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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big QB Questions In New 2-Round Projection
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- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big QB Questions In New 2-Round Projection
There's Fernando Mendoza , and then there's an ocean, and then there's everybody else.
That's what it feels like with the quarterback class in the 2026 NFL Draft, as Indiana's Heisman Trophy winner and national champion leader sits head-and-shoulders above every other eligible signal-caller. A couple of big names opted to return to school next season, leaving Mendoza as the only clear-cut franchise passer in the group.
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This reality is likely to be reflected at the top of the board, where defensive players and offensive lineman are likely to command most of the top 10 slots, with perhaps a couple of pass-catchers thrown in for good measure.
Who could be the next quarterback off the board? Which teams could take the risky swing on the next-best prospect at the position?
Here's an updated look at how the first two rounds of this year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated order following conference title game results:
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1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
This one already feels pretty set in stone. The Raiders sent all of their top brass to Miami to watch Mendoza's clutch performance in the national title game, and I doubt they need to see much more from him before handing him the keys to the franchise. He's a classic pocket passer with some athletic limitations, but he's a surgical downfield operator who makes good decisions and had valuable leadership qualities.
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2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese | Edge/LB | Ohio State
Dante Moore 's decision to return to Oregon for the 2026 season leaves the Jets in a tough spot here without a franchise quarterback prospect worthy of this pick. They're likely to punt on this year's weak class outside of Mendoza instead of reaching for the next-best passer on the board with either of their first-rounders. Instead, they go with the best player available, regardless of position. Reese is a versatile playmaker with impressive athleticism and limitless upside.
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3. Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)
The quarterback situation will be the biggest question mark for the Cards this offseason, but no matter who ends up throwing passes for them in 2026 and beyond, improving the offensive trenches would be a huge help. Finding a long-term replacement for Jonah Williams at right tackle should be a top priority, and Mauigoa has a dominant track record of success at that spot for the Canes.
4. Tennessee Titans
David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
The Titans have their franchise quarterback in Cam Ward , but they still have tons of work to do if they want to build a winner around him. There are significant needs on offense, but they shouldn't reach to fill those instead of adding as much talent as possible on either side of the ball. That being the case, Bailey's rare explosiveness and ability to finish at the quarterback gives Tennessee the best match of need and value in this scenario.
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Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey put up huge numbers for the Red Raiders last season. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
5. New York Giants
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah
Andrew Thomas is one of the NFL's best left tackles when healthy, but Evan Neal hasn't worked out on the right side, and it's time for the Giants to take another swing at finding a blue-chip talent for that spot. Fano has experience on both sides at tackle, and while he needs some refinement, he's got the size, athleticism and physicality to quickly develop into a dominant blocker across from Thomas.
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6. Cleveland Browns
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
If the Browns want to find out what they truly have in Shedeur Sanders (or Dillon Gabriel , for that matter), they need a ton of upgrades on offense. The most pressing needs are in the trenches, but with two tackles already off the board, the better value is at receiver. Tate is the latest in a long line of elite pass-catchers to come out of Columbus, and he'd quickly become the WR1 in Cleveland over Jerry Jeudy and company.
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7. Washington Commanders
Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
Adding more help for Jayden Daniels will obviously be a priority this offseason, but the Washington defense is desperate for playmakers across the board. Bain could draw some questions about his lack of ideal length, but turn on the tape and you'll see an absolute game-wrecker who dominates on all three downs, blowing up run plays in the backfield and getting after the quarterback in every passing situation.
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8. New Orleans Saints
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
This roster needs a ton of help on both sides of the ball, so this pick is about adding the best player available who can make the biggest impact as soon as possible. That should point them to Love in this scenario, a top-five prospect in this class who has big-play ability as both a runner and a receiver. With Alvin Kamara getting up there in age and dealing with nagging injuries, Love could take the torch and be an instant superstar in New Orleans .
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USC WR Makai Lemon (6) is a big-play machine. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Makai Lemon | WR | USC
Patrick Mahomes has some talented weapons on offense, but they lack consistency and reliability, and he doesn't have a true WR1 with a complete skill set he can rely on in critical situations. Though he lacks ideal size, Lemon has all the physical and mental traits to be that kind of playmaker at the next level, with an impressive skill set that features strong hands, sharp routes, high football IQ, and rare physicality for a smaller receiver.
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10. Cincinnati Bengals
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
Another defense desperate for high-impact players at every level, the Bengals need help all over the place on that side of the ball. This scenario would be a massive win, as they land arguably the best player in the entire draft in Downs, a versatile weapon who can line up everywhere. His impressive physical traits and mental prowess would immediately take Cincy's entire defense to another level.
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11. Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
There are massive question marks on offense, starting with the quarterback situation, but the Dolphins might not be able to pass up a shutdown corner if the best one in this year's class falls right into their lap here. Delane delivered some stellar film for the Bayou Bengals in 2025, and he's got the polish and athletic traits to make an immediate impact for a defense that desperately needs him.
