2026 NFL mock draft: Divisional-round losers fortify the trenches as only two quarterbacks go in Round 1

Fewer than three QBs have been selected in the first round only twice in the past decade

Jan 18, 2026

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There are just four teams left in the NFL playoffs. Once a Super Bowl champion is crowned, the final piece of the 2026 NFL Draft order will be the league’s announcement of compensatory selections. In today’s thought exercise, we take a look at what the first round could look like assuming no trades.

Trades are a major part of the NFL draft conversation, as teams routinely move up or down the board to target specific players. But for that to happen, there has to be a prospect — or group of prospects — compelling enough to justify the move.

In this year’s class, there aren’t many players who fit that description beyond Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and it’s highly unlikely the Raiders move off the No. 1 overall pick.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be trades. There almost certainly will be. They’re just more likely to involve modest movement — a spot or two here or there — rather than major swings up or down the board. That context is important to keep in mind as draft season ramps up.

As a reminder, there are four teams without a first-round pick: the Jaguars, Falcons, Colts and Packers.

Without further ado, let’s kick this off!

No. 47: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo cycled through linebacker this season and ultimately leaned on a familiar face from Cincinnati. He would feel more comfortable with a captain-type like Allen at the second level.

No. 48: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Hill is an incredibly athletic linebacker who can impact the game against the run and pass. Few off-ball linebackers boast the level of pass-rush production Hill has accumulated over the past three years (17.0 sacks and eight forced fumbles).