2026 NFL Mock Draft: Arch Manning not a lock to go first overall?
The
2026 NFL Draft
The draft might showcase outstanding quarterback prospects, yet could an unexpected signal-caller end up being selected with the number one pick? Absolutely, although predictions this early can be speculative, numerous experts argue that should Texas QB Arch Manning enter the race, he’d likely go first overall.
This assertion is certainly daring, and although it may hold water, it’s also entirely possible that things won’t pan out this way. Manning has the option to remain at university for an additional year, or alternatively, some other quarterback contender might get picked ahead of him.
Let’s quickly get started.
2026 NFL mock
where Arch Manning is not selected as the initial quarterback drafted.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: It’s possible Arch Manning won’t be selected first overall.
1. Cleveland Browns – LaNorris Sellers, Quarterback, University of South Carolina
When considering sheer talent and potential, LaNorris Sellers could emerge as the top quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft and potentially possess the greatest upside among passers in the upcoming year. Recent trends indicate that ‘raw’ prospects often prove more successful than those deemed ‘NFL-ready.’
2. New York Jets – Arch Manning, QB, Texas
In this NFL mock draft, Arch Manning drops to the second overall pick and lands with the New York Jets, who could truly benefit from having him. This season might still be challenging for New York, yet what they desperately require is a reliable quarterback prospect in the NFL Draft.
3. New Orleans Saints – Cade Klubnik, quarterback from Clemson
The New Orleans Saints aren’t able to essentially repeat history and draft a Manning, but they do get Cade Klubnik from Clemson and might have set their franchise up for long-term success with this pick.
4. Tennessee Titans – Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
In 2024, Antonio Williams earned First-team All-ACC honors with an impressive stat line of 904 yards and an astounding 11 touchdowns. The Tennessee Titans could potentially focus significant effort on developing their team around Cam Ward during the 2026 NFL Draft.
5. New York Giants – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The New York Giants picking fifth overall could mean that both Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll were shown the door. Well, they use pick five in this mock draft on a slam-dunk tackle prospect in Kadyn Proctor from Alabama.
6. Carolina Panthers – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Bryce Young is poised for an incredible season with the Carolina Panthers, and he now has the supporting cast to excel. With the team likely drafting high, this could definitely result in adding another rookie.
QB
On the table, as the squad picks Garrett Nussmeier from LSU in this simulated draft.
7. Indianapolis Colts – Drew Allar, QB, Pennsylvania State University
Another quarterback-starved team, the Indianapolis Colts appear to have struck out with their latest attempt.
Anthony Richardson
In the 2023 NFL Draft, they remained relatively low-key, but in the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected Riley Leonard, and let me assure you, he could turn out to be their top quarterback.
Indy makes a significant change at quarterback and secures Drew Allar from Penn State.
8. Cleveland Browns – Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Tackle, University of Miami (Florida)
Following the selection of LaNorris Sellers as the top pick in this simulated 2026 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns utilize their additional first-rounder, acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars, to address their offensive line needs by choosing Francis Mauigoa from Miami (FL).
9. Las Vegas Raiders – Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State
Perhaps the top non-quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class, the Las Vegas Raiders secure a major bargain by selecting Caleb Downs from Ohio State.
10. Los Angeles Rams – Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
Kyren Williams
is slated to be a free agent following the 2025 NFL Season, and I do not get the impression that the LA Rams would be interested in re-signing him if they are indeed picking 10th overall. They could instead rebuild a bit with Nicholas Singleton, the 2026 NFL Draft’s likely top running back from Penn State.
This article was originally published on Big One Newsas
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Could Arch Manning lose his spot as the top pick?
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