2026 NFL Draft: NFL teams who need a QB, where they likely pick in the first round, and top quarterback prospects to target
Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, and Ty Simpson look like the top quarterback prospects, but which NFL teams look like they can land them?
The New York Jets just reminded everyone that the NFL Draft never really leaves the mind of decision makers around the NFL with their blockbuster trade of Sauce Gardner with the Indianapolis Colts. It’s true, the NFL Draft is the foundation of building every team that matters late into each NFL season, and getting the quarterback position right is what sets the great teams apart from the good.
With that in mind, which NFL teams already they know they need a quarterback, and where do they currently stand to pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft? And when they do, who are the quarterbacks they’ll likely be drafting? Let’s dive in.
Key facts and stats for QB needy NFL teams
- The New Orleans Saints have two quarterbacks currently averaging less than six adjusted yards per pass attempt and passer ratings below 90 (Spencer Rattler & Tyler Shough)
- The New York Jets haven’t gotten the most out of Justin Fields as he’s thrown just five touchdown in seven games and Tyrod Taylor has thrown three interceptions on less than 70 pass attempts
- Cleveland Browns traded away Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel is failing to complete even 60% of his passes with a passer rating below 80 and QBR below 27 (abysmal numbers)
- The Las Vegas Raiders finally got a decent game out of Geno Smith, but he still has 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on the season
Quarterback needy NFL teams and where they pick in first round
- New Orleans Saints – Pick 1
- New York Jets – Pick 3, Pick 32 (from Colts)
- Cleveland Browns – Pick 5, Pick 19 (from Jaguars)
- Las Vegas Raiders – Pick 7
- Carolina Panthers – Pick 16
The New Orleans Saints are the most obvious team in need of a quarterback and in prime position to pick first overall. Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough (in limited action) have both been terrible and the Saints must find their answer at quarterback. At 1-8 they’re currently slated to pick first overall. However, their remaining schedule is rather light, including teams like the Titans, Jets, Dolphins, and Falcons (twice).
The Jets now have two potential picks they could use on a quarterback. Their own, likely to be a top five pick. Then the Colts, which hilariously enough right now look like they could be one of the best teams in the NFL with Daniel Jones at QB.
Cleveland Browns may have spent mid and late round draft capital on Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, but that’s not going to stop them from swinging for a passer again if they hold pace. 2-6 puts them on pace for a top ten pick almost assuredly once again.
The Raiders just got Brock Bowers back and he promptly put up 12 catches, 127 yards, and three touchdowns, so that might be enough to save their trajectory. However, Geno Smith is still a short-term answer given his two-year contract beyond this season.
Carolina Panthers fans might not like it, but Bryce Young has been playing terribly, even in the team’s wins. This is year three and Young’s efficiency measures are actually getting worse in many cases. The Panthers are projected to pick in the middle of round one, so if a top quarterback option doesn’t drop that far it may not make sense for the team to try and replace him, yet.
Some fans want the Miami Dolphins to be in this group given Tua Tagovailoa, but what’s more likely to come are staff changes there. Tua has carries a $99.2 million dead money cap hit if they cut him prior to June 1 next year. A cheaper post-June 1 cut is possible, but still unlikely.
Top Quarterbacks likely going early in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
- Ty Simpson, Alabama
- Dante Moore, Oregon
Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and Dante Moore are by far the three most likely candidates to be selected inside the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft considering how well they have played this season. Mendoza stands alone at the top from a meaningful production metrics standpoint and has the most experience. Ty Simpson is still in his first year starting, but has put up a ridiculously effective touchdown to interception rate of 20 to 1, adding decent value with his legs too. Dante Moore has had a couple down games, but outside of that has looked like a far superior, taller, stronger version of what Dillon Gabriel did for the Oregon Ducks last season with better down field ability.
Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati), Jayden Maiava (USC), Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), Darian Mensah (Duke), and Taylen Green (Arkansas) have all taken huge leaps this year and will be deserving of middle round consideration next spring if they declare. LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Drew Allar (Penn State), and Carson Beck (Miami) have all disappointed greatly after significant preseason hype.
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This article was originally published on A to Z Sports NFL Draft, as 2026 NFL Draft: NFL teams who need a QB, where they likely pick in the first round, and top quarterback prospects to target.
