{"id":449086,"date":"2026-02-02T12:13:28","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T12:13:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/449086\/"},"modified":"2026-02-02T12:13:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T12:13:28","slug":"nfl-mock-draft-2026-ai-predicts-the-entire-first-round","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/449086\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL mock draft 2026: AI predicts the entire first round"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Over the next three months, NFL analysts will produce <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/nfl-mock-draft-roundup-experts-110633498.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:2026 NFL mock drafts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2026 NFL mock drafts<\/a> in an effort to predict what will happen come April 23. While draftniks will have a great idea of the strengths, weaknesses and NFL potential of each prospect, most of their efforts to mock the draft will become fruitless endeavors.<\/p>\n<p>Why? Because one massive trade \u2013 like the <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/article\/jaguars-trade-pick-travis-hunter-003523924.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jacksonville Jaguars&#039; move up for Travis Hunter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacksonville Jaguars&#8217; move up for Travis Hunter<\/a> in 2025 \u2013 or an unexpected slide, like <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/article\/dramatic-slide-shedeur-sanders-nfl-175608287.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:that of Shedeur Sanders;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">that of Shedeur Sanders<\/a>, can throw a wrench into the mocks of even the most well-prepared analysts.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s why USA TODAY Sports decided to use the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/copilot.microsoft.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Microsoft Copilot AI chatbot;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Microsoft Copilot AI chatbot<\/a>\u00a0to try predict the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft a few months ahead of the festivities in Pittsburgh. The goal was to determine whether a relatively new AI tool could produce a mock draft with any logic or accuracy.<\/p>\n<p>Copilot was able to craft a first-round mock with a single prompt, which was as follows:<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Can you create your own 2026 NFL mock draft for the first 32 picks?<\/p>\n<p>All players Copilot included in its mock draft were draft-eligible. The chatbot made occasional errors in its analysis \u2013 which wasn&#8217;t a surprise, as some Large Language Models (LLMs) have trouble keeping up with the latest sports news and updates \u2013 but it was simply prompted to correct those errors when they occurred.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>The most notable aspect of Copilot&#8217;s mock draft? It didn&#8217;t include <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/rueben-bain-jr-know-miami-110251939.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.<\/a> It wasn&#8217;t immediately clear whether the chatbot had overlooked Bain or had been scared off by his lack of arm length, which figures to be a key topic leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n<p>There weren&#8217;t many other major surprises among Copilot&#8217;s first 32 picks, but a handful of bolder picks stood out from the crowd. Here&#8217;s a summation of how its first mock came out, along with a human analysis of how the AI fared in its mock drafting efforts.<\/p>\n<p>1 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p>1. New York Jets &#8211; Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/974dbe52310218ef0b49518f1bf46b41.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>1 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p>1. New York Jets &#8211; Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/72c6e272d87c87766670d93ef5305781.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">2. New York Jets \u2013 Arvell Reese, LB\/DE, Ohio State<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8e024c634f688a3ada90864f944d5613.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>3 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">3. Arizona Cardinals \u2013 David Bailey, DE\/OLB, Texas Tech<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/b01dca8406cf311e54f3b5f9394ef8bc.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>4 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">4. Tennessee Titans \u2013 Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/bc286b7d1c9fcb34f849148c5281a94d.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>5 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">5. New York Giants \u2013 Spencer Fano, OT, Utah<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1b20b32590ee76902a21975f9a9297d0.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>6 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">6. Cleveland Browns \u2013 Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/c79f5819a1276c9e0b4407e7c8ec0a35.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>7 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">7. Washington Commanders \u2013 Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/aa8f461f936161e1d38222e1e1a174a6.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>8 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">8. New Orleans Saints \u2013 Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06e6639619e0df586b61a8ce51e1148c.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>9 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">9. Kansas City Chiefs \u2013 Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8a2bc7fa4cca63342afc5260ac49a2bf.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>10 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">10. Cincinnati Bengals \u2013 Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/f99e41a7cafe79edc706ab6604ad332b.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>11 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">11. Miami Dolphins \u2013 Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/f2a8166c34fe9a3e4238b8dd387a106c.