2026 Mock Draft Thread

[PatsFan2]

Im sure some of these are not going to fall nearly this far but im taking what's available today.

No TE's?? Hate that mock it's too heavy on Edge Rushers enough is enough.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

AtoZ Sports have an interesting 3 round mock for us. Doesn't necessarily hit needs but is an excellent BPA mock

30. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
62. Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
94. Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona

I'd take that in a heartbeat.

I agree. We would have to do something with the OL, but otherwise, I think we would love those three is a few years.

 

[dliverey44]

AtoZ Sports have an interesting 3 round mock for us. Doesn't necessarily hit needs but is an excellent BPA mock

30. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
62. Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
94. Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona

I'd take that in a heartbeat.

I am not sold on McDonald in the 1st round and would find that pick slightly disappointing. I just do not feel that he is head and shoulders above some of the lower rated NTs. I also am not looking at it from a BPA perspective but rather improving the team in 2026 and on. That said I do not think that NT is what will improve this team the most.

 

[manxman2601]

I am not sold on McDonald in the 1st round and would find that pick slightly disappointing. I just do not feel that he is head and shoulders above some of the lower rated NTs. I also am not looking at it from a BPA perspective but rather improving the team in 2026 and on. That said I do not think that NT is what will improve this team the most.

A lot of it will come down to what happens with Tonga. If we re-sign him a highly drafted NT is much less of a need. Having said that, I'm still team BPA all the way. We're losing a lot of FAs in 2-3 years and with the right re-signings this year, have a pretty full roster at starter level. So I'm more interested in depth and drafting for the future than just filling needs. Especially as this is quite a weak class for starter level talent. However, I do take your point about McDonald v later talent. Anyone in mind?

 

[mayoclinic]

Depends on who is available.

Do you have a link to that mock? I get a different AtoZ 3 round mock when I search, which I don't like nearly as much. It has the Pats taking Zion Young at 30, with Monroe Freeling, Dillon Thieneman, TJ Parker, Akheem Mesidor and Kayden McDonald all available. Not a fan of that one.

 

[manxman2601]

Depends on who is available.

Do you have a link to that mock? I get a different AtoZ 3 round mock when I search, which I don't like nearly as much. It has the Pats taking Zion Young at 30, with Monroe Freeling, Dillon Thieneman, TJ Parker, Akheem Mesidor and Kayden McDonald all available. Not a fan of that one.

Sorry, I forgot to post it at the time.

3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders, Steelers, Cardinals aggressively target QBs while runs on WR and CB define early rounds

3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders, Steelers, Cardinals aggressively target QBs while runs on WR and CB define early rounds

atozsports.com

 

[dliverey44]

A lot of it will come down to what happens with Tonga. If we re-sign him a highly drafted NT is much less of a need. Having said that, I'm still team BPA all the way. We're losing a lot of FAs in 2-3 years and with the right re-signings this year, have a pretty full roster at starter level. So I'm more interested in depth and drafting for the future than just filling needs. Especially as this is quite a weak class for starter level talent. However, I do take your point about McDonald v later talent. Anyone in mind?

Big Citrus, Corleone and Lee Hunter and Jackson from FSU, although I am not sure where any of them are projected to go. I believe in Vrabel though so if he is like shutup dliverey I want McDonald then I will deal with it. lol

 

[manxman2601]

Big Citrus, Corleone and Lee Hunter and Jackson from FSU, although I am not sure where any of them are projected to go. I believe in Vrabel though so if he is like shutup dliverey I want McDonald then I will deal with it. lol

Well sign me up for Lee Hunter although I don't know if he'll be there at 64.

 

[mayoclinic]

Sorry, I forgot to post it at the time.

3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders, Steelers, Cardinals aggressively target QBs while runs on WR and CB define early rounds

3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders, Steelers, Cardinals aggressively target QBs while runs on WR and CB define early rounds

atozsports.com

Thx.


