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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big-Name QBs Shuffle in Latest 2-Round Forecast
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- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big-Name QBs Shuffle in Latest 2-Round Forecast
We're nearing the end of the 2025 college football season, and it still feels like the quarterback class for the 2026 NFL Draft has more questions than answers.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza has been the most consistent of the bunch, and still feels like the favorite to come off the board first in April. We've seen flashes of high-level play from Oregon's Dante Moore and Alabama's Ty Simpson , but there are still questions about upside and consistency. South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers easily has the best physical tools and the most potential of any quarterback in this class, but he still needs a ton of refinement. Moore, Simpson and Sellers could all opt to return to school next season, opting for more experience and polish before making the leap to the next level.
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If that trio does join Mendoza in this year's class, how will the group stack up? Which QB-needy teams could grab them in the first round, and how could their landing spots impact the rest of the draft's early action?
Here's an updated look at how the first two rounds of next year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated order following Week 13 results:
1. Tennessee Titans
Arvell Reese | Edge/LB | Ohio State
This rebuild is gonna take a while, and whoever replaces Brian Callahan will have their work cut out for them. There are many different ways to build around a young franchise quarterback like Cam Ward , and that includes adding elite talent on the other side of the ball. Reese continues to prove that he's the best overall prospect in this entire draft, with rare versatility to be a big-play creator all along the front seven.
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2. New York Giants
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah
This is a tough spot for the Giants, who would have to reach a bit to fill any of their most pressing needs. That makes them a strong trade-down candidate, but if they can't move out of this spot, the priority has to be protecting their investment in Jaxson Dart . Fano has high-quality starting experience at both tackle spots, and after the failed Evan Neal experiment, he would give them an upgrade across from Andrew Thomas .
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3. New Orleans Saints
Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
After spending a top-40 pick on Tyler Shough this year, I doubt the Saints will give up on him after just one season to take another swing on a quarterback class with more questions than answers. Instead, they're likely to stick to the "best player available" strategy with Bain, who has been dominant for the Canes all season long. He's a complete edge defender who can stuff the run and wreak havoc as a pass rusher.
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4. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
Geno Smith has looked rough this season, and while plenty of the blame rests on a lackluster offensive line, the Raiders still need to make an investment in the future at quarterback beyond a veteran who will turn 36 next October. Mendoza has been the most consistent performer among this year's top quarterback prospects throughout the college football season, and checks all the boxes of a potential franchise passer at the next level.
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Indiana's Fernando Mendoza should be the top QB off the board. (Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
5. Cleveland Browns
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
The Browns would be wise to try and build around Shedeur Sanders instead of replacing him after half a season, especially if he continues to build on the flashes of successful play we've seen over his first couple of starts. This offense needs a true No. 1 receiver, and they won't have to look far in this scenario. Spending first-round picks on Ohio State receivers has worked out pretty well in recent years, and Tate is the latest to bring a complete skill set and pro-ready polish to the next level.
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6. Washington Commanders
Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
I could see the Commanders taking a receiver here to help Jayden Daniels , but this defense just has far too many holes and not enough difference-makers. They need a dominant player who can take over a game, and Faulk has all the physical tools to be that kind of presence in the trenches. He's massive, athletic, and versatile, with the ability to line up just about anywhere along the defensive front.
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7. New York Jets
Dante Moore | QB | Oregon
Even after trading away two of their best players in Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams , there are still some solid young pieces for the Jets to rebuild around, but none of that will matter until they find a capable starting quarterback. Moore is a smooth operator in the pocket who throws with timing, touch and precision , making sound decisions with the football and negotiating the pocket with ample athleticism.
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8. Arizona Cardinals
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
The Cards might have a quarterback conundrum on their hands in the offseason, but no matter who ends up throwing the passes next year and beyond, this offense could use another dynamic pass-catcher alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride . Tyson is a fluid route-runner with the quickness and explosiveness to make big plays downfield and after the catch, and he brings the size and body control to be an effective red-zone target.
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Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson has all the makings of a No. 1 target at the next level. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
9. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
Trading out of the first round this year is on track to gift the Rams a top-10 pick thanks to the Atlanta Falcons ' disappointing season. They should use that opportunity to fill a massive need on defense, landing a true shutdown corner in Delane, who has been absolutely dominant all year against SEC competition. Delane would give this defense an eraser they haven't had at the position since trading away Jalen Ramsey .
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10. Cincinnati Bengals
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
This defense needs a ton of help, but this scenario would give the Bengals some fantastic options. I wouldn't count out an elite interior defender like Clemson's Peter Woods here, but if Downs is on the board, he might just be too much to pass up. Regardless of any perceived positional value, Downs is arguably the best player in the entire draft . His versatility, athleticism, intelligence, and playmaking instincts could immediately transform this entire unit.
