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We're still breaking down what just happened over seven rounds in Green Bay this past weekend, and there's already a 2026 NFL mock draft?
Yep, that's what we're doing.
It's never too early to look ahead to next year's draft, and considering some of the high-profile names who will be eligible, the 2026 class is already generating plenty of buzz a year in advance.
The conversation surrounding this crop of top prospects will be dominated by the quarterbacks, as Texas' Arch Manning, Penn State's Drew Allar, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson's Cade Klubnik are just a handful of to top passers in college football this season who could end up contention to be a first-round selection in 2026, if not the No. 1 overall pick.
So, as the dust settles from this year's event, here's an early look at how the first round of next year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated Super Bowl odds to determine the draft order:
If the Saints end up with this pick, the fact that they spent a top-40 pick in 2025 on 26-year-old Tyler Shough won't stop them from taking Archie's grandson here. Manning still has a lot to prove on the field if he wants to live up to the hype and earn this spot, but the talent and upside is obviously there.
Much like the Saints, Cleveland could still be in the market for an upgrade at QB here if the likes of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders can't move the needle enough in their rookie season to keep the Browns from picking this high. Allar has been inconsistent, but he's got all the physical tools to put it all together and launch himself into this range.
A safety in the top three is a rare occurrence, but Downs is simply the best player in college football right now, regardless of position. He's a difference-maker in every facet of the game, and can line up all over the field, making big plays every time the ball comes his way.
The Titans spent a second-round pick in this year's draft on a high-upside edge rusher in Oluwafemi Oladejo, but that shouldn't stop them from adding another one early next year. Parker has all the traits to push for top-five consideration if he delivers on high expectations this season.
Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (74) could be a top-five pick next year.Brianna Paciorka / USA TODAY NETWORK
Andrew Thomas is a solid left tackle, but the Giants still don't have a long-term answer on the right side. Proctor is an absolute mountain of a blocker who would be an immediate upgrade as the other bookend, and solidify the protection in front of 2025 first-round pick Jaxson Dart.
It's not fair to compare anyone to Luke Kuechly, but the last time the Panthers spent a top-10 pick on an off-ball linebacker, it worked out pretty well. Hill has the ideal frame and skill set to be a three-down menace at the next level, and a stellar 2025 campaign could land him squarely in this range.
No matter who wins the quarterback battle in Indy this year, finding a true franchise left tackle to protect that passer will likely remain a priority next season. Mauigoa is a powerful, athletic prospect with the physical traits and upside to lock that premium position down for the Colts.
If the Raiders end up picking in the top 10 again next year, they could strongly consider investing in Geno Smith's eventual successor here. Sellers is my favorite quarterback prospect in the 2026 class at the moment, with a rare blend of size, arm talent and athleticism that gives him limitless potential.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers has unlimited potential.© Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Cleveland will be thrilled if the Jags struggle enough in 2025 to land them another top-10 pick as a result of the trade that landed Travis Hunter in Jacksonville this year. Finding a blue-chip edge rusher to pair with Myles Garrett could be the mission after grabbing a quarterback earlier, and Faulk has a ton of explosiveness off the ball.
Alaric Jackson has been serviceable, but the Rams might want an upgrade at left tackle next offseason. A transfer from Nevada, World already has a ton of starting experience under his belt, and the physical tools to vault into the top-10 conversation if he proves he can produce at the same level after a step up in competition.
Even with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride already in-house, the Cards could still invest premium resources into another high-end pass-catcher for Kyler Murray. If Tyson picks up where he left off after a strong finish to the 2024 season, they won't have to look far.
Seattle already has their explosive, disruptive interior defender who can rush the passer with quickness in 2024 first-rounder Byron Murphy II. What they need is a stout run-stuffer who can anchor against the run with strength and power, and that's exactly where Woods dominates.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods has shown flashes of dominance for the Tigers.Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Spending this year's No. 4 overall pick on Will Campbell should solve things at left tackle for the Pats, but finding a similar long-term presence on the right side should be next year's top task. Fano has a ton of upside thanks to his size, athleticism and physicality, and he's already got plenty of starts under his belt at both tackle spots.
