2026 NFL Mock Draft: Arch Manning stays in school, 4 QBs still go top 8

Updated: Thursday, May 8, 2025

The 2025 NFL Draft is barely behind us, but it's never too early to look ahead to next year's draft. (Or the year after that?)

The prospect you'll likely see most often atop mock drafts — Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning — won't appear in this one. It's an intentional omission, as I expect Manning to return to Austin for another season in 2026 before declaring for 2027's draft.

In fact, I projected the first 10 picks of 2027 NFL mock draft, and Manning appears in that mock. Especially in the era of NIL deals in college football, it's difficult to imagine his support network encouraging him to leave after only one season as the starter.

Manning isn't the only reason to potentially be excited for 2027. Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith would have been the first wide receiver off the board if he were eligible for the 2026 draft. In fact, if the prospects in my 2027 mock were eligible and/or included in this mock, it's possible that group could represent the first five picks.

For now, let's focus on players who are eligible for 2026 and I expect to declare.

The draft order used in this mock is based solely on the inverse of Super Bowl 60 odds with adjustments made to account for seven AFC and NFC playoff teams and not my hatred for your team (even if I do hate your team).

This excercise is more like a watch list of prospects who are then matched with teams that appear to be good fits at this stage, but obviously there is much that can and will change between now and April 2026.

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1. Cleveland Browns: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

We've seen examples where quarterbacks — Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, and Cam Ward, to name a few — have ascended from a mid-round projection before their final season to eventually go first (or second) overall. Following a down year, there are a number of quarterbacks who should hear their name called early in the draft. In addition, Allar would have likely been a top-10 pick had he declared in this past draft cycle as some teams were encouraging him to do, according to reports.

Perhaps a perfect fit to play in Cleveland and the rough-and-tumble AFC North, Allar has prototypical size and the arm strength to make all the throws anywhere on the field. Continued development by the former five-star recruit from Medina (OH) could catapult him to the top of the draft board and under center for his hometown team.

2. New York Jets: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

As the youngest quarterback in this mock, Sellers, who won't turn 21 until after the 2026 NFL Draft, may opt to return for another season. If he can improve his consistency and cut down on turnovers, however, the dual-threat's combination of elite size, arm strength and mobility give him as much upside as any quarterback in this draft class if he declares. While Justin Fields is under contract through 2026, Aaron Glenn, Darren Mougey, etc. could look for an upgrade.

3. New York Giants: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

With the third overall pick last year, the Giants front office hit it out of the park with a stud like Abdul Carter at No. 3 and plenty of value picks later (Darius Alexander, Marcus Mbow, etc.). If they're picking third again, however, a new front office could be making the selections. Even if that happens, it may be too early to throw in the towel on Jaxson Dart (even if a new regime isn't sold on him).

Bolstering the offensive line by pairing Proctor as a bookend to Andrew Thomas would make sense. Proctor, who was a top-10 recruit in the 2023 recruiting class, is massive tackle prospect who moves well for his size and is a mauler in the run game.

MORE: New York Giants 2025 NFL Draft Grades

4. New Orleans Saints: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

It's unclear what will happen with Derek Carr's (shoulder, contract) remaining tenure in the Crescent City, but it appears the Saints would like to move on sooner than later. Will the Saints double-dip to begin Kellen Moore's tenure with Nussmeier, whose father (Doug Nussmeier) is the Saints' offensive coordinator or wait for a shot at Arch Manning in 2027?

Nussmeier will be 24 as a rookie, weighs only 200 pounds, and four multi-interception games within a five-game stretch in the middle of the 2024 season highlights the risk of his gunslinger mentality. That said, he has the sound mechanics and football IQ you'd expect from a coach's son (in this mock, uniquely) with the arm talent to test tight windows as well as throw with accuracy and touch and the ability to make plays on the move.

MORE: 2027 NFL Mock Draft

5. Tennessee Titans: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

With his combination of size, power, speed and bend, Parker has the traits and production to be the first pass rusher drafted in 2026. Following up a solid true freshman campaign, Parker broke out as a sophomore — 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss and a school-record six forced fumbles in 2024 — and he was especially dominant to close the season (12.5 TFL, six sacks, and four forced fumbles over his final six games).

6. Carolina Panthers: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

While Micah Parsons may hope to keep him in the DFW, Hill is an athletic do-everything linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range to make plays defending the run or in coverage. And he may be at his best wreaking havoc as a blitzer. The former five-star recruit finished 2024 with 113 tackles including 16.5 for loss, eight sacks and four forced fumbles.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson

Woods has the versatility to play up and down the defensive line, and he aligned outside the offensive tackle more than 30% of the time in 2024, per PFF, compared to only 7.6% in 2023. At 6'3" and 315 pounds, Woods has the size, strength, agility and motor to make him the early favorite to be the DT1 in this class.

8. Indianapolis Colts: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

Both Braden Smith and Bernhard Raimann are currently scheduled to be unrestricted free agents in 2026 as well, so offensive tackle is a possibility here. But if the Colts are picking top eight, across-the-board changes could be coming for the Colts including quarterback. What a difference a year made for Klubnik, who took a major step forward in his second season as a starter as he threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions while rushing for 463 yards and seven scores.

