Allen, Maye, Stafford: Who are the best QBs in the playoffs? Ranking all 14
- - Allen, Maye, Stafford: Who are the best QBs in the playoffs? Ranking all 14
Jack McKessy, USA TODAY January 6, 2026 at 8:39 PM
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Thirty-two quarterbacks entered the race for a Super Bowl 60 championship. Only 14 remain.
The 32-team NFL field that entered the 2025 regular season has narrowed to 14 playoff teams to begin the wild-card round. They're not all built the same. Some enter with grizzled playoff veteran quarterbacks, while a few others are relying on second-year gunslingers making their postseason debuts.
And for the first time since 2017, the playoff starting quarterbacks field does not include the Kansas City Chiefs' three-time Super Bowl MVP, Patrick Mahomes.
Here's how the starting quarterbacks of all 14 playoff teams stack up entering the wild-card round:
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makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fo8okmfdHRvDHl_AjAyGtw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ece3b009de0e7aba961c9dfc2585f6aa class=caas-img data-headline="Best images of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
">Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fo8okmfdHRvDHl_AjAyGtw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ece3b009de0e7aba961c9dfc2585f6aa class=caas-img>
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
NFL quarterback power rankings: Wild-card round1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Unlike a few other quarterbacks in this playoff field, Allen has not been to a Super Bowl, let alone won a title. However, he has also put together a really strong body of work in the postseason: 3,359 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns and four interceptions, plus an additional 668 yards rushing and seven rushing touchdowns.
With Mahomes and Kansas City out of the playoff picture this year, Allen and the Bills have their clearest shot at an AFC title in years. Allen's playoff rΓ©sumΓ© and Pro Bowl regular-season performance carry him to the top spot on the rankings.
2. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Stafford is among the betting favorites to win the MVP award this year with his 46 touchdowns β no other quarterback had more than 35 β and 4,707 passing yards, both leading the NFL in 2025. The Rams' 37-year-old veteran is also one of three Super Bowl champion starting quarterbacks in this year's playoff field.
The Georgia product also matched his career high in wins this year with 12 in the regular season. The last time Stafford hit that mark was in 2021, the last year the Rams won the Super Bowl.
3. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Maye is the other MVP candidate in the NFL playoff field this year. His 72% completion rate led the NFL this year, while his 4,394 yards ranked fourth and 31 passing touchdowns ranked third. The second-year quarterback is making his postseason debut after leading the Patriots to a 14-3 record one year after they went 4-13.
4. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Outside of the two MVP candidates and playoff veteran Allen, Love is the best quarterback among the rest of the starters in this playoff field. The Packers' quarterback ranked second in ESPN's QBR efficiency metric β behind Maye β with his 73.1 mark during the regular season, and he had an 86.5 EPA mark that ranked sixth β just behind Mahomes.
5. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
When Purdy was healthy and active, he played like one of the league's best quarterbacks. In nine starts, the 49ers' quarterback had more games with three or more passing touchdowns (4) than one or fewer (3). That helped boost him into a tie with Love for second place in ESPN's QBR rankings for the season, though his missed games from injuries kept his EPA below the Packers' gunslinger. Purdy went to the NFC championship game twice in his first three seasons and won it once before the 49ers lost to the Chiefs in Super Bowl 58.
6. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
New Jaguars head coach Liam Coen seems to have unlocked the version of Lawrence that everyone anticipated when he was the highest-rated quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. After an up-and-down first half of the season, Jacksonville ripped off seven straight wins to close the regular season behind some excellent performances from its quarterback. Lawrence threw for multiple touchdowns in five of those seven wins, and he finished the year with 29 passing touchdowns (fifth-most in the league) and 4,007 passing yards (sixth-most).
7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Herbert has all of the arm talent and football IQ to potentially earn a spot higher on the list, but he's let down by his supporting cast and playoff rΓ©sumΓ© so far. In six seasons, Herbert has been to the playoffs twice and has not won a game in either appearance. The first loss saw the Chargers blow a 27-0 lead and the second featured four interceptions and a sub-50% completion rate. In addition to the poor past, there's a worrying present: Los Angeles' offensive line is one of the league's worst, and Herbert's ceiling has been diminished by its poor play.
