Who needs Manning when you have this much quarterback talent? That seems to be the message from ESPN’s latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft. Despite Arch Manning’s absence from the first-round projections, the draft class isn’t hurting for signal-caller star power.
ESPN’s Latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft Has No Arch Manning But Features 4 Top 10 QBs
ESPN’s Jordan Reid sees a powerful quarterback class coming, with four passers landing in the top 10 picks. Unlike recent drafts with clear-cut top prospects, the 2026 class features depth without an obvious QB1—just a group of talented passers all fighting for that top spot.
Let’s meet the quarterbacks stealing the spotlight in ESPN’s “way-too-early” mock:
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik leads the pack, projected to the Cleveland Browns (via Tennessee). Coming off a junior year with 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, Reid says Klubnik “maintains a strong platform while going through his reads” with mobility to escape pressure, though he has “B-level arm strength.” His game reminds Reid of Bo Nix.
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is headed to the Los Angeles Rams (via Carolina) in this mock, potentially as Matthew Stafford’s heir. With a 79.1 QBR in 2024, his “arm is more flexible than powerful, and his anticipation skills result in some of the most exciting throws,” though interceptions remain a concern.
Penn State’s Drew Allar projects to the New Orleans Saints. At 6-foot-5 and 238 pounds, he has prototypical NFL size and arm strength. His stock is rising after throwing for 3,327 yards last season, with his completion rate jumping from 60% to 66.5%.
South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers is rounding out the group, projected somewhere in the top 10. With his combination of size, athleticism, and arm talent, he’s considered a “sleeper to know.”
Why Arch Manning Missed the Cut and What It Means for NFL Teams
So what about Arch Manning? Despite his famous last name and recruiting hype, he hasn’t secured the Texas starting job yet or shown the on-field production needed to crack the top of this loaded quarterback class.
Of course, “plenty will change between now and next April,” as ESPN’s analysts note. Manning could easily play his way into the conversation with a breakout season.
The projected quarterback depth is fantastic news for NFL teams hunting for their next franchise passer. Even without a generational prospect at the top, having four potential first-round QBs gives teams multiple shots at finding their guy.
Beyond the quarterbacks, this draft class looks stacked. Clemson leads with four projected first-rounders, while the SEC is expected to dominate with 13 first-round picks. The defensive line and secondary are particularly loaded.
KEEP READING: Football Analyst Shuts Down Arch Manning No. 1 Pick Hype With Bold Prediction
As Reid summed it up: “This 2026 class looks really exciting. I see a handful of quarterbacks who could potentially go in Round 1, and some really good players on both sides could make a big leap this season.”
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