Updated: October 15, 2025
As the excitement builds for the 2026 NFL season, football fans and experts alike are already looking ahead to the upcoming NFL Draft. The highly anticipated draft is expected to feature a talented pool of prospects, with quarterbacks in the spotlight. Let's delve into the early predictions and potential top picks for the next NFL Draft based on the latest mock draft predictions and expert analysis.
1. Arch Manning Leading the Pack
The New Orleans Saints are projected to kick off the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Arch Manning, a quarterback from Texas. Being the grandson of legendary quarterback Archie Manning, the younger Manning has already captured the attention of scouts. If Arch Manning lives up to the hype and decides to forego his senior year, he could potentially be a top pick. The Saints haven’t taken a quarterback in the first round since Archie Manning in 1971, making this a particularly noteworthy selection.
2. Top Quarterback Talents
Among the promising quarterback prospects in the 2026 draft class, names like LaNorris Sellers from South Carolina and Drew Allar from Penn State stand out. Sellers' dual-threat skills and exciting style of play have made him a watchlist favorite, while Drew Allar's decision to return to school for further development could position him as a top-five draft pick next year. The influx of quarterback talent in the upcoming draft is generating buzz and anticipation among football enthusiasts.
3. Defensive Standouts and Linemen to Watch
While quarterbacks dominate the talk of the 2026 draft, defensive talents like Keldric Faulk from Auburn and T.J. Parker from Clemson are garnering attention. Faulk’s disruptive abilities on the defensive line and Parker's relentless pass-rushing skills make them standout prospects. On the offensive side, Spencer Fano, an offensive tackle from Utah, is primed to make an impact with his solid pass protection and run-blocking abilities.
4. Emerging Stars in Various Positions
As the draft landscape unfolds, players like Caleb Downs from Ohio State and Carnell Tate from Ohio State are making waves in their respective positions. Caleb Downs, a safety with standout performances, aims to break a streak by being the first safety selected in the top 10 in almost a decade. Meanwhile, Carnell Tate is poised to continue Ohio State's tradition of producing top-tier wide receivers, solidifying his place as a potential first-round pick.
5. Expectations and Speculations
With mock drafts and expert opinions shaping the narrative around the 2026 NFL Draft, the anticipation for next year’s selections continues to build. From offensive linemen to dynamic playmakers, the draft class promises an exciting mix of talent ready to make an impact in the league. As the college football season progresses, the performances of these prospects will be closely watched to see how they solidify their draft stock and potentially transform the fortunes of NFL teams looking for future stars.
