On The Clock Mock Draft 1.0

Matt's Pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis: This is a no-brainer at this point. Mendoza will quickly be the face of the Raiders organization.

Mike's Pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis: It may be time to redefine the "Mendoza Line." For this draft, there's Fernando above and everyone else below.

Max's Pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis: Mendoza is a no-brainer. He is the quarterback that will be drafted by the Raiders.

Matt's Pick: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Analysis: Reese is rightfully getting Micah Parsons comparisons. That isn't a bad place to start in what could be a long rebuild for New York.

Mike's Pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Analysis: Eventually, the Jets will settle on a quarterback. Tate will provide an inviting option for whoever ends up throwing the passes.

Max's Pick: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Analysis: Reese is the most accomplished pass rusher in this class and has the pedigree, and the Jets need help in this area.

Matt's Pick: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Analysis: The Cardinals are set at left tackle, but a pure power right tackle like Mauigoa could give Arizona an enviable pair of bookends.

Mike's Pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: As spectacular a player as there is at the position, although durability has been an issue on occasion.

Max's Pick: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Analysis: Mauigoa comes in as the most physical, bully-like offensive lineman in this draft. The Cardinals need an identity shift on their offensive line, and Mauigoa brings the attitude.

Matt's Pick: Rueben Baine, EDGE, Miami
Analysis: The Titans have a ton of salary cap space and surely will be buyers in free agency. But they also have plenty of needs, including edge rusher.

Mike's Pick: Rueben Bain, Jr., EDGE, Miami
Analysis: The measurables may be less than ideal, but he's a monster. The National Championship loss wasn't Bain's fault.

Max's Pick: Rueben Bain, Jr., EDGE, Miami
Analysis: The Titans with Robert Salah want to create a defense that can compete in the AFC South. This is Salah's strong suit. This is what he had the last time that he was a head coach. And he's going to be looking to rebuild the defense first before addressing more of the offensive concerns.

Matt's Pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Analysis: The goal in New York should be to make Jaxson Dart's life as easy as possible. A big-time ball winner like Tate paired with Malik Nabors is a perfect approach.

Mike's Pick: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Analysis: A second Buckeye in the Top 5, with more to follow; in other words, a pretty typical draft.

Max's Pick: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Analysis: Fano is one of the better pass protecting left tackles in this draft. He brings an edge that the Giants are going to need and especially to block for Jackson Dart.

Matt's Pick: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Analysis: Cleveland's offensive line need reinforcements, with almost all their top guys aging and set to hit free agency.

Mike's Pick: Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Analysis: As they continue attempting to sort out quarterback, the Browns can rely on a formidable one-two punch at running back, including this year's best back.

Max's Pick: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Analysis: The Browns aging offensive line, along with key departures at starting positions, creates a desperate need to overhaul at this position group.

Matt's Pick: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Analysis: The Commanders really need to attack the defensive side of the ball. A high-quality edge rusher prospect is a good place to start.

Mike's Pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Analysis: Downs might be the best player available, regardless of position. It won't take long for the Commanders to pounce.

Max's Pick: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Analysis: The Commanders have a very tough NFC East schedule and will face a lot of great receivers.  Delane looks to be the number one top cover corner in the draft and they're going to need that going up against some of the elite receiving tandems that are in the NFC East.

Matt's Pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Analysis: A fantastic all around back, Love would immediately be Tyler Shough's best friend.

Mike's Pick: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Analysis: Plenty of upside operating out of either a two- or a four-point stance. "Laissez les bon temps rouler."

Max's Pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Analysis: Alvin Kamara is now a veteran with a lot of years on him and Tyler Shuck needs somebody in the backfield to share the load with him. Love brings the same talent that Kamara has and explosiveness that was often underused at Notre Dame.

Matt's Pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Analysis: Downs might be the best prospect in the entire draft, but just doesn't play a position of extreme value in the league. Kansas City gladly pounces.