1. Las Vegas Raiders β Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
" style=padding-bottom:56%>1. Las Vegas Raiders β Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xGoR6uX_xTQtqaDDntBs2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/974dbe52310218ef0b49518f1bf46b41 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
1. Las Vegas Raiders β Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
">1. Las Vegas Raiders β Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xGoR6uX_xTQtqaDDntBs2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/974dbe52310218ef0b49518f1bf46b41 class=caas-img>2. New York Jets β Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2. New York Jets β Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gkePvYmkVF3q_qGX45vJRw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9bc168cd606b4a17c9d8168ede8bec3c class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
2. New York Jets β Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
">2. New York Jets β Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gkePvYmkVF3q_qGX45vJRw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9bc168cd606b4a17c9d8168ede8bec3c class=caas-img>3. Arizona Cardinals β Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>3. Arizona Cardinals β Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xtiQcBh_nR8I092lwLISoA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/72c6e272d87c87766670d93ef5305781 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
3. Arizona Cardinals β Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
">3. Arizona Cardinals β Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xtiQcBh_nR8I092lwLISoA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/72c6e272d87c87766670d93ef5305781 class=caas-img>4. Tennessee Titans β Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
" style=padding-bottom:56%>4. Tennessee Titans β Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1YB.rggxft7LshqvBaW4hg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/06e6639619e0df586b61a8ce51e1148c class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
4. Tennessee Titans β Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
">4. Tennessee Titans β Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1YB.rggxft7LshqvBaW4hg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/06e6639619e0df586b61a8ce51e1148c class=caas-img>5. New York Giants β Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>5. New York Giants β Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4xQRPayXWEZFOcXqpDVxFQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b01dca8406cf311e54f3b5f9394ef8bc class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
5. New York Giants β Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
">5. New York Giants β Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4xQRPayXWEZFOcXqpDVxFQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b01dca8406cf311e54f3b5f9394ef8bc class=caas-img>6. Cleveland Browns β Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>6. Cleveland Browns β Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6qvRhGh1UzYRuiF67Qx8tw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2b89206f679920a0cec362ae9de58f1d class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
6. Cleveland Browns β Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
">6. Cleveland Browns β Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6qvRhGh1UzYRuiF67Qx8tw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2b89206f679920a0cec362ae9de58f1d class=caas-img>7. Washington Commanders β Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
" style=padding-bottom:56%>7. Washington Commanders β Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yHu8UeMBXXe.F4no4ALc7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c79f5819a1276c9e0b4407e7c8ec0a35 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
7. Washington Commanders β Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
">7. Washington Commanders β Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yHu8UeMBXXe.F4no4ALc7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c79f5819a1276c9e0b4407e7c8ec0a35 class=caas-img>8. New Orleans Saints β Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
" style=padding-bottom:56%>8. New Orleans Saints β Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DZDN4udiZPMQ3hT2K7XRgw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa8f461f936161e1d38222e1e1a174a6 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
8. New Orleans Saints β Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
">8. New Orleans Saints β Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DZDN4udiZPMQ3hT2K7XRgw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa8f461f936161e1d38222e1e1a174a6 class=caas-img>9. Kansas City Chiefs β David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
" style=padding-bottom:56%>9. Kansas City Chiefs β David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zqAAQ7.6om7UEG68lI7BEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e024c634f688a3ada90864f944d5613 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
9. Kansas City Chiefs β David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
">9. Kansas City Chiefs β David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zqAAQ7.6om7UEG68lI7BEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e024c634f688a3ada90864f944d5613 class=caas-img>10. Cincinnati Bengals β Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>10. Cincinnati Bengals β Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/R2OAXNlVVPQE8f4MaOPfmA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMTE2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8a2bc7fa4cca63342afc5260ac49a2bf class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
10. Cincinnati Bengals β Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
">10. Cincinnati Bengals β Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/R2OAXNlVVPQE8f4MaOPfmA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMTE2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8a2bc7fa4cca63342afc5260ac49a2bf class=caas-img>11. Miami Dolphins β Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
" style=padding-bottom:56%>11. Miami Dolphins β Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3D7QngB.v6SgcizcndCCTQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTEx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c3c3c8f1260d7eed6ef5ecd0de8f0c98 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
11. Miami Dolphins β Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
">11. Miami Dolphins β Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3D7QngB.v6SgcizcndCCTQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTEx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c3c3c8f1260d7eed6ef5ecd0de8f0c98 class=caas-img>12. Dallas Cowboys β Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>12. Dallas Cowboys β Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6gMY.ajRaH02c2DkBhxNcg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f2a8166c34fe9a3e4238b8dd387a106c class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
