Welcome to a test version of my attempt to be an A.I. ‘Dr. Frankenstein’.
This entire calendar year I’ve been taking no more than 15 minutes each day to work on this test/pet project.
What I’ve essentially done is build an NFL Mock Draft AI personality to see how the A.I. would do at looking over the entire universe’s data at any given moment to predict the first round of an NFL Draft.
Today, he is alive! And ‘his’ name is: FFM_Ai_McGillicuddy1
...why McGillicuddy? You’ll never know. But I need to name my fake people to keep track of them, because they will all have unique personalities.
My part in this science project was to try and create the writer’s personality to fit the way I’d like to see/read the draft analysis done. Having some brutal honesty and talking about the positives and the negatives of each prospect.
I only tried to construct the personality. I did not do one second of writing commentary or suggest any of the comps nor even saying how I felt about any given prospect. This is not a scouting project -- because I don’t think AI can do that anywhere close to the way I can do it/see things. A Mock Draft is more about team/owner/GM/HC trends, team needs, consensus, rankings, rumors, etc. All I did was tweak and build the personality and I did input what I thought the positional needs and their likelihood for that team would likely be, and the AI did the rest. It didn’t have to adhere to my positional programming, but it definitely considered them in the weighting of its parameters to project a pick for a team.
So, you’re about to read a full freedom of speech from this AI personality, which is doing all its own research and Mock Draft guessing from the information it gathers from the entire universe in the blink of an eye. Any and all general A.I. represents a mix of the consensus thinking out there on the prospects and their rankings and their capabilities and the latest news and rumors out there -- and matches it all together to try to predict the first round of the NFL Draft just like our experts, Xavier Cromartie, and Ross Jacobs do...but they have their special insights and sources that McGillicuddy doesn’t...but also, vice-versa.
None of the commentary of the players/teams/comps is what I think for commentary or how I see the prospects or what I would absolutely think the team is going to do with each pick…that’s all the AI...I only created the personality/writing style and gave it some hierarchy of needs for each team and let it take my info and the entire world’s info and consider it all to try to come up with a perfect Mock Draft, which is totally impossible to do but I wanted to test out some skills to utilize with A.I. and this is a test project I chose.
I will always say when something is AI on FFM versus my thoughts…because you may not know it yet, but a lot (A LOT) of the football material you’re reading and seeing has been created through AI and not an individual person, on top of the fact that a lot of the individual people still out there are getting their reports and thoughts from AI and then just changing some of the words around a bit like the fifth graders do in my wife’s science class when they have to do an essay. And I am OK with all of this going on in football/fantasy football because I’ve always maintained there is hardly any original thought in football analysis, especially at the highest levels, and then the hivemind information trickles down from ‘Big Football’ to the midrange players and the rogue independent sites who wholeheartedly trust the opinions of former players, scouts, and TV analysts. All general AI is doing is streamlining and speeding up the process of them all having the same exact thoughts on every player…a great example of that would be the national lockstep scouting opinions on Marvin Harrison Jr. scouting.
Half the people in your league or more are going to be using AI this season/year. And soon it will be all of them, even if they don’t realize it. You can’t blame them because it’s a great, super-efficient tool to get information quickly. When they get a trade offer, they’re likely going to put it into ChatGPT or other A.I to get feedback, and they’re going to prioritize and do their weekly free agent/waivers on Tuesdays from ChatGPT-like suggestions, and they’re gonna set their starting lineups each week using their free AI tools.
This is absolutely great news for me, and for you.
When everybody opposing us can quickly tap into the consensus information as if it is directly speaking to them, so it is inherently trusted -- the only way to beat them is to have different and better organic, all-natural information than the consensus. And I can tell you, the football consensus is almost always wrong...and it’s been that way for the first 15+ years of my career in football...and it only gets worse. I am not infallible in football analysis, but I am damn sure better than anyone at the major fantasy news site/consensus at scouting and I put in more time than most all or all people walking the planet.
A.I. is pulling from the most obvious places for information like ESPN or NFL .com of PFF, etc. Even if they could pull from FFM they can’t access my subscriber stuff, but if they could -- they would not use it as a legit source of information compared to having ‘Big Football’s’ information. You can’t blame them...or A.I. would have to consider every single voice out there.
A lot of independent fantasy sites were already on their last legs and now they’re about to go down for the count because most all of them are aggregating information from the mainstream and even if there is a great independent writer/analyst at a place, the owner of a FF site can easily replace that writer with an unpaid, 24/7 working machine and you’ll have no idea how to tell the difference unless they never tweak it to hide it from you...they’ll camouflage it a bit like I’m doing here -- except I’m telling you upfront.
