2026 NFL mock draft: Arch Manning would not go No. 1, however he is considered one of 4 QBs taken within the first spherical

Wilson & Fornelli: Arch Manning will not be Fornelli’s QB1 proper now; that might be Garrett Nussmeier, who impressed along with his arm energy, footwork and pocket presence in 2024. The opposite difference-maker is expertise: Nussmeier began 13 video games final yr; Manning began two. However the query is: Would the Saints cross on Manning if he had been there after taking his grandfather, Archie Manning, with the No. 2 total decide in 1971?

Carthon & Patterson: The Giants have what they hope will likely be their franchise quarterback after buying and selling again into the primary spherical for Jaxson Dart within the 2025 NFL Draft, and now they get him some safety. Patterson is keen on Kadyn Proctor out of Alabama. “God do not make many males like him.”

Wilson & Fornelli: The Browns took quarterbacks in rounds three (Dillon Gabriel) and 5 (Shedeur Sanders) of this previous draft, in order that they determine to cross on one right here. As a substitute, Cleveland targets line of defense for the second straight yr: In 2025, it was Mason Graham after buying and selling again; now it is Rueben Bain Jr. out of Miami. With these two gamers and Myles Garrett, that could be a fearsome unit.

Carthon & Patterson: Arch Manning follows within the footsteps of his uncle (Eli Manning) by taking part in within the Large Apple. Manning replaces 2025 starter Justin Fields for the Jets, who hope Manning seems a lot better than the final quarterback they took within the high 5 (Zach Wilson in 2021).

Wilson & Fornelli: After taking Cam Ward No. 1 total, the Titans flip their consideration to the defensive facet of the ball with Clemson defensive deal with Peter Woods.

Carthon & Patterson: Carthon is between vast receiver and offensive deal with, and since there aren’t any sure-fire wideouts as of now — Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith is not eligible till the 2027 draft — the Raiders take Utah’s Spencer Fano.

Wilson & Fornelli: Many thought the Panthers would take an edge rusher with the No. 8 choice within the 2025 NFL Draft, however as an alternative they selected receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Carolina would not cross on one right here, nevertheless, as T.J. Parker turns into the second Clemson defensive lineman taken within the top-seven picks.

Carthon & Patterson: Geared up with a second first-round decide from the Jaguars within the Travis Hunter commerce, the Browns take one more defender. This time it is Caleb Downs, whom Carthon says is the main vote-getter proper now to be his “favourite son” amongst draft prospects. (Malaki Starks was his favourite this previous draft cycle.)

Wilson & Fornelli: We do not know who the quarterback will likely be in 2026, however there additionally will not be a signal-caller out there whom Fornelli likes sufficient to absorb the highest 10. So Fornelli will get QBX some secure safety with Francis Mauigoa, a ready-made proper deal with.

Carthon & Patterson: The Seahawks have their security in Nick Emmanwori, whom head coach Mike Macdonald plans to make use of like he did Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore, and now Seattle addresses the second degree of the protection. Anthony Hill Jr. serves because the operating mate for Ernest Jones IV.

Wilson & Fornelli: Drake Maye can be completely thrilled about this choice a yr after getting his franchise left deal with (Will Campbell), passing-down again (TreVeyon Henderson) and big-play receiving menace (Kyle Williams). “I believe Love is a greater prospect than Ashton Jeanty,” mentioned Fornelli. Mic drop.

Carthon & Patterson: Matthew Stafford is not going to play without end, so the Rams have to plan for all times after the longer term Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer. Drew Aller is a principally good decision-maker whom Sean McVay can mildew right into a strong beginning NFL signal-caller.

Wilson & Fornelli: Regardless of actively procuring All-Professional veteran Jalen Ramsey, the Dolphins did not add a cornerback till Spherical 5 of the 2025 NFL Draft. That is not the case right here, as Miami takes the primary cornerback of this mock draft in Malik Muhammad from Texas.

Carthon & Patterson: The Cowboys badly needed Tetairoa McMillan, who went No. 8 to the Panthers, so they do not miss out right here by taking what they hope would be the subsequent standout Ohio State wideout in Carnell Tate to pair with CeeDee Lamb.

