to get back on track with a Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers, but even if they were to win that game, which feels likely, Buffalo’s roster issues won’t just go away overnight.
The secondary has been a spore spot for multiple years now, and we’ve got to be honest about Brandon Beane, their GM; he’s really struggled to maxmize this roster around Josh Allen in the NFL Draft in recent years.
And if Buffalo fails to get over the hump in the playoffs, I would not be shocked if both Beane and head coach Sean McDermott were not retained in 2026.
22. Seattle Seahawks - Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
One team I was wrong about coming into the 2025 NFL Season was the Seattle Seahawks. They’ve turned out to be one of the most balanced teams in the NFL and are on the right track for the future.
They could go a number of different directions in the 2026 NFL Draft. I could see them targeting an interior offensive lineman, perhaps another cornerback, or maybe even a wide receiver.
It’s wise for teams to build on their strengths, and one of the Seahawks’ strengths is throwing the ball, so GM John Schneider could continue fielding a top passing attack if he snagged Chris Bell from Louisville in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
All of the Seahawks, LA Rams, and San Francisco 49ers are 5-2 in the NFC West.
23. Los Angeles Rams - LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
The LA Rams grab LaNorris Sellers with their second first-round pick of the 2026 NFL Draft and begin to lay the groundwork for when Matthew Stafford eventually departs. Stafford is on pace for an insane season, but he’s a lot closer to 40 than 30 and isn’t likely to play for much longer.
Sellers is one of the more classic ‘raw, toolsy’ type of quarterbacks who probably needs some time on the bench learning the ropes, and there might not be a better franchise for that to happen at than with Stafford, Sean McVay, and the Rams.
The South Carolina QB would likely enter the mix in 2027 with an elite offensive line and some high-end weapons. The Rams have been a well-oiled machine for years now, but the one thing we have not seen this current coaching staff do is draft and develop a QB. Years ago, when Sean McVay got hired, Jared Goff was already present, so this would be a new challenge for McVay.
24. Detroit Lions Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
It’s another year where injuries are playing a factor for the Detroit Lions. Once again one of the best teams in the NFL, Detroit is 5-2 on the season and should again be able to capture the NFC North title. However, the roster itself has been dealing with injuries since the 2024 NFL Season, and it’s a huge reason why their season ended early last year.
GM Brad Holmes has been outstanding in the NFL Draft, so it’s not a talent issue at all. Things are clicking on offense once again, but it’s the defense that needs some help. Holmes and the Lions’ front office could continue targeting players in the secondary, as that unit has been a sore spot at times in recent years.
Davison Igbinosun would be yet another CB draft pick by Brad Holmes in an effort to get that unit figured out once and for all.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers - Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
The Pittsburgh Steelers again feel like a good team and nothing more - they’ll need to find a long-term QB solution after Aaron Rodgers retires, as GM Omar Khan simply has to take this position more seriously going forward.
The NFL Draft class doesn’t appear to be all that stacked at the QB position, but Garrett Nussmeier has a lot of desirable tools to be a QB at the NFL level. And if Rodgers does retire this coming offseason, Pittsburgh could always pursue a veteran QB to serve as a bridge for a year or so.
For years now, Pittsburgh has won just enough to get into the playoffs but haven’t been able to make any progress when there. It’s apparently the team’s new standard, but most of us can see why that isn’t sustainable.
Maybe 2026 could be when the franchise grabs a first-round QB.
26. Denver Broncos - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Denver Broncos are 5-2 approaching Week 8 and do have a lot going for them. They’ve invested a ton of draft capital and free agency dollars into the defense and have largely drafted who they have on offense.
Denver is actually building their team precisely how it has to be done - draft on offense and buy on defense. Going forward, the Broncos could contend for the AFC West title and might be in a position to continue going all-in during the 2026 NFL Offseason.
One position that has bugged them for years is tight end, and Kenyon Sadiq feels like the best player at the position in this class. The Broncos could also look to upgrade at wide receiver with this pick, and getting a long-term tackle could also be on the table as well.
However, the Broncos grab Sadiq at pick 26 in this mock draft.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t been getting very strong linebacker play this offseason, and this is another team where the offense is very strong and the defense simply needs more reinforcements.
