2026 NFL Mock Draft: New 2-Round Forecast Headlined By 4 Top-10 QBs

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: New 2-Round Forecast Headlined By 4 Top-10 QBs

Luke Easterling · Athlon Sports

Tue, Nov 11, 2025 ·

18 min read

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We're still five months away from the 2026 NFL Draft, but it's already clear how many teams will be hoping they can find a new franchise quarterback in this class.

Thankfully for those teams, it looks like we'll have a handful of worthy candidates at the top of the board. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza looks like potential No. 1 overall pick material, while Alabama's Ty Simpson continues to rise up the board. Oregon's Dante Moore continues to put together a strong 2025 campaign, and South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers still has the most upside of any of them.

Where could they land on draft day? How could an early run at the position impact the other teams with needs elsewhere?

Here's an updated look at how the first two rounds of next year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated NFL Draft order following Week 10 results:

1. Tennessee Titans

Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)

The Titans already have their franchise quarterback in 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward , but they need to improve his supporting cast if they want him to live up to the expectations of that slot. They need tons of help on both sides of the ball, but they should start in the trenches at a premium position. Bain has been one of the most dominant defenders in the nation this season, and would give them a much-needed game-wrecker off the edge.

2. New Orleans Saints

Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana

Is there a chance that Tyler Shough impresses the Saints enough for them to pass on a long-term upgrade at quarterback here? Sure. I don't expect that to happen, though. Mendoza has been fantastic for the Hoosiers this season, showing off all the physical and mental traits of a true franchise passer. He's also four years younger than Shough, and would give the New Orleans offense a brighter future beyond his rookie contract.

3. New York Giants

Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State

This pick will obviously depend on who the Giants hire to replace Brian Daboll as their new head coach, but if we're talking about pure talent and value, you could make a strong case for Reese being the best overall player in this entire draft. His combination of size, athleticism, physicality and versatility have made him an absolute wrecking ball for the Buckeyes this season, whether he's lined up off the ball or coming off the edge.

4. Cleveland Browns

Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama

Yes, the Browns just drafted multiple quarterbacks this year. But Dillon Gabriel looks like the late-round pick he should've been, and Cleveland doesn't seem interested in giving Shedeur Sanders a legitimate shot to outplay him anytime soon. Barring a change in that philosophy at some point this season, they could take another swing at the top of next year's draft with Simpson, who has flown up the board after a stellar first season as the Crimson Tide's full-time starter.

Oregon's Dante Moore has been a poised, precise passer for the Ducks this season. (Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

5. New York Jets

Dante Moore | QB | Oregon

The Jets are going all-in on their rebuild, trading away their two best defensive players in Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline. They're poised to restock the roster over the next two seasons, but none of those picks will matter much if they don't find the right guy at quarterback. Moore has the poise and precision to be an effective distributor from the pocket, and the athleticism to extend plays and create explosive downfield throws.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State

The Raiders proved this year that they're not afraid to spend a top-10 pick at a position that typically isn't valued in that range, so it won't be surprising if they do it again in 2026. Much like Ashton Jeanty at running back, Downs is the rare safety prospect worthy of top-10 consideration, and might be the best player in the entire class . He's a three-level weapon who can destroy an opposing offense's game plan all on his own, with a rare blend of physical and mental tools.

7. Miami Dolphins

Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State

It's possible the Dolphins could take a swing on a new quarterback here, but it's nearly impossible for them to move on from Tua Tagovailoa 's contract this offseason. Instead, they could give him some help in the form of Tyson, who has the size, quickness, athleticism and after-the-catch ability to give Tagovailoa another dynamic weapon to replace the aging and oft-injured Tyreek Hill .

8. Washington Commanders

Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State

Terry McLaurin 's injury absence this season has exposed Washington's lack of wide receiver depth, leaving Jayden Daniels without enough weapons to consistently attack opposing defenses downfield. McLaurin is already 30 years old, too, so it wouldn't be a bad idea for the Commanders to find Daniels new WR1 in waiting. Tate is the latest in a long line of polished pass-catchers to come out of Columbus, and his 2025 tape proves he's worthy of a top-10 pick.

