Drafting the NFL's top 5 NFL quarterbacks entering 2026: AFC dominates, but Patrick Mahomes isn't No. 1
Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice is joined by ESPN's Bill Barnwell and NFL Media's Gregg Rosenthal to redraft the top QBs.
What if every NFL quarterback suddenly became a free agent? Who would you draft with the No. 1 pick?
That’s the task taken on in the latest Yahoo Sports “Football 301” podcast, featuring host Nate Tice alongside guests Bill Barnwell of ESPN and Gregg Rosenthal of the “NFL Daily” podcast. Each of them gets to choose the QB they think gives them the best chance to win games in 2026, in order via a snake draft, with the caveat that current contracts and salaries are not factored into the picks. Barnwell drew the first pick, followed by Rosenthal and then Tice.
And the first pick is… Josh Allen Barnwell emphasized Allen’s unmatched combination of skills: ability to create inside and outside of structure, extending plays with his legs, and superior short-yardage running. Allen’s “negative play mitigation” — i. e.
, avoiding sacks and turnovers while having the talent for highlight-reel plays — gives him both the highest floor and ceiling. Despite limited help from weapons and offensive structure, Allen consistently delivers elite performances. Lamar Jackson Rosenthal noted that although Jackson is coming off a lesser season by his high standards, his ceiling remains extraordinary.