2026 NFL Mock Draft: Arch Manning Declares, Heads to the Saints, Cade Klubnik Lands at No. 2 to the Browns

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Early first-round projections feature Arch Manning to the Saints, Caleb Downs to the Titans, and a deep QB class shaping the top of the board. See all 32 way-too-early picks and scouting breakdowns.

The 2026 NFL Draft is still months away, but it’s never too early to start evaluating the top prospects in next year’s class.

At Football Scout 365, we spend the summer months breaking down film, grading prospects, and building early rankings based on their most recent seasons. These summer evaluations are our starting point, but they’re far from set in stone. Player rankings will shift dramatically over the course of the 2025 season. Some prospects will rise, others will fall, and many underclassmen may choose to return to school in an effort to boost their draft stock. The same goes for any mock draft you see between now and next April; the landscape will change week to week.

As with every NFL Draft class, this one will ultimately be defined by the quarterback position. At the top sits Arch Manning, who, according to reports, isn’t even considering entering the 2026 NFL Draft. I’m not buying it. If Manning delivers a monster season as Texas’ first-year starter and the right team is holding the top pick, he will have to at least consider his options. Until he officially declares—or definitively stays—I won’t stop projecting him in the first round.

Beyond Manning, several other quarterbacks could shape the early portion of this draft. Names like Cade Klubnik, LaNorris Sellers, Garrett Nussmeier, and Drew Allar all have the ceiling to push into the top 10 if they take a leap in 2025. The equation changes entirely if some of these underclassmen, like Manning or Sellers, decide to stay in school.

With a full season ahead, hundreds of evaluations still to be completed, and the actual draft order and true team needs yet to take shape, this is my summer edition of a 1–32 mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft.

1. New Orleans Saints – Arch Manning, QB, Texas

The Saints’ quarterback situation remains unsettled, and if Arch Manning decides to declare after just one year as Texas’ starter, New Orleans could have the chance to keep the Manning legacy alive in the Bayou. Manning offers elite arm talent, natural playmaking ability, and the poise to extend and finish plays when protection breaks down. While his lack of starting experience is a factor, his blend of size, vision, and touch makes him an ideal fit in a modern pro-style scheme that incorporates movement and layered passing concepts. If he enters, Manning would immediately become the franchise’s most exciting quarterback prospect since Drew Brees.

2. Cleveland Browns – Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

The Browns invested in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 draft, but neither may project as a true long-term answer. Klubnik brings a dual-threat skill set with the mechanics, arm talent, and mobility to thrive in today’s RPO-heavy and spread-based NFL systems. His mobility creates off-schedule opportunities, but he’ll need to refine his decision-making and post-snap reads to maximize his potential. With the right coordinator, Klubnik could develop into a dynamic starter who stretches defenses vertically and horizontally.

3. Tennessee Titans – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Caleb Downs enters 2025 as the consensus top defensive player in college football and a rare safety prospect worthy of a top-five pick. His instincts, tackling consistency, and versatility allow him to dominate from deep coverage, in the slot, or in the box. Downs’ football IQ and refined technique give him an NFL-ready floor as a Day 1 starter with All-Pro potential. For a rebuilding Titans team, he would be a defensive cornerstone capable of transforming the secondary from day one.

4. New York Giants – Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

If Jaxson Dart fails to claim the Giants’ QB1 role in 2025, Drew Allar could be their next swing at a franchise signal-caller. Allar boasts elite arm strength, prototypical size, and the pocket confidence to challenge tight windows and push the ball vertically. His improved processing under new offensive leadership in 2024 hints at untapped potential, though consistency with footwork and accuracy remains a developmental focus. In a vertical or play-action-heavy scheme, Allar could thrive as a field-stretching game manager turned difference-maker.

5. New York Jets – LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

If Justin Fields doesn’t make a major leap in 2025, the Jets could pivot toward one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the class. Sellers is a 6’3”, 240-plus pound dual-threat with Cam Newton-like athletic traits—big arm, downhill speed, and the power to finish runs. While raw in decision-making and pocket structure, his upside is among the highest of any player in the draft. With the right development path, Sellers could evolve into a game-changing franchise quarterback.

6. Carolina Panthers – Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson

Carolina addressed the edge and receiver spots in 2025, but bolstering the interior defensive line is next on the priority list. Woods is a 6’3”, 315-pound wrecking ball with the versatility to play anywhere from 3-tech to base end. His blend of power, first-step quickness, and hand violence allows him to dominate against both run and pass. Pairing Woods with Derrick Brown could give the Panthers one of the most disruptive interior duos in football.