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12. Dallas Cowboys
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
George Pickens enjoyed a breakout season after arriving via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers , but I'd be shocked if Jerry Jones was willing to pay top dollar to keep him off the open market. Instead of breaking the bank for another wide receiver, the Cowboys could replace Pickens with a younger, cheaper option in Tyson, who has a complete skill set and would make the most of the attention opposing defenses are forced to pay CeeDee Lamb .
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Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson could make a massive impact in Dallas. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee
The Rams haven't had a true shutdown corner since they traded away Jalen Ramsey , and with two first-round picks this year, they're in prime position to find that kind of prospect in a solid class at the position. McCoy has some risk/reward to him after he missed the entire 2025 season with a knee injury, but his 2024 tape was absolutely ridiculous, showing off all the physical and mental traits that could make him an All-Pro if he's back to full strength.
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14. Baltimore Ravens
Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
It's been a long time since the Ravens' defense was a detriment instead of a strength, but that was the case for the majority of the 2025 season. They need to find a true difference-maker who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks off the edge, and Faulk could be the perfect fit. His rare combination of size, athleticism and versatility give him limitless upside for a unit that desperately needs more big plays.
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
Even if Lavonte David returns for a 15th season, the Bucs would still need an immediate upgrade at the other linebacker spot, and an eventual successor to the future Hall of Famer. Styles is a huge, smart, and athletic, with all the tools to make an immediate impact on all three downs. Todd Bowles asks a ton of his playmakers on defense, and Styles is capable of filling some big shoes in Tampa Bay .
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16. New York Jets (from IND)
Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
After trading away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner , the Jets have two gaping holes in their starting lineup on defense. In this scenario, the best value play is to try and replace Williams along the interior. Woods has some inconsistent tape, but his physical tools are impressive, and give him a ton of upside. It could take a little patience, but he could develop into a dominant force for Aaron Glenn and company.
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Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell is an absolute game-wrecker. (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
17. Detroit Lions
Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M
It's obvious that Aidan Hutchinson is one of the NFL's most dominant edge defenders, but the Lions are still searching for a worthy running mate who can line up across from him and take advantage of 1-on-1 opportunities. Howell proved in 2025 that he's capable of single-handedly ending drives and taking over games, and he can win with a wide range of tools, from speed and power to polished technique and well-timed counter moves.
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18. Minnesota Vikings
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo
It sure felt like we watched Harrison Smith play his last game this year, and the future Hall of Famer's departure would leave the Vikings with a massive hole on the back end of their defense. McNeil-Warren may be flying under the radar right now, but that won't be the case for long. He's got ideal size, impressive range, and can absolutely lay the lumber when receivers come his way. He'd be the perfect successor to Smith, and a great fit in Brian Flores' defense.
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19. Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
If the Panthers want Bryce Young to live up to his billing as a No. 1 overall pick, they need to keep building around him and giving him as much help as possible. Reinforcements along the offensive would be ideal here, but if Sadiq is still on the board, they might not be able to pass him up. Easily the top tight end prospect in this year's class, Sadiq's athleticism and physicality would give Young a valuable mismatch weapon in the passing game.
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20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson
It's hard to imagine the Cowboys coming out of the first round without using either of their picks on a pass rusher to help replace Micah Parsons , but they also have a big need at corner after Trevon Diggs ' rapid regression. Terrell may be undersized, but he makes up for it with competitiveness and technique, as well as the ball skills to make big plays. Improving coverage on the back end is one way to help improve the pass rush, and Terrell would be a huge boost in that department.
Alabama QB Ty Simpson was inconsistent last season, but has the potential to be a quality starter down the road. (David Leong-Imagn Images)David Leong-Imagn Images
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
Does this feel too much like Kenny Pickett all over again? Maybe. But even if Aaron Rodgers returns for another season under his old head coach in Mike McCarthy , the Steelers don't have a long-term plan at the game's most important position. Simpson showed flashes of potential last season, but was inconsistent down the stretch, and he lacks elite physical tools and starting experience. That said, sitting behind Rodgers for a year and learning how to maximize what he does well could end up giving the Steelers more value in the future than any other pick would in this spot.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson
I wouldn't count out offensive line help here after what Justin Herbert went through down the stretch last season, but veteran additions might be the way to go there. Instead, the Chargers could look to add another young edge rusher to pair replace Khalil Mack and pair with Tuli Tuipolotu for the future. Parker may not have lived up to the preseason top-five hype in 2025, but he's still a complete player who can make big plays against both the run and pass.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Vega Ioane | OL | Penn State
Injuries and inconsistency plagued the Eagles up front all year long in 2025, and they need to upgrade at least one interior spot this offseason. Ioane is easily the best guard prospect in this year's class, and after a dominant season for the Nittany Lions, he could make the short trip to Philly and instantly jump into the starting lineup for a team that's just one year removed from winning a Lombardi Trophy.