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11. Minnesota Vikings
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
There will be needs to fill on defense, and who knows what the quarterback situation will look like, but there's no doubt about who the best player on the board is in this scenario. Jordan Mason is still a strong No. 2 back, but with Aaron Jones turning 31 years old this week, the Vikings could look for a new workhorse back with big-play ability on all three downs. Love is a top-five talent in this class who could keep the offense balanced while things get figured out under center.
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12. Miami Dolphins
Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
Miami fans won't love interior defenders with back-to-back top-15 picks, but Woods would be a fantastic fit next to Kenneth Grant to fortify the inside of this defensive line for the next decade. With Grant's massive frame eating up double-teams, Woods would be given tons of 1-on-1 opportunities to exploit, and he's got the power and explosiveness to do just that as both a run-stuffer and a pass rusher.
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Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq has been a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. (Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
13. Kansas City Chiefs
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
No matter where the Chiefs ending picking in the first round, I love this fit too much not to keep projecting it. Travis Kelce is in the twilight of his career, and it's time for Kansas City to find a successor who can create the same kind of mismatches he did in his prime. Sadiq has been a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses this season, and would be the perfect understudy to a future Hall of Famer.
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14. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
Who knows if there will actually be a regime change in Pittsburgh this offseason after another mediocre season, but one thing's for certain: This team needs a long-term plan at quarterback beyond late-stage Aaron Rodgers . Simpson lacks the elite physical tools, but he's an accurate passer who takes care of the ball and throws with consistent anticipation and the right amount of touch. If he doesn't return for another season with the Tide, he could be a first-rounder after just one year as a starter in college.
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15. Carolina Panthers
Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)
Bryce Young is starting to show flashes of the potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick back in 2023, but the Panthers need to keep investing around him, particularly in the trenches. Taylor Moton will be 32 years old next August, so Carolina could look for a long-term replacement at right tackle, where Mauigoa has been dominant for the Canes this season. He'd be a fantastic match of need and value here.
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16. Dallas Cowboys
Makai Lemon | WR | USC
George Pickens has been a revelation for the Cowboys this season, but I'd be shocked if Jerry Jones breaks the bank this offseason to keep him as the WR2 opposite CeeDee Lamb . If he departs, Dallas will need to fill that role with another dynamic pass-catcher, and Lemon would be a fantastic candidate. While he lacks Pickens' size and length, Lemon is a big-play machine who can take the top off the defense and turn short catches into chunk plays with physicality and acceleration.
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USC WR Makai Lemon is a dangerous playmaker with the ball in his hands. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
17. Detroit Lions
David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
Aidan Hutchinson has returned to the same level of dominance he had before last year's season-ending injury, but the Lions are still searching for a worthy running mate to line up across from him on the defensive front. Bailey has been an absolute game-wrecker for the Red Raiders this season, spearheading one of the most dominant units in all of college football with his ability to get after the passer.
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18. Houston Texans
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah
Houston's young offensive line has shown some improvement throughout the 2025 season, but that shouldn't keep the Texans from continuing to make significant investments in the future of C.J. Stroud 's protection. Lomu has been a reliable presence at right tackle this season, and would elevate both the floor and the ceiling at the position opposite 2025 second-rounder Aireontae Ersery .
19. Baltimore Ravens
T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson
It's been a long time since the Ravens fielded such a disaster of a defense, and they need to bring in as many reinforcements as possible in the offseason. That needs to start anywhere in the front seven, and if the board falls this way, a loaded class of edge defenders should give them strong value here. Parker is a well-rounded player with the power to set a strong edge against the run, as well as the strength and explosiveness to get to the quarterback in multiple ways.
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20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
The Bucs have needed a high-quality off-ball linebacker to pair with Lavonte David for a few years now, and even though he's still playing at an elite level at 35 years old, they'll need two if the future Hall of Famer hangs up his cleats after his 14th season. Styles would be the perfect addition as an immediate upgrade alongside David and an eventual successor, with the athleticism, versatility and physicality to be a three-down playmaker in any scheme.
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Washington WR Denzel Boston is a dominant red-zone weapon. (Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images)
21. Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
Just because Josh Allen *can* be Superman doesn't mean the Bills should force him to be all of the time, but that's happening far too often without a true No. 1 target for him to rely on in the passing game. Boston could finally fill that void, with an impressive combination of size and athleticism that makes him dominant in contested-catch situations, and an effective chain-mover even without a ton of separation.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M
Jaelen Phillips has been a huge addition for an already dominant defense, but don't expect Howie Roseman to rest on his laurels and not keep taking swings at finding explosive pass rushers to add to the rotation. Howell has proven this season that he can single-handedly end drives and take over games, and he knows how to win with a wide range of moves that show polished technique and elite hand usage.
23. New York Jets (from IND)
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee
Losing Sauce Gardner has left the Jets without a true shutdown corner, so why not spend the first pick from that trade to try and find one? McCoy is one of the biggest wild-card prospects in this class, as he's still yet to see the field this year after a season-ending injury in 2024. If he can be the same player he was before he got hurt, though, he could prove to be a bargain at this point in the first round with his physical tools and ball skills.
