2026 Mock Draft Thread

[stelfans]

After last game, i tried to focus on what i see as the main weaknesses on the team: the secondary and the ofensive line. And since im not a fan of this edge class, i would prefer they sign someone in free agency to help there.
Also, i tried do draft just senior's and make it as realistic as possible.

29. Sonny Styles LB - nuff said, between him and Hill Jr. i think we really need someone to complement Spillane with sideline to sideline speed. I can see them go with Cashius Howell late in the first thou.
62. Chris Johnson CB - This spot is really hard for me. Johnson ended up being BPA for me here and with our lack of depth at CB it seems like a good value pick.
93. Jake Golday LB - Again, i really think we could use a revamped LB unit. Golday could end up drafted much higher than this but he was available i really like his versatility to go after the QB or cover bigger guys.
118. Michael Taaffe S - Binky. Safety is probably the #1 need for this team but thankfully this is a really deep class. I could have picked him a round earlier but i took the risk.
130. Matt Gulbin IOL - Another guy i just love and will probably have him in every mock. He's a center but has experience playing guard, i see this as another Jared Wilson type pick. Just a strong, smart dude that can play several spots along the line. This pick could also be Logan Jones if available.
169. Monroe Freeling OT - With Vederian Lowe without a contract next year and Moses emptying the tank, i think we could use a versatile tackle that could battle it out with Bryant. He's playing LT this year but played RT last year.
197. Rod Moore S - Injury risk aside, he has all the tools to be a great pick. Late round flyer i guess.
211. Jaccarius Peak OL - Just started scouting this guy. He's also a redshirt junior Played RT last year, is playing LT this year but i could see him inside as well. Made Bruce Feldman's “Freaks List” "Peak vertical ran a 4.86 40 and hit 19.8 mph on the GPS. He jumped 32.5 inches, broad jumped 9-3 and timed a very impressive 4.37-second shuttle. That would've been the fastest shuttle time of any offensive lineman at the 2024 combine".
218. Caden Curry DE - Love this dude, i think he will go in the middle rounds but for now i just wanted to have him in the mock.
244. Matt Hibner TE - In a not so good TE class, this is a flyer on big dude with some skill to fill out a TE room. Could be Mcree or some other TE.

 

[mayoclinic]

Great mock.

I would be thrilled with Sonny Style + Jake Golday, Chris Johnson, Michael Taaffe + Rod Moore.

Monroe Frreling on my binky list. 169 seems optimistic, but why not?

 

[manxman2601]

118. Michael Taaffe S - Binky. Safety is probably the #1 need for this team but thankfully this is a really deep class. I could have picked him a round earlier but i took the risk.

 

[manxman2601]

After last game, i tried to focus on what i see as the main weaknesses on the team: the secondary and the ofensive line. And since im not a fan of this edge class, i would prefer they sign someone in free agency to help there.
Also, i tried do draft just senior's and make it as realistic as possible.

29. Sonny Styles LB - nuff said, between him and Hill Jr. i think we really need someone to complement Spillane with sideline to sideline speed. I can see them go with Cashius Howell late in the first thou.
62. Chris Johnson CB - This spot is really hard for me. Johnson ended up being BPA for me here and with our lack of depth at CB it seems like a good value pick.
93. Jake Golday LB - Again, i really think we could use a revamped LB unit. Golday could end up drafted much higher than this but he was available i really like his versatility to go after the QB or cover bigger guys.
118. Michael Taaffe S - Binky. Safety is probably the #1 need for this team but thankfully this is a really deep class. I could have picked him a round earlier but i took the risk.
130. Matt Gulbin IOL - Another guy i just love and will probably have him in every mock. He's a center but has experience playing guard, i see this as another Jared Wilson type pick. Just a strong, smart dude that can play several spots along the line. This pick could also be Logan Jones if available.
169. Monroe Freeling OT - With Vederian Lowe without a contract next year and Moses emptying the tank, i think we could use a versatile tackle that could battle it out with Bryant. He's playing LT this year but played RT last year.
197. Rod Moore S - Injury risk aside, he has all the tools to be a great pick. Late round flyer i guess.
211. Jaccarius Peak OL - Just started scouting this guy. He's also a redshirt junior Played RT last year, is playing LT this year but i could see him inside as well. Made Bruce Feldman's “Freaks List” "Peak vertical ran a 4.86 40 and hit 19.8 mph on the GPS. He jumped 32.5 inches, broad jumped 9-3 and timed a very impressive 4.37-second shuttle. That would've been the fastest shuttle time of any offensive lineman at the 2024 combine".
218. Caden Curry DE - Love this dude, i think he will go in the middle rounds but for now i just wanted to have him in the mock.
244. Matt Hibner TE - In a not so good TE class, this is a flyer on big dude with some skill to fill out a TE room. Could be Mcree or some other TE.