Carnell Tate is the next in a long line of first-round wide receivers to come out of Ohio State. (Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch)

9. Cincinnati Bengals

Peter Woods | DL | Clemson

This defense is just so, so bad. It needs help pretty much everywhere, so this pick is about finding the best overall defender. In this scenario, that means bolstering the trenches with the top interior lineman in the 2026 class. Woods is a do-it-all playmaker at the heart of Clemson's defensive front, with the power, athleticism and explosiveness to blow up run plays in the backfield and create immediate pressure up the middle. He could be a potential bargain at this slot, too.

10. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)

LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina

Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level right now, but his future beyond this season remains a massive question mark. If the Rams don't want to miss a beat, they need to invest in his successor as soon as possible, and Sean McVay will want a prospect with the same elite arm talent Stafford brings to the table. That should lead him to Sellers, who still needs some refinement as a pocket passer, but brings rare athleticism and playmaking ability to the position, along with a rocket of an arm that can make every throw.

11. Arizona Cardinals

Spencer Fano | OT | Utah

There might be a quarterback controversy brewing in Arizona, but regardless of the long-term plan there, fortifying the offensive line should be a top priority in 2026. Paris Johnson Jr. already has one tackle spot locked down, but they could use a long-term upgrade beyond Jonah Williams on the other side. Fano has proven he can play both left and right tackle at a high level, and he's polished enough to make an immediate impact for whoever ends up throwing passes for the Cards next year and beyond.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn

It's unlikely the Cowboys will find the next Micah Parsons with one of their two first-round picks, but that shouldn't stop them from trying. If they want versatility, athleticism and explosiveness that brings that kind of high-ceiling potential to the table again, Faulk would be a fantastic pick. His massive frame, impressive length and explosive first-step quickness make him a headache for offensive tackles, and he's got the size and skill set to attack from a wide range of alignments.

Texas Tech's David Bailey has been one of the most dominant edge rushers in college football this season (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

13. Baltimore Ravens

David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech

The Ravens' defense hasn't been this bad in a long, long time. They need help pretty much everywhere on that side of the ball, but finding a high-impact edge rusher should be at the top of their wish list. Few have been as dominant in college football this season as Bailey, who flies off the ball and uses his violent hands to beat blockers and get after the quarterback. He's a huge reason why the Red Raiders have been so successful on defense this year, and Baltimore desperately needs that kind of presence.

14. Minnesota Vikings

Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU

Brian Flores is relying on a handful of economical veterans on short-term contracts right now, but the Vikings need to make more long-term investments in top talent on that side of the ball. In this scenario, the best value on the board comes at corner, where Delane has been an absolute shutdown artist for the Bayou Bengals this season. Dropping him into Flores' scheme would get the most out of his skill set, and make one of the league's best defensive coordinators that much more dangerous for years to come.

15. Houston Texans

Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah

As if it wasn't already clear before his latest injury, protecting C.J. Stroud has to be paramount for the Houston Texans if they want sustained success. After trading away Laremy Tunsil this offseason, the Texans need to do everything they can to rebuild their offensive line across the board. Lomu has been a pillar of dominance and consistency over the past couple of seasons, and would team up with 2025 second-rounder Aireontae Ersery to give Stroud long-term bookends at both tackle spots.

16. Carolina Panthers

Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)

Bryce Young has begun to show flashes of the potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick a few years ago, but if the Panthers want that to continue, they need to keep investing in his supporting cast. That should always start in the trenches, where Mauigoa could give Carolina an eventual successor for Taylor Moton at right tackle, or an immediate upgrade at left tackle, allowing Ickey Ekwonu to slide inside to guard. No matter where he lines up, Mauigoa is a massive mauler who would make life easier for Young and the offense.

Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is easily the best tight end prospect in the 2026 class. (Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

17. Kansas City Chiefs

Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon

Travis Kelce is still good for a couple of clutch catches per game, but it's clear he's lost a couple of steps, and it's time for the Chiefs to invest in his replacement. Sadiq is easily the best tight end prospect in this year's class, with the size and athleticism to be a constant matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Matching his skill set and upside with Andy Reid's creative offense and Patrick Mahomes ' rare ability as a passer and playmaker would be a huge win for Kansas City's future.