7. Las Vegas Raiders – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

The Raiders have been patching together the quarterback position, but it’s clear they’ll eventually need a true franchise option. Garrett Nussmeier has the pedigree and arm talent to fit that bill. A full-time starter for LSU in 2025, he showed elite mechanics, velocity, and confidence attacking tight windows. While not a dual-threat, his anticipation and quick release make him a strong fit for a timing-based, West Coast system. If he can cut down on turnovers, Nussmeier has the ceiling of a long-term starter who can elevate the Raiders’ offense.

8. Indianapolis Colts – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Anthony Richardson’s health and development remain major question marks, and while Daniel Jones was signed as insurance, the Colts can’t ignore the trenches. Spencer Fano gives them a plug-and-play starter up front, with the flexibility to line up at either tackle spot or even slide inside if needed. He led all FBS tackles in run-blocking grade last season and allowed just one sack across 25 career starts. Fano’s blend of athleticism, polished technique, and versatility makes him an ideal fit in Shane Steichen’s offense and a long-term answer on the line.

9. Cleveland Browns – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

With Jack Conklin aging and Dawand Jones still unproven, the Browns need a true cornerstone on the offensive line. Kadyn Proctor, at 6’7” and 360 pounds, is one of the most physically imposing linemen in the draft. After a rocky freshman season, he settled in and allowed only two sacks in 2024 while earning All-SEC honors. His sheer size and power fit best in a gap-heavy run scheme, but his improving agility gives him the upside to develop into a franchise left tackle.

10. Miami Dolphins – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Dolphins have invested in speed on offense but still need stability up front to protect Tua Tagovailoa and fuel their run game. Caleb Lomu, Utah’s rising star at left tackle, brings length, athleticism, and strong developmental traits after breaking out in 2024. At 6’6”, 305 pounds, he’s fluid in pass sets and powerful enough in the run game to project as a high-end starter with continued growth. While still refining his anchor and hand placement, Lomu’s ceiling as a blindside protector makes him an excellent fit in Miami’s zone-heavy scheme.

11. New England Patriots – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Patriots need to keep building around Drake Maye, and Jordyn Tyson offers the kind of separation skills and polish to become his go-to target. At 6’1”, 195 pounds, Tyson broke out in 2024 with 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing advanced route-running and explosive ball skills. While drops remain a concern, his versatility to play inside or outside and his ability to uncover at all levels of the field make him a first-round talent. If he cleans up the concentration lapses, Tyson has legitimate WR1 upside in a modern spread passing attack.

12. Los Angeles Rams – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

With Matthew Stafford nearing the end and the Rams holding two first-rounders, it’s time to identify their next quarterback. Fernando Mendoza has been one of the fastest risers in the 2026 class, flashing touch, anticipation, and poise in the pocket at Cal. At 6’5”, 220 pounds, he has the frame, arm strength, and competitive toughness to project as a future starter, though his experience and decision-making remain developmental areas. For the Rams, Mendoza would be an ideal sit-and-develop prospect behind Stafford for a year before taking the reins in Sean McVay’s system.

13. Seattle Seahawks – T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Seattle’s pass rush needs more bite, and T.J. Parker enters the 2025 season as one of the most disruptive defenders in the country. The 6’3”, 265-pound edge posted 12 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2024, grading above 80.0 against both the run and pass. He wins with violent hands, play strength, and the ability to collapse pockets, while also showing versatility to kick inside on passing downs. Though not an elite bend-and-burst rusher, his relentless motor and heavy-handed style project him as a plug-and-play starter with top-10 potential.

14. Arizona Cardinals – Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn

With Marvin Harrison Jr. already in place, the Cardinals add a vertical burner in Eric Singleton Jr. to stress defenses even further. The 5’11” speedster is one of the fastest players in college football, with verified 4.3 wheels and a track pedigree that shows up on tape. He leads all returning Power Four receivers in deep yards since 2023, using sudden footwork, deceptive pacing, and elite tracking ability to win downfield. While not a physical presence, his separation skills and YAC creativity make him an ideal WR2 in Arizona’s spread passing game.

15. Dallas Cowboys – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Cowboys have been linked to top running backs in recent drafts, and Jeremiyah Love could finally be the right fit. One of the most explosive backs in college football, Love combines top-end speed with contact balance and creativity in the open field. He’s a true home-run threat who fits perfectly in an outside-zone or spread system, with enough receiving chops to project as a three-down weapon. While his pass protection and route tree still need polish, Love’s ability to flip the field on any touch makes him worthy of first-round consideration.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers – Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

The Steelers continue reshaping their secondary by adding one of the most reliable cover men in the draft. Malik Muhammad enters 2025 with 30 games of experience and a reputation as a technician in coverage, posting a 77.1 PFF grade last season while holding QBs to a 62.0 passer rating when targeted. At 6’0”, 185 pounds, he wins with short-area quickness, instincts, and physicality rather than elite size-speed measurables. Muhammad’s versatility to play inside or outside makes him an ideal fit in Pittsburgh’s mix of man and match-zone looks, projecting as a high-floor, plug-and-play starter.

