2026 Top 10 NFL Mock Draft: Could the New York Jets take Ty Simpson No. 1 overall?

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the college football season, and the top 2026 NFL Draft prospects landscape has already seen major shakeups. Arch Manning and Cade Klubnik have gone from projected top five picks to prospects who may struggle to crack the top 100 if they even enter this year’s draft, which Manning likely won’t.

Meanwhile, Alabama’s Ty Simpson has gone from competing for the starting quarterback job to emerging as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., coming off a disappointing 2024 season, is now one of the likely top defenders off the board.

The NFL has seen surprises too. Is there a bigger shock than the Baltimore Ravens, projected Super Bowl contenders, starting 1-5? Or the Jacksonville Jaguars suddenly competing as one of the AFC’s top teams?

All of these developments shape this latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft:

Top 10 NFL Draft pick predictions:

1. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Jets just managed negative 10 passing yards against Denver and watched Justin Fields get sacked nine times while completing only nine passes. That kind of offensive collapse leaves no doubt they need a quarterback. Ty Simpson might not have Cam Ward’s raw flash, but he’s the most cerebral passer in this class. He processes quickly, throws with precision, and has the tools to become a high quality long-term starter.

2. Cleveland Browns: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Dillon Gabriel’s 37.5 QBR and erratic decision-making have crippled Cleveland’s offense. They can’t keep trying to win in spite of their quarterback. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is an upgrade. He’s accurate, calm under pressure, and fresh off outplaying Dante Moore in one of the season’s biggest quarterback duels. Mendoza’s vision and consistency could finally bring stability to the Browns’ passing attack.

3. Baltimore Ravens: Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami

As we enter Week Seven, the Baltimore Ravens are one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments, sitting at 1-5 and holding the third overall pick. While it’s likely they’ll win more once Lamar Jackson returns, if they stay near the top of the draft, they need to address their lack of pass rush. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. is the clear-cut top defensive end in the 2026 class and has the power, motor, and quickness to become the Ravens’ next Terrell Suggs.

4. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

In my previous mock draft, I also had the Dolphins taking Caleb Downs, and I’m sticking with that pick. It makes too much sense. Miami’s secondary ranks as the third worst in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, with a weak 47.5 coverage grade. Downs is the kind of versatile safety this defense needs. He can cover deep, handle slot duties, and play in the box to help fix a rush defense that’s giving up an NFL-worst 169 yards per game.

5. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Spencer Rattler hasn’t yet proven he’s the answer at quarterback, but he continues to improve each week. With no other quarterback on the board worth a high first-round pick, don’t be surprised if the Saints pass on one early. Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson makes sense here, especially with Chris Olave’s recent struggles with drops.

6. Tennessee Titans: T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson

The Titans’ draft plans will depend on who replaces former coach Brian Callahan, but adding a pass rusher makes sense. The best one left on the board is Clemson’s T.J. Parker, who despite a somewhat down season still shows high-level traits. He has the flexibility to bend around the edge, good burst off the ball, and the strength to be both an effective pass rusher and run defender in the NFL.

7. Cincinnati Bengals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

This might be a surprise pick, but if the Bengals want to keep Joe Burrow healthy, they need to take pressure off him. Adding an elite running back like Jeremiyah Love would immediately improve a run game that’s averaging an NFL-low 56.7 yards per game and just 3.1 yards per carry. After taking Love in the first round, Cincinnati can turn its attention to the offensive line on day two of the 2026 NFL Draft.

8. Las Vegas Raiders: Anthony Hill Jr., MLB, Texas

Cornerback might be the more pressing need for the Raiders, but they also need help at linebacker. Texas’s Anthony Hill Jr. is the top linebacker in the 2026 draft and ranks higher on my board than any cornerback. He’s a big, physical player with the range to play any linebacker spot and a proven playmaker, having led the SEC with 16.5 tackles for loss last season.

9. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Giants are finally moving in the right direction behind rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo, but they still need help at right tackle. Spencer Fano provides a physical presence in the run game and excels at sustaining blocks. In 2024, he was PFF’s highest-graded run blocker with a 93.6 grade.

10. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Cardinals are often projected to take a wide receiver, but after using their last top-ten pick on Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024, expect them to address offensive tackle. Francis Mauigoa is one of the most athletic tackles in this class, ranked No. 16 on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” entering the season. He would likely step in as a day-one starter at right tackle.