With training camps underway and rosters beginning to take shape, it’s the perfect time to project how the top of the 2026 NFL Draft could unfold. Teams haven’t played a single snap yet, but the foundation for next April’s draft is already being built through roster moves, quarterback battles, and depth chart concerns. This mock draft uses Yahoo Sports' power rankings to determine the current draft order and highlights the prospects who could reshape struggling franchises.
Top 10 NFL Mock Draft
1. Tennessee Titans: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
After selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in 2025, the Titans are still projected by Yahoo Sports to be the worst team in the league heading into this season. If they end up picking first again in 2026, they could shift focus to the defensive side of the ball with Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker. Parker dominated last season with 11 sacks and consistently flashed elite burst and strength off the edge, making him one of the most disruptive defensive players in college football.
2. New Orleans Saints: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
In my June mock draft, I had the Saints taking LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Even though they’re now picking second, I still have them going with Nussmeier. New Orleans has one of the weakest quarterback rooms in the league, and it's hard to see the injury-prone Tyler Shough as a long-term solution.
3. Cleveland Browns: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
The Browns took shots at the quarterback position in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, but the need under center remains. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik could be a strong fit in Kevin Stefanski’s offense. He processes reads quickly and brings a similar athletic skill set to Baker Mayfield, who has been the most effective quarterback Stefanski has coached in Cleveland.
CADE KLUBNIK ARE YOU SERIOUS ⁉
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) November 9, 2024
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4. Carolina Panthers: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
The Panthers need to turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball after spending most of the offseason upgrading the offense. Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei would be a major boost on defense. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound edge rusher totaled 12.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks last season, showing the size, motor, and production to become an impact player at the next level.
5. New York Jets: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Jets will likely consider taking a quarterback high in the first round, but it’s hard to see three QBs going in the top five next year. That means they’ll probably focus on another position, and wide receiver is a major need. Pro Football Focus ranks their receiver group 28th in the league, with Garrett Wilson the only reliable option. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson is a physical receiver who reminds me of Dez Bryant and could give the Jets the toughness and playmaking they desperately need at the position.
6. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Giants have promising young talent in wide receiver Malik Nabers, quarterback Jaxson Dart, and linebacker Abdul Carter. Still, the right tackle position needs an upgrade, and Utah’s Spencer Fano is the best right tackle prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Last season, the All-American allowed just one sack and earned a 93.6 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Raiders enter the season with the worst-ranked secondary in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, and they’ll likely need to move on from Eric Stokes after the year. Clemson’s Avieon Terrell could be a much-needed upgrade. He led the Power Four with 14 forced incompletions and was PFF’s highest-graded cornerback against the run in the ACC during the 2024 season.
8. New England Patriots: Anthony Smith, DE, Minnesota
This may be the biggest surprise pick in the top ten, but Anthony Smith has the size and skill set to play defensive end in the Patriots' 3-4 scheme. With Keion White still unproven as a reliable starter, New England could look for help up front. Smith holds his ground well against the run and shows impressive burst for a 6-foot-6, 285-pound defensive lineman.
9. Indianapolis Colts: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
When your top two quarterbacks are Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, it’s time to make a serious move at the position. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is a player whose draft stock could rise quickly this season now that he’s operating in the Hoosiers' offensive system. He has ideal NFL size, a quick release, and the ability to throw from multiple platforms, all of which give him the tools to develop into a high-level NFL quarterback.
10. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Dolphins are thin at cornerback, especially after trading Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers. Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy is one of the top prospects at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft. He has solid size, fluid movement, and strong ball skills, highlighted by four interceptions last season.