Dallas made some fantastic picks early in this year's draft, but they still don't have a high-end No. 2 receiver to help take pressure and attention away from CeeDee Lamb. Harbor could do the trick, with a massive frame and impressive explosiveness that could draw comparisons to DK Metcalf.
Jalen Ramsey will likely be playing elsewhere in 2025, let alone 2026. Miami doesn't have another shutdown corner on the roster at the moment, and McCoy flashed first-round talent in Knoxville last year after transferring from Oregon State, picking off four passes and breaking up nine more.
Chicago added some promising talent in this year's draft, but one thing they failed to find was a young edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat. After missing the first four games of the 2024 season, Bain finished the year strong, and he's got all the measurables to make a big jump in 2025 that could land him in the first round.
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier could be the Steelers' new franchise quarterback in 2026.Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Even if Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers for the 2025 season, they'll still be looking for a new franchise quarterback in 2026. Nussmeier was inconsistent for the Bayou Bengals last season, but showed flashes of brilliance that could make him a first-round target if that level of play becomes his norm this year.
Joe Mixon will turn 30 before the start of the 2026 season, and the Texans could move on from his contract after 2025 with little dead money to worry about. If they're willing to invest first-round capital into his replacement, Love is a dynamic back with the athleticism and explosiveness to be worthy of a top-20 selection.
Minnesota only had five picks to work with this year, so they weren't able to address their needs in the secondary. If they look for a top-flight corner in the first round next year, Davis has rare size for the position, and the athleticism and ball skills to be a big-play magnet after transferring from Arizona.
Future Hall of Famer Lavonte David is the ageless wonder, but he could choose to hang up his cleats after a 13th season. Even if he doesn't, the Bucs would be wise to invest in his eventual successor here, and Lawson was playing like a top-20 prospect before a knee injury ended his 2024 campaign late in the year.
Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson could still be a first-rounder despite a late-season injury in 2024.Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Some expiring contracts could leave Denver in search of multiple starters along the offensive line next offseason. Banks is a towering interior defender with the size, athleticism and physicality to dominate in the trenches, and the versatility to attack from a wide range of different alignments.
Khalil Mack can't play forever, and while I'm high on 2025 fourth-rounder Kyle Kennard, the Chargers could still end up spending their top pick on another high-profile edge rusher next year. Dennis-Sutton is big and athletic, with great pass-rushing chops and athleticism/explosiveness that gives him a ton of upside.
Now armed with a pair of first-round picks next year thanks to the Atlanta Falcons, the Rams could use one of them to find a successor to Matthew Stafford. Klubnik looked much improved for the Tigers last season, and if he keeps up that trajectory of development in 2025, he could put himself in the first-round conversation.
Green Bay didn't prioritize the corner position in this year's draft, and they'll have to make up for it as early as possible next time around. Muhammad is a smart, savvy corner with ideal instincts and ball skills that allow him to regularly break up passes that come his way.
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate could give the 49ers another high-profile pass-catcher next year.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It remains to be seen if Brandon Aiyuk can return to form after his knee injury and live up to his huge contract extension, and even after spending a first-round pick on Ricky Pearsall last year, the 49ers could still opt to use another one on a polished, high-upside pass-catcher in Tate.
You can never have too many talented corners in today's pass-happy NFL, and the Bengals could use another young playmaker with Pro Bowl potential. The younger brother of Atlanta's A.J. Terrell, Avieon doesn't have his older brother's size and length, but he's quick, tough and smart, and could play his way into the first round.
Washington somehow managed to come out of this year's loaded class without a starting-caliber edge rusher, and they'll have to fix that next year. Overton's combination of size, strength and athleticism gives him the versatility to line up on the edge or slide inside, and he's a well-rounded defender against both the run and pass.
