3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Could a Record-Tying 6 QBs Go in First Round, Including Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, Drew Allar?

This three-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft has six quarterbacks selected in the first round, while Clemson produces five picks in the top 32.

Summer scouting is in full swing as the 2025 college football season beckons, with analysts searching for the next first-round talents who could be the future face of all 32 franchises. 2026 NFL mock drafts are an excellent exercise for identifying which prospects appear destined for stardom at the next level and which players possess the traits and tools to take the next step.

In this 2026 NFL mock draft, we look at some key stats from the 2024 NFL season, combining them with the latest scouting notes and insights to see who has the profile to be an early selection next April. The draft order has been established using the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator, which you can use to predict every round.


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1) Cleveland Browns

Arch Manning, QB, Texas

There will be debate over whether Arch Manning will enter the 2026 NFL Draft right up until the deadline next January. While all signs and priors point towards the Texas Longhorns’ quarterback returning, there is a possibility that he will declare, especially if he is likely to be the No. 1 overall selection.

This may only be Manning’s first year as a starter, but the hype is real. There is enough tape to hint that the five-star recruit has all the intangibles and dynamic play to potentially be the top quarterback in next year’s class. The 6’4”, 212-pound quarterback is a more high-powered passer than his uncles, adding a potent rushing threat they didn’t have.

On top of his 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, Manning has an adjusted yards after contact on rushes of 8.59, adding 1.04 EPA per scramble.

2) New York Jets

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Garett Nussmeier would have likely been QB2 and a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, the LSU Tiger heads back to Baton Rouge as one of college football’s top returning passers, accumulating 4,048 passing yards in 2024, ranking second among returning starters with a PFSN College QB+ grade of 84.5.

Despite being a smaller quarterback, the 6’2”, 200-pound pocket passer has NFL arm talent, consistent accuracy, and a high football IQ. Nussmeier is an upper-tier decision-maker and can diagnose defenses presnap. Although he demonstrates some manoeuvrability and pocket presence, taking just 15 sacks last season, he isn’t the most athletic quarterback in the class

3) New Orleans Saints

Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

Drew Allar returns to the Penn State Nittany Lions in 2025, chasing a national championship. James Franklin has assembled a roster capable of playing deep into January. If his quarterback’s performances can match his talent, they have every chance.

Allar is a passer who throws with intense zip and velocity. The Nittany Lions’ quarterback has developed into a legitimate threat through the air, throwing for over 3,300 yards in 2024, while also being a threatening and powerful runner, with 17 plays of 10 yards or more.

However, he has fumbled the ball 10 times in the last two seasons. The 6’5”, 236-pound senior quarterback still needs to improve his ability to throw with anticipation and ball placement and prove he can step up in big moments.

That said, all the traits are there for Allar to be a high first-round selection on his current trajectory and beat his PFSN College QB+ rating of 83.5 from a season ago.

4) Tennessee Titans

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Peter Woods enters the 2025 college football season as one of the most dominant defenders in the country and a potential top non-quarterback selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Clemson defensive tackle has all the tools NFL teams crave — and then some.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 315 pounds, Woods is a force in the trenches who blends rare power, explosiveness, and agility for his size. What makes him even more impressive is his versatility. Despite spending much of the 2024 season lining up at defensive end — a spot outside his natural position — Woods still made a significant impact against both the run and the pass.

His ability to collapse pockets, anchor against double teams, and disrupt plays in the backfield sets him apart in a stacked defensive line class. With a return to his true position at defensive tackle expected this fall, Woods is poised to raise his stock even further and solidify himself as one of the 2026 draft’s premier prospects.

5) New York Giants

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

The competition to be the top offensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft is fierce. The class is strong, deep, and loaded with prospects poised to be franchise tackles in the NFL. Despite some analysts viewing him as a potential guard convert in the NFL, Miami Hurricanes star Francis Mauigoa has the potential to top the list using his strength and speed to dominate defenders.

Appearing on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List in 2024, it is reported that Mauigoa only has 20.9% body fat and runs a 1.72 10-yard split (84th percentile) at 6’6″ and 315 pounds. Meanwhile, on the field, he keeps improving, only allowing one sack and 19 pressures in 2024 on 534 pass blocking snaps.

