2026 NFL mock draft: Preseason version contains 5 QBs taken in first spherical, together with a giant shock at No. 1

The Browns will virtually definitely be going quarterback in the event that they find yourself selecting No. 1 total, and with Arch Manning anticipated to return to highschool, Fernando Mendoza looks like the perfect match of the bunch for head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense (ought to the two-time NFL Coach of the Yr be retained). He is received a plus NFL arm paired with fast decision-making and tight-window accuracy. He’ll get an opportunity to shine on a much bigger stage this yr at Indiana after carrying Cal the previous two seasons.

Normal supervisor Mickey Loomis can have a straightforward choice right here if Garrett Nussmeier balls out this fall. That is as a result of the Saints offensive coordinator — Doug Nussmeier — is aware of the LSU quarterback’s strengths and weaknesses higher than anybody else in America. Garrett’s NFL bloodlines present along with his pocket presence and understanding of how you can play the place.

LaNorris Sellers might not fairly be able to declare after this fall, but when he does it is as a result of somebody is keen to purchase extremely into his traits. He is an elite working menace with big-time arm expertise to function what has all of the makings of a run-heavy assault in New York.

You need the scariest line of defense in soccer, since you simply received it. Peter Woods is a flexible and highly effective inside defender. Put him subsequent to Dexter Lawrence, Abdul Carter and Brian Burns, and you will by no means need to blitz once more.

The Titans may very simply wait till Day 2, however there’s not many No. 1 kind of receivers on this class outdoors of Jordyn Tyson. I really like the considered pairing Cameron Ward with a star receiver he can develop — just like what head coach Brian Callahan had in Cincinnati.

The Raiders may very well be out there for a proper deal with relying on DJ Glaze’s growth, and Spencer Fano is the perfect one within the draft class. He is additionally probably the most versatile run blocker who can be an ideal match for Chip Kelly’s offense.

Keldric Faulk is a singular defender who’s excellent for the fashionable sport. At 6-foot-6 and 290 kilos, Faulk can get the job carried out as each an edge or on the inside. Everyone seems to be in search of these form of hybrid gamers these days, and the Panthers are in want of something they will get defensively.

With arguably the weakest cornerback group within the NFL, the Dolphins deal with is with a cornerback I imagine has particular potential. Jermod McCoy’s sophomore tape was proper up there with the likes of the elite names who’ve come out in recent times.

The Patriots addressed most obtrusive holes on their roster over the course of the offseason, however the edge rush solely has stop-gap choices at this level. T.J. Parker is probably the most NFL-ready edge within the class with three-down capability for Mike Vrabel.

Even when Daniel Jones succeeds, it is laborious to see the Colts not being concerned within the 2026 quarterback class. In contrast to Anthony Richardson, Cade Klubnik can have over three years of beginning expertise by the point he hits an NFL discipline.

Caleb Downs is arguably the perfect participant within the class, however positional worth may trigger him to tumble. The Browns want influence gamers wherever they will discover them, and he’d be the form of security they have been looking for to play subsequent to Grant Delpit.

The brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, Avieon is an ideal match for the Rams protection. He is a shorter, shiftier nook who can follow receivers alongside the complete route tree. His addition would give the Rams extra flexibility to play man in state of affairs the place they at present cannot.

John Mateer has arguably the perfect arm expertise in all the draft class and goes to a division within the AFC North the place that is a necessity. He confirmed development in his first season as a starter and now has an opportunity to explode in his first season with the Sooners after transferring from Washington State.

With Abraham Lucas hitting free company after this season, Seattle can have a choice on its fingers with its oft-injured proper deal with. It may see a powerful deal with class and go for top-of-the-line pass-protectors within the group with Caleb Lomu.

The Cowboys reunite top-of-the-line double staff duos in faculty soccer historical past with Kadyn Proctor becoming a member of former Alabama teammate Tyler Booker. The Cowboys have been slowly constructing a bully of an offensive line, and Proctor can be the cherry on prime.

Paris Johnson has been a house run, however the best deal with place continues to be a piece in progress. Trevor Goosby was solely a spot starter final yr, however confirmed first-round potential as a cross protector.

Ben Johnson was rumored to be within the Ashton Jeanty market final yr earlier than the Raiders snatched him up a number of picks prior. Now he will get his model of Jahmyr Gibbs, as Jeremiyah Love is that stage of particular as a mover.

Jim Harbaugh will not cease till he has the baddest offensive line within the NFL. And when Rashawn Slater was wholesome, they have been going to be fairly darn shut. Middle continues to be a weakish hyperlink with Bradley Bozeman there, so the Chargers add the perfect heart prospect within the class in Connor Lew.

CJ Allen is the right kind of linebacker to switch Lavonte David in Todd Bowles’ protection. He is a no-nonsense linebacker who desires to inflict ache to whomever is in entrance of him. He’ll be a worth add as a blitzer from Day 1.

Reuben Bain Jr. is the right form of inside/outdoors pass-rushing menace to play in Vance Joseph’s hybrid fronts. He is received a defensive deal with construct, however is greater than able to speeding from the skin as effectively.

Caleb Banks is a mammoth defensive deal with who will match proper in on a line of defense stuffed with freak athletes. His mixture of size and explosiveness is what everyone seems to be in search of within the league.

The Texans invested in a ton of choices at deal with, however they nonetheless have loads of unknowns. They may go for somewhat larger ceiling possibility on the place in Xavier Chaplin, who has prototypical left deal with instruments.

David Bailey has a lightning fast first step that would slot in properly in Brian Flores’ protection. He would give them one other front-seven possibility who would maintain offensive traces’ head spinning on third downs.

Makai Lemon is a Sean McVay kind of vast receiver. He’ll do all of the little issues proper to not solely produce for himself, however for others as effectively. He may simply fill the function Cooper Kupp did for years in Los Angeles.

Terry McLaurin has formally signed his extension with the Commanders, and now Jayden Daniels will get one other offensive weapon. Carnell Tate is a easy mover with a big catch radius who could make performs after the catch as effectively.

Proper deal with Colton McKivitz is in a contract yr and Trent Williams is 37-years previous. The 49ers may use some insurance coverage at deal with, the place Francis Mauigoa has been a dependable starter since his freshman yr.

Matayo Uiagalelei is decidedly the Packers kind of edge. Robust, lengthy, and athletic — he ticks the bodily bins. If each Lukas Van Ness and Rashan Gary do not flip issues round this season, the Packers shall be out there for a pass-rusher.

LT Overton is one other edge rusher with inside versatility. That might play effectively throughout from Aidan Hutchinson, the place they’ve not fairly been capable of finding a constant rusher. At a minimal, Overton shall be a plus run defender off the sting.

It looks as if yearly we need to give the Chiefs their subsequent model of Travis Kelce, however this yr lastly feels just like the one it’s going to occur. Kenyon Sadiq wasn’t even a starter final yr behind Terrance Ferguson, however you already noticed the makings of an elite YAC weapon.

Eric Singleton Jr. is the form of vertical menace the Payments offense merely does not have. Whereas they tried to counter Travis Kelce by drafting Dalton Kincaid within the first spherical, this may be their counter to Xavier Worthy.

Lane Johnson has been ageless, however the Eagles are at all times drafting a number of years forward of time. Isaiah World has high-end developmental potential that offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland can be uniquely certified to unlock.

Cashius Howell is a twitched-up undersized edge rusher who would slot in completely with the Ravens secure of rushers. I anticipate a giant yr from him after Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton bounced to the league.