FINAL MOCK DRAFT

**Note- I apologize in advance. I went to the eye doctor earlier today. My eyes are still dilated. Not the best idea I’ve ever had considering this mock draft version is due later tonight. Please be patient with my typos.

Ringo’s Mock NFL Draft which basically means you can mock my foolish predictions like usual haha! This will be updated a lot (like virtually daily) as we move closer to draft day (Thursday April 24) when things become less murky. Disclaimer note- I don’t have inside info. This is just me doing my best to read the tea leaves along with what I’ve heard and my thought process. If you’re going to bet the NFL Draft, please only bet what you can afford to lose, otherwise just kick back and enjoy the draft!

Note**- Mock will be turned in on Wed night April 22nd for The Huddle Report Mock Draft Contest. Fantasy Pros Mock Draft Contest deadline Is Thursday April 23, 2026 before the draft starts, thus some of the picks differ from this version to coincide with the latest information. Here’s a little background music for my fellow draftniks.

1. LAS VEGAS - QB Fernando Mendoza Indiana

2. N.Y. JETS EDGE David Bailey Texas Tech

Schrager & Jeremiah were correct with NFL execs think Bailey is the pick.

The Jets need pass rushers. It’s either Bailey or Reese. I’ll go Bailey.


3. ARIZONA RB Jeremiyah Love Notre Dame

Charlie Campbell NFL execs info, Schrager, info right. Love.

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell vetoes GM Monte Ossenfort and gets his guy, Jeremiyah Love to help sell some tickets. in my Final Mock Arizona keeps the pick.

However, if the Cards move this pick, keep an eye on the Chiefs and the Saints. Both could use an edge rusher. Saints GM Mickey Loomis is famous for going up and getting his guy.

Cards don’t want a hybrid player in Reese. They want to trade down if that scenario happens. . like Ty Simpson. Peter Schrager’s info- Bailey/Reese, Francis Mauigoa or Jeremiyah Love go here.

Cards have a lot of holes. GM Monte Ossenfort is on the hot seat. They need QB, EDGE, and OL help.

Rumor is the Cards love Fano. Francis Mauigoa is viewed as a Guard by many teams. He’s better in power gap scheme. Mike LaFleur -outside zone blocking scheme. Fano’s best fit is outside zone scheme. Some teams see Fano as a LT. Cardinals could also trade down with a team like the Cowboys,


4. TENNESSEE EDGE Arvell Reese Ohio State

Shocker. Not many had Tate here. GM Mike Borgonzi likes high character guys. Keldric Faulk reminded him of Arik Armstead from SF. He went up and got Faulk.

I think Robert Saleh prefers a defensive player over a talented offensive one like Love. It sounds like Bain isn’t their guy. Styles or Reese here.

Don’t want Bain here. If they trade down they would take him. Daniel Jeremiah says the Titans aren’t a Rueben Bain team. Schrager- Styles, Bailey/Reese, LB Sonny Styles or Tate. Styles could be in play if Robert Saleh is happy with his DE’s.


5. N.Y. GIANTS WR Jordyn Tyson Arizona State

Titans shock pick affected Giants. They never thought Reese would get to them. Tyson might have been their pick, but Reese was higher on their board.

Giants notes- worried about Nabers injury. Could grab WR here.

Matt Nagy- zone blocking scheme. Giants need to upgrade their o-line. They need a RT. Don’t sleep on Mauigoa. Mauigoa is considered the best RT in the class. He could be the pick here if Love is off the board. Also possible is WR. If NY has a preference at WR. They could take their WR here (Tate or Tyson) and avoid getting sniped by Clev, Wash, NO, KC, etc,) and see who’s left at OL at 10. They did this a few years ago with Thibideaux and then took Evan Neal a few picks later.

Delane fits the style new defensive coordinator wants to employ. Ny would prefer to slide down a few spots, if they can’t, they might just stick and pick the talented LSU corner right here. Sonny Styles also possible if still available.