More seriously, I love your first two picks. Gulbin is also an excellent pick and I need to look into Jaccarius Peak more. You <cough> peak-ed<cough> my interest in him.

As for Jake Golday. Excellent prospect but I'm not sure two linebackers drafted so high works for me. Technically it can, Styles would be the WILL and Golday the SAM in this scenario presumably, but I just think it's too much draft capital expended on the one position. For me, I'd rather go EDGE in the first and Golday in the 3rd or Styles in the first and probably iOL in the 3rd. Look, if your first three picks are the way it actually goes down, I'd be happy because those are three top quality prospects. It's just the value I question.

I agree the EDGE class isn't great but I'd be fine picking up David Bailey or Quincy Rhodes in the late first if available. I also disagree a bit with your thesis that the secondary is our biggest issue on the defense. Yesterday, albeit against a less than perfect QB, the secondary were lights out. Davis and Gonzo barely gave up a reception and Marcus Jones was all over the field. To fix the secondary, they just need to re-sign Jones, add a backup corner and draft a good safety. I'd be fine with Chris Johnson though because the talent is too good to pass up there. The only thind I'd say is that, in my opinion, the problems on this defense are not the secondary or linebackers, it's the lack of consistent pass rush which allows QBs too much time. However, I acknowledge that I seem to be fairly alone in that analysis.

Excellent mock and I'd take those first five picks in a heartbeat, I'd probably just go in a slightly different direction is all.

 

[manxman2601]

I just want to make clear that I don't just want to add pass rush for the sake of it. I want someone who can be an impact guy. This is why I think it's more of a first round or bust kind of thing. Bailey and Rhodes are the two I like that could potentially become that guy. Mesidor too of course, and Zion Young, would be ones I'd take in the middle to late rounds, but my passion for mid to late round pass rushers is waning beyond that.

 

[stelfans]

More seriously, I love your first two picks. Gulbin is also an excellent pick and I need to look into Jaccarius Peak more. You <cough> peak-ed<cough> my interest in him.

As for Jake Golday. Excellent prospect but I'm not sure two linebackers drafted so high works for me. Technically it can, Styles would be the WILL and Golday the SAM in this scenario presumably, but I just think it's too much draft capital expended on the one position. For me, I'd rather go EDGE in the first and Golday in the 3rd or Styles in the first and probably iOL in the 3rd. Look, if your first three picks are the way it actually goes down, I'd be happy because those are three top quality prospects. It's just the value I question.

I agree the EDGE class isn't great but I'd be fine picking up David Bailey or Quincy Rhodes in the late first if available. I also disagree a bit with your thesis that the secondary is our biggest issue on the defense. Yesterday, albeit against a less than perfect QB, the secondary were lights out. Davis and Gonzo barely gave up a reception and Marcus Jones was all over the field. To fix the secondary, they just need to re-sign Jones, add a backup corner and draft a good safety. I'd be fine with Chris Johnson though because the talent is too good to pass up there. The only thind I'd say is that, in my opinion, the problems on this defense are not the secondary or linebackers, it's the lack of consistent pass rush which allows QBs too much time. However, I acknowledge that I seem to be fairly alone in that analysis.

Excellent mock and I'd take those first five picks in a heartbeat, I'd probably just go in a slightly different direction is all.