So in that particular mock, Kayden McDonald might well be BPA at 30. But would you take him over TJ Parker or Dillon Thieneman? Or Akeem Mesidor?

At 62, Carter Smith is still on the board.So is Devin Moore.

I would probably try for a small trade back from 30 and target one of Parker, Mesidor, Lee Hunter or Thieneman.

I would prefer:

Parker/Mesidor
Carter Smith
Treydan Stokes
4th round: DeZhaun Stribling, Ted Hurts or Malachi Fields

if I trade back, I might try to move up and snag Max Iheanachor or Malachi Lawrence in the late 3rd.

Imagine getting Carter Smith and Max Iheanachor, or adding Parker/Mesidor and Malachi Lawrence at EDGE.

 

[manxman2601]

Thx.


So in that particular mock, Kayden McDonald might well be BPA at 30. But would you take him over TJ Parker or Dillon Thieneman? Or Akeem Mesidor?

At 62, Carter Smith is still on the board.So is Devin Moore.

I would probably try for a small trade back from 30 and target one of Parker, Mesidor, Lee Hunter or Thieneman.

I would prefer:

Parker/Mesidor
Carter Smith
Treydan Stokes
4th round: DeZhaun Stribling, Ted Hurts or Malachi Fields

if I trade back, I might try to move up and snag Max Iheanachor or Malachi Lawrence in the late 3rd.

Imagine getting Carter Smith and Max Iheanachor, or adding Parker/Mesidor and Malachi Lawrence at EDGE.

I wasn't really thinking about maximising that mock, although it's fine that you are, I was just thinking about how I'd feel if on actual draft day if that's how things had ended up. And I'd feel fine. We'd have made a strength stronger on the interior DL, we'd have possibly drafted Diggs' future replacement and got an outstanding depth piece for the secondary.

Your mock would be great too.

 

[mayoclinic]

I would be very happy with the original mock choices.

 

[bakes781]

No TE's?? Hate that mock it's too heavy on Edge Rushers enough is enough.

Never enough when its your biggest need. And Brazzell is like a TE.

 

[manxman2601]

Heading into the Shrine Game and Senior Bowl, I think this is where I am. This mock requires re-signing Tonga, Gibbins and Hawkins.

Round 1

Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

I've given up trying to rationalise the draft stock of my 25 year old favourite prospect. I'm all in!

Round 2

Blake Miller, RT, Clemson
or
Max Iheanachor, RT, Arizona State

Now that my failsafe PJ Williams is out of the draft, there's not a lot of depth at this position now after here.


Round 3

Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
or
De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

I'm looking for the future high volume receiver to eventually replace Diggs

Round 4A

Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona

Maybe take him in the 3rd and Stribling with this pick. Elite backup level prospect with starter upside as a FS.

Round 4B

Keagen Trost, RG, Missouri

He plays RT for Missouri but I think he could be an outstanding RG. The highest graded run blocker in this draft that only gave up 7 total pressures all year.

Round 5

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

Both could be TE2s in year one with the potential to be long-term Henry replacements. Eli Raridon is my favourite for this role but he won't fall this far.

Round 6A

Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F Austin

Backup outside corner proficient in press man.

Round 6B

Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State
or
Pat Coogan, C, Indiana

Gulbin is the highest graded center in the draft while Coogan has been consistent all year and has shone in the playoffs. Long term replacements for Bradbury.

Round 6C

Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas
or
Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn

Developmental edge prospects who, unlike Swinson, should be very good special teamers.

Round 7

Cody Hardy, TE, NC State
or
Max Bredeson, TE/FB, Michigan

Two of the best blocking TE/FBs in this draft.

 

[manxman2601]

Heading into the Shrine Game and Senior Bowl, I think this is where I am. This mock requires re-signing Tonga, Gibbins and Hawkins.


Round 2

Blake Miller, RT, Clemson
or
Max Iheanachor, RT, Arizona State

Now that my failsafe PJ Williams is out of the draft, there's not a lot of depth at this position now after here.