I considered not saying, at first, that this was written by a whole A.I. thing I designed to see if anyone would notice of people got mad at the thought to be human writer...but I’m not gonna go through that charade, even though it would be fun too, I’m telling you upfront And I always will tell you upfront because it is my ethical duty to do so and that we are all gonna start being bombarded with AI material in every sector of football writing and analysis and 99% of the time we’re gonna have no idea and if you don’t believe the percentage is that high go ahead and read through this Mock Draft and you tell me if you see that it’s obviously A.I.
Enjoy my science project here. I’ll be developing more and more of them for functional tasks to save me a ton of time on things, but they will not write my scouting words or make my opinions for me or do my firsthand scouting for me. I’ll leave that to all the big football firms out there to do. My superpower is authentic, homecooked food the major chain corporations can’t touch.
Below is McGillicuddy’s 1.0 Mock Draft followed by me asking it to defend its more radical picks, whatever ‘he’ thought they were. And I also asked to end on a side-by-side comparison of ‘his’ draft and Kiper’s and Jeremiah’s and our Xavier’s.
Here we go...welcome to the brave new world...
By FFM_Ai_McGillicuddy1
2026 NFL First-Round Mock Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Position: QB
Player: Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)
Commentary: Look, everyone and their mother knows the Raiders need a guy to actually throw the ball to the guys in the silver and black. Mendoza is coming off a Heisman season and a National Championship, and he’s got that "face of the franchise" look—like he could sell you a high-end truck or lead a two-minute drill. He’s super smart, had a chance to go to Yale but "passed"—get it? He’s a classic dropback assassin with a nice arm.
Now, the fear is he’s more of a product of Curt Cignetti’s system and isn’t as elite/obvious as past #1 pick QBs...but for Vegas, you take the winner and you pray the offensive line doesn't let him get folded like a lawn chair. If Bryce Young was a #1 pick QB...so is Mendoza.
NFL Comps:
Jared Goff: High-level processor who wins from the pocket but lacks elite wheels.
Carson Palmer: Prototypical size and arm strength with a "pure passer" pedigree.
Eli Manning: The "smart guy" vibe with the ability to get hot and stay hot in big moments.
2. New York Jets
Position: LB/EDGE
Player: Arvell Reese (Ohio State)
Commentary: The Jets defense has been about as effective as a screen door on a submarine lately, especially after trading away their stars. Reese is a freak of nature. He’s 6’4”, 240-plus, and moves like a guy half his size. He played a ton of edge in 2025, and that’s where he’s going to make his money. The upside is terrifying; he’s basically a heat-seeking missile. The downside? He can get a little lost in the sauce when it comes to run fits. Sometimes he’s playing checkers while the offense is playing 4D chess, but you can’t coach that twitch.
NFL Comps:
Micah Parsons: Versatile chess piece who can dominate as an off-ball LB or a pure rusher.
Anthony Barr: Rare length and speed profile for a collegiate linebacker.
Odafe Oweh: Raw, explosive athletic profile that needs a bit of refining.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Position: OT
Player: Francis Mauigoa (Miami)
Commentary: The Cardinals need to protect Kyler—or whoever is back there—because right now it’s a total jailbreak. Mauigoa is a literal human mountain. He didn’t give up a sack for basically the entire 2025 season. He just swallows people whole. It’s like watching a bear try to wrestle a refrigerator. My only worry is he’s so big he might actually have a gravitational pull; speed rushers with a real low center of gravity might be able to get under his pads if he gets lazy with his footwork. But man, when he locks on, it’s over
NFL Comps:
Penei Sewell: Dominant, physical tackle with "nasty" finishes.
Tristan Wirfs: Incredible power combined with surprising lateral agility.
Darnell Wright: A heavy-handed blocker who thrives in a physical scheme.
4. Tennessee Titans
Position: EDGE
Player: Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami)
Commentary: Tennessee is looking for a dog on the edge, and Bain is that guy. He’s built like a fire hydrant but hits like a Mack truck. The production at Miami was insane—20-plus sacks in three seasons doesn't happen by accident. He’s got these heavy hands that just shock offensive tackles. The concern is the frame; he’s a bit compact, and if he doesn’t win with that initial burst and power, he might struggle against the 6’8” monsters of the NFL. But he plays with a motor that just doesn't stop, which usually translates.
NFL Comps:
Elvis Dumervil: Under-height but incredibly powerful and productive sack artist.
Brandon Graham: Powerful base with a relentless motor and great hand usage.
Haason Reddick: High-impact pass rusher who wins with leverage and speed.
5. New York Giants
Position: WR
Player: Carnell Tate (Ohio State)
Commentary: The Giants need a "Big Play" threat because their current receiver room feels like a bunch of guys who are "pretty good at crossing routes." Tate is the next in line for the Ohio State WR factory. He’s 6’3”, smooth as silk, and catches everything. He averaged over 17 yards a pop last year. The fear is he’s a bit "thin." If a physical corner like Jalen Ramsey gets his hands on him at the line, is he going to get jammed into the Gatorade coolers? He needs to hit the weight room and eat some steaks, but the talent is undeniable.
