The NFL regular season is winding down, with several teams gearing up for a playoff push. While some teams still have hope for 2025, others are focused on the future. Many of the teams near the top of the draft board need a quarterback, but not the Tennessee Titans. After selecting Cam Ward with the first-overall pick in 2025, Tennessee should focus on building around him. The Titans are in an advantageous position, holding the top pick with plenty of quarterback-needy teams following them.
They have many options for trading back, but the Cleveland Browns make the most sense. The Browns currently hold the fifth pick and have the draft capital to move ahead of the Saints and Raiders. Tennessee can still get its ideal prospect with the fifth-overall pick while getting more picks to fill out its roster. Which QB will the Browns take in this top ten 2026 NFL mock draft?
Top Ten 2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. Cleveland Browns (mock trade with Titans)- Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Neither Dillon Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders has shown enough to justify passing on a quarterback. Cleveland has two first-round picks in 2026 and sends both to Tennessee so it can select Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza possesses the frame, arm strength, and accuracy to be the Browns’ long-awaited franchise signal-caller.
2. New York Giants– Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Giants are stacked along their defensive line, but need more at the second level. Arvell Reese has skyrocketed up mock drafts and is just what New York needs at linebacker. He is an elite run defender who boasts tremendous upside as a pass rusher.
3. New Orleans Saints- Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Like Cleveland, New Orleans took a quarterback in 2025. Tyler Shough has been capable, but the Saints still look to upgrade with Dante Moore. A former five-star recruit, Moore has impressive deep accuracy and can beat defenses with his legs.
4. Las Vegas Raiders- Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Geno Smith era appears to be ending as soon as it began. Las Vegas gets a more long-term option with Ty Simpson. While he’s just a one-year starter, Simpson has shown excellent poise in several big games.
5. Tennessee Titans (mock trade with Cleveland)- Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
Nov 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; SMU Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) warms up before the game against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Tennessee stockpiles picks by trading back and still gets its ideal player. The Titans can use a premier defensive lineman alongside Jeffery Simmons. With everyone ahead of them either needing a quarterback or not needing a pass rusher, Rueben Bain Jr. falls to Tennessee. Bain is a hyper-athletic prospect who excels against the run.
6. Washington Commanders– Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Commanders defense is woeful and has various needs on that side of the ball. Washington takes the best defensive player available with Caleb Downs. Downs is a generational safety prospect who will help the Commanders against both the pass and the run.
7. New York Jets– Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
New York would like to go quarterback, but all the top prospects are off the board. Instead, the Jets select Peter Woods to replace Quinnen Williams. Woods is the best interior defensive lineman in this class and can play at various spots along the defensive line.
8. Arizona Cardinals- Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Kyler Murray’s future is up in the air after missing most of 2025 due to injury. Whoever is under center for Arizona in 2026 will need better protection up front. Spencer Fano makes sense as a replacement for Kelvin Beachum at right tackle.
9. Los Angeles Rams (via trade with Atlanta)- Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Rams don’t have a ton of needs on their roster, but could upgrade at corner. Mansoor Delane has the traits of an elite boundary corner who can lock down opposing teams’ number one receiver. Los Angeles still has a later first-round pick it can use to take Matthew Stafford’s successor.
10. Cincinnati Bengals- Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Trey Hendrickson has dealt with injury and is a free agent this offseason. The Bengals need all the defensive help they can get, so they take Keldric Faulk as a start. Faulk is an excellent run defender and tackler who has upside as a pass rusher.
Main Image: Rick Osentoski – Imagn Images
