The 2026 NFL Draft is already shaping up to be a wild ride, especially with talk swirling about a possible blockbuster trade right at the top. According to a recent mock draft from CBS Sports, it looks like the first two picks will be quarterbacks who made a splash in the College Football Playoff.
Oregon’s Dante Moore and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza are leading the charge. Teams seem ready to make big moves to get their hands on one of these guys.
Top Quarterback Prospects: Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza
This year, it’s all about two quarterbacks: Dante Moore from Oregon and Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Both have put together impressive college careers and are at the top of just about every draft board.
Dante Moore: The Oregon Sensation
Dante Moore has turned heads at Oregon with his arm, accuracy, and a football IQ that gets scouts talking. He’s been cool under pressure in big games, which only makes him more desirable.
His story is pretty interesting, too—he started at UCLA, then transferred to Oregon, and just kept getting better. That run in the College Football Playoff really pushed his stock through the roof.
Fernando Mendoza: Indiana’s Star
Fernando Mendoza started out at California, but he found his groove after transferring to Indiana. He’s shown off his dual-threat skills and leadership, which has made him a favorite for plenty of teams.
Right now, DraftKings Sportsbook has Mendoza as the favorite to go No. 1 overall, with odds sitting at -200. That says a lot about how the league views him.
Potential Blockbuster Trade for the No. 1 Pick
Trading up for the top pick hasn’t happened since the Rams went all-in for Jared Goff, but it feels like this year could be different. The hype around Moore and Mendoza is real, and teams are apparently willing to do whatever it takes to grab one.
The idea of a big trade just adds to the drama. If a team outside the top two desperately needs a quarterback, don’t be shocked if they swing for the fences with a huge offer.
Other Top Prospects to Watch
Quarterbacks usually get all the attention, but there are a few non-quarterback prospects who could make some noise early on. Here are a few names worth knowing:
- Rueben Bain Jr. – EDGE, Miami (FL)
- Arvell Reese – LB, Ohio State
- Ty Simpson – QB, Alabama
Rueben Bain Jr.: Defensive Powerhouse
Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami is a force on defense. He’s got a knack for getting after the quarterback and causing chaos in the backfield.
Some analysts think he could be the first non-quarterback picked, and honestly, it wouldn’t be that surprising.
Arvell Reese: The Ohio State Standout
Ohio State’s Arvell Reese is another name to remember. He’s shown off great tackling and sharp instincts at linebacker.
He’s also pretty versatile, which makes him a solid fit for teams looking to beef up their defense.
Ty Simpson: The Dark Horse
Ty Simpson out of Alabama might not have the same buzz as Moore or Mendoza, but he’s got real talent. His odds to go first overall are at +1800, which isn’t nothing.
He’s done enough at Alabama to get noticed, and you never know—he could surprise some folks.
Teams Without a First-Round Pick
Oh, and four teams—Jaguars, Falcons, Colts, and Packers—don’t have a first-round pick right now. They’ll have to get creative later on, or maybe even try to trade back into the first round if the right deal pops up.
When and Where to Watch
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. As we inch closer, the excitement and rumors are bound to ramp up.
If you’re looking for more detailed coverage or want regular updates, check out CBS Sports.
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