Way-Too-Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft: 6 QBs in Round 1, Steelers Trade Up

The 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the rear-view mirror, but it is never too early to take a look at next year’s class. With that in mind, it is time to share with you my annual way-too-early mock draft!

I apologize for not getting this to you sooner. It has been an eventful month, as I just finished my final year of college and graduated. Since the draft, my schedule has been a bit hectic, needless to say, but I wanted to make sure I still gave you an early glance at what the 2026 class may look like.

If you listened to any of the podcasts I was a part of leading up to the draft here at FFSN/SCN, you knew my strong stance on the fact the 2025 NFL Draft was perhaps the weakest class I’ve ever seen. Next year’s class, however, looks much better across the board, and it begins with the quarterbacks. After a year in which we saw only two quarterbacks taken in Round 1, we could see as many as seven go in Round 1 in 2026, depending on who declares for the draft early. Receiver does not look incredible at the top, but there are several breakout candidates worth watching, as you will see below. Defense looks equally as strong as offense across the board.

For draft order, I simply used the projected order on Tankathon as of May 20th. Do NOT consider this as my projection as to where teams will actually be picking. Trades are projected for realism.

Let’s cut to the chase and dive in!

1. Browns- Arch Manning – QB – Texas

I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion Manning enters the 2026 draft, but if he does, his pedigree and winning track record will put him in the conversation for the top overall pick.

2. Saints- LaNorris Sellers – QB – South Carolina

If Tyler Shough plays well, I anticipate the Saints going in another direction than quarterback, but if they happen to be picking 2nd overall, I would imagine they take a top-end quarterback. Sellers is not Kellen Moore’s type, but his personality and play style would be loved in New Orleans. He has Cam Newton-level athleticism.

3. Titans- T.J. Parker – EDGE – Clemson

Even if Tennessee has a rough season, I expect them to give Cam Ward another chance in Year 2. They do, however, need to continue to bolster the pass rush, and Parker was one of the best in college football last season, accumulating 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.

4. Giants- Francis Maugoa – OT – Miami

The Giants always seem to be in need of offensive line help, but they desperately need to protect Jaxson Dart. Maugoa is a plus athlete who is light on his feet and moves quickly out of his stance.

5. Jets- Caleb Downs – S – Ohio State

One could make the argument Downs should be regarded as the top overall prospect in next year’s class. Even though this may seem high for a safety, the Jets did not address the position as strongly as I had anticipated this offseason. Adding Downs makes sense for Aaron Glenn’s scheme.

***PROJECTED TRADE***

• Steelers receive Pick 6
• Panthers receive 2026 1st, 3rd, 4ths (2), and 5th round picks and a 2027 1st Round Pick

6. Steelers- Drew Allar – QB – Penn State

The Steelers did not coincidentally play free agency in a way that would give them a stockpile of compensatory picks in 2026. I anticipate them using their extra capital to make an aggressive move for a quarterback. Allar was incredibly inconsistent in 2024, but his big arm and thick frame will be likened by Steelers fans to that of Ben Roethlisberger.

7. Colts- Kadyn Proctor – OT – Alabama

Proctor is a massive individual who may not need to play at the weight he is currently listed at. His core power is naturally impressive, and he moves well for a big guy. His run-blocking prowess will open doors for what will hopefully be a potent duo of Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson.

8. Jaguars- Peter Woods – DT – Clemson

The Jaguars have Maason Taylor and a couple other young pieces along the interior, but if we do not see a major breakout from Taylor this year, Jacksonville should consider upgrading the position. Woods is incredibly versatile for his size, and he would be a needed three-down player for a weak Panthers defense.

9. Raiders- Cade Klubnik – QB – Clemson

Clemson has quite a number of star players in next year’s draft, but Klubnik is the X-factor. He made impressive strides in 2024 in terms of ball placement and decision-making, which will appeal greatly to Pete Carroll and Tom Brady.

10. Rams- Sam Leavitt – QB – Arizona State

Leavitt was impressive in 2024, but this season will be a bigger test for him, as he will not have Cam Skattebo in the backfield next to him. His ability to process quickly and layer the ball to every level of the field makes him a great fit for Sean McVay’s scheme.

11. Patriots- Jermod McCoy – CB – Tennessee

While I wouldn’t rule out a pass rusher here, I could see Mike Vrabel attempting to stack the secondary and pair Christian Gonzalez with McCoy, who has the talent to rise into the top 10 if he can stay healthy this season.

12. Cardinals- Rueben Bain – EDGE – Miami

Bain seemed to regress this past season, but the athletic traits are certainly appealing. Arizona could use a boost to their pass rush, which makes a selection like Bain plausible.

13. Dolphins- Garrett Musmeier – QB – LSU

I am not the biggest fan of Nusmeier, but he brings pedigree, accuracy, and poise to the table. His precision as a passer could make him a fit for Mike McDaniel if he is not fired and Tua fails to stay healthy.

14. Seahawks- Keldric Faulk – DT – Auburn

Seattle’s defensive line has lost a couple pieces over the past couple offseasons, and it is time for them to replenish the talent. Faulk is not a finished product, but his ability to penetrate from the interior could open things up for Mike McDonald.

15. Cowboys- Carnell Tate – WR – Ohio State

Dallas has George Pickens for at least 2025, but even if he pops off, would the Cowboys really pay two receivers? Tate will get one-on-one looks all season long playing opposite Jeremiah Smith, which bodes well for a breakout campaign.

