2026 NFL Mock Draft: 5 QBs Headline Latest 1st-Round Forecast

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: 5 QBs Headline Latest 1st-Round Forecast

Luke Easterling · Athlon Sports

Tue, Oct 14, 2025 ·

16 min read

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Key Points

Top quarterback prospects like Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Alabama's Ty Simpson continue to move up the 2026 NFL Draft board.
South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, Oregon's Dante Moore , and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier also make the first-round cut in this updated mock draft.
Surprising developments across the NFL have led to some early shifting in the projected draft order for next year.

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to have one of the more intriguing quarterback classes in recent memory, with some new faces leaping to the head of the pack, while other big names who were getting tons of preseason hype start to fade into the background.

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza looked like QB1 material in last week's impressive road win over Oregon, out-dueling another fast-rising quarterback prospect in the Ducks' Dante Moore. Alabama's Ty Simpson continues to climb his way into the top-10 conversation, while South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers still brings a truckload of potential to the group.

Can any other signal-callers crack the top 32 picks come next April? What other position groups bring a promising combination of top-end talent and overall depth to the class?

Let's find out as we take an updated look at how next year's first round could turn out, using the latest first-round order following Week 6 action:

1. New York Jets

Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana

Justin Fields is playing on a one-year deal, and I'd be surprised if the Jets bring him back as their starter next season. If they end up with this pick, they'll likely be looking for a new franchise passer to invest in for the future, and up to this point, Mendoza looks like their best bet . He's a big, strong-armed passer who throws with a stellar blend of anticipation, accuracy, touch and velocity, and he knows how to make sound decisions with the football.

2. Cleveland Browns

LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina

Yes, the Browns just picked two quarterbacks in this year's draft. But unless Dillon Gabriel (or Shedeur Sanders , for that matter) makes a huge impression the rest of the way in 2025, taking another swing on a higher-upside prospect is still a strong possibility. Sellers is still chasing consistency as a passer from the pocket, but I remain sold on his potential. His combination of size, athleticism, arm talent, and playmaking ability gives him more upside than any quarterback in this class.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)

It's shocking to see the Ravens picking this high, and by the end of the season, I doubt they'll be in this spot. If they are, though, this would be the easy pick for a team that simply doesn't have an edge rusher who can single-handedly take over a game or command consistent double-teams from opposing offenses. Bain has been the most dominant defender in all of college football this season, and he would be the perfect fit for Baltimore here.

4. Miami Dolphins

Peter Woods | DL | Clemson

I expect a massive overhaul for the Dolphins this offseason, so I wouldn't count out a change at quarterback, regardless of the financial fallout. But taking QB3 in this class over the other truly elite prospects in this class doesn't feel like the best idea for a team that needs a ton of help on both sides of the ball. Woods is a dominant interior force whose skill set would pair well with 2025 first-rounder Kenneth Grant to give Miami some valuable building blocks for the future.

Alabama QB Ty Simpson keeps climbing the board. (Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

5. New Orleans Saints

Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama

The Saints never should've spent a top-40 pick on a 26-year-old quarterback like they did back in April, and with all due respect to Tyler Shough , they should spend this pick on a passer with more upside. Simpson has flown up the board after a strong start to his first season as a full-time starter for the Crimson Tide, and despite a lack of elite physical tools, he just keeps making fantastic plays in clutch moments. He can make every throw with the right amount of touch or velocity, and Simpson isn't fazed by stiff competition or pressure.

6. Tennessee Titans

Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State

The overhaul has already started for the Titans, who fired head coach Brian Callahan on Monday after a 1-5 start. The new staff will obviously make their mark, but their primary task will be surrounding Cam Ward with as much talent as possible on both sides of the ball. That could point them to Downs, a scheme-versatile playmaker who might just be the best overall prospect in the entire draft, regardless of positional value.

7. Cincinnati Bengals

Spencer Fano | OT | Utah

This team will go as Joe Burrow goes, and that won't be very far if they can't keep him protected and healthy. This offensive line continues to be a problem, and this pick should be spent on the best available blocker. In this scenario, that's Fano, who has starting experience at both tackle spots, along with the power and athleticism to be a long-term upgrade on either side of the offensive line.

8. Las Vegas Raiders

Dante Moore | QB | Oregon

Geno Smith has been disappointing so far this season, and having just turned 35 years old, he'll need a successor sooner than later in Vegas. Moore didn't outshine Mendoza in Saturday's must-see TV showdown between the Ducks and the Hoosiers, but he's still shown a ton of NFL tools that could make him a top-10 pick . Moore's combination of physical traits and poise under pressure will earn him a ton of fans in front offices across the NFL.

