The 2025 college football season kicks off with a high-caliber matchup between Iowa State and Kansas State. The following week, officially Week 1, promises stellar duels between Texas and Ohio State, LSU and Clemson, and Notre Dame versus Miami. And a few days later, the NFL season begins. Get ready, because football is here!This allows us to start anticipating the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s time to celebrate with my first mock draft for what promises to be an exciting class of players.I want to make something clear: a lot can change, and will change, in the next eight months. There are many plays left to be played, and various events will alter the prospects of the main prospects before Round 1 on April 23. Consider that last year, in my preseason mock draft, I had Carson Beck as the number 1 pick, and he finally decided to stay in college and transfer from Georgia to Miami. There are many unknowns in August.One of those unknowns is the draft order. For this exercise, I used ESPN’s Football Power Index, which employs thousands of simulations to predict the entire NFL season, to project where each team will make its selection. Remember that currently only 30 franchises have first-round selections. The Jaguars and Falcons gave up their 2026 first-round picks during the 2025 draft. I also designed two additional moves at the top of the order that would make sense if things developed that way. In total, I have six quarterbacks coming off the board, two of them after expected trades.Let’s start with the Browns, who according to FPI simulations have the first pick and could be looking for another quarterback in April. Here are my initial preseason predictions for the 32 selections in the first round next year.
2026 NFL Draft First Round
1. Cleveland Browns
Arch Manning, QB, TexasWhile Archie Manning recently stated that his grandson will stay in Texas for at least two seasons, a belief shared by many in the scouting community, Arch is eligible to declare in 2026, and if he performs according to his potential, he could consider making the jump to the NFL in this draft class. So I’m including him… for now.Manning has a very good structure, throws with precision at all levels of the field and shows good movements. He is a different quarterback than his uncles Peyton and Eli, as he is a threat with his legs. He is inexperienced and needs to add more weight to his 6-foot-4-inch frame, but it’s easy to see his immense ceiling. I know the Browns just drafted two passers this year, but if they are picking first overall next year, then yes, they will take a quarterback.Expected Exchange: Redemption in East RutherfordWith Jaxson Dart waiting in the wings, it’s unlikely the Giants will select a first-round quarterback next April. But the Jets could absolutely be in that mix, so you could see these MetLife Stadium roommates make a deal in this scenario, with the Jets moving up from No. 4 to No. 2. Meanwhile, the Giants could get additional top-tier picks and still be in a position to get the best or second-best non-quarterback player in the class.2. New York Jets (via simulated trade with NYG)LaNorris Sellers, QB, South CarolinaA record among the five worst of this season, which would be the case if the order unfolds like this, would mean that Justin Fields is not assured to be a starter in 2026. This would be an opportunity to get a franchise quarterback. Sellers is a huge and powerful thrower who made great strides in his game in 2024. His ability to escape pressure in the pocket is a true X-factor; some plays in his video show flashes of Josh Allen. His best moments are impressive, and his overall mobility is excellent. Sellers also threw the ball much better in the second half of last season, finishing with 18 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. Continued improvement in ball placement will put him in consideration for the first pick.Expected Exchange: The Saints join the race for the QBDerek Carr retired, and none of Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough, or Jake Haener is a sure bet. New Orleans could be watching two quarterbacks come off the board to start Round 1 and want to join the party. Trading from number 5 to number 3 with Tennessee, who has their quarterback in Cam Ward but needs a lot around him, would make sense as New Orleans looks for a long-term option under center.3. New Orleans Saints (via simulated trade with TEN)Cade Klubnik, QB, ClemsonKlubnik would become the first quarterback selected in the first round by the Saints since Archie Manning in 1971. New Orleans passed on the position at No. 9 in April, but it would be difficult to do so again in the top five next year. Klubnik is a mechanically sound and accurate passer who accounted for 43 total touchdowns during his breakout 2024 season (36 passing, seven rushing). He lacks elite size at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, but he would offer the Saints some stability at the quarterback position as they reboot their roster.4. New York Giants (via simulated trade with NYJ)Peter Woods, DT, ClemsonAs the season begins, two non-quarterback prospects rise above the rest for me: Caleb Downs from Ohio State and Woods. The Giants are well-positioned at the safety position after signing Jevon Holland, so I’m going with Woods and adding to an already exceptional defensive line. Woods is a cause of chaos. He had only three sacks in 2024 after none as a freshman in 2023, but his game goes far beyond the statistics; every opposing offensive line had a plan for him on every play last season. He also has the positional versatility to line up and rush from multiple positions, which would help alongside Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Dexter Lawrence II, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
