On The Clock Mock Draft 3.0

Matt's Pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis: Mendoza to the Raiders at this point seems like a lock. They've already added some pieces to make his transition easier.  

Mike's Pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis: Still no need to over-think this one. There are no locks in Vegas but this might be as close as it gets.

Max's Pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis: This is the only thing that you can call a sure bet in this year's draft!

Matt's Pick: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
Analysis: The Jets added a lot to their defense, but it was mostly older players. Reese might be the best player in this entire draft.

Mike's Pick: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
Analysis: The best defensive player in the draft might also be the most versatile. The Jets can sort out how to best deploy Reese after he's selected.

Max's Pick: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
Analysis: I've gone back-and-forth on whether it's Reese or David Bailey from Texas Tech, this week, It's Reese!

Matt's Pick: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
Analysis: Arizona should be very open to trading down. Mauigoa could be a nice bookend on the right side, however.

Mike's Pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Analysis: Love might be the best player in the draft. The Cardinals won't have to over-think this one, either.

Max's Pick: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
Analysis: I will continue to mock him to the Cardinals because that is what they need!

Matt's Pick: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Analysis: Tennessee could go in many directions here, but Bailey brings a lot of juice off the edge and completes the Titans defensive line-a good place to start for a rebuilding defense.

Mike's Pick: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
Analysis: There are still plenty of pass-rushers to choose from for Tennessee. The Titans can't really go wrong if they select one of the best that's still available, no matter which one.

Max's Pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Analysis: A QB needs a top flight receiver and Tate is all of that.

Matt's Pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Analysis: Styles is a fantastic prospect to quarterback a defense at the next level. That sounds like something John Harbaugh might be quite interested in.

Mike's Pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Analysis: Jaxson Dart's life is about to get a whole lot easier. And the Ohio State wide receiver pipeline keeps churning out first-rounders with no end in sight.

Max's Pick: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Analysis: Do the Giants need to protect Jackson Dart? Yes, but they also need a Rock solid defense for the NFC East, and Bailey is a powder keg!

Matt's Pick: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Analysis: The Browns offensive line is in much better shape now than when free agency opened. Still, they don't have a true left tackle and Freeling is the premier player at that position in this class.

Mike's Pick: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
Analysis: The Browns continue to lean into their offseason rebuild of the offensive line. Having their choice of offensive tackles while doing so should clear up any potential indecision.

Max's Pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Analysis: This would the most Cleveland thing ever, but he is the best offensive weapon in the draft.

Matt's Pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Analysis: Love could go several spots earlier than this. Washington looks at pairing him with Jaylen Daniels, giving them a nightmare backfield to defend.

Mike's Pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Analysis: There's safety in numbers. And a number of reasons continuing to invest in the safety position makes sense.

Max's Pick: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Analysis: One of the leagues worst pass rushes a year ago needs a revamp.

Matt's Pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State 
Analysis: Tyler Shough would greatly appreciate this selection. Pairing Tate with Chris Olave could really complete this side of the ball.

Mike's Pick: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Analysis: He fills a need now and later as a gifted but still-ascending player. And that elite get-off ability ought to be enhanced in the din of the Superdome on third down.

Max's Pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Analysis: Versatile, tenacious and young! Saints defense could use his skills and leadership.

Matt's Pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State 
Analysis: The run on Ohio State Buckeyes continue with a rare safety prospect in Downs going to a team looking to get back to Super Bowl contention.

Mike's Pick: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Analysis: Merry Christmas, Kansas City. The Chiefs have all options available to fill their cornerback void.

Max's Pick: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Analysis: Edge protectors are paramount to Patrick Mahomes' long term health.

Matt's Pick: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn 
Analysis: Cincinnati made some additions on defense, but much more is needed. Faulk is exactly the type of defensive end the Bengals look for.

Mike's Pick: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Analysis: The Bengals addressing EDGE at No. 10 seems about as obvious as Mendoza to the Raiders at No. 1.

Max's Pick: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Analysis: Bengals need edge rush speed and taking another 1st round defender is mandatory.

Matt's Pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Analysis: Clearly the Dolphins are planning a total rebuild and many of their position groups are very lean right now, but they must find some sort of pass catcher for Malik Willis.

Mike's Pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Analysis: The Dolphins are in transition. Malik to Makai has a nice ring to it as they transition, particularly, it would seem, to new QB Malik Willis.

Max's Pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Analysis: Losing a lot at wide receiver between Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle makes way for Lemon to be an explosive gadget guy in Malik Willis's new offense.

Matt's Pick: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU 
Analysis: The Cowboys would likely run to the podium if such a scenario occurred where they could get the pick of the litter at cornerback.

Mike's Pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Analysis: Step No. 1 for Dallas in addressing its defensive deficiencies. Beyond a great player, the Cowboys get great value.