6) Carolina Panthers

Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State

The most exciting prospect eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft is Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs, who has the potential to be the highest drafted safety since Minkah Fitzpatrick went No. 11 overall in 2018.

Downs is an incredibly rare prospect who has excellent size at 6’0” and 205 pounds and elite range. The versatile defensive back is one of the most intelligent defensive backs to be draft-eligible in recent seasons, combining prototypical athletic tools with innate mental traits that enable him to be a keen leader with exceptional awareness and anticipation in the backend.

7) Indianapolis Colts

Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

Heading into the 2025 college football season, Cade Klubnik is PFSN’s No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class. The Tigers’ passer was elite down the stretch in 2024, finishing the season with 3,639 passing yards.

His 36 passing scores are the most of any returning quarterback, while also only turning the ball over six times. The two-year starter is an exceptional decision-maker and remains calm, leading to a passer rating of 76.5 when pressured.

While Klubnik is undersized, listed at 6’2” and 200 pounds, he checks all the boxes. The Clemson quarterback can layer the football with touch and fire the ball into tight windows, leading receivers open with exceptional awareness and anticipation.

8) Cleveland Browns

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Kadyn Proctor enters 2025 as one of college football’s top offensive tackles and a projected early pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. At 6’7” and 360 pounds, the Alabama standout offers a rare mix of size, power, and athleticism. He dominates in the run game with strong drive and toughness, while holding his own in pass protection.

Still, scouts want to see improved technique, particularly with pad level and hand placement. Proctor is also working to trim weight for better mobility. If strides are made, he could be the first lineman drafted and a potential top-10 selection.

9) Las Vegas Raiders

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Caleb Lomu is a technically refined offensive tackle who has elegance in pass sets while boasting a nasty demeanor as a run blocker. The Utah left tackle allowed two sacks on 406 pass blocking snaps in 2024 and blends elite athleticism with a mauling mentality and clean technique.

With all eyes on a new offensive coordinator and quarterback combination that is expected to deliver a more potent Utah offense in 2025, Lomu will have the opportunity to become a household name as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft.

10) Los Angeles Rams

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Notre Dame Fighting Irish standout Jeremiyah Love is the next elite running back to be NFL Draft eligible. The productive rusher ended 2024 with 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing while ranking eighth in college football with 6.9 yards per carry, just 0.1 yards behind Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty.

While having the elusive movement and elite contact balance to be creative on any down, Love is also a remarkably reliable ball carrier who didn’t fumble once during Notre Dame’s run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game last fall.

11) Arizona Cardinals

T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

At 6’3” and 265 pounds, T.J. Parker has the profile of a top 10 draft selection with a devastating combination of power, speed, and varied pass rush plan. The Clemson edge rusher collected 11 sacks in 2024, as well as recording 51 pressures, 28 QB hurries, and five forced fumbles.

12) Dallas Cowboys

Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

Reuben Bain Jr. lit up college football as a freshman in 2023, recording 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in his rookie season in South Florida. The Miami edge rusher is loaded with traits at 6’3” and 275 pounds and has impressive length and athleticism to be an impactful disruptor.

Despite injury concerns hampering his playing time last season, Bain still amassed 28 pressures and 3.5 sacks on 226 pass-rushing snaps. Now back to full health, he is expected to unleash his powerful, energetic pass rush as “the U” looks to make a playoff push.

13) Miami Dolphins

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Jermod McCoy has already proven he can compete with the best after his transfer from the Oregon State Beavers following the 2023 season. The athletic cornerback prospect was productive in the Pac-12 and found even more success stepping up to the SEC, logging four interceptions and nine pass breakups, according to Sports Reference.

While McCoy flashed the high-level traits to be a lockdown defensive back at the college football level, an ACL injury suffered ahead of the 2025 campaign may cause hesitation among NFL teams. If a return to health is met with no drop-off in his athleticism and playmaking capability, he could be one of the top cornerbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

14) New England Patriots

Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

At 6’5” and 270 pounds, Matayo Uiagalelei is physically gifted, using his length and range to make plays across the defensive front. The Oregon Ducks defender puts his physical attributes to good use, shedding the attention of offensive tackles with ease while showcasing impressive wrap-up capability as a tackler

After tallying 10.5 sacks in 2024, he is one of the most productive returning pass rushers in the country. While Uiagalelei created pressure on 10.7% of his pass rush snaps, his evolving pass rush plan and developing pass rush moves should see the dynamic Duck dominate this fall and establish himself as one of the premier defensive players in the 2026 class.