NFL Comps:
CeeDee Lamb: Silky route runner with deceptive speed and great ball skills.
Devonta Smith: Lean, technical master who plays much bigger than his frame.
Jerry Jeudy: Elite suddenness and separation ability at all three levels.
6. Cleveland Browns
Position: OT
Player: Spencer Fano (Utah)
Commentary: Cleveland’s offensive line looked like a MASH unit last year, giving up over 50 sacks. Fano is a Utah kid, so you know he’s tough—probably grew up wrestling elks or something. He’s a nasty, powerful run blocker who loves to bury guys. He’s got those "dancing bear" feet that scouts drool over. The only red flag is sometimes he gets a little too aggressive and ‘lunges’, which in the NFL means you’re going to be looking at the turf while your QB gets murdered.
NFL Comps:
Rashawn Slater: Technical sound blocker with elite feet and balance.
Joe Staley: Athletic tackle who excels in both zone blocking and pass pro.
Garrett Bolles: Mean-spirited blocker with high-end athletic traits.
7. Washington Commanders
Position: SAF
Player: Caleb Downs (Ohio State)
Commentary: Washington is taking the best player available here, and it happens to be a guy who plays safety like he’s a middle linebacker. Downs is everywhere. He had over 100 tackles at Bama as a freshman, then went to Ohio State and kept doing the same thing. He’s the smartest guy on the field, basically a coach in pads. The only "fear" is that he’s a safety. Taking a safety in the top 10 is like buying a really nice rug—it ties the room together, but does it actually stop the house from burning down? You hope his impact is enough to justify the slot.
NFL Comps:
Minkah Fitzpatrick: Elite range and IQ with the ability to play multiple roles.
Kyle Hamilton: High-impact playmaker who affects every phase of the game.
Budda Baker: Smaller frame but plays with incredible violence and diagnostic speed.
8. New Orleans Saints
Position: RB
Player: Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)
Commentary: The Saints love their versatile backs, and Love is the best one we've seen in a minute. He’s 215 pounds of pure muscle and runs like he’s trying to break the earth. He’s also a weapon in the pass game, which is huge. The production is there—nearly 7 yards a carry. The worry is the "wear and tear." He’s a physical runner, and those guys have a shelf life shorter than a carton of milk sometimes. But for the next four years, he’s going to be a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
NFL Comps:
Nick Chubb: Powerful downhill runner with surprising breakaway speed.
Bijan Robinson: Elite contact balance and receiving upside.
Ezekiel Elliott: Prototypical "do-it-all" back with a heavy-duty frame.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Position: WR
Player: Makai Lemon (USC)
Commentary: Putting a USC receiver with Patrick Mahomes feels like a cheat code. Lemon is an absolute burner. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s "slippery"—like trying to catch a greased pig. He creates separation effortlessly. The fear is he’s a "slot only" guy. If you put him outside against a 6’2” physical corner, does he just disappear? But in KC's system, they’ll move him around and make sure he’s matched up against some poor linebacker who has no chance.
NFL Comps:
Garrett Wilson: Twitchy athlete with elite body control and catch radius.
Jaylen Waddle: Pure vertical threat who can also win on underneath slants.
Zay Flowers: Small, shifty playmaker who is dynamic after the catch.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Position: CB
Player: Mansoor Delane (Virginia Tech)
Commentary: The Bengals need to stop the bleeding in the secondary. Delane is a long, rangy corner who looks like he was built in a lab to cover guys like Ja'Marr Chase. He’s got great ball skills and isn't afraid to stick his nose in the fan during run support. The concern is his recovery speed. If a truly elite burner gets a step on him, can he close the gap, or is he just going to be chasing jersey numbers? He’s a technician, but the NFL is a league of speed.
NFL Comps:
A.J. Terrell: Fluid athlete with the length to disrupt at the catch point.
Pat Surtain II: High-IQ technician who relies on positioning and length.
James Bradberry: Steady, reliable boundary corner with great zone awareness.
11. Miami Dolphins
Position CB
Player: Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)
Commentary: The Dolphins' secondary has been playing "after you" with receivers for way too long. Jermod McCoy is the fix. He’s got "oily hips"—which is a weird scout term for saying he doesn't move like a normal human. He just glides. People are worried because he missed time in '25, but modern medicine is basically magic; he’ll be fine. He’s a ball-hawk who treats every pass like it belongs to him personally.
NFL Comps:
Trent McDuffie: Versatile, elite processor with high-end mirroring skills.
Marcus Peters: A pure gambler with elite ball production and instincts.