Oregon QB Dante Moore continues to impress this season. (Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard)Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard

9. New York Giants

Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)

This would be an ideal scenario for the Giants, who have one of the league's better left tackles in Andrew Thomas (when healthy), but need a long-term upgrade on the right side. Mauigoa would be the ideal fit, bringing a punishing style of play and a fantastic blend of power and movement skills to help protect Big Blue's investment in 2025 first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart.

10. Arizona Cardinals

Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State

Marvin Harrison Jr . looks like he's starting to grow into the player Arizona hoped they were getting with the No. 4 overall pick in 2024, and Trey McBride is one of the league's best tight ends. That said, the Cardinals should still be on the lookout for a high-end WR2, and Tyson would be plenty overqualified for that kind of role. Putting him in this offense would force opposing defenses to leave somebody dangerous in 1-on-1 situations more often, and the results could be lethal.

11. Houston Texans

Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama

It's no secret the Texans need as much help as possible up front, and that was already true before they traded away star left tackle Laremy Tunsil this offseason. 2025 second-rounder Aireontae Ersery is promising, but Houston should still be on the lookout for another high-upside starter at the other tackle spot. Proctor still needs to refine his technique, but he's got rare physical traits that give him limitless potential at the next level.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn

Trading away Micah Parsons was a bold move that made the Cowboys' defense worse in the short-term, particularly in the pass rush. They're not likely to find a player of his caliber with this pick, but they have to take a swing anyway. Faulk is a massive edge defender with the versatility to attack from various alignments, giving him three-down value and the kind of pass-rushing upside to eventually develop into a high-impact player.

LSU CB Mansoor Delane (4) has been dominant for the Bayou Bengals. (Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images)

13. Carolina Panthers

Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU

Carolina could go in a bunch of different directions with this pick, but if the board falls this way, the value points them to the cornerback spot. Delane has been an absolute shutdown artist for the Bayou Bengals this season, and at this point in the process, he looks like this year's top prospect at the position. Lining him up across from Jaycee Horn would give the Panthers one of the league's best young tandems at a premium spot.

14. Kansas City Chiefs

Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State

You can never have too many weapons for Patrick Mahomes , and the need to add another one could be even greater if Travis Kelce retires after this season. In this scenario, the value is at wide receiver rather than tight end, as the Chiefs land a big-play threat in Tate who brings size, hands, and impressive route-running ability to the table. He could quickly become Mahomes' No. 1 target whenever Kelce decides to hang up his cleats.

15. Washington Commanders

Matayo Uiagalelei | Edge | Oregon

I wouldn't be shocked if the Commanders opted for another dynamic weapon for Jayden Daniels and the passing game, but Washington's biggest needs are on defense. The most glaring is the absence of a truly dynamic pass rusher who can consistently get to the quarterback, especially in clutch situations. Uiagalelei is a complete player who can defend the run at a high level and blow up plays in the backfield, and he has the athleticism and technique to become that go-to pass rusher.

16. Chicago Bears

T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson

The Bears' biggest issues are on defense right now, and the reinforcements need to start in the trenches, where both the run defense and the pass rush needs a ton of improvement. Parker may not be living up to the top-five preseason hype so far this season, but he still looks like a well-rounded defender who can set a strong edge against the run, and win with both power and explosiveness as a pass rusher.

Clemson edge defender T.J. Parker is a first-round talent with a well-rounded skill set. (Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

17. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)

Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee

A quarterback of the future is the most important need, but the Rams could opt for a more immediate addition here, and wait to see which second-tier passers are still on the board later in the round. They've been missing a true shutdown corner since trading away Jalen Ramsey , and while McCoy is a bit of a wild-card as he still works his way back from last year's season-ending injury, he could be a potential steal if he returns to his pre-injury level of play.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame

The Vikings need to do everything they can to ensure that their gamble on J.J. McCarthy pays off, and while the biggest need is improved depth along the offensive line, it wouldn't hurt to score the best running back in this class. Love is a three-down weapon who can score on every touch, and with Aaron Jones turning 31 years old in December, Love could immediately take over as the lead back on all three downs.

19. Buffalo Bills

Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M

There are multiple needs on defense for Buffalo, so it comes down to value. In this scenario, while there are some talented corners still on the board, the Bills could opt for a high-upside edge rusher to replace an aging veteran in Joey Bosa . Howell has proven he can single-handedly end drives and take over games in critical moments with his ability to get after the quarterback, and he's got a pro-ready set of varied moves to get the job done.

20. Denver Broncos

Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah

It's time for the Broncos to think about life after Garett Bolles , who has long been a reliable presence at left tackle, but will turn 34 years old next offseason. Lomu would be a fantastic replacement, giving Denver a seamless transition at a premium position, and ensuring that Bo Nix won't have to worry about his blindside for years to come.

