Mock 3.0! Plus, Debuting the McShay NFL Draft Room, and My Latest Top-100 Big Board.

Welcome back to The McShay Report! I have a big update for you today: I’m dropping my Mock Draft 3.0 and a top-100 big board (with full reports on the top 50 players) in the brand new McShay NFL Draft Room at theringer.com/McShay. Jump in and check out everything the database has to offer, from deep-dive scouting reports to player comps to contextualized combine data to my position-specific trait spider charts. 

A big shout-out to my podcast cohost Steve Muench, who wrote reports and scouted right alongside me at each step of this process. This thing would not be possible without his efforts and so many other people behind the scenes (who I will credit at the end of today’s podcast).

A couple notes before we get to the mock: Premium subscribers will have access to two rounds of picks in this newsletter, and I’m going to be re-opening the mailbag this week to give you guys more opportunities to engage directly with me and Steve throughout this draft season. We’ll be logging all your questions and getting to them during our new weekly Friday show and in subsequent newsletters. Keep an eye out for that mailbag email.

With that, the Raiders are on the clock!

1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Klint Kubiak’s system (he’s from the Shanahan tree) is built on precision, timing, and anticipation. The wide zone run game—often from under center—drives the offense and sets up play-action. Quick processing is essential, along with the ability to layer throws over the middle (crossers, seams, over routes).

That aligns with what Mendoza does best. There will be early growing pains, similar to what we saw in 2025 at Indiana as he adjusted to a new scheme. But as his processing speeds up—and as Kubiak tailors the offense to his strengths while working around his limitations (inconsistent middle-field accuracy, vulnerability to quick interior pressure)—this should be a strong fit.

Credit John Spytek, too. Despite a rocky free agency period and the fallout from the Maxx Crosby situation, he’s positioned the Raiders for a significant roster upgrade. The 2026 group should look dramatically better than what Vegas put on the field in Week 1 of 2025.

2. New York Jets: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State 

Hats off to Darren Mougey and the Jets’ personnel staff. They’ve executed a disciplined teardown/rebuild plan—moving veteran holdovers for premium draft capital and stockpiling eight picks in the first two rounds over the next two drafts. That includes two first-rounders this year and three in 2027’s loaded QB class.

They’ve also been selective in free agency, targeting scheme fits to establish an identity. Now comes the next phase: building out the roster before taking a big swing at quarterback in 2027 (Arch Manning, Dante Moore). At no. 2, the choices are straightforward: the polished edge (David Bailey) or the upside play (Reese). If you’re building for 2027 and beyond, you bet on traits. Reese—a linebacker convert at edge—offers rare tools (6-foot-4, 241 pounds, 4.46 40, 1.58 split) with flashes of power and burst, but he’s still raw. If he’s the pick, the Jets must have a clear, disciplined development plan in place.

3. Arizona Cardinals: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

This comes down to Mauigoa or David Bailey, but Arizona prioritizes finishing its offensive line rebuild. The addition of Isaac Seumalo stabilizes left guard next to Paris Johnson Jr., leaving right tackle as the final hole. Mauigoa (6 feet, 5 1/2 inches and 329 pounds) moves people in the run game, and he’s a pretty awesome athlete for his size.

With Tyler Allgeier joining James Conner (returning from injury), the Cardinals are building a physical, downhill identity. Locking in the OL now sets the foundation for a future QB addition—whether that’s Ty Simpson this year or someone from the stronger 2027 class.

4. Tennessee Titans: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Bain might be a bit of a surprise here, but the pick tracks philosophically. Mike Borgonzi comes from the Chiefs’ BPA model and has a history of using premium picks (top 10-15) on premium positions (QB, edge, OT, CB). While RB Jeremiyah Love is tempting, recent history doesn’t support spending top-10 capital on backs. Why? Because there isn’t a top-10 RB pick in the past decade who has played in a Super Bowl with the team that drafted him (from Jeanty to Bijan to Saquon to Fournette to CMC to Zeke).  

