The 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up less than a month ago, but it’s never too early to look forward to the 2026 NFL Draft.
CBS Sports’ Kyle Stackpole put together a 2026 NFL mock draft, with four quarterbacks selected in the top round. But it’s the order — and who wasn’t selected at the top that may be surprising.
Are Arch Manning and Texas in Trouble in 2025?
Stackpole predicted the New Orleans Saints to take LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier atop the draft, passing on the highly touted Texas prospect Arch Manning, grandson of Saints legend Archie Manning.
Nussmeier impressed scouts with his arm strength, footwork and pocket presence last year, throwing for 4,052 yards, 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 13 starts.
After Nussmeier at number one, Stackpole predicted the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns selecting Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor and Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. with the second and third picks, respectively.
Manning’s slide ended at number four, where the New York Jets took the Longhorn quarterback to reshape the future of their franchise. Manning would be following in uncle Eli Manning’s footsteps, heading to the Big Apple to play for the New York Giants’ crosstown rivals.
While Manning only started two games for Texas, he racked up an impressive statline in those — and some mop up duty — as Quinn Ewers’ backup, putting up 939 yards, 13 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
With the 12th pick, Stackpole predicted the Los Angeles Rams to select Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who threw for 3,327 yards, 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions last year, adding 302 yards on the ground. With Matthew Stafford likely headed towards retirement, the Rams and head coach Sean McVay would potentially have a year to mold their quarterback of the future.
KEEP READING: Arch Manning Falls to No. 4 in Latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Who Is QB1?
The last quarterback off the board — Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, who threw for 3,639 yards, 43 touchdowns and six interceptions, adding 463 yards on the ground — is predicted to go to the Pittsburgh Steelers 16th overall. Even now, the Steelers’ quarterback situation is unknown, with rumors swirling they’re planning to sign Aaron Rodgers before the season begins.
Notably, Stackpole doesn’t think South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers will be taken in the first round. Sellers impressed towards the end of last season, finishing the year with 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions, adding another 674 yards on the ground. If Sellers takes the jump he’s expected to make in 2025, he should quickly shoot up draft boards.
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