The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with talent spread across nearly every position. Quarterbacks are always the focal point of any draft class, and this year, the talent pool is particularly deep. Among the top prospects, one name that is rising rapidly is South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, who has put himself in the conversation as one of the top quarterbacks eligible for the 2026 draft.
Sellers’ rapid rise from a promising but somewhat unknown recruit to a future first-round pick is a story that combines raw talent, development, and a high football IQ. In this mock draft, we take a deep dive into LaNorris Sellers’ journey and assess his potential as the third quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 2026 Quarterback Class
The 2026 quarterback class has generated significant buzz. Alongside Sellers, there are a few other top-tier prospects, including:
- Bryce Hamilton (USC): A highly regarded pro-style quarterback with elite arm strength and accuracy. Hamilton’s experience in high-pressure games will make him a top pick.
- Isaiah King (Michigan): A dual-threat quarterback with incredible mobility and a knack for making plays outside the pocket. His athleticism will make him a highly sought-after commodity.
- LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina): The wild card in this group, Sellers is an athletic and talented QB who has steadily improved his mechanics and decision-making.
- Rylan Booker (Texas): A highly gifted quarterback with great size and the potential to be a top prospect. However, there are still questions about his consistency at the collegiate level.
In this draft, quarterbacks are in demand, as several NFL teams are looking to upgrade at the position or find their next franchise QB. Sellers stands out not only because of his physical attributes but also because of his growth as a player over the past few seasons.
LaNorris Sellers’ Background
LaNorris Sellers, a 6’4″, 220-pound dual-threat quarterback from South Carolina, arrived in Columbia as a relatively unknown recruit but has quickly gained recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His development has been rapid, and many analysts see him as a highly versatile player with all the traits of an NFL starter.
Sellers was a standout high school quarterback, gaining attention for his powerful arm and ability to make plays with his legs. He spent his first year in college as a backup, learning the system and developing his craft under South Carolina’s coaching staff. During his sophomore year, Sellers was thrust into a starting role and quickly proved that he could be an impact player at the collegiate level.
2025 Season: Sellers’ Breakout Year
The 2025 season was a turning point in LaNorris Sellers’ career. He took over as South Carolina’s starting quarterback and immediately delivered impressive performances against some of the toughest defenses in college football. Sellers finished the 2025 season with over 3,500 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions. He also added another 500+ yards on the ground, showcasing his ability to make plays with his legs.
What stood out most was Sellers’ development as a passer. His mechanics became more refined, his decision-making improved, and his timing on deep throws became more consistent. His ability to read defenses and make adjustments in the pocket made him one of the most difficult quarterbacks to defend against in 2025.
Strengths
- Arm Strength and Accuracy: Sellers has an absolute cannon for an arm. His ability to make every throw on the field—from deep bombs to touch passes in the red zone—has scouts salivating. While he isn’t the most accurate quarterback in terms of completion percentage, his velocity on throws allows him to fit balls into tight windows with impressive frequency.
- Mobility: Sellers is a dual-threat quarterback, which is increasingly important in today’s NFL. He’s capable of extending plays with his legs, picking up first downs, or even breaking off big runs when necessary. His quickness and ability to escape pressure make him a nightmare for defenses, especially when paired with his strong arm. He isn’t as fast as some of the other dual-threat quarterbacks in the draft, but his agility and vision are top-tier.
- Football IQ: One of Sellers’ most underrated traits is his understanding of the game. He has a great grasp of offensive and defensive schemes and is able to make quick, intelligent decisions under pressure. His ability to read coverages, make pre-snap adjustments, and recognize mismatches is evidence of his growth as a player.
- Poise and Leadership: Sellers displays exceptional poise in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s leading his team to a game-winning drive or handling the media attention that comes with being a high-profile quarterback, Sellers doesn’t seem to get rattled. He has proven that he can manage the game in crucial moments and make the right play when it matters most.
Weaknesses
- Consistency: While Sellers has shown flashes of brilliance, there are still concerns about his consistency. He occasionally struggles with ball placement, particularly on intermediate throws. His deep-ball accuracy is a work in progress, and while he has the arm strength to make all the throws, he doesn’t always deliver them on time or in a position where his receivers can make a play.
- Decision-Making Under Pressure: Sellers has had some issues with forcing throws under pressure. He sometimes tries to make plays that aren’t there, leading to interceptions or missed opportunities. While his football IQ is strong, he will need to continue improving his decision-making in critical moments.
- Footwork and Mechanics: Although Sellers has improved significantly in this area, his footwork can sometimes be erratic, leading to off-target throws or poor mechanics. With further coaching, this is a correctable flaw, but it’s something that scouts will be paying attention to as they evaluate his potential.
2026 NFL Draft Projection: Sellers as the Third QB Off the Board
Given the depth of the quarterback class in 2026, LaNorris Sellers will likely find himself competing for the title of third quarterback selected. Many believe he has the potential to be a future franchise QB, but he may need a year or two of development before he reaches his full potential at the professional level.
Teams in need of a quarterback but picking after the top two teams will likely have Sellers at or near the top of their boards. The most likely landing spots for Sellers could be teams that are ready to draft their future quarterback but are not in an immediate win-now situation.
Potential Landing Spots:
- New York Jets (Pick 3): After a promising start, the Jets have struggled to find a franchise quarterback. Sellers would be a good fit in a system where he can sit behind a veteran and learn for a year. His mobility and arm strength could be a great asset in New York’s offense.
- Minnesota Vikings (Pick 10): The Vikings may be looking for their next QB of the future as Kirk Cousins’ career nears its twilight. Sellers could fit into their offense, with the ability to develop behind a veteran for a season or two before taking over.
- Las Vegas Raiders (Pick 12): The Raiders are in a transitional phase and could see Sellers as a developmental prospect who offers both a high ceiling and a considerable amount of upside. Sellers’ ability to make plays with his legs would complement the Raiders’ aggressive style of play.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Pick 14): After taking a chance on Baker Mayfield, the Bucs may be looking for a more long-term solution at quarterback. Sellers could sit for a season behind a veteran and develop in a system built for a strong-armed, mobile quarterback.
- Tennessee Titans (Pick 15): Tennessee may decide it’s time to move on from Ryan Tannehill, making them a potential landing spot for Sellers. With a strong running game already in place, Sellers could step into a situation where he can focus on developing his passing game while still contributing as a dual-threat quarterback.
LaNorris Sellers is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. With an explosive combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ, he offers significant potential as an NFL starter. While there are areas of his game that still need refinement, his physical tools and leadership qualities make him a player worth investing in. As the third quarterback off the board, Sellers has the chance to be a game-changer for whichever team drafts him, potentially transforming their offense for years to come.
