2026 Mock Draft Thread

[stelfans]

I really like that too. I didn't include Iheanachor because I think there's more chance Barber makes it to 64 but would absolutely take him there. Do you prefer Parker over Mesidor? Is that an age thing? I really like the Rutledge and Gulbin picks.

Not really, i'd take Mesidor but Parker was the one available. Other than those 2 first picks is pretty much an all out binky draft.

 

[manxman2601]

Just on Monroe Freeling v Mesidor.

Mesidor will always be my first choice but if both were available, I can absolutely see the argument for taking Freeling and wouldn't be disappointed if we went in that direction over Mesidor.

 

[manxman2601]

Substitute Max Iheanachor for Barber and I'd give that an A+.

Freeling/Lawrence also works for me.

I went with Barber over Iheanachor mainly because I think there's more chance of him making it to 64. I'd be fine with either.

 

[mayoclinic]

Just on Monroe Freeling v Mesidor.

Mesidor will always be my first choice but if both were available, I can absolutely see the argument for taking Freeling and wouldn't be disappointed if we went in that direction over Mesidor.

Just on Akheem Mesidor v Freeling.

Freeling will always be my first choice but if both were available, I can absolutely see the argument for taking Mesidor and wouldn't be disappointed if we went in that direction over Freeling.

 

[Clonamery]

So I think my perfect mock looks like this. I've tried to make it reasonably realistic although it may be ambitious when all is said and done. The top 5 are pretty locked in for me as things stand. Later day 3 is much more up in the air.

1. Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

Despite mocks now putting him above our first pick, I think he still falls on account of his age.

2. Austin Barber, OT, Florida

One of the best run blocking tackles who grades just as well at both gap and zone. What has warmed me up to him is the fact that in his last six games, he only gave up three pressures.

3. Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona

I think I've discussed him enough.

4a. Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F Austin

I do wonder whether a 4.3 CB who jumps 43" makes it this far when the draft rolls around, but he's available currently.

4b. De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

5. Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
or Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan

Whomever is available.

6a. Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech

Special teamer and S/LB hybrid.

6b. Micah Morris, G, Georgia

Future Onwenu replacement

6c. Justin Jefferson, LB, Alabama

6d. Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn

I'd gladly take Keyshawn James Newby or Ethan Burke here. Crawford's work ethic gets the edge.

7. Rohan Jones, TE, Arkansas

Delp or Klein could be Austin Hooper replacements while Jones, who is very athletic, is a developmental Hunter Henry replacement.

UDFA

Max Bredeson or Cody Hardy as blocking TEs/FBs.
Kaleb Proctor, DL, SE Louisiana

1. T.J. Parker EDGE | Clemson
2. Max Iheanachor OT | Arizona State
3. Justin Joly TE | NC State
4a. Keylan Rutledge IOL | Georgia Tech
4b. Charles Demmings CB | Stephen F. Austin
5. Michael Taaffe S | Texas
6a. Matt Gulbin IOL | Michigan State
6b. Jack Kelly LB | BYU
6c. Justin Jefferson LB | Alabama
6d. Eli Heidenreich WR | Navy
7. Matthew Hibner TE | SMU

Yeah mixing these 2 or just straight up is real good.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Don’t ya miss picking in the 30’s ?

 

[mayoclinic]

It's just like having a top 4 pick, but we skip a round.

 

[manxman2601]

Sorry to be a Mesi-bore but I saw an interesting take on his age. Last year, the Toledo DT Darius Alexander was getting late first, high second love but was also a 25 year old rookie. He fell to pick 65. Now that we're starting to see mocks with Mesidor going in the teens even, which has had me worried, Alexander's fall does re-assure me that Mesidor will too. I don't think it would be as far, Mesidor was a leading pass rusher from a Nat Champs finalist rather than a DT from a smaller school so I wouldn't pass on him hoping he falls to 64. However, I do think a fall to 32 is still very possible.

