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The clock begins Thursday with the first 32 picks set to go in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Polymarket projects a 100-percent chance that the No. 1 pick will be a quarterback, with Fernando Mendoza the odds-on favorite to be selected by Las Vegas.
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What our Post expert thinks about the 2026 NFL Draft
This draft class is widely viewed as underwhelming, especially at quarterback, where Fernando Mendoza stands as the only clear first-round lock.
Mendoza is hot off an eye-popping 2025 season in which he won the Heisman and led Indiana to a national title; he threw 41 touchdowns to just six interceptions.
He has prototypical NFL size, polished decision-making, and pro-ready arm talent, pairing precise ball placement with strong pocket presence. Add in enough toughness and mobility to extend plays when needed and he is the best shot to reinvent a struggling offense in this draft.
Teams in need of quarterbacks may still reach, with prospects like Ty Simpson and a crowded tier behind him generating mixed evaluations across the league.
Simpson is projected to be the second quarterback to get taken. He stepped into a full-time starting role in 2025 and impressed with polished mechanics, quick release and accurate ball placement across all levels of the field. Despite limited starting experience, he showed strong decision-making and production — throwing for over 3,500 yards with 28 touchdowns to just five interceptions — while effectively reading defenses.
Compared to the star-studded 2024 and 2025 classes, this year lacks top-end firepower despite solid depth at receiver, pass rusher and tight end.
As a result, many franchises are already eyeing the 2027 class as a stronger opportunity to find a true franchise quarterback.
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Why Trust New York Post Betting
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