Wilson & Fornelli: Extra line of defense assist for the Cardinals, who addressed the inside by deciding on Walter Nolen with the sixteenth decide of this yr’s draft. Now they add LT Overton from Alabama to present that unit much more explosiveness and energy.

Carthon & Patterson: Aaron Rodgers? Will Howard? Mason Rudolph? We do not even know who’s going to start out Week 1 of this season at quarterback, however we do know that none of those gamers are seen as franchise saviors on the place. May Cade Klubnik be that man? He took an enormous step ahead for Clemson final season.

Wilson & Fornelli: One other yr, one other Penn State cross rusher taken within the first spherical. Fornelli thinks Dani Dennis-Sutton is the precise kind of edge rusher that new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen covets.

Carthon & Patterson: Carthon thinks the Broncos’ greatest want is inside linebacker, which has to do with Dre Greenlaw reportedly struggling a torn quadriceps in a latest exercise that might preserve him out for the beginning of the 2025 season. Patterson prefers CJ Allen out of Georgia — the newest Bulldogs defender to go in Spherical 1.

Wilson & Fornelli: Cornerback is probably not the Buccaneers’ greatest want, however Fornelli believes head coach Todd Bowles would admire a cornerback who will not be solely good in cross protection however may also play within the slot and assist in run protection. One more Clemson Tiger comes off the board in Avieon Terrell, the brother of 2020 first-round decide A.J. Terrell.

Carthon & Patterson: The Texans signed Sheldon Rankins to a one-year contract this offseason and Tim Settle’s contract is up after this yr, so inside line of defense might change into an enormous want. Caleb Banks provides Houston an enormous, athletic disruptor within the center.

Wilson & Fornelli: Amongst returning Energy 4 vast receivers, Jordyn Tyson ranked second in receiving yards (1,101) behind Jeremiah Smith whereas including 10 touchdowns. With one other standout season in Tempe, Tyson might hear his title known as in Spherical 1.

Carthon & Patterson: Carthon identified that earlier than this yr’s draft, the Chargers solely had 5 inside defensive linemen on the roster and three are within the final yr of their contract (and one is beginning fullback Scott Matlock). So, the Chargers add Christen Miller out of Georgia.

Wilson & Fornelli: Make that two first-round defenders in as a few years for the 49ers, who observe up their collection of edge rusher Mykel Williams with first-team All-Large Ten linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei.

Carthon & Patterson: The Jaire Alexander state of affairs stays unresolved, so to rely on him being in Inexperienced Bay previous this season appears unwise. The Packers plan for all times after Alexander with the ultra-athletic Jermod McCoy.

Wilson & Fornelli: Defending Joe Burrow is paramount, Fornelli notes, so the Bengals add to the offensive line with guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams from Texas A&M.

Carthon & Patterson: Carthon had one phrase for what place the Commanders ought to goal right here: “edge.” And Patterson obliged, giving them Keldric Faulk out of Auburn, who racked up 11.0 tackles for loss and seven.0 sacks in 2024.

Wilson & Fornelli: The Rams are making strikes on the offensive facet of the ball on this first spherical. First they land quarterback Drew Allar, and now they add an “X” receiver in Denzel Boston to enhance Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.

Carthon & Patterson: Identical to two picks in the past, Carthon merely advocated for “edge” and Patterson delivered. He had the Lions selecting David Bailey, who transferred from Stanford to Texas Tech this offseason.

Wilson & Fornelli: The Chiefs take a best-player-available strategy right here and draft A.J. Harris. Penn State has been cranking out NFL defensive backs as of late, and Fornelli believes Harris might develop right into a first-round decide this fall.

Carthon & Patterson: Deciding between edge and security, the Payments go for the latter place with Dillon Thieneman, who ought to obtain extra nationwide consideration after transferring from Purdue to Oregon.

Wilson & Fornelli: Derrick Henry might not ever age out of being a dominant operating again, however on the off likelihood he does, the Ravens plan for the longer term with Nick Singleton.

Carthon & Patterson: Make that 4 Georgia first-round picks up to now 5 years for the Eagles. Basic supervisor Howie Roseman improves the secondary with Daylen Everette.