Max's Pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Analysis: If he falls to this number, expect Dallas to run to the podium for their Micah Parsons replacement.

Matt's Pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC 
Analysis: Offensive tackle certainly could be in play for the Rams, but this organization isn't thinking about responsible building for the future. Instead, they grab yet another toy for Matthew Stafford.

Mike's Pick: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Analysis: Matthew Stafford might be able to find a way to put another good weapon to use but not if he isn't protected.

Max's Pick: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Analysis: Rams defense has to reload on secondary talent, even though they got Trent McDuffie. Delane is the DB I the draft, and a steal right here.

Matt's Pick: Vega Ione, OG, Penn State
Analysis: There is a strong case that Ione is the best offensive line prospect in this entire draft. But because Ione is guard-only, the Ravens are able to snag him.

Mike's Pick: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
Analysis: The Ravens' pass rush won't be invigorated by Trey Hendrickson all by his lonesome. And the quickest way to improve the secondary is to make opposing QBs throw it quicker or risk the pass rush's wrath

Max's Pick: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, PSU
Analysis: Run first offense, meet run first, ask questions later Guard! Mauler and tempo setter for Jesse Minter's new team.

Matt's Pick: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
Analysis: This is later than Bain is expected to go, but that very much works in Tampa Bay's favor. They need win-now players. Bain would be ideal.

Mike's Pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Analysis: Baker Mayfield will be feeling even more dangerous more often if the Bucs add "Sadiq the Freak." 

Max's Pick: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Analysis: Massive in the middle and providing a complementary pass rush to Vita Vea, making this a formidable interior instantly.

Matt's Pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Analysis: There are still questions about McCoy's medicals, but the Jets are building for the long term and don't mind waiting it out for what could be a premier prospect. McCoy did light up his pro day, however.

Mike's Pick: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Analysis: Somebody's going to pick Simpson in the first round. The Jets are as good a bet as any.

Max's Pick: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Analysis: This would be a sound play, especially since you got your pass rusher first and Simpson can sit behind Geno Smith for a year before eventually taking over the reins at QB.

Matt's Pick: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Analysis: There has been an awful lot of movement with the Lions offensive line this offseason. Fano could start out at guard or just jump right into the fire at left tackle for Detroit.

Mike's Pick: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Analysis: Jared Goff could use another offensive tackle to better take advantage of the Lions' weaponry. And Freeling's in the conversation as the best available.

Max's Pick: Ruben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
Analysis: Give Aidan Hutchinson some help! Bain would be a match up nightmare on the opposite edge in the NFC North.

Matt's Pick: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Analysis: It is a little too early for a defensive tackle, so Minnesota gladly takes a Harrison Smith replacement in Thieneman.

Mike's Pick: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Analysis: Identifying and selecting Harrison Smith's eventual successor is hard to argue against. Until then, the Vikes can find plenty of ways for Thieneman to contribute.

Max's Pick: Colton Hood, DB, Tennessee
Analysis: Young and physical corner, that would work well in Flores' system.

Matt's Pick: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Analysis: Terrell is an inside/outside versatile cornerback that would open up a lot more options for Carolina's secondary. This defense all of a sudden looks much better than when we saw it last.

Mike's Pick: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Analysis: The game is starting to embrace safeties with Thieneman's versatility, and McNeil-Warren's. You have to grab those guys when you can.

Max's Pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Analysis: More weapons for Bryce Young can't be a bad thing after having a breakout season last year.

Matt's Pick: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
Analysis: Dallas already grabbed cornerback help with the 12th overall pick. They continue to fortify their pass defense with Mesidor, who could make an instant impact.

Mike's Pick: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Analysis: With the second of two first-round selections the Cowboys continue working to put the "D" back in "Dallas." If it works out this way, they'll be off to an impressive start.

Max's Pick: Akheem Messidor, EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
Analysis: Continue the defensive theme for the Dallas Cowboys off-season, because their defense was that bad.

Matt's Pick: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Analysis: Iheanachor doesn't have a ton of experience, but he does have a ton of talent. The Steelers would insert him at left guard with the option of moving him to tackle later in his career.

Mike's Pick: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
Analysis: The Steelers would be fortunate and then some if they didn't have to trade up a few spots to land Ioane. I'd be all for such an investment if it's perceived as necessary as the first round plays out.

Max's Pick: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Analysis: I know, I know, but this does make sense since this is the room that had the most injuries a year ago, and could bolster a thin returning group.

Matt's Pick: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson 
Analysis: The Chargers interior defensive line could use an uptick in athleticism and penetrating ability. Woods showed much more of these traits two years ago than in 2025.

Mike's Pick: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Analysis: Offensive line became an issue last season, particularly as it related to depth when injuries mounted. With that being the case, Proctor wouldn't be a gamble.