(Programming alert: Klubnik (Clemson) and Nussmeier (LSU) will meet in Week 1 of the college football season on August 30th.)

9. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Could we call this a mock draft without including an Ohio State wide receiver? Of course, Jeremiah Smith gets the bulk of the attention and would be the slam-dunk WR1 if he were eligible in 2026, but Tate is currently my bet to be the WR1 in the 2026 draft class. The lanky wideout's route-running ability, catch radius and strong hands would be a welcome addition to Cleveland's below-average wide receiving corps.

10. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Downs can definitely make the case to be the first non-quarterback selected in 2026, but we've also seen elite safeties (like Downs) go later than expected based on perceived positional value. (Kyle Hamilton, for example, was my second-ranked prospect in 2022 and the 14th overall pick). Downs is a complete defensive back with outstanding instincts who excels in coverage, as a blitzer and against the run. Given the team's defensive backfield turnover this offseason, a top-three talent at this spot would be a no-brainer pick for Chris Grier.

11. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Several Rams' corners — Ahkello Witherspoon, Decobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, and A.J. Green — are scheduled for free agency after the upcoming season. Despite tearing his ACL in January, Tennessee's All-SEC corner has the size, speed and ball skills (four interceptions, 13 passes defended in 2024) to still be the CB1 in this draft class. McCoy is also one of the youngest prospects in this draft class who won't turn 21 until four months after the 2026 NFL Draft.

12. New England Patriots: Rueben Bain, Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

Big spenders this offeason, the Patriots signed and reunited Harold Landry III with his former coach Mike Vrabel. That doesn't mean they won't look to add to their pass rush in 2026. While he missed several games in 2024 due to a calf injury and his numbers were down year over year, the explosive edge rusher had 12.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles as a true freshman in 2023. Depending on how he bounces back and takes a step forward, he has the traits to warrant a pick in the top half of the first round.

MORE: New England Patriots 2025 NFL Draft Grades

13. Seattle Seahawks: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Along with left tackle Caleb Lomu, the Utes arguably have the best tackle tandem in the country. While Fano especially excels as a run blocker, he can hold his own in pass protection as well. Starting right tackle Abraham Lucas will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Cowboys were linked as landing spots for Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton at various points throughout the 2025 pre-draft process. While Jeanty was already off the board when the Cowboys were on the clock, they drafted a pair of Day 3 running backs — Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah — to join free-agent additions Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, both of whom signed one-year deals. The focal point of Notre Dame's offense, Love's blend of speed, power, vision and contact balance would give the Cowboys a true workhorse back.

15. Arizona Cardinals: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

More was expected from Marvin Harrison Jr., but he had a solid (albeit unspectacular) rookie campaign. And it's reasonable to expect a big step forward in his second season. That said, the Cardinals could use an upgrade opposite MHJ and add one from right in their backyard. The Colorado transfer had a breakout season for the Sun Devils last season (75/1,101/10) and was at his best at the end of the season — 125-plus yards in each of his final three games played.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

Regardless of what happens with Aaron Rodgers, quarterback will remain the team's top need entering 2026 and they'd love for one of the top four quarterbacks to be available here. They got a nice value with Jack Sawyer falling to them in the fourth round, but T.J. Watt is entering the final year of his current contract. While I don't expect Watt to play anywhere other than Pittsburgh, adding another young edge rusher makes sense and Uiagalelei had a breakout season in 2024 as he led the Big Ten in sacks (10.5).

17. Chicago Bears: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Ending Auburn's five-year first-rounder drought (since Derrick Brown and Noah Igbinoghene in 2020), Faulk has the potential to go much higher than this, but the Bears could be in the market for pass rush help next April, especially if Montez Sweat has another underwhelming season. (On a positive note, Sweat appears acutely focused on regaining his Pro Bowl form.) The long-limbed edge rusher has the frame (6'6" and 285 pounds), power and versatility to kick inside as well.

18. Minnesota Vikings: A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State

Interesting fact: None of Penn State's 43 first-round picks in school history have been defensive backs. Not only does he buck the school's DB draft history, but Harris is in the mix to challenge Jermod McCoy for the right to be this class's CB1 due to his length, speed and coverage abilities.

19. Denver Broncos: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Courtland Sutton, who is currently scheduled to be a free agent in 2026, arguably had his best season (81/1,081/8) in 2024. There's optimism for both sides to agree to an extension, but Sutton turns 30 in October and the team could look to bolster the rest of the receiving corps. Boston has a wide catch radius and strong hands with the size (6'4", 209) and speed to rack up yards after the catch or be a red-zone weapon. If Boston, who underwent a cleanup procedure last month, has a full season similar to 2024's first half, he could put himself in the conversation to be the first receiver drafted in 2026.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

It's definitely possible that Mauigoa will be long gone by this point of the draft. Luke Goedeke is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 season. The former five-star recruit has started all 26 games the past two seasons, and Miami's right tackle moves well for a player his size (6'6", 340 pounds).