Tampa is one of several 5-2 teams in the NFC and figure to again win the NFC South and host at least one playoff game, but they don’t feel like a juggernaut at the moment and absolutely need to get better on defense this coming offseason.
I could see this team bringing in another young wide receiver from the NFL Draft, but the offense is in a much more secure spot than the defense, so GM Jason Licht might have that early on his radar right now.
Anthony Hill Jr is yet another first-round-caliber linebacker who could be a day one starter and instant upgrade at a weak position for Tampa. The one thing this team has failed to do in recent years is take that leap into contention.
They could do it with a pick like this.
28. Philadelphia Eagles - David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
After an interesting 4-0 start, many across the NFL were thinking the Eagles were again the top team in the NFL. A two-game losing streak changed that big-time, but they got back on track with a huge win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7.
The Eagles are likely going to be buyers at the 2025 NFL trade deadline and are absolutely going to look for a boost in the secondary and at EDGE. One way they could sustain success getting to the QB is prioritizing it in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the one thing GM Howie Roseman has done at a high level for years now is being strong in the trenches.
David Bailey would be a sound pick for Roseman and the Eagles and would immediately step into a stable situation led by defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio. Roseman is always aggressive and always has a strong pulse with his team, so he’s not going to overthink this.
29. New England Patriots - Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The New England Patriots are 5-2 on the season and in first place in the AFC East right now. As far as I am concerned, the Pats are the best team in the division and absolutely the most balanced. We could be in a situation where the Patriots are adding a ton of talent next offseason and spending big-time in free agency.
They could be in a position to draft for need in the 2026 NFL Draft, so Denzel Boston could be a logical fit. While Stefon Diggs has had a good year thus far, he’s up there in age and isn’t getting any younger.
New England invested a ton of resources into their offensive line this past offseason and could turn their attention to the playmakers.
There is a world where New England emerges as a Super Bowl contender in 2026 and beyond.
30. San Francisco 49ers - Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Despite all the injuries, the San Francisco 49ers are tied with a slew of other teams for the best record in the NFC. It’s been a top-tier coaching job from Kyle Shanahan this season, but I can only imagine how frustrated he must be.
If nothing else, they’ve got a ton of younger talent and might be able to usher in a new era quite quickly. Getting more stout in the trenches would be a wise idea, so they target Isaiah World from Oregon with their first-round pick.
Protecting the QB is the single-most important thing for an NFL team to be able to do, and it’s always felt like the 49ers have left a little bit of meat on the bone with their OL in the Kyle Shanahan era.
There's also an interesting situation at QB... Mac Jones has looked solid and it really does not feel like there has been much of a drop off from Brock Purdy leaving the lineup...
31. Dallas Cowboys - AJ Harris, CB, Penn State
With their second first-round pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys grab AJ Harris from Penn State and continue to add talent to their secondary. It’s been a year to forget for the Cowboys’ defense, especially on the backend, but the secondary is quite talented.
The injuries have been a lot to overcome, and they haven’t really been able to overcome them this year. Jerry Jones, however, may be on the right track with his two defensive selections in this mock draft.
To his credit, trading Micah Parsons does allow them to allocate resources more efficiently throughout the rest of the team, and they did get a ton of cap relief.
Trading Parsons might not be as bad an idea as many of us think it is right now. Dallas also typically does well in the NFL Draft, so there’s a realistic chance that both Sonny Styles and AJ Harris are viable NFL players.
Dallas goes defense with both of their first-round selections in our latest mock draft.
32. Indianapolis Colts - CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Indianapolis Colts grab CJ Allen with the final pick in the first round, and there is really a lot to unpack with this team. On paper, the Colts had a very strong roster before the season, but not many of us expected the team to be very good.
Turns out, Daniel Jones might be a functional QB after all and just needed to be in a stable situation. All of a sudden, Indy is 6-1, has the best record in the NFL, and is strong on both sides of the ball. However, it’s easy to see how the defense could use a bit more help.
The Colts might just have the best and deepest offense in the NFL. It’s littered with draft picks, and Chris Ballard’s vision might finally be coming to fruition. Indy would be wise to approach the 2026 NFL Draft focused on adding more talent to their weaker unit, so I would actually be a bit shocked if they didn’t go defense here.