The other surprise here is Bain over David Bailey, and it comes down to fit. With Jermaine Johnson in place as the wide-9 rusher, HC Robert Saleh is looking for a nasty tone setter up front. Bain provides that physical edge setting with pass rush disruption. If Borgonzi and Saleh can look past the short arms, Bain feels like a perfect fit.

5. New York Giants: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

For the reasons I just outlined with the Titans, I’m not fully convinced this is the pick. Pairing Sonny Styles with recently signed LB Tremaine Edmunds could be tempting for the Giants, and I like Caleb Downs here as well. But league intel suggests the Giants are one of the most likely teams to take Love in the top 10 (along with the Commanders and Chiefs, or possibly a team like the Rams in a trade up).

If you’re drafting a back this high, he needs to be a weapon—and Love is. With excellent speed (4.36 40), natural hands, and a real route-running ability, he gives Jaxson Dart a true explosive outlet. This would signal a clear offensive vision: build around the run game and play-action, similar to how Baltimore developed around Lamar Jackson. Pairing Love with Cam Skattebo (pre-injury form) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. gives the Giants a deep, versatile backfield capable of carrying the offense and maximizing Dart’s strengths.

6. Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

The Browns appear to be punting on QB until 2027, which gives them a year to see what they have in Shedeur Sanders and possibly even Deshaun Watson. It’s a smart decision, given the state of their roster (it’s in no position to support another young QB in 2026) and the depth of next year’s quarterback class, which includes Manning, Moore, Sorsby, Sellers, Leavitt, Carr, and Sayin, among others. 

To me, it comes down to tackle or wide receiver here. The Browns’ tackle need is on the left side, so even if Francis Mauigoa is available, he’s likely not the best fit. And Spencer Fano is a career right tackle as well. Tate may not be as talented as past top-10 WR prospects (think Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, or Ja'Marr Chase), but he’s an ascending player with size, length, physicality, and contested-catch ability—traits that almost always translate to high-level NFL production. He would be an awesome complement to Jerry Jeudy.

By going WR here, the Browns are betting on a quality tackle still being available at pick no. 24. They could also move up to target their guy if necessary. 

7. Washington Commanders: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Linebacker isn’t as big a need for the Commanders as guard, running back, or wide receiver, but Styles would pair beautifully with newly acquired LB Leo Chenal for a defense that ranked dead last in total yards allowed last season. At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds with an 81-inch wingspan and 10-inch hands, Styles is a physical phenom. He was the biggest linebacker at this year’s combine, ran the fastest 10-yard split (1.56), tied Arvell Reese for the fastest 40 (4.46), and had the most explosive jumps (43.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-2-inch broad). On the field, Styles (a former safety) has elite cover skills, and while his pass rush production and efficiency often get overlooked, the 2024 tape is pretty damn good. He’s everything you look for in a versatile, dynamic chess piece at linebacker in today’s NFL. 

He’s also the type of focused, intelligent grinder who will be a culture fit wherever he lands. Styles could go as high as no. 2 to the Jets and I wouldn’t think it’s too early.

8. New Orleans Saints: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

If Bailey’s available, I think he’s the pick here. NFL teams covet guys who get home as pass rushers, and there’s no more proven commodity in that regard than Bailey; last year, he led the nation with 14.5 sacks, was second nationally with 19.5 TFL, and had a pass rush win rate of 21.6 percent, second in the class behind Rueben Bain Jr. (23.5 percent). He’s not a perfect prospect, though. The questions about Bailey’s run defense are legitimate—he has a linear build, gets pushed around at the point of attack too easily at times, and doesn’t always play with ideal gap discipline—but there’s enough upside to justify the selection. 

While getting QB Tyler Shough a young playmaker on the perimeter opposite Chris Olave is a priority, it will have to wait until Round 2, when there should be plenty of options available from an exceptionally deep WR class.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Brett Veach could go in a few different directions, but Delane would be tough to pass on. He’s the clear-cut CB1 in this class, displaying an excellent blend of man and zone coverage skills. He’s one of the smartest cornerbacks that I’ve studied in the past few years and should be a plug-and-play impact starter for KC after the departures of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.  

