Nick Shook's Full 2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 | Mock Draft Live

This episode of Mockdraft Live, featuring analysts Lance Zierlein and Bucky Brooks, along with host Mike, delves into Nick Shook’s Mockdraft 1.0, offering insights and critiques on potential NFL draft picks. The discussion highlights various players, their strengths, weaknesses, and projected team fits, emphasizing the convergence of Saturday and Sunday football leading up to the NFL draft. The mock draft begins with the Raiders selecting Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana, as the number one overall pick. Despite being an unorthodox quarterback, Mendoza is described as tough and well-suited for the NFL, especially with Kirk Cousins’ recent signing providing an opportunity for him to develop without immediate pressure. The Jets, facing numerous defensive holes, are predicted to draft David Bailey from Texas Tech at number two. Bailey is lauded as a remarkable speed rusher with exceptional closing speed and athleticism, capable of shoring up their defensive front. The Arizona Cardinals, picking third overall, are projected to select Jeremiah Love, a running back who is considered a "home run hitter" and a three-down back. Despite a loaded backfield and recent signings, Love is seen as a potential centerpiece for their offense, capable of delivering explosive plays. His ability to stay upright and continue long runs, coupled with his versatility as a pass-catcher and willing blocker, makes him an appealing prospect, particularly for an offense seeking a marquee back. The Titans are predicted to get Orville Reese from Ohio State at number four. Reese is described as a dynamic talent who shouldn't be limited to just an edge rusher role, capable of impacting the defense in various ways. Following Reese, the Giants are projected to take Sunny Styles, another Ohio State player, at number five. Styles is compared to Fred Warner, excelling in both run defense and coverage, making him an ideal leader for the Giants' defense. The Cleveland Browns are predicted to select Carnell Tate, the first wide receiver off the board, at number six. Tate is praised for his contested catch-making ability, a crucial need for the Browns regardless of their quarterback situation. The Washington Commanders, at number seven, are projected to pick Caleb Downs, completing a "four-pack of Buckeyes." Downs is highlighted as one of college football's best defenders, a three-level safety who can make an instant impact on the Commanders' struggling defense. The discussion then circles back to Orville Reese, emphasizing his "unicorn" qualities as an off-ball linebacker with pass rush presence. His speed, quickness, explosiveness, and ability to convert speed into power make him a highly coveted prospect with a bright future. The New Orleans Saints, at number eight, are projected to draft Ruben Bane, an "absolute game-wrecker" from Miami. Bane's power-based play style and relentless effort are highlighted, despite concerns about his arm length. He's seen as a long-term replacement for Cam Jordan and a potential pairing with Chase Young. The Kansas City Chiefs, at number nine, are predicted to select Mansour Delane, the best cornerback in the class, to address their secondary needs. The Cincinnati Bengals, at number ten, are projected to take Jer McCoy, another talented cornerback with great ball skills, despite an ACL injury. The Dolphins are predicted to pick Yuani from Penn State, an offensive lineman, at number eleven. The Cowboys, at number twelve, are projected to draft safety Dylan Theamman from Oregon, valued for his versatility and fit with their new defensive coordinator. The Rams, at number thirteen, are predicted to select Francis Maloa, a powerful right tackle from Miami, to protect Matthew Stafford and open rushing lanes. The Ravens, at number fourteen, are projected to take Spencer Feno, a versatile offensive lineman who could play guard or center. The Buccaneers, at number fifteen, are predicted to draft Aake Meador from Miami, an edge rusher needed to improve their pass rush. The Jets' second pick at number sixteen is Mai Lemon, a wide receiver, to bolster their receiving corps alongside Garrett Wilson. The Lions, at number seventeen, are projected to take Cashes Howell, an edge rusher, despite concerns about his arm length, to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. The Minnesota Vikings, at number eighteen, are predicted to select safety Emanuel McNeel Warren from Toledo, a hard-hitting and versatile player. The Carolina Panthers, at number nineteen, are projected to draft Lee Hunter, a run-stopping defensive interior player, to complement Derrick Brown. The Steelers, at number twenty-one, are predicted to select Mimo Freeling, a left tackle from Georgia, to provide competition and a long-term solution at the position. The Chargers, at number twenty-two, are projected to take Omar Cooper, a wide receiver with versatility and run-after-the-catch ability. The Eagles, at number twenty-three, are predicted to draft Blake Miller, a right tackle from Clemson, to eventually replace Lane Johnson. Later picks include Maxi Honichore to the Cleveland Browns (offensive line), Kenan Proctor to the Chicago Bears (offensive line), Jordan Tyson to the Buffalo Bills (wide receiver), Kendrick Faulk to the San Francisco 49ers (edge rusher), Caleb Blu to the Houston Texans (offensive line), Kenyan Sadique to the Kansas City Chiefs (tight end), Colton Hood to the Miami Dolphins (cornerback), TJ Parker to the Patriots (edge rusher), and Brandon Cece to the Seattle Seahawks (cornerback). The discussion also touches on potential "cluster busters" among edge rushers, with David Bailey identified as the best pure speed rusher, Malachi Lawrence for his hand usage, and Cashes Howell for his sack production. Finally, the mock draft addresses the quarterback position, noting that only one quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, is projected in the first round by Nick Shook. Tai Simpson from Alabama is discussed as a potential second-round pick who might get elevated into the first round due to the draft machine's tendency to push quarterbacks up the board. However, Zierlein and Brooks express reservations about Simpson as a first-round talent due to his limited experience and arm talent. The episode concludes with each analyst identifying the team they believe would have the "grand slam" draft if Nick's predictions came true. Nick selects the Kansas City Chiefs, Bucky chooses the New York Jets, and Lance, with a touch of humor, argues for the Dallas Cowboys, despite their long Super Bowl drought.