2026 NFL Draft: Early run on quarterbacks rock new CBS Sports mock draft

by: Nick Kosko 9 hours ago nickkosko59

The latest NFL Mock Draft for 2026 from CBS Sports is here and it features a run on quarterbacks in the first round. Especially within the top five!

It’s the most important position, of course, and there are some teams that are needy going into the spring. It looks like this draft will feature a signal caller at the top too!

So without further ado, let’s dive into CBS’ latest from Ryan Wilson. We begin with the No. 1 overall pick.

Mendoza is the selection and the most popular selection in next year’s draft, as far as picking who’s going No. 1. He won the Heisman Trophy and has Indiana at 13-0 ahead of the Rose Bowl against Alabama.

Mendoza has looked solid since his days at Cal, but he took it to a new level in 2025. The Raiders need everything and it starts with a franchise QB.

Despite rumors and national media narrative that Jaxson Dart “ain’t it chief,” the Giants don’t give up on their franchise QB in this draft. Instead, they add a valuable piece to the defense.

Reese is arguably the best linebacker in college football, leading the Ohio State defense. New York doesn’t want to pass on pairing him with Abdul Carter for next year.

Here is the next quarterback selected in this mock draft, Dante Moore! The Oregon star won’t last long in the first round, so the Jets better strike.

Once again, New York is without a signal caller and they need to, finally, hit on one right? Moore has vastly improved year to year from his freshman year at UCLA to this year at Oregon.

The Titans at least have their quarterback but they need to use this draft to take the best available player. In this case, it’s Woods.

Woods is one of the best among interior defensive linemen, constantly crashing the pocket. He’s a run stuffer and a pass rusher!

The third quarterback of CBS’ mock draft goes here in the top five. The Cardinals hit the reset button after the Kyler Murray era.

Whether or not head coach Jonathan Gannon is back remains to be seen, since the team is 3-13 going into the final week. Simpson has shown noticeable improvement throughout the year, especially in his first year as a starter.

Another Ohio State player is off the board in this mock draft. Jeremiah Smith isn’t eligible yet, so Tate is your consolation prize! 

He’s pretty darn good, too, as Cleveland needs more weapons for Shedeur Sanders or another quarterback. You can plug Tate in instantly as a rookie next year.

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