The 2026 quarterback class was supposed to be deeper than this.

There was a possibility Texas’ Arch Manning would join the fray if things went well enough in his first year as a starter. That’s not happening.

Penn State’s Drew Allar, Miami’s Carson Beck, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier were all considered potential first-rounders at the beginning of the season, but have disappointed enough to muddy those projections.

The only lock for the first round at this point is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. Both Oregon’s Dante Moore and Alabama’s Ty Simpson still require seasoning, but could easily be seduced by the siren song of potentially being a top-5 pick in April.

The supply of signal-callers appear to be similar to last year, where there were only two selected in the first round, but the demand remains at an all-time high in the NFL.

Moore’s situation in particular is getting interesting.

I made it clear in my previous mocks I believed he was most likely to return to Eugene, Ore., but his offensive coordinator with the Ducks, Will Stein, just departed for Kentucky to coach the Wildcats.

Moore’s upside is high enough to challenge Mendoza to be the first QB taken in this draft.

Stein’s departure might cause him to lean towards leaving.

Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Pittsburgh (April 23-25):

— Dec. 13: Bowl season begins

— Jan. 5: FCS Showcase in Nashville, Tenn.

— Jan. 10: Hula Bowl in DeLand, Fla.

— Jan. 10-12: Wild-card weekend

— Jan. 14: Tentative deadline for players with remaining eligibility to make their draft intentions official.

— Jan. 17-18: Divisional playoffs

— Jan. 18: Tropical Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

— Jan. 23: Tentative deadline for players with remaining eligibility who participated in the CFP title game to make their draft intentions official.

— Jan. 25: AFC and NFC championship games

— Jan. 27: East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas

— Jan. 31: Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

— Feb. 8: Super Bowl LX in San Francisco

— Feb. 17-March 3: Franchise/transition player designation period

— Feb. 23-March 2: NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis

— Early March: Colleges can begin hosting pro days

— March 11: New league year begins at 1 p.m. (i.e. free agency)

MOCK PREAMBLE

This is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the current draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I’ll attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.

According to The Huddle Report, I was the second-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print last season. I tied for first overall (out of 172) covering a five-year period between 2019 and 2023.

Considering the NFL doesn’t have an offseason, the draft has become the Super Bowl of the league’s second season, and a mock version of said draft is meant to educate, perhaps even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.

Follow me on X (formerly known as Twitter) @UTEddieBrown so we can continue the conversation.

Here’s an updated version of my 2026 NFL mock draft (records through Week 13):

FIRST ROUND

— 1. Tennessee (1-11) — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami, Jr.

Traditionally after drafting a franchise QB with the first overall pick in the previous draft, an organization would utilize the next draft to stockpile offensive talent in support of the QB. There aren’t any offensive lineman or wide receivers worthy of the top pick in this draft class, so the Titans would likely focus on their pass rush if they aren’t wowed by a trade offer. The 6-foot-3, 275 pound Bain doesn’t have prototypical length, but the ACC Defensive Player of the Year possesses raw power, first-step explosion and can anchor against the run when he’s not terrorizing quarterbacks. Comparisons to Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney are apt. Top needs: Edge, WR, CB

— 2. N.Y. Giants (2-11) — Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State, Jr.

The Titans and Giants have both fired their head coach already, and whoever GM Joe Schoen hires to replace Brian Daboll will give us more clues on how this organization plans to proceed. Building support around franchise QB Jaxson Dart makes the most sense, but I still believe this is too high for a receiver or O-lineman in this draft. Reese has the talent to go first overall. He plays linebacker, but I could easily see him as a full-time edge rusher in the pros, very similar to Micah Parsons. Reese features a rare combination of size (6-4, 240) and athleticism, has sideline-to-sideline range and the natural instincts to make plays all over the field. He’d also allow Schoen to trade Kayvon Thibodeaux, who will be in the final year of his rookie deal next season. Top needs: DL, G, CB

— 3. New Orleans (2-10) — Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn, Jr.

There’s a chance Saints GM Mickey Loomis is fine with Tyler Shough being the starter next year after drafting him with the 40th overall pick in April’s draft. Faulk is a 6-foot-6, 285-pound edge who was the No. 9 player on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List,” reportedly squatting 700 pounds and benching 415. He’s a versatile chess piece on the D-line in odd or even fronts, and has even shown the ability to stand up and play outside linebacker. Faulk doesn’t turn 21 until next September. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR

— 4. Las Vegas (2-10) — Dante Moore, QB, Oregon, So.

