The 2026 quarterback class will likely only end up with two being worthy of a first-round investment by the time we reach Pittsburgh in late April.

Poor play and likely returns to school have shrunk a group most NFL draft analysts, including myself, considered in May would be four or five deep by the time we got to the draft process.

I included four in my initial projections last week, and will continue to do so until the two who are most likely to stay, Oregon’s Dante Moore and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, make their intentions known.

Obviously there are more than two teams in the NFL who need to upgrade the quarterback position. This will place a premium on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Alabama’s Ty Simpson, who will both likely get selected higher than we have them rated on our Big Boards.

This might also create a market for teams like the 49ers and Cardinals potentially looking to deal a QB in the offseason (i.e. Mac Jones and/or Kyler Murray).

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

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:

FIRST ROUND

1. Tennessee (1-9) — 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 General Manager Mike Borgonzi isn’t wowed by a trade offer. The 6-foot-3, 275 pound Bain doesn’t have prototypical length, but he 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 (2-9) — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson, Jr.

Like the Titans, the Giants recently fired their head coach, 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 a disappointing defense will have to be addressed as well. Pairing the disruptive Woods with All-Pro Dexter Lawrence on the interior would take inspiration from Eagles GM Howie Roseman’s well-established blueprint, and help free up their talented edge rushers, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux to wreak even more havoc. Top needs: DL, G, CB

3. Cleveland (2-8) — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, Jr.

With Dillon Gabriel still in the NFL’s concussion protocol, the Browns will start Shedeur Sanders in Sunday’s road matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s a great opportunity for Sanders, but I can’t imagine what it would take for Cleveland to commit to him going forward. Coach Prime’s progeny will be the 42nd different QB to start for the Browns since the franchise returned to the NFL in 1999. Mendoza has the prototypical size (6-5, 225) and arm talent scouts salivate over. He’s not a finished product by any means — pressure can affect his footwork — but he has taken his game to a whole new lever for the Hoosiers. He’s now better than even money (-115) to win the Heisman following an impressive performance against Wisconsin on Saturday where he completed 22-of-24 passes for 299 yards and four touchdowns. Top needs: QB, T, CB

4. N.Y. Jets (2-8) — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama, 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. Simpson only has 10 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. 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: QB, CB, DL

5. Las Vegas (2-8) — Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio St., Jr.

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. However, here I’m giving them one of the most dynamic defenders in the draft class. 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. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR

6. New Orleans (2-8) — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.

There’s a chance Saints GM Mickey Loomis is fine with Tyler Shough being the starter next year, and couldn’t possibly pass on Love with an aging Alvin Kamara only on the books for one more season. He features elite size (6-0, 214), patience and balance — check this out — on top of home run capabilities with TD runs of 98 and 94 yards the last two seasons. The favorite to win the Doak Walker Award is fourth in the country with 1,135 rushing yards, and third in total touchdowns with 17. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR

7. Washington (3-8) — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio St., 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 semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He’s the heart and soul of a Buckeyes defense that leads the nation in points (7.5) and yards allowed (212.6) per game this season. Top needs: Edge, LB, CB

8. Cincinnati (3-7) — Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn, Jr.

What part of the Bengals’ defense doesn’t need to be completely overhauled? 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. The likelihood Trey Hendrickson leaves in free agency is very high. Top needs: Edge, CB, G

9. Arizona (3-7) — Dante Moore, QB, Oregon, So.

The Cardinals could be in the market for a QB if they decide to move on from Kyler Murray. Like Simpson, Moore lacks starting experience, and he’s more likely to return for his junior year in Eugene for more seasoning, but the ceiling is very high. He’s accurate, throws a catchable deep ball, and has shown the ability to make plays outside of the pocket. Moore would likely go much higher if he actually stays in the draft. Top needs: OL, DL, WR

10. L.A. Rams from Atlanta (3-7) — Spencer Fano, T, Utah, 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. Right tackle could be a top priority for Snead and whoever is under center next season if veteran Rob Havenstein bolts in 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. Top needs: T, DB, QB

11. Miami (4-7) — 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 I’m not seeing a corner in this draft worthy of a top-10 pick. At least until we find out more about the health of Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy, who suffered an ACL injury in January and has yet to play a game this season. Bailey currently leads the FBS in sacks (12½) and is tied for second 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. Top needs: CB, OL, Edge

12. Minnesota (4-6) — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, Sr.

The Vikings need someone to pair with Isaiah Rodgers at cornerback as Byron Murphy continues to struggle mightily this season. 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 41 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions this season, and is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back). Top needs: CB, DL, LB

13. Dallas (4-5-1) — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona St., Jr.

George Pickens is in the final year of his rookie contract, and has likely earned a significant pay raise, so it’ll be interesting to see how the Joneses handle this after the negotiations with Micah Parsons went sideways. If the Cowboys get outbid in free agency, they’ll have to target the position early in the draft. Tyson has dealt with a hamstring injury recently, but he’s pretty much picked up this season where he left off last year — he had 732 yards in the Sun Devils’ final six games in 2024. Tyson is a route-technician with inside-out versatility and the ability to make plays at all three levels. Top needs: Edge, S, LB