Jaire Alexander: A smaller, ultra-competitive "island" corner who talks as much as he tackles.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Position: LB
Player: Sonny Styles (Ohio State)
Commentary: Jerry Jones loves a guy who looks like he was built in a lab, and Sonny Styles is exactly that. He’s 6’4”, 235 lbs, and moves like a guy half his size. The experts call him a "three-level defender," which is just code for "he hits everything that moves." He can cover a tight end, blitz the A-gap, or just stand in the middle and look terrifying. It’s a pure "Dak-era" luxury pick that finally stops the defense from being soft.
NFL Comps:
Isaiah Simmons: Freakish hybrid athlete who can play anywhere in the box or deep.
Tremaine Edmunds: Massive frame with sideline-to-sideline range and closing speed.
Derwin James: Specifically for his ability to play a hybrid "star" role in the box.
13. LA Rams
Position: CB
Player: Colton Hood (Tennessee)
Commentary: Everyone was crying when McCoy went at 11, but Colton Hood is basically the same guy with a shorter fuse. He plays corner like he’s trying to get a restraining order against the wide receiver. He’s "grabby"—the experts hate it because of the penalties, but I love it. I want a guy who is annoying to play against. He’s got the long speed to stay in phase and doesn't back down from the big-bodied receivers in the NFC West.
NFL Comps:
Denzel Ward: Elite recovery speed and suddenness in man coverage.
Marshon Lattimore: Physical press corner who excels when left alone on an island.
Asante Samuel Jr.: Sticky coverage skills with a high-level "dog" mentality.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Position: DE
Player: Keldric Faulk (Auburn)
Commentary: Keldric Faulk looks like he should be guarding a medieval castle. He’s massive. The Ravens don't draft "twitchy" speed guys who get pushed around; they draft guys who move offensive tackles backward like they’re on roller skates. Faulk doesn't have a "pass rush plan" other than "I am stronger than you," and honestly, in Baltimore, that’s all you need. He’s the physical tone-setter they've been missing since Campbell left.
NFL Comps:
Cameron Jordan: Elite power-rusher who is equally dominant against the run.
Danielle Hunter: Rare combination of massive length and functional strength.
Arik Armstead: A versatile "heavy" end who can slide inside and dominate.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Position: CB
Player: Brandon Cisse (South Carolina)
Commentary: South Carolina just keeps pumping out these first-round DBs. Cisse is a "lockdown" guy who actually likes to hit people—he had an elite run-defense grade. The experts say his frame is "lean," which is a polite way of saying he needs to eat a sandwich, but when you run a 4.30, you don't need to be huge. You just need to be there when the ball arrives, and Cisse always is.
NFL Comps:
Stephon Gilmore: Smooth, technical master of the "shadow" corner role.
Tre'Davious White: Highly intelligent zone/man hybrid with elite ball skills.
Adoree' Jackson: World-class speed that allows him to recover from any mistake.
16. NY Jets
Position: WR
Player: Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)
Commentary: Jordyn Tyson was coached by Hines Ward, and you can tell because he plays with a chip on his shoulder the size of a Tesla. The "Draft Twitter" nerds hate his catch rate, but that’s because his QBs were throwing him hospital balls all year. He’s a "chain-mover." He’s not going to win a track meet, but on 3rd & 8, he’s going to be open by three yards because he broke the corner's ankles at the line.
NFL Comps:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Elite short-area quickness and "pro-ready" route running.
Keenan Allen: A master of tempo and body positioning to win at the catch point.
Chris Olave: Effortless separator with a knack for find the "soft spot" in coverage.
17. Detroit Lions
Position: CB
Player: Avieon Terrell (Clemson)
Commentary: This is such a Dan Campbell pick. Avieon is "undersized," which the experts use as an excuse to dock him, but he’s got that "Peanut Punch" and forces fumbles like it’s a hobby. He’s a twitchy little psycho on the field. He’s going to fit perfectly in Detroit because he’ll jump a route, pick it off, and then probably try to bite the receiver’s kneecap off on the way to the endzone.
NFL Comps:
A.J. Terrell: His brother’s technical prowess and mirroring ability.
Darius Slay: High-level ball tracking and the confidence to play on an island.
Devon Witherspoon: A violent hitter despite his smaller frame; plays with zero fear.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Position: S
Player: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)
Commentary: Look, I’m the only one brave enough to put a Toledo safety in the top 20. The experts want to wait until the 3rd round because he didn't play for Alabama, but if this guy wore a Crimson Tide helmet, he’d be a top-5 pick. He’s a "heat-seeking missile" safely tucked in a linebacker’s body. He’s forced 9 fumbles in his career. That’s not luck; that’s a man who enjoys causing physical pain.
NFL Comps:
Antoine Winfield Jr.: Compact, explosive playmaker who is a turnover machine.
Jessie Bates III: Elite range and the ability to "quarterback" the entire secondary.
Kevin Byard: Intelligent center-fielder who always finds himself near the ball.