Geno Smith isn’t the answer at QB, so barring Tom Brady coming out of retirement or cloning himself, the Raiders can’t afford to ignore the most important position in sports this offseason. Perhaps Brady’s pal (and Las Vegas GM) John Spytek will trade for Kyler Murray or Mac Jones and draft a QB to develop on day two or three. Since I don’t usually project trades, especially this early, I’m letting the chips fall where they may, so the Raiders get the first bite at the QB apple. Moore’s ceiling is the highest in a QB group that likely won’t include LaNorris Sellers. He’s accurate, throws a catchable deep ball, and has shown the ability to make plays outside of the pocket. Moore would likely end up as a top-5 pick if he actually stays in the draft. He could very well end up going first overall, depending on if a team trades up or not. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR

— 5. Cleveland (3-9) — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, Jr.

One thing has been very clear the last three weeks: Shedeur Sanders should have been starting over Dillon Gabriel all along. But it’s unlikely Sanders shows enough the rest of this season to convince the Browns he’s the guy going forward. Mendoza has the prototypical size (6-5, 225) scouts favor, good arm talent and functional athleticism. He’s not a finished product by any means — pressure can affect his footwork — but he has taken his game to a whole new level for the Hoosiers. According to BetMGM, Mendoza is currently tied with Ohio State’s Julian Sayin as the favorite (+165) to win the Heisman Trophy. This adds an extra layer of significance to the Big Ten championship on Saturday. Top needs: QB, T, CB

— 6. N.Y. Jets (3-9) — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.

After a busy trade deadline, GM Darren Mougey has enough draft capital to call his shot with a QB if he needs to move up. In this scenario, Mougey keeps his powder dry and selects the best player available. Breece Hall will be an unrestricted free agent, and there’s no guarantee the Jets keep him, even after they decided not to trade him at the deadline. Love features elite size (6-0, 214), patience and balance — check this out or even this — on top of home run capabilities with TD runs of 98 and 94 yards the last two seasons. Love is fourth in the country with 1,372 rushing yards, second in total touchdowns with 21, and will likely end up a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. I’d vote for him if I had a vote. He’s already been named a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards. Top needs: QB, CB, DL

— 7. Washington (3-9) — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State, Jr.

The Commanders’ biggest problem is they can’t keep Jayden Daniels healthy. Their second biggest problem is they need more playmakers at all three levels of their defense. Downs is a top-5 player for me in next year’s draft, but it’s unlikely he gets selected that high as a safety. He was recently named as a finalist for the Thorpe Award, Bednarik Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy. He’s the heart and soul of a Buckeyes defense that leads the nation in points (7.8) and yards allowed (203.0) per game this season. Top needs: Edge, LB, CB

— 8. Arizona (3-9) — Spencer Fano, T, Utah, Jr.

The Cardinals could be in the market for a QB if they decide to move on from Kyler Murray. Otherwise, they’ll likely need to address the tackle position opposite of Paris Johnson with Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum both facing free agency. There isn’t a Joe Alt or Penei Sewell in this draft class, but Fano is a powerful, athletic anchor in the run game, and his footwork has improved in pass protection this season. He was just named a finalist for the Outland Trophy. Top needs: OL, DL, WR

— 9. L.A. Rams from Atlanta (4-8) — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama, Jr.

GM Les Snead acquired this pick by trading out of the first round back in April. Snead has to plan for a future without Matthew Stafford at some point. The Rams are a true Super Bowl contender, so we’ll have to let the season play out before we have a better idea of what Stafford’s future plans are, but even if the future Hall of Famer returns, a QB could be the target here. Simpson only has 12 collegiate starts to go off of, but the small sample size shows he has an advanced pocket presence, the ability to process defenses quickly, and is accurate under pressure. He sounds perfect for Sean McVay’s offense. However, the list of QBs taken in the first round with fewer than 20 collegiate starts in the past decade: Trey Lance (17), Mac Jones (17), Kyler Murray (17), Dwayne Haskins (14), Anthony Richardson (13) and Mitchell Trubisky (13). Top needs: T, DB, QB

— 10. Cincinnati (4-8) — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, Sr.

