Did Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season expose new draft needs for some of the NFL's struggling teams?
The Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers are two of the four teams that remained winless through Week 4. Both teams have quarterbacks in place, but each could face a crucial decision if their seasons continue to spiral.
When it comes to the Texans, much of their struggles this season have not been on C.J. Stroud. Despite his stellar play to start the season, Houston has been let down by the same defense that was lauded throughout the NFL as one of the most dominant units entering 2026. Late-game collapses, along with a lack of a running game, have the Texans fighting to save their season in Week 5.
As for the Chargers, the issue is the offense. With Justin Herbert struggling to adapt to Mike McDaniel's offensive system, the franchise could be at a crossroads once the season ends. Do they stick with Herbert, or do they go in another direction at quarterback?
While the Texans and Chargers currently own two of the top three picks in the 2027 NFL Draft order, both face interesting decisions. One team may opt to build around its quarterback, while the other could face a monumental shift.
Those decisions could shake up the entire first round, especially with quarterback-needy teams looking to make their own moves. In this latest 2027 NFL Mock Draft, one AFC East team makes an aggressive trade, while another franchise lands a quarterback who could change its future.
Texans pass on QB as Jets make bold move
No. 1 Houston Texans (0-4): Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
While the Houston Texans continue to hold the No. 1 overall pick, the selection here is Jeremiah Smith.
NFL Mocks' John Blair was tempted to go quarterback with this pick in his team-focused mock draft this week but sees committing to C.J. Stroud as the best option for the Texans, given the inconsistency of the top quarterbacks in the class thus far.
Blair writes:
"Look for the Texans to try to surround Stroud with a better supporting cast. That starts with taking the top player in the 2027 NFL Draft in Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith."
No. 2 New York Jets (1-3) via trade: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
With the Tennessee Titans currently holding the No. 2 overall pick and sticking with Cam Ward, they trade the second overall pick to the New York Jets for No. 6 and a 2028 first-round pick.
Could the Jets stand pat at No. 6 and use one of their three first-round picks in this draft to get a quarterback they like? Yes. However, with QB-needy teams ahead of them like the Miami Dolphins and potentially the Chargers, they move up to get their quarterback in Arch Manning.
NFL Mocks' Simon Shortt sees Manning as the best bet based on his overall talent:
"So far this season, none of the quarterback prospects have pulled away as the clear QB1 of this class, so we'll go with Arch Manning for having the best combination of traits."
No. 3 Los Angeles Chargers (0-4): Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
In last week's mock draft, I went bold by suggesting the Chargers would move on from Justin Herbert and select a quarterback here. If the team continues to go winless over the upcoming weeks, we may have to shift back to that idea.
For now, we will go with the team taking the best player available who fits a big need, and that is Colin Simmons, who is lightning quick off the edge and gives the Chargers another young pass rusher.
No. 4 Miami Dolphins (0-4): Darian Mensah, QB, Miami (FL)
Darian Mensah to the Dolphins seems like destiny.
Perhaps no team will have a closer look at the Hurricanes quarterback than the Dolphins, who will likely have scouts at every Miami home game.
Unless Malik Willis elevates his play and proves he is a franchise-type quarterback, Miami is going quarterback. With Manning off the board to their AFC East rivals, Mensah mania stays put in South Beach.
No. 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4): Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
The Buccaneers notched their first victory of the season on Thursday night. They did it by playing outstanding defense.
Add Notre Dame's Leonard Moore as CB1, and Todd Bowles will have an outstanding defender in the secondary to work with.
That's if the Buccaneers turn their season around and Bowles is still the head coach.
No. 6 Tennessee Titans (0-4) via trade: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
The Titans continue to build around Cam Ward by securing the left side of the offensive line with the selection of Trevor Goosby.
With the 2028 first-round pick acquired in the trade down with the Jets, the Titans can give Ward another year to prove himself and then dip into what is becoming an interesting 2028 quarterback class if necessary.
No. 7 Washington Commanders (1-3): Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
Jayden Daniels gets another pass catcher with the selection of Charlie Becker with the No. 7 overall pick.
With Terry McLaurin on the other side of 30, wide receiver is a top need for the Commanders, even with the emergence of 2026 third-round pick Antonio Williams.
Becker has emerged as WR2 in this draft, and the Commanders secure him with their top-10 pick.
No. 8 New Orleans Saints (1-3): Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
If Dylan Stewart gets back in the good graces of his coaches and dominates on the field, he should be a top-10 pick in this draft.
The talent is too great for him not to be a top pick.
The Saints take him here with hopes that he will be their Cam Jordan successor. Talent-wise, there's a good bet he will be.
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