15) Seattle Seahawks

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Ranking fifth in the country with 10 pass deflections in 2024, Avieon Terrell enters the upcoming college football season as one of the top returning players in the nation. The Clemson cornerback is slightly undersized at 5’11” and 180 pounds, but he has NFL-caliber speed, physicality, and technique.

The Seattle Seahawks added multiple cornerbacks to the roster this offseason, showcasing a desire to further strengthen a secondary that contains former Illinois Fighting Illini standout Devon Witherspoon (a PFSN Top 100 NFL player) and 2025 NFL Draft selection, Nick Emmanwori.

16) Chicago Bears

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

A colossal defensive end who excels in run defense, Keldrick Faulk is on a trajectory that could see him be a first-round selection. At 6’6” and 270 pounds, the Auburn Tiger had 41 tackles on designed runs, with the opposition having zero or negative yardage on 25.5% of rushing plays when Faulk was on the field.

Meanwhile, he is developing as a pass rusher, using his fiery strength profile, refined hand placement, and intense motor to create 45 pressures and seven sacks in 2024.

17) Houston Texans

Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

Ultimately, No. 17 overall in this 2026 NFL mock draft may be too low for Caleb Banks.

The Florida Gators’ interior defensive lineman is an absolute specimen at 6’5” and 325 pounds. He is ultra athletic and still developing. His basketball background is evident in his explosive mobility and reach, which provide a high ceiling at the next level.

With 29 pressures, nine quarterback hits, 21 hurries, and 4.5 sacks, Banks is an effective pass rusher, creating pressure on 13% of his pass rush snaps. He uses his hand strength to push offensive linemen out of the way, while also using that explosive power to create negative run plays.

18) Minnesota Vikings

Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

All eyes were on Abdul Carter in the Nittany Lions’ defensive front in 2024, but Dani Dennis-Sutton is an exciting NFL Draft prospect in his own right.

The Penn State edge rusher will become the focal point of their pass rush in 2025, where his relentless effort, pile-driving power, and expanding pass rush plan have the potential to be potent as he builds on his 8.5 sacks from last season.

19) Pittsburgh Steelers

LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

LaNorris Sellers is loaded with physical traits and possesses the tools to be a highly sought-after pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, he still has some room to grow as a passer. At 6’3” and 240 pounds, the South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback is uniquely built and has all the arm talent to be a success in the NFL.

However, despite his 66% completion percentage, Sellers put the ball in harm’s way far too often, consistently missed open receivers, and doesn’t always correctly read defenses pre-snap.

Sellers threw for 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 2024, showcasing his skills as a passer. However, he holds the ball too long, averaging three seconds to throw, a stat that showed why he took 31 sacks in 2024. The Gamecocks’ quarterback now needs to evolve to look like an NFL passer.

20) Denver Broncos

Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

Clemson enters the 2025 college football season as one of the most hotly tipped teams in the country, with a path to national glory mapped out in the latest PFSN College Football Bowl Projections. It’s easy to see why there’s so much excitement surrounding the program, with the Tigers boasting five first-round selections in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

Antonio Williams is Klubnik’s key weapon, recording 904 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024. The 5’11”, 190-pound wide receiver can separate with savvy route running and elusive body movement, while also being able to high point the ball on field stretching plays, with 19.9% of his routes run being go routes.

21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Anthony Hill Jr. is always around the ball. The elite Longhorns’ defender is explosive in every aspect of the run and the passing game. Rushing the passer, the 6’3”, 235-pound linebacker recorded 23 pressures and six sacks in 2026, adding 62 tackles on designed runs.

The versatile defensive chess piece boasts fluid movement, high football IQ, and range, making him a top draft selection and an instant impact player.

22) Los Angeles Chargers

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Jordyn Tyson emerged as a breakout star for Arizona State in 2024, ranking 13th nationally with 1,101 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. At 6’1” and 195 pounds, he blends physicality with elusiveness, making him a dynamic threat both at the catch point and in the open field. His 5.9 yards after the catch per reception showcases his ability to turn routine plays into big gains.