There are also whispers about Jeremiyah Love being the pick if he’s still available. An edge like Rueben Bain Jr. or David Bailey would also be in play if they’re still on the board, as would a tackle such as Spencer Fano.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: DS Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Downs falling to pick no. 10 would be a major win for a Bengals defense that’s lacking difference makers on all three levels. People can doubt his athletic profile and ball production, but Downs is special. He’s excellent at noticing formation tendencies, has a sixth sense for locating the ball, and attacks with good angles/leverage. His experience wearing multiple hats under three different coordinators in college (one at Alabama, two at Ohio State) will benefit him in a “multiple” league starved for defensive chess pieces.

11. Miami Dolphins: WR Makai Lemon, USC

The Dolphins’ roster has a ton of needs, so it’s not like drafting a wide receiver following the departures of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle is an absolute must here. But from a value-need alignment standpoint, I love this pick. Lemon was a three-year player and two-year starter at USC who improved year over year and racked up 1,920 receiving yards across his final two seasons. He’s tough as nails on contested catches, his ball skills are outstanding, and he’s a super-advanced route runner. Lemon posted 3.00-plus career yards per route run versus both man and zone coverage; the only others to do so in college since 2021 are Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Waddle, Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and D’Wayne Eskridge.

12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

With several additions in the past handful of months—including Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, and Rashan Gary—the Cowboys have made tremendous headway toward fixing a broken defense. The focus now is on finding difference makers for Christian Parker’s secondary—and McCoy is the most physically gifted cover corner in the class. 

The problem with McCoy is that he hasn’t competed since 2024 due to an ACL tear suffered in January 2025. He didn’t participate in the Senior Bowl and did not work out at the combine. But if the Cowboys are comfortable with his progression (and he’s apparently 100 percent right now), he would be a massive addition to an underwhelming cornerback group.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Finding Matthew Stafford another playmaker to fit alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams is a direction I could see Les Snead and Sean McVay going here. Tyson is a tall, tightly packed, and versatile receiver with dynamic route-running skills, and he vastly improved his contested-catch ability (66.7 percent contested catch rate and 1.6 percent drop rate in 2025) during his time working with ASU WR coach (and former Steelers great) Hines Ward. Durability will be the big question with Tyson, but when healthy, he’s the most talented receiver in the class.

14. Baltimore Ravens: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Dating back to Ozzie Newsome’s days—and continuing with Eric DeCosta—patience on night one of the draft has been a signature of the Ravens’ front office, which frequently has had its best picks come from standing pat and letting a great player fall into its lap. Fano at 14 would have a similar feel. The Utah tackle is one of the top three offensive linemen in the class. His short arms (32 7/8 inches at pro day and 32 1/8 inches at the combine, the type of disparity that has become common among many prospects the past two years) have caused concerns about his ability to play on the perimeter in the NFL. For Baltimore, a pretty great fallback would be converting Fano to center (following Tyler Linderbaum’s departure), where I think he’d be elite. Wide receiver could also be in play here if one of those top three guys is still on the board.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Mesidor’s age, past durability issues, and lack of ideal length are factors to consider. But while Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey are more skilled (and Bain is more well-rounded), Mesidor might be the most polished, ready-to-rush-the-QB edge in this class. There’s so much violence and tenaciousness on tape, and he loves being on the field (played a whopping 878 snaps in 2025). Plus, I like that he played his most impactful ball in the CFP, recording 5.5 sacks in four games.  

16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Cooper is an absolute competitor. His ball skills are elite (just five drops in three seasons), he shows no fear over the middle, and he performs best in big moments, like the game-winning touchdown catch against Penn State. His combination of lower-body strength and body control makes him a difficult tackle after the catch, evidenced by 27 missed tackles forced in 2025. Adding Cooper to the mix with Garrett Wilson would be the next step in getting the house in order before an elite QB prospect is inserted into the lineup in 2027.

17. Detroit Lions: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

With the departure of longtime starting left tackle Taylor Decker, the Lions have a glaring need at the position. Freeling’s 18 career starts—along with some erratic tape driven by inexperience—raise valid concerns, but I firmly believe he has the talent to compete for a starting job right away and that he’ll look like a different player in year two. Among left tackle prospects in this draft class, Freeling stands out as the guy. He’s 6 feet, 7 3/8 inches and 315 pounds, with prototypical arms (34 3/4 inches) and massive hands (10 3/4 inches). He brings elite movement skills (4.93 40) and impressive lower-body explosion (33.5-inch vertical, fourth best among offensive linemen).