19. Carolina Panthers
Position: TE
Player: Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon)
Commentary: The Panthers need to give Bryce Young a "get out of jail free" card. Sadiq is a 245-pound basketball player who happens to be wearing football pads. He’s still "raw" in his routes, but you don't need nuance when you can just jump over everyone. He’s the guy who catches a 5-yard out and turns it into a 40-yard sprint while four defenders bounce off him like they're in a pinball machine.
NFL Comps:
Sam LaPorta: High-volume target who is a monster after the catch.
Dalton Kincaid: Essentially a jumbo-sized wide receiver in a tight end’s body.
Evan Engram: Too fast for linebackers and too big for corners.
20. Dallas Cowboys
Position: EDGE
Player: T.J. Parker (Clemson)
Commentary: Since I gave them a "chess piece" at 12, I’m giving them a "hammer" at 20. T.J. Parker doesn't have the "bend" that the experts obsess over—he doesn't look like a gymnast coming around the edge. He just runs through people. He’s got that "lethal long-arm" move that makes offensive tackles look like they’re trying to block a bulldozer with a pool noodle. He’s a blue-collar sack artist.
NFL Comps:
Trey Hendrickson: Non-stop motor with a violent finishing style at the QB.
George Karlaftis: A "power-first" rusher who wins with leverage and hand fighting.
Greg Rousseau: Uses massive length to disrupt passing lanes and swallow RBs.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Position: WR
Player: K.C. Concepcion (Texas A&M)
Commentary: The Steelers drafting a guy named "Concepcion" just feels right. He’s 5’11”, 190 lbs, but he’s built like a running back. He transferred to A&M and immediately became the only reason their offense moved. The experts call him a "slot-only" guy, but he’s a "get the ball in his hands and get out of the way" guy. He plays with that "Deebo Samuel" violence that Mike Tomlin probably dreams about.
NFL Comps:
Deebo Samuel: A positionless weapon who is dangerous as a runner or receiver.
DJ Moore: Elite acceleration and the strength to play through press coverage.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: A master of the middle of the field who catches everything.
22. LA Chargers
Position: OG
Player: Olaivavega Ioane (Penn State)
Commentary: Jim Harbaugh drafting a massive offensive lineman from Penn State is about as surprising as a sunrise. Ioane is a "mauler"—which is the scout way of saying he enjoys moving other grown men against their will. He’s 350 pounds but moves like he’s 300. The "experts" worry about his pad level, but when you're that big, you just kind of sit on people until the play is over. He’s the perfect, heavy-duty bodyguard for Justin Herbert.
NFL Comps:
Quenton Nelson: The absolute ceiling; a generational interior force who changes the culture of a locker room.
Mike Onwenu: A massive human who is surprisingly light on his feet and versatile across the line.
O'Cyrus Torrence: A pure power player who anchors like a boat in a storm and never gives ground.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Position: OT
Player: Caleb Lomu (Utah)
Commentary: Howie Roseman just can't help himself. He sees a high-ceiling tackle and he pounces. Lomu is a pure technician. He comes from that Utah "o-line factory" where they probably teach you to block before you learn to walk. He’s got the athletic profile that makes scouts drool—elite 10-yard split and a massive wingspan. The concern is he’s a bit "finesse" right now, but in Philly’s system, they’ll turn him into a weapon.
NFL Comps:
Lane Johnson: Rare athletic traits for a tackle; a true "move-piece" on the edge with elite recovery.
Taylor Moton: Steady, reliable, and technically sound blindside protector who rarely makes mistakes.
Braden Smith: A physical, heavy-handed tackle who transitioned perfectly to the NFL level.
24. Cleveland Browns
Position: WR
Player: Denzel Boston (Washington)
Commentary: The Browns need a guy who can actually win a jump ball without needing a ladder. Denzel Boston is 6’4” and plays even bigger. He’s a "red zone nightmare." The experts are worried about his "separation" metrics, but when you’re this big, separation is just you standing there and being taller than the guy trying to cover you. He fits that classic "X" receiver mold that Cleveland has been missing since the 90s.
NFL Comps:
Mike Williams: The ultimate "50/50 ball" winner who dominates at the catch point through sheer size.
Drake London: Massive frame with surprising suddenness after the catch and elite body control.
Tee Higgins: A vertical threat who uses his length to erase coverage and widen the catch radius.
25. Chicago Bears
Position: DT
Player: Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)
Commentary: The Bears need a "war daddy" in the middle of that defense, and Kayden McDonald is essentially a human refrigerator. He’s 320 pounds and plays with a low center of gravity that makes him nearly impossible to move. Scouts love his "anchor," which is a fancy way of saying he’s a brick wall. He’s not going to give you 10 sacks, but he’s going to make life a living hell for every running back in the NFC North.
NFL Comps:
Dexter Lawrence: A massive interior disruptor who demands a double team on every single snap.
