2026 NFL Mock Draft: Four QBs Selected in First Round, Arch Manning’s Challenge
The final stretch of the NFL season has arrived, with several teams officially eliminated from playoff contention. The New York Giants were the first to fall after Week 12, closely followed by the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and New Orleans Saints in Week 13. As the playoff picture clears, anticipation builds for the 2026 NFL Draft, where a significant focus will be on quarterback prospects.
2026 NFL Mock Draft Predictions: QBs at the Forefront
The latest mock draft reveals the current landscape ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Below is the projected first-round selection order:
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee Titans | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | Miami |
| 2 | New York Giants | Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State |
| 3 | New Orleans Saints | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana |
| 4 | Las Vegas Raiders | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon |
| 5 | Cleveland Browns | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State |
| 6 | Washington Commanders | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | Auburn |
| 7 | New York Jets | Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama |
| 8 | Arizona Cardinals | Spencer Fano | OT | Utah |
| 9 | Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) | Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee |
| 10 | Cincinnati Bengals | Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU |
| 11 | Minnesota Vikings | Peter Woods | DL | Clemson |
| 12 | Miami Dolphins | Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State |
| 13 | Kansas City Chiefs | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame |
| 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State |
| 15 | Carolina Panthers | Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami |
| 16 | Dallas Cowboys | David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech |
| 17 | Detroit Lions | T.J. Parker | EDGE | Clemson |
| 18 | Houston Texans | Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama |
| 19 | Baltimore Ravens | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon |
| 20 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State |
| 21 | Buffalo Bills | Makai Lemon | WR | USC |
| 22 | Philadelphia Eagles | Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee |
| 23 | New York Jets (via IND) | Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina |
| 24 | San Francisco 49ers | Denzel Boston | WR | Washington |
| 25 | Los Angeles Chargers | Cashius Howell | EDGE | Texas A&M |
| 26 | Cleveland Browns (via JAX) | Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah |
| 27 | Dallas Cowboys (via GB) | C.J. Allen | LB | Georgia |
| 28 | Seattle Seahawks | Olaivavega Ioane | IOL | Penn State |
| 29 | Los Angeles Rams | LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina |
| 30 | Denver Broncos | Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas |
| 31 | Chicago Bears | Matayo Uiagalelei | EDGE | Oregon |
| 32 | New England Patriots | Chris Bell | WR | Louisville |
Quarterbacks Rise in Importance
The 2026 draft class shows a mix of quarterback potential and uncertainty. Initially, five quarterbacks were anticipated in the first round. Currently, Fernando Mendoza and LaNorris Sellers remain strong candidates, while Cade Klubnik, Garrett Nussmeier, and Drew Allar have likely dropped out of contention.
Fernando Mendoza’s performance has been impressive this season. His comeback against Penn State adds to his credibility. If he leads Indiana deep into the playoffs, he could solidify his status as QB1. However, Mendoza has another year of eligibility, which may influence his decision.
Dante Moore, in his first season as a starter, has shown promise. If he opts to declare for the draft, teams may pursue him for his upside. Likewise, Ty Simpson has become a Heisman contender, yet he too has remaining eligibility and may choose to stay at Alabama.
Teams on the Hunt for QBs
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Jets
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Cleveland Browns
These teams are expected to target quarterbacks early in the draft. Though the Browns did not select a QB in this mock, they are anticipated to address the position in the near future.
While Arch Manning entered the season with high expectations, setbacks early on have shifted perceptions. Despite struggles against Ohio State and Florida, Manning rebounded with strong performances lately, including a three-touchdown game against Vanderbilt. Speculation surrounds whether he will declare for the draft, with some believing he could be a top pick if he does.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the shifting dynamics of team needs and player performances will undoubtedly make this a captivating offseason. Expect significant interest in quarterback prospects, altering draft strategies among franchises. For updates and analysis, stay tuned to El-Balad.