Mike's Pick: Kendrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Analysis: Another edge with upside, good enough to land in the Top 10 but far from a finished product.

Max's Pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: The Chiefs need help on the offense along the edges. Yes, with Rashee Rice coming back, that was a boost for a very ailing position. Patrick Mahomes had one of the toughest seasons of his career without having a go-to receiver. Tyson is a tall, long target that can stretch the field.

Matt's Pick: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Analysis: The Bengals keep drafting edge rushers high, without many results. And Trey Hendrickson is set to hit free agency.

Mike's Pick: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Analysis: Remarkably, the first offensive tackle goes 10th overall; the Bengals aren't complaining.

Max's Pick: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Analysis: Bailey is an accomplished pass rusher that doesn't need work like the previous first round draft picks.  The Bengals need to invest in the defensive side of the ball. They did offense the last two years, securing their wide receivers and quarterbacks. Now it's time to give the defense attention.

Matt's Pick: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Analysis: After trading Jalen Ramsey, Miami's cornerback room was one of the worst position groups in the entire NFL.

Mike's Pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Analysis: Provided his ACL checks out, McCoy will threaten to go in the Top 10 despite sitting out 2025 in its entirety.

Max's Pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Analysis: Downs will bring a young fresh perspective to a secondary that's looking to get overhauled this offseason. So why not start with Downs. He's the best player in this draft.

Matt's Pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Analysis: Styles has a chance to be an exceptional all-around linebacker that quarterbacks Dallas' defense immediately.

Mike's Pick: Avian Terrell, CB, Clemson
Analysis: He has bloodlines in his favor as the brother of A.J. Terrell, and Day One potential at nickel.

Max's Pick: Kendrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Analysis: The Cowboys still need a pass rush. They can put up as many offensive points as they want, but their defense is going to give up more points than they can score. They need to be able to create pressure with the departure of Micah Parsons. This is a much needed upgrade at a position that's very vulnerable.

Matt's Pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Analysis: The Rams have Atlanta's pick in round one. Cornerback was their weakest starting spot last year.

Mike's Pick: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Analysis: When it comes to identifying the best offensive tackles on the board, it's likely even Joe Pesci knows to look no further than the "two Utes."

Max's Pick: Avian Terrell, CB, Clemson
Analysis: The Rams likely have a lot of departures coming in the secondary. This is the first of the double-dips I feel like needs to happen in that secondary. Terrell is the first of those two in this first round.

Matt's Pick: Vega Ione, OG, Penn State
Analysis: Guard was a weakness for Baltimore last year and they could lose their star center, Tyler Linderbaum, in free agency.

Mike's Pick: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Analysis: The new head coach's background is on defense. And there's a history in Baltimore of defending better than the Ravens did last season.

Max's Pick: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Analysis: Proctor played tackle at Alabama, but projects as a guard/tackle in the NFL. He can fill almost any of those positional needs. Plus, depth is always going to be key for the Ravens on the offensive line.

Matt's Pick: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Analysis: Edge rusher and off the ball linebacker should be Tampa Bay's target positions.

Mike's Pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Analysis: A former safety who is quickly figuring out his new position. Run, hit, cover; what else is there?

Max's Pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Analysis: Styles is one of the best linebackers in a very deep LB draft. Styles is a sideline to sideline, north and south do-it-all, three down linebacker and it would be a perfect fit for the Buccaneers' aggressive defense.

Matt's Pick: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Analysis: The Jets are not light on needs. Terrell could project as Sauce Gardner's replacement.

Mike's Pick: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Analysis: The Jets selected first-round quarterbacks in 2009 (Mark Sanchez), 2018 (Sam Darnold) and 2021 (Zach Wilson). It's about that time again, isn't it?

Max's Pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Analysis: McCoy did not play at all this past season, but his tape was so good in the previous year that he's still considered one of the top cover corners in this draft. I feel like he falls to this position because of the fact he did not play, not because of his talent. His Combine workout is going to be very important to see if he can maintain this status.