24. San Francisco 49ers
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama
Trent Williams has a gold jacket waiting for him whenever he decides to call it a career, and considering he'll turn 38 years old next summer, that'll be sooner than later. The 49ers need to find his successor as soon as possible, and Proctor would be the ideal fit. A massive mauler with rare athleticism and movement skills for his size, Proctor still needs a ton of polish in terms of his technique, and learning from one of the best to ever do it would be best way to ensure he realizes his lofty potential.
Oregon's Matayo Uiagalelei is one of the most complete prospects in a loaded class of edge defenders. (Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
25. Los Angeles Chargers
Matayo Uiagalelei | Edge | Oregon
Tuli Tuipolotu continues to prove that he's one of the most underrated edge defenders in the league, but after Joey Bosa 's departure and with Khalil Mack in the twilight of his career, the Chargers need to find another young player to develop across from him. Uiagalelei has a well-rounded skill set that should allow him to be an every-down player at the next level, and he's got the physical tools of a potential 10-sack presence off the edge.
26. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson
If the Browns aren't able to retain Martin Emerson Jr. in the offseason, they could be in need of another starting-caliber corner alongside Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell . Terrell may lack ideal size for the position, but he makes up for it in every other area of his game. The younger brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell is quick and competitive, with the smarts and ball skill to make big plays happen when passes come his way.
27. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
LT Overton | Edge | Alabama
After grabbing a big-play prospect for their offense earlier in the round, the Cowboys can use the first pick from the Micah Parsons trade to try and replace his impact along the defensive front. Overton may not have Parsons' rare athleticism, but he's still a complete player with alignment versatility, and he's got a motor that never stops against both the run and pass.
28. Seattle Seahawks
Olaivavega Ioane | OL | Penn State
There's a lot going right for this offense in 2025, but the only thing holding them back is the interior up front, which continues to cause problems for Sam Darnold and the ground game. Ioane is the top interior blocker in this year's class, and his dominant presence has been one of the few bright spots in a disappointing season for the Nittany Lions. He'd be a massive upgrade right away for Seattle.
South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers has more upside than any other quarterback in the 2026 class. (Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
29. Los Angeles Rams
LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina
Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level right now, but that shouldn't keep the Rams from looking toward the future at the game's most important position. Sellers is still an inconsistent passer with mechanics and decision-making that need work, but his elite physical tools as both a thrower and a runner give him more upside than any other quarterback in this class. In time, Sean McVay could develop him into a superstar.
30. Denver Broncos
Chris Bell | WR | Louisville
Evan Engram is filling the undersized, versatile move tight end role in Sean Payton's offense for the moment, but he'll be 32 next season, and he's been banged up recently. Bell would be an intriguing fit as his eventual replacement to help out Bo Nix , with the size (6-2, 220) and athleticism to be a matchup problem for opposing defenses at every level of the field.
31. Chicago Bears
Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State
The Bears are rolling in Ben Johnson's first season, and they're a few defensive pieces away from being a truly scary team. Those offseason additions should start in the trenches, where Chicago needs an interior presence who can stay on the field and make impact plays on all three downs. McDonald has been a force in the middle for the Buckeyes this season, and would instantly upgrade the Bears' run defense, while giving them some added pass-rushing juice from the inside.
32. New England Patriots
C.J. Allen | LB | Georgia
If anyone knows the value of a versatile linebacker, it's Mike Vrabel. The Pats have some solid veterans handling those roles right now, but they need to find a long-term presence they can build around at the heart of their defense. Allen is a strong, athletic defender who can make plays all over the field against both the run and pass, and he brings valuable leadership qualities to the locker room.
SECOND ROUND
Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion has been a big-play threat for the Aggies. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)
33. Tennessee Titans
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
34. New York Giants
Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas
Gennings Dunker | OL | Iowa
Chris Brazzell | WR | Tennessee
37. Houston Texans (from WAS)
A'Mauri Washington | DL | Oregon
38. New York Jets
Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC
Isaiah World | OT | Oregon
40. Cleveland Browns
Trevor Goosby | OT | Texas
Caleb Banks | DL | Florida
Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee
43. Atlanta Falcons
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina
44. Miami Dolphins
Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame
Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama
Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State
Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati
48. New York Jets (from DAL)
Christen Miller | DL | Georgia
49. Houston Texans
Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon
50. Detroit Lions
Connor Lew | OL | Auburn
51. Baltimore Ravens
Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State
Zion Young | Edge | Missouri
A.J. Harris | CB | Penn State
R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma
55. Buffalo Bills
Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee
Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State
Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo
Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas
60. Seattle Seahawks
Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State
61. Los Angeles Rams
Blake Miller | OT | Clemson
62. Denver Broncos
Caleb Tiernan | OT | Northwestern
63. Chicago Bears
Quincy Rhodes Jr. | Edge | Arkansas
Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
