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.
2026 NFL Mock Draft 6-10: Commanders land dominant defender, Rams take a flyer at QB
No. 6: Las Vegas Raiders – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
With the top quarterbacks off the board, the Las Vegas Raiders use their top pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on defense with the selection of Clemson’s Peter Woods. With the size, talent and athleticism to be a disruptive force along the defensive line, Woods has a chance to elevate his potential playing alongside Maxx Crosby.
No. 7: Miami Dolphins – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Dolphins have a huge need at corner, but USC’s Makai Lemon will be too intriguing to pass up for a Miami team in need of some direction. As one of the top receivers in the draft class, Lemon has the playmaking skills and impact to complement Jaylen Waddle in the Dolphins’ offense. With 61 receptions for 937 yards and 9 touchdowns, the USC star has been one of the most explosive wideouts in the nation. Can his talent flourish in South Beach?
No. 8: Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr, ED, Miami
Given the needs of other teams, Ruebin Bain Jr. can either be the No. 1 overall pick or slide down in the top 10. In this case he slides to the perfect situation as he is selected with the No. 8 overall pick. The Commanders need a disruptor off the edge and Bain is all of that and more. He’ll be a pain for opposing offenses in the NFC East for years to come.
No. 9: Cincinnati Bengals– T.J. Parker, ED, Clemson
It seems inevitable that Trey Hendrickson will be moving on from the Cincinnati Bengals. In a class deep with edge rush talent, the Bengals select T.J. Parker who was projected as one of the top edge rush defenders in the nation. Given Clemson’s struggles this season, his value has dipped a bit, but the talent is there and a team like the Bengals can benefit from the skillset he’ll bring to the jungle.
No. 10: Los Angeles Rams via Atlanta – LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
The Rams have a bonus pick here and why not get bold. With the No. 10 overall pick, Sean McVay and the Rams select the fourth QB off the board in taking South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers. Once valued as the top pick in the draft, Sellers is the most talented quarterback in the draft given his elite physical tools and dual-threat ability. There are concerns about his durability and limited experience, but a coach like McVay can find a way to bring out the best in Sellers. He'll have some time to learn behind MVP candidate Matthew Stafford.
2026 NFL Mock Draft 11-15: Trio of Ohio State stars fly off the board
No. 11: Arizona Cardinals – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Cardinals reunite Ohio State duo Marvin Harrison Jr. and Carnell Tate by taking the wideout with the No. 11 overall pick. There are rumblings on whether Kyler Murray returns to the desert or not following the 2025 NFL season. If he does or whoever is under center for the Cardinals in 2026 will have quite the deep ball threat to get the ball to in Tate, who would also pose as the perfect complement to Harrison Jr.
No. 12: Dallas Cowboys– Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Cowboys need to rejuvenate the defense, and they do that with the selection of Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. While Arvell Reese is getting all the hype, Styles is sliding under the radar, but don’t get it twisted, this athletic, versatile linebacker can do it all for a defense. He’s physical, he can cover tight ends and he’s versatile enough to fit any scheme in the NFL. Most importantly, he adds speed and a high level of football instincts to the Cowboys defensive unit.
No. 13: Baltimore Ravens– Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Ravens’ fans have had the luxury of enjoying Ed Reed for years. Well, they get another generational safety with the selection of Caleb Downs. The fourth Ohio State playmaker off the board, Downs is the player who was ranked higher on most NFL Draft big boards entering the 2025 college football season. A devastating playmaker, Downs is still a cornerstone type talent and NFL teams drafting ahead of the Ravens should be punching the air by allowing him to slip to No. 13 to Baltimore.
No. 14: Minnesota Vikings – Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love is doing it all for Notre Dame. As a homerun hitter on the ground, Love’s ability to break ankles between the tackles and get out in open space as a pass catcher has the Fighting Irish back in the hunt for a college football playoffs berth. He can bring that same impact to the Minnesota Vikings, a team that is looking to add as many weapons around J.J. McCarthy as possible to help with his maturation in the NFL.
No. 15: Houston Texans – Spencer Fano, T, Utah
The Texans need to find protection for CJ Stroud and an athletic tackle who can get out in space and run block. Look no further than Spencer Fano who is mostly lauded for his run blocking power. At 6-foot-5, 302 pounds, Fano can play either of the tackle positions, but has excelled as the top left tackle in the nation. His high motor and explosive power fits right into how the Texans like to play on the field. In Fano, they have a player who can help upgrade the offensive line in a big way.
2026 NFL Mock Draft 16-20: Browns, Steelers bring elite wideouts to the AFC North
No. 16: Carolina Panthers – David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech
The Panthers are drafting in an area where Texas Tech’s David Bailey will be a high target. With a need for edge rush energy, the Panthers take him with the No. 16 overall pick in the draft. An edge/linebacker hybrid, Bailey has really emerged in 2025 after transferring from Stanford. Racking up 11.5 sacks already with Texas Tech, Bailey is a player who can come in and give the Panthers’ defense that identity they have been looking for.
No. 17: Kansas City Chiefs– Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
This one is almost unfair, but with the No. 17 overall pick, the Kansas City Chiefs find their Travis Kelce replacement with the selection of Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq. Yes, give Patrick Mahoms another dynamic weapon with great after-the-catch skills. While it is unfair to compare Sadiq to Kelce, he is a more athletic tight end who gives Mahomes a big target down the field.
No. 18: San Francisco 49ers– Cashius Howell, ED, Texas A&M
The 49ers can go in any direction that this spot in the draft, but they dip into the talent pool of edge rush talent with the selection of Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell. Although undersized at 6-foot-2, 248 pounds, Howell has explosive speed off the edge and has the versatility as a defender to drop back in coverage. With 10.5 sacks through 11 weeks of the college football season, Howell has emerged as a play wrecker, which is just what the 49ers need.
No. 19: Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Browns top need is at quarterback, which they addressed in selecting Dante Moore. Their other top need is at wide receiver, precisely a big wideout who can go up and get contested catches. The perfect prospect for the Browns is Denzel Boston. Big, physical and reliable, Boston is torching opposing defenses with his route-running and size. He’ll do the same in the NFL if drafted by the right team. The Browns could be that team if the QB is in place.
No. 20: Pittsburgh Steelers – Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
As tempting as it is for the Steelers to go quarterback here, the popular choice among many mock drafts is for the Steelers to grab another wide receiver who could complement DK Metcalf. Why not Chris Brazzell II, who has similar height as Metcalf, but might has a bit more quickness and speed, especially down the field. A Metcalf and Brazzell II duo could be lethal with the right quarterback under center. That will likely not be Aaron Rodgers in 2026.
2026 NFL Mock Draft 21-25: Cowboys land impact defensive lineman, Buccaneers beef up O-line
No. 21: Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay – Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
The Cowboys stick with defense with their second first round pick via the Micah Parsons trade. Despite adding Quinnen Williams at the NFL Trade Deadline, the Cowboys add to that defensive line with the selection of Caleb Banks. The big, defensive lineman has been slowed by a foot injury, but when healthy is a disruptive force in the middle of the line. Line him up next to Williams and the Cowboys will put the Big D back in Dallas.
No. 22: Chicago Bears– Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn
The Bears go defense with the No. 22 overall pick with the selection of Keldric Faulk out of Auburn. While not a player who jumping off the draft board, Faulk is a consistent defender with a great combination of size and athleticism who can get to the quarterback and make an impact in stopping the run. He still has upside that may make him more of a force at the NFL level. A solid pick for the Bears at this spot in the draft.
No. 23: Buffalo Bills – Romello Height, ED, Texas Tech
When you have a quarterback like Josh Allen, the temptation is always to add more playmakers around him. The Bills have the rest of the draft to explore wide receiver options, but at this spot they add some edge defensively with the selection of Romello Height. While the college football world and most NFL scouts are locked in on teammate David Bailey, Height is no slouch. In fact, he has risen as pass rush specialist with his blend of size, speed and athleticism. With his relentless attack, the Bills are getting a good one here.
No. 24: Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane is the first guard off the board at No. 24 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As an elite pass blocker, the 6-foot-4, 330-pound Ioane will be a great addition to the Buccaneers’ offensive line. Get Baker Mayfield as much protection as possible is the idea here.
No. 25: Detroit Lions – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Lions add depth to their secondary with Jermod McCoy. More than a depth piece, McCoy was touted as the top cornerback prior to the 2025 season and has the skillset and natural ball instincts to be a top cornerback at the NFL level. The Lions take a shot at him late in the first round and it should pay dividends.
2026 NFL Mock Draft 26-32: Broncos land new offensive weapons, a top tackle falls to Patriots
No. 26: Los Angeles Chargers – LT Overton, ED, Alabama
The Chargers add a young edge rusher in LT Overton with the No. 26 overall pick. A versatile lineman, Overton will still need to work on his pass-rushing technique but playing under a coach like Jim Harbaugh and maybe even a veteran like Khalil Mack should help his growth at the next level.
No. 27: Los Angeles Rams – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Rams use their second pick in the first round to address the secondary. They do that with the selection of Brandon Cisse out of South Carolina. As a player rising up the draft big board, Cisse is a speedy, physical corner who will give the Rams that high impact outside cornerback they have been hungry for.
No. 28: Denver Broncos – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Broncos will attempt to move up in the draft to grab Kenyon Sadiq, but when that fails, they stay pat and select KC Concepcion who has been a touchdown maker this season at Texas A&M. His blend of speed and ability to create yards after the catch will fit Sean Payton’s scheme and give Bo Nix another quick target to get the ball to in space.
No. 29: Seattle Seahawks – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
LSU’s Mansoor Delane slides down to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 29. With his high football IQ and positional versatility, Delane is a player the Seahawks will be looking for to reset their secondary following the 2025 NFL season.
No. 30: New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Jets traded away Sauce Gardner for this pick. With the pick they attempt to replace Gardner with the selection of Avieon Terrell. Another one of those Clemson defenders who were higher on the draft big board, Terrell still has the potential to be an elite corner in the NFL. The Jets take a shot here and could unlock what made Terrell one of the top corners in the nation.
No. 31: Philadelphia Eagles – R Mason Thomas, ED, Oklahoma
The Eagles could do anything here but will go edge with the selection of R Mason Thomas out of Oklahoma. Yes, the Eagles landed Jaelan Phillips at the trade deadline, but that doesn’t stop the Eagles from adding to their edge rush rotation. Another undersized edge rusher, Thomas has elite speed and a relentless motor that should make him an instant favorite in Philly.
No. 32: New England Patriots – Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami (FL)
The first surprise here is that Francis Mauigua is still available at the end of the first round. The second surprise is that the Patriots go tackle in the first round of back-to-back drafts. They will keep Will Campbell at left tackle, but the idea here is that the Patriots will need a right tackle. Mauigoa can fill that void. If they ever must slide Campbell inside to guard, they will have a left tackle ready. That’s if Campbell doesn’t continue growing as a top-tier tackle.