ClutchPoints
During the 2025 NFL season, there are a lot of teams pushing for a playoff spot, and just as many contending for the number one pick. That leaves few teams stuck somewhere in the middle, and with so few truly mediocre teams this year, there is quite a large race for the first overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, unlike most years, not everybody in the running to pick at 1-1 will need a quarterback. A lot of the league’s bottom dwellers already have the signal caller position figured out, which will make for a unique selection process. When looking at the teams in the running for the number one pick, which players and positions would each team target if they did end up with the first overall choice?
Top targets: Rueben Bain Jr., Jordan Tyson, Carnell Tate, Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa, Jeremiyah Love
The Tennessee Titans secured the number one overall pick last year. With it, they took Cam Ward. The Miami product wasn’t viewed as a once-in-a-generation prospect, but he was expected to be a lot better than he has been during his rookie season. Ward only has seven touchdown passes through 12 games.
Even so, Ward has a ways to go before he could be considered a bust or before the Titans would consider replacing him. His struggles can largely be attributed to a lack of help this season, so landing the first overall selection again could go a long way in bringing in talent that can help Ward take the next step.
The Titans have so many holes that they very well could look to flip the first pick to a quarterback-needy team. If they stay put, though, Rueben Bain Jr. is considered by many to be the best player available. Picking him first overall would make for back-to-back years with the Titans taking a Miami player with the number one pick. Of course, though, Bain is an edge rusher, so he wouldn’t necessarily directly help Ward out.
Offensive line and receiver are other dire needs in Tennessee. Pick one would be a little rich for any prospects at those positions, but perhaps the Titans could shock the world by picking Jordan Tyson, Carnell Tate, or Spencer Fano. Another Miami player who could go near the top of the draft is Francis Mauigoa, and he certainly helped Ward stay upright during their time together with the Hurricanes. Ward has been sacked a league-leading 48 times during his rookie campaign.
Top targets: Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa
The Cleveland Browns will be in an interesting spot if they land the first overall pick. They’ve had 42 different starting quarterbacks since 1999, including three this year. Both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders were drafted in 2024 with the hope that one of them can become the franchise signal-caller, but neither of them has shown enough to prevent the Browns from drafting a quarterback if they...
