Way Too Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Drew Allar Leads Strong QB Class

The 2025 NFL Draft is now in the rearview mirror, so it is time to turn our attention to the 2026 class.

It is almost impossible to create accurate player/team matches this far in advance, so don’t get too caught up in arguing whether your team would select this prospect over that prospect.

Instead, this mock draft should be treated like a watch list.

In some order, these are the 32 players I feel have the best chance to come off the board in the first round next April.

The draft order is based on the current 2025 win total over/unders.

All stats are from the Sports Info Solutions Data Hub. 

2026 Mock Draft Prediction:

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1. Cleveland Browns, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

Allar needs to clean up some decision-making mistakes in his game — the final play of his 2024 season being a prime example — but all the traits are there for him to hear his name called early next April.

Key stat to know about Drew Allar:

Completed 54% of his passes at 15 or more yards downfield, the third highest rate among Power Four quarterbacks.

2. Tennessee Titans, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Fano was generating comparisons to Jordan Gross as early as his true freshman year, and he'll have a good chance to be the first Utah lineman selected in the top 10 since Gross in 2003.

Key stat to know about Spencer Fano:

Only allowed a 1.8% blown block rate in pass protection on traditional dropbacks, ranked 11th among Power Four offensive tackles.

3. New York Jets, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

Woods plays all over the Clemson defensive line, and his versatility is valuable, but he's truly a terror when lined up in the three-tech role on passing downs. Christian Wilkins comparisons are reasonable.

Key stat to know about Peter Woods:

Generated an 18.4% pressure rate when lined up in the three-tech position.

4. New York Giants, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Downs has a good chance to be the first safety selected in the top 10 since Jamal Adams in 2017. He's fast enough to cover ground in the deep second, strong enough to play in the box, and he's also a dangerous punt returner.

Key stat to know about Caleb Downs:

Allowed just four receptions for 30 yards in 475 snaps in coverage.

5. Las Vegas Raiders, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Parker's blend of size and speed gives him the potential to turn into this year's Abdul Carter as the premier pass rusher in the 2026 class. His five pressures in last year's ACC title game, including a sack and a forced fumble, played a critical role in Clemson advancing to the playoffs.

Key stat to know about T.J. Parker:

Generated a 13.1% pressure rate when lined up on the edge, ranked 13th in the ACC.

6. Carolina Panthers, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Faulk has a rare blend of strength, length, and athleticism, allowing him to set the edge effectively against the run but also make his impact felt as a pass rusher.

Key stat to know about Keldric Faulk:

Generated a 12.3% pressure rate when lined up on the edge, ranked ninth in the SEC.

7. New Orleans Saints, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Nussmeier, the son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, was one of the breakout stars of the 2024 season. His NFL-caliber arm is obvious, but he'll need to make strides as a decision-maker to solidify himself as a top pick.

Key stat to know about Garrett Nussmeier:

Generated a 48.9% positive EPA rate against the blitz, ranked second in the SEC.

8. Cleveland Browns, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Mauigoa is a former five-star recruit who has been the Hurricanes' starting right tackle from the moment he set foot on campus. He's still developing, but his career has consistently trended in the right direction thus far.

Key stat to know about Francis Mauigoa:

Allowed a 4.2% blown block rate when the quarterback took a traditional dropback of three or more steps.

9. Los Angeles Rams, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

The 6-foot-8 World was nearly unstoppable in the Mountain West. Now he joins the Ducks, where he'll work with offensive line coach A'lique Terry, who helped turn Jackson Powers-Johnson and Josh Conerly Jr. into early picks over the last two seasons.

Key stat to know about Isaiah World:

Allowed a 1.8% blown block rate when the quarterback took a traditional dropback of three or more steps.

10. Indianapolis Colts, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

Klubnik's development revived a dying Clemson offense last season. He's a poised passer from the pocket, but also a threat on the run when he sees an open lane.

Key stat to know about Cade Klubnik:

Generated a 36% positive EPA rate versus pressure, fourth highest among Power Four quarterbacks.