Matt's Pick: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Analysis: Proctor would likely start his time in Detroit at guard, which was a problem area last year, and then kick to tackle later in his career.

Mike's Pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Analysis: Amon-Ra St. Brown has worked out well for the Lions. Time to tap into that Southern Cal-to-Motown pipeline again.

Max's Pick: Zion Young, DE, Missouri
Analysis: Young provides Aiden Hutchinson a running mate to go alongside a defense that could not create enough pressure because of the double teams on Hutchinson.

Matt's Pick: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Analysis: The Vikings need youth and upside in the middle of their defensive line. Banks is dripping with talent.

Mike's Pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Analysis: He's the most versatile of what appears to be a deep tight end class, but he'll need a little work on his hands.

Max's Pick: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
Analysis: The Vikings need help on the interior offensive line. They started to revamp it a year ago but they still need help protecting J.J. McCarthy. Ioane projects to be a guy who is very physical at the point of attack and in an NFC North that is full of talent on the defensive line, you need to hold the interior.

Matt's Pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Analysis: If Bryce Young is going to be the long-term answer for the Panthers, they must keep him plush with receiving options.

Mike's Pick: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Analysis: "Any of you guys call me Francis … I'll kill you." At an unofficial 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Mauigoa has the tools and the temperament not to be messed with.

Max's Pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Analysis: QB Bryce Young is coming along and has developed a great relationship with last year's number one, Tetairoa McMillan, but still more help is needed. Lemon fills that void to go opposite McMillan as the wide receiver tandem for the Panthers.

Matt's Pick: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Analysis: Dallas should be concentrating on defense in this draft. Hood and Styles could really kickstart the Cowboys' back seven.

Mike's Pick: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
Analysis: Everything's bigger in Texas, including Ioane's first name. He'll be plug-and-play when that name gets called, even if it's difficult to pronounce.

Max's Pick: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Analysis: Defense, defense, defense is the moniker here for the Cowboys. They spent a lot on the offense, now it's time to give the defense the TLC it needs.

Matt's Pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Analysis: Lemon might not fall this far. He is an excellent player that can align all over the formation.

Mike's Pick: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Analysis: It's as if David Allan Coe is singing to the Steelers: "Please Come to Boston"

Max's Pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Analysis: Tate can run the route tree, can play inside, can play outside, a perfect number two compliment to DK Metcalf on the Steelers offense.

Matt's Pick: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Analysis: The Chargers could really use a power player like McDonald in the middle of their defense.

Mike's Pick: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Analysis: It was Mike Tomlin who always wanted Volunteers, not hostages but Jim Harbaugh will appreciate Hood's speed, toughness and tenacity.

Max's Pick: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Analysis: The Chargers had issues with stopping the run on the interior and Banks is a big body guy who can stuff the run. His numbers are not going to jump off the page, but when you can bench press 600 pounds of human beings and not budge, that is a welcomed asset for a very tough, hard-nosed approach that Jim Harbaugh brings to that Chargers identity.

Matt's Pick: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Analysis: The Eagles will never turn their nose up at talented trench players. Woods would fit right in.

Mike's Pick: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Analysis: He has the look of a player who's about to win the Underwear Olympics in Indianapolis.

Max's Pick: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Analysis: Howie Roseman and company know that they need to bring pressure off the edge in the NFC East, and they need some more talent on the exterior of this defense. Mesidor is a three-point stance defensive end that can stand up and play outside linebacker. He gives versatility for edge pressure, which is desperately needed for the Eagles.

Matt's Pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: The Browns must concentrate of offense in this draft. Tyson has a lot of ability to fall this far.

Mike's Pick: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Analysis: There's certainly no need to invest a first-round pick in the defense.

Max's Pick: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Analysis: Whether it's Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel or someone else at quarterback, you need viable receiving threats. That was an issue for this team in 2025. They address this with a big body abled receiver in Boston.