The Giants have to play the Eagles and Commanders twice each season. Philly has Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, while Washington has Jayden Daniels. All of whom are very elusive. After Ray Lewis, John Harbaugh had two very good LBs from powerhouse college programs (LSU and Georgia, respectively) - Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith. Both known for their speed/quickness. Styles seems similar to both and the next successor in a good line of LBs. However, the Giants signed Tremaine Edmunds to a big contract. Would they use their 1st pick on another LB?

RB Jeremiyah Love WR Carnell Tate and S Caleb Downs are also in play here. Giants want to trade down. In addition, Edge Kayveon Thibideaux wants out.. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson scheme press coverage. Aggressive unpredictable defensive versatility


6. CLEVELAND OT Spencer Fano Utah

Pauline was right. Browns thought they could move Fano to LT.

Clev write up- I think the Browns go o-line. They need a LT who can stay healthy. I think it’s either Kayden Proctor, Monroe Freeling, or Spencer Fano. This is probably too early for them, but if they can’t find a trade partner, they’ll have to stick and pick.

Rumor is the Browns want to trade down. Browns’ GM Andrew Berry traded down last year with Jacksonville so the Jags could get Travis Hunter. Does history repeat itself?

Browns have major holes at OL going into free agency. So far they’ve added: OT Tytus Howard (trade), G Zion Johnson, and and C/G Elgton Jenkins. However, they still need a LT. Dawand Jones can’t stay healthy. Mauigoa is a RT or Guard. Browns might be willing to trade down with a team like Dallas. WR is also a possibility.


7. WASHINGTON LB Sonny Styles Ohio State

This info was right. Washington wanted Love or Styles. They got Styles. Charlie Campbell was wrong early in draft rumors info. Bain not getting past Washington.

Washington wants Jeremiyah Love. It sounds like he’s not falling to pick 7. If Sonny Styles does, he could be the pick.

Washington wants to trade down because they want more picks. WR Tate, CB Delane, or pass rusher???

Washington GM, Adam Peters, was instrumental in SF trade with Carolina for Christian McCaffrey. Washington wants Love, but they don’t think he’ll be there. Trade down for Delane? Not interested in Caleb Downs.

Rueben Bain Jr. is not getting past Washington. Carnell Tate is a possibility, however there’s smoke Washington will make an offer to San Fran for veteran WR Brandon Aiyuk.


8. NEW ORLEANS WR Carnell Tate Ohio State

Took WR Jordyn Tyson. WR was the pick. As I suspected, once again they fed Pauline bs, saying they weren’t taking a WR in 1st.

Carnell Tate, Rueben Bain or Mansoor Delane???

Bain isn’t a fit for a 3-4 defense imo. I’ll go Tate, but Delane played just up the road in Baton Rouge. God, this is just like when I took a test in school. I’d narrow it down to two choices and always pick the wrong damn one- ugh!!!

The word is that the Saints are going WR which makes sense since they traded Rasheed Shaheed last year. Tate seems like the favorite, but Tyson & Lemon could also be in play. S Caleb Downs is possible if they go in a different direction.


9. KANSAS CITY DE Rueben Bain Miami

Coach Spagnuolo convinced GM Brett Veach to have a zoom meeting with Delane to hide their interest in him. Malik Wright was wrong. Said it was Bain.

Rueben Bain or Carnell Tate ?

Chiefs OL, WR offense CB, DL, TE, S values versatility, speed come in and learn the plays, intelligence. Massive hole at WR. Rashee Rice is facing a huge suspension in his final year on his rookie contract. WR Carnell Tate is very possible if he slides or Chiefs trade up. However, KC could also bring back Tyreek Hill if his rehab goes well.


10. N.Y. GIANTS S Caleb Downs Ohio State

Giants had Mauioga higher on their board. Anonymous Head coach who said Downs was the pick was wrong.


11. Miami OT Francis Mauioga Miami

Miami GM Jon Eric-Sullivan’s philosophy is building from the inside out. He wants to be dominant on both sides of the ball. Sullivan subscribes to the philosophy of building a team from the inside out – fortifying the foundation first and foremost. That approach creates flexibility and multiplicity. It creates adaptable game plans. It allows the program to win at home, in hostile environments, in the September Miami humidity or the winter weather in the Northeast.

