Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Three teams that could reach for a QB in first round of 2026 NFL Draft

By Daniel Morrison | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 11:16 AM ET

The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching. Like most years, the quarterbacks are in the spotlight, even if this class isn't seen as nearly as deep as previous or even future seasons.

In his latest mock draft, analyst Todd McShay only projected one quarterback would go in the first round. That's Indiana's Fernando Mendoza going first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. After that, it's 31 picks without another quarterback.

If McShay is right, it would be a major surprise. The reality is that the quarterback position is so highly valued and in such need around the NFL that teams don't want to be too passive and miss out on someone. So, they reach up beyond a player's likely value, more so than at any other position.

Here are three teams that could get caught reaching:

1. New York Jets

The Jets seem like the most likely team, outside of the Raiders, to be looking at a first-round quarterback this season. That's even with veteran Geno Smith returning. It doesn't hurt that the Jets hold two first-round picks, including the second and the 16th. After all, they still need their long-term solution at quarterback, and Smith might be a blessing, giving that young player time to develop.

The most likely first-round pick New York could reach for is Ty Simpson. He has plenty of talent, but struggled with consistency at times during his only season as a starter at Alabama. So, getting time to develop behind a veteran could be massive for Simpson.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have struggled in recent seasons to find their franchise quarterback, going for stopgaps since Kenny Pickett didn't work out. This season, picking at No. 21 in the first round, the Steelers could take another stab at a franchise quarterback.

Veteran head coach Mike McCarthy is in Pittsburgh to usher in a new era. Eventually, he'll want to be doing that with his own quarterback. It's just a matter if he wants to make someone like Ty Simpson or Drew Allar.

3. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are entering a new era. Mike LaFleur is their new head coach. Kyler Murray is on to his next team. On top of that, the options for Arizona on the current roster look bleak in one of the NFL's best divisions.

As it stands now, Arizona is picking third overall. That would be a massive reach this year for the second available quarterback. It does provide capital to trade down, though, and add picks to help fill in the roster around the team. There is also the option to trade up at the end of the first round and cut the line for a quarterback they believe in. It's just a matter of whether there's a quarterback Arizona wants to invest that capital in.

Daniel Morrison

Dan Morrison is a writer originally from Massachusetts, now residing in Florida. He spent four years at On3, working on the National News Desk there. Prior to that, he’s also contributed at Underdog Dynasty.

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