Three teams that may select a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.

The countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft is gaining momentum, and the attention of fans and analysts is once again focused on the quarterback position. Although many experts claim that this class of quarterbacks does not have the depth of previous years, their importance in American football remains undeniable. In the latest mock draft by analyst Todd McShay, only one quarterback is projected to enter the first round: Fernando Mendoza from Indiana University, who is expected to be the number one pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. After that selection, all other 31 picks seem to exclude any further quarterbacks, which would have a significant impact on the league’s landscape.

If McShay is correct, it would be a monumental surprise. The fact is that the quarterback position is extremely valued, and its scarcity is a real concern for many NFL teams. Therefore, it is common for franchises to be willing to “reach” beyond the projected value of players, a behavior that is more pronounced at this position than any other.

Let’s analyze three teams that may be about to do just that:

Firstly, the Jets appear to be the team most likely, alongside the Raiders, to consider a quarterback in the first round. Even with veteran Geno Smith returning, the need to find a long-term solution at the quarterback position is pressing. With two first-round picks, including the second and sixteenth, the Jets may very well seize the opportunity to select a young talent. The name that stands out most for New York is Ty Simpson. Although he showed potential in his only season as a starter at Alabama, Simpson struggled with consistency. Having the chance to develop behind a veteran like Smith could be crucial for his growth.

Secondly, the Steelers have faced difficulties in recent years in finding their franchise quarterback, relying on temporary solutions since Kenny Pickett did not meet expectations. With the 21st pick in the first round, Pittsburgh may be on the verge of making another attempt to secure a future quarterback. The new coach, Mike McCarthy, who has come in to lead a new era, will certainly want to shape this era with a quarterback to his liking. The names under discussion include Ty Simpson and Drew Allar, both of whom have the potential to be the investment the team desperately needs.

Finally, the Cardinals are about to enter a new phase under the leadership of Mike LaFleur. With Kyler Murray facing new challenges, the current situation of the Arizona roster is concerning, especially considering the competitiveness of their division. At the moment, the Cardinals hold the third overall pick, which poses a significant challenge if they decide to select the second quarterback available. However, this also provides the opportunity to trade the pick and acquire more selections to help strengthen the roster. Additionally, there is the possibility of moving up in the draft to secure a quarterback in whom the team has confidence, but the decision to invest that capital is not straightforward.

As the draft approaches, the tension increases and teams’ decisions can change the course of their seasons. The movements surrounding quarterbacks promise to be one of the biggest storylines of this highly anticipated event.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.