The countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft has crept down to just two weeks, and the rumors are flying on social media. Surprising pick projections, injury issues, trades developing behind the scenes, the most exciting part of the offseason has officially arrived.
While quarterbacks aren't expected to take up much of Day 1, things get interesting in this full first round mock draft!
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks find their way into the first round with surprising selections
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to likely be the team's Week 1 starter in 2026, with the plan for Mendoza becoming quite clear. The 2026 Heisman Award winner has all but signed his rookie contract at this point and looks to be Las Vegas' next long-term solution at the QB position.
No. 2: New York Jets – David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Jets desperately need to get after the passer more in 2026, among other things, and Bailey is one of the premier true pass rushers in the draft. Recent reports about leaguewide concerns surrounding Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.'s arm length take him out of this equation, lining up perfectly for the former Red Raider. He's much more of a sure bet with his pass rush production than other projected Top 10 pick defenders, and could end up the pick here.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Reese has been mocked to New York at 2nd overall a decent amount, and Arizona could see him as the best fit for their defense if the Jets choose a different path. It doesn't matter how the Cardinals address their defense, but it has to happen in a substantial way. They simply need more talent in what is widely considered a transitional period, and the Buckeyes' linebacker certainly provides that.
No. 4: Washington Commanders via Tennessee Titans – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
With Bailey ending up with the Jets and the LB-needy Giants set to pick at #5, Washington's front office gets aggressive and lands arguably the draft's best all-around defender. Styles has it all: athleticism, awareness, production, and just flat-out elite film. Veteran Bobby Wagner's stay in the nation's capital seems to have ended, and the Commanders here land a potential defense-changing player.
No. 5: New York Giants – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
This would be far from an ideal situation for New York, with the upper echelon of defenders all off the board. I have them pivoting and attacking the offensive line, snagging a steady blocker in Mauigoa. Protecting Jaxson Dart remains a high priority, and with the available crop of prospects, the front office might find itself electing to attack the trenches with its top pick.