NFL Mock Draft 2026: Predicting where Arch Manning, Drew Allar and more top prospects will go

The 2026 NFL Mock Draft speculates on the possible destinations for top prospects like Arch Manning and Drew Allar. Arch Manning is projected to be picked by the New Orleans Saints, who are looking to rectify past quarterback drafting mistakes. Drew Allar is anticipated to be chosen by the New York Jets due to their need for a strong pocket passer to complement Justin Fields' running style. Other notable prospects include Kadyn Proctor, an offensive tackle eyed by the Cleveland Browns to support their quarterback, and T.J. Parker, an edge rusher sought by the Tennessee Titans to enhance their defense. The draft selections are based on a combination of Sporting News' power rankings and Super Bowl odds to determine the order and team needs.

Arch Manning, the standout quarterback from Texas, is projected to be a first-round pick for the New Orleans Saints, who are eager to move past their previous quarterback drafting missteps.

Kadyn Proctor, a towering offensive tackle from Alabama, is predicted to be selected by the Cleveland Browns to help fortify their offensive line and provide better protection for their quarterback.

Drew Allar, a promising quarterback from Penn State, is expected to join the New York Jets, addressing their need for a stronger pocket passer to enhance their offensive strategy.

The Tennessee Titans are projected to pick T.J. Parker, an edge rusher from Clemson, to bolster their defense by disrupting opposing passing games more effectively.

Garrett Nussmeier from LSU is a potential pick for the Indianapolis Colts, who are in search of a strong-armed quarterback to resolve their ongoing quarterback challenges.

Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State, is a likely target for the New York Giants, who are looking to fill a critical gap in their defense following their previous draft.

The Carolina Panthers are expected to target Francis Mauigoa, a top offensive tackle from Miami, to strengthen their offensive line and support their quarterback, Bryce Young.

With the 2025 NFL Draft complete, it's time to flip the projections to the first, way-too-early, first-round mock draft for 2026.

Next year's class of prospects is just starting to develop its overall pro promise, but there are some NFL-ready talents who stand out as players to watch ahead of next April's first round.

Using a combination of Sporting News' upcoming updated power rankings and some consensus Super Bowl 60 odds to mock the order, here's looking at where the top QBs and other best players available (for now) might come off the board next April 23 in Pittsburgh.

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NFL Mock Draft 2026

Here's a very early look at how things could unfold in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

1. New Orleans Saints

Arch Manning, QB, Texas (6-4, 225 pounds)

There is a lot of speculation about whether Manning will be an awesome prospect right away as the Longhorns starter and then whether he will choose to enter the draft as an underclassman. But after the hometown Saints realized their Will Levis-like second-round whiff on Tyler Shough, they will be a familiar destination the Manning family can't ignore.

EARLY BIG BOARD: Ranking top 50 overall prospects in 2026 NFL Draft

2. Cleveland Browns

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-7, 369 pounds)

The Browns will go through some lumps again in their rebuild, but here's thinking that Shedeur Sanders might solve their post-Deshaun Watson QB problems and the next step will go back to the well for a dominant tackle to better protect him in the pocket.

3. New York Jets

Drew Allar, QB, Penn State (6-5, 235 pounds)

The Jets, in somewhat of a forgotten surprise, didn't draft a quarterback to compete with Justin Fields. But Fields' running style with limited passing will frustrate any other offense and prompt Darren Mougey, Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand to go after this much stronger pocket passer.

4. Tennessee Titans

T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6-3, 265 pounds)

The Titans got their franchise QB in Cam Ward, so they can focus on someone to disrupt the opposing passing game more next year. Parker will build on a dominant season for the Tigers to ensure this high of a selection as as premier sack artist.

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5. Indianapolis Colts

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6-2, 200 pounds)

Nussmeier's strong arm and experience as a downfield passer can build into early first-round appeal for needy teams. The Colts may be left cleaning up a big disappointing QB mess between Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard.

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6. New York Giants

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6-0, 205 pounds)

The Giants had a strong draft in 2025 addressing quarterback and edge rusher well, but they didn't end up getting a much-needed safety. Downs can be that ideal follow-up early with his explosive playmaking.

7. Carolina Panthers

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 315 pounds)

The Panthers will need to be back in the market for a top offensive tackle in front of Bryce Young after getting him a go-to receiver with Taylor Moton unsigned for 2026. Mauigoa would be the ideal addition to start on the right side opposite Ikem Ekonwu.

8. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 288 pounds)

The Browns had a strong 2026 draft capped by getting Sanders, but they didn't address defensive end for Jim Schwartz opposite Myles Garett. They should be targeting this massive pass-rush presence to fill that need.

9. Arizona Cardinals

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas (6-3, 235 pounds)

The Cardinals could have also used a rangy, do-everything linebacker in their solid 2025 defensive draft haul for Jonathan Gannon. Hill can be that answer for them.

10. Miami Dolphins

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6-0, 193 pounds)

The Dolphins didn't add a needed corner behind Jalen Ramsey, so that should make them very interested in this tough, big ballhawk with some shutdown potential.