The Lions need to reload their linebacker group with top talent, and they could have plenty of strong options next offseason. Styles has impressive size for the position, with the versatility to play near the line of scrimmage or cover in space, thanks to his previous experience in the secondary. He was vital to the Buckeyes' title run last year.
Penn State running back Nick Singleton could be the heir to King Henry's throne in Baltimore.© Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Derrick Henry can't keep doing this forever, right? He'll turn 32 by the end of the 2025 season, so it might be time for the Ravens to invest in a new workhorse for their ground game. Singleton has the size and strength to carry that kind of load, and enough explosiveness to break off big runs while lining up alongside Lamar Jackson.
There's still plenty of hope that Keon Coleman can develop into a true No. 1 target for Josh Allen on the outside, but if that's still an area of need heading into 2026, the Bills could opt for another big, athletic receiver in Boston who could become that kind of presence in the Buffalo passing game.
There's no such thing as too many high-end edge rushers for an NFL team, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the Chiefs add another one with their top pick next year. Uiagalelei has a big frame and a complete skill set that helped him notch double-digit sacks last season for the Ducks.
Jalen Hurts has one of the NFL's best receiver tandems in AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, but that No. 3 spot could use an upgrade. Branch is an undersized but explosive playmaker who could do some serious damage while opposing defenses are busy trying to stop the rest of the weapons in Philly's offense.
Continue reading...
We're still breaking down what just happened over seven rounds in Green Bay this past weekend, and there's already a 2026 NFL mock draft?
Yep, that's what we're doing.
It's never too early to look ahead to next year's draft, and considering some of the high-profile names who will be eligible, the 2026 class is already generating plenty of buzz a year in advance.
The conversation surrounding this crop of top prospects will be dominated by the quarterbacks, as Texas' Arch Manning, Penn State's Drew Allar, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson's Cade Klubnik are just a handful of to top passers in college football this season who could end up contention to be a first-round selection in 2026, if not the No. 1 overall pick.
So, as the dust settles from this year's event, here's an early look at how the first round of next year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated Super Bowl odds to determine the draft order:
1. New Orleans Saints
Arch Manning | QB | Texas
If the Saints end up with this pick, the fact that they spent a top-40 pick in 2025 on 26-year-old Tyler Shough won't stop them from taking Archie's grandson here. Manning still has a lot to prove on the field if he wants to live up to the hype and earn this spot, but the talent and upside is obviously there.
2. Cleveland Browns
Drew Allar | QB | Penn State
Much like the Saints, Cleveland could still be in the market for an upgrade at QB here if the likes of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders can't move the needle enough in their rookie season to keep the Browns from picking this high. Allar has been inconsistent, but he's got all the physical tools to put it all together and launch himself into this range.
3. New York Jets
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
A safety in the top three is a rare occurrence, but Downs is simply the best player in college football right now, regardless of position. He's a difference-maker in every facet of the game, and can line up all over the field, making big plays every time the ball comes his way.
4. Tennessee Titans
T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson
The Titans spent a second-round pick in this year's draft on a high-upside edge rusher in Oluwafemi Oladejo, but that shouldn't stop them from adding another one early next year. Parker has all the traits to push for top-five consideration if he delivers on high expectations this season.
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Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (74) could be a top-five pick next year.Brianna Paciorka / USA TODAY NETWORK
5. New York Giants
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama
Andrew Thomas is a solid left tackle, but the Giants still don't have a long-term answer on the right side. Proctor is an absolute mountain of a blocker who would be an immediate upgrade as the other bookend, and solidify the protection in front of 2025 first-round pick Jaxson Dart.
6. Carolina Panthers
Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas
It's not fair to compare anyone to Luke Kuechly, but the last time the Panthers spent a top-10 pick on an off-ball linebacker, it worked out pretty well. Hill has the ideal frame and skill set to be a three-down menace at the next level, and a stellar 2025 campaign could land him squarely in this range.
