2026 NFL Mock Draft: Shocking top QBs dominate early and elite edge rushers stack the late first round
Dante Moore, Fernando Mendoza, and LaNorris Sellers continue to rise in first round debate
The 2025 college football season is already nearly half over for some teams and the best future NFL stars are quickly rising up the 2026 NFL Draft board.
Yes, the NFL Draft might still be several months away, but for many NFL teams the 2025 season is already looking rather bleak. The one place where there will always be hope for every NFL team is the NFL Draft, so it’s time to check in on some of the most talented players who could change your favorite franchise(s).
Who are the most elite talents in the country that could hear their names called in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft? That’s what our team of A to Z Sports NFL Draft analysts asked ourselves as we tried to sift through 130+ teams of incredibly gifted players to find the best of the best. Eight of our analysts put our heads together and held our midseason “way too early” mock draft for the 2026 cycle. If you don’t like the draft order, just blame your favorite sports book since it’s based on reverse order of Super Bowl odds. Enjoy!
Current Facts and Odds for the 2026 NFL Draft
- The best current odds to land the number one overall selection are near evenly split between the New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, and New York Jets.
- The three most likely players to be selected first overall via current betting odds are all quarterbacks. Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), and Dante Moore (Oregon).
- The highest odds to go first overall for non-QBs are all defensive front players. Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami), T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson), and Peter Woods (DL, Clemson).
Way Too Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. New Orleans Saints: Dante Moore, QB Oregon
Dante Moore’s stock is rising faster than nearly any other prospect’s right now and could certainly be the obvious QB1 by season’s end. There’s a chance he waits until 2027 to declare, but with his blend of size, arm talent, and processing, I think there’s a great shot he decides to enter his name with the 2026 class. New Orleans will most likely have their eye on the QB group, and he’s stood out consistently this season. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans
2. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE Miami (FL)
What’s that, you say? The Titans are in need of some pass rush help? Boy, do I have good news for you. Rueben Bain Jr. might be the best player in the country thus far in 2025–he’s been an absolute menace for every offensive line he’s faced. He’s built unconventionally dense but it offers him leverage to play with power and slipperiness to slide through the hands of opposing blockers. Tennessee’s got the quarterback in place and it’s now about building out the rest of the roster around him. Regardless of potential coaching staff changes, this pick is too good to pass up. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami
3. Carolina Panthers: Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana
It’s year three for Bryce Young and he hasn’t done enough to secure his spot as the long-term starter for this franchise. The biggest riser in the 2026 NFL Draft class is Fernando Mendoza, who possesses plus-size, a good athletic profile, and an NFL arm that can attack every blade of grass. He flashed at California last season, and is now showing even more unbelievable upside at Indiana. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
4. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT Utah
It’s still too early to tell if the Giants will have a new regime in place by the time the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around, but it’s definitely not too soon to tell that their offensive line is still a massive problem. They need to keep adding talent to this room if they want any better success moving forward. Protecting their new first round quarterback Jaxson Dart should be top priority. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma
5. New York Jets: LaNorris Sellers, QB South Carolina
The Jets gave the Justin Fields experiment a shot this season, but it hasn’t worked out–at least as of this writing. LaNorris Sellers is a bigger and stronger armed version of Fields, and brings the same unique dual threat upside with his legs, but perhaps better. There is a lot of Dante Culpepper to Sellers’ game, an incredible physical talent at 6-3 and 242 pounds. If he makes it to them, the Jets should take a shot on this possible game-changer. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
6. Miami Dolphins: John Mateer, QB Oklahoma
The outcomes for the Dolphins this season feel like they boil down to a few possibilities. First and foremost, the Dolphins underwhelm and make sweeping changed to the football operation. In that case, they’ll likely want to target a quarterback of their own choosing with Tua Tagovailoa being positioned into a bridge year in 2026. In the event that the Dolphins perform well enough for the team to make some changes to the football operation, we’ve already started hearing whispers from the insiders that Mike McDaniel’s offense is being inhibited by Tagovailoa’s limits and durability–which makes a QB pick possible as well. If the Dolphins win enough for everyone to survive into 2026, well then they won’t be picking top ten. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami
7. Cincinnati Bengals: Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami (FL)
If the Cincinnati Bengals don’t use their first-round pick on an offensive lineman, I think the fanbase may boycott the season. Barring some big free agent move or trade, the Bengals have to go all in on protecting Joe Burrow. Amarius Mims has struggled at right tackle, and the offense looks lifeless without Burrow. Time to shore up the protection when he gets back with the best right tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Kadyn Proctor, OT Alabama
The Raiders have already seen the flashes of how special 2025 first round pick Ashton Jeanty can be. One thing is certain though. Their offensive line has to be better in order for him to reach his full potential. If the Raiders have the chance to land one of the top linemen in the class they should pounce at the opportunity. Here I have them taking Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor who, although he’s the second tackle in this mock draft, has a great shot at being the first off the board next April thanks to his giant size and athletic giftedness. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis
9. Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson, QB Alabama
Doing mock drafts this early is tricky, but it’s a great pulse check on some of the best emerging talents like Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama). It may just be his first year as a starter, but it doesn’t feel like it. He’s already thrown 11 touchdowns to zero interceptions. He ranks top 12 in most every meaning metric of quarterback play so far this season. Simpson might return to school for another year even if he goes on to win the Heisman and take Alabama somewhere special to end the year, but if he does declare he’s on first round trajectory, as of this writing. The Browns end the 3+ QB experiment from this past offseason and go with a high upside efficient field general. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
10. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker, EDGE Clemson
The Patriots defense has some dudes on it, but edge rusher is the one where they need to start adding young talent. T.J. Parker has all the tools to thrive at the next level, sufficient pass rush rate stats to suggest he’s worth a first round pick, and having guys like Christian Barmore and Milton Williams around him will make his job as a pro much easier. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
11. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Mansoor Delane, CB LSU
Arguably the biggest weakness on the Rams’ roster is their secondary, with very little proven ability at cornerback mixed in with a lot of disappointment. They need a real building block here, someone that they can actually trust. Mansoor Delane has gotten off to a hot start by shutting down several top receivers and looks like the best defensive back in the country right now for the LSU Tigers. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma
12. Arizona Cardinals: Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona State
Adding a smooth mover like Jordyn Tyson to the Arizona offense would be really exciting. Marvin Harrison Jr. hasn’t lived up to the hype, but we’ve seen flashes of his talent at times. With Trey McBride at tight end, Tyson would provide Kyler Murray with another option in the passing game who possesses a unique skillset from the others. The Arizona State wideout will end up being a top ten prospect in the class for me, undoubtedly. Great value for the Cards here. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans
13. Dallas Cowboys: Peter Woods, DT Clemson
With the struggles that the Clemson Tigers have had this season, many have forgotten how good Peter Woods is on every single play. The 6-3, 310-pound bowling ball can line up and win anywhere along the defensive front, from edge to deep along the interior. Woods could be the missing piece for a dominant defense in Dallas. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
14. Chicago Bears: Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
D’Andre Swift is a fine starter but he isn’t the talent at running back that Ben Johnson wants leading his run game. Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love has legit All-Pro potential at the next level. Giving Johnson’s creative mind a player like Love could be a dangerous combo. I thought running back was on the table for the Bears first pick in 2025, and if they get the shot at it again in 2026 I could see Love rocking a Chicago jersey. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State
The Steelers simply cannot go into another season without a reliable No.2 option on the perimeter at wide receiver. Calvin Austin III has been solid, but his size limits his durability and utilization anywhere outside the slot. Perhaps Omar Khan has another trade in him, but the last time the Steelers drafted a first round WR from Ohio State, he won them a Super Bowl. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh
16. Minnesota Vikings: Arvell Reese, LB Ohio State
Arvell Reese is arguably the best defender on the Buckeyes roster right now, and he’s got boundless potential with his size and athletic profile. The Vikings could use a versatile chess piece at linebacker standing next to Blake Cashman. Reese could be the next player to maximize Brian Flores’ defense given his versatility, instincts, and athleticism. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
17. Houston Texans: Isaiah World, OT Oregon
Isaiah World has posted a strong, but up-and-down 2025 campaign for Oregon. The 6’8′, 320-pound monster of an offensive tackle has every physical trait the NFL looks for in a tackle, but needs to fix his hands against tougher edge rushing matchups like Dani Dennis-Sutton of Penn State in Week 5. The Texans get an instant upgrade for their absolutely abysmal offensive line. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
18. Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell, CB Clemson
With trade rumors already surrounding Tariq Woolen and multiple corners set to hit free agency, Seattle might be hitting reset in their cornerback room. Avieon Terrell’s ball skills and athleticism would be a strong addition next to Devon Witherspoon for the Seahawks. He might have a slightly smaller stature, but he packs a punch. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma Sooners
19. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Connor Lew, IOL Auburn
The Browns offensive line is a bit of a horror show when you look past this season. Even now, it is not a strength of the roster. As of now, Connor Lew has proven to be the top dog on the interior offensive line in the nation so far, and he would slot in as a starter for Cleveland immediately. It’s rare to take a center this early, but Lew is special. Cleveland took a rookie QB earlier in round one here, so why not protect him with your other first round pick from the Travis Hunter deal? – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans
20. Denver Broncos: Keldric Faulk, EDGE Auburn
The Broncos’ ferocious defense figures to serve as the identity of this team. Replacing John Franklin-Myers should be considered an urgent item on Denver’s offseason itinerary. Franklin-Myers is in the final year of his contract and based off the other players getting paid by the team, he may be on the move. In which case, a physical menace on the edge like Keldric Faulk could be a great fit with his balance of run and pass defensive dominance. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon
The Buccaneers have quietly been looking for a passing catching tight end behind the scenes who can be a difference maker. Not only can Kenyon Sadiq do that, but he can also be a dominant member of the run game. Along with quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receivers Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Emeka Egbuka, this has a chance to be quite the potent passing attack. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
22. Indianapolis Colts: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE Oregon
The Colts offense has been one of the best in the NFL to start the year. Daniel Jones is playing QB at a high level and people are starting to wonder if this marriage between he and the Colts could last longer than one year. If they finish as a playoff team and potentially a division champ their chances to land a top QB in this class diminish greatly. I elected to target a different need here and looked at edge rushers. The Colts only have two edge rushers still under contract beyond this season and Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei has continued to improve over the last year and a half. He has a high floor as an excellent run stopper but I think his ceiling as a pass rusher is much higher than people realize. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis
23. Washington Commanders: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE Penn State
If Penn State makes it to the College Football Playoff semifinal again it’s going to be due to Dani Dennis-Sutton’s game wrecking pass rush and run defense. He’s posted nearly a 15% career pass rush pressure rate, and despite not many plays ending in a sack this season (yet), he’s posting elite havoc numbers again. At 6’5″, 265 pounds he becomes a day one starter for the Washington Commanders who can be trusted to wreck the offensive front one every play. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
24. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Downs, S Ohio State
I honestly do not know how Caleb Downs, arguably the best player in the class, made it this far in a mock draft. For a 49ers team that recently lost Talanoa Hufanaga and loves their safety play, this would be a scary draft pick for San Francisco. All-American talent in college. Likely All-Pro in the NFL. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Jermod McCoy, CB Tennessee
Jermod McCoy has slid a bit in this mock, potentially due to his current injury situation. He’s still recovering from his torn ACL, so many scouts don’t know where to place him alongside his peers for next year’s draft. That being said, last time we saw him on the field and healthy he was a dominant defensive playmaker for the Tennessee Vols. This pick has massive upside and fills a need here for the Bolts. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans
26. Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Lomu, OT Utah
The Rams have to start thinking about life after Rob Havenstein at right tackle. While this offensive tackle class isn’t anywhere near as strong as some in recent memory, Caleb Lomu projects as a solid starting OT. The Rams select a player here who should easily be an upgrade over what Havenstein has been this season. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma
27. Baltimore Ravens: Makai Lemon, WR USC
I wasn’t able to draft a new medical staff to try and keep the Ravens team healthy and on the field so I went the best player available route. USC’s Makai Lemon is making a real push right now to be the first wide receiver drafted in 2026. The Ravens WR room has multiple impactful pieces but they lack that true number one option. I think Lemon has that type of upside and is worth the swing here for Baltimore. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis
28. Kansas City Chiefs: R Mason Thomas, EDGE Oklahoma
The Chiefs haven’t had great luck in drafting edge rushers, especially ones who are bigger in stature. Thomas is the opposite of that (he’s quite undersized), giving the Chiefs something opposite of George Karlaftis that they don’t currently possess: speed on the edge. It doesn’t necessarily fit how Steve Spagnuolo wants to play, but adjustments can be made given Thomas’ talent. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
29. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): Will Lee III, CB Texas A&M
It feels like the Cowboys have needed another injection of talent into the cornerback room for a couple of years. If you love press-man cornerbacks that can also be impactful in zone, then you’ll love Will Lee. He is as competitive as you will find in the 2026 NFL Draft class. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
30. Detroit Lions: David Bailey, EDGE Texas Tech
Detroit’s pass rush was a big point of emphasis this summer but the team ultimately decided to stand pat with what they had in house. Perhaps they’ll be buyers ahead of the trade deadline but getting a running mate in the draft to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, particularly with an extension for Hutch looming, should be considered a priority. – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Dillon Thieneman, S Oregon
Dillon Thieneman continues to prove that he is–at worst–the second best safety in the country. He hauled in the game-winning interception against Penn State. He’s showing off his ability to be a force in the run game this year. On top of that, he’s proven to be far more than just a deep safety this season. The Eagles love to go best player available and might have a need at safety depending on what they do with Reed Blankenship after this year. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
32. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR Washington
What do you give the MVP of the league to keep him happy and help the team win? How about another wide receiver? Denzel Boston being available this far into the draft would be amazing for a Bills team that could use some more weapons. At 6’4″, 210 pounds, this athletic freak could immediately become Josh Allen’s WR1. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh
We’ll be back with more NFL Draft coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!