12. Dallas Cowboys β Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
">12. Dallas Cowboys β Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6gMY.ajRaH02c2DkBhxNcg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f2a8166c34fe9a3e4238b8dd387a106c class=caas-img>13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) β Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
" style=padding-bottom:56%>13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) β Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JUBUTcV9vovXEHSEf_i.iQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc286b7d1c9fcb34f849148c5281a94d class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) β Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
">13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) β Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JUBUTcV9vovXEHSEf_i.iQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc286b7d1c9fcb34f849148c5281a94d class=caas-img>14. Baltimore Ravens β Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
" style=padding-bottom:56%>14. Baltimore Ravens β Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n4yMmNy1bYfFMUgjsaUe.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f99e41a7cafe79edc706ab6604ad332b class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
14. Baltimore Ravens β Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
">14. Baltimore Ravens β Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n4yMmNy1bYfFMUgjsaUe.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f99e41a7cafe79edc706ab6604ad332b class=caas-img>15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers β Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
" style=padding-bottom:56%>15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers β Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ajyK0mSSCVOwL7U7KmAkSg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e5de0b59cb9bc2a4e472fb2db7948bb class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers β Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
">15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers β Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ajyK0mSSCVOwL7U7KmAkSg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e5de0b59cb9bc2a4e472fb2db7948bb class=caas-img>16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) β Makai Lemon, WR, USC
" style=padding-bottom:56%>16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) β Makai Lemon, WR, USC
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AyuyrwoDMZtLIVhg7.I_DQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ad4ab863323b591903ce0f398f62839 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) β Makai Lemon, WR, USC
">16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) β Makai Lemon, WR, USC
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AyuyrwoDMZtLIVhg7.I_DQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ad4ab863323b591903ce0f398f62839 class=caas-img>17. Detroit Lions β Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
" style=padding-bottom:56%>17. Detroit Lions β Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/T3YUygiFHT9pwRia4uyx5w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1b20b32590ee76902a21975f9a9297d0 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
17. Detroit Lions β Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
">17. Detroit Lions β Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/T3YUygiFHT9pwRia4uyx5w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1b20b32590ee76902a21975f9a9297d0 class=caas-img>18. Minnesota Vikings β Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
" style=padding-bottom:56%>18. Minnesota Vikings β Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/txc23NcloX5PXygBjrcYLA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0zMTc0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/79fac7df0154f21ee4dccab8dc14c608 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
18. Minnesota Vikings β Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
">18. Minnesota Vikings β Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/txc23NcloX5PXygBjrcYLA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0zMTc0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/79fac7df0154f21ee4dccab8dc14c608 class=caas-img>19. Carolina Panthers β Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
" style=padding-bottom:56%>19. Carolina Panthers β Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zLApGciSZ.knQHZgBqgk1g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f12dfa98e13e8f0f130fae4e4b0c299f class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
19. Carolina Panthers β Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
">19. Carolina Panthers β Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zLApGciSZ.knQHZgBqgk1g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f12dfa98e13e8f0f130fae4e4b0c299f class=caas-img>20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) β Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
" style=padding-bottom:56%>20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) β Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/swEaxxNcbHxAHhGXLpLrYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e6b0e8522e29cece155735c561d2ebeb class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) β Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
">20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) β Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/swEaxxNcbHxAHhGXLpLrYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e6b0e8522e29cece155735c561d2ebeb class=caas-img>21. Pittsburgh Steelers β Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
" style=padding-bottom:56%>21. Pittsburgh Steelers β Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/opq3RFX4iJORrFfqW2mTyA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODE3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8189d96e04960b506a44707fe9ad6e34 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
21. Pittsburgh Steelers β Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
">21. Pittsburgh Steelers β Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/opq3RFX4iJORrFfqW2mTyA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODE3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8189d96e04960b506a44707fe9ad6e34 class=caas-img>22. Los Angeles Chargers β Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>22. Los Angeles Chargers β Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5bxZO4ssda2rV6NNeOBnPg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/32282a3cfa942208234941112d44c6f3 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
22. Los Angeles Chargers β Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
">22. Los Angeles Chargers β Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5bxZO4ssda2rV6NNeOBnPg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/32282a3cfa942208234941112d44c6f3 class=caas-img>23. Philadelphia Eagles β Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
