As the college football season progresses, teams are beginning to assess their prospects for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Several franchises, including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants, are projected to finish at the bottom of their divisions. With the draft looming, these teams are strategizing on how to leverage their positions to secure top talent.
According to The Athletic’s Playoff Simulator, as of October 19 and 20, the Jets, Browns, Titans, Raiders, Giants, Vikings, Saints, and Cardinals are positioned to have a significant impact on the draft. The Jets, currently projected to hold the No. 1 pick, could select the top prospect in the class if they maintain their position. If they opt for a quarterback, the team has several underclassmen to consider.
Quarterback Prospects and Team Needs
The 2026 quarterback class is particularly intriguing, featuring underclassmen such as Oregon’s Dante Moore, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers. Each of these players has potential but may choose to return to school. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is the most likely to declare, and he represents a sensible choice for the Jets due to his proven football IQ. In a recent performance against Michigan State, Mendoza completed 85.7 percent of his passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns.
The Browns are also in the market for a quarterback, prioritizing offensive upgrades. If the top-rated quarterbacks are unavailable, they may shift focus to securing an offensive tackle or wide receiver. Utah’s Spencer Fano stands out as a prospect who could bolster their offensive line, while a second first-round pick could be used to address their receiving corps with players like Makai Lemon or Carnell Tate.
The Titans’ strategy hinges on developing young quarterback Cam Ward. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, a standout receiver, could be a valuable asset, demonstrating the ability to create separation and make crucial catches. Additionally, Miami’s Francis Mauigoa remains a strong option to enhance their offensive line.
Defensive and Offensive Strategies
The Raiders, facing their own quarterback challenges, may find it wise to invest in their offensive line. Mauigoa or Fano could provide the necessary upgrades. Furthermore, Ohio State’s Arvell Reese could add depth and versatility to their defense.
For the Giants, who are set to benefit from an improved offensive line, acquiring Fano as their top tackle prospect could be transformative. Currently, Jaxson Dart appears to be the answer at quarterback, making it crucial for the Giants to seek additional receiving talent. Tyson’s recent performance, including 10 catches for 105 yards against Texas Tech, positions him as a prime candidate.
As for the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings could consider Reese as a dynamic linebacker with pass-rush capabilities, providing flexibility in their defensive strategy. The New Orleans Saints are still evaluating their quarterback situation, with Mendoza emerging as a top candidate should he declare.
Finally, the Arizona Cardinals need to address their struggling run game. This could be mitigated by selecting Mauigoa, who has proven to be a solid anchor for Miami’s offensive front. Additionally, pairing Marvin Harrison Jr. with fellow Ohio State standout Tate might create a formidable receiving duo.
With the draft approaching, these teams are under pressure to make informed decisions that will shape their futures. The college football season will continue to influence these prospects, but for teams like the Jets, Giants, and others, the 2026 NFL Draft is a pivotal opportunity to build for success.