21. Houston Texans: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

The Texans remade their offensive line this offseason and drafted Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery in the second round, but nobody should consider their work done in that regard. World needs to get stronger, but as Geoff Schwartz says, "he's an All-World pass protector" due to length and movement skills.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida

The Chargers used a third-round pick on Oregon's Jamaree Caldwell (86th overall) and signed multiple defensive tackles to one-year deals in free agency, but more reinforcements to their defensive line will be needed in 2026. The Chargers ranked near the bottom of the league in YPC allowed (4.7, 27th) in 2024. Banks (6'6", 329 pounds) finished last season with seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks with 3.5 of those sacks occuring in his final two games against Ole Miss and LSU, and he has the traits, athleticism, and upside to go much earlier than this.

23. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Left tackle Trent Williams is entering his age-37 season. The 49ers signed D.J. Humphries, who turns 32 in December, to a one-year contract after the draft to be their swing tackle in 2025. In addition, right tackle Colton McKivitz is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. In other words, the 49ers could target Brock Purdy's long-term blind side protector in the 2026 draft with the athletic Lomu.

MORE: Who has the easiest/most difficult 2025 NFL Strength of Schedule?

24. Green Bay Packers: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

With the Packers still "trying to work through" Jaire Alexander's future with the team, targeting a cornerback here would make sense. The younger brother of Atlanta's A.J. Terrell is smaller (5'10", 180 pounds) than his brother, but he is one of the best cover corners in the draft with oustanding speed yet isn't afraid to mix it up in run support as well.

25. Cincinnati Bengals: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

Signing Trey Hendrickson to an extension remains on the team's offseason to-do list, and the Bengals drafted Shemar Stewart to pair with him in 2025. If contract negotiations remain at a stalemate, however, drafting a first-round edge defender in back-to-back seasons wouldn't be out of the question. Overton, a former teammate of Stewart before transferring to Alabama, offers positional versatility with a blend of size, power and athleticism to win in a variety of ways.

26. Washington Commanders: Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon

The Commanders drafted Jaylin Lane in the fourth round, but the list of other wide receivers under contract beyond 2025 is short. Of course, the Commanders "want to make Terry [McLaurin] a Commander for a long time," but adding more weapons for Jayden Daniels would make sense. Stewart isn't the biggest receiver, but he can win outside and in the slot while using his sub-4.4 speed and twitch to consistently create separation and rack up yards after the catch.

27. Los Angeles Rams: Austin Barber, OT, Florida

While Barber starts at left tackle for the Gators, he has some experience on the right side as well. With Alaric Jackson at left tackle, the athletic tackle could at least take over for right tackle Rob Havenstein, who is scheduled to become a free agent after the upcoming season.

28. Kansas City Chiefs: Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina

Kilgore had five interceptions in 2024 and has the versatility to play either safety or nickel. Not only did Justin Reid leave Kansas City for New Orleans in free agency, but the Chiefs have only one safety under contract beyond the 2025 season.

29. Detroit Lions: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

The Lions exercised the fifth-year option on Jameson Williams, which is for the 2026 season. Leading up to the draft, SI's Albert Breer wrote that "some in NFL circles believing [Williams] could be traded." Antonio Williams led Clemson in receiving across the board (75/904/11) in 2024, added 7/101/1 rushing and became the fourth Clemson player since 2000 to throw, catch and run for a touchdown in the same season. Much of his sophomore season was wiped out by injury, but he also led Clemson in receiving yards as a true freshman in 2022 as well.

30. Buffalo Bills: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

As a transfer from Purdue, Thieneman had back-to-back seasons with 100-plus tackles to go along with six interceptions as a freshman (2023). His new coaching staff at Oregon is singing his praises as well. "His attention to detail, his work ethic, is unlike anyone I've ever coached," co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Chris Hampton said. "The guy's relentless in his pursuit for greatness. He's trying to get better each and every day. I mean, he's all about growth, every rep, every day, every meeting, like he's a pro ... the intangibles about this guy was really tremendous."

31. Baltimore Ravens: Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina

It may be an understatement to call Harbor an athletic "freak." The Athletic's Bruce Feldman noted Harbor is the first back-to-back No. 1 freak in his annual list. A rare height-weight-speed athlete (6'5", 235 pounds, 10.11 100m), Harbor skipped the 2025 indoor track season to participate in spring practice on the football field. Harbor finished last season with 26 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns, but a big step forward in 2025 could push him way up draft boards next April.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

In an upside-down world, Howie Roseman has bypassed the trenches in the first round in back-to-back drafts with Quinyon Mitchell and Jihaad Campbell. Both were great picks, but Roseman goes back to the trenches here. With Abdul Carter off to the NFL, Dennis-Sutton will be the next man up for the Nittany Lions and closed his 2024 campaign strong. Dennis-Sutton racked up 4.5 sacks, six tackles for loss and an interception in three College Football Playoff games.