2026 NFL Mock Draft: A New QB Crashes the 1st-Round Party

Vikings reportedly trade for Kirk Cousins

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: A New QB Crashes the 1st-Round Party

Luke Easterling · Athlon Sports

Tue, Oct 7, 2025 ·

15 min read

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Key Points:

Alabama QB Ty Simpson makes his first appearance in this updated first-round projection for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Oregon's Dante Moore , Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, and South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers join Simpson as first-round quarterbacks in this mock draft.
Other big-name quarterbacks like Texas' Arch Manning , Clemson's Cade Klubnik , LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and Penn State's Drew Allar fail to make the first-round cut.

There's still plenty of promise among the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class, even if some of the names have changed.

While the early going of the 2025 college football season hasn't been kind to Arch Manning or Cade Klubnik, and others like Garrett Nussmeier and Drew Allar have failed to deliver high-level performances on a consistent basis, a handful of newcomers have risen up the ranks with stellar play.

Just how high could the likes of Dante Moore, Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson climb between now and next April?

Here's an updated look at how the first round of next year's draft could turn out, using the latest Super Bowl odds to determine the draft order:

1. New York Jets

Dante Moore | QB | Oregon

The Jets' problems are way bigger than one position, but this team isn't going anywhere without a true franchise quarterback it can build around for the future. While some of the bigger names in this quarterback class have failed to live up to the preseason hype, Moore has been efficient and dynamic throughout the first month of the season for the Ducks, showing all the physical and mental traits worthy of a No. 1 overall pick.

2. Tennessee Titans

Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)

Tennessee already has its franchise passer in Cam Ward , but the supporting cast around him needs a ton of work. The best match of need and value for the Titans comes on defense here, as they land the most dominant defender we've seen in all of college football so far this season. Bain is a punishing edge rusher with the strength, power and technique to make an immediate impact on all three downs.

3. New Orleans Saints

Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana

Spending a top-40 pick in this year's draft on 26-year-old quarterback Tyler Shough was a huge mistake, but the Saints should admit their mistake and take another signal-caller here come April. Mendoza has been fantastic for the Hoosiers so far this year, dealing from the pocket and making tough throws in clutch moments, even in the face of oncoming pressure.

4. New York Giants

Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)

If the Giants want to get the most out of Jaxson Dart as their starting quarterback, they need to give him as much help in the trenches as possible. Andrew Thomas is a fantastic left tackle when healthy, but Big Blue needs a long-term upgrade on the other side of the line. Mauigoa would be the ideal fit, as a dominant presence who can erase opposing edge rushers and set a physical tone in the ground game.

South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers has the most upside among this year's top QB prospects. (Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

5. Las Vegas Raiders

LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina

I'm a huge Geno Smith fan, but he's been awful for the Raiders. The offensive line isn't much of an excuse either, since we saw him put up huge numbers behind Seattle 's line the past couple of years. He turns 35 this week, so the Raiders would be wise to invest in the future of the game's most important position. Sellers is still searching for consistency, but he's got the most upside of any quarterback in this class.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama

Nothing matters for the Bengals unless they can keep Joe Burrow protected and healthy, so they need to take as many swings at improving this offensive line as possible. Cincinnati has proved it's willing to gamble on rare physical traits and upside, and that's what Proctor brings to the table. It might take some patience, but he's got limitless potential if he can learn to maximize his talent.

7. Miami Dolphins

Peter Woods | DL | Clemson

I expect a massive overhaul in Miami this offseason, so I wouldn't take a new quarterback off the table here. This doesn't feel like the class to take QB4 over a blue-chip prospect elsewhere, though, so the Dolphins should instead fortify their defensive front with a talent worthy of a top-10 slot. Woods is a dominant force along the interior who can shut down the run game and push the pocket as a pass rusher.

8. Carolina Panthers

Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State

I keep matching up Downs with the Panthers because it just makes too much sense. This team needs as much talent as possible on both sides of the ball, and Downs is arguably the best player in the entire class . He may not play a position that's valued at a premium, but he's a complete player who can impact every facet of the game, with versatility, athleticism and smarts that lead to big plays on a consistent basis.

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs might still be the best overall prospect in the entire 2026 class. (The Columbus Dispatch)

9. Cleveland Browns

Spencer Fano | OT | Utah

I don't expect the Browns to give up on Dillon Gabriel after just one season, so it makes more sense to address the need for long-term upgrades at offensive tackle. Fano has proved he can be a quality starter at either tackle spot, giving Cleveland the ability to try him at left tackle right away or use him as an eventual successor for Jack Conklin on the right side.