Max's Pick: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
Analysis: No Zion Johnson or Jemaree Salyer leaves a void at LG, and Bisontis can start Day 1.

Matt's Pick: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Analysis: Lane Johnson might have just one more year remaining in his fantastic career. Proctor could start his career at guard in the meantime.

Mike's Pick: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Analysis: I've got a sneaking suspicion the Utah mindset will play well in South Philly. And the Eagles' appreciation of big guys who are tough is well-documented.

Max's Pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: Would answer the AJ Brown question and boost the explosiveness of the WR room for Hurts.

Matt's Pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: After taking an offensive tackle early in the draft, Cleveland addresses their next biggest need at wide receiver. Tyson does have some medical issues, however.

Mike's Pick: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Analysis: The Browns get a much-needed weapon. And a big target for whoever winds up doing the throwing.

Max's Pick: Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
Analysis: A lot of attention was paid to the OL in free agency and now the Browns are focusing on weapons to secure whoever will be at QB.

Matt's Pick: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Analysis: Banks' best moments are jaw-dropping. But he has medical concerns. Chicago bets on his enormous upside at a position of current weakness in Chicago.

Mike's Pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Analysis: The Bears need to get better on defense in general and in the secondary in particular. As long as the ACL isn't an issue, Jermod's the real McCoy.

Max's Pick: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Analysis: An undersized wrecking ball whose stats are unreal with a knack for separating the football from offenders!

Matt's Pick: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Analysis: This is likely to be a selection on the defensive side of the ball. Buffalo has been searching for answers at safety for years now.

Mike's Pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: Josh Allen likely won't complain if the Bills add another wide receiver. He's probably had enough of just wingin' it by now.

Max's Pick: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Analysis: Rousseau needs another partner in crime to go with Chubb and complete their defensive needs.

Matt's Pick: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 
Analysis: There are several directions San Francisco could go at this point. Lomu might have to wait a year before potentially succeeded Trent Williams, but the Niners are quite happy he is still on the board.

Mike's Pick: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Analysis: He lacks ideal measurables but according to NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah "a smart team will set that aside and add an energetic force off the edge." With this pick, the Niners would qualify as such.

Max's Pick: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Analysis: Whether Trent Williams is back or not, you need a future LT, and Freeling has the size and athletics to get the job done.

Matt's Pick: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson 
Analysis: Houston has once again totally rebuilt their offensive line. Miller would fit in somewhat and hopefully complete that process for the Texans.

Mike's Pick: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
Analysis: Projecting Bisontis into the first round might seem ambitious. But sometimes perception is affected by need. 

Max's Pick: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Analysis: Explosive, disruptive and a headache in the interior, great match for Demarco Ryan's defense.

Matt's Pick: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington 
Analysis: The Chiefs went defense with their first pick and now get Patrick Mahomes a ball winner that can consistently exploit single coverage.

Mike's Pick: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Analysis: After addressing cornerback at No. 9 overall, the Chiefs can add a wide receiver who ought to be able to thrive in Kansas City's offensive environment. More big play potential for Patrick Mahomes.

Max's Pick: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
Analysis: Three position flexibility on a line in flux, Proctor can plug and play wherever Andy Reid needs him.

Matt's Pick: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee 
Analysis: The Broncos traded this pick for Jaylen Waddle. Even after drafting Sadiq, Miami could look for a Waddle-replacement. But their cornerback room is extremely weak as well, so they lock up Hood.

Mike's Pick: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Analysis: The defense, too, could use an infusion of youth. The training camp battles between Hood and Lemon (No. 9 overall) ought to be something to see.

Max's Pick: Jermod McCoy, DB, Tennessee
Analysis: Injury history is the only reason he falls this far, and is a steal for a top flight defense. His injury gave way for Colton Hood to play.

Matt's Pick: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Analysis: Gone is Stefon Diggs, but new to the equation is Romeo Doubs. Concepcion gives Drake Maye a much different type of option dripping with big play ability.

Mike's Pick: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Analysis: Concepcion's versatility will likely be appreciated by Mike Vrabel. And Concepcion's catch-short, run-long skill set looks like a fit for the Pat's passing game.

Max's Pick: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Analysis: You cannot have enough depth for a retooled O Line that still has deficiencies.

Matt's Pick: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Analysis: There isn't a Kenneth Walker replacement worthy of this pick. Seattle could also consider bolstering their interior offensive line. But Seattle's secondary took some hits in free agency and Cisse has the traits they desire on the outside.

Mike's Pick: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Analysis: After confirming that defense still wins championships, the Seahawks go about the business of trying to run it back.

Max's Pick: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Analysis: I doubt he falls this far, but would be an absolute steal to pair with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and has return capabilities.