With the 2025 NFL Draft officially in the books, it's never too early to look ahead to what the 2026 NFL Draft could bring about. The next draft cycle has begun, as area scouts have begun to collect measurements on underclassmen during spring ball.
After what was considered a 'down' year for quarterbacks, the Class of 2026 has the potential to be full of wealth. There are five signal-callers who made the cut in our initial mock, led by Texas sensation Arch Manning. It remains to be seen how many of these quarterback prospects will wind up declaring, but all players listed below will be draft-eligible. There are whispers that Manning could stay in Austin until he earns his degree, but a Heisman Trophy campaign season could change the thought process, especially if New Orleans held the number one overall pick. Could history repeat itself?
Keep an eye on LaNorris Sellers out of South Carolina. The dual-threat was one name mentioned by several NFL scouts who we polled at the Senior Bowl that could catapult up draft boards this season. Still, just 19 years old, he impressed during his first year as a starter in the SEC. One prospect who flirted with the idea of declaring this year but decided to return to Baton Rouge is Garrett Nussmeier. The LSU gunslinger brings NFL pedigree as the son of current Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier (1994 fourth-round pick).
It's expected to be another strong year for defensive linemen, specifically on the edge, as five pass-rushers made the cut. However, the dynamite duo of Clemson defensive end TJ Parker and defensive tackle Peter Woods is set to ravage opposing backfields. Both players figure to factor in the top ten overall selections a year from now.
While the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes lost a significant amount of talent in this year's draft, they expect to be reloaded once again. The Buckeyes have a potential top ten duo in their own right with explosive wideout Carnell Tate and playmaking safety Caleb Downs. Both players contributed key roles a year ago and now step into the spotlight. The Longhorns also boast one of the top defenders in the nation with tackle-machine Anthony Hill Jr. patrolling the middle.
As we get set to embark upon the 2026 NFL Draft journey, we would like to thank our loyal BSJ readers for following along in all the fun for 2025! Buckle up and stay tuned ...
PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL
New Orleans Saints - Arch Manning, QB, Texas (pictured)
Tennessee Titans - TJ Parker, ER, Clemson
Cleveland Browns - Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Carolina Panthers - LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Chicago Bears - Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Indianapolis Colts - Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
New York Giants - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
New York Jets - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Arizona Cardinals - Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Las Vegas Raiders - Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Houston Texans - Matayo Uiagalelei, ER, Oregon
Seattle Seahawks - Keldric Faulk, ER, Auburn
Cleveland Browns (via JAX) - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
New England Patriots - Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
Dallas Cowboys - Jaden Greathouse, WR, Notre Dame
Miami Dolphins - Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Minnesota Vikings - Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Pittsburgh Steelers - Dani Dennis-Sutton, ER, Penn State
San Francisco 49ers - Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Cincinnati Bengals - Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Green Bay Packers - Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Denver Broncos - Logan Jones, C, Iowa
Detroit Lions - Mikail Kamara, ER, Indiana
Buffalo Bills - Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Los Angeles Rams - Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA
Kansas City Chiefs - Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Philadelphia Eagles - Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
Baltimore Ravens - Whit Weeks, LB, LSU
Los Angeles Chargers - Jalon Kilgore, CB, South Carolina
Washington Commanders - Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon