ESPN released its first 2026 NFL mock draft projection featuring Texas quarterback Arch Manning as the top overall pick to Cleveland. The mock uses ESPN’s Football Power Index simulations to predict draft order, with six quarterbacks projected in the first round.

ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller authored the mock draft ahead of the 2025 college football season opener. The projection assumes Manning declares for the draft despite recent statements from his grandfather Archie Manning suggesting a two-year commitment to Texas.

Cleveland holds the projected first overall selection after Football Power Index simulations predict a bottom-tier season. The Browns drafted two quarterbacks in 2025 but would likely prioritize the position again with the top pick.

Manning brings a different skill set compared to his uncles Peyton and Eli, showcasing mobility alongside his 6-foot-4 frame and accurate arm. Miller notes Manning’s inexperience and need for additional weight as developmental areas.

Six Quarterbacks in First Round

The mock includes three mock trades involving quarterback-needy teams moving up in the first round. New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Rams all acquire signal-callers through projected trades.

South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers goes second overall to the Jets after a projected trade with the Giants. Miller praised Sellers’ Josh Allen-like escapability and powerful arm, noting his 18 touchdown passes against seven interceptions in 2024’s second half.

Clemson’s Cade Klubnik lands with New Orleans at third overall after another mock trade. The Saints would select their first first-round quarterback since Archie Manning in 1971.

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods emerge as the top non-quarterback prospects. Miller projects Downs as a top-five selection capable of reshaping any secondary immediately.

Complete 1-32 Picks of ESPN 2026 NFL Mock Draft

1. Cleveland Browns – Arch Manning, QB, Texas
2. New York Jets (via trade with NYG) – LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
3. New Orleans Saints (via trade with TEN) – Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
4. New York Giants (via trade with NYJ) – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
5. Tennessee Titans (via trade with NO) – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
6. Carolina Panthers – Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
8. New England Patriots – T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
9. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) – Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
10. Seattle Seahawks – Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
11. Indianapolis Colts – Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
12. Cleveland Browns (via JAX) – Austin Barber, OT, Florida
13. Dallas Cowboys – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
14. Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
15. Miami Dolphins – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
16. Pittsburgh Steelers – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
17. Chicago Bears – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
18. Minnesota Vikings – Anto Saka, Edge, Northwestern
19. Green Bay Packers – Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon
20. Denver Broncos – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
21. Houston Texans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State
23. San Francisco 49ers – Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
25. Washington Commanders – Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
26. Los Angeles Chargers – Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
27. Los Angeles Rams – Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
28. Baltimore Ravens – A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
29. Detroit Lions – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
30. Kansas City Chiefs – Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
31. Philadelphia Eagles – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
32. Buffalo Bills – Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC

Mock Trade Details
Trade 1: Jets trade up from #4 to #2, swap picks with Giants

Trade 2: Saints trade up from #5 to #3, swap picks with Titans

Trade 3: No additional details provided for Rams acquiring #9 pick via Atlanta