We are just days away from the start of the 2025 NFL season, and with the preseason giving us a clearer picture of team talent, it’s time to project how the Top 10 picks could unfold in the 2026 NFL Draft. For this mock, I used ESPN’s latest power poll to determine the draft order.
Top 10 2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. New Orleans Saints: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
The Saints have one of the weakest quarterback situations in the NFL, as neither Spencer Rattler nor Tyler Shough looks like a long-term answer. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier showed in his latest performance that he belongs among the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class, and he would make a lot of sense for New Orleans.
Jump Ball. It's not even fair. @TreyDez_Green 📺 | ABC pic.twitter.com/c2gLCKEIqh
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) August 31, 2025
2. Cleveland Browns: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
I’m not as high on Drew Allar as some evaluators, but he could fit the Browns with the second overall pick. Cleveland is built around a downhill rushing attack, so mobility at quarterback is not as much of a priority. Allar’s profile is closer to Joe Flacco, a big, strong-armed pocket passer, which would mesh with how the Browns want to play.
3. Las Vegas Raiders: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
The next quarterback off the board is Clemson’s Cade Klubnik. He is an athletic passer who threw 36 touchdown passes last season, a number topped only by Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. The Raiders need to start developing a young quarterback behind Geno Smith, who will be 35 at the start of next season.
4. Carolina Panthers: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Ohio State’s Caleb Downs might be the most talented player in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he could be viewed the same way Kyle Hamilton was in 2022. Hamilton slipped to the 14th pick, but his early success and potential to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year prove that using a top-five pick on a safety can be a smart investment. The Panthers desperately need help at this position, making Downs an ideal fit.
THE BUCKEYE DEFENSE SHUTS DOWN TEXAS ON 4TH DOWN... AGAIN 😱@ohioStatefb pic.twitter.com/W9ziVhZYc5
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025
5. Tennessee Titans: T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
The Titans used the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on quarterback Cam Ward, and this year they turn to the defensive side. With their top-five selection they add Clemson pass rusher T.J. Parker, who in 2024 was the only player in the nation to rank in the top 10 in forced fumbles (six, T-2nd), tackles for loss (19.5, 5th), and sacks (11.0, 9th).
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
After selecting Drew Allar with the second overall pick, the Browns use the pick acquired in the Travis Hunter trade to draft Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano. He is the top tackle on my board and has the versatility to play either right or left tackle, giving Cleveland a reliable protector for their new quarterback.
7. New York Jets: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
This is the biggest surprise pick in the top 10, as most projections have Arch Manning going first overall or returning to Texas for another season. If he declares, I don’t see him as the top quarterback in the class, but he would still be a strong fit in New York. The family connection adds intrigue, since his uncle Eli Manning spent his career with the Giants, the city’s other team.
8. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The Giants appear to have their quarterback of the future in Jaxson Dart, who impressed in the preseason. Their next priority is protecting him, and they address that by selecting Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. An elite athlete, Mauigoa was ranked #16 on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List and offers significant upside on the offensive line.
9. Dallas Cowboys: LaNorris Sellers, QB, Dallas Cowboys
If the Cowboys struggle this season, they’ll likely begin a rebuild, and adding a quarterback would be a logical first step. LaNorris Sellers is an exceptional athlete, though his passing is inconsistent and reminds me of Anthony Richardson. Still, his upside and playmaking ability make him a high-risk, high-reward option that fits the type of move Jerry Jones might make.
10. Los Angeles Rams: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
The Rams have one of the worst linebacker groups in the NFL, and with the pick acquired from Atlanta, they select the top linebacker in the 2026 class, Anthony Hill Jr. Last season, Hill led the SEC with 16.5 tackles for loss and is a quick, athletic playmaker who could start immediately for Los Angeles.