7. Indianapolis Colts
Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)
No matter who wins the quarterback battle in Indy this year, finding a true franchise left tackle to protect that passer will likely remain a priority next season. Mauigoa is a powerful, athletic prospect with the physical traits and upside to lock that premium position down for the Colts.
8. Las Vegas Raiders
LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina
If the Raiders end up picking in the top 10 again next year, they could strongly consider investing in Geno Smith's eventual successor here. Sellers is my favorite quarterback prospect in the 2026 class at the moment, with a rare blend of size, arm talent and athleticism that gives him limitless potential.
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South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers has unlimited potential.© Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
9. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
Cleveland will be thrilled if the Jags struggle enough in 2025 to land them another top-10 pick as a result of the trade that landed Travis Hunter in Jacksonville this year. Finding a blue-chip edge rusher to pair with Myles Garrett could be the mission after grabbing a quarterback earlier, and Faulk has a ton of explosiveness off the ball.
10. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Isaiah World | OT | Oregon
Alaric Jackson has been serviceable, but the Rams might want an upgrade at left tackle next offseason. A transfer from Nevada, World already has a ton of starting experience under his belt, and the physical tools to vault into the top-10 conversation if he proves he can produce at the same level after a step up in competition.
11. Arizona Cardinals
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
Even with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride already in-house, the Cards could still invest premium resources into another high-end pass-catcher for Kyler Murray. If Tyson picks up where he left off after a strong finish to the 2024 season, they won't have to look far.
12. Seattle Seahawks
Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
Seattle already has their explosive, disruptive interior defender who can rush the passer with quickness in 2024 first-rounder Byron Murphy II. What they need is a stout run-stuffer who can anchor against the run with strength and power, and that's exactly where Woods dominates.
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Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods has shown flashes of dominance for the Tigers.Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
13. New England Patriots
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah
Spending this year's No. 4 overall pick on Will Campbell should solve things at left tackle for the Pats, but finding a similar long-term presence on the right side should be next year's top task. Fano has a ton of upside thanks to his size, athleticism and physicality, and he's already got plenty of starts under his belt at both tackle spots.
14. Dallas Cowboys
Nyck Harbor | WR | South Carolina
Dallas made some fantastic picks early in this year's draft, but they still don't have a high-end No. 2 receiver to help take pressure and attention away from CeeDee Lamb. Harbor could do the trick, with a massive frame and impressive explosiveness that could draw comparisons to DK Metcalf.
15. Miami Dolphins
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee
Jalen Ramsey will likely be playing elsewhere in 2025, let alone 2026. Miami doesn't have another shutdown corner on the roster at the moment, and McCoy flashed first-round talent in Knoxville last year after transferring from Oregon State, picking off four passes and breaking up nine more.
16. Chicago Bears
Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
Chicago added some promising talent in this year's draft, but one thing they failed to find was a young edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat. After missing the first four games of the 2024 season, Bain finished the year strong, and he's got all the measurables to make a big jump in 2025 that could land him in the first round.
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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier could be the Steelers' new franchise quarterback in 2026.Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Garrett Nussmeier | QB | LSU
Even if Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers for the 2025 season, they'll still be looking for a new franchise quarterback in 2026. Nussmeier was inconsistent for the Bayou Bengals last season, but showed flashes of brilliance that could make him a first-round target if that level of play becomes his norm this year.
18. Houston Texans
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
Joe Mixon will turn 30 before the start of the 2026 season, and the Texans could move on from his contract after 2025 with little dead money to worry about. If they're willing to invest first-round capital into his replacement, Love is a dynamic back with the athleticism and explosiveness to be worthy of a top-20 selection.
19. Minnesota Vikings
Tacario Davis | CB | Washington
Minnesota only had five picks to work with this year, so they weren't able to address their needs in the secondary. If they look for a top-flight corner in the first round next year, Davis has rare size for the position, and the athleticism and ball skills to be a big-play magnet after transferring from Arizona.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Deontae Lawson | LB | Alabama
Future Hall of Famer Lavonte David is the ageless wonder, but he could choose to hang up his cleats after a 13th season. Even if he doesn't, the Bucs would be wise to invest in his eventual successor here, and Lawson was playing like a top-20 prospect before a knee injury ended his 2024 campaign late in the year.
