ESPN revealed its first round 2026 NFL Mock Draft ahead of Week Zero of the 2025 college football season <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/46008146/2026-nfl-mock-draft-field-yates-preseason-first-round-predictions-32-picks">and there are some eye opening picks!</a> How about four quarterbacks in the top 10?



Don’t worry, there’s more than that in the first 32 picks overall. Most of these players are expected to declare for next year, but there’s one in particular where there are still question marks.



Without further ado, let’s dive into ESPN’s mock draft for the 2026 edition. We start with the No. 1 overall pick and a familiar face.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-cleveland-browns-arch-manning-qb-texas">1. Cleveland Browns: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/arch-manning-7353/">Arch Manning</a>, QB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/texas-longhorns/">Texas</a></h2>



The Browns get a quarterback, again, in next year’s draft. Manning is the guy based on ESPN’s projections.



If Manning is as good as the hype, it’ll be hard for the youngest Manning QB to stay at Texas one more year when the No. 1 pick is a possibility. Can he be the franchise savior in Cleveland?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-new-york-jets-trade-via-giants-lanorris-sellers-qb-south-carolina">2. New York Jets (trade via Giants): <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/lanorris-sellers-145821/">LaNorris Sellers</a>, QB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/south-carolina-gamecocks/">South Carolina</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="538" src="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/12/31190258/A70T1770-1-1024x538.jpg" alt="South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (Photo by Katie Dugan)" class="wp-image-3010887" srcset="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/12/31190258/A70T1770-1-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/12/31190258/A70T1770-1-300x158.jpg 300w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/12/31190258/A70T1770-1-768x403.jpg 768w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/12/31190258/A70T1770-1-50x26.jpg 50w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/12/31190258/A70T1770-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (Photo by Katie Dugan)</figcaption></figure>



Another quarterback in the draft! The Jets trade up with their stadium mates in this mock trade to get their quarterback.



Nothing against Justin Fields, but the Jets will go with Sellers, who is an enticing dual threat QB. His value might be high so a trade up might be necessary in reality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-new-orleans-saints-trade-via-titans-cade-klubnik-qb-clemson">3. New Orleans Saints (trade via Titans): <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/cade-klubnik-16612/">Cade Klubnik</a>, QB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/sites/tiger-illustrated/">Clemson</a></h2>



Three quarterbacks in a row in the draft! The Saints don’t find the answer with Tyler Shough, bottom out and trade up for Klubnik in this scenario. 



When it’s all said and done, Klubnik could be the top pick next year, coming off a career year in 2024. He would do wonders in Kellen Moore’s offense.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-new-york-giants-trade-via-jets-peter-woods-dt-clemson">4. New York Giants (trade via Jets): <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/peter-woods-96251/">Peter Woods</a>, DT – <a href="https://www.on3.com/sites/tiger-illustrated/">Clemson</a></h2>



Woods is the first non-quarterback to go in this mock draft. He’s widely projected to be a first round pick even before the season starts this Fall.



Pairing Woods with Abdul Carter would be a scary sight in 2026. The trade is a mock one as the Giants traded back with the Jets and still grab a stud in the top five.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-tennessee-titans-trade-via-saints-caleb-downs-db-ohio-state">5. Tennessee Titans (trade via Saints): <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/caleb-downs-16957/">Caleb Downs</a>, DB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/ohio-state-buckeyes/">Ohio State</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="538" src="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/01/15184343/caleb-downs-1024x538.jpg" alt="Ohio State safety Caleb Downs" class="wp-image-3049106" srcset="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/01/15184343/caleb-downs-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/01/15184343/caleb-downs-300x158.jpg 300w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/01/15184343/caleb-downs-768x403.jpg 768w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/01/15184343/caleb-downs-50x26.jpg 50w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2025/01/15184343/caleb-downs.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">© Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Disp / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>



The Titans also traded back in this mock draft and grab one of the best overall players in college football. Downs was a star at Alabama as a freshman and became, arguably, better in Ohio State in just a year.



They’ll add to the secondary and Downs could start right away. It’s hard to envision Downs actually making it out of the top five next spring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-carolina-panthers-keldric-faulk-edge-auburn">6. Carolina Panthers: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/keldric-faulk-72326/">Keldric Faulk</a>, EDGE – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/auburn-tigers/">Auburn</a></h2>



The Panthers getting to this position in the draft means the season didn’t quite pan out. If that’s the case, they might need to go QB here right?



ESPN doesn’t think so as they grab Faulk from Auburn. He’s a very disruptive pass rusher and could add to a young and emerging defense.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-las-vegas-raiders-spencer-fano-ot-utah">7. Las Vegas Raiders: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/spencer-fano-107961/">Spencer Fano</a>, OT – <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/utah-utes/">Utah</a></h2>



The Raiders need protection up front and the 2026 NFL Draft is the place to find it! Fano is regarded as the top tackle in the class.