What part of the Bengals’ defense doesn’t need to be completely overhauled? Delane doesn’t have elite size (5-11, 191) or deep speed, but he’s sticky, instinctual and can play multiple positions in the secondary. The Virginia Tech transfer has 45 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions this season, and is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. Top needs: Edge, CB, G

— 11. Minnesota (4-8) — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson, Jr.

The Vikings brought in both Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen to shore up their defensive line, and the results have been mixed. Plus, Hargrave (33 years old next season) and Allen (31) are on the wrong side of 30. Woods needs a more diversified pass-rush plan to unlock his full potential, but he already possesses an elite combination of strength and athleticism for his size (6-3, 315), and has flashed disruptive capabilities. Top needs: CB, DL, LB

— 12. Miami (5-7) — David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech, Sr.

Cornerback may be the biggest position of need for the Dolphins, depending how you feel about Tua Tagovailoa, but the pass rush needs to be addressed as well. Bailey currently leads the FBS in sacks (12 1/2) and is tied for 10th with 16 tackles for loss. The Stanford transfer features a variety of pass-rush moves, excellent bend and an explosive first step. He’s also improved as a run defender during his time with the Red Raiders. Bailey, along with teammate Jacob Rodriguez, was recently named a finalist for the Lombardi Award. Top needs: CB, OL, Edge

— 13. Kansas City (6-6) — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, Jr.

Future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce has a wedding to plan and an acting career beckoning. I doubt he’s back in pads next season. Sadiq isn’t in the same class as Brock Bowers or Tyler Warren as a prospect, but he’s an impressive athlete who has showcased downfield playmaking ability and has legit upside as a run-blocker in the pros. He was recently named a finalist for the John Mackey Award. Top needs: RB, DL, TE

— 14. Pittsburgh (6-6) — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State, Jr.

Aaron Rodgers could very well retire at the end of this season, but regardless of who is under center, the Steelers are severely lacking in playmakers at receiver. Tyson has been hampered by a hamstring injury this season, but he’s pretty much picked up where he left off last year when he’s been on the field. He had 732 yards in the Sun Devils’ final six games in 2024. He has 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight TDs in nine games this season. Tyson is a route-technician with inside-out versatility and the ability to make plays at all three levels. He’d pair nicely with DK Metcalf. Top needs: QB, WR, CB

— 15. Carolina (7-6) — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State, Sr.

The Panthers’ defense has improved from last season’s historically bad unit, but they’re still lacking a playmaker in the middle to bring it all together. Plus, Christian Rozeboom, their leading tackler, could leave in free agency. Styles is the second freakishly athletic linebacker from the Buckeyes to appear in this mock — he’s No. 10 on Bruce Feldman’s list. The senior captain is rangy with rare speed and explosiveness for his frame (6-4, 240), and showcases his safety background in coverage by locking down tight ends and running backs in space. Top needs: Edge, DB, LB

— 16. Dallas (6-5-1) — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Jr.

Let’s assume the Joneses handle their business and resign wide receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams to long-term extensions. Then next year’s draft will be all about improving the defense. Releasing the oft-injured Trevon Diggs this offseason could free up significant cap space, and create a void in an underperforming secondary. McCoy earned first-team All-SEC recognition last season with four interceptions for the Vols after transferring from Oregon State before tearing his ACL during an offseason training session in January. His 2024 tape showed elite ball skills with fluid athleticism and explosive closing speed. The type of talent who usually goes in the top half of the first round. Top needs: Edge, S, LB

— 17. Detroit (7-5) — TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson, Jr.

It feels like the Lions are constantly seeking pass rushers to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. Both Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal will be free agents after this season. Parker’s bull rush is devastating and he’s already a solid run defender. While this season hasn’t lived up to an eye-popping sophomore year where he had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, his size (6-3, 265), advanced pass-rush repertoire, and ability to convert speed to power places him firmly in the first-round discussion. All of Parker’s tools were on display in the Tigers’ 28-14 rivalry win over South Carolina last week, where he had three sacks and a fumble recovery. Top needs: Edge, LB, CB

— 18. Houston (7-5) — Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami, Jr.

