2026 first-round NFL mock draft: Three QBs in the top 10

A transfer from Cal, Mendoza has put himself in consideration as the top pick in the draft after a blazing start to his tenure at Indiana. Through five games, he's completed 73% of his passes and 16 touchdowns while also showing mobility. New Orleans will likely be in the market for a quarterback unless second-round rookie Tyler Shough impresses down the stretch.

Justin Fields signed with the Jets in the offseason, but he's yet to do anything to convince the team he's their long-term answer at quarterback. Sellers has similar strengths as a highly mobile quarterback, running for 674 yards last season, but he also has a strong arm.

Bain continues to perform for the Canes this season, and appears to have a very high likelihood to be a top-five pick. He's recorded 3.5 sacks through five games this season, and the Titans could turn to the defensive side of the ball after focusing on offense in the 2025 draft.

Cleveland will try to answer whether Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders is their long-term answer at quarterback for the rest of this year. Regardless, they need to continue building their offensive line, and the 6-foot-6 Fano is a strong candidate to help.

The 6-foot-2 Tyson has proven to be an outstanding Red Zone threat, already recording seven touchdowns in five games this season after catching 10 touchdowns last year. With Miami likely to move on from Tyreek Hill after this season, they'll be in the market for a wideout.

Baltimore's defense has taken a sharp fall over the last two seasons, and there are major questions about their defensive line. Woods has a chance to be an elite interior pass rusher after recording 8.5 sacks for the Tigers last season.

The Raiders added Geno Smith in the offseason, but could still look toward finding their longer-term answer at quarterback. Nussmeier is a classic pocket passer, showing great accuracy and a strong arm.

The Giants have heavily addressed the offense in recent drafts and may shift their focus to the defense next year. McCoy could miss all of 2025 due to a torn ACL but remains arguably the top corner on the board.

With another major injury to Joe Burrow this season, the offensive line will be under the microscope for Cincinnati this offseason. Lomu has extensive experience at left tackle and has excelled with the Utes.

The Panthers have bulked up their front seven, but still need help on the back end. Dowsn was an All-American last season after transferring from Alabama to Ohio State, and is off to a good start in 2025.

The offensive line continues to be a problem for Houston in spite of its efforts to address that area in the offseason. The massive 360-plus-pound Proctor could be a force at the NFL level.

The loss of Micah Parsons has created a pass-rushing void in Dallas. After recording 11 sacks last season, Faulk is off to another strong start for Auburn this year with three sacks in his first five games.

New England added Stefon Diggs this season, but Drake Maye could still use more help. Lemon is having a breakout year for the Trojans, with 35 catches for 589 yards and five touchdowns through his first five games.

Denver addressed its offense heavily in the 2025 draft, and could revert back to defense in 2026. Parker has a chance to be a premium edge rusher after showing his elite game at Clemson with 11 sacks last season and two sacks in five games this year.

Ben Johnson has plenty of weapons to work with in Chicago, but the team has been ineffective running the ball early this season. Love has dynamic ability as a runner and receiver, scoring 19 touchdowns last season and nine in his first five games this year.

Arizona has former first-round pick Paris Johnson at left tackle, but the rest of the line has been patchwork at times. Mauigoa is an excellent fit for Arizona with extensive experience on the right side.

Minnesota has spent significant money on the secondary recently, but could look to get younger in that area this offseason. Terrell proved to be a playmaker for the Tigers last season with 12 passes defensed and two picks, and he already has six passes defensed in his first five games of 2025.

Moore has shown a vastly improved game since transferring from UCLA two years ago. The Oregon star has completed nearly 75% of his passes with 14 touchdowns, while also contributing with his feet. The Rams could be in the market for a passer, given Matthew Stafford's age (37) and minor injury ailments.

An exodus of talent on the defensive line has made that area a need for Washington next year. Uiagalelei recorded 10.5 sacks last season, and the edge rusher already has four sacks in five games this season.

There are whispers that future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce is in his swan song. The Chiefs could look at a replacement like Sadiq, who is off to a strong start this season with 204 yards and three touchdowns in his first five games.

A transfer from Virginia Tech, Delane was a ballhawk last season with four picks and is proving his worth early this year for LSU. The Rams have struggled at cornerback early this season.

Reese is proving to be a key player on the Buckeyes' defense this season, recording 29 tackles and three sacks in the team's first five games. He could help beef up the Cowboys' front seven following the departure of Micah Parsons.

Whether the Browns address quarterback in next year's draft remains to be seen, but they'll almost certainly find help on offense. The 6-foot-4 Boston is a great fit on the outside and recorded nine touchdowns last year for the Huskies with four scores through his first five games this year.

Seattle added seasoned veteran DeMarcus Lawrence in the offseason, but could benefit from getting younger at that position. Hill recorded eight sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss last year, and has already forced two fumbles this year.

The Bucs invested in veteran Haason Reddick during the offseason, and could look to replace him in the draft. Bailey has shown improvement each season. After recording seven sacks at Stanford last season, he has 5.5 sacks in five games this year.

Manning would probably love to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, Peyton Manning, in Indianapolis. If he opts to leave Texas after this season, he could be in a position to join the team. However, Manning's results early this season have been fixed, completing only 60% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and five picks in five games as the Longhorns have fallen out of the top 25.

Mateer threw 29 touchdowns at Washington State last season and was off to an excellent start for Oklahoma before suffering a hand injury. The Steelers will very likely be in the market for a quarterback with Aaron Rodgers' retirement soon.

As left tackle Taylor Decker plays his 10th season, the Lions could be looking to address left tackle. A transfer from Nevada, the 6-foot-8 World would be a great fit for the mauling Lions offensive line.

With the loss of Joey Bosa in the offseason and Khalil Mack's age, pass rush could be top of mind for the Chargers. Overton has flashed great ability for the Crimson Tide and has 1.5 sacks in his first five games this season.

Trent Williams is nearing the end of his career, leaving San Francisco in a position to address left tackle soon. The 6-foot-7 Chaplin has been a stalwart for Virginia Tech and Auburn.

Allen has been all over the field in his time with the Bulldogs, and has 36 tackles and two sacks in his first five games this season. He could be a replacement next season for the oft-injured Matt Milano.

Eagles star wideout A.J. Brown has been seemingly disgruntled since last season. While he's due $29 million guaranteed next season, Philly could look beyond him. Harbor has a similar profile as an elite deep threat at 6-foot-5, and has averaged 20 yards per catch early this season.