Vita Vea: Pure pocket-pushing power combined with elite run-stopping ability and heavy hands.
D.J. Reader: The technical standard for interior run defense and gap control in the modern NFL.
26. Buffalo Bills
Position: LB
Player: C.J. Allen (Georgia)
Commentary: Taking a linebacker from Georgia is usually a safe bet. It’s like buying a Toyota—it’s just going to work forever. Allen is the signal-caller for the best defense in the country. He’s "instinctual"—which means he knows where the play is going before the quarterback does. The experts think he’s a bit "undersized" for the old-school game, but in today’s NFL, you need guys who can run sideline-to-sideline and not look like they’re running in sand.
NFL Comps:
Roquan Smith: Elite range and diagnostic skills; a true defensive leader and tackling machine.
Patrick Queen: Explosive speed that allows him to trigger on run plays instantly and close gaps.
Nick Bolton: A reliable, heavy-hitting tackler who plays with a high IQ and never misses a target.
27. SF 49ers
Position: EDGE
Player: Akheem Mesidor (Miami)
Commentary: The 49ers love these high-motor, versatile edge guys who play with a bit of an attitude. Mesidor is a "tweener," but in a good way. You can put him on the edge or slide him inside on passing downs to create chaos. He plays with a level of violence that makes you think he’s actually mad at the offensive lineman’s family. The "experts" worry he doesn't have a true home, but Kyle Shanahan will find three different ways to use him to wreck a game.
NFL Comps:
Josh Sweat: Long, twitchy rusher with a great first step and a devastating closing burst.
Zadarius Smith: A versatile chess piece who can win from multiple alignments and pass-rush lanes.
Denico Autry: The prototype for the interior/exterior hybrid who produces everywhere he lines up.
28. Houston Texans
Position: OT
Player: Blake Miller (Clemson)
Commentary: DeMeco Ryans wants to build a culture of "toughness," and Blake Miller is basically a block of granite. He’s started every game since he stepped on campus at Clemson. He’s an "iron man." He’s a high-floor guy—the experts say he lacks "elite upside," but you know exactly what you’re getting. He’s going to show up, block his guy, and not say a word for 60 minutes. He’s the safe, "adult" pick for a rising Texans team.
NFL Comps:
Jack Conklin: A powerhouse in the run game who provides immediate stability to an offensive line.
Rob Havenstein: A massive, reliable right tackle who understands leverage and technical anchoring.
Mike McGlinchey: A high-level run blocker with the frame to survive and thrive on the edge.
29. LA Rams
Position: QB
Player: Ty Simpson (Alabama)
Commentary: Sean McVay taking a high-pedigree Alabama quarterback to develop behind Stafford is a "galaxy brain" move. Simpson was a 5-star recruit who just needed a chance to cook. He’s got "plus" arm talent—he can make throws that look like they’re coming out of a pitching machine. The knock is he’s a bit "small" and holds the ball too long, but if anyone can fix a QB’s internal clock, it’s the guy who made Jared Goff look like an All-Pro.
NFL Comps:
Baker Mayfield: Competitive fire and the ability to make difficult off-platform throws under pressure.
Bryce Young: Point-guard mentality with elite short-area escapability and field vision.
Matthew Stafford (arm talent style): The "no-look" passing ability and arm-angle versatility to fit any window.
30. Denver Broncos
Position: LB
Player: Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas)
Commentary: Anthony Hill Jr. is a "sideline-to-sideline" freak. He plays with a level of speed that makes him look like he’s playing at 1.25x speed while everyone else is at normal. He was a superstar at Texas from day one. The "experts" are worried about his block-shedding—he tends to run around blocks rather than through them—but when you’re that fast, you usually beat the blocker to the spot anyway. He's a total "dawg" in the box.
NFL Comps:
Fred Warner: The gold standard for modern coverage linebackers, range, and football intelligence.
Devin White: Blazing speed and a "downhill" mentality that creates constant splash plays.
Quay Walker: Rare length and athleticism for the position with massive physical upside.
31. New England Patriots
Position: EDGE
Player: Cashius Howell (Texas A&M)
Commentary: The Patriots are in desperate need of someone who can actually scare a quarterback. Howell is an "efficiency" king. He doesn't play every snap, but when he’s in, he’s in the backfield. He’s got that "ghost" rush where he just disappears around the edge before the tackle can even kick back. He’s "light"—scouts worry he’ll get washed out in the run game—but in New England, they’ll use him as a designated assassin on 3rd down.
NFL Comps:
Brian Burns: Elite "bend" and speed-to-power conversion on the edge with a lightning get-off.
Leonard Floyd: Long, lean, and athletic rusher who disrupts passing lanes with his reach.