17. Chicago Bears – Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

Chicago continues to emphasize defense with Dani Dennis-Sutton, one of the most experienced edge defenders in the country. A former five-star, he’s logged 15 career sacks and 85 tackles while grading as PFF’s most valuable returning Power Four edge defender. At 6’5”, 265 pounds, Dennis-Sutton thrives as a run defender with the power, length, and leverage to set the edge and the motor to generate second-effort plays. While his flexibility and get-off limit his ceiling as a pure speed rusher, his bull rush and inside counters make him a reliable every-down defender. He projects as an immediate-impact strong-side end in a 4-3 defense.

18. Minnesota Vikings – A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State

The Vikings add length and physicality to their secondary with A.J. Harris, a former five-star recruit and Georgia transfer who blossomed at Penn State in 2024. Harris brings a prototypical boundary skill set—long, twitchy, and aggressive at the catch point—while showing instincts in zone and toughness in run support. He recorded 48 tackles, 5 PBUs, and an interception last year, earning All-Big Ten honors. Though his ball production can improve, Harris has the tools to develop into a lockdown perimeter corner, making him a natural fit for Minnesota’s Cover 3 and man-match concepts.

19. Houston Texans – LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

DeMeco Ryans gets a versatile chess piece up front in LT Overton, a former five-star who broke out after transferring to Alabama. Overton lined up everywhere from 0-tech to wide-9 and thrived, producing an 18% pass-rush win rate and an 81.7 run-defense grade in 2024. At 6’4”, 285 pounds, he blends power, speed, and inside-out versatility that make him an ideal fit for Houston’s multiple-front defense. With refined technique and more finishing ability, Overton could be one of the most disruptive hybrid defenders in the class.

20. Denver Broncos – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Broncos address their secondary by adding Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons CB A.J. Terrell and one of the most competitive corners in college football. Though just 5’11”, 180 pounds, he plays with toughness well beyond his size, excelling in press-man and match coverages while earning elite run-defense marks in 2024. Terrell finished with 58 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and one of the best tackling grades among Power Five corners. His instincts, fluid hips, and physicality at the catch point make him an ideal fit in Denver’s aggressive coverage schemes, giving him CB1 upside.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Tampa Bay continues to reload its defense by adding one of the most athletic linebackers in college football. Anthony Hill Jr. is a former five-star who’s become a true three-down playmaker at Texas, racking up sacks, forced fumbles, and coverage stops in just two seasons. At 6’3”, 238 pounds, he combines sideline-to-sideline range with downhill explosiveness, making him a weapon against the run and as a blitzer. While he’s still refining his block-shedding and coverage consistency, Hill’s versatility makes him a fit in any scheme and a potential defensive centerpiece at the next level.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida

The Chargers need more juice on the defensive interior, and Caleb Banks brings rare size and athleticism to the role. At 6’6”, 325 pounds, he led all returning Power Four defensive tackles in pressures last year after transferring to Florida. Banks can line up across the front, flashing explosive first-step quickness and the length to disengage from blockers. Still developing his pad level and hand usage, he projects best as a disruptive 3-technique in a 4-3 front or as a movable chess piece in hybrid schemes. With refinement, his combination of frame and upside could draw Chris Jones comparisons.

23. Green Bay Packers – Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

Green Bay addressed its receiver need in 2025, but edge depth remains a priority. Derrick Moore, Michigan’s top returning pass rusher, brings a power-packed frame at 6’3”, 258 pounds and posted a 23.1% pass-rush win rate in 2024. He thrives at converting speed to power, collapsing pockets with torque and hand strength, while also holding his own against the run with stout edge-setting ability. Though raw in terms of counters and leverage, Moore’s motor and physical tools give him high-upside starter potential in a 4-3 or hybrid front.

24. Washington Commanders – Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan

Washington continues to reshape its secondary with a long, physical corner in Jyaire Hill. At 6’2”, 185 pounds, Hill broke out in 2024 as Michigan’s top cover man, logging 46 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. He thrives in press-man situations, disrupting releases with his length and showing toughness in run support. While his anticipation and technique are still developing, his competitive edge and improving ball skills make him an ascending talent. In a Cover 1 or Cover 3 system, Hill has the potential to develop into a CB1 by his second NFL season.

25. Cincinnati Bengals – Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

The Bengals’ offensive line remains a long-term concern, and Isaiah World offers the size and developmental upside to address it. A 6’8”, 309-pound transfer from Nevada, World enters Oregon as one of the top portal acquisitions in the nation. With 35 career starts already under his belt, he brings quick feet, anchoring ability, and a physical edge to his blocking style. While his technique and consistency need polishing against elite competition, World has the tools to grow into a starting-caliber NFL left tackle. Cincinnati could see him as a high-upside investment to secure Joe Burrow’s blindside.