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>12 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">12. Dallas Cowboys \u2013 Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/c3c3c8f1260d7eed6ef5ecd0de8f0c98.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>13 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) \u2013 Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8e5de0b59cb9bc2a4e472fb2db7948bb.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>14 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">14. Baltimore Ravens \u2013 Peter Woods, DT, Clemson<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e41815f58fb00adb7a08279b14df418e.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>15 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers \u2013 Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&amp;M<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2b89206f679920a0cec362ae9de58f1d.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>16 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) \u2013 Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/90a9bdda10a605dc5e75140ebf097f8d.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>17 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p>17. Detroit Lions \u2013 Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e6b0e8522e29cece155735c561d2ebeb.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>18 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">18. Minnesota Vikings \u2013 Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1bf708d70ede4e851729683b08f1320a.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>19 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">19. Carolina Panthers \u2013\u00a0Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/79fac7df0154f21ee4dccab8dc14c608.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>20 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) \u2013 Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8ad4ab863323b591903ce0f398f62839.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>21 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">21. Pittsburgh Steelers \u2013 Makai Lemon, WR, USC<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ff84c8ee10fcf67261ab22f28de8cb76.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>22 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">22. Los Angeles Chargers \u2013 Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/32282a3cfa942208234941112d44c6f3.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>23 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">23. Philadelphia Eagles \u2013 Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/eb0956b081fd1c37c52b68efc25c007e.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>24 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) \u2013 KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&amp;M<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/16f3955be0f72b3e0f5b206acc597fab.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>25 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">25. Chicago Bears \u2013 Caleb Banks, DT, Florida<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3e25b5491d60ac73aeb973ea88def365.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>26 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">26. Buffalo Bills \u2013 Denzel Boston, WR, Washington<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/f12dfa98e13e8f0f130fae4e4b0c299f.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>27 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">27. San Francisco 49ers \u2013 Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8481680a56f2458dbf98da3aa75299ab.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>28 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">28. Houston Texans \u2013 Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2e82d5c93747b96f158f555e98f502ce.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>29 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p>29. Los Angeles Rams \u2013 Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/c55250534e19ff8c62cea334427b0f01.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>30 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p>30. New England Patriots \u2013 Zion Young, DE, Missouri<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4794884f7489917994538b07d9850cb3.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>31 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">31. Denver Broncos \u2013 CJ Allen, LB, Georgia<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"cropped-img\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08b410416cded8ea8495d8f4c10eef39.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>32 \/ 32<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: Where do College Football Playoff top stars rate?<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">32. Seattle Seahawks \u2013 Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n<p>2026 NFL mock draft: First-round AI picks1. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/las-vegas-raiders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Las Vegas Raiders;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/las-vegas-raiders\/341\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Raiders;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Raiders<\/a> badly need a quarterback, and Copilot called the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Mendoza a &#8220;plug\u2011and\u2011play face of the franchise.&#8221; So far, so good from the AI chatbot.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/new-york-jets\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:New York Jets;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">New York Jets<\/a>: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State<\/p>\n<p>Copilot will stick to the consensus with its first two projected picks. Reese is considered one of the best defensive players in the draft and the chatbot likes the idea of adding a &#8220;hybrid&#8221; player with &#8220;pass-rush juice&#8221; to Aaron Glenn&#8217;s defense.<\/p>\n<p>3. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/arizona-cardinals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Arizona Cardinals;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Arizona Cardinals<\/a>: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)<\/p>\n<p>Copilot acknowledged it isn&#8217;t sure who Arizona&#8217;s starting quarterback will be next season, so it wanted to give the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/arizona-cardinals\/355\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cardinals;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Cardinals<\/a> help up front. It referred to Mauigoa as a &#8220;high-floor right tackle&#8221; and noted his power would help to stabilize Arizona&#8217;s offensive line. Jonah Williams is set to be a free agent, so adding a potential long-term bookend for Paris Johnson Jr. makes sense.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>4. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/tennessee-titans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Tennessee Titans;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Tennessee Titans<\/a>: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech<\/p>\n<p>Many mocks are giving the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/tennessee-titans\/336\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Titans;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Titans<\/a> an edge rusher, with Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. being the top targets at this juncture. Copilot opted to go with Bailey here, praising his &#8220;explosive first step&#8221; while noting his FBS-leading sack production last season (14.5 sacks).<\/p>\n<p>5. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/new-york-giants\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:New York Giants;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">New York Giants<\/a>: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State<\/p>\n<p>Tate to the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/new-york-giants\/351\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Giants;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Giants<\/a> is another popular pick Copilot targeted for its mock draft. The chatbot called Tate a &#8220;big-frame playmaker and contested\u2011catch winner&#8221; and opined he would pair well with Malik Nabers as a top weapon for Jaxson Dart.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>6. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/cleveland-browns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cleveland Browns;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Cleveland Browns<\/a>: OT Spencer Fano, Utah<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/cleveland-browns\/329\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Browns;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Browns<\/a> are looking to rebuild their offensive line. The chatbot has Cleveland doing that with its first overall pick, by grabbing the &#8220;scheme-versatile&#8221; Fano. It noted the Utah product could potentially play any of four positions up front, making him a nice building block for Todd Monken&#8217;s offense.<\/p>\n<p>7. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/washington-commanders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Washington Commanders;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Washington Commanders<\/a>: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State<\/p>\n<p>Copilot is continuing the trend outlined by many of giving the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/washington-commanders\/363\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Commanders;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Commanders<\/a> a defensive player. However, it chose to give Styles to the team over a player like Rueben Bain Jr. or Caleb Downs. Why? The chatbot expressed confidence that Styles would be a three-down linebacker who could change the complexion of Washington&#8217;s defense.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>8. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/new-orleans-saints\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:New Orleans Saints;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">New Orleans Saints<\/a>: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame<\/p>\n<p>Love is widely considered one of the best players in this year&#8217;s draft class. Copilot has him landing with the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/new-orleans-saints\/350\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Saints;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Saints<\/a>, where his &#8220;home\u2011run explosiveness and legit receiving value&#8221; will make him a great counterpart for Tyler Shough. This seems like a good fit, considering New Orleans&#8217; need for playmakers outside of Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara, who will turn 31 before the 2026 NFL season.<\/p>\n<p>9. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/kansas-city-chiefs\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Kansas City Chiefs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Kansas City Chiefs<\/a>: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State<\/p>\n<p>Copilot referred to the Chiefs&#8217; need at wide receiver as &#8220;obvious.&#8221; That might be a little harsh, as Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy have enough talent to emerge as a quality, young receiver tandem. That said, given that Rice is <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/nfl-investigating-rashee-rice-heres-190918896.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:under NFL investigation for domestic abuse allegations;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">under NFL investigation for domestic abuse allegations<\/a> and the fact that top tight end Travis Kelce&#8217;s career is winding down, the AI chatbot giving Kansas City a &#8220;separation\u2011savvy route runner&#8221; like Tyson isn&#8217;t shocking.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>10. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/cincinnati-bengals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cincinnati Bengals;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Cincinnati Bengals<\/a>: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/cincinnati-bengals\/327\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Bengals;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Bengals<\/a> are desperate for defensive help and Downs is &#8220;one of the best overall players in the class.