Utah OT Caleb Lomu can be an instant starter at the next level. (Rob Gray-Imagn Images)

21. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson

The Browns just traded Greg Newsome II to Jacksonville , and it remains to be seen whether or not Tyson Campbell will stick around for the long-term as his outside replacement across from Denzel Ward . If Campbell fails to impress, and Martin Emerson Jr. isn't re-signed, the Browns could opt for an undersized but feisty prospect in Terrell. What he lacks in stature, Terrell more than makes up for with competitiveness, technique, ball skills and smarts.

22. Los Angeles Rams

Garrett Nussmeier | QB | LSU

The Rams need an eventual successor for Matthew Stafford , and with an extra first-round pick at their disposal, this could be the right spot to find their man. Nussmeier hasn't looked like the potential No. 1 overall pick some were projecting in the preseason, but his skill set would be a strong fit in a Sean McVay offense that would maximize what he does well, and mitigate his weaknesses.

23. Detroit Lions

LT Overton | Edge | Alabama

The Lions are still in need of a blue-chip edge rusher to line up across from Aidan Hutchinson and take advantage of all the attention opposing offenses are forced to pay to the former No. 2 overall pick. Overton is a powerful, versatile defender who can give Detroit a dominant force against the run on early downs, and a valuable pass-rushing presence who can attack from the edge or along the interior in passing situations.

24. Seattle Seahawks

Denzel Boston | WR | Washington

I still just love this fit way too much. The Seahawks clearly have their No. 1 receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba , but the passing game still misses the size and physicality that DK Metcalf brought to the party. Boston has a huge frame, and a combination of athleticism and contested-catch ability that would make him the perfect fit to round out one of the league's most talented groups of offensive skill-position players.

Ohio State LB Arvell Reese is a three-down playmaker for the Buckeyes. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)

25. New England Patriots

Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State

Mike Vrabel was a versatile linebacker himself coming out of Columbus in his playing days, but he didn't bring the kind of athleticism and upside Reese has put on display for the Buckeyes this season. His rare combination of size, movement skills and intelligence would give the Pats a cornerstone at the heart of their defense who can make splash plays in every phase of the game.

26. Los Angeles Chargers

Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon

There's still some hope that Oronde Gadsden II can develop into a reliable target and a full-time starter, but if that doesn't happen quickly, the Chargers could look to upgrade the tight end spot to help out Justin Herbert and the passing game. Sadiq has been one of this year's fastest-rising prospects , and he brings the athleticism and physicality that make him a constant headache for back-seven defenders in coverage.

27. San Francisco 49ers

Isaiah World | OT | Oregon

Trent Williams has been one of the best left tackles in the NFL for years, but he'll turn 38 years old next summer, so the 49ers will need to invest his his replacement as soon as possible. A transfer from Nevada, World has lived up to high expectations by being a dominant force for the Ducks so far this season, and his physical traits give him a ton of upside and Pro Bowl potential.

28. Philadelphia Eagles

Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State

The Eagles have drafted extremely well under Howie Roseman in recent years, but the one thing they can't seem to find is a true difference-maker off the edge, despite multiple attempts. The jury is still out on some of their young rushers, but this team can't wait around for developmental prospects if they want to chase another Super Bowl. Dennis-Sutton has a rare blend of size, athleticism and versatility, giving him a ton of upside in this defense.

Florida DL Caleb Banks has sky-high potential as an interior defender in the NFL. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)

29. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)

Caleb Banks | DL | Florida

After getting an edge rusher to help replace what they traded away in Micah Parsons, the Cowboys double-dip along the defensive front with this pick, addressing their run defense with help for the interior. Banks is a towering defender with the ability to slice his way into opposing backfields and stuff run plays before they get started, and his explosiveness gives him upside as a pass rusher, as well.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers

Makai Lemon | WR | USC

It's possible the Steelers could look for a young quarterback to replace Aaron Rodgers , but if the future Hall of Famer maintains his current level of play, he could extend his run in Pittsburgh beyond this season. Instead, they could opt to upgrade the WR2 spot with an explosive pass-catcher like Lemon, whose skill set would be a fantastic complement to DK Metcalf.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas

Lavonte David is still playing at an elite level at 35 years old, but even if he returns for a 15th season in 2026, the Bucs will need an immediate upgrade next to him. Hill has the three-down skill set and versatility that would be a perfect fit in Todd Bowles' complex defense, and the opportunity to learn from David, even for just one season, would make it even more likely he's able to hit his lofty ceiling.

32. Indianapolis Colts

David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech

Indy could opt for a corner here, but with the edge rushers who are still on the board here, there's just more value there in this scenario. Bailey has been one of the most pleasant surprises in the country so far this season, showing the ability to consistently get after the quarterback with an explosive first step and nonstop effort that will jump off the film for NFL scouts.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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