26. San Francisco 49ers – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

With Trent Williams nearing the end of his career, San Francisco finally secures its future at left tackle. Francis Mauigoa, a former 5-star recruit, has been a cornerstone at Miami since his freshman year and enters 2025 as one of the premier linemen in college football. At 6’6”, 315 pounds, Mauigoa blends rare movement skills, balance, and competitive edge, allowing him to excel in both wide-zone and power-run schemes. He allowed just two total hits/sacks in 2024, showcasing his pass-protection upside. With continued refinement of his hand usage and core strength, Mauigoa profiles as a Day 1 starter with perennial All-Pro potential.

27. Los Angeles Rams – C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

The Rams add speed and toughness to the heart of their defense with Georgia’s C.J. Allen. A 6’1”, 235-pound playmaker, Allen has been a consistent starter for the Bulldogs since his freshman year, bringing high-level football IQ, range, and physicality. He finished 2024 with 76 tackles, an interception, and one of the lowest missed tackle rates in the SEC (7.1%). His versatility allows him to blitz, cover, and plug gaps, making him a fit in modern 4-2-5 or 3-3-5 looks. While he can sharpen his fluidity and anticipation in coverage, Allen has all the tools to become a three-down NFL starter and defensive tone-setter.

28. Kansas City Chiefs – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The Chiefs look to stabilize their safety room with Dillon Thieneman, one of the most productive defensive backs in the nation. After a standout career at Purdue—where he logged 210 tackles and six interceptions—Thieneman transferred to Oregon to refine his game in Dan Lanning’s pro-style defense. At 6’0”, 207 pounds, he offers versatility as both a deep safety and a box defender, thriving on instincts, range, and open-field tackling. While not an elite athlete, his football IQ, leadership, and ball skills make him a plug-and-play starter. If he improves his coverage consistency against bigger bodies, Thieneman has clear first-round upside.

29. Detroit Lions – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Detroit continues to invest in its secondary by selecting Jermod McCoy, a rising star at Tennessee. After transferring from Oregon State, McCoy emerged as an All-American in 2024, leading the SEC in interceptions and pass breakups among underclassmen. At 6’1”, 190 pounds, he combines length, anticipation, and fluidity to thrive in both man and zone schemes. His football IQ and ball skills make him especially dangerous in zone-heavy defenses, while his press ability adds versatility. A torn ACL in early 2025 raises short-term concerns, but if healthy, McCoy has the ceiling of a CB1 and long-term starter opposite Detroit’s young corners.

30. Buffalo Bills – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Buffalo continues to search for long-term stability at wide receiver, and Denzel Boston brings more size and play strength to their passing game, pairing him with Keon Coleman. At 6’4”, 209 pounds, Boston has prototypical X-receiver traits, winning with body control, contested-catch ability, and strong hands. In 2024, he stepped into the post-Rome Odunze era at Washington and produced 9 touchdowns, thriving as a red-zone weapon and reliable possession target. While Boston isn’t a sudden separator and can be neutralized at times by physical press coverage, his ability to high-point the football, shield defenders with his frame, and adjust to off-target throws gives quarterbacks a massive strike zone.

31. Baltimore Ravens – Jaishawn Barham, LB/EDGE, Michigan

The Ravens have long thrived on versatile, disruptive defenders, and Jaishawn Barham fits that mold perfectly. At 6’3”, 248 pounds, Barham is one of the most physically dominant front-seven players in the country, with the athletic versatility to line up as an off-ball linebacker or transition full-time to EDGE. After two strong years at linebacker, Michigan is expected to use him more as a pass rusher in 2025, a move that could unlock his true ceiling. Barham combines explosive burst, striking power, and three-down utility, projecting as either a MIKE in a pressure-heavy scheme or a SAM/EDGE hybrid in a 3-4 front. His raw strength and athleticism give him top-40 upside, and if he proves capable of consistently winning on the edge, he could become one of the most disruptive defenders in the 2026 NFL Draft.

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

Philadelphia doubles down on its offensive firepower with Antonio Williams, one of the most polished receivers in the 2026 class. At 6’0”, 205 pounds, Williams isn’t the biggest receiver, but he wins with elite separation skills, advanced route detail, and a complete release package that allows him to beat both man and zone coverage. After battling injuries in 2023, Williams rebounded in 2024 with 63 catches for 834 yards and 9 TDs, becoming Clemson’s top receiving threat. His skill set translates cleanly to the NFL as a starting slot weapon or versatile WR2 in motion-heavy West Coast systems. For the Eagles, he brings immediate value as a chain-mover and YAC threat in three-wide sets while offering long-term insurance behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.