18. San Francisco 49ers

Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama

Trent Williams already has a gold jacket waiting for him in Canton, but the 49ers shouldn't wait any longer to find an understudy to eventually fill his premium spot at left tackle. I can't think of a better candidate than Proctor, who brings rare physical traits to the table, but still needs a ton of refinement in terms of his technique. If he's able to learn behind a legend like Williams for a year before taking over as the starter, Proctor would be in prime position to maximize his talents, and his athleticism would be a perfect fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense.

19. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee

The jury is still out on Tyson Campbell after his arrival via trade from the Jaguars , and Martin Emerson Jr. could leave in free agency this offseason, leaving the Browns without a clear-cut No. 2 corner opposite Denzel Ward . McCoy is a question mark of his own as he works his way back from last year's season-ending injury, but when fully healthy, he's proven he can be a dominant cover man against top competition.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Makai Lemon | WR | USC

DK Metcalf has been everything the Steelers hoped when they traded for him and gave him a new contract extension, but it's painfully obvious how much this offense needs a legit WR2 to take advantage of the attention he commands. Lemon's skill set would be the ideal pairing, with his explosiveness and after-the-catch ability making the most of 1-on-1 opportunities. If Aaron Rodgers returns for another season in Pittsburgh, Lemon would quickly become a big-play machine catching passes from the future Hall of Famer.

USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has been a big-play machine for the Trojans. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

21. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)

A'Mauri Washington | DL | Oregon

After addressing their need for a dynamic edge rusher earlier in the round, the Cowboys double-down on front-line defenders with this pick, this time upgrading the interior. Washington has been an absolute force for the Ducks this season, shutting down the ground game with his impressive blend of power and hand usage, and he's explosive enough off the snap to disrupt plays before they even start, as well as push the pocket as a pass rusher from the inside.

22. Chicago Bears

Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame

There are more pressing needs on defense, but if the board falls this way, the Bears might not be able to pass up the best running back in the class. Love is a three-down playmaker who can score on every touch as both a runner and receiver, and if anyone knows the value of having multiple studs in the same backfield, it's Ben Johnson. Love isn't quite as explosive as Jahmyr Gibbs , but he still brings big-play potential to one of the league's most promising young offensive attacks.

23. Buffalo Bills

T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson

Buffalo could go after another weapon to help Josh Allen and the offense here, but they shouldn't pass up the opportunity to add a young edge rusher to take over for the aging and injury-prone Joey Bosa . Parker was a preseason top-10 favorite, and while he hasn't quite lived up to that hype so far this season, he's still a complete player who can set a strong edge against the run and get to the quarterback with both speed and power.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State

Even at 35 years old, Lavonte David is still one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL, but the future Hall of Famer can't play forever. Even if he returns next season, the Bucs desperately need an immediate upgrade next to him, and this year's loaded class at the position is the perfect opportunity to find that guy. Styles is a big, athletic defender with sideline-to-sideline range, along with the smarts and versatility to be an ideal fit in Todd Bowles defense.

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is a three-down playmaker with rare size and versatility. (Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch)

25. Detroit Lions

LT Overton | Edge | Alabama

It sure looks like Aidan Hutchinson is back to full strength after returning from last year's season-ending leg injury, but the Lions still need another blue-chip edge rusher to line up across from him. Overton's size and power allow him to set a strong edge against the run and even slide inside to create alignment versatility, and he explodes off the ball against both the run and pass. His high-effort, physical style of play would be an ideal fit for Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, too.

26. Los Angeles Chargers

Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M

Tuli Tuipolotu has the makings of a star pass rusher, but with Khalil Mack in the twilight of his career, the Chargers should be looking for another young stud to develop at such a vital position. Howell has proven he can single-handedly take over a game all on his own, and with his explosive first step and wide range of polished and proven pass-rushing moves, he would give Los Angeles a promising pair of young edge rushers upon which they can build the next generation of their defense.