"We've got to be dominant on the offensive line and dominate on the defensive line," Sullivan said. "Then, get explosive and athletic on the perimeter where we can attack all three levels of the field and give the offensive coordinator flexibility to call the game the way that he wants to call the game, most importantly, in any element."

I agree with him. This is his first pick. If they stick and pick, (and they might trade down), but if they stick and pick, I think it’s someone on the line. The latest rumor is Dolphins want OT Spencer Fano. However in my mock Fano is gone, so they stay local and go Mauioga.

Miami’s new GM, Jon Eric-Sullivan came from Green Bay. And the Packers were notorious for not selecting WRs early, until last year with Matthew Golden. This team needs a lot of help. My best guess is offensive line.


12. DALLAS CB Mansoor Delane LSU

Styles, Delane, or Caleb Downs, if none are there, then WR.

No Bain No Cassius Howell (arm length is an issue for them) Mesidor (age) or McCoy. Dallas could go offense here. Dallas write up- Delane has a strong relationship with Cowboys DB coach, Ryan Smith who recruited him when he was a coach at Virginia Tech. Delane is considered by many to be the top ranked CB and Dallas has need in their secondary. Dallas might have to jump up in front of Cincinnati and Miami to secure Delane- possible trade with Cleveland? Needs- pass rushers, ILB and CB (future note- Nick Harris Cowboys insider (future note- Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker values players’ intelligence & versatility) However, it’s seems unlikely Dallas trades up for Styles. He’s not an Edge rusher and they like ILB Jacob Rodriguez who can be had later. If they trade up, I’m guessing it would be for Arvell Reese, David Bailey, or possibly Mansoor Delane.


13. L.A. RAMS WR Maikai Lemon USC

This was the anonymous buzz Jay Glazer alluded to. Rams went Ty simpson. Shocker of the draft- in where he was picked. Schrager also said teams asking him about where Simpson will go in first? Should have been a tell.


Jay Glazer- hasn’t heard Rams want to move up. Schrager- Rams could move down
.
Rumor is the Rams want to move up for Jordan Tyson???? It makes sense. Davante Adams is a veteran. Tyson could start grooming underneath him and be ready to fill his shoes down the road, while providing valuable depth until that time comes.

However, if they stick and pick it seems unlikely Lemon gets by the Rams.


14. BALTIMORE OL/G Vega Ioane Penn State

Ioane or Sadiq??

All things being equal, and within reason, the Ravens’ draft philosophy is simple. GM Eric DeCosta believes in taking the best player available. They could use help on the offensive line. Even after signing Trey Hendrickson, Edge is also a need. Now, whether they draft for need is the million dollar question. Word around the league is that Ioane gets picked in the top 15.


15. PITTSBURGH (PROJECTED TRADE acquired from TAMPA BAY) OT Monroe Freeling Georgia

Steelers like Ol didn’t love them Gerry Dulac. Tried to trade for Maikai Lemon but Eagles jumped in front of them.

Tampa Bay notes- The latest word is that the Bucs might be looking to move down. In my mock Tampa moves down and the Steelers come up for a LT.

Tampa likes CJ Allen as well. Edge, TE, or Inside LB.


16. N.Y. JETS- CB Colton Hood Tennessee



League insiders think Jets could move down- teams want to jump Detroit to get an OL.

The Jets need to replace departed defensive stalwarts Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. In addition, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is switching to 3-4 defense scheme. I think they go pass rusher at 2, but here seems like either CB or a wild card QB. WR possible however, the Jets apparently like Omar Cooper Jr. but not here. They like him later like pick 33. Trade also possible trade (Brian Thomas Jr.). Will not go interior OL or Safety (No Vega Ioane or no Caleb Downs). Hood seems like a good fit for Aaron Glenn’s defense.