" style=padding-bottom:56%>23. Philadelphia Eagles β Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mIx8joTT6ImzjBUzMvLVZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8481680a56f2458dbf98da3aa75299ab class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
23. Philadelphia Eagles β Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
">23. Philadelphia Eagles β Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mIx8joTT6ImzjBUzMvLVZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8481680a56f2458dbf98da3aa75299ab class=caas-img>24. Buffalo Bills β Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
" style=padding-bottom:56%>24. Buffalo Bills β Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rY7hYWiLWiGpwQJY2gHqMg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3e25b5491d60ac73aeb973ea88def365 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
24. Buffalo Bills β Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
">24. Buffalo Bills β Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rY7hYWiLWiGpwQJY2gHqMg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3e25b5491d60ac73aeb973ea88def365 class=caas-img>25. Chicago Bears β Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
" style=padding-bottom:56%>25. Chicago Bears β Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wIaaSx.u6KiAB7wQ6gnSew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/16f3955be0f72b3e0f5b206acc597fab class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
25. Chicago Bears β Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
">25. Chicago Bears β Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wIaaSx.u6KiAB7wQ6gnSew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/16f3955be0f72b3e0f5b206acc597fab class=caas-img>26. San Francisco 49ers β KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
" style=padding-bottom:56%>26. San Francisco 49ers β KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mwXNAhFzMNw8.HHNrDWrDg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/eb0956b081fd1c37c52b68efc25c007e class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
26. San Francisco 49ers β KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
">26. San Francisco 49ers β KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mwXNAhFzMNw8.HHNrDWrDg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/eb0956b081fd1c37c52b68efc25c007e class=caas-img>27. Houston Texans β Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>27. Houston Texans β Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/McMlinOqCuz1jEIA9IK_kg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ff84c8ee10fcf67261ab22f28de8cb76 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
27. Houston Texans β Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
">27. Houston Texans β Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/McMlinOqCuz1jEIA9IK_kg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ff84c8ee10fcf67261ab22f28de8cb76 class=caas-img>28. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) β Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
" style=padding-bottom:56%>28. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) β Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.31bNe727fQXnHJmqsmKhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NzA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1bf708d70ede4e851729683b08f1320a class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
28. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) β Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
">28. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) β Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.31bNe727fQXnHJmqsmKhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NzA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1bf708d70ede4e851729683b08f1320a class=caas-img>29. Rams β Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
" style=padding-bottom:56%>29. Rams β Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1s4wHrnBc.cVN0sKKT1OTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/08b410416cded8ea8495d8f4c10eef39 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
29. Rams β Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
">29. Rams β Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1s4wHrnBc.cVN0sKKT1OTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/08b410416cded8ea8495d8f4c10eef39 class=caas-img>30. New England Patriots β Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
" style=padding-bottom:56%>30. New England Patriots β Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/M62jq7S5DwFVgL3w0Pp1.g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e41815f58fb00adb7a08279b14df418e class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
30. New England Patriots β Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
">30. New England Patriots β Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/M62jq7S5DwFVgL3w0Pp1.g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e41815f58fb00adb7a08279b14df418e class=caas-img>31. Denver Broncos β CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
" style=padding-bottom:56%>31. Denver Broncos β CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fB2FLqxaLNMbV9jyM1SKog--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDQ1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4794884f7489917994538b07d9850cb3 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
31. Denver Broncos β CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
">31. Denver Broncos β CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fB2FLqxaLNMbV9jyM1SKog--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDQ1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4794884f7489917994538b07d9850cb3 class=caas-img>32. Seattle Seahawks β Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>32. Seattle Seahawks β Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CAMKKOAVqA1S1kFONIopfQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/97a5b94cbf09c62940b95be15ec1f764 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
32. Seattle Seahawks β Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
">32. Seattle Seahawks β Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CAMKKOAVqA1S1kFONIopfQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/97a5b94cbf09c62940b95be15ec1f764 class=caas-img>
1 / 322026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set
1. Las Vegas Raiders β Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
CONTENDERS OR PRETENDERS? Which NFL playoff team is biggest Super Bowl 60 threat? Ranking all 14 on title chances
8. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Williams is the second of three second-year quarterbacks making their postseason debut this year. As with Coen and Lawrence in Jacksonville, Williams seems to have unlocked more of his potential under new Bears head coach Ben Johnson's tutelage in 2025. The USC product finished just behind Lawrence in the league's rankings with 3,942 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. He's displayed his outstanding arm strength and improvisational skills all year, creating some highlight-reel plays, but Williams still needs some refinement. Ball placement and touch stand out as specific areas of improvement.
9. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Darnold's first season in Seattle helped push the Seahawks from just outside of the playoff picture to the No. 1 seed in the NFC. For the second straight year, the former Jets quarterback won 14 games, threw for more than 4,000 yards and set a new career high in completion rate (67.7%). But Darnold only has one game of playoff experience in his eight-year career, and his showing in last year's wild-card round game against the Rams was not pretty. He took nine sacks and looked deeply uncomfortable in the pocket en route to a 27-9 loss.
Darnold will get an extra week to prepare with the Seahawks' earned wild-card round bye, but he'll have to be hoping for a couple of wild-card upsets to avoid facing the Rams in the postseason again.
10. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
The reigning Super Bowl MVP was the leader of an offense that mostly looked lost throughout the 2025 season. Hurts threw for touchdowns at the highest rate of his career while setting a new career high with 25 touchdown passes. He also matched a career-low interceptions rate with just six this season.
But Hurts also rushed fewer times than he ever has in a season since he took over as Philadelphia's starter in 2021, and the Eagles' reliance on their quarterback's arm more in 2025 correlated to worse results. The five games in which Hurts had the most pass attempts this season were also the five starts the quarterback lost this year.
11. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Stroud has been the king of the wild-card round in his first two seasons in the NFL. Both last year and the year before, the Texans' third-year quarterback put together a nice performance in the first round of the playoffs to put points on the board and help Houston advance. This year, Stroud had one of his weakest regular seasons so far. Per Pro Football Focus, Stroud's time to throw is down to a career-low 2.8 seconds, which has led to a career-low 23 sacks taken. But it's also led to fewer big-time throws, fewer yards per game and a shorter average depth of target than any previous year.
12. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Nix is the third of the three second-year quarterbacks making his first playoff appearance this year. He's also the only one who doesn't have to play in the wild-card round thanks to the Broncos' No. 1 seed and bye. The Oregon product had a nice second season with 3,931 passing yards, a new career high, and seven game-winning drives, leading the NFL in 2025.
Digging deeper, Nix looked like more of a beneficiary of Denver's skilled receivers winning in the short passing game than a skilled passer consistently throwing deep. While his passing yards total ranked eighth in the league, it was on a league-leading 612 pass attempts. His 6.4 average yards per attempt ranked third-fewest of quarterbacks with 16 starts this year, ahead of only Cam Ward and Bryce Young. Nix's average depth of target of 8.0 yards was the seventh-shortest of quarterbacks with at least 500 dropbacks.
13. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
There were moments during Rodgers' 21st season, at 42 years old, that showed he still has some of that raw talent that netted him four NFL MVPs. However, more often than not, Rodgers β like Nix β also relied on Pittsburgh's talented offensive play-makers to succeed. His 6.4 yards of average depth of target was the lowest of any quarterback with at least 500 dropbacks. His 3,322 yards and 24 touchdown passes were also career-low marks for Rodgers in any season with at least 15 games played.
14. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
Young is the outlier of all outliers among NFL quarterbacks with his diminutive stature of 5-foot-10, 204 pounds. Despite starting 16 games, he has fewer passing yards than any other playoff starting quarterback and a lower average depth of target (7.0) in this group of anyone besides Rodgers. In three seasons so far, Young's best demonstrated quality has been his aptitude for being clutch in the late stages of games. His six game-winning drives were tied for second-most this year, plus he's already defeated Stafford and the Rams this season β albeit with some significant help from Carolina's defense.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Playoff QB power rankings: How all 14 stack up in wild-card round
Source: βAOL Sportsβ