I should say that Carter Smith is my dream pick at 64 if he declares.

 

[dliverey44]

Heading into the Shrine Game and Senior Bowl, I think this is where I am. This mock requires re-signing Tonga, Gibbins and Hawkins.

Round 1

Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

I've given up trying to rationalise the draft stock of my 25 year old favourite prospect. I'm all in!

Round 2

Blake Miller, RT, Clemson
or
Max Iheanachor, RT, Arizona State

Now that my failsafe PJ Williams is out of the draft, there's not a lot of depth at this position now after here.


Round 3

Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
or
De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

I'm looking for the future high volume receiver to eventually replace Diggs

Round 4A

Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona

Maybe take him in the 3rd and Stribling with this pick. Elite backup level prospect with starter upside as a FS.

Round 4B

Keagen Trost, RG, Missouri

He plays RT for Missouri but I think he could be an outstanding RG. The highest graded run blocker in this draft that only gave up 7 total pressures all year.

Round 5

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

Both could be TE2s in year one with the potential to be long-term Henry replacements. Eli Raridon is my favourite for this role but he won't fall this far.

Round 6A

Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F Austin

Backup outside corner proficient in press man.

Round 6B

Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State
or
Pat Coogan, C, Indiana

Gulbin is the highest graded center in the draft while Coogan has been consistent all year and has shone in the playoffs. Long term replacements for Bradbury.

Round 6C

Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas
or
Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn

Developmental edge prospects who, unlike Swinson, should be very good special teamers.

Round 7

Cody Hardy, TE, NC State
or
Max Bredeson, TE/FB, Michigan

Two of the best blocking TE/FBs in this draft.

Not resigning Chaisson?

 

[manxman2601]

Not resigning Chaisson?

I'm okay with it as long as the price is right. He's not a great pass rusher but I do like his effort. Most of his sacks are effort/coverage sacks rather than clean wins. I wouldn't overpay for him.

 

[manxman2601]

I'm okay with it as long as the price is right. He's not a great pass rusher but I do like his effort. Most of his sacks are effort/coverage sacks rather than clean wins. I wouldn't overpay for him.

I would like to re-visit these remarks. What a game he's having tonight!

 

[mayoclinic]

Mel Kiper 1st round mock:

2026 NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper's pick predictions for Round 1

Where will national title game standouts Fernando Mendoza and Akheem Mesidor land in Round 1? And could we really see six WRs in the opening 32 picks?

www.espn.com

Akheem Mesidor goes 20, Monroe Freeling 30.

I would prefer TJ Parker or Emmanuel Pregnon at 31.

 

[BobDigital]

Heading into the Shrine Game and Senior Bowl, I think this is where I am. This mock requires re-signing Tonga, Gibbins and Hawkins.

Round 1

Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

I've given up trying to rationalise the draft stock of my 25 year old favourite prospect. I'm all in!

Round 2

Blake Miller, RT, Clemson
or
Max Iheanachor, RT, Arizona State

Now that my failsafe PJ Williams is out of the draft, there's not a lot of depth at this position now after here.


Round 3

Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
or
De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

I'm looking for the future high volume receiver to eventually replace Diggs

Round 4A

Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona

Maybe take him in the 3rd and Stribling with this pick. Elite backup level prospect with starter upside as a FS.

Round 4B

Keagen Trost, RG, Missouri

He plays RT for Missouri but I think he could be an outstanding RG. The highest graded run blocker in this draft that only gave up 7 total pressures all year.

Round 5

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

Both could be TE2s in year one with the potential to be long-term Henry replacements. Eli Raridon is my favourite for this role but he won't fall this far.

Round 6A

Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F Austin

Backup outside corner proficient in press man.

Round 6B

Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State
or
Pat Coogan, C, Indiana

Gulbin is the highest graded center in the draft while Coogan has been consistent all year and has shone in the playoffs. Long term replacements for Bradbury.

Round 6C

Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas
or
Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn

Developmental edge prospects who, unlike Swinson, should be very good special teamers.

