2026 NFL mock draft after Week 16: CFP QBs go Nos. 1 and a pair of general after commerce

Shedeur Sanders has fluctuated between good and unhealthy, which is to be anticipated from a rookie quarterback. Moore, nonetheless simply 20 years previous, has already confronted adversity after beginning for UCLA as a real freshman. The Cleveland-born quarterback would have an opportunity to perform what 4 different first-round quarterbacks taken by the franchise have been unable to do.

Las Vegas’ roster is so skinny that the Raiders could need to take into account buying and selling down if the choice is afforded to them. The chance to draft a franchise quarterback would not come round usually, nonetheless, making it a tough proposition to bypass. Mendoza has been probably the most constant passer in faculty soccer this season, with accuracy and anticipation that stand out.

Wan’Dale Robinson has been a high-volume goal for the Giants this season, however there isn’t any assure he re-signs. Whereas New York has greater wants, a tandem of Carnell Tate and Malik Nabers may rapidly develop into one of many league’s greatest. The franchise can be smart to do all the pieces it may to assist Jaxson Dart.

Caleb Downs may probably be one of the best participant on this draft class. The selection boils all the way down to move rusher Arvell Reese and Downs; the latter is a extra urgent want at this stage of the rebuild, however the former performs a extra impactful place.

Tennessee received Sunday and fell within the draft order, however nonetheless lands the prospect who had been mocked to them in prior mocks. Arvell Reese has performed linebacker, however is greatest speeding the passer. Cam Ward is the quarterback of the longer term and now the target is discovering further constructing blocks.

Arizona’s lack of Klayton Adams was vital, however the group can overcome it with higher expertise alongside the offensive line. Spencer Fano performed proper deal with for the Utes however could also be slated to maneuver inside on the subsequent stage. The Cardinals even have huge choices to make on head coach and quarterback.

Rueben Bain will not be each group’s cup of tea — as a result of he’s missing ideally suited size — however his energy and motor ought to enchantment to go coach Dan Quinn. Washington has relied on stopgap choices to strain opposing quarterbacks and will lastly tackle the place long run.

Tyler Shough has impressed the Saints to win three consecutive video games. They choose Jordyn Tyson to pair with Chris Olave. Each gamers are versatile sufficient to play on or off the road of scrimmage, which can problem the opposition’s method to defending them.

Protection, protection, protection is the method for Cincinnati. Ohio State security Caleb Downs has been a well-liked selection for the franchise however, with Downs off the board, the main focus shifts to the defensive position. Peter Woods was by no means the No. 1 general prospect he had been billed as, however Woods stays a really disruptive participant.

Jermod McCoy didn’t play in 2025 as a result of harm, however profiled as a prime 10 general prospect a 12 months in the past. As soon as upon a time, lacking a full season didn’t negatively impression the worth of abilities like Derek Stingley Jr., Micah Parsons and Ja’Marr Chase. McCoy has measurement, ball manufacturing and oily hips in man protection.

Reliance on a soon-to-be 38-year-old quarterback is ultimately going to price Los Angeles, in all chance. Nevertheless, so long as he feels he is ready to play, he continues to supply championship-caliber efficiency. Because the items round him erode, vanish and are rebuilt, Stafford continues establishing his Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame legacy. Francis Mauigoa offers the group extra stability on the best aspect.

Kansas Metropolis could also be hesitant to draft one other working again within the first spherical after the restricted impression of Clyde Edwards-Helaire. If Love would not go right here, it will be fascinating to see how lengthy his wait lasts on draft evening.

Lengthy and highly effective has been the profile of move rushers in Dallas. Keldric Faulk continues to be a younger prospect who can proceed to develop in a spot the place DeMarcus Ware, DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons and others have roamed the halls.

Baltimore is in an identical spot to Buffalo. Huge receivers have a tendency to provide when paired with elite quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, however the Ravens lack a real game-changing presence on the skin. Denzel Boston brings a much bigger physique who can win above the rim on this offense. He has 11 touchdowns on the season.

Minnesota is not a linebacker away from competition, nevertheless it stays a transparent level of weak point on the roster. Types has been incredible for the defending nationwide champions this season. The Vikings additionally want to start out turning draft picks into manufacturing, as a lot of their key contributors have been both chosen by the earlier regime or acquired through free company.

There’s nothing inventive about this choice, nevertheless it is smart. Linebacker has felt like Tampa Bay’s place of selection for a lot of the previous 12 months. Allen is not flashy, however he profiles as a gentle bridge from the Lavonte David period to the following section of the protection.