11. New England Patriots

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-3, 192 pounds)

The Patriots took a shot on Kyle Williams to upgrade the slot and some big-play flair for Drake Maye, but they need a true big outside guy. Tate represents just that.

12. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons)

LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina (6-3, 242 pounds)

The Rams can, for now, think about using this extra first-rounder to add this dynamic dual threat rising passer for Sean McVay as Matthew Stafford's successor. There's a chance Sellers can be the Cam Ward or Jayden Daniels of this class, but for now, he's in their draft range.

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13. Las Vegas Raiders

Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-3, 275 pounds)

The Raiders didn't have an edge rusher to groom behind Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce as part of their 2025 draft class, so Pete Carroll would love adding this powerful end to his 4-3 front next offseason.

14. Minnesota Vikings

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 206 pounds)

The Vikings were tied so much to running backs in the 2025 draft, including in the first round, but didn't end up taking one behind Aaron Jones. That should put them in the market for Love, an athletic freak in the form of a strong all-around workhorse back.

15. Seattle Seahawks

Spencer Fano, T, Utah (6-5, 304 pounds)

The Seahawks will get a better idea on Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas in terms of their durability concerns in 2025. That should put them on the early radar to think about someone for the right side, especially with Lucas not being able to stay healthy.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson (6-2, 210 pounds)

The Steelers went developmental with their QB choice of Will Howard vs. taking one early in 2025, and whether or not they add 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, they need to think about the future of the QB position more seriously next year. Klubnik can continue to develop well to further bolster this strong QB class.

17. Chicago Bears

Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon (6-5, 270 pounds)

Getting a complementary pass rusher for Montez Sweat was on the list for the Bears, but it didn't happen in the 2025 draft. Uiagalelei is a highly productive pass rusher who needs to get more consistent with his flashes.

18. Dallas Cowboys

Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (6-5, 325 pounds)

The Cowboys should be in the market for a disruptive tackle, and Banks has special appeal as a big inside pass rusher.

19. Denver Broncos

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-1, 195 pounds)

The Broncos didn't address receiver early and got only a possession type to help Bo Nix, so it would make sense for them to go after this dynamic playmaker with a nose for scoring.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama (6-5, 283 pounds)

The Buccaneers waited to take a shot on a sleeper pass rusher for Todd Bowles but should want to consider this prospect for his versatility and well-roundedness at outside linebacker.

21. Green Bay Packers

A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State (6-1, 193 pounds)

The Packers were expected to address corner early with some uncertainty over Jaire Alexander in 2025, but they should want to consider this big cover man with some shutdown potential.

22. Cincinnati Bengals

Jalon Kilgore, CB, South Carolina (6-2, 214 pounds)

The Bengals didn't address cornerback or safety at all in the 2025 draft, so it would make sense to think about this hybrid big playmaker who can be a unique inside presence in coverage.

23. Los Angeles Chargers

Trey White, EDGE, San Diego State (6-2, 245 pounds)

The Chargers did wait a little to get pass-rush help with no Joey Bosa and a 34-year-old Khalil Mack, but they should be thinking about addressing the position again earlier with White, a local prospect with the juice Jim Harbaugh would love.

24. Los Angeles Rams

Tacario Davis, CB, Washington (6-4, 201 pounds)

The Rams should be considering cornerback again in 2026 and can't ignore this Long Beach native's unique size and coverage skills to match the frame.

25. Houston Texans

Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State (6-5, 337 pounds)

The Texans didn't go for this position in 2025, but DeMeco Ryans would appreciate beefing up their front in 2026 after an offensive-themed draft.

26. Washingtom Commanders

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-4, 235 pounds)

The Commanders have worked quite a bit on defensive line, edge and cornerback for Dan Quinn's defense the past two years but should want to clean up things better at linebacker with this rangy cover man and tackler.

27. San Francisco 49ers

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 180 pounds)

The brother of Falcons star A.J. might be better in the end, and the 49ers need to think about improving this part of the defense after investing plenty in the front seven in the 2025 draft.

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28. Buffalo Bills

Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (5-11, 190 pounds)

The Bills flat-out need more receiver help, and after not thinking about it too much in a defensive-minded 2025 offseason, they should target this speedy, quick option for Josh Allen with some outside burst along with great slot traits.

29. Detroit Lions

Isaiah World, OT, Oregon (6-8, 309 pounds)

After addressing the immediate interior offensive line need well in the 2025 draft, the Lions should be interested in his massive tackle as Taylor Decker's successor, from Penei Sewell's former school, no less.

30. Baltimore Ravens

Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati (6-2, 320 pounds)

The Ravens will be due to consider some nose tackle help in their 3-4 front in 2026 and Corleone, ready to blossom in the NFL, is prospect they can't refuse.

31. Philadelphia Eagles

Harold Perkins Jr., EDGE, LSU (6-1, 225 pounds)

Perkins went back to school despite some early first-round buzz for 2025 and will be an intriguing addition to the pass-rush rotation for Vic Fangio next year.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia (6-5, 245 pounds)

Is this Travis Kelce's final NFL season? Then if so, there will be a sense of urgency to land his long-term successor in 2206. Delp can be that answer with his standout receiving skills

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