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2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.1: Garrett Nussmeier to the Saints, Arch Manning Slides, and Early First-Round Projections
- Brandon Lundberg
- Sep 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 6
The 2026 NFL Draft is still months away, but the conversation has already shifted after just one week of college football and the start of the NFL season. Back in our summer scouting edition of Mock Draft 1.0, we highlighted the quarterback demand at the top of the board, with QB-needy teams shaping the early part of Round 1. Now, with updated film and fresh performances to evaluate, it’s time to revisit those projections in Mock Draft 1.1.
Week 1 of the college football season delivered plenty of movement, most notably with Arch Manning’s highly anticipated debut against Ohio State. Manning struggled, and that showing forces a re-think on where he belongs in the draft conversation. For now, he slides back (not out) of this version of the mock until he proves otherwise. But even without Manning, this class is still quarterback-heavy — Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, and LaNorris Sellers all bring the kind of ceiling that could push them into the top 10–15 picks if they take the next step in 2025.
As we sit in the middle of Week 1 of the NFL season, team needs are still developing, but the early framework is clear: QB-needy franchises will dictate the flow of this draft, while elite defenders like Caleb Downs and Peter Woods remain top-10 locks. With that context in mind, here’s the updated projection of how the first eight picks of the 2026 NFL Draft could shake out in Mock Draft 1.1.
The Saints bypass the Arch Manning storyline for now and instead land Garrett Nussmeier, who looks every bit the part of a franchise quarterback. After waiting his turn behind Jayden Daniels, Nussmeier broke out in 2024 with over 4,000 passing yards and now enters 2025 as LSU’s unquestioned leader.
2. Cleveland Browns – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Cleveland continues its search for stability along the offensive line, landing one of the premier tackle prospects in the country. Spencer Fano has started nearly every game since arriving at Utah and enters 2025 as PFF’s highest-graded returning run blocker among FBS tackles.
The Titans are in the thick of a rebuild, and Caleb Downs is the type of blue-chip prospect you build a defense around. After starring at Alabama as a freshman and transferring to Ohio State, Downs has emerged as the consensus top defensive player in college football.
4. New York Giants – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
With questions still surrounding Jaxson Dart’s development, the Giants choose to solidify their offensive line by drafting Francis Mauigoa. The former five-star has started every game at right tackle since arriving at Miami, improving each year and allowing just two hits/sacks in 2024.
5. New York Jets – Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
The Jets double down on defense by pairing Quinnen Williams with one of the most disruptive edge defenders in college football. Rueben Bain Jr. burst onto the scene as a freshman at Miami and enters 2025 as one of the most polished pass rushers in the class.
Carolina’s defense takes center stage here as they add T.J. Parker, who might be the best returning edge defender in the country. The 6’3”, 265-pound pass rusher posted 12 sacks and forced six fumbles in 2024, earning national recognition for his disruptive play.
The Raiders add a difference-maker in the trenches with Peter Woods, one of the most complete defensive linemen in the draft. At 6’3”, 315 pounds, Woods brings a rare blend of power, explosiveness, and versatility—having thrived at both defensive tackle and defensive end for Clemson.
The Colts appear ready to move on from Anthony Richardson, turning to Daniel Jones as their starter in 2025. Jones profiles more as a bridge option, giving Drew Allar time to develop if needed. At 6’5”, 243 pounds, Allar has the prototypical NFL frame and elite arm strength to attack vertically.
Cleveland has invested recent draft capital at quarterback, but the long-term answer remains unsettled. Enter LaNorris Sellers, a high-upside prospect with rare physical tools at 6’3”, 242 pounds.
Miami continues to retool its secondary with Avieon Terrell, one of the most polished and competitive corners in the country. The younger brother of Falcons CB A.J. Terrell, he’s quickly established himself as a reliable playmaker at Clemson.
Tyson exploded in 2024 with 1,101 yards and 10 TDs, showing elite separation and fluid route-running. At 6’1”, 195, he’s a versatile inside-outside weapon with WR1 upside. If he cleans up drops and stays healthy, he gives Drake Maye a much-needed top target.
Manning brings prototypical size, arm talent, and creativity outside of structure, but inconsistency remains. His natural release and touch fit well in Sean McVay’s QB-friendly system. If he bounces back from his shaky opener, his ceiling keeps him in Round 1.
Proctor is a 6’7”, 360-pound mauler with rare athleticism for his size. He allowed only two sacks in 2024 and flashes dominance in pass pro and the run game. With conditioning and leverage refinement, he projects as a franchise left tackle.
Harris stepped into a starting role in 2024 and immediately elevated Penn State’s secondary. At 6’2”, he combines length, twitch, and instincts to thrive in man or zone. Still developing ball production, but his traits suggest plug-and-play starter upside.