18. Minnesota Vikings: DS Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Thieneman profiles as a versatile replacement for Harrison Smith—exactly the type of piece Brian Flores would love to add to his defense. A three-year starter at Purdue and Oregon, he brings extensive experience across the secondary, with significant reps at free safety (especially early at Purdue), at slot corner, and in the box. He offers a rare blend of size, speed, explosiveness, instincts, and ball production. His combine performance—highlighted by a 4.35 40, 41-inch vertical, and 10-foot-5-inch broad jump—was nothing short of sensational, and his interviews were equally impressive, according to multiple NFL sources.

19. Carolina Panthers: OT Blake Miller, Clemson

The Panthers have had a lot of turnover along their offensive line, and starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffered an injury last season. They’ve brought in some Band-Aids in the forms of Rasheed Walker and Stone Forsythe, but this group can’t afford to take a step back with Bryce Young still developing and the need for a strong run game.  

Miller is a plug-and-play starter as one of the most experienced offensive linemen in the class. He won’t wow you with athleticism on tape, but he’s a long tackle with loads of starting experience. Folks inside the Clemson football building swear by this guy, too. He’s the bar setter in terms of focus, dedication, and work ethic—three qualities that GM Dan Morgan values greatly.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): Edge T.J Parker, Clemson

The Cowboys have made significant strides toward fixing their dismal defense in recent months, and adding a power-based pass rusher like Parker alongside a potential lockdown corner like McCoy (taken earlier in Round 1) would be a strong next step.

Parker is a long-armed bulldozer off the edge. Despite a dip in production, two things stood out on his 2025 tape: First, his pass rush toolbox improved from 2024; he showed more effective swipes, better timing, and a willingness to mix in spin moves. Second, his effort never wavered. He helped reverse the narrative with an excellent week at the Senior Bowl, and his 4.68-second 40 time at 6 feet, 3 5/8 inches and 263 pounds only adds to the positive momentum.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: OG Vega Ioane, Penn State

Ioane is the best offensive lineman in this draft class. He’s a plug-and-play starter whose tape is even better than that of Tyler Booker, who was the no. 12 pick by the Cowboys last year. The problem is he’s a guard who lacks elite athletic traits, so he could experience a draft-night slide that doesn’t match up to his exceptional tape. As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. In this case, 18 teams (with 20 picks) passing on Ioane would be a blessing for the Steelers, who just lost Isaac Seumalo in free agency.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

I was initially skeptical of Faulk based on his underwhelming pass rush impact in 2025—he generated 20 fewer pressures than he did in 2024 (32 vs. 52) despite having five more pass rush opportunities. But after a deeper dive into his tape, his enormous NFL upside became clear. You simply can’t teach Faulk’s combination of size, length, and athleticism. He’s one of the youngest prospects in the 2026 class, and his motor runs hot on every snap. There are shades of Rashan Gary and Arik Armstead in his game—highly talented college players whose pass rush production lagged behind their traits before blossoming at the next level.

With Khalil Mack nearing the end of his career at 35, this would be an ideal time to bring a young, developmental talent into the fold.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

The Eagles feel destined to take an offensive or defensive lineman in this draft. Since the shelf drops off so drastically after the top seven offensive tackles (and the edge class is extraordinarily deep), I could see Howie Roseman grabbing a tackle here and then coming back for an edge at pick no. 54 or in Round 3, if he goes for a potential A.J. Brown replacement in the second. 

Proctor is a traits-based prospect whose tape improved during his time at Alabama. While there’s still work to be done with his balance and hand placement (especially in pass pro), offensive tackle is the most traits-based position in the draft. It’s hard to come by an experienced left tackle who is 6 feet, 6 5/8 inches and 325 pounds, has nearly 34-inch arms, runs a 5.21 40, and shows lower-body explosion with a 32.5-inch vertical jump.