&#8221; Copilot acknowledged the 10th pick is a bit early for a safety, but Downs&#8217; performance at Ohio State justifies his selection.<\/p>\n<p>11. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/miami-dolphins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Miami Dolphins;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Miami Dolphins<\/a>: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU<\/p>\n<p>Copilot expects Jeff Hafley to remake the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/miami-dolphins\/345\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Dolphins;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Dolphins<\/a>&#8216; secondary ahead of his first season as the team&#8217;s head coach. That includes targeting a &#8220;technically refined&#8221; cornerback like Delane. It&#8217;s hard to argue with the chatbot&#8217;s logic, as Delane would immediately rise to the top of Miami&#8217;s thin cornerback depth chart.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>12. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/dallas-cowboys\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Dallas Cowboys;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Dallas Cowboys<\/a>: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee<\/p>\n<p>Back-to-back cornerbacks come off the board just outside of the top-10. Copilot noted McCoy had &#8220;top-15 tape&#8221; in 2024 before missing the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL. If healthy, the chatbot believes the Tennessee product would be a &#8220;ready-made outside cornerback upgrade&#8221; for the Cowboys, who <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/cowboys-waive-two-time-pro-183646905.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:moved on from Trevon Diggs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">moved on from Trevon Diggs<\/a> just before the end of the 2025 campaign.<\/p>\n<p>13. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/los-angeles-rams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Los Angeles Rams;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Los Angeles Rams<\/a> (from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/atlanta-falcons\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Atlanta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Atlanta<\/a>): WR Makai Lemon, USC<\/p>\n<p>Copilot expects Lemon to &#8220;fit perfectly&#8221; alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/los-angeles-rams\/343\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Rams;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Rams<\/a>&#8216; already-elite offense. It&#8217;s fun to imagine what the 5-11, 195-pound receiver could accomplish in Sean McVay&#8217;s offense after posting 79 catches, 1,159 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final season at USC.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>14. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/baltimore-ravens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Baltimore Ravens;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Baltimore Ravens<\/a>: DT Peter Woods, Clemson<\/p>\n<p>Copilot envisions Woods becoming a &#8220;cornerstone&#8221; for <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/ravens-hire-chargers-jesse-minter-223043441.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter<\/a>&#8216;s defense. It credited the Clemson product with being an &#8220;explosive interior disruptor&#8221; despite his lacking sack production (five across three seasons) with the Tigers.<\/p>\n<p>15. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/tampa-bay-buccaneers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Tampa Bay Buccaneers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a>: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&amp;M<\/p>\n<p>OK, it&#8217;s becoming clearer that one of two things happened in this mock draft. Either Copilot forgot Rueben Bain Jr. \u2013 who is largely being mocked as a top-10 selection \u2013 or it isn&#8217;t a fan of him. Howell is a worthy first-round target after posting &#8220;top\u2011tier production&#8221; in his final season at Texas A&amp;M (11.5 sacks), but few mocks have him going ahead of Bain.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>16. New York Jets (from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/indianapolis-colts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Indianapolis;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Indianapolis<\/a>): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama<\/p>\n<p>Copilot had the Jets pass on a quarterback at No. 2 overall. Now, the team will take a &#8220;risk\/reward swing&#8221; on Simpson, who the chatbot described as a &#8220;high-ceiling&#8221; passer but noted his lack of starting collegiate experience as something that could stunt his growth. If the Jets target a first-round quarterback for their offense, this is probably the way to do it, so credit to Copilot for sniffing out this strategy.<\/p>\n<p>17. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/detroit-lions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Detroit Lions;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Detroit Lions<\/a>: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama<\/p>\n<p>The Lions will likely have to rebuild their offensive line with Dan Skipper retiring and Taylor Decker nearing the end of his career. Copilot knows this and that&#8217;s why it gave Proctor \u2013 who it says has &#8220;outlier size and athleticism&#8221; \u2013 to Detroit. This seems like a great fit, as Dan Campbell and Hank Fraley should be able to milk a lot out of the 6-7, 369-pound tackle.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>18. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/minnesota-vikings\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Minnesota Vikings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Minnesota Vikings<\/a>: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson<\/p>\n<p>The Vikings need a cornerback and Copilot believes Terrell fits &#8220;Brian Flores&#8217; archetype&#8221; at the position. Terrell generated three interceptions and eight forced fumbles across three seasons at Clemson and has an NFL pedigree, as his brother A.J. is a star starting cornerback for the Falcons.<\/p>\n<p>19. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/carolina-panthers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Carolina Panthers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Carolina Panthers<\/a>: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson<\/p>\n<p>Yeah, it looks like Bain is not going to be included in this first-round mock from Copilot. Parker certainly fits the range as a &#8220;powerful, productive rusher&#8221; who generated 21.5 sacks across 39 games at Clemson. Still, like Howell, it would be a surprise to see him go ahead of Bain.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>20. Dallas Cowboys (from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/green-bay-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Green Bay;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Green Bay<\/a>): DL Keldric Faulk, Auburn<\/p>\n<p>Copilot referred to Faulk as a &#8220;traits monster&#8221; and listed his 6-5, 290-pound frame and versatility as factors that could make him a strong pro. The 20-year-old has been mocked by some as a top-10 selection and others to the Cowboys at No. 12 overall, so this would be a solid value pick.<\/p>\n<p>21. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/pittsburgh-steelers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Pittsburgh Steelers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>: WR Denzel Boston, Washington<\/p>\n<p>The Steelers need a No. 2 receiver across from DK Metcalf. Copilot gave them one in Boston \u2013 a &#8220;physical red\u2011zone finisher.&#8221; Good pick, no notes.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>22. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/los-angeles-chargers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Los Angeles Chargers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Los Angeles Chargers<\/a>: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s another need-based pick from Copilot. The Chargers had one of the NFL&#8217;s weakest offensive lines last season and struggled particularly on the interior. As such, the chatbot is giving Jim Harbaugh&#8217;s squad Ioane, who is the &#8220;top interior protector on several boards.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>23. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/philadelphia-eagles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Philadelphia Eagles;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon<\/p>\n<p>Dallas Goedert is set to be a free agent during the offseason. Sadiq would give the team a &#8220;clear succession plan&#8221; and &#8220;field-stretcher&#8221; at the position, in Copilot&#8217;s estimation. The Oregon product could go earlier than this, so this represents another good value pick.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>24. Cleveland Browns (from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/jacksonville-jaguars\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jacksonville;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Jacksonville<\/a>): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah<\/p>\n<p>Could the Browns double-dip on the offensive line in the first round? Given how badly Cleveland needs offensive line help, it wouldn&#8217;t be a major surprise. Copilot has the Browns going a step beyond, however, and taking both of Utah&#8217;s top offensive line prospects. It called Lomu a &#8220;fluid mover&#8221; who can start at guard or tackle, giving Cleveland the flexibility needed to find its best combination of offensive linemen.<\/p>\n<p>25. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/chicago-bears\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Chicago Bears;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Chicago Bears<\/a>: DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State<\/p>\n<p>Copilot likes the idea of adding a &#8220;heavy\u2011handed run defender&#8221; like McDonald to Chicago&#8217;s defensive front. The chatbot had a minor faux pas in its analysis of the pick \u2013 it claimed McDonald would be a good fit for Matt Eberflus&#8217; defense \u2013 but we&#8217;ll let it slide since the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/chicago-bears\/326\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Bears;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Bears<\/a> could use more depth on the defensive line and a long-term successor for Grady Jarrett, who will turn 33 in April.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>26. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/buffalo-bills\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Buffalo Bills;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Buffalo Bills<\/a>: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&amp;M<\/p>\n<p>Copilot is jumping on the trend of mocking a receiver to the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/buffalo-bills\/324\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Bills;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Bills<\/a> to help improve Josh Allen&#8217;s stable of weapons. It described Concepcion as a &#8220;space\u2011creating YAC threat&#8221; and opined that he would fit well in the slot. That&#8217;s the one hang-up with this fit, as Khalil Shakir, Buffalo&#8217;s top receiver, primarily plays in the slot. But to Copilot&#8217;s point, the Bills need a receiver who can create separation and Concepcion is arguably the best available at this juncture.<\/p>\n<p>27. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/san-francisco-49ers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:San Francisco 49ers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">San Francisco 49ers<\/a>: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)<\/p>\n<p>Any doubt Copilot forgot Bain in this first round can now be erased, as it&#8217;s hard to imagine Mesidor \u2013 his 25-year-old teammate \u2013 being selected ahead of him. Copilot praised Mesidor for his experience and having a &#8220;polished rush plan,&#8221; and that could help him sneak into the end of the first round despite his age and injury concerns.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>28. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/houston-texans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Houston Texans;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Houston Texans<\/a>: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia<\/p>\n<p>Houston found its left tackle of the future in the 2025 NFL Draft, as Aireontae Ersery found solid success as a rookie. They could still use a &#8220;right-side bookend&#8221; to help C.J. Stroud, and Copilot likes the idea of the 6-7, 315-pound Freeling getting a chance to win that role.<\/p>\n<p>29. Los Angeles Rams: OT Blake Miller, Clemson<\/p>\n<p>After grabbing a receiver with their earlier selection, the Rams continue to build up their offense. Copilot praised Miller as a &#8220;nasty finisher&#8221; whose 54 college starts will allow him to quickly adjust to the NFL level. Los Angeles exiting the first round without a defensive back would be something of a surprise, but Miller could battle Warren McClendon for the team&#8217;s long-term right tackle job as Rob Havenstein, 33, enters the twilight of his career.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>30. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/denver-broncos\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Denver Broncos;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Denver Broncos<\/a>: S Emmanuel McNeil\u2011Warren, S, Toledo<\/p>\n<p>Denver already sports one of the NFL&#8217;s best defenses, but Copilot likes the idea of giving the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/nfl\/teams\/denver-broncos\/332\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Broncos;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Broncos<\/a> a &#8220;versatile safety&#8221; like McNeil-Warren to further improve the team&#8217;s secondary. Backup P.J. Locke is set to be an unrestricted free agent, so McNeil-Warren would replenish the team&#8217;s depth while also providing insurance behind Brandon Jones as he enters the final season of a three-year deal in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>31. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/new-england-patriots\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:New England Patriots;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">New England Patriots<\/a>: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia<\/p>\n<p>Copilot is evidently enamored with upgrading already elite defenses. The chatbot is given Allen \u2013 an &#8220;instinctive three\u2011down linebacker&#8221; who it believes is a good fit for Mike Vrabel&#8217;s scheme \u2013 to the Patriots. The Patriots may have a more imminent need for help on the edge, but Allen would be a nice, long-term fit alongside Robert Spillane.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>32. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/nfl\/seattle-seahawks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Seattle Seahawks;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Seattle Seahawks<\/a>: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina<\/p>\n<p>There aren&#8217;t usually a lot of consensus late, first-round picks in the early draft process. Cisse has become that, and Copilot isn&#8217;t bucking the trend. It thinks the &#8220;smooth, explosive mover&#8221; is a great fit for Mike Macdonald&#8217;s defense. Both Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe are set to be free agents after the season, so Seattle will need to add depth and upside at the position should one leave.<\/p>\n<p>This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/sports\/nfl\/draft\/2026\/02\/02\/nfl-mock-draft-2026-ai-first-round-picks\/88388250007\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:NFL mock draft 2026: AI predicts all 32 first-round picks;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">NFL mock draft 2026: AI predicts all 32 first-round picks<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Over the next three months, NFL analysts will produce 2026 NFL mock drafts in an effort to predict&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":449087,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[436],"tags":[7275,29888,1745,505,1742,1748,2216,49,115070,48,1744,5883,1735,18084,1740,1724,1721,42243,123448,18078,1743,3163,1775,18824,1737,3844,1725,1763,2212,116800,1727,29891,1736,1522,2210,1749,13094,6390,1720,2141,1726,148577,1718,2694,1734,1728,1723,514,1044,5003,149291,1747,4847,949,18079,14097,116799,88170,18818,23264,948,1739,1729,94513,82,1733,43027,1741,1774,12659,14623,5930,1760,1758,18467],"class_list":["post-449086","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-aireontae-ersery","tag-alvin-kamara","tag-arizona-cardinals","tag-atlanta","tag-baltimore-ravens","tag-buffalo-bills","tag-c-j-stroud","tag-ca","tag-caleb-downs","tag-canada","tag-carolina-panthers","tag-chatbot","tag-chicago-bears","tag-chris-olave","tag-cincinnati-bengals","tag-cleveland-browns","tag-dallas-cowboys","tag-dallas-goedert","tag-dan-skipper","tag-davante-adams","tag-denver-broncos","tag-detroit-lions","tag-dk-metcalf","tag-grady-jarrett","tag-houston-texans","tag-indianapolis","tag-jacksonville-jaguars","tag-jaxson-dart","tag-josh-allen","tag-josh-jobe","tag-kansas-city-chiefs","tag-khalil-shakir","tag-las-vegas-raiders","tag-los-angeles","tag-los-angeles-chargers","tag-los-angeles-rams","tag-malik-nabers","tag-miami","tag-miami-dolphins","tag-microsoft-copilot","tag-minnesota-vikings","tag-mock-draft","tag-new-england-patriots","tag-new-orleans","tag-new-orleans-saints","tag-new-york-giants","tag-new-york-jets","tag-nfl","tag-nfl-draft","tag-ohio-state","tag-paris-johnson-jr","tag-philadelphia-eagles","tag-pittsburgh","tag-pittsburgh-steelers","tag-puka-nacua","tag-rashee-rice","tag-riq-woolen","tag-rob-havenstein","tag-robert-spillane","tag-rueben-bain-jr","tag-san-francisco-49ers","tag-seattle-seahawks","tag-shedeur-sanders","tag-sonny-styles","tag-sports","tag-tampa-bay-buccaneers","tag-taylor-decker","tag-tennessee-titans","tag-travis-hunter","tag-travis-kelce","tag-trevon-diggs","tag-ty-simpson","tag-tyler-shough","tag-washington-commanders","tag-xavier-worthy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/449086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=449086"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/449086\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/449087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=449086"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=449086"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=449086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}