The Texans’ overhaul of their offensive line that began last year is far from over. Mauigoa, a former five-star recruit, was the only tackle in the FBS with two or fewer knockdowns allowed on 500-plus snaps as a pass-blocker for Cam Ward his sophomore season. He’s big (6-6, 325), powerful, athletic and plays with a mauling mentality at the tackle position. Many scouts believe he’d be even better on the interior. Mauigoa was just voted the winner of the 2025 Jacobs Blocking Trophy. He’s the first Hurricane to win the award given annually since 1953 to the most outstanding blocker in the ACC by a poll of the league’s head coaches and defensive coordinators. Top needs: DL, RB, CB

— 19. Baltimore (6-6) — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State, Jr.

Securing Lamar Jackson another weapon on the outside makes sense when you consider DeAndre Hopkins was a short-term addition, and Rashod Bateman has proven to be better suited for a complimentary role. Tate produced 733 yards and four TDs on 52 receptions while serving as the Buckeyes’ No. 3 receiver last season. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound playmaker has 793 yards and eight TDs on 44 receptions in only nine games so far, and is half of the best receiver duo in the country, opposite Jeremiah Smith. After missing a few games, Tate returned against Michigan to produce 82 yards and a TD on five receptions in the Buckeyes’ first victory over the Wolverines since 2019. Top needs: Edge, RB, C

— 20. Tampa Bay (7-5) — Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State, Jr.

Buccaneers starting left guard Ben Bredeson is a free agent after this season. Ioane has been one of the few bright spots for the Nittany Lions. He features impressive movement skills for a man his size (6-4, 335), and is equally adept in pass protection or as a run blocker. Ioane played every position on offense except quarterback, running back and wide receiver as a sophomore, including all five spots on the offensive line, fullback and 14 snaps at tight end. He’s been utilized in a similar way this season. Top needs: LB, G, Edge

— 21. L.A. Chargers (8-4) — LT Overton, Edge, Alabama, Sr.

Both Khalil Mack, and Odafe Oweh are free agents after this season, with Mack potentially starting his Hall of Fame clock if he’s had enough of the grind. Overton is a former five-star recruit who spent two years with Texas A&M before transferring to Tuscaloosa in 2024. He’s one of the more versatile defensive lineman in this class, with enough size (6-5, 278) and strength to handle his own on the interior for a team who utilizes hybrid fronts at the next level. Overton already excels as a run-stopper, and can be disruptive as a pass-rusher, but his approach to rushing the passer needs polish. Top needs: OL, Edge, DL

— 22. N.Y. Jets from Indianapolis (8-4) — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr.

I’m anticipating the Jets replenishing the defense with at least one of their two first-rounders, after trading their two best defenders away at the deadline. Terrell could follow in his brother A.J.’s footsteps as a first-round cornerback from the Tigers. He’s a much better run defender than his brother, despite being a bit undersized (5-11, 180). His route-recognition and ball skills helped him earn second-team All-ACC honors as a sophomore, and he’s mastered the “Peanut Punch” with six forced fumbles the last two seasons. Top needs: QB, CB, DL

— 23. Buffalo (8-4) — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington, Jr.

GM Brandon Beane was defensive when he was criticized for not drafting a wide receiver in April. Welp. It sure looks like the Bills could use one in light of Keon Coleman’s maturity issues and regression in his second year. Like Coleman, Boston’s size (6-4, 210) and physicality enable him to win more than his fair share of jump balls, but the Huskie wideout is a more polished route-runner, especially on slants and comebacks. Boston also features the versatility to lineup outside or become a mismatch in the slot. Top needs: LB, WR, CB

— 24. Cleveland from Jacksonville (8-4) — Caleb Lomu, T, Utah, So.

The Browns look like they found building blocks on offense in this year’s draft with running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. They’ll need to reinforce an aging offensive line and add more weapons at receiver if they have any hopes of their new franchise QB succeeding, whomever he may be. If Lomu enters the draft, he could go much higher than this. He’s already a technically proficient pass blocker with prototypical size (6-6, 305), elite athleticism and solid footwork. He’ll need to add strength to improve as a run blocker. Top needs: QB, T, CB

— 25. Philadelphia (8-4) — Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon, Jr.