Bryce Huff: A pure pass-rush specialist who wins with an elite first step and constant pressure.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Position: EDGE
Player: R. Mason Thomas (Oklahoma)
Commentary: Mike Macdonald loves these high-motor, twitchy edges who don't stop until the whistle blows. Thomas is a "disruptor." He doesn't always get the sack, but he’s always "bothering" the quarterback and making him move. He’s got great "bend," which is the scout way of saying he can turn the corner like a motorcycle. He’s a bit raw, but the upside is huge for a Seattle team that loves to bet on freakish athletic traits.
NFL Comps:
Yannick Ngakoue: A pure speed-rusher who consistently creates strip-sacks through relentless effort.
Uchenna Nwosu: High-motor edge who wins with technical hand usage and leverage.
Byron Young: Explosive prospect with elite get-off and closing speed to catch mobile QBs.
Look, I know the "draft twitter" nerds and the guys in the fancy suits are probably throwing their organic lattes at the wall looking at some of these, but we’re building a roster here, not a beauty pageant. You have to look at what these teams actually need versus what the consensus says is "safe.
Defending His Picks...
Here is the defense for the six most "out there" picks where I told the experts to take a walk.
1. New Orleans Saints:
Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame) @ #8
The Expert Take: "Positional value! You can't take a back in the top 10! Take Jordyn Tyson!"
The Defense: Look, the Saints taking a receiver here is like buying a new TV when your roof is leaking. You’ve got Chris Olave. What you don't have is a guy who can actually carry the mail now that Alvin Kamara is basically a senior citizen in football years. Jeremiyah Love isn't just a "running back"—he’s a glitch in the matrix. He’s 215 pounds and runs like he’s got a personal vendetta against every linebacker in the NFC South. The spreadsheet for the Saints screamed for a bell-cow, and while the experts want more "explosive perimeter threats," I’m taking the guy who’s going to get you 1,400 yards and not complain about it. It’s a "dawg" pick.
2. Kansas City Chiefs:
Makai Lemon (WR, USC) @ #9
The Expert Take: "They need a replacement for Isiah Pacheco! Give them Jeremiyah Love!"
The Defense: I love Jeremiyah Love, I just gave him to the Saints! But giving Mahomes another USC speedster is just mean. It’s like giving a kid a second flamethrower. Everyone thinks the Chiefs need to "balance" the offense with a run game. Why? To be polite? If you have Mahomes and a guy named Makai Lemon—who literally moves like he’s made of mercury—you just throw the ball until the other team’s secondary starts crying. The experts are worried about the "ground game," but I’m worried about the scoreboard operator getting carpal tunnel.
3. Miami Dolphins:
Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee) @ #11
The Expert Take: "The pass rush is aging! They need Keldric Faulk on the edge!"
The Defense: The experts love an edge rusher like it’s their own child, but have you seen the Dolphins' secondary lately? It’s basically a bunch of guys saying "after you" to every receiver in the league. Jermod McCoy is a lockdown specialist. He’s got these long arms—it’s like he’s cheating. He just reaches out and deletes passes. You can have the best pass rush in the world, but if your corners are getting toasted in 2.5 seconds, it doesn't matter. McCoy gives them that "island" corner that allows the rest of the defense to actually function.
4. LA Rams:
Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee) @ #13
The Expert Take: "Stafford needs more weapons or they need McCoy!"
The Defense: Everyone is obsessed with McCoy, but Colton Hood is the secret sauce. The Rams' defense needs a guy with a bit of a mean streak, and Hood plays like he’s trying to start a fight at a wedding. He’s technically sound, but he also just hits people. The experts want the Rams to go "big name," but if you look at the team's internal desires, they are desperate for secondary stability. Taking Hood at #13 is a "I'm tired of getting 300 yards hung on me" pick. It’s not flashy, but it’s necessary.
5. Minnesota Vikings:
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo) @ #18
The Expert Take: "A safety from Toledo in the top 20? You’ve lost it. Take Mansoor Delane!"
The Defense: First off, don't disrespect the MAC. Those guys are out there playing in 15-degree weather in front of twelve people; they’re tough. McNeil-Warren is a freak. He’s a safety who plays like a heat-seeking missile. The Vikings' spreadsheet showed a massive void in the deep third and a need for a "field general" type. The experts see "Toledo" and get scared, but I see a guy who had 100 tackles and 4 picks while looking like the fastest person on the field every single Saturday. He’s the "smartest guy in the room" pick that actually works.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers:
K.C. Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M) @ #21
The Expert Take: "They need a big body like Denzel Boston! Concepcion is too small!"
The Defense: Look, the Steelers have plenty of "big bodies" who run into each other. They need a guy who can actually create a highlight. Concepcion is like a human joystick. You put him in the slot and he makes pro athletes look like they’re wearing work boots. The experts want the "traditional" Steelers receiver—6'4", blocking on the perimeter—but the team needs a playmaker who can turn a 3-yard slant into a 60-yard touchdown. It’s a "fun" pick for a team that has been legally required to be boring for three years.
