2026 NFL Mock Draft Predictions

Even though the football season hasn’t kicked off yet, there’s already chatter about the 2026 NFL Mock Draft. A major point of interest is the quarterback position, with early predictions indicating that five quarterbacks could land in the first round. Of course, things might change as the season progresses. Some players could climb the ranks, while others might slip, but right now, this is based on the most reliable information available.

Before diving into the draft order, just a heads-up that this data comes from the NFL Mock Draft database. It’s similar to the Consensus Big Board, which compiles mock drafts from various sources to create an average expected draft position for each player.

2026 NFL Draft Projections

What’s the Deal with Arch Manning?

Arch Manning, the Texas QB and nephew of Peyton and Eli, is one of the biggest question marks in the 2026 class. He was highly praised coming out of high school, but now finds himself behind Quinn Ewers on the depth chart. This has made people wonder about head coach Steve Sarkisian’s decisions.

Manning could be a top pick if everything goes perfectly this season, but, you know, even if he performs well, there are always concerns that could push him down the rankings slightly. There’s also the possibility, as his grandfather Archie suggested, that he might choose to wait another year to boost his stock.

Klubnik as the Number One Choice, Maybe?

Personally, I see Cade Klubnik as a strong quarterback and a potential pro star, but my confidence in it isn’t unwavering. Garrett Nasmeyer could be in the mix if LSU’s quarterbacks have impressive rookie seasons. And, since his dad is Doug Nussmeier, the offensive coordinator for New Orleans, that connection might help.

The Saints value their familial ties, and there’s definitely something appealing about QB Nussmeier. I think, if they draft a QB, it won’t be merely nepotism. They really know what they’re looking for from an LSU quarterback – probably someone who’s a compelling pocket passer, though how he adapts to the NFL is still a concern.

A Personal Favorite: Peter Woods to the Browns

When crafting a mock draft, it’s wise to evaluate each pick in isolation without overthinking it. In this scenario, I see Clemson DT Peter Woods landing with the Browns at pick No. 9.

Woods and Graham play very different roles as defensive tackles, so the fact that the Browns acquired Graham last year doesn’t matter much. Woods can dominate in both the run and in taking up space on the line. The combination of him, Miles Garrett, and Mason Graham could create one of the most formidable defensive lines in modern football.

Though it might be tempting to select a quarterback at No. 2, I believe reinforcing the trenches is a more practical choice for the Browns right now. It’s a smart move, and they’ve shown they can prioritize necessities over external pressure.

Keep an Eye on Caleb Downs

Caleb Downs has the potential to break records as a safety – he could be the first to surpass the heights set by Sean Taylor and Eric Berry. It’s rare to find a prospect that seems nearly flawless as we start the college football season. Sure, like all players, he’s got room for improvement, but Downs is impressively polished and appears to be primed for a long, successful NFL career without much doubt.

For the Browns, whether at No. 2 or further down, considering Downs could be a smart choice. Really, he’s that good.