17. DETROIT OT Kadyn Proctor Alabama

Pauline was right. Detroit tried trading up with Miami for Proctor, but they declined it and picked him.

Lions reportedly love Proctor and like Keldric Faulk, too. He’s a culture building player, with high character. Monroe Freeling could be option if Proctor gets picked in front of them.

OT possible here as well. However, not sure if OT Kayden Proctor is the culture fit the Lions are looking for? Penei Sewell could switch over to LT to replace Decker, but a RT is still a hole. Latest info is that Proctor may not be there. He’s apparently 2nd on some team’s OT boards. He has a higher ceiling than others. Can he keep the weight off? Lions prioritize physical play and run blocking. Needs OL, Edge, CB, S, & ILB


18. MINNESOTA TE Kenyon Sadiq TE . Oregon

Paul Charchian was close. Mentrioned the Vikes needed to replace DTs. he just picked the wrong one.

Sadiq is moving up draft boards. Brian Flores defense too confusing for rookie safety??? Hockenson in the final year of his contract. Sadiq adds some juice to a potentially potent offense.


19. CAROLINA S Dillon Thieneman Oregon

Carolina wants center fielder to play safety. Haven’t filled that yet in offseason. Thieneman would fill that need. Signed Jaelon Phillips and Devin Llyod. Carolina wants to prioritize more weapons for Bryce Young. TE, CB


20. DALLAS EDGE Malachi Lawrence Central Florida

If Dallas sticks and picks, they need a pass rusher. They like Malachi Lawrence. Chris Johnson had a good showing at the Senior Bowl. The watch for him starts at pick 20, with multiple teams supposedly trying to hide their interest.) Defensive coordinator Christian Parker likes versatility & intelligence.

Switch to 3-4 defense. Dallas could be eyeing ILB Jacob Rodriguez in 2nd rd so they could go CB here. Zion Young possible- Cowboys new OLB coach (Chidera Uzo-Diribe) tried recruiting Young to play for Georgia, but seems better suited for 4-3 and not the 3-4 Dallas scheme.


21. TAMPA BAY (PROJECTED TRADE acquired from PITTSBURGH) Edge Cashius Howell Texas A&M

Bucs went defense. Didn’t think Bain was a fit in their 3-4 scheme.

Bucs apparently going defense. Reportedly like Mesidor. Also like Howell. Some in building like Keldric Faulk, but not all.


Pitt notes- LT Broderick Jones setback is concerning for the Steelers. They need to protect the QB. I expect them to be aggressive for a LT. Freeling better at LT than Proctor according to scouting reports. Seems like a better fit for Pitt.. They might have to trade up for one.


Guard Chase Bisontis possible here. OL DL ILB Patrick Queen trade rumors persist because of a disappointing year. He’s also in the last year of his pricey contract. (OT WR S)


22. L.A. CHARGERS OL/G Chase Bisontis Texas A&M

Went Edge with Mesidor over Bisontis.

It sounds like the Chargers want to go Edge rusher or Guard here if they keep the pick. However, with only 5 picks, LA could be looking to trade down and acquire more draft ammo. Chargers could to go Interior OL DT or Edge.


23. PHILADELPHIA OT Blake Miller Clemson

Eagles new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is switching to more of a zone blocking scheme. They need a replacement for veteran Lane Johnson. Monroe Freeling or Blake Miller could be potential fits. Note- the rumor is Jalen Carter is on the trade block. If the Eagles trade Carter, DT could also be in play here, too.


24. CLEVELAND WR Denzel Boston Washington

Browns went WR. I picked the wrong one. I went with Denzel Boston. They chose KC Concepcion.

Cleveland needs a WR badly. They’re also doing a lot of work on QB Ty Simpson. They could trade up from here or down from pick 6 to secure him.


25. CHICAGO DT Kayden McDonald Ohio State

Bears are most likely going defense with several holes on DL. Rumors are the Bears are interested in McDonald. I’m not sure if he’s the preferred type of DT in this system, but Chicago got gashed last year by the run. That said, keep an eye on Maxx Crosby. With the Ravens nixing the the trade, the Bears could make Las Vegas GM, John Spytek, an offer he can’t refuse.

