April Mock Draft 1.0
Rare Breed Scouting
Mock Draft April 1.0
Less than two weeks until the 2026 NFL Draft. This will be my last top ten edition – next week will include a full first round mock draft.
Rumors are circulating – silly season is in full effect with many talking heads on their 29th mock draft. Agents are pulling strings – teams are leaking false narratives – the media laps it up with statements such as prospect A is “moving up draft boards” – none of it of course is true. The modern version of click bait.
With that being said (Larry David voice) – there will be plenty of organic drama following the Raiders pick at number one. This is a very good draft class in terms of depth – but the scarcity of top tier/first round quarterback prospects have many believing it will be a boring top 15. I can assure you that will not be the case. There WILL be surprising picks and most likely trades occurring in the top 15.
1. Las Vegas - Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana: The Heisman Trophy winner has the size – moxie and arm talent to become a top half of the league QB – something the Silver & Black have been missing for decades.
2. New York Jets - Arvell Reese Edge Ohio State: David Bailey of Texas Tech would be a less risky pick – but Reese’s high ceiling is too much for Aaron Glenn and the J-E-T-S to pass on. Gang Green builds for the 2027 draft where they own three first round picks. Reese will be a critical piece of their rebuild.
3. Arizona - David Bailey Edge Texas Tech: Bailey is ready to go day one. Elite cornering ability with freak quickness off the blocks – he will be a big-time pass rusher in short order. What he lacks vs. the run – he will more than make up for in passing situations.
4. Tennessee - Jeremiyah Love RB Notre Dame: Is it too high for a back? It is certainly a legitimate debate, but Love is special. Paired with sophomore QB Cam Ward – Saleh will have a young talent laden offense – he learned from the trauma he experienced with the Jets.
5. New York Giants - Francis Mauigoa OT Miami: New HC John Harbaugh is old school – Mauigoa certainly fits that mold. He is a mauler who will help protect their young QB and be a major factor in the G-Men’s run game.
6. Cleveland - Kadyn Proctor OT Alabama: The Browns, like the Jets, are building towards what is expected to be a loaded 2027 NFL Draft class. They go with upside and patience in choosing the mammoth Proctor. The first big surprise.
7. Washington - Mansoor Delane DB LSU: The Commanders need help on both sides of the ball – they choose to improve their secondary. They addressed their pass rush in free agency – corner here.
8. New Orleans - Makai Lemon WR USC: This is a tough position for the Saints. They need help on defense, but priority number one is to help 2nd year QB Tyler Shough. Unlike most 2nd year QBs – Shough will turn 27 this upcoming season – the time is now.
9. Kansas City - Sonny Styles LB Ohio State: The Chiefs have two first round picks – with a deep o-line class, they take the best player on the board – the uber athletic linebacker will be a huge weapon for DC Steve Spagnuolo.
10. The Bengals are on the clock with two of my favorite players still left on the board in safety Caleb Downs (my top overall rated prospect) and edge Rueben Bain. When positional weight is added, it certainly makes sense why Downs could drop. The same goes with Bain regarding his lack of arm length – which is critical vs long tackles. In this scenario – would Duke Tobin potentially go with corner Jermod McCoy of Tennessee? It would be a bitter pill to swallow for Bengals fans especially considering McCoy is coming off an ACL injury. In addition, my top overall tackle prospect Monroe Freeling is still on the board. In my not so humble opinion, Freeling will be the best tackle out of this group in 2-3 years.
Even if you believe holes were addressed during free agency – it is win-now mode in Cincy – or at least it better be – the window is closing – which should eliminate players such as Freeling who would serve as a backup in 2026.
Cincinnati - Caleb Downs S Ohio State: It is a difficult call with Bain on the board. The Miami pass rusher is going to be a very good player, but Downs has the potential to be a perennial All-Pro safety. Take the Buckeye – be happy for a decade.