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah
After adding a new No. 1 receiver in the top 10, the Browns can use their additional first-round pick to address their needs along the offensive line, getting better value in the process. Lomu was a stud on the left side at Utah, showing all the physical and mental traits to start at left tackle from Day 1 in the NFL. He'll take his lumps against the league's top edge rushers at the beginning, but he'd be an immediate and long-term upgrade in Cleveland.
Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald is a disruptive force along the interior. (The Columbus Dispatch)
25. Chicago Bears
Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State
Ben Johnson's first season in Chicago was a massive success, and while the offense should build on their in Year 2 with a loaded supporting cast around Caleb Williams , the defense still needs a ton of help if they want to make a deeper playoff run next time around. Their most immediate needs are in the trenches, where they lack a dominant interior defender who can command double-teams in the run and push the pocket from the inside as a pass rusher. McDonald checks all of those boxes.
26. Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
Somehow, the Bills are still chasing that true No. 1 receiver for Josh Allen to rely on as both a downfield threat and a reliable chain-mover in clutch situations. Keon Coleman still hasn't become that player after two seasons, and it's time for Buffalo to take another swing. Boston has an impressive blend of size and athleticism that makes him a dangerous red-zone weapon, with strong hands and surprising after-the-catch ability for a bigger receiver.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia
Trent Williams will have a gold jacket waiting for him as soon as he hangs up his cleats, but he'll be 38 years old this year, so it's time for the 49ers to plan for the future and find his eventual replacement at left tackle. Freeling has flown up the board after an impressive 2025 campaign for the Bulldogs, showing off the kind of athleticism and intelligence is takes to be dominant at that position in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
28. Houston Texans
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama
C.J. Stroud 's inconsistency after his stellar rookie season can be traced back to a lackluster offensive line, and the Texans have to get that fixed if they want to see their franchise quarterback reach his lofty ceiling. Proctor still needs a ton of technical refinement at the next level, but he's got rare physical traits you just can't teach. With some patience and the right position coach, Proctor could eventually develop into an All-Pro thanks to his size, strength, and athleticism.
Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion is an undersized but explosive playmaker. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)
29. Los Angeles Rams
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
This may feel like a luxury pick, but Davante Adams isn't getting any younger, and the Rams don't have another proven pass-catcher behind Puka Nacua . Concepcion isn't the biggest receiver prospect in this class, but despite his lacks of size, he's a feisty competitor at the catch point. He's an explosive downfield weapon who can take the top off the defense, or create big plays after the catch. Sean McVay and his scheme would get the most out of his talent.
30. Denver Broncos
CJ Allen | LB | Georgia
Alex Singleton is set to hit free agency, and Dre Greenlaw 's durability could be a question mark moving forward. That could leave the Broncos needing to target a starting-caliber linebacker if they want their defense to remain one of the best in the league in 2026 and beyond. Allen was a three-down playmaker for the Bulldogs, with the physical traits and leadership qualities to make an immediate and sustained impact for a Super Bowl contender.
*31. New England Patriots
Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami
Mike Vrabel has his old team back in the Super Bowl in his first season as head coach, despite the fact that his defense was inconsistent for much of the year, and has some glaring needs to fill in the offseason. What they need most is an edge rusher who can consistently make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks, and few in the college football ranks did that more effectively than Mesidor last season. He's an older prospect, but he brings power, effort, and a ton of production to the table.
*32. Seattle Seahawks
Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee
Riq Woolen's inconsistency may lead the Seahawks to let him leave in free agency, which would leave them needing another starting-caliber outside corner. Thankfully for them, this year's draft is deep at the position, and they should have plenty of solid options here. With Jermod McCoy missing the entire 2025 season, Hood made the most of his opportunity to shine as the Vols' top cover man, proving to be a first-round talent in his own right. His skill set would be a perfect fit for Mike Macdonald's defense.
SECOND ROUND
Georgia WR Zachariah Branch has the speed and explosiveness to score every time he touches the ball. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
33. New York Jets
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina
Blake Miller | OT | Clemson
35. Tennessee Titans
Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia
Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon
37. New York Giants
Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas
38. Houston Texans (from LV)
Lee Hunter | DL | Texas Tech
39. Cleveland Browns
Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State
Christen Miller | DL | Georgia
LT Overton | Edge | Alabama
Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon
43. Miami Dolphins
Gennings Dunker | OT | Iowa
44. New York Jets (from DAL)
Chris Brazzell | WR | Tennessee
45. Baltimore Ravens
Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC
R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma
48. Atlanta Falcons
Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana
Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State
50. Detroit Lions
Caleb Tiernan | OT | Northwestern
Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech
Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas
53. Pittsburgh Steelers
Chris Bell | WR | Louisville
Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M
Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State
A.J. Haulcy | S | LSU
57. Chicago Bears
Zion Young | Edge | Missouri
Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama
59. Houston Texans
Connor Lew | OL | Auburn
60. Buffalo Bills
Kamari Ramsey | S | USC
61. Los Angeles Rams
Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati
62. Denver Broncos
Isaiah World | OT | Oregon
*63. New England Patriots
*64. Seattle Seahawks
Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee
*= draft slot to be determined by Super Bowl LX results
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
