NFL Mock Draft 2026: Quarterbacks Likely Early Picks

Jordan Reid's new mock draft predicts 11 quarterbacks will be selected in the first seven rounds. This is a large number of QBs compared to previous years.
By Newsroom | Sports, American Football |

Quarterbacks Expected to Dominate Early Picks Amidst Team Needs

Jordan Reid's comprehensive seven-round NFL mock draft has dropped, detailing projections for all 257 selections. The draft appears to heavily feature quarterback talent, with at least 11 signal-callers anticipated to be taken. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets are noted as potentially targeting quarterbacks, reflecting perceived needs.

Reid's seven-round NFL mock draft: A forecast of every pick from No. 1 to No. 257 - 1

The mock draft, published across multiple outlets including ESPN and 49ers Webzone, offers a granular look at player-team fits for the upcoming NFL Draft. Early indications suggest a significant influx of offensive firepower and defensive reinforcement will be sought by franchises aiming to bolster their rosters for the 2026 season and beyond.

Reid's seven-round NFL mock draft: A forecast of every pick from No. 1 to No. 257 - 2

Early Round Projections Hint at Strategic Team Building

Notable early picks include Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, projected to the Las Vegas Raiders at pick No. 1. The Carolina Panthers, acquiring a pick via trade from the Ravens, are slated to select Edge Trey Moore, Texas. Elsewhere, the Arizona Cardinals are reportedly eyeing LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State, with their third overall selection.

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Reid's seven-round NFL mock draft: A forecast of every pick from No. 1 to No. 257 - 3

The draft's first round seems set to see a considerable number of quarterbacks come off the board. Reports indicate teams like the Broncos, Cardinals, Jets, and Steelers are in the market for new offensive leaders, with projections showing QB Ty Simpson, Alabama, heading to the Jets.

Reid's seven-round NFL mock draft: A forecast of every pick from No. 1 to No. 257 - 4

Beyond quarterbacks, several other positions are prominently featured. Offensive line remains a key area of focus for many teams, with projections showing players like OT J.C. Davis, Illinois, landing with the Broncos as a compensatory pick and OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.), tabbed for the Kansas City Chiefs. Wide receiver is another heavily populated position, with playmakers like WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State, predicted for the Cleveland Browns at pick No. 6, and WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M, landing with the San Francisco 49ers at pick No. 27.

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Defensive talent is also distributed throughout the mock draft. The 49ers, for instance, are predicted to add defensive depth, while teams like the Carolina Panthers continue to emphasize defensive selections, potentially picking up CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson.

Context: The Annual Draft Speculation Cycle

This extensive mock draft arrives as the annual NFL Draft cycle reaches its apex. Such detailed forecasts, involving all 32 teams and hundreds of potential selections, are a staple of the pre-draft period. Analysts like Jordan Reid, alongside others such as Mel Kiper Jr., Field Yates, and Matt Miller, contribute to this landscape of projections, offering insights into team strategies and player valuations. These mock drafts serve as a barometer for team needs and potential player trajectories, shaping the narrative leading up to the actual event.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Jordan Reid's new NFL mock draft predict for the 2026 draft?
Jordan Reid's seven-round mock draft forecasts all 257 player selections. It suggests that at least 11 quarterbacks are expected to be chosen, with many teams needing new offensive leaders.
Q: Which teams might pick quarterbacks early in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets are mentioned as possibly targeting quarterbacks early on. Other teams like the Broncos and Cardinals are also noted as being in the market for new signal-callers.
Q: Are there other positions besides quarterback expected to be picked often?
Yes, the mock draft also shows many offensive linemen and wide receivers being selected. Defensive players are also projected to be taken by teams like the Carolina Panthers and 49ers.
Q: When is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The exact dates for the 2026 NFL Draft have not been announced yet, but it typically takes place in late April. This mock draft offers predictions ahead of the official event.
Q: Who is Jordan Reid and why is his mock draft important?
Jordan Reid is a respected NFL analyst who creates detailed mock drafts projecting player selections and team needs. His forecasts are closely watched by fans and teams as the draft approaches.