Dante Moore Emerges as Top QB Prospect in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is now projected as a top pick. His draft stock has soared in recent weeks. Multiple analysts now rank him as the top overall prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.

This shift highlights the depth of the upcoming quarterback class. At least three passers are now consistently mocked within the first six selections. This volatility makes the early draft order highly unpredictable.

Moore’s Meteoric Rise to the Top Spot

Dante Moore’s ascent is the biggest story in pre-draft evaluations. ESPN’s Mel Kiper recently placed the Oregon sophomore first on his Big Board. This move reflects Moore’s impressive physical tools and on-field maturity.

Scouts praise his poise in the pocket and advanced accuracy. He completed 72.9% of his passes for 2,447 yards last season. His dual-threat ability adds a dynamic layer to his pro profile.

Despite being a redshirt sophomore, his mechanics are considered pro-ready. His decision to declare for the draft remains the final unknown. According to CBS Sports, his talent warrants an early first-round selection.

A Crowded Field of Elite Quarterback Talent

Moore is not alone at the top. The 2026 class features unusual depth at the quarterback position. Fernando Mendoza of Indiana and Alabama’s Ty Simpson are also projected as top-ten picks.

This creates a fascinating scenario for NFL teams in need of a franchise passer. Mock drafts vary widely on the order of these three prospects. Team preference and potential trades will ultimately decide who goes where.

The competition is driving intense scrutiny of each player’s skill set. Analysts compare Moore’s athleticism, Mendoza’s intelligence, and Simpson’s accuracy. This debate ensures constant reshuffling of mock drafts until April.

How a Deep QB Class Reshapes the Entire Draft

A run on quarterbacks early in the first round has a domino effect. It pushes talented players at other premium positions down the board. Elite defensive ends and wide receivers could become available later than usual.

Teams picking outside the top five may have a chance at a blue-chip non-QB. This scenario benefits franchises with established quarterbacks. It also increases the trade value of picks held by quarterback-needy teams.

The uncertainty benefits teams that do their homework. A clear evaluation hierarchy will be crucial for success. The teams that identify the right passer will set their franchise on a positive course for years.

The 2026 NFL mock draft landscape is defined by the rise of Dante Moore and a surprisingly deep quarterback class, setting the stage for a dramatic and unpredictable first round.

Thought you’d like to know

Is Dante Moore definitely entering the 2026 draft?

He is eligible as a redshirt sophomore but has not made a formal declaration. Most analysts believe his high projection will encourage him to declare. His final decision is expected after the college season concludes.

Who are the other top quarterbacks besides Moore?

Fernando Mendoza from Indiana and Ty Simpson from Alabama are the other consensus top-tier prospects. Both are also expected to be first-round picks. The order among these three varies by analyst.

Why are mock drafts so different for 2026?

The depth at quarterback creates multiple plausible scenarios for the top ten picks. Team needs are also still unclear a year out. This combination leads to significant variation between projections.

How does this QB class compare to 2025?

Early assessments suggest the 2026 group has more depth at the top. The 2025 class was considered weaker overall. This makes the 2026 draft more anticipated by teams seeking a quarterback.

Which NFL teams are likely to draft a QB early?

Teams with aging veterans or persistent QB issues will be in the market. Franchise performance during the 2025 season will ultimately determine the draft order. Speculation currently centers on teams with long-term uncertainty at the position.