2026 NFL Draft: Way Too Early Mock Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is a year away, but that won’t stop anyone from trying to predict it—especially with college football’s next wave of stars already turning heads. Sure, plenty will change between now and then: players will rise, fall, transfer, get hurt, or break out. But that’s half the fun. Based on early tape, recruiting pedigree, and potential fit at the next level, here’s a way-too-early look at how the 2026 NFL Draft could shake out. Don’t take it too seriously—yet.

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1. Cleveland Browns—Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

Klubnik ended the season on the rise and will head into 2025's college football season as our top prospect at quarterback. That doesn't mean he's locked into that spot, but is the the most promising and accomplished quarterback eligible for next year's class. The Browns used third-and-fifth-round picks on quarterbacks in the 2025 draft (Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders) but aren't locked into those players as starting options. Until proven otherwise, we'll assume the Browns are still a quarterback-needy team.

2. Tennessee Titans—T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson

The Titans would probably love for a wide receiver to be ranked high enough to select here, but the 2026 class doesn't yet have an established star at the position. Instead, the Titans get an elite pass-rusher who could very well be the No. 1 overall prospect next year.

3. New Orleans Saints—Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

We'll give Tyler Shough the chance to be the starter in New Orleans before drafting a quarterback this high next year. Woods is a powerful, fast defensive tackle prospect that already has scouts buzzing about his upside. He would have been a likely top 10 pick in 2025.

4. New York Giants—Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami

Mauigoa is a right tackle prospect with two years of established dominance for Miami. Teaming him up with Andrew Thomas gives Jaxson Dart a reliable set of booked blockers that can accelerate the young quarterback's development and production.

5. New York Jets—Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Jets fans might have PTSD from the Jamal Adams pick, but Downs is the best player in college football and a true impact safety worthy of this draft slot. With the Jets having filled so many needs through high draft picks recently, there isn't an obvious high priority spot in this draft.