11. Minnesota Vikings, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Terrell has the speed and agility to stick with just about anyone downfield. The only drawback is he's undersized (listed at 180 pounds), though he plays more physical than you'd expect.

Key stat to know about Avieon Terrell:

Allowed 0.8 yards per coverage snap when in man coverage.

12. Dallas Cowboys, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas

Hill is a uniquely well-rounded off-ball linebacker. He has the athletic traits to stick with running backs and tight ends in coverage, the anticipation skills to blow up run plays in the backfield, and the speed to be a weapon on blitzes.

Key stat to know about Anthony Hill:

15% of tackles were made behind the line of scrimmage, the highest rate among qualified SEC linebackers.

13. Arizona Cardinals, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Bailey could be the Jalon Walker of the 2026 draft class, as a linebacker with the athleticism to drop in coverage but also a dangerous skill set as a pass rusher.

Key stat to know about David Bailey:

Generated a 23.9% pressure rate when lined up on the edge while at Stanford in 2024, ranked second in the ACC.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

There is no Ashton Jeanty in next year's draft class, but the 220-pound Singleton might be close with his blend of size and speed. His 41 receptions last year also proved he could be a factor in the passing game.

Key stat to know about Nicholas Singleton:

Averaged 6.0 yards per attempt when there were seven or more defenders in the box.

15. Chicago Bears, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Thieneman primarily played free safety at Purdue over the last two seasons and thrived due to his elite range. He's more than just a deep safety, though, and is capable of stepping up against the run. In fact, he led the Boilermakers in tackles in 2024.

Key stat to know about Dillon Thieneman:

Recorded a tackle on 19% of his snaps against designed runs, the third best rate among Big Ten defensive backs.

16. Seattle Seahawks, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

Bernard has comparable traits to former teammate Rome Odunze and has spent his career working with receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard at both Alabama and Washington. More consistent quarterback play could allow for a breakout year in 2025.

Key stat to know about Germie Bernard:

Posted a catch rate 10.1% above expected based on route-adjusted data.

17. New England Patriots, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina

The 6-foot-1 Dixon was a ball hawk in the Washington secondary over the last two years and will now spend a season working with Bill Belichick in Chapel Hill.

Key stat to know about Thaddeus Dixon:

Generated a ball-hawk rate 53% above expected over the last two seasons.

18. Miami Dolphins, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

Bain recorded nine sacks as a true freshman and was expected to ascend to an elite level last year, but he was slowed by a calf injury in the season opener. 2025 could be the year his game reaches another level.

Key stat to know about Rueben Bain:

Generated a 16.3% pressure rate on third downs.

19. Cincinnati Bengals, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Christen Miller, DL, Georgia

Miller emerged as a force on the interior of Georgia's defensive line last year. His production as a pass rusher may actually be underrated due to his usage as a nose tackle on 27% of his pass-rush snaps.

Key stat to know about Christen Miller:

One of seven Power Four defensive linemen to generate a pressure rate over 10% when lined up on the interior defensive line.

20. Los Angeles Rams, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

Stowers, a former backup quarterback at Texas A&M and New Mexico, didn't shift to tight end until midway through the 2023 season. After transferring to Vanderbilt, he was first-team All-SEC in his first full year at the position. As you might expect, he's still developing as a blocker, but he has a unique Brock Bowers-like playmaking skill set as a receiver.

Key stat to know about Eli Stowers:

Generated 28% more yards after catch than expected based on route-adjusted data (For reference, Bowers in 2023: +18%).

21. Washington Commanders, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina

Kilgore was South Carolina's nickel cornerback last year, but will likely play in the box more often in 2025, stepping into the more traditional strong safety role vacated by Nick Emmanwori.

Key stat to know about Jalon Kilgore:

Generated a 23% ball-hawk rate when lined up in coverage in the slot, ranked fourth in the SEC.

22. Green Bay Packers, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

Igbinosun has the size and speed to be an elite lockdown outside corner, but only if he stays out of his own way. Nine pass interference penalties marred an otherwise dominant performance during Ohio State's championship season.

Key stat to know about Davison Igbinosun:

Allowed just 8 completions at 10 or more yards downfield in 427 coverage snaps over 15 games.

23. Los Angeles Chargers, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

McCoy was a force in the SEC at just at just 19 years old last season after transferring from Oregon State. More development is needed, but if he continues on this trajectory, he should hear his name called early next April.

Key stat to know about Jermod McCoy:

Based on route-adjusted data, allowed a catch rate 11% below expected.

24. Denver Broncos, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

The 6-foot-4 Fields battled through poor quarterback play the last two years at Virginia, but his traits still shone through. A breakout year at Notre Dame could solidify him as one of the top receivers in next year's class.

Key stat to know about Malachi Fields:

Posted a drop rate of just 4.1% on targets 10 or more yards downfield over the last two seasons.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC

Ramsey followed his defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn from UCLA to USC last year to help revive the Trojan defense. He's a leader on the field, and his versatility in the secondary allows Lynn to get creative with their defensive looks.

Key stat to know about Kamari Ramsey:

Made a play on the ball once every 29.5 snaps in coverage when lined up at safety, the best rate in the Big Ten.

26. Houston Texans, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Love has the vision to run between the tackles and the speed to break free when he finds an open lane.

Key stat to know about Jeremiyah Love:

Averaged 2.9 yards per attempt when contacted at or behind the line of scrimmage, ranked ninth in the FBS.

27. Detroit Lions, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

Dennis-Sutton will have more pressure on him without Abdul Carter lining up on the other side, but if he can replicate last year's production as the focal point of Penn State's pass rush unit, he should earn himself a spot in next year's first round.

Key stat to know about Deni Dennis-Sutton:

Generated a 16% pressure rate when quarterbacks took a traditional dropback of three or more steps, ranked 10th in the Big Ten.

28. San Francisco 49ers, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

There will be more pressure on Muhammad now that Jahdae Barron is in the NFL, but he has the length and athletic traits to take his game to another level.

Key stat to know about Malik Muhammad:

Based on route-adjusted data, allowed a catch rate 14% below expected.

29. Buffalo Bills, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa

Dunker has been Iowa's starting right tackle for the past two seasons and emerged as one of the best run-blocking linemen in the country last year.

Key stat to know about Gennings Dunker: 

Iowa averaged 4.0 yards before contact per attempt when running behind Dunker, the second best rate among Big Ten tackles.

30. Baltimore Ravens, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

Davis had a breakout season in 2023 at Arizona but took a step back in 2024 (as did the entire Wildcats team) after head coach Jedd Fisch left for Washington. Now Davis is following them to reuinite with secondary coach John Richardson. He'll also play under defensive coordinator Ryan Walters, who helped turn Devon Witherspoon into a first-round pick while he was at Illinois.

Key stat to know about Tacario Davis:

Generated a ball-hawk rate 59% above expected over the last two seasons, based on route-adjusted data.

31. Kansas City Chiefs, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Charles Jagusah, OL, Notre Dame

This is more of a projection than most of the other prospects on this list, but there were high expectations for Jagusah as Joe Alt‘s replacement entering the 2024 season prior to a training camp injury. He might play on the interior offensive line in 2025, but he has the traits to shift back to tackle in the pros.

Key stat to know about Charles Jagusah:

Allowed a 3.7% blown block rate in pass protection during his two games against Penn State and Ohio State during the 2024 season.

32. Philadelphia Eagles, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Nic Anderson, WR, LSU

The 6-foot-4 Anderson was Dillon Gabriel‘s downfield weapon in 2023 at Oklahoma, but a quad injury forced him to miss almost the entire 2024 season. Now he's at LSU, where he could have a breakout season as Nussmeier's primary deep threat.

Key stat to know about Nic Anderson:

Caught 83% of his catchable targets at 15 or more yards downfield in 2023, ranked third in the Big 12.