John's 2026 March Mock Extravaganza

Published: March 25, 2026 20 Views 0 Comments Draft: 2026
Feels like a tough one to predict this year. Draft night is on my birthday this year and I want nothing more than to listen to Mel Kiper scream about god knows what on national television. There could be a few picks out of left field this year but to be honest I don't know what that is in this draft.

Round 1

Picks 1-16 Picks 17-32
1.
Fernando Mendoza , QB , Indiana
Only lock of the draft. Mendoza had an incredible season and solidified his spot as the number one pick in the draft. I think he is going to be a great quarterback.

John's Team Needs:
QB, WR, DL/EDGE
2.
Arvell Reese , LB , Ohio State
Somehow still a Jets fan so this is my annual complaint about drafting Zach Wilson to replace Sam Darnold. Actually, I will save it (see pick 16). But Zach Wilson will be playing in the CFL soon. Like what the hell, Woody. Anyway, I think the Jets may be locked in on Reese right now but I am 60/40 on Reese vs Bailey here. Bailey is probably the cleanest edge prospect.

John's Team Needs: QB, WR, S, CB, LB

3.
David Bailey , DE , Texas Tech
They need a right tackle, I am not sure you can pass up on some of the defensive prospects here at 3 though. I think they will be trying to trade out of this spot but it is way easier said than done, especially in the top 5. They are high on Spencer Fano but I believe they are also high on Mauigoa who is the better prospect.

John's Team Needs: QB, OT, EDGE
4.
Jeremiyah Love , RB , Notre Dame
After all the signings in free agency the Titans do have options here. Bringing in Saleh (who the Jets should have kept). They go best player available, who is arguably the best player in this draft. This would immediately help Cam Ward progress to the next level.

John's Team Needs:
LB, RB, WR
5.
Caleb Downs , S , Ohio State
Another team that has added at the right positions and have a bright future with the young talent they have. I have not seen any buzz about Caleb Downs' medicals moving him off any draft boards yet. As of now the Giants fill a huge gap and add the best defensive back prospect in the draft and it fits the Harbaugh way. I don't see why they wouldn't pick him. Something is telling me Mauigoa is being considered here if available as well, but I have a hard time seeing them pass on Caleb Downs unless it is a Will Johnson situation. I am leaning toward Caleb Downs over Sonny Styles solely because they just signed Tremaine Edmunds to a three year deal.

John's Team Needs:
OL, S, WR
6.
Francis Mauigoa , OT , Miami
I think this pick could go anywhere. While they do still need a QB, the value is not there. Take the best player available and see what happens in the 20s when they pick again. I don't really like Bailey slotted down to 6 if the Cardinals don't take him but it happens all the time when teams ahead are drafting for positional needs. This is a tough one.

John's Team Needs:
OL, QB, WR
7.
Sonny Styles , LB , Ohio State
I am torn between Carnell Tate and Sonny Styles here. I could see Rueben Bain as well but the Oweh signing gives them more options here. Also to note, if Love makes it here, he is the pick. But I think they would have to move up for him.

John's Team Needs: WR, LB, EDGE, CB
8.
Carnell Tate , WR , Ohio State
The Saints are always a bit of a mystery but I think they would have a hard time passing up on the best receiver in the draft, if available. Considering their WR2 had 25 catches. Huge need. Tyler Shough seems to be the guy. I think this pick could also fall between Rueben Bain as well. They are always a tough one to predict.

John's Team Needs: WR, EDGE, IOL
I think they are almost forced to take a corner or an edge rusher here. They lost just about every corner they had rostered so going to go with Delane here.

John's Team Needs: CB, EDGE, WR
10.
Rueben Bain Jr. , DE , Miami
Best defensive player available. Two years ago Joe Burrow nearly won MVP and they missed the playoffs. They also just lost their two best edge rushers but did sign Boye Mafe to a three year deal.

John's Team Needs: Defense, OL
11.
Spencer Fano , OT , Utah
Oh well, here comes the rebuild. I am not sure that Fano makes it here but I think he would be a perfect fit. I don't think they take a receiver just yet as they have glaring needs on the offensive line and defensive line. Not sure what Malik Willis got himself into here. Godspeed.

John's Team Needs: OL, DL, WR, CB, S
12.
Jermod McCoy , CB , Tennessee
If Mansoor Delane makes it here, no question he is the pick. I have a weird feeling Sonny Styles ends up a Cowboy as well and I think there is a slight chance he makes it here. But they have a desperate need at corner. The medicals may be concerning given he did not play in 2025 but his 2024 season keeps him in the mix for a top 15 pick. If he did play it would be preference between him and Delane for first corner off the board.

John's Team Needs: CB, EDGE, RB, S
13.
Makai Lemon , WR , USC
Could this be a spot for Ty Simpson? This is sort of a bonus pick. However, I do think Makai Lemon makes a ton of sense as they need a slot receiver. Puka Nacua is also a loose cannon now. The medicals with Tyson may scare teams away but I think Lemon is the pick here. Staying in LA.

John's Team Needs: OT, WR, QB
14.
Ola Ioane , G , Penn State
Was originally leaning edge here but after the Maxx Crosby trade that wasn't and then the Trey Hendrickson signing, it opens up the door to help out the offense. Ioane is the best guard prospect in the draft and the Ravens happen to need a guard.

John's Team Needs: OG, WR, TE, EDGE
15.
Kenyon Sadiq , TE , Oregon
They did take Egbuka out of shallow left field last year, if you will. After losing Mike Evans they are missing that red zone threat. Sadiq feels like a sneaky good fit here.

John's Team Needs: EDGE, LB, WR
16.
Jordyn Tyson , WR , Arizona State
2021 was not a hard draft to get right. But instead, after giving Darnold negative help they decided to throw in Zach Wilson. They could have a good team right now if they did it right. It takes time to build a good team. They were on the right track. Anyway, Jordyn Tyson, if healthy, is in the running with Carnell Tate for WR1 of the draft. It all depends if Darren Mougey feels comfortable drafting him, and it is one big "if". I could also see a corner here.

John's Team Needs: QB, EDGE, WR, CB, LB
Picks 1-16 Picks 17-32