The way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft

The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning needs no introduction as a former top recruit and potential generational prospect. He's played sparingly in his teens at Texas, but is likely to see the field more in 2025. A strong season could create the Manning sweepstakes in 2026 if Manning opts to enter the draft.

The Titans addressed the offense this year with Cam Ward, and could turn to defense next year. Parker has recorded 16.5 sacks over two seasons with Clemson, showing elite pass-rushing skills on the edge already.

A former member of the Alabama roster, Downs won a National Championship in his first season as a Buckeye. He contributes as both an elite safety and punt returner, and also won Freshman of the Year at Alabama in 2023.

Proctor looks the part of a physically gifted tackle, listed at 6-foot-7, 360 pounds. He's spent time at both Alabama and Iowa, and was a top recruit in the 2023 class.

Mauigoa already has experience protecting Cam Ward in college, showing first-round traits with plus quickness and strength. The Panthers have a veteran-laden offensive line and could look to get younger soon.

Regardless of Derek Carr's health and the addition of second-round pick Tyler Shough, the Saints could address the quarterback situation next year. Allar continues to ascend at Penn State and could go early in the first round. He threw to complete 66.5% of his passes for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns last season.

The Raiders have a stopgap at quarterback in Geno Smith, but the veteran is on a short-term deal. Sellers is a more dynamic threat, throwing for over 2,500 yards and rushing for more than 600 yards last season. He could be a top Heisman candidate in 2025.

Faulk had a breakout 2024 season with seven sacks, and he has the size to be a 4-3 defensive end. The Colts staff and front office could be entering a make-or-break season, but will need pass rush help in any case.

Iamaleava is set to be the Bruins quarterback in 2025 after effectively holding out for NIL money this Spring at Tennessee. That opened up a can of worms that will be scrutinized by NFL teams, but there's no questioning his talent. He threw for over 2,600 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Vols last season, and also shows mobility. After striking out on Deshaun Watson and drafting two mid-round quarterbacks this year, the Browns could look toward the draft at quarterback next year.

Bain is a former top recruit who has 11 sacks in two seasons at Miami. The Patriots have focused on the offense over the last two offseasons, but could turn back to defense with Mike Vrabel at the helm.

Tate is the next man up in what has become a wideout factory at Ohio State. He has ample size at 6-foot-3, and is coming off a strong season with 52 catches for 733 yards. The Seahawks rebuilt their wideout room this offseason, but it remains to be seen if Cooper Kupp will be around for the long term.

Hill has been a do-everything linebacker for the Longhorns in his first two seasons. He finished last year with eight sacks and 113 tackles, and would add dynamic ability to a Falcons defense that desperately needs it.

A former top recruit, Klubnik has seen two strong seasons as the Tigers' starter. He finished last year with over 3,600 yards passing and 36 touchdowns. The Steelers have needed a quarterback of the future for several years, and the 2026 class is far richer at the position than 2025.

Perkins is starting to gain some accolades in the SEC, after recording 10.5 sacks and 60 tackles last season. Slightly undersized, Perkins could grow into an excellent NFL edge rusher.

Branch has transferred from USC to Georgia, and should see more action in 2025. He has elite quickness as a potential slot receiver at 5-foot-10, and has recorded 78 catches in two seasons. Also a seasoned returner, Branch could replace the seemingly disgruntled Tyreek Hill in Miami.

Clemson has a strong track record of developing defensive tackles, and Woods shows huge upside. The 6-foot-2, 315-pound tackle showed pass rush skills last year with three sacks and 28 tackles.

Perkins is looking to rehab his draft stock this year after suffering a torn ACL in 2024. He had a combined 13 sacks in his first two seasons at LSU, and could be a great edge rush prospect if he proves healthy in 2025.

McCoy fared well last season after transferring from Oregon State, with four picks and 44 tackles. After addressing the offense over two years, Chicago could turn back to the defense in next year's draft.

Fano has already done an excellent job helping anchor the Utes offensive line over two seasons. He started at left tackle as a true freshman in 2023, and shows elite potential.

Haynes is set to help the Wolverines this season after transferring from Alabama. He showed dynamic ability but played sparingly last season. Minnesota could be in the market for a young running back as Aaron Jones is in his 30s.

Pritchett has seen significant action for the Crimson Tide over the last two seasons, and could be set to step up in 2025. Houston has started to revamp its offensive line this offseason but could use more work.

Adebawore has seen limited snaps in two seasons at Oklahoma, but that could change this season. The former top recruit has the physical traits to take a huge step forward and eventually help NFL teams.

Nussmeier fared well in his first season as a starter last year, throwing for more than 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. A pocket passer, he will need to make strides his accuracy but could step in immediately if Matthew Stafford calls it quits following 2025.

A former member of Jim Harbaugh's Michigan squads, Sabb proved he could produce in the SEC last season with two picks and 39 tackles in only seven games. He missed time with a leg injury, but could raise his stock this year.

Kearney appears to be an elite interior line prospect after a strong 2024 season. The former top recruit could take another step forward as a prospect this year, and add to a Washington offensive line that revamped their tackle spots heading into 2025.

Chase Brown had a strong first season as a starter for the Bengals, but they could look to add more upside. Love had a terrific 2024 season with more than 1,300 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns.

Wideout has been a focus of the 49ers, re-signing Brandon Aiyuk and drafting Ricky Pearsall last year, yet they could still revamp the position after trading Deebo Samuel. Harbor has yet to produce for the Gamecocks, but shows huge upside at 6-foot-5 with track and field speed.

Hill filled in nicely in his first year as a starter for the Wolverines in 2024, with 35 tackles and eight passes defensed. Detroit has been sorting through their secondary in recent years, and could continue the revamp next offseason.

Greene has already developed into an excellent offensive line prospect at Georgia. While he's played left tackle, his lack of height could push him inside. Buffalo has a veteran offensive line that could use more youth next offseason.

Derrick Henry can't produce at an elite level forever, and could look at running back next year. Baxter is coming off a torn ACL, but had over 800 yards from scrimmage in his freshman season at Texas.

The Chiefs have drafted extremely well at defensive back, but might need to address that area again next offseason. Kilgore has been productive in two seasons for South Carolina, including five picks last year.

The Eagles never met a top edge rushing prospect they didn't love, and Uigalelei shows huge upside. He recorded 10.5 sacks in 2024 for the Ducks.