5. Tennessee Titans (via simulated trade with NO)Caleb Downs, S, Ohio StateIt’s not often that a safety generates top-five consideration, which is a testament to Downs’ skills. He’s a prospect without weaknesses who brings a physical and imposing demeanor when playing in the box and defending the run. But Downs also boasts excellent range, ball skills (two interceptions and seven pass breakups in 2024), and vision as a pass defender in the middle of the field. He has the ability to completely reshape a secondary from the moment he steps on the field. Tennessee is looking for key players, and their defense ranked 30th in points allowed per game last season (27.1). Downs would instantly alter the outlook.6. Carolina Panthers
Keldric Faulk, Edge, AuburnI’m optimistic about Carolina’s quarterback, Bryce Young, after what we saw in the second half of 2024, but picking so high would likely unleash a debate about whether to pivot from him. Regardless, with three quarterbacks off the board, I’m sticking with Young for now and looking for a difference-maker elsewhere on the roster.Faulk has the length and torque to run from the edge, but his 6-foot-6, 288-pound frame really allows him to be disruptive and attack from a variety of alignments. He had seven sacks last season. The Panthers made a couple of Day 2 investments on the edge this year (Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen), but they should continue to work on this pass-rushing group. The team’s 5.4% sack rate tied for the fourth-worst in the NFL last season.7. Las Vegas Raiders
Spencer Fano, OT, UtahFano has played both left and right tackle at the college level, and I believe he can do it in the NFL as well. He has tremendous length and impressive footwork, as he effortlessly adapts and mirrors edge rushers as a pass protector. But Fano isn’t just a finesse/movement player; he has an edge and a streak of nastiness in his game that shows when finishing blocks. The Raiders recently reinvested in veteran left tackle Kolton Miller, but throwing more resources at the line will always be a focus for general manager John Spytek.8. New England PatriotsT.J. Parker, Edge, ClemsonParker brings a mix of versatility and pass-rushing nuance. He’s at his best as an edge rusher, but he’s also shown the ability to drop down to a 4i alignment (inside shoulder of the offensive tackle) and even drop into coverage. His production speaks for itself: he forced a Clemson-record six fumbles and had 11 sacks in 2024, and his 12.5 tackles for loss in 2023 were a school record for a true freshman. Meanwhile, the Patriots were last in the NFL in sacks in 2024 (28) and must continue to address their pass rush. New coach Mike Vrabel will want to be tough on both sides of the line.9. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona StateThe Rams can capitalize on an additional first-round pick after Atlanta traded for James Pearce Jr. in the 2025 draft. It’s unclear if Matthew Stafford will play in 2026, but the Rams can add their apparent heir in the draft either way. Leavitt is an innovator, showing exceptional composure, courage, and creativity under pressure. The redshirt sophomore is a talented passer and a very strong runner. He had at least three passing touchdowns and zero interceptions in five of his last seven matchups last season, and finished with 443 rushing yards on the year. L.A. can start thinking about the future under center with this top-10 pick via Atlanta.10. Seattle Seahawks
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, TexasOne thing we know about Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald is that he likes versatile defensive players. Hill fits that mold. He brings an immense skillset as an inside linebacker, but also has an astounding 13 sacks in two seasons at Texas, including eight in 2024. He also displays sideline-to-sideline range that led to 113 tackles and four forced fumbles in 2024.
11. Indianapolis Colts
Drew Allar, QB, Penn StateThe Colts recently named Daniel Jones as their starter for the 2025 season, underscoring the team’s great need for a true quarterback of the future. It seems the ship has already sailed with Anthony Richardson Sr. Allar has the ideal size of 6 feet 5 inches and 235 pounds, good mobility, and a rocket arm. I also see moments of creativity on video. The tools and potential have intrigued evaluators, but they also want to see more consistency and urgency in the pocket in 2025. If he puts it all together, Allar would be a great acquisition for the Colts in this range.1:45Mel Kiper Jr.’s top players to watch for the 2026 NFL draft
Mel Kiper Jr. analyzes his top prospects to watch for the 2026 NFL draft, including Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.12. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)Austin Barber, OT, FloridaWe get a new QB for the Browns at number 1 in this mock draft. Now, they have to improve the protection with their other selection, courtesy of the Jaguars through the Travis Hunter trade. Insert Barber, who has excellent length and extensive experience as a right and left tackle. Barber can really bend and protect the pass, something he will do at a high level this season by controlling the blind side for the 2027 QB prospect, DJ Lagway. He allowed three sacks last season in 13 starts. The Browns need to rejuvenate the offensive line; they allowed 66 sacks last season, the second most in the league.13. Dallas CowboysCaleb Banks, DT, FloridaThe Cowboys enter the 2025 season looking to correct some of the mistakes from their forgettable 2024. One area of great concern is the interior defensive line. Their porous run defense (4.8 yards allowed per carry, tied for third-worst) cannot continue if they want to keep competing in the NFC. Banks could help fix it. He has outstanding size at 6 feet 6 inches and 330 pounds, but also shows the speed and power to be a disruptive interior rusher. He began his career at Louisville, but his best college season came in 2024, when he had 4.5 sacks for the Gators, including 2.5 in their dominant game against Ole Miss.14. Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa, OT, MiamiThroughout the predraft process this year, I often linked offensive tackles to the Cardinals. That need will likely only grow next year, given that veteran right tackle Jonah Williams will be a free agent in March. Mauigoa has played right tackle in each of his first two college seasons, with a large size of 6 feet 6 inches, agile feet, and immense power that project well to the NFL level. He made life easy for Cam Ward in 2024, not allowing a single sack in 13 games. Could he have a similar impact on Kyler Murray?15. Miami Dolphins
