Best Fits for the Top Four Quarterbacks in the 2026 Draft Class
The 2025 NFL Draft class was thin at the quarterback position—only one rookie has earned a starting job. With so little depth, several teams will enter the season still searching for their future signal-caller. Fortunately for them, the 2026 NFL Draft is loaded with quarterback talent.
Many quarterbacks chose to stay in college for another year—either to continue developing or to chase a national title. With three of the top four passers making that decision, the 2026 NFL Draft is suddenly stacked with promising quarterbacks.
With many teams still searching for their guy, current starters are either past their prime or have yet to prove they belong. QB-needy franchises are poised to enter the sweepstakes for these prospects next April.
Cade Klubnik – New Orleans Saints
Cade Klubnik will be the first quarterback—and the first overall pick—in the 2026 NFL Draft. He has all the physical tools to make it happen: a rocket arm, pinpoint accuracy, and quick legs. Pair those tools with Clemson’s legendary coach, Dabo Swinney, and an elite wide receiver corps, and Klubnik is poised to make noise and emerge as the cemented QB1 this college football season.
2024 Stats
- Completion Percentage: 63.4% (308 of 486)
- Passing Yards: 3,639
- Touchdowns: 36
- Interceptions: 9
Cade Klubnik 2024 Regular Season Highlights | Clemson Quarterback
Why the Saints?: Quarterback Depth
Former New Orleans starter Derek Carr retired this offseason due to a shoulder injury, leaving the team without a starting-caliber quarterback. The Saints are currently holding a competition between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough to determine their starter, but neither is a long-term or reliable option.
With the lack of depth at quarterback, it seems almost inevitable that the Saints will search for their next starter in the draft. With the Saints expected to be one of the NFL’s worst teams this upcoming season, it seems like a perfect setup for them to land the QB1 in the 2026 draft.
Garrett Nussmeier – Cleveland Browns
- Completion Percentage: 64.2% (337 of 525)
- Passing Yards: 4,052
- Touchdowns: 29
- Interceptions: 12
Why the Browns?: No QB1 of The Future
LaNorris Sellers – Las Vegas Raiders
LaNorris Sellers didn’t have to wait long before earning his chance to start for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Starting as a redshirt freshman, Sellers was able to emerge as one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the nation. Another key aspect of his game is his playmaking ability, as he can make throws under pressure and extend plays with his mobility. A major appeal of Sellers as a prospect is his seemingly limitless potential—an ability that’s evident to anyone, whether or not they’re a football fan. Expect LaNorris Sellers to be considered one of the top quarterbacks this upcoming draft.
- Completion Percentage: 65.6% (196 of 299)
- Passing Yards: 2,534
- Passing Touchdowns: 18
- Rushing Yards: 674
- Rushing Touchdowns: 7
- Interceptions: 7
Why the Raiders?: Unlocking Offensive Potential
The Las Vegas Raiders’ current starter is Geno Smith, a steady and reliable option. However, Smith is bound to regress due to being on the older side. With no other options at quarterback and a young, exciting offense led by Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders need to find the quarterback who can take the wheel for the future. Well, LaNorris Sellers might be the perfect guy to take control of the offense.
Sellers’ combination of playmaking ability and athleticism makes him one of the most exciting prospects in this upcoming draft. Paired with Ashton Jeanty, he forms one of the most explosive backfields in the league. Just as fans talk about the dynamic duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, expect the same buzz around Sellers and Jeanty. The backfield isn’t the only area seeing improvement; Brock Bowers, one of the best tight ends in the league, will have a young quarterback who can deliver the ball to him for years to come.
If the Raiders choose to draft LaNorris Sellers next April, both the team and franchise will see major success. Sellers to Vegas—it needs to happen.
Drew Allar – New York Jets
Drew Allar possesses all the physical traits needed to be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation for the Penn State Nittany Lions. At 6’5″, and 235 lbs, scouts will be salivating at the potential he possesses. Pair his NFL-ready frame with his strong arm and low interception rate, and Allar instantly becomes a prospect with seemingly unlimited potential.
- Completion Percentage: 66.5% (262 of 394)
- Passing Yards: 3,327
- Passing Touchdowns: 24
- Rushing Yards: 302
- Rushing Touchdowns: 6
- Interceptions: 8
Why the Jets?: Aaron Glenn Will Want His Guy
The New York Jets are incredibly thin at quarterback. With an unproven starter in Justin Fields and a veteran well past his prime in Tyrod Taylor, the team remains in desperate need of their quarterback of the future. Dynamic offensive players like Garret Wilson and Breece Hall will grow frustrated if the team continues to lack a reliable starting quarterback. It’s not just the skill positions that will feel the strain—the young, developing offensive line will grow frustrated seeing their talent and potential go to waste. However, if the Jets select Drew Allar next April, all those concerns could start to fade.
Drew Allar is the ideal quarterback for Aaron Glenn to develop. With his NFL-ready frame, rocket arm, and low interception rate, Allar has all the tools to become Glenn’s bona fide starter for the next several years. If the Jets select Drew Allar in the upcoming draft, it could usher in a new era of success in New York.
Main Photo Credit: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images
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