Detroit has used each type of participant acquisition (free company, commerce, and so forth.) to handle its pass-rushing want reverse Aidan Hutchinson. Accidents have maligned the unit. The Lions are virtually to some extent of ranging from scratch and David Bailey has put collectively a pleasant resume with which to promote himself; first at Stanford and most not too long ago at Texas Tech.

New York has pressed the massive purple button on its rebuild. The Jets want a franchise quarterback, however in addition they want to interchange Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. 5 first-round picks is quite a bit to perform that process, however execution is all that issues at this level. Washington is an ascending expertise who has already made an impression within the School Soccer Playoff.

Carolina has been a complicated group all season, however are within the NFC South driver’s seat with two video games to play. The Panthers proceed constructing out the secondary with the collection of Mansoor Delane. There’s work to be accomplished, however Delane and Jaycee Horn are a great duo.

Pittsburgh nonetheless lacks a long-term reply at quarterback on this situation, however Makai Lemon can be a really perfect complement to DK Metcalf. Metcalf is on tempo to eclipse 900 receiving yards for the seventh time in as many seasons. Lemon is robust and managed by way of the catch, permitting him to get upfield rapidly and generate further yardage after the reception.

Dallas is nearing the purpose the place it wants to show the web page on its incumbent cornerback room. These investments haven’t paid off, as accidents have been a continuing concern. Terrell, the youthful brother of Falcons CB A.J. Terrell, would at the least present insurance coverage on the place whereas additionally providing a contemporary outlook on a deteriorating scenario.

Dallas Goedert is taking part in out his closing season below contract. Kenyon Sadiq may very well be the succession plan that Goedert had been for Zach Ertz. Sadiq is a giant a part of a dynamic Oregon offense, however his lack of ideally suited measurement has not prohibited him from being impactful within the run sport.

For Houston, it is all about including choices alongside the offensive line. Proctor may, in idea, slide inside to protect on the subsequent stage, or he may compete with Aireontae Ersery at left deal with. The aim is so as to add depth and foster a more healthy offensive line for an offense that has been rejuvenated over the second half of the season.

There is not a lot KC Concepcion would not supply. He is snug working in area, understands tips on how to shield himself from huge hits, and is elusive within the open area. The NC State switch would doubtless have even stronger manufacturing if he’d seen the next quantity of on-target throws this season. At 5-foot-11, he is not the prototypical WR1, however he performs greater than his body and would pair properly with Josh Allen.

Kayden McDonald is a stable participant whose impression reveals up extra in opposition to the run than as a move rusher, which caps his ceiling. Nonetheless, it wasn’t way back that Kenneth Grant was chosen No. 13 general, and Jim Harbaugh is prone to respect a lot of McDonald’s traits.

Play power goes to be the priority groups have with Caleb Lomu. Trent Williams is 37 years previous, however has given no indication that he’s accomplished taking part in. If Williams performs for an additional season, then Lomu has a 12 months to be taught from one of the best left deal with within the sport and proceed filling out his body.

On this specific situation, think about that Cleveland doesn’t need to half with this choice as a part of its commerce up. It’s extra life like contemplating the Browns will likely be in place to draft one of many prime two quarterback prospects subsequent week after the Giants or Raiders lose. The group may have 5 new offensive line starters and extra dependable huge receiver play, in order that must be the main focus.

Los Angeles would most likely by no means make this choice as a result of it doesn’t appear to worth cornerbacks within the first spherical. The Rams have additionally gotten elevated play from former first-round decide Emmanuel Forbes. Colton Hood is a cornerback with good ball manufacturing and man-coverage abilities.

Chicago’s offense is rolling proper now, however the protection nonetheless wants work. Dennis Allen has at all times seemed for these lengthy defensive linemen who’re highly effective on the level of assault. Caleb Banks is a giant physique who can hopefully develop right into a foundational piece of the Bears protection. Banks missed a portion of the school soccer season coping with an harm.

Cashius Howell is just not of prototypical measurement, however his manufacturing has been simple. He’s one other log for Mike Vrabel to throw on the pass-rushing fireplace. Howell is equally constructed to Okay’Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry; each have been prime 50 general choices.

A run on huge receivers could lead Sean Payton to a well-known type of roster building. Payton has at all times been proactive in constructing out his offensive traces. Vega Ioane is a robust offensive guard who instantly supplies depth.

Riq Woolen is scheduled to hit free company after the season. Seattle staves off regression in that room with an funding on the highest stage. In a brief time frame, Mike Macdonald has already confirmed to be one of many sport’s greatest defensive coaches and a profitable developer.