When it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft class, this is not looking like the year of the quarterback.
Consider the three-round mock draft I assembled below, which includes five QBs -- but just two first-rounders, and none in Round 2. By contrast, seven offensive linemen and six wideouts are snagged in Round 1 by teams hoping to push their offenses to the next level. All told, edge rushers, offensive linemen and wide receivers dominate early, comprising nearly half of the 100 selections.
I also project four draft-day trades in the first round and four compensatory picks at the end of the third round. The first three are projected to go to the Vikings, Eagles and Steelers for losing free agents, per Over the Cap. The fourth goes to the Lions because their defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, was hired as a minority head coach by the Jets last year -- that pick was traded to the Jaguars last April.
PROGRAMMING NOTE:
- NFL Network and NFL+ will have live coverage of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine beginning Feb. 26.
