Top 10 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jets, Dolphins, Browns, and Raiders land franchise QB's

The quarterback position has seen perhaps the biggest shakeup since the start of the season. Going into 2026, the top quarterbacks in the draft were expected to be Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, and Cade Klubnik, who now may be lucky to hear their names called on Day 2. Meanwhile, other quarterbacks have surged up draft boards, including Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

Luckily for these quarterbacks, several teams are actively seeking their next franchise signal-caller. The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins currently hold the top two picks in the draft, and it would not be a surprise if the Cleveland Browns or Las Vegas Raiders trade up to secure a quarterback.

2026 NFL Mock Draft top 10 picks:

In addition to four quarterbacks being taken in the top ten, the offensive tackle position also draws attention, with three linemen selected in this range.

1. New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

The Jets appear ready to move on from Justin Fields, who they recently benched against the Carolina Panthers. Their potential franchise quarterback could be Oregon’s Dante Moore, widely regarded as one of the best pure passers in this class. New York clearly values him, sending GM Darren Mougey to watch Moore’s latest performance against Rutgers.

2. Miami Dolphins: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Miami’s decision at this spot will likely hinge on the future of their head coach. If they bring back Mike McDaniel for 2026, the team may look to a quarterback who can thrive in his quick, timing-based passing system. Enter Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, currently the highest-rated player on my board. He is a signal-caller who fits perfectly in McDaniel’s offensive style. 

3. Cleveland Browns: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

Currently, the New Orleans Saints hold this pick, but they could easily move down to a team like the Cleveland Browns, who have a greater need at quarterback. Spencer Rattler has shown promise in recent games, giving the Saints flexibility to trade. In this scenario, the Saints move down and receive the sixth overall pick plus a second-round selection. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers is an athletic quarterback with high upside who could become a long-term solution for Cleveland.

4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami

In previous mock drafts, I have consistently had the Titans selecting a defensive end with their first pick, and that continues here. As they move up the draft board, Tennessee has a strong chance to land Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., after settling for T.J. Parker in my previous mock draft. Bain is an explosive edge rusher with the potential to reach double-digit sack totals at the next level.

5. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson

The true test for the Ravens will come when Lamar Jackson returns from injury, a factor that could shape their 2026 draft position. If Jackson and the team return to a high level of play, it is unlikely Baltimore will be picking this early. However, if they do keep this selection, Clemson’s T.J. Parker remains a top first-round talent on my board, even after a somewhat down season.

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

After trading down in the first round, the Saints add key help for Spencer Rattler by selecting the top wide receiver in the 2026 class. Tyson has already recorded an impressive 57 receptions this season, ranking third in the nation. He would likely become the Saints’ number one receiver and form a strong tandem with Chris Olave for years to come.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Alabama’s Ty Simpson is the fourth quarterback selected in this draft, and the Raiders use the seventh overall pick to add him to their roster. This pick makes sense, as Simpson’s playing style reminds me of Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. He possesses elite accuracy, a high football IQ, and the leadership traits necessary to develop into one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.

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

The Giants already have two promising young quarterbacks in Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo, but their offensive line needs upgrades for these players to thrive. Utah’s Spencer Fano is the top offensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft and projects as a day-one starter at right tackle, giving the Giants’ offense much-needed protection and stability.

9. Arizona Cardinals: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

The Arizona Cardinals have allowed 24 sacks this season, the third-worst mark in the NFL, and could potentially lose Jonah Williams in free agency. Addressing the offensive line is a clear priority, and Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor offers one of the highest upsides in the 2026 NFL Draft.

10. Houston Texans: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The 2026 NFL Draft sees three offensive linemen taken with picks eight, nine, and ten, highlighting the value of protecting quarterbacks. The Houston Texans, who may have one of the worst offensive lines in the league, select Miami’s Francis Mauigoa. Mauigoa has the versatility to play either tackle or guard and would provide C.J. Stroud with the protection he needs to excel.