The 2026 NFL Draft may not be as quarterback dominated as once perceived. There is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Alabama’s Ty Simpson and then everyone else.
The ironic part of those two being at the top of the board is those weren’t the quarterback prospects envisioned as the top prospects entering the 2025 college football season. That is just how quick things can change in the world of football and how unpredictable things can flow once the actual games are played on the field.
So, what about teams like the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns who hold top 5 picks as the season stand now and are need of quarterback talent. Once Mendoza and Simpson are off the board, could one of those teams and other teams in need of a franchise QB go in other directions and take their chances on a QB in the 2027 NFL Draft?
If they do, who are the prizes out there?
2026 NFL Draft: Ohio State dominated first round?
When it comes to talent beyond quarterback, some of the big names and high risers are draft boards reside at Ohio State. Caleb Downs was already a name high on most NFL scouts’ radars, but suddenly names like Arvell Reese, Carnell Tate and Sonny Styles are emerging as game-changing prospects most teams will be aiming for. Where will those players land and who will be taken No. 1 overall? This Week 11 edition of the NFL Mocks’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft explores the draft board if the season was to end today.
2026 NFL Mock Draft Top 5: Titans go bold at No. 1, Saints, Jets land top QB prizes
In a draft order determined by current record, the Tennessee Titans start it off with the No. 1 overall pick.
No. 1: Tennessee Titans– Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
With the No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive season, the Tennessee Titans look to find a transformative player on the defensive side of the ball. They will have their choice between two dominant forces in Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. They go with Reese given his overall impact on defense. Not only can Reese get after the quarterback, but his rare combination of athleticism, power and versatility makes him one of those generational defenders who can set the tone as a difference maker for the Titans’ defense for years to come.
No. 2: New Orleans Saints – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Saints will go quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft with the selection of Alabama’s Ty Simpson. While Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza will be the hot choice, the Saints opt for Simpson due to his pocket presence, clutch factor and his ability to extend plays with both his poise in the pocket and this athleticism. The Saints will see a higher upside in Simpson who has limited experience as a full-time starter.
No. 3: New York Jets – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Jets experiment with Justin Fields will come to an end as the Jets use the No. 3 overall pick on Heisman Trophy favorite Fernando Mendoza. With his poise, leadership and accuracy, the Indiana star will be a major upgrade for the Jets at the quarterback position due to his ability to get the ball down the field with his arm talent and accuracy. Mendoza’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions will also stand out to teams, especially the Jets who are starving for a franchise QB.
No. 4: New York Giants– Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
With Malik Nabers expected to return by the start of the 2026 NFL season, the New York Giants select Jordyn Tyson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Another weapon for Jaxson Dart, the addition of Tyson serves two purposes. He’s presence will take some of the pressure and emphasis off Nabers until he is back to 100 percent. Once he is back to vintage Nabers, this duo of wide receivers could be one of the best pair of playmakers in the NFL. Tyson’s route running ability is elite and with his ability to separate from defenders, he’ll be hard to cover for defenses who will also need to be focused on Nabers.
No. 5: Cleveland Browns – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Dante Moore is the third quarterback off the board as the Cleveland Browns use the first of their two first round picks on the Oregon star. There is a chance Shedeur Sanders starts at some point in the season. If he shows any glimpse that he is franchise quarterback material, the Browns could use this pick as a trade chip for more capital. Given the team’s recent misfortune at the QB position, it will be wise to use the pick on one of the top three quarterbacks entering the 2026 NFL Draft. In this case, the pick is Moore.