 

[bakes781]

Sorry to be a Mesi-bore but I saw an interesting take on his age. Last year, the Toledo DT Darius Alexander was getting late first, high second love but was also a 25 year old rookie. He fell to pick 65. Now that we're starting to see mocks with Mesidor going in the teens even, which has had me worried, Alexander's fall does re-assure me that Mesidor will too. I don't think it would be as far, Mesidor was a leading pass rusher from a Nat Champs finalist rather than a DT from a smaller school so I wouldn't pass on him hoping he falls to 64. However, I do think a fall to 32 is still very possible.

At this time Alexander was a day 3 projection as I recall prior to the all star game.

 

[bakes781]

Did some more wheeling and dealing. Could have this year's Gronk and Hernandez combo. Hopefully neither turnout to be murderers.

 

[mayoclinic]

2 round mock from Nick Baumgardner at The Atlantic:

2026 NFL mock draft, Rounds 1 and 2: Fernando Mendoza to Raiders, Ty Simpson to Jets

The Jets could walk out of Round 1 with a game-changing defender and their new franchise QB.

www.nytimes.com

Picks 31-32-33 are of particularly interest.

He does not have Max Iheanachor, Malachi Lawrence, Treydan Stukes, Devin Moore or Ted Hurst in the top 64.

 

[manxman2601]

2 round mock from Nick Baumgardner at The Atlantic:

2026 NFL mock draft, Rounds 1 and 2: Fernando Mendoza to Raiders, Ty Simpson to Jets

The Jets could walk out of Round 1 with a game-changing defender and their new franchise QB.

www.nytimes.com

Picks 31-32-33 are of particularly interest.

He does not have Max Iheanachor, Malachi Lawrence, Treydan Stukes, Devin Moore or Ted Hurst in the top 64.

That would be a tough choice. I'd be happy taking any of those three but disappointed about the two not taken.

 

[mayoclinic]

Take Freeling and try desperately to trade up for Parker or Mesidor?

Or take Parker/Mesidor and hope one of Max Iheanachor/Blake Miller slips or is within reach?

 

[bakes781]

Take Freeling and try desperately to trade up for Parker or Mesidor?

Or take Parker/Mesidor and hope one of Max Iheanachor/Blake Miller slips or is within reach?

I think you go edge 1st.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I think you go edge 1st.

It's going to depend on how FA goes, just as it did this year.

 

[bakes781]

It's going to depend on how FA goes, just as it did this year.

Obviously but unless they get a Phillips or Oweh you are looking at a 30yo.

 

[hornetfb85]

Been on the Pregnon train for awhile…and I don’t know if it’s the peer pressure from this board, but I’m thinking of hopping on the Mesidor train. If he’s there at 32 he could be my guy. Age doesn’t worry me because we’re in a win now mode anyway. I really think they need a seasoned vet to step in at LG between Campbell and Wilson.

 

[manxman2601]

Been on the Pregnon train for awhile…and I don’t know if it’s the peer pressure from this board, but I’m thinking of hopping on the Mesidor train. If he’s there at 32 he could be my guy. Age doesn’t worry me because we’re in a win now mode anyway. I really think they need a seasoned vet to step in at LG between Campbell and Wilson.

1. Welcome aboard the Mesidor train. There's plenty of room.

2. I was like you, thinking Wilson was going to be the center of the future and that we needed a LG still. That still might be the case, but the fact that they put Wilson straight back in at LG when he returned from his concussion despite Ben Brown arguably having been better and having signed a new contract, told me they do see Wilson as the LG of the future.

3. If during the pre-draft process we see more centers being interviewed than obvious LGs, we'll know that to be the case.

 

[mayoclinic]

I think you go edge 1st.

I agree with Manx, it depends on FA. But personally, in a vacuum, I'd go with Freeling. I think his upside is greatest, he is younger, and "Protect the Drake" is my highest priority. Locking up bookend tackles for the next decade is hard to resist.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

2. I was like you, thinking Wilson was going to be the center of the future and that we needed a LG still. That still might be the case, but the fact that they put Wilson straight back in at LG when he returned from his concussion despite Ben Brown arguably having been better and having signed a new contract, told me they do see Wilson as the LG of the future.

What I take from that is they see Wilson + Bradbury > Brown + Wilson or Brown + Bradbury right now.