However, Tyson’s 6.2% drop rate is a concern, particularly with the Sun Devils needing him to step up following the departure of Cam Skattebo. If he sharpens his focus, Tyson has the tools to be elite.

23) Green Bay Packers

C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

C.J. Allen possesses exceptional instincts and has the potential to be the next Georgia Bulldogs linebacker to be a first-round selection.

The 6’1” 235-pound linebacker is a natural leader for Kirby Smart’s defense, diagnosing pre-snap and possessing instant reactions to blow up rushing plays. Meanwhile, Allen possesses the agility and physicality to hold his own in coverage, utilizing his innate intuition and natural feel to disrupt offenses.

24) Los Angeles Rams

John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma

John Mateer is an exciting dual-threat quarterback whose exemplary 2024 season with the Washington State Cougars has gone underrated. This is exemplified by the fact that he is the top returning quarterback in college football with an 84.9 PFSN College QB+ grade.

The 6’1”, 219-pound prospect is a gifted passer with a high-level arm. Mateer threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in Pullman, picking defenses apart. Furthermore, the now-Oklahoma quarterback thrived under pressure, ranking fifth nationally with a passer rating of 94.3 when pressured, and can change his arm angles when throwing on the run.

Mateer is elusive as a rushing threat. He has 826 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, while forcing 54 missed tackles and having an EPA of 0.61 when scrambling. The new Sooners slinger plays with his hair on fire. He is a true impact player, and if he can replicate his dynamic play style in 2025, he has the potential to dominate the SEC.

25) San Francisco 49ers

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Spencer Fano is the other bookend tackle for Utah, who will now block for one of the top rushing quarterbacks in college football, Devon Dampier. Kyle Whittingham’s right tackle is intense as a run blocker.

The road grader will bulldoze through defenders and put them in the dirt at every opportunity. He also possesses a refined technique as a pass protector, utilizing his intense power and situational awareness, which allowed him to allow only one sack and 14 pressures in 2024.

26) Cincinnati Bengals

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Dillon Thieneman transfers from the Purdue Boilermakers to Oregon for the 2025 season as one of the best safeties in the game.

The 6’0”, 207-pound defensive back has elite twitch and speed while having the ball tracking and awareness to make plays on the ball. His physicality, aggressive tackling, and positional versatility give Thieneman first-round caliber traits.

27) Washington Commanders

Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

The Illinois Fighting Illini could be a strong contender in the race for the College Football Playoff in 2025. The Champaign-based program achieved 10 wins for the first time since 2001 last season and aims to record back-to-back double-digit win seasons for the first time in school history.

A significant factor in achieving those aims will be dynamic edge rusher Gabe Jacas, the star on an improving defense. The 6’3”, 275-pound defender had eight sacks on 44 pressures in 2024, using his speed to power conversion, elusive first step, and pummeling hand usage to create leverage.

28) Baltimore Ravens

D.J. McKinney, CB, Colorado

Former Oklahoma State Cowboys D.J. McKinney cornerback impressed opposite Travis Hunter in his first year in Boulder and enters 2025 as one of the top 2026 NFL Draft-eligible cornerbacks.

At 6’2” and 190 pounds, the Colorado Buffaloes defender had nine pass breakups and three interceptions in 2024, displaying fluid mobility, explosive footwork, and physicality when following routes to disturb twitchy receivers.

29) Detroit Lions

Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida

Tyreak Sapp has had a steady ascent through his college career, but showcased in 2024 that he has the skill set to be an early-round selection.

The Gators’ defensive lineman is incredibly versatile and can equally impact the interior and the edge. At 6’2” and 272 pounds, Sapp has a lower center of gravity, allowing him to attack underneath the pads and consistently drive through contact.

30) Buffalo Bills

Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

Tacario Davis featured heavily in mock drafts this time last year. Still, he ultimately opted to return to college for his senior season, transferring to the Washington Huskies and reuniting with Jedd Fisch.

The former Arizona Wildcats cornerback has exceptional length at 6’4” and 195 pounds, while also possessing quick footwork, fluid body movement, and innate anticipation and awareness.