Round 7

Cody Hardy, TE, NC State
or
Max Bredeson, TE/FB, Michigan

Two of the best blocking TE/FBs in this draft.

Thx.


So in that particular mock, Kayden McDonald might well be BPA at 30. But would you take him over TJ Parker or Dillon Thieneman? Or Akeem Mesidor?

At 62, Carter Smith is still on the board.So is Devin Moore.

I would probably try for a small trade back from 30 and target one of Parker, Mesidor, Lee Hunter or Thieneman.

I would prefer:

Parker/Mesidor
Carter Smith
Treydan Stokes
4th round: DeZhaun Stribling, Ted Hurts or Malachi Fields

if I trade back, I might try to move up and snag Max Iheanachor or Malachi Lawrence in the late 3rd.

Imagine getting Carter Smith and Max Iheanachor, or adding Parker/Mesidor and Malachi Lawrence at EDGE.

When i scouted Mesidor my instant reaction was and still is 'this is a first round prospect, no question. Yes his age... yes he is probably as good as he is getting. Don't care. I will take 7 years of Mesidor over 10 years of a lesser prospect. With so many players drafted and then becoming nothing... you don't pass on a true first round talent. He is that. He is currently my #3 edge prospect, and I am sticking to it. I'd love to steal him in the 2nd, but i felt all along as the process went on that he would rise as his tape was just too strong. You would be hard pressed to find ANY mock right now without him as a top 64 player... and it is even rare to see him outside the top 48. He is going top 40 one way or another.

I will happily pick him at 32 and call it a win.

As for Mayo, I am on board with most of what you say... and I can't speak to OL prospects much yet. But Dillon Thienman? You clearly saw something i didn't there. Maybe his age is a factor as he is very young? But i did not see a first or even 2nd round prospect when i looked at him. Maybe I am wrong. I will freely admit I am not as good at grading safeties. I don't get the 22 film so so much of it is off the screen to me. So I took another look



This compilation was not available when i was grading him. If it were I would have given him a higher grade as it shows a lot more of his skill set than i saw when i was looking months ago. IDK if i would have given him a first round grade... still probably not, but certainly higher than the 4th i gave him.

This is part of the reason i don't like to do early breakdowns... you just don't have as much good game footage as you want unless you pay for it, which i don't. But if you wait there are just too many prospects to grade in time if you want to do it the way i do.

 

[manxman2601]

When i scouted Mesidor my instant reaction was and still is 'this is a first round prospect, no question. Yes his age... yes he is probably as good as he is getting. Don't care. I will take 7 years of Mesidor over 10 years of a lesser prospect. With so many players drafted and then becoming nothing... you don't pass on a true first round talent. He is that. He is currently my #3 edge prospect, and I am sticking to it. I'd love to steal him in the 2nd, but i felt all along as the process went on that he would rise as his tape was just too strong. You would be hard pressed to find ANY mock right now without him as a top 64 player... and it is even rare to see him outside the top 48. He is going top 40 one way or another.

I will happily pick him at 32 and call it a win.

As for Mayo, I am on board with most of what you say... and I can't speak to OL prospects much yet. But Dillon Thienman? You clearly saw something i didn't there. Maybe his age is a factor as he is very young? But i did not see a first or even 2nd round prospect when i looked at him. Maybe I am wrong. I will freely admit I am not as good at grading safeties. I don't get the 22 film so so much of it is off the screen to me. So I took another look



This compilation was not available when i was grading him. If it were I would have given him a higher grade as it shows a lot more of his skill set than i saw when i was looking months ago. IDK if i would have given him a first round grade... still probably not, but certainly higher than the 4th i gave him.

This is part of the reason i don't like to do early breakdowns... you just don't have as much good game footage as you want unless you pay for it, which i don't. But if you wait there are just too many prospects to grade in time if you want to do it the way i do.

Part of the first round Thieneman eval comes from his Purdue tape where he showcased his athleticism playing a lot of single high and had true sideline to sideline range.