The college football playoffs are underway and top 2026 NFL Draft talent will be in the spotlight, including 2026 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. The question is will he be the only QB to select from at the top of the draft.
While Oregon’s Dante Moore and Alabama’s Ty Simpson hasn’t declared for the draft, NFL teams may have to shift their attention to the 2027 NFL Draft which will feature players like South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Ohio State’s Justin Sayin. That does put some focus on veteran NFL QB’s who could be on the move.
That list of QBs includes Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Kirk Cousins and potentially Deshawn Watson. Movement of any of those players will impact the draft.
Aside from quarterbacks, the wide receiver position is something to watch as notable wideouts like A.J. Brown, Brandon Aiyuk and George Pickens (via free agency) can have some impact on the draft. The big one to watch is Brown who has been rumored in trades the past couple of seasons. Will he find a landing spot in the draft and if he does, what would be the draft compensation?
The Week 16 edition of the 2026 NFL Mock Draft explores the draft with some big trades sprinkled in.
2026 NFL Mock Draft Top 5: 3 QBs land in top 5; Cardinals reshape the draft board with blockbuster deal
In a draft order determined by current record and the projected trade, the Cardinals start it off with the No. 1 overall pick.
Projected trade: Cardinals move on from Kyler Murray with huge trade gamble
The Cardinals wager future draft capital by trading up to the No. 1 spot by sending the No. 6 overall pick, a second-round pick and a 2027 first to the New York Giants.
No. 1: Arizona Cardinals (via New York Giants)– Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
In a bold move, the Arizona Cardinals are the team that entices the New York Giants to trade the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. With clear indication that they are moving on from Kyler Murray, the Cardinals trade No. 6, their 2026 second round pick and a 2027 NFL draft first round pick to select Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy winner has been consistently the best QB in college football and the Cardinals add him to the mix. The question now is can they find a suitor for Murray?
No. 2: Las Vegas Raiders – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Assuming he declares for the draft, Oregon’s Dante Moore instantly becomes the future of the Las Vegas Raiders at the quarterback position. After watching a team leapfrog them for the No. 1 overall pick, the Raiders are very content to take Moore, who possess elite arm talent and tremendous touch on deep ball passes. With his composure on the football field, he would be a great building block for the Raiders’ offense.
No. 3: Tennessee Titans– Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Titans add one of the most exciting defensive players in college football with the No. 3 overall pick. They will have their choice between Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese but ultimately goes with Reese for the versatility and speed he brings to the defense. With the ability to get after the quarterback, but also drop back in coverage, the overall athleticism and impact of Resse makes him the top non-quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
No. 4: Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Back-to-back Ohio State Buckeyes players go off the board as the Cleveland Browns add another offensive weapon to the mix in Carnell Tate. Shedeur Sanders will show enough promise for the Browns to give him a longer look in 2026 and with the selection of Tate, they give him another down-the-field option with reliable hands who can burn defenders with is route-running and body control.
No. 5: New York Jets – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Jets will be urged to trade up to select either Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore, but they stay put and take Alabama’s Ty Simpson with the No. 5 overall pick. Simpson has fallen a bit as far as draft stock, but after a strong performance in round 1 of the college football playoffs, that stock will rise again. If he declares for the draft, he will be one of the top 3 quarterbacks in the draft. The Jets, who have an addition No. 1 overall pick and two second round picks in this draft, can take this type of wager with their top pick.