Avieon Terrell, CB, ClemsonThe Dolphins enter the 2025 season very thin at cornerback. Jalen Ramsey is gone, and Artie Burns and Kader Kohou suffered season-ending injuries this spring. Therefore, it’s easy to pair Miami with the CB class. Terrell, the younger brother of the Falcons’ standout, A.J. Terrell Jr., has fantastic ball skills and infectious confidence (it runs in the family, it seems). During his breakout 2024 season, young Terrell intercepted a couple of passes, broke up 12 more, and forced three fumbles. When opposing quarterbacks targeted Terrell in 2024, he only allowed 26 of 60 attempts to be completed and only gave up two pass completions of at least 20 yards.Where could top draft-eligible players like Ja’Kobi Lane, Arch Manning, and Avieon Terrell land in 2026?16. Pittsburgh SteelersGarrett Nussmeier, QB, LSUThis would be the second time in three years that we see six quarterbacks in the first half of Round 1. But hey, there are many teams in need of QBs picking early, and there are many good QB prospects potentially available. And Aaron Rodgers recently said that this could be his last season in the NFL, probably making QB a primary need in Pittsburgh next offseason.
Nussmeier, the son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, is like a point guard on the field, playing with elite processing skills and very good accuracy. He lacks dynamic athleticism and only has a solid arm strength, but he can still deliver the ball on time and to places where his receivers can create after the catch. Nussmeier, who is dealing with patellar tendinitis, threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns last season at LSU.A QB prospect who could be in the mix: Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. He has an impressive ability to process and play under pressure, and I saw some “wow” passes on the video.17. Chicago BearsJermod McCoy, CB, TennesseeIf it weren’t for an anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered in January, McCoy would be much higher. He has returned to the practice field in some capacity, but it’s unclear when he’ll be cleared to play in games. However, he is an excellent perimeter coverage cornerback, with the speed, length, and ball-disrupting skills ideal for the NFL. McCoy had an incredible debut season in Tennessee in 2024 after spending a year at Oregon State, intercepting four passes and disrupting eight more. The Bears need more perimeter corners opposite Jaylon Johnson, so this makes sense.18. Minnesota VikingsAnto Saka, Edge, NorthwesternSaka is one of those players who immediately open your eyes when you see his video. His incredible explosiveness puts pass protectors on alert. Saka’s numbers are only acceptable for two seasons (nine catches in 22 games), but he attracts a lot of attention from opponents and is still a bit raw as a prospect. The starting kit of desirable traits is there.Is the edge rush a gigantic need for the Vikings? No. Is there such a thing as too much depth at that position? Also no.
Saka could fit well with Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner.19. Green Bay PackersMatayo Uiagalelei, Edge, OregonUiagalelei is hard to miss on video, thanks to a massive 6-foot-5-inch, 272-pound frame. He lines up from a variety of positions along the front defense and wreaks havoc from all of them, with 10.5 sacks in 2024. He wins with power and relentlessness. The Packers have invested resources in their pass rush and finished last season with 45 sacks (tied for eighth), but they didn’t have a disruptive enough group in critical moments and could use more help.20. Denver BroncosJordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateTyson had 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns last season before getting injured, and that kind of production could be perfect for Bo Nix and the Broncos. The Broncos are well-equipped in most places on the roster, but putting another difference-making playmaker alongside Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and Evan Engram could lift the entire offense. At 6 feet 2 inches and 200 pounds, Tyson is extremely comfortable with the ball in his hands and has very good instincts after the catch. He had five games with over 100 receiving yards in 2024 and joins Leavitt to form one of the best QB-WR duos in college football this season.21. Houston TexansJeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameWith Joe Mixon signed only until 2026, the Texans could use some reinforcements at running back. Next year’s class at the position isn’t particularly strong, especially compared to 2025, but Love is the exception. He has dynamic movement skills, including unique speed, acceleration, and burst, along with a real ability to catch passes. He ran for 6.9 yards per carry last season en route to 1,115 yards and scored a total of 19 touchdowns (17 rushing, two receiving).22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn StateOne of the best recent pass-rushing pipelines in the NFL has been through Penn State. Dennis-Sutton has the opportunity to be the third consecutive first-round Nittany Lions pass rusher (Chop Robinson in 2024, Abdul Carter in 2025). He took a step forward in 2024 with 8.5 sacks and showed solid run defense to complement his pass-rushing production. This season, he will face a new challenge, as teams will not pay prominent attention to the now-absent Carter in front of him.The Bucs’ pass rush will be a focal point for this upcoming season, considering Logan Hall was their only edge rusher with more than five sacks last season and will be a free agent in March.