16. Panthers (projected from Steelers)- Caleb Banks – DT – Florida

The Panthers were all in on MIlton Williams in free agency, and they had shown interest in Walter Nolen as a potential first-round pick, but neither came to fruition. If they prioritize the position at all, they will take a strong look at Banks, whose long, athletic frame will catch the eyes of scouts early on in the process.

17. Bears- Spencer Fano – OT – Utah

Chicago was rumored to have liked Kelvin Banks, Jr. and Will Campbell this year, but both were gone by the time they were on the clock at Pick 10. Fano can play a little off-balanced at times, but there is plenty of potential. A breakout season firmly puts him in the top-10 conversation.

18. Vikings- Jeremyiah Love – RB – Notre Dame

The Vikings have a great offense on paper, but Aaron Jones cannot play forever. Love is not the biggest back, but he hits the hole with a tantalizing combination of power and speed.

19. Broncos- Eric Singleton, Jr. – WR – Auburn

Denver has several young receivers on the verge of budding, most namely Marvin Mims. With Courtland Sutton’s future unknown, however, I anticipate Sean Payton to be looking for another receiver in 2026. Singleton is not the biggest receiver in the world, but he runs good routes and is one of the more complete receivers in the SEC.

***PROJECTED TRADE***

• Lions receive Texans’ 1st Round Pick
• Texans receive Lions’ 1st, 3rd, and 6th round picks

20. Lions- Jake Slaughter – C – Florida

Frank Ragnow has already been considering retirement, and the Lions need to continue to add to the line if they want to keep it a strength of their roster. Slaughter is currently my highest-rated center in the class by a good margin, and it may be enough for Brad Holmes to move up for him.

21. Buccaneers- Anthony Hill, Jr. – ILB – Texas

The Bucs passed on Jihaad Campbell this past year, and they still need to find a true long-term replacement for Lavonte David. Not to mention, they have yet to find a permanent upgrade from Devin White. Hill is one of the most complete linebackers in next year’s class, as he can affect the game as a cover man, run defender, and blitzer.

22. Chargers- LT Overton – EDGE – Alabama

Los Angeles still needs a tight end to complete Jim Harbaugh’s offense, but with no tight end worthy of a first-round grade, I opted to give them a much-need boost to their pass rush with Overton, who possesses a nice blend of size, power, and athleticism.

23. Packers- Malik Muhammad – CB – Texas

With the Jaire Alexander saga yet to reach a conclusion, Green Bay is still in need of more help at corner. Muhammad could afford to add a little extra weight to his frame, but he has already displayed an ability to react quickly in zone coverage and stick with almost any receiver in man coverage.

24. 49ers- Gennings Dunker – OT – Iowa

The tackle run began too early for the 49ers to capitalize on value at the position this year, but next year, the need will only be more pressing. Dunker is a great zone blocker with a nasty demeanor that would fit in perfectly with Kyle Shanahan’s desires on offense.

25. Bengals- Avieon Terrell – CB – Clemson

The brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, Avieon is already more well-rounded than his brother was coming out, despite lacking the size A.J. had. Cincinnati still has a long way to go when it comes to rebuilding their defense, so adding anything at any level is wise.

26. Rams- Jordyn Tyson – CB – Arizona State

The Rams keep the dynamic Sun Devil duo together by adding Tyson, who knows how to attack the football and make key plays in key situations. These two picks put the Rams offense in great position for the future.

27. Commanders- Nyck Harbor – WR – South Carolina

If you want to talk about athletic freaks, Nyck Harbor has a chance to dominate the combine. Listed at 6’5”, 235 pounds, Harbor can reportedly run in the 4.4s, and the speed shows up on tape. If he is truly as big and as fast as people are saying he is, he will draw D.K. Metcalf comparisons all the way through draft night.

28. Bills- Deontae Lawson – ILB – Alabama

The Bills are in need of new blood at the linebacker position, and Lawson has a chance to be “the guy” now that Jihaad Campbell is gone. Campbell often overshadowed Lawson’s amazing skill set, but his do-it-call ability and can-do mentality will make him a hot commodity next Spring.

29. *Texans (projected from Lions)- Nicholas Singleton – RB – Penn State

Joe Mixon has been great for Houston, but he is getting older and cannot be relied upon for many more years. Singleton has failed to outperform his outstanding freshman campaign over the past two seasons, but he became a much more consistent receiver and well-rounded back in 2024.

30. Ravens- Ar’maj Reed-Adams – G – Texas A&M

Reed-Adams may not be the most versatile lineman in next year’s class, but his combination of athleticism and nastiness make him a high-upside run blocker at the next level. He is a logical fit for a physical Ravens offense.

31. Chiefs- Cayden Green – G – Missouri

The Chiefs added Josh Simmons in Round 1 this year, but if they want to keep the cupboard full along the interior, they will need to address it with a premium pick next year. Green is fluid mover with consistent power in the run game, and he fits what Kansas City likes to do up front.

32. Dani Dennis-Sutton – EDGE – Penn State

Ty Robinson and Jihaad Campbell were outstanding picks for the Eagles, but adding another long-term presence on the EDGE should be anticipated. Dennis-Sutton provides the lower-body strength to set the edge against the run and the length to gain leverage and penetrate effectively as a pass rusher.

Who do you have your eye on for your team in 2026? Be sure to share your thoughts on this and all things NFL Draft in the comment section below!