ClutchPoints
The college football season is nearing its end. NFL Draft prospects have now had the majority of the season to establish where they should be drafted, and both their flaws and strengths will only be further on display during Bowl season and the College Football Playoff. The 2026 NFL Draft appears to be loaded with edge rushers, cornerbacks, and receivers, and there is even a path to four or five quarterbacks going inside of the first 32 picks. With that said, here is ClutchPoints’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft for the first round.
For the second year in a row, the Tennessee Titans are slated to pick first overall. They secured a quarterback in Cam Ward last year, which will allow them to go best player available this go around. Rueben Bain Jr. would pair with Jeffery Simmons on the Titans’ defensive front and immediately turn a weakness into a potential strength. Perhaps more likely would be the Titans trading down with a quarterback-needy team to stockpile more picks, but they do need to address the pass rush.
Like the Titans, the New York Giants are poised to be in the rare position of drafting near the top of the first round but without a need at quarterback. Jaxson Dart already has future weapons, too, as Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo should return to the fold next year, giving the current rookie signal caller a premier receiver and a bruising running back to feed the ball to. New York could go in a number of directions with this pick. Although safeties are rarely picked this high, the Giants could decide to select a playmaker like Caleb Downs, who could wreak havoc all over the field for New York’s defense.
Fernando Mendoza isn’t the most physically gifted of the quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft class. His arm talent won’t blow anybody away, and he is a mediocre-at-best runner. Mendoza is considered by many to be QB1 in this class, though, and he is a safer pick than Dante Moore or LaNorris Sellers. The Browns, who have now started 42 different quarterbacks this century, are likely thrilled about the idea of a sure-thing quarterback prospect. It isn’t like Mendoza can’t make the big play, either. His 30 touchdown passes lead the nation.
Of course, drafting Mendoza would mean giving up on Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel after only one year, but Cleveland needs to take advantage of picking near the top of the first round. They may even need to trade up for the number one pick. Mendoza would bring a winning mindset to a Browns team that desperately needs it, considering Indiana has yet to lose a game this season.
The New Orleans Saints, like the Browns, have recent draft investments in a quarterback...