Fano’s length and footwork are NFL-ready too! It’s not just finesse, per ESPN. He can really run down opposing defensive linemen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-new-england-patriots-t-j-parker-edge-clemson">8. New England Patriots: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/tj-parker-113490/">T.J. Parker</a>, EDGE – <a href="https://www.on3.com/sites/tiger-illustrated/">Clemson</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="538" src="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/10/14133101/NC-State-2024-10-14T142331.425-1024x538.png" alt="CJ Bailey NC State Wolfpack" class="wp-image-2793393" srcset="https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/10/14133101/NC-State-2024-10-14T142331.425-1024x538.png 1024w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/10/14133101/NC-State-2024-10-14T142331.425-300x158.png 300w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/10/14133101/NC-State-2024-10-14T142331.425-768x403.png 768w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/10/14133101/NC-State-2024-10-14T142331.425-50x26.png 50w, https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/10/14133101/NC-State-2024-10-14T142331.425.png 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>



Parker is the latest Clemson player to come off the board in this mock draft. The third in fact! The Patriots will get quite the pass rusher too.



Parker had 11 sacks last year and forced a school-record six fumbles in 2024. He also had 12.5 tackles for loss as a freshman two years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-los-angeles-rams-sam-leavitt-qb-arizona-state">9. Los Angeles Rams: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/sam-leavitt-104361/">Sam Leavitt</a>, QB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/arizona-state-sun-devils/">Arizona State</a></h2>



The fourth quarterback in the first round in this mock draft, in the top 10 no less! The Rams get their QB of the future in Leavitt, who stars at Arizona State.



Matthew Stafford might be on the tail end at this point and his last season could be this year, next or the year after. Either way, the Rams have to be ready.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-seattle-seahawks-anthony-hill-jr-lb-texas">10. Seattle Seahawks: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/anthony-hill-6208/">Anthony Hill Jr.</a>, LB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/texas-longhorns/">Texas</a></h2>



Hill fits the mold of the Seahawks defense and that “Legion of Boom” mentality from over a decade ago. The Texas linebacker probably won’t last out of the top 10 in next year’s draft.



Hill has 13 sacks through two seasons and he could hit double digits just this season! He has tremendous sideline to sideline range as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-espn-reveals-2026-nfl-mock-draft">ESPN reveals 2026 NFL Mock Draft</h2>



11. Indianapolis Colts: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/drew-allar-38915/">Drew Allar</a>, QB –<a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/penn-state-nittany-lions/"> Penn State</a> 12. Cleveland Browns: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/austin-barber-8165/">Austin Barber</a>, OT – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-gators/">Florida</a> 13. Dallas Cowboys:<a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/caleb-banks-16879/"> Caleb Banks</a>, DT – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-gators/">Florida</a> 14. Arizona Cardinals: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/francis-mauigoa-43957/">Francis Mauigoa</a>, OT – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/miami-hurricanes/">Miami</a> 15. Miami Dolphins: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/avieon-terrell-8979/">Avieon Terrell</a>, CB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/sites/tiger-illustrated/">Clemson</a> 16. Pittsburgh Steelers: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/garrett-nussmeier-45029/">Garrett Nussmeier</a>, QB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/lsu-tigers/">LSU</a> 17. Chicago Bears: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/jermod-mccoy-152695/">Jermod McCoy</a>, CB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/tennessee-volunteers/">Tennessee</a> 18. Minnesota Vikings: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/anto-saka-6759/">Anto Saka</a>, EDGE – <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/northwestern-wildcats/">Northwestern</a> 19. Green Bay Packers: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/matayo-uiagalelei-84974/">Matayo Uiagelelei</a>, EDGE – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/oregon-ducks/">Oregon</a> 20. Denver Broncos: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/jordyn-tyson-66338/">Jordyn Tyson</a>, WR – <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/arizona-state-sun-devils/">Arizona State</a> 21. Houston Texans: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/jeremiyah-love-150027/">Jeremiyah Love</a>, RB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish/">Notre Dame</a> 22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/dani-dennis-sutton-29043/">Dani Dennis-Sutton</a>, EDGE – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/penn-state-nittany-lions/">Penn State</a> 23. San Francisco 49ers: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/jude-bowry-146047/">Jude Bowry</a>, OT – <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/boston-college-eagles/">Boston College</a> 24. Cincinnati Bengals: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/kadyn-proctor-70429/">Kadyn Proctor</a>, OT – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/alabama-crimson-tide/">Alabama</a> 25. Washington Commanders: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/germie-bernard-45965/">Germie Bernard</a>, WR – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/alabama-crimson-tide/">Alabama</a> 26. Los Angeles Chargers: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/chandler-rivers-19933/">Chandler Rivers</a>, CB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/duke-blue-devils/">Duke</a> 27. Los Angeles Rams: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/daylen-everette-32632/">Daylen Everette</a>, CB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/georgia-bulldogs/">Georgia</a> 28. Baltimore Ravens: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/aj-harris-2176/">AJ Harris</a>, CB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/penn-state-nittany-lions/">Penn State</a> 29. Detroit Lions: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/sonny-styles-107885/">Sonny Styles</a>, LB – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/ohio-state-buckeyes/">Ohio State</a> 30. Kansas City Chiefs: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/isaiah-world-49880/">Isaiah World</a>, OT –<a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/oregon-ducks/"> Oregon</a> 31. Philadelphia Eagles: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/blake-miller-10955/">Blake Miller</a>, OT – <a href="https://www.on3.com/sites/tiger-illustrated/">Clemson</a> 32. Buffalo Bills: <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/jakobi-lane-50629/">Ja’Kobi Lanae</a>, WR – <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/usc-trojans/">USC</a>

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