First of all, thanks for the thought out input, appreciate it.
Secondly, i mostly agree with you. I totally agree the pass rush needs help but 2 problems with that a) i would take bailey in a heartbeat, i just don't think he will be there (he wasn't on my mock) and b) other than bailey i just don't see anyone else that i would take. And Johnson was bpa at the time. I also added Curry who i think will just find ways to be productive at the next level.

Like i said, i would prefer to pick up someone in FA but more important than that, i can totally see them grab Howell if the pick ends up 25 or later. I know you wont like the arm length but the skill is undeniable, as is the need.
I could've picked Rhodes or Saka, who i think is more of a Vrabel type end anyway, and i was very very close to but i didn't for 2 reasons: one they are juniors and i wanted to stay away from underclassman as much as i could and two i think they are both still a bit raw and like you said i wanted someone that could come in and have an impact right away. As far as experiments go, we already have Swinson. I also like Damon Wilson a lot but again, im not sure he will come out. Young im very hot and cold on him.
I picked Golday mostly because i think he could end up playing near the line a lot, thus trying to mitigate some of that lack of pass rush. The way i see it, we play 2 LB as base and that would be Spillane and Styles, so the other guy will always be more of a situational guy. Golday can go after the QB and disguise covers, seems like a perfect fit and someone that would see the field quite a bit.

Lastly, when i say the secondary is a big need its because when i look at the roster i see:

Starters:
Gonzo: check
Davis: check
Marcus Jones: needs a contract, no check
Woodson: check
Hawkins: needs a contract+is the main piece to be replaced, no check
Backups:
Austin:needs a contract
Woods:replacable
Dugger:replacable/cut
Pettus:who?

So, we could draft a CB and 2 safeties and they could all end up being starters or very significant players next year. There is no other unit on the team, save from the Oline (my other top need) that could see that much turnover.

 

[mayoclinic]

I want an impact player with our 1st. BPA. Not many options, at any position. Bailey fits, so does Sonny Styles. Rhodes has upside, but not sure he's there. Would rather add a stud WR than a solid but not impact EDGE.

If no one fits the bill, would try to trade back. Lots of solid contributors in a good depth draft.

 

[mayoclinic]

Howell would be an epic pick. We would have a dozen threads about whether his arms are too short. It would be worth the puck just for that.

 

[manxman2601]

First of all, thanks for the thought out input, appreciate it.
Secondly, i mostly agree with you. I totally agree the pass rush needs help but 2 problems with that a) i would take bailey in a heartbeat, i just don't think he will be there (he wasn't on my mock) and b) other than bailey i just don't see anyone else that i would take. And Johnson was bpa at the time. I also added Curry who i think will just find ways to be productive at the next level.

Like i said, i would prefer to pick up someone in FA but more important than that, i can totally see them grab Howell if the pick ends up 25 or later. I know you wont like the arm length but the skill is undeniable, as is the need.
I could've picked Rhodes or Saka, who i think is more of a Vrabel type end anyway, and i was very very close to but i didn't for 2 reasons: one they are juniors and i wanted to stay away from underclassman as much as i could and two i think they are both still a bit raw and like you said i wanted someone that could come in and have an impact right away. As far as experiments go, we already have Swinson. I also like Damon Wilson a lot but again, im not sure he will come out. Young im very hot and cold on him.
I picked Golday mostly because i think he could end up playing near the line a lot, thus trying to mitigate some of that lack of pass rush. The way i see it, we play 2 LB as base and that would be Spillane and Styles, so the other guy will always be more of a situational guy. Golday can go after the QB and disguise covers, seems like a perfect fit and someone that would see the field quite a bit.

Lastly, when i say the secondary is a big need its because when i look at the roster i see:

Starters:
Gonzo: check
Davis: check
Marcus Jones: needs a contract, no check
Woodson: check
Hawkins: needs a contract+is the main piece to be replaced, no check
Backups:
Austin:needs a contract
Woods:replacable
Dugger:replacable/cut
Pettus:who?

So, we could draft a CB and 2 safeties and they could all end up being starters or very significant players next year. There is no other unit on the team, save from the Oline (my other top need) that could see that much turnover.

