The 2026 NFL Draft might not be the quarterback-fest many expect, but teams are still eyeing future stars! When we look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, it's clear this class isn't shaping up to be the year of the elite quarterback prospect. My recent three-round mock draft, which you can explore below, features a total of five quarterbacks. However, only two of them are projected to be selected in the first round, and a surprising zero are expected to hear their names called in the second round. This is a stark contrast to other positions, where seven offensive linemen and six wide receivers are anticipated to be snatched up in the first round by teams eager to supercharge their offenses. In fact, edge rushers, offensive linemen, and wide receivers are set to dominate the early selections, making up almost half of the first 100 picks!
But here's where it gets interesting: I'm also projecting four draft-day trades to occur within the first round. On top of that, we'll see four compensatory picks awarded at the conclusion of the third round. According to Over the Cap, the Vikings, Eagles, and Steelers are expected to receive the first three of these compensatory picks as compensation for losing key free agents. The fourth compensatory pick is slated for the Lions, but this one has a unique backstory. It's a result of their defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, being hired as a minority head coach by the Jets last year. This particular pick was actually traded to the Jaguars back in April.
And this is the part most people miss: the strategic maneuvering around these compensatory picks and potential trades can significantly alter the landscape of the draft, especially for teams needing to fill crucial roster spots.
What are your thoughts on this quarterback-light draft class? Do you think teams will be forced to reach for a QB early, or will they focus on building in other areas? Let me know in the comments below!