31) Kansas City Chiefs

Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

Combining athleticism with natural football intelligence, Domani Jackson has the upside of a high-caliber starter at the next level. The Alabama cornerback has a natural feel for ball placement and the ball skills to compete in the air.

After spending two years in the Pac-12 with the USC Trojans, Jackson made an immediate impact following his transition to Tuscaloosa, snagging two interceptions while impacting the game in multiple phases with two tackles for loss and one forced fumble.

There are high expectations for a standout senior season, which should facilitate a rise into the upper echelons of the 2026 NFL Draft.

32) Philadelphia Eagles

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Carnell Tate finished third on the team behind Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka with 733 yards and four touchdowns, but the Buckeyes receiver was ultra-effective. He ranked 24th in the nation with an EPA per play of 0.72, slightly behind his freshman teammate.

At 6’3” and 191 pounds, Tate has the profile to be the next first-round Ohio State receiver. He showcases an exceptional route-running technique; his timing and rhythm create natural separation, which should ease the transition from Will Howard to Julian Sayin at Ohio State during the 2025 college football season.

2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 2

33) Cleveland Browns
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

34) New York Jets
Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

35) New Orleans Saints
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

36) Tennessee Titans
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

37) New York Giants
Deonte Lawson, LB, Alabama

38) Carolina Panthers
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

39) Indianapolis Colts
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

40) Jacksonville Jaguars
Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

41) Las Vegas Raiders
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC

42) Atlanta Falcons
Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina

43) Arizona Cardinals
Ethan Onianwa, OT, Ohio State

44) Dallas Cowboys
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

45) Miami Dolphins
Makai Lemon, WR, USC

46) New England Patriots
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

47) Seattle Seahawks
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

48) Chicago Bears
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

49) Houston Texans
Jaeden Roberts, iOL, Alabama

50) Minnesota Vikings
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

51) Pittsburgh Steelers
Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn

52) Denver Broncos
Patrick Payton, EDGE, LSU

53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jack Endries, TE, Texas

54) Los Angeles Chargers
Darrell Jackson, DT, Florida State

55) Green Bay Packers
DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson

56) Los Angeles Rams
Ashton Stamps, CB, LSU

57) San Francisco 49ers
Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan

58) Cincinnati Bengals
Emmanuel Pregnon, iOL, Oregon

59) Houston Texans
Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M

60) Baltimore Ravens
Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon

61) Detroit Lions
Keon Sabb, S, Alabama

62) Buffalo Bills
Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State

63) Kansas City Chiefs
Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana

64) Philadelphia Eagles
Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

2026 NFL Mock Draft | Round 3

65) Cleveland Browns
DJ Campbell, iOL, Texas

66) Philadelphia Eagles
Cayden Green, iOL, Missouri

67) New Orleans Saints
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU

68) Tennessee Titans
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

69) Houston Texans
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

70) Carolina Panthers
Nyckoles Harbor, WR, South Carolina

71) Indianapolis Colts
Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

72) Jacksonville Jaguars
Quintrevion Wisner, RB, Texas

73) Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

74) Atlanta Falcons
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

75) Arizona Cardinals
Kamari Ramsey, SAF, USC

76) Dallas Cowboys
Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Missouri

77) Miami Dolphins
Lawson Luckie, TE, Georgia

78) New England Patriots
Suntarine Perkins, LB, Ole Miss

79) Seattle Seahawks
Amare Campbell, LB, Penn State

80) Chicago Bears
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

81) Miami Dolphins
Raylen Wilson, LB, Georgia

82) Minnesota Vikings
Jack Velling, TE, Michigan State

83) Pittsburgh Steelers
Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech

84) Denver Broncos
Parker Brailsford, iOL, Alabama

85) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jake Slaughter, iOL, Florida

86) Los Angeles Chargers
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

87) Green Bay Packers
Austin Barber, OT, Florida

88) Los Angeles Rams
Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

89) San Francisco 49ers
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

90) Cincinnati Bengals
Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

91) Washington Commanders
Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan

92) Baltimore Ravens
Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

93) Jacksonville Jaguars
Landon Barton, LB, Utah

94) Buffalo Bills
Charles Jagusah, OL, Notre Dame

95) Kansas City Chiefs
Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State

96) Philadelphia Eagles
Connor Tollison, iOL, Missouri

97) Jacksonville Jaguars
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

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