I want an impact player with our 1st. BPA. Not many options, at any position. Bailey fits, so does Sonny Styles. Rhodes has upside, but not sure he's there. Would rather add a stud Wzr

If no one fits the bill, would try to trade back. Lots of solid contributors in a good depth draft.

This is where I am too. A day one starter in round one and a future stalwart of whichever unit they’re on. For me right now that’s Bailey if available, Styles, Ionae and maybe Rhodes or a faller like Terrell or McCoy. I’m not quite sure on Cashius Howell. I love his pass rush although he seems limited to the dip under the OT move and my other concern is the arm length obviously.

I struggle to think of anyone else. Yes the receivers could fit but I just don’t see the roster fit without getting rid of someone. Maybe that will happen before the draft and I can add them back to my board. Thieneman is the only other possibility right now.

 

[mayoclinic]

I actually think Jelani McDonald is a 1st round talent at S, if he comes out. If he gets a 1st/2nd round draft board eval he could, though it's unlikely.

 

[manxman2601]

I actually think Jelani McDonald is a 1st round talent at S, if he comes out. If he gets a 1st/2nd round draft board eval he could, though it's unlikely.

Sure, but I’m discounting him until he does declare. There’s just no buzz about it right now.

 

[mayoclinic]

Agreed, but I'm keeping it stored away as an option.

 

[mayoclinic]

New 7 round mock from Ian Cummings at PFSN:

Cummings’ 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Carnell Tate and Malik Nabers, Bo Nix and KC Concepcion, and More Dynamic Duos - NewsBreak

The time has come for a new full 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft. At the halfway point of the 2025 NFL regular season, the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, a

www.newsbreak.com

Credit to anyone doing a 7 round mock, and for sticking with their own rankings. Cummings has Chase Bisontis as OG1, going #14 overall.

Cummings has my binkies Jelani McDonald going 51 and Kade Pieper 54 overall.

No Austin Siereveld, Trevor Goosby, Monroe Freeling or Kage Casey in his mock.

His Pats picks:

29. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
62. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
93. Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
118. Greg Johnson, OL, Minnesota
130. Alex Harkey, RT, Oregon
170. Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
192. Keion Sabb, S, Alabama
199. Jake Slaughter, OC, Florida
200. Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
210. Christian Gray, CB, Notre Dame

Not bad, but what I would pick using Cummings' rankings:

29. Jelani McDonald, S, Texas (goes 51 in Cummings' mock. I think he gould be as good as Caleb Downs, and S is the biggest need. Cummings writes: "It’s not a lock that Jelani McDonald declares, but if he does, he should field early-round interest. At 6’2″, 199 pounds, McDonald has the length and aggression to enforce, but his efficient pedal, snappy transitions, route vision, and long-strider range stand out downfield."

I would also considerJermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (goes 33). I thought Will Johnson was BPA last year at 38. Gonzalez, Davis, McCoy and Jones would be the best CB room in the NFL. I would possibly take TJ Parker here, but I'm going by Cummings' rankings.

62. TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson (80). I can't see Parker lasting this long, but if he does he would be too good to pass up, unless the Pats trade/sign Kayvon Thibodeaux or Jaelan Phillips.

93. Anthony Hill, LB, Texas (96) or Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati (103). Hard to see Hill slipping so far; I would be ecstatic with either. These 3 picks would result in a top 5 defense at all 3 levels. OLs Fa'alili Fa'amoe (70), Emmanuel Pregnon (71) and Gennings Dunker (72) are off the board.

118. Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn St. (120). I wanted to go OL here, but Wheatley hard to pass up. Kade Pieper (54), Cayden Green (83), PJ Williams (94), Conner Lew (104) and Carter Smith (113) all gone. Brian Parker (121) and Logan Jones (125) very tempting, but I have Wheatley graded higher, and hope one will last to 130. Woodson-McDonald-Wheatley-Saunders would be an amazing S room, and give the Pats tremendous back end versatility.