Matt's Pick: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Analysis: Last offseason was all about the offensive side of the ball for Chicago. Now it is time to get some defensive help.

Mike's Pick: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Analysis: Who better for head coach Ben Johnson's offensive creativity than the best tackle-eligible offensive tackle in the draft?

Max's Pick: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Analysis: The interior of the defense, from defensive tackle to linebacker to safety, was an issue for the Bears in 2025. They took a lot of steps forward, but they still need to come along with the defense and with some likely free agency departures in the interior of this defense, McDonald looks to be the first line of defense in a revamping the defensive side of the ball.

Matt's Pick: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Analysis: No one has really stepped up for Josh Allen at wide receiver, so the Bills go back to the well again to try and get it right.

Mike's Pick: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Analysis: He's earned a reputation as a competitor and a communicator at Georgia. Both will come in handy in Buffalo.

Max's Pick: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Analysis: The Bills did a good job with the receiving corps they had last year but they could use some more help. Concepcion looks to be the guy who can fill that role. This should be a safe pick to help Josh Allen and company get to where they want to be.

Matt's Pick: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Analysis: Trent Williams is an all-time great, but finding his successor needs to be addressed soon.

Mike's Pick: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Analysis: He can handle left tackle. Among the evidence suggesting as much is his battle with Auburn EDGE Kendrick Faulk.

Max's Pick: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Analysis: QB Brock Purdy could use some sturdy options to throw to opposite Ricky Pearsall. Branch is a big, long, lanky receiver that can stretch the field to help that purpose in 2026.

Matt's Pick: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Analysis: Offensive line has been a big problem area for Houston for several years now.

Mike's Pick: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Analysis: Another player who'll need to check out medically after playing just three games in 2025 due to a foot injury. There are plenty of examples of what Banks can do when healthy on his 2024 tape.

Max's Pick: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Analysis: Back-to-back picks from Georgia. The Texans address their biggest issue, keeping C.J. Stroud safe. They must address this issue not only here, but through multiple points throughout the draft.

Matt's Pick: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Analysis: This would be a great landing spot for Simpson, who could hone his craft behind the great Matthew Stafford.

Mike's Pick: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Analysis: He didn't get challenged much this season but when he did he made meeting the challenge look easy.

Max's Pick: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Analysis: Even though quarterback could be a very sexy option to consider at this point, the Rams look to add to the defensive side of the ball here - quarterbacks can be had later in this draft.

Matt's Pick: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Analysis: The Broncos don't need much, but playmakers of any kind of offense would be a very welcome addition for Bo Nix.

Mike's Pick: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Analysis: He's mostly a run-down contributor, a one-trick pony, if you will. But it's a pretty good trick.

Max's Pick: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Analysis: The Broncos look to add to an already stout and sturdy defense, continuing to build on the building blocks that are there. They will work to address other needs later in this draft, but linebacker is one that they're going to need to be competitive again in 2026.

Matt's Pick: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Analysis: New England drafted offensive tackle high last year, but more offensive line reinforcements are very much in need.

Mike's Pick: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Analysis: Parker was one among a number of players who seemingly helped his stock at the Senior Bowl, maybe enough to show up at the end of Round One.

Max's Pick: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Analysis: If the playoffs and the Super Bowl told you anything, it's that there was a reason the Patriots were one of the worst teams in the NFL just a year ago. They need to add to the offensive line with Will Campbell and Blake Miller to protect their young quarterback.

Matt's Pick: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
Analysis: The Super Bowl champs could lose several defensive backs and could be looking for a wide receiver opposite Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but guard was their weakest starting position.

Mike's Pick: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Analysis: When you win it all with defense, why not do all that you can to ensure you can run it back?

Max's Pick: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama 
Analysis: Bernard provides a compliment to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Sam Darnold may have to utilize the air attack a little more depending on what happens with Seahawks running game in 2026.