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Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson could still be a first-rounder despite a late-season injury in 2024.Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
21. Denver Broncos
Caleb Banks | DL | Florida
Some expiring contracts could leave Denver in search of multiple starters along the offensive line next offseason. Banks is a towering interior defender with the size, athleticism and physicality to dominate in the trenches, and the versatility to attack from a wide range of different alignments.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State
Khalil Mack can't play forever, and while I'm high on 2025 fourth-rounder Kyle Kennard, the Chargers could still end up spending their top pick on another high-profile edge rusher next year. Dennis-Sutton is big and athletic, with great pass-rushing chops and athleticism/explosiveness that gives him a ton of upside.
23. Los Angeles Rams
Cade Klubnik | QB | Clemson
Now armed with a pair of first-round picks next year thanks to the Atlanta Falcons, the Rams could use one of them to find a successor to Matthew Stafford. Klubnik looked much improved for the Tigers last season, and if he keeps up that trajectory of development in 2025, he could put himself in the first-round conversation.
24. Green Bay Packers
Malik Muhammad | CB | Texas
Green Bay didn't prioritize the corner position in this year's draft, and they'll have to make up for it as early as possible next time around. Muhammad is a smart, savvy corner with ideal instincts and ball skills that allow him to regularly break up passes that come his way.
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Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate could give the 49ers another high-profile pass-catcher next year.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
25. San Francisco 49ers
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
It remains to be seen if Brandon Aiyuk can return to form after his knee injury and live up to his huge contract extension, and even after spending a first-round pick on Ricky Pearsall last year, the 49ers could still opt to use another one on a polished, high-upside pass-catcher in Tate.
26. Cincinnati Bengals
Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson
You can never have too many talented corners in today's pass-happy NFL, and the Bengals could use another young playmaker with Pro Bowl potential. The younger brother of Atlanta's A.J. Terrell, Avieon doesn't have his older brother's size and length, but he's quick, tough and smart, and could play his way into the first round.
27. Washington Commanders
LT Overton | Edge | Alabama
Washington somehow managed to come out of this year's loaded class without a starting-caliber edge rusher, and they'll have to fix that next year. Overton's combination of size, strength and athleticism gives him the versatility to line up on the edge or slide inside, and he's a well-rounded defender against both the run and pass.
28. Detroit Lions
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
The Lions need to reload their linebacker group with top talent, and they could have plenty of strong options next offseason. Styles has impressive size for the position, with the versatility to play near the line of scrimmage or cover in space, thanks to his previous experience in the secondary. He was vital to the Buckeyes' title run last year.
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Penn State running back Nick Singleton could be the heir to King Henry's throne in Baltimore.© Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
29. Baltimore Ravens
Nick Singleton | RB | Penn State
Derrick Henry can't keep doing this forever, right? He'll turn 32 by the end of the 2025 season, so it might be time for the Ravens to invest in a new workhorse for their ground game. Singleton has the size and strength to carry that kind of load, and enough explosiveness to break off big runs while lining up alongside Lamar Jackson.
30. Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
There's still plenty of hope that Keon Coleman can develop into a true No. 1 target for Josh Allen on the outside, but if that's still an area of need heading into 2026, the Bills could opt for another big, athletic receiver in Boston who could become that kind of presence in the Buffalo passing game.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Matayo Uiagalelei | Edge | Oregon
There's no such thing as too many high-end edge rushers for an NFL team, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the Chiefs add another one with their top pick next year. Uiagalelei has a big frame and a complete skill set that helped him notch double-digit sacks last season for the Ducks.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia
Jalen Hurts has one of the NFL's best receiver tandems in AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, but that No. 3 spot could use an upgrade. Branch is an undersized but explosive playmaker who could do some serious damage while opposing defenses are busy trying to stop the rest of the weapons in Philly's offense.
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