Breaking Down the 2026 NFL Draft's Early Favorites
With the 2026 NFL Draft still a long way off, speculation is already heating up thanks to ESPN analyst Matt Miller's 'way-too-early' mock draft released on June 30. Miller's projections offer a glimpse into potential team strategies, spotlighting key positions like quarterback, where four players are predicted to be selected in the first round. This early look has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about team needs and the rising stars of college football.
Among the standout predictions, the Cleveland Browns are slotted to pick first overall, with Miller projecting them to select Cade Klubnik, a quarterback from Clemson. Meanwhile, the Browns are also expected to hold the 12th pick via a trade with Jacksonville, where they are predicted to take Caleb Lomu, an offensive tackle from Utah. These selections highlight the team's potential focus on rebuilding their offensive core.
Quarterback Prospects Steal the Spotlight
The quarterback position dominates early conversations for the 2026 draft, with Miller identifying four signal-callers in his first-round projections. Alongside Klubnik to the Browns, Garrett Nussmeier from LSU is projected to go 11th overall to the Indianapolis Colts. LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina is slated for the Pittsburgh Steelers at 16th, and Drew Allar from Penn State is expected to be picked by the Los Angeles Rams at 27th.
This heavy emphasis on quarterbacks underscores the ongoing demand for elite talent at the position. Miller noted in his analysis that teams like the Steelers are 'on the prowl for a top quarterback,' with Sellers described as one of college football's most exciting dual-threat prospects. The Rams, holding multiple first-round picks, also appear poised to address their future at the position with Allar.
Team Strategies and Other Key Selections
Beyond quarterbacks, Miller's mock draft sheds light on other team priorities. The Tennessee Titans, picking fifth overall, are projected to select T.J. Parker, an edge rusher from Clemson, dubbed a 'defensive menace' for his potential impact. The New York Giants, with the second overall pick, are expected to bolster their offensive line with Kadyn Proctor from Alabama, described as a player 'on the rise.'
Elsewhere, the Utah Utes make a strong showing with two players projected in the first round. Spencer Fano is slotted to the Seattle Seahawks in the top 10, while Caleb Lomu is expected to join the Browns. These projections reflect the depth of talent in college programs and the diverse needs of NFL teams as they look ahead to 2026, setting the stage for an intriguing draft cycle.