15. Dallas Cowboys – Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Dennis-Sutton is one of the most experienced edge defenders in this class, with 15 career sacks and strong run defense. At 6’5”, 260, he wins with power, leverage, and effort. While he lacks elite bend, his floor as a run-stuffing, power end is high.
Klubnik offers mobility and arm strength to attack all levels but still battles decision-making and post-snap reads. He fits best in a layered play-action system where his movement skills can shine. With refinement, he has mid-tier starter potential.
Love is one of the most explosive RBs in the country, with speed, balance, and creativity in open space. At 6’0”, 210, he profiles as a modern three-down weapon. His pass protection needs work, but his home-run ability makes him a first-round fit.
18. Minnesota Vikings – Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Muhammad is a polished, versatile cover man with 30 games of experience at Texas. He held QBs to a 62.0 rating in 2024, flashing strong instincts and technique. Not an elite size-speed specimen, but his floor and versatility make him a safe CB2/CB1 upside.
19. Houston Texans – Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida
At 6’6”, 325, Banks is a rare size-speed defensive tackle with alignment versatility. He led returning Power Four DTs in pressures (53) last year, thriving as a disruptor. Still raw against doubles, but his upside as a penetrating 3-tech is enormous.
Hill is an athletic, sideline-to-sideline linebacker with rare blitz ability. In two years he’s logged 10 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 30+ coverage stops. Still refining block deconstruction, but his hybrid skill set screams three-down starter.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Allen is one of the fastest-rising linebackers in the class with sideline-to-sideline range and burst. A reliable playmaker since his freshman year, he finished 2024 with 76 tackles and elite efficiency. His instincts and versatility give him three-down starter potential in modern defenses.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Moore enters 2025 as Michigan’s top returning pass rusher, posting a 23.1% win rate last season. At 6’3”, 258, he brings power, explosion, and strong edge-setting ability against the run. Still raw with limited counters, but his upside fits a 4-3 or hybrid front.
23. Green Bay Packers – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy led the SEC in interceptions and breakups in 2024 before a torn ACL in January. At 6’1”, he’s a ball-hawking zone corner with length, anticipation, and press utility. If healthy, he has CB1 upside and scheme versatility for Green Bay’s secondary.
24. Washington Commanders – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Boston emerged post-Odunze as a 6’4”, 209-pound red-zone weapon with 9 TDs in 2024. While not sudden, he wins with body control, strong hands, and vertical timing. He projects as a size-mismatch WR2 who thrives in play-action or vertical systems.
25. Cincinnati Bengals – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Thieneman is a proven playmaker with 210 career tackles and six INTs. A transfer from Purdue, he thrives as a rangy single-high safety but also offers box versatility. His instincts, ball skills, and leadership give him a high floor as an NFL starter.
26. San Francisco 49ers – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Tate is a polished route runner with excellent body control and reliability in big spots. He may lack elite burst, but his timing, precision, and toughness stand out. A potential WR2 who thrives in rhythm-based passing offenses, he’s a natural fit in San Francisco.
Singleton is one of the nation’s most dangerous vertical threats, flashing 4.34 speed and sudden route pacing. He led returning Power Four WRs in deep yards since 2023. Though undersized, his burst and tracking ability make him a dynamic WR2 in motion-heavy schemes.
28. Kansas City Chiefs – LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Overton finally broke out at Alabama in 2024, showing inside-out versatility across the defensive line. At 6’4”, 275, he logged an 18% win rate and stout run defense. His athletic profile fits perfectly in Kansas City’s hybrid fronts as a disruptive chess piece.
29. Detroit Lions – Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
Sapp is a high-floor edge defender with positional flexibility as a 5-tech or power end. He racked up 7 sacks and 13 TFLs in 2024 while earning a 90.4 PFF grade. Not explosive, but his power, technique, and bloodlines make him NFL-ready.
30. Buffalo Bills – Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan
Hill emerged as Michigan’s top corner in 2024 with 46 tackles, 7 PBUs, and 2 INTs. At 6’2”, he thrives in press with length and physicality, while also excelling against the run. His developing ball skills and physical playstyle give him CB1 upside.
31. Baltimore Ravens – Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan
Barham is a hybrid defender shifting from linebacker to full-time EDGE. At 6’3”, 248, he combines explosiveness, power, and versatility to rush or play off-ball. His ceiling is high in pressure-heavy schemes, offering the Ravens a disruptive front-seven weapon.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Williams rebounded in 2024 with 11 TDs, proving his polish and separation ability at 6’0”, 205. A technician with elite release skills, he thrives in the slot or motion-heavy roles. He projects as a WR2 with third-down reliability and YAC upside.
