Drafting the NFL’s top 5 NFL quarterbacks entering 2026: AFC dominates, but Patrick Mahomes isn’t No. 1

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…

1. 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.

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.

1. Rosenthal noted that although Jackson is coming off a lesser season by his high standards, his ceiling remains extraordinary. Jackson’s dual-threat prowess, ability to make “wow” runs and throws and his resilience in a sometimes inconsistent offense make him an elite one-year option. Barnwell added that, aside from injuries, Lamar is “phenomenal” — with two MVPs and the capability to take over games.

Rosenthal noted that although Jackson is coming off a lesser season by his high standards, his ceiling remains extraordinary. Jackson’s dual-threat prowess, ability to make “wow” runs and throws and his resilience in a sometimes inconsistent offense make him an elite one-year option. Barnwell added that, aside from injuries, Lamar is “phenomenal” — with two MVPs and the capability to take over games.

1. Tice highlighted May’s statistical dominance last season, his ability to process under pressure, throw every route and win in multiple ways. Tice argued May’s production (eighth in success rate and 10th in EPA per dropback since 2013 among 458 qualified QB seasons) as evidence of his already-elite ability, and forecasted further growth with an improved supporting cast.

Tice highlighted May’s statistical dominance last season, his ability to process under pressure, throw every route and win in multiple ways. Tice argued May’s production (eighth in success rate and 10th in EPA per dropback since 2013 among 458 qualified QB seasons) as evidence of his already-elite ability, and forecasted further growth with an improved supporting cast.

1. Despite coming off an ACL injury and a “down year” by his lofty standards, Tice could not let Mahomes drop further, citing ongoing statistical excellence (top 10 in EPA/success rate), unparalleled improvisation, and his track record of adapting his game to changing circumstances. His continued ability to “do God-tier things” and his offensive situation keep him in the top tier.

Despite coming off an ACL injury and a “down year” by his lofty standards, Tice could not let Mahomes drop further, citing ongoing statistical excellence (top 10 in EPA/success rate), unparalleled improvisation, and his track record of adapting his game to changing circumstances. His continued ability to “do God-tier things” and his offensive situation keep him in the top tier.

1. Rosenthal labeled Burrow as the “safest bet” for consistent high-level quarterback play when protected, praising his processing, error-free execution, and proven leadership — even while returning from injury. Burrow’s hijacking of games with quick decisions and low off-target rates places him clearly in the elite, despite less creation with his legs compared to those ahead of him.

Rosenthal labeled Burrow as the “safest bet” for consistent high-level quarterback play when protected, praising his processing, error-free execution, and proven leadership — even while returning from injury. Burrow’s hijacking of games with quick decisions and low off-target rates places him clearly in the elite, despite less creation with his legs compared to those ahead of him.