Bears defensive coordinator seems to prefer undersized DT. Peter Woods fits the bill, becomes a possibility. Zion Young also a possibility at Edge if they prefer Edge to DT..


26. ARIZONA (PROJECTED TRADE acquired from BUFFALO) QB Ty Simpson Alabama

Bills could trade down to get more picks after trading a 2nd rd pick for WR D.J. Moore. In this mock Arizona climbs back into the 1st round and takes their QB of the future in Simpson.

Bills switching to 3-4 defense. Could use DT, help stopping the run. Could use a Guard. Chase Bisontis possible if still on the board, fits the Bills blocking scheme.


27. SAN FRANCISCO WR K.C. Concepcion Texas A&M

Ricky Pearsall hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Newly acquired WR Christian Kirk is only signed to a one-year deal. Kyle Shanahan needs weapons for his offense to reach its potential. Concepcion gives the Niners some much needed speed and makes sense.


28. HOUSTON OL/ Guard Keylan Rutledge Georgia Tech

Got it right. Was able to figure this out by myself.

Houston might be looking to trade down. Will they have any buyers if they’re looking to sell this pick? Texans need Interior OL help, power scheme. Also possible DT or EDGE?


29. KANSAS CITY CB Chris Johnson San Diego State

Picked another need DT Peter Woods.

KC write up- offense OL WR EDGE rusher Chiefs need help on the d-line and a CB. They usually don’t draft players with injury history (Jermod McCoy’s knee could be red flagged for them). Johnson seems like a good value here and fills a massive hole in the KC secondary.


30. MIAMI OT Caleb Lomu Utah

Lomu fits the offense Bobby Slowik will run in Miami. GM wants to build his team inside-out.


31. NEW ENGLAND OT Max Iheanachor Arizona State

Patriots took Lomu. I was close. OL was correct call. Didn’t think he was a scheme fit here.

It sounds like AJ Brown’s days in Philly are numbered. New England could be the landing spot. If so, that would make WR unlikely here. OL a possibility- power blocking scheme. OL Guards, Pregnon, possible here too. Very possible Patriots try to move up for an OL. If Pats go Edge, GM Eliot Wolf likes Edge rushers who are big and fast (TJ Parker, Cashius Howell).


32. SEATTLE DE Keldric Faulk Auburn

Pauline was right. Took one of the guys still on their board. Faulk went right before with Titans jumping in front of Seattle.

Seahawks only have 4 picks. They want to trade down and get more picks. However, if they stick and pick it could come down to: RB Jadarian Price CB Chris Johnson, or Keldric Faulk.

Rumor Dan Viens’ sources- Seattle is talking to the NY Giants about Kayveon Thibideaux and Clevleand about Myles Garrett. Talks with Giants are considered very serious and would cost a late 2nd or 3rd rd pick. If they do a deal then Seattle goes a different direction here instead of Edge. Could go Interior OL. Also note, Seahawks are notorious for trading down in drafts under GM John Schneider.



Misc Notes


Interior OL Chase Bisontis Texas A&M better scheme- zone ( fits Chargers, Bills, & Seahawks zone scheme)

Interior OL Keylan Rutledge left or right guard better in a power scheme (fits Houston)
Interior OL Emmanuel Pregnon Oregon some teams view him as only a left guard better power scheme

OL Emmanuel Pregnon Oregon

CB Avieon Terrell Clemson

EDGE T.J. Parker Clemson

Caleb Downs- no way he gets to 12th pick

EDGE R. Mason Thomas Oklahoma

WR Denzel Boston bottom third of 1st round

EDGE Zion Young Missouri probably goes in the 20’s

LB C.J. Allen Clemson

DT Peter Woods Clemson

S Jason Kilgore South Carolina

CB Jermod McCoy Tennessee knee could be a medical red flag for this year and cause him to drop out of the 1st rd

EDGE Akeem Mesidor not viewed as highly in the leagie as he is in mock drafts