2026 NFL Draft: Quarterback Needs for All 32 Teams

As the top pick is all but decided, the rest of the draft is shrouded in mystery for teams in need of a signal-caller.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback's throwing motion broken down into overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange, capturing the complex strategic decisions teams face in the NFL Draft.The 2026 NFL Draft promises to be a strategic chess match as teams maneuver to secure their quarterback of the future.Denver Today

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a fascinating event, with the quarterback position taking center stage. While the top pick of Fernando Mendoza by the Las Vegas Raiders is a foregone conclusion, the rest of the draft is full of uncertainty, especially for teams in need of a franchise quarterback. Beyond Mendoza, the QB class lacks a clear-cut elite prospect, leading to intriguing scenarios for teams like the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Developmental options like Carson Beck and Drew Allar will also be highly sought after, while established starters like the Bengals' Joe Burrow and the Bills' Josh Allen could see their teams add depth. The draft will be a testament to the art of team-building, with QB-needy franchises holding the keys to the league's future.

Why it matters

The 2026 NFL Draft is a crucial event for teams in need of a long-term solution at the quarterback position. With the top pick all but decided, the rest of the draft will be closely watched as franchises navigate the uncertainty of the QB class to find their next franchise signal-caller. The decisions made by these teams will have a significant impact on the league's landscape in the coming years.

The details

Fernando Mendoza is the consensus number one pick, with the Las Vegas Raiders poised to select the former Indiana quarterback. Beyond Mendoza, the QB class lacks a clear-cut elite prospect, leading to intrigue around players like Alabama's Ty Simpson. Teams like the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers could target Simpson, while the Dolphins might look to add a developmental QB despite signing Malik Willis. The Bengals and Bills, with established starters, could still seek QB depth, while the Broncos, Colts, and Bears have interesting scenarios to navigate.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The former Indiana quarterback is the consensus number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Ty Simpson

The Alabama quarterback is considered the second-best QB prospect in the 2026 draft class, with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers potentially eyeing him as a potential franchise quarterback.

Carson Beck

The developmental quarterback prospect is likely to be highly sought after in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Drew Allar

Another developmental quarterback option who could be targeted by teams looking to groom a young signal-caller.

Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals' established starting quarterback, whose durability concerns could lead the team to seek QB depth in the draft.

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What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April 2026, where teams will make their selections and address their quarterback needs.

The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Draft will be a crucial event for teams in need of a long-term solution at the quarterback position. With the top pick all but decided, the rest of the draft will be closely watched as franchises navigate the uncertainty of the QB class to find their next franchise signal-caller. The decisions made by these teams will have a significant impact on the league's landscape in the coming years.