130. Niki Prongos, OT, Stanford (209). I know Cummings has Prongos going much later, but I don't believe it. I think he could be a stud by 2027. I would have gone with Austin Siereveld or Monroe Freeling, but Cummings does not have them in his mock. Brian Parker and Logan Jones also gone. WRs CJ Daniels (131) and Ian Strong (142) and CB Tacario Davis (143) all tempting, but I need to address the OL here.

170. Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor (194). I can't believe Trigg would actually be available, but he would be an amazing weapon for Drake Maye.

192. Jake Slaughter, OC, Florida (199).

199. Ceyair Wright, CB, Nebraska (250). I do not see Jyaire Hill in Cummings' mock, would pick him if available.

200. Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio St. (220). I don't see Akheem Mesidor in this mock, would pick him if available.

210. Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (227).

If the Pats get #246 back from SF, I would consider a QB. Trinidad Chambliss goes 246 with that pick. Drew Allar and Haynes King are not in Cummings' mock.
m
The only other need not covered is RB, which I hope will be addressed in FA.

I would like invest more in the OL, bit this is how Cummings' mock fell. Prongos (or Siereveld or Freeling) plus Slaughter would be solid long-term additions for 2027.

 

[mayoclinic]

In terms of my binkies, I miss out on Arvell Reese (3), Chris Bell (19), Julian Neal (35), Mateen Ibirogba (49) and Kade Pieper (54). Monroe Freeling and Austin Siereveld are not in this mock, would take either at 130 if available. I got Jelani McDonald (51, taken at 29), Zakee Wheatley (120, taken at 118), and had the option of taking Jake Golday (103) at 93, though Anthony Hill has been on a tear and would be nice to reunite with McDonald.

 

[manxman2601]

Post trade deadline PFF mock draft

Has us taking Austin Siereveld.

David Bailey goes at 10
Vega Ioane goes at 12

Big run on pass rushers with Parker (17), Howell (18), Faulk (21), Josephs (23) and R Mason Thomas (24).

Sadiq and Styles go the two picks before us.

With all those off the board, I’d take Siereveld or Goosby too.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Post-trade deadline edition

The New York Jets, in particular, shook up the NFL trade deadline by shipping off star players, and now they have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

www.pff.com

 

[manxman2601]

Post trade deadline PFF mock draft

Has us taking Austin Siereveld.

David Bailey goes at 10
Vega Ioane goes at 12

Big run on pass rushers with Parker (17), Howell (18), Faulk (21), Josephs (23) and R Mason Thomas (24).

Sadiq and Styles go the two picks before us.

With all those off the board, I’d take Siereveld or Goosby too.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Post-trade deadline edition

The New York Jets, in particular, shook up the NFL trade deadline by shipping off star players, and now they have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

www.pff.com

FWIW, Jets take Dante Moore and Christen Miller (pick 32).

 

[Clonamery]

Post trade deadline PFF mock draft

Has us taking Austin Siereveld.

David Bailey goes at 10
Vega Ioane goes at 12

Big run on pass rushers with Parker (17), Howell (18), Faulk (21), Josephs (23) and R Mason Thomas (24).

Sadiq and Styles go the two picks before us.

With all those off the board, I’d take Siereveld or Goosby too.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Post-trade deadline edition

The New York Jets, in particular, shook up the NFL trade deadline by shipping off star players, and now they have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

www.pff.com

That's fine at 30. If we're honest, in reality we'll be picking around 20 +/-.

 

[mayoclinic]

We'll be picking between 21 and 32, TBD.

Interesting that Austin Siereveld goes before Kadyn Procter.

Logan Mankins kind of pick.

 

[manxman2601]

We'll be picking between 21 and 32, TBD.

Interesting that Austin Siereveld goes before Kadyn Procter.

Logan Mankins kind of pick.

Which would you rather?

Hill in the first, Cayden Green in the 2nd or

Siereveld in the first, Golday in the 2nd.

And do you risk Wheatley still being there in the 3rd?

 

[mayoclinic]

Would be equally thrilled with either. Would go with whichever I thought had a better chance of happening, along with adding a S day 2.

If push came to shove, would probably take Hill just because OL is so deep.