27. Los Angeles Rams

Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson

After landing their franchise quarterback of the future, the Rams can use their additional first-rounder to make an immediate impact for their defense. They've got some difference-makers up front, but this unit needs a big-play corner who can take the ball away and hang with opposing team's top pass-catchers. Terrell isn't the biggest corner prospect, but he makes up for it with polished technique, competitiveness, and ball skills.

28. New England Patriots

C.J. Allen | LB | Georgia

Mike Vrabel has turned things around quickly for his old team, but beyond this season, there are still some glaring needs on the roster. It wouldn't be shocking if he targeted a cornerstone player for the second level of his defense, looking for a more long-term solution at a position that's relying on aging veterans right now. Allen is an every-down force who can defend both the run and pass at a high level, and dropping him in the middle of this unit would improve their chances of sustained success.

Washington's Denzel Boston is a red-zone nightmare for opposing defensive backs. (Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images)

29. Seattle Seahawks

Denzel Boston | WR | Washington

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is proving this season that he's one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but that shouldn't stop the Seahawks from looking for an upgrade at the WR2 spot. Boston is a huge target with elite contested-catch ability, and an impressive combination of athleticism and quickness for his size. This offense has missed the physicality that DK Metcalf brought to the receiver position, and Boston would be the ideal candidate to fill that kind of role in the passing game.

30. Denver Broncos

Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas

When healthy, Dre Greenlaw and Alex Singleton have proven they can both be highly productive linebackers. But with that pair turning 29 and 31 years old respectively before next season, the Broncos might want to invest in the future of the position with their top pick. Hill is a versatile, athletic playmaker who excels as both a run-stopper and a pass defender at the second level, and brings added value as an extra rusher in blitz packages.

31. Philadelphia Eagles

Matayo Uiagalelei | Edge | Oregon

Howie Roseman has gotten a lot right in recent years, but he's still searching for an edge rusher who can make the kind of every-down, consistent impact that Brandon Graham did for much of his career in Philly. Uiagalelei has the well-rounded skill set to be that kind of player, with the length and speed/power combo to attack opposing blockers with a varied pass-rushing approach, and the toughness to be a valuable asset against the run.

32. New York Jets (from IND)

Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee

After trading away Sauce Gardner, the Jets are left without a true shutdown corner. What better way to use the first of their two first-round picks from that trade than to try and find that player? Hood has proven this season that he can shut down top talent in the SEC every week, and he checks every box from a physical standpoint that NFL teams value at the position.

SECOND ROUND

Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is flying up the draft board. (Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)

33. Tennessee Titans

Kevin Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M

34. New York Giants

Gennings Dunker | OT | Iowa

35. New Orleans Saints

Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State

36. New York Jets

Caleb Banks | DL | Florida

37. Las Vegas Raiders

Olaivavega Ioane | OL | Penn State

38. Cleveland Browns

Isaiah World | OT | Oregon

39. Houston Texans (from WAS)

Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State

40. Miami Dolphins

A.J. Harris | CB | Penn State

41. Atlanta Falcons

Chris Bell | WR | Louisville

42. Arizona Cardinals

Chris Brazzell | WR | Tennessee

43. Cincinnati Bengals

Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon

44. New York Jets (from DAL)

Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama

45. Minnesota Vikings

Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State

46. Houston Texans

Connor Lew | OL | Auburn

47. Baltimore Ravens

Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State

48. Carolina Panthers

Kamari Ramsey | S | USC

49. Kansas City Chiefs

Christen Miller | DL | Georgia

50. San Francisco 49ers

Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State

51. Pittsburgh Steelers

Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas

52. Jacksonville Jaguars

Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M

53. Green Bay Packers

Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State

54. Buffalo Bills

Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC

55. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jaishawn Barham | LB | Michigan

56. Chicago Bears

Quincy Rhodes Jr. | Edge | Arkansas

57. Detroit Lions

Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon

58. Los Angeles Chargers

Will Lee III | CB | Texas A&M

59. Los Angeles Rams

Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech

60. New England Patriots

Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee

61. Seattle Seahawks

Trevor Goosby | OT | Texas

62. Denver Broncos

Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor

63. Philadelphia Eagles

Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana

64. Indianapolis Colts

R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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