10. Arizona Cardinals

Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State

Marvin Harrison Jr. appears to be finally hitting his stride, but despite his growth and the presence of Trey McBride , it wouldn't hurt to give Kyler Murray another dynamic downfield weapon. Tyson has clearly separated himself from the rest of the pack in this year's receiver class, and he's got all the traits to give Arizona a WR1 skill set in a role that would allow him to maximize the attention paid to Harrison and McBride.

11. Chicago Bears

T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson

The future is bright for the Bears on offense, but they need the defense to catch up as soon as possible. That has to start in the trenches, where Chicago needs more impact players across the board who can dominate against both the run and pass. Parker fits the bill, with the frame and skill set to stay on the field for all three downs and make splash plays when he gets near the ball.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn

It's unlikely the Cowboys will be able to find an edge rusher who can truly replace Micah Parsons ' impact, but they'll have to try. Faulk is a towering defender with impressive physical traits and the size/versatility to attack opposing offenses from a wide range of alignments. That rare skill set gives him a ton of upside at the next level, as does his experience against SEC competition.

Auburn's Keldric Faulk brings size, athleticism and versatility to the defensive front. (Jake Crandall/Advertiser) Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)

Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama

Matthew Stafford might seem ageless right now, but the Rams would be wise to invest in his eventual successor as soon as possible. Perhaps the fastest-rising prospect in the entire class, Simpson has been as impressive as any quarterback in the country this season, showing precision and poise you rarely see from a first-year full-time starter. If he keeps improving throughout the season, he could easily be a top-10 pick.

14. Minnesota Vikings

Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU

You can never have too many good corners in today's NFL, so the Vikings shouldn't pass on the opportunity to add another talented cover man to a group that already includes Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers . Delane has been an absolute shutdown artist for the Bayou Bengals so far this season, showing off the ability to erase an opposing team's top target and eliminate an entire side of the field from a quarterback's consideration.

15. New England Patriots

Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State

If anybody knows the value of a stud linebacker who brings a ton of versatility and playmaking ability to the table, it's Mike Vrabel. The Pats' defense doesn't have that cornerstone player at the heart of their unit right now, but Reese would be the perfect candidate. He's got a rare blend of size, athleticism and intelligence that would make an instant impact on all three downs for New England .

16. Seattle Seahawks

Denzel Boston | WR | Washington

There are some needs elsewhere on both sides of the ball, but I just like this fit too much. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is clearly capable of being the WR1 in Seattle, but finding a big, physical receiver to replace DK Metcalf would take this passing game to another level. Boston is a contested-catch master who uses his massive frame to his advantage, making him a dangerous downfield weapon, particularly in the red zone.

USC's Makai Lemon is a big-play machine who is flying up the draft board. (Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports)Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Makai Lemon | WR | USC

Yes, the Steelers need a franchise quarterback to build around for the future, but I'm not sold on any of the remaining passers here. Instead of maybe taking another Kenny Pickett , the Steelers should take a big-play machine like Lemon, whose skill set would pair perfectly with DK Metcalf as a high-end WR2 in a passing game that could use more explosiveness and after-the-catch upside.

18. Houston Texans

Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah

Houston's biggest problem last season was the offensive line, and trading away Laremy Tunsil was a strange way of trying to improve that group in the offseason. There's a ton of potential in 2025 second-rounder Aireontae Ersery , but the Texans need a long-term upgrade at the other tackle spot, too. Lomu would be the ideal pick to ensure the safety and health of C.J. Stroud , and allow him to take full advantage of the weapons in his offense.

19. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee

If the Browns can't afford to keep Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson Jr. this offseason, they could be in need of a new running mate to pair with Denzel Ward at corner. McCoy is one of the biggest wild-card prospects in this class as he continues to work his way back from a knee injury suffered last year. If he's able to be the same player he was before the injury, he could be a steal this late in the first round.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas

The Bucs already have a big need for one off-ball linebacker, and if Lavonte David retires after his 14th season, they'll need two of them. Hill has the kind of versatility, athleticism and playmaking instincts to be a perfect fit in Todd Bowles' creative defense, where he could be deployed in a wide range of different ways that would take full advantage of his well-rounded skill set.

Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. is a three-down menace with an NFL-ready skill set. (Austin American-Statesman)

21. Denver Broncos

Isaiah World | OT | Oregon

It's time for the Broncos to think about life after Garett Bolles , who has been a mainstay for them at left tackle but turns 34 next offseason. Since transferring from Nevada, World has been as dominant as expected, anchoring the Ducks offensive line and protecting Dante Moore's blind side. He'd be an ideal candidate for that same role for Bo Nix in Denver.

22. Indianapolis Colts

Matayo Uiagalelei | Edge | Oregon

The future is still bright for 2024 first-rounder Laiatu Latu , but the Colts need another young edge rusher opposite him to secure the future of the position long-term. Uiagalelei has been a force for the Ducks so far this season, showing off a complete skill set that allows him to dominate as both an edge-setting run defender and a dynamic pass rusher.

23. Washington Commanders

Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon

The defense needs help at multiple spots, but Washington's top priority should always be giving quarterback Jayden Daniels as much help as possible. Along those lines, finding a dynamic pass-catching threat at tight end would be ideal, and Sadiq has emerged as a first-round talent with the ability to create consistent matchup problems for smaller defensive backs and slower, less athletic linebackers who struggle to stick with him downfield and after the catch.

24. Los Angeles Chargers

Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State

Tuli Tuipolotu still has a ton of potential, but with the departure of Joey Bosa and the fact that Khalil Mack is not getting any younger, the Chargers could use another young edge rusher with future upside. Dennis-Sutton would be the perfect match given his intriguing combination of size, length, athleticism and versatility that would be maximized by talented defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

Penn State edge defender Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) has rare athleticism and versatility for his size. (Joe Rondone/The Republic)(Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

25. Los Angeles Rams

Aveion Terrell | CB | Clemson

Ever since they traded away Jalen Ramsey , the Rams have struggled to find a true shutdown corner who can shadow an opposing team's No. 1 receiver and take him out of the game. Terrell may not have Ramsey's physical profile, but he makes up for his lack of ideal size with polished technique, nonstop competitiveness and impressive ball skills.

26. Baltimore Ravens

Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame

Yes, the Ravens' biggest problems are on defense, but this franchise knows how to take advantage when a value pick falls into its lap. Love is a dynamic, three-down playmaker who can score on every touch, and grabbing him to be the heir apparent to Derrick Henry (who turns 32 in January) would give their backfield a seamless transition between elite running backs to keep the offense balanced and dangerous with Lamar Jackson at the helm.

27. San Francisco 49ers

Trevor Goosby | OT | Texas

It's not fun for 49ers fans to think about life after Trent Williams , but he turns 38 next July, so it's time to find the team's next franchise left tackle. Goosby has been climbing up the board after a strong start to the 2025 season for the Longhorns, showing impressive athleticism and movement skills to go along with all the power and strength you'd expect from such a massive blocker.

28. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)

Caleb Banks | DL | Florida

After getting a high-upside edge rusher to help replace Micah Parsons, the Cowboys double down in the defensive trenches with their extra first-rounder, this time bolstering the interior. Banks is a massive presence inside for the Gators, and he would bring explosiveness and physicality to a Dallas defensive front that needs to see more splash plays against both the run and pass.

Carnell Tate is the latest in a long line of first-round talents at wide receiver coming out of Ohio State. (The Columbus Dispatch)

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State

This offense needs more weapons for Patrick Mahomes , even if Travis Kelce returns for another season. There are some decent role players among the receiver group, but Mahomes could use a more well-rounded pass-catcher. Tate is a big, athletic target with the route-running chops and deep speed to be an ideal fit.

30. Philadelphia Eagles

David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech

Few teams have drafted as well as the Eagles in recent years, but one thing that continues to elude general manager Howie Roseman is a home-run pick at the edge rusher spot. There's still some upside with the young rushers they have on the roster, but adding another talented, productive defender like Bailey to the group would improve the entire defense.

31. Detroit Lions

LT Overton | Edge | Alabama

Injuries continue to expose the Lions' lack of ideal depth on defense, and the reinforcements should always start in the trenches. Aidan Hutchinson is back to his dominant self after returning from last year's injury, but Detroit still needs another blue-chip edge player across from him. Overton is a big, powerful prospect with some alignment versatility and the complete skill set to make plays on every down.

32. Buffalo Bills

A.J. Harris | CB | Penn State

This defense hasn't had a high-end CB1 since Tre'Davious White's prime. This class could give them the perfect opportunity to find another gem in the latter part of the first round, where they drafted White. Harris has ideal height and length for the position, along with the fluidity, technique and athleticism to match up with top pass-catchers and remove them from the game plan.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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