The NFL Draft cycle never sleeps. With the ink barely dry on the 2025 selections, ESPN analyst Todd McShay has already shifted his focus to next year.
His Way-Too-Early Mock for 2026 brings some surprising revelations. Those expecting to see Texas quarterback Arch Manning highlighted in the early projections might be disappointed.
McShay excluded the highly touted Manning, suggesting he believes the young signal-caller will likely wait for the 2027 draft before making his NFL leap.
Despite this notable absence, quarterback talent still dominates the conversation for 2026.
“I went with Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Quarterback. I think people are a lot lower on Nussmeier than I am,” McShay explained when revealing his projected top pick on his FanDuel show.
2026 Way-Too-Early Mock Draft: Is Garrett Nussmeier the No. 1 Pick?
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The Louisiana State University quarterback has captured McShay’s attention with his field vision, anticipatory throws, and playmaking ability under pressure.
While Nussmeier still has areas needing improvement, particularly his risk management, scouts can’t ignore his natural talent.
Coming from an NFL bloodline and demonstrating exceptional skill threading passes into tight windows, Nussmeier represents the kind of prospect teams gamble on at the top of drafts.
His previous season showed inconsistency, but the flashes of brilliance have draft analysts intrigued about his ceiling if development continues on track.
Perhaps most interesting is McShay’s landing spot prediction. The New York Jets feature prominently in his crystal ball, potentially securing the first overall selection in 2026.
Should this scenario unfold, another quarterback reset could be brewing in New York.
Justin Fields, their current option, appears positioned as merely a transitional figure rather than a long-term solution.
Nussmeier could become the next hope for a franchise perpetually searching for stability at football’s most important position.
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