Expert comparisons n(of latest mock drafts at this time):
|
|
Pick |
Team |
FF_Ai_ McGillicuddy1 |
MEL KIPER JR. |
DANIEL JEREMIAH |
XAVIER CROMARTIE |
|
|
1 |
Las Vegas Raiders |
Fernando Mendoza |
Fernando Mendoza |
Fernando Mendoza |
Fernando Mendoza |
|
|
2 |
NY Jets |
Arvell Reese |
Arvell Reese |
Arvell Reese |
Arvell Reese |
|
|
3 |
Arizona Cardinals |
Francis Mauigoa |
Francis Mauigoa |
Francis Mauigoa |
David Bailey |
|
|
4 |
Tennessee Titans |
Rueben Bain Jr. |
David Bailey |
David Bailey |
Francis Mauigoa |
|
|
5 |
NY Giants |
Carnell Tate |
Carnell Tate |
Caleb Downs |
Carnell Tate |
|
|
6 |
Cleveland Browns |
Spencer Fano |
Spencer Fano |
Rueben Bain Jr. |
Spencer Fano |
|
|
7 |
Washington Commanders |
Caleb Downs |
Caleb Downs |
Makai Lemon |
Caleb Downs |
|
|
8 |
New Orleans Saints |
Jeremiyah Love |
Jordyn Tyson |
Mansoor Delane |
Jordyn Tyson |
|
|
9 |
Kansas City Chiefs |
Makai Lemon |
Jeremiyah Love |
Carnell Tate |
Jeremiyah Love |
|
|
10 |
Cincinnati Bengals |
Mansoor Delane |
Mansoor Delane |
Caleb Downs |
Mansoor Delane |
|
|
11 |
Miami Dolphins |
Jermod McCoy |
Keldric Faulk |
Olaivavega Ioane |
Keldric Faulk |
|
|
12 |
Dallas Cowboys |
Sonny Styles |
Sonny Styles |
Spencer Fano |
Sonny Styles |
|
|
13 |
LA Rams |
Colton Hood |
Jermod McCoy |
Francis Mauigoa |
Jermod McCoy |
|
|
14 |
Baltimore Ravens |
Keldric Faulk |
Makai Lemon |
Jermod McCoy |
Makai Lemon |
|
|
15 |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
Brandon Cisse |
Kenyon Sadiq |
Jordyn Tyson |
Kenyon Sadiq |
|
|
16 |
NY Jets |
Jordyn Tyson |
Ty Simpson |
Colton Hood |
Ty Simpson |
|
|
17 |
Detroit Lions |
Avieon Terrell |
Vega Ioane |
Cashius Howell |
Vega Ioane |
|
|
18 |
Minnesota Vikings |
McNeil-Warren |
Mansoor Delane |
Akheem Mesidor |
Mansoor Delane |
|
|
19 |
Carolina Panthers |
Kenyon Sadiq |
CJ Allen |
McNeil-Warren |
CJ Allen |
|
|
20 |
Dallas Cowboys |
T.J. Parker |
Akheem Mesidor |
Denzel Boston |
Akheem Mesidor |
|
|
21 |
Pittsburgh Steelers |
K.C. Concepcion |
Denzel Boston |
Kenyon Sadiq |
Denzel Boston |
|
|
22 |
LA Chargers |
V. Ioane |
Peter Woods |
CJ Allen |
Peter Woods |
|
|
23 |
Philadelphia Eagles |
Caleb Lomu |
Avieon Terrell |
Blake Miller |
Avieon Terrell |
|
|
24 |
Cleveland Browns |
Denzel Boston |
Zachariah Branch |
Monroe Freeling |
Zachariah Branch |
|
|
25 |
Chicago Bears |
Kayden McDonald |
Kayden McDonald |
Dillon Thieneman |
Kayden McDonald |
|
|
26 |
Buffalo Bills |
C.J. Allen |
Chris Brazzell II |
Lee Hunter |
Chris Brazzell II |
|
|
27 |
SF 49ers |
Akheem Mesidor |
Caleb Lomu |
Keldric Faulk |
Caleb Lomu |
|
|
28 |
Houston Texans |
Blake Miller |
Kadyn Proctor |
Kadyn Proctor |
Kadyn Proctor |
|
|
29 |
LA Rams |
Ty Simpson |
Monroe Freeling |
Caleb Lomu |
Monroe Freeling |
|
|
30 |
Denver Broncos |
Anthony Hill Jr. |
Caleb Banks |
Avieon Terrell |
Caleb Banks |
|
|
31 |
New England Patriots |
Cashius Howell |
Cashius Howell |
Brandon Cisse |
Cashius Howell |
|
|
32 |
Seattle Seahawks |
R. Mason Thomas |
Brandon Cisse |
KC Concepcion |
Brandon Cisse |