The Eagles are constantly restocking their pass rush. Uiagalelei had 10 1/2 sacks his sophomore season, and he started strong this year with four sacks in the first five games. He hadn’t taken down a QB since September until his standout performance against the USC Trojans a couple of weeks ago. Uiagalelei had seven tackles, two tackles for loss, his fifth sack of the season, and a forced fumble in the 42-27 victory. His blend of size (6-5, 270), strength and athleticism is what gets a defensive coordinator out of bed in the morning. Top needs: T, TE, Edge

— 26. San Francisco (9-4) — Makai Lemon, WR, USC, Jr.

Considering the recent news that the 49ers voided the remaining guaranteed money in Brandon Aiyuk’s contract in late July for failing to participate in meetings and other team activities, this pick could very well be a wide receiver come April. Lemon (5-11, 195) is a quick, efficient route runner who is a demon in the slot and capable of frustrating tacklers with his abilities after the catch. Lemon’s had a tremendous junior year with 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 TDs for the Trojans, and was just named a Biletnikoff Award finalist. He’s a versatile offensive weapon who has also rushed for two TDs and thrown for another this season. Top needs: OL, DB, WR

— 27. Dallas from Green Bay (8-3-1) — Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon, Jr.

The Cowboys just traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson at the deadline. Both are solid additions to a terrible defense, but there’s still work to do in the secondary. Thieneman has picked up in his first season with the Ducks where he left off after two great years with the Purdue Boilermakers. He’s a dynamic run defender who also features the athleticism, range and instincts to lineup in two-high, single-high or at nickelback. Top needs: Edge, S, LB

— 28. Chicago (9-3) — Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama, Jr.

The Bears have a glaring weakness at left tackle, where Braxton Jones hasn’t panned out and Theo Benedet has fumbled an opportunity to replace him. Proctor took his lumps starting for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman in 2023, but he showed legit improvement down the stretch and that carried over to his sophomore year. His junior season has been a grab bag of inconsistency, but it’s nearly impossible to find 360-pound athletes who are powerful, explosive and surprisingly agile. Proctor was recently named as a finalist for the Lombardi Award. Top needs: T, Edge, S

— 29. Seattle (9-3) — Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina, Jr.

Cornerbacks Tariq Woolen, Josh Jobe and Derion Kendrick are all facing free agency after this season. Kendrick will be a restricted free agent. Cisse’s stock has risen after transferring from N.C. State and holding his own in the SEC. The former track athlete doesn’t have a hard time keeping pace with wide receivers downfield. While his speed is impressive — Cisse earned the nickname “Glitch” from his new teammates — it’s the 6-foot, 190-pound corner’s physicality and versatility that should set him apart during the draft process. Top needs: RB, CB, G

— 30. L.A. Rams (9-3) — Isaiah World, T, Oregon, Sr.

Right tackle could be a top priority for GM Les Snead and whoever is under center next season if veteran Rob Havenstein bolts in free agency. The Lincoln High School grad spent four years at Nevada before joining the Ducks this season. World’s technique remains raw and will need polish in the pros, but he features all the stuff you can’t teach: prototypical size (6-8, 312), length, athleticism and heavy hands. Top needs: T, DB, QB

— 31. Denver (10-2) — Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State, Jr.

The Broncos might have to address their stellar defensive line if John Franklin-Myers leaves in free agency. Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson continues to churn out NFL-ready prospects. McDonald has been a game-wrecker for one of the most dominant defenses in the country. Anchored by the 6-3, 330-pound devourer of double-teams, Ohio State’s run defense is fourth in rushing yards allowed per game (81.67) and fifth in yards allowed per carry (2.77). McDonald was just named a finalist for the Outland Trophy. Top needs: LB, DL, C

— 32. New England (11-2) — Gennings Dunker, T, Iowa, Sr.

With Will Campbell suffering a Grade 3 MCL sprain, which essentially means he tore his MCL, and Morgan Moses turning 35 in March, it would make sense for the Patriots to add another tackle early in April’s draft. Dunker is made of the stuff head coach Mike Vrabel seeks in a football player. He’s tough, rugged and plays with an edge. His size (6-5, 315), physicality and power makes him an asset in the run game. He’s also tenacious enough to seek out second-level targets to inflict more pain in hopes of springing his running back for an even bigger gain. It’s in pass protection where his movement abilities are limiting. This may eventually necessitate a move inside. Still, Moses is under contract for a few more years, so the Pats can afford to develop Dunker and see where he fits best. Top needs: Edge, LB, S

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