John's Final 2026 Mock Extravaganza
My 2026 Final Mock Extravaganza is based on all the research, Vegas betting odds, and gut feelings I have for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The NFL Draft 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. In the past, I tended to get caught up mocking what I think teams should do so this year I will do my best to mock what I think they will do regardless of who I would draft if I were in their position. I am not a GM, but I like to think I would have done a better job for the Jets at least. Maybe I should find another hobby, but I won't.
Some are saying this draft isn't as good as past drafts, but they say that every year. "They" said 2021 was an incredible draft for Quarterbacks, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance are barely in the league anymore. Just like every draft, some will succeed, some will not. There will definitely be a handful of guys going way earlier or later than consensus.
The NFL Draft 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. In the past, I tended to get caught up mocking what I think teams should do so this year I will do my best to mock what I think they will do regardless of who I would draft if I were in their position. I am not a GM, but I like to think I would have done a better job for the Jets at least. Maybe I should find another hobby, but I won't.
Some are saying this draft isn't as good as past drafts, but they say that every year. "They" said 2021 was an incredible draft for Quarterbacks, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance are barely in the league anymore. Just like every draft, some will succeed, some will not. There will definitely be a handful of guys going way earlier or later than consensus.
Round 1
It feels safe to say this pick will be on the offensive line with Taylor Decker retiring. If Kayden Proctor is here he will be the pick, but it doesn't seem like he will be. They could also move up for Proctor but Freeling is still a perfect fit here. They need someone to step in at tackle and I am sure the Lions also love Freeling. This really feels like a Lions pick.
John's Team Needs: OT, CB, DL
John's Team Needs: OT, CB, DL
I am going chalk here. I was originally thinking about having the Browns come up here but the more I think about it they will need to jump the Lions to get their tackle. It seems like they are higher on Proctor and so are the Lions. Anyway, this pick makes the most sense as Harrison Smith is going to retire this year most likely. Thieneman is clearly safety number two this year and everyone has him linked to the Vikings.
John's Team Needs: DL, IOL, S
John's Team Needs: DL, IOL, S
Will they draft a receiver in the first round for the third year in a row? I think they will and Jordyn Tyson is the biggest wild card of the draft. He can go as early as nine to the Chiefs and probably would be the first receiver off the board if he didn't have an injury history. Look what happened last year when they took McMillan. They made the playoffs. Invest in Bryce Young. It's working.
John's Team Needs: WR, CB, OL
John's Team Needs: WR, CB, OL
20.
TRADE
If the Cardinals move back and acquire this pick from Dallas, I would imagine Ty Simpson is in play. You know what, when they do it, not "if". This would be the spot. They got their tackle at 8 and it is also no secret they are high on Simpson.
If the Cardinals move back and acquire this pick from Dallas, I would imagine Ty Simpson is in play. You know what, when they do it, not "if". This would be the spot. They got their tackle at 8 and it is also no secret they are high on Simpson.
They could do anything here. So here is my first one out of left field. Offensive line makes the most sense given that they signed Michael Pittman so receiver may be a bit of a stretch here. They are in desperate need of offensive line help, especially on the interior.
John's Team Needs: OL, QB, S
John's Team Needs: OL, QB, S
Justin Herbert has taken a beating these last few years so I think they will be looking to add to the offensive line. However, they need the most help on the interior so that's where that pick would go. They can most likely find someone in the second round. I am sticking with Peter Woods here who is the best pass rushing defensive tackle in the draft. They lost Oweh in free agency so they need to start rebuilding that defensive line.
John's Team Needs: IOL, DL, LB
John's Team Needs: IOL, DL, LB
Howie could do anything. It all depends what happens with A.J. Brown as well. They have had a ton of visits regarding the offensive line so it feels like there is a sense of what they are going to do. If they do trade Brown, I would imagine that they will be aggressive in grabbing a receiver.
John's Team Needs: OT, DL, S
John's Team Needs: OT, DL, S
TRADE
They may be inclined to move back as I mentioned earlier and rumor has it they love Denzel Boston and Omar Cooper. I am leaning toward Omar Cooper, it seems like Darren Mougey values the production more. The Browns want one of Proctor or Freeling and will have to be aggressive from here and I think they will be. It will be just how they drew it up. The Jets need to get resources for next year. Yes, I am going nuts with the trading this year but I'm having fun. Imagine if Woody Johnson didn't demand they took Zach Wilson in 2021? Oh what could have been. Just another year of rebuilding.
They may be inclined to move back as I mentioned earlier and rumor has it they love Denzel Boston and Omar Cooper. I am leaning toward Omar Cooper, it seems like Darren Mougey values the production more. The Browns want one of Proctor or Freeling and will have to be aggressive from here and I think they will be. It will be just how they drew it up. The Jets need to get resources for next year. Yes, I am going nuts with the trading this year but I'm having fun. Imagine if Woody Johnson didn't demand they took Zach Wilson in 2021? Oh what could have been. Just another year of rebuilding.
They need to add someone in the middle to stuff the run. It's been their weakness. They did lose out in free agency in the secondary so this pick has to be on defense. With Kayden McDonald being the best interior run defender I am going to slot him here. They have also been all over Zion Young but they can grab him in the second round. I have a good feeling this pick will be on the defensive line. T.J Parker out of Clemson would be another one to watch for here.
John's Team Needs: DL, S, OT
John's Team Needs: DL, S, OT
With the regime changes I get the sense they will be moving away from this let them run and stop the pass mentality. Faulk would be a steal here, I just could not find a spot for him but his range is in the 20s. He may require some development as a pass rusher but he is already a solid run defender.
John's Team Needs: DL, WR, S
John's Team Needs: DL, WR, S
They are going to need to solidify the offensive line with Trent Williams' future unknown. Matt Miller also said that they don't view the offensive line as a priority so all the more reason to slow Caleb Lomu here. He has positional versatility and can step into the left tackle role in the future
This pick has to be on the offensive line. C.J. Stroud has done nothing but run for his life every time he touches the ball. If they get the right fit here at tackle that will be the pick. I think it would be between Chase Bisontis or Blake Miller. Or even Max Iheanachor if available. I am torn between the two but to me Bisontis makes more sense. They made some good additions in free agency but they still have work to do here.
John's Team Needs: OT, DT, LB
John's Team Needs: OT, DT, LB
They lost about every corner they had. But I have heard that they trust Spagnuolo to coach up the corners they have, It would make sense to take at least one replacement and Terrell can fill the role that McDuffie had but he is coming off an injury and could slip to round two. This pick could also go on the offensive line but they may be able to find one in the second round. I get the sense they are going to pass on corner at nine and wait to address it later in the draft. T.J Parker seems like a great fit here.
They need to rebuild in the trenches. The new regime has emphasized that. Austin Jackson has been injured quite a bit. Blake Miller started 54 games at Clemson and would help Miami tremendously.
Mesidor is a tricky prospect as well, they say he is right up there with Bain but he is already 25 years old which is why I have him going a bit later than consensus. Teams that are rebuilding typically want younger players. He would be a great fit in New England for a team that is ready to win.
John's Team Needs: OL, DL, WR
John's Team Needs: OL, DL, WR
They did lose out on Riq Woolen in free agency so I would bet this pick goes toward the secondary. Colton Hood is a physical corner which is exactly what they look for. He has also been a pretty popular mock pick to Seattle. I love the fit.
John's Team Needs: CB, RB, TE
John's Team Needs: CB, RB, TE