14. Baltimore (5-5) — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio St., 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 711 yards and seven TDs on 39 receptions in only eight games so far, and is half of the best receiver duo in the country, opposite Jeremiah Smith. The wide receiver factory in Columbus, Ohio is tariff-proof. Top needs: Edge, RB, C

15. Kansas City (5-5) — 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. Sadiq had eight receptions for 96 yards and a TD in the Ducks’ 42-13 blowout of the Minnesota Gophers last Friday. Top needs: RB, DL, TE

16. Houston (5-5) — 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. Top needs: DL, RB, CB

17. Carolina (6-5) — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio St., 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. 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 won’t turn 21 until next week. Styles 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

18. Detroit (6-4) — Zion Young, Edge, Missouri, Sr.

The Lions probably noticed Young when they were scouting eventual second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. at Mizzou in 2023. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound edge rusher has done nothing but improve since then. He’s already set career highs in pressures (33), tackles for loss (13), sacks (5½) and forced fumbles (two) this season. Young lacks elite get-off, but he’s relentless in pursuit of the ball, and can play multiple positions on the defensive line. Top needs: Edge, LB, G

19. Pittsburgh (6-4) — LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina, So.

Aaron Rodgers could very well retire at the end of this season. It wouldn’t surprise me if Sellers stays in school, but decides to look for a change of scenery through the transfer portal. He has the size (6-3, 242) and elite physical tools NFL teams seek in a modern QB. Top needs: QB, WR, CB

20. Cleveland from Jacksonville (6-4) — Makai Lemon, WR, USC, Jr.

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. 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. Top needs: QB, T, CB

21. Tampa Bay (6-4) — Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn St., 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

22. L.A. Chargers (7-4) — Caleb Banks, DL, Florida, Sr.

Banks would pair nicely with 2025 third-round pick Jamaree Caldwell on the interior. He surprised everyone by returning to Gainesville for his senior season. The Louisville transfer features the size (6-6, 325), length and explosive traits NFL defensive coordinators covet and QBs usually lose sleep over. He tends to rely on athleticism over technique, so coaching will be required to unlock his full potential in the pros. Banks was recently cleared from a foot injury that required surgery in September and is attempting to return and play before the end of the Gators’ season. Top needs: OL, Edge, DL

23. San Francisco (7-4) — Caleb Lomu, T, Utah, So.

Future Hall of Famer Trent Williams isn’t getting any younger. 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: OL, DB, WR

24. Dallas from Green Bay (6-3-1) — CJ Allen, LB, Georgia, 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. There’s still work to do. It’s hard not to see former Bulldog and current Ravens’ All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith when watching Allen. Both are 6-1, 235 pounds and are elite processors. Both are strong finishers against the run, and both are capable pass-rushers when called upon. Allen is currently week-to-week with a knee injury he suffered against Texas. Top needs: Edge, S, LB

25. Chicago (7-3) — 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 just named as a finalist for the Lombardi Award. Top needs: T, Edge, S

26. Buffalo (7-3) — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Jr.

The Bills’ cornerback group has been mediocre at best this season. 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: LB, WR, CB

27. Seattle (7-3) — 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

28. N.Y. Jets from Indianapolis (8-2) — Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon, Jr.

If the Jets land a QB with their first first-rounder, then they can focus on replenishing the defense, after trading their two best defenders away, with one of the picks they acquired from the Colts for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. Uiagalelei had 10½ sacks his sophomore season, and he started strong this year with four sacks in the first five games, but he hasn’t taken down a quarterback since September. Still, his blend of size (6-5, 270), strength and athleticism is what gets a defensive coordinator out of bed in the morning. Top needs: QB, CB, DL

29. Philadelphia (8-2) — TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson, Jr.

The Eagles are constantly restocking their pass rush. 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. Top needs: T, TE, Edge

30. L.A. Rams (8-2) — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr.

The Rams’ secondary could look substantially different next year with three cornerbacks (Ahkello Witherspoon, Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary) and their starting strong safety (Quentin Lake), who also plays nickelback, all about to become free agents. 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: T, DB, QB

31. New England (9-2) — Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas, Jr.

The Patriots need to continue adding juice to an improved pass rush, and also add a playmaker to pair with linebacker Robert Spillane. Hill could do both. He plays off-ball linebacker at a high level, and can generate a pass-rush off the edge or as a blitzer. He earned first-team All-American recognition after producing 113 total tackles (17 tackles for loss), eight sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception as a true sophomore. The Bednarik Award semifinalist is currently in the midst of another solid season for the Longhorns with 69 total tackles (seven tackles for loss), four sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions through 10 games. Hill could miss this week after suffering a fractured fifth metacarpal in his hand against Georgia on Saturday. Top needs: Edge, LB, S

32. Denver (9-2) — Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio St., 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 No. 2 in rushing yards allowed per game (81.4) and No. 8 in yards allowed per carry (2.76). Top needs: LB, DL, C