24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Lomu could have benefited from another year in college to improve his consistency and functional strength, but Cleveland appears to be building toward 2027—when it will presumably target its franchise quarterback—and beyond. That long-term outlook gives the organization room to bet on upside and live with some early growing pains.

Even while sharing a line with Spencer Fano, Lomu was the starting left tackle at Utah, so he won’t need to change positions at the next level. And with the Browns solidifying the other four offensive line spots through trades and free agency, he’ll be stepping into a relatively stable situation. Lomu also brings intriguing athletic traits, highlighted by a 4.99 40-yard dash, a 32.5-inch vertical, and 9-foot-5-inch broad jump at the combine. If he develops as expected, he could be a key piece of the Browns’ future.

25. Chicago Bears: DS Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is looking for versatile back-end players that can be multiple in his scheme and personnel packages, and I think EMW would fit like a glove alongside newly acquired Coby Bryant. McNeil-Warren has elite height (6034) and length (32 ⅛-inch arm, 78 ¼-inch wingspan) with a tightly packed frame. His lack of elite top-end speed, lower level of competition, and a 2024 shoulder injury will come under the microscope, but he dominated in college with a mix of NFL size, smooth athleticism, fast eyes, toughness, and confidence—both as a tackler and when the ball is in the air.

26. Buffalo Bills: Edge Zion Young, Missouri

The Bills could look to address the offensive line, linebacker, defensive secondary, or even wide receiver here (despite adding DJ Moore in free agency). However, this is the range where a run on second-tier edge rushers is expected, with a significant dropoff before Buffalo’s next pick at no. 91 in the third round.

Young may lack ideal bend and flexibility, and his sack production hasn’t yet matched what NFL teams typically look for, but his traits, flashes of ability, and developmental upside stand out. He’s a big, long, and powerful edge defender who plays with strength and physicality. Young also brings a high-energy presence and clear love for the game. He chose to play in Missouri’s bowl game while many top prospects opted out, then followed it up with a strong week at the Senior Bowl. 

Bradley Chubb is a solid addition, but durability has been an issue, and he turns 30 this summer. Building a three-man rotation with Chubb, Greg Rousseau, and Young becomes especially important in a division featuring Drake Maye and in a conference loaded with quarterbacks.

27. San Francisco 49ers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

With so many edge rushers, receivers, and offensive tackles coming off the board, Sadiq slides further than expected into the back half of the first round. There are several spots where he could realistically land—including the Rams at 13, Buccaneers at 15, and Eagles at 23—but it didn’t break that way in this exercise. That leaves San Francisco at no. 27 as a logical landing spot, given the importance of the tight end in Kyle Shanahan’s system and the severity and timing of George Kittle’s injury.

Sadiq is still developing as a route runner, and his production at Oregon was somewhat inconsistent. However, his speed-explosion profile is outstanding (4.39 40, 43.5-inch vertical, 11-foot broad), and he projects as a big-play chess piece that Shanahan could maximize. He also brings value as a powerful, physical blocker with a noticeable mean streak.

28. Houston Texans: IDL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

There isn’t an offensive lineman I’m eager to pair with the Texans here, especially with strong guard and center depth available on day two. Instead, McDonald makes a lot of sense to fill the true run-stuffer hole on this defense after it lost three interior linemen in free agency. 

McDonald’s far more than just a two-gapping space eater, though. On a loaded Ohio State defense filled with NFL talent, he finished fifth on the team with 65 tackles—just four fewer than Arvell Reese and three fewer than Caleb Downs. While his sack production in Columbus wasn’t eye-popping, there’s clear room for growth as a pass rusher.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): Edge Gabe Jacas, Illinois

I didn’t go into this exercise planning to give Kansas City two defensive players in Round 1. Ideally, I would’ve liked to use one of these picks to support Patrick Mahomes—whether at offensive tackle, wide receiver, or even running back if Love were available. But based on how the board fell, the Chiefs come away with the top cornerback in the class and one of the most underrated defensive prospects in Jacas.

I’m higher on Jacas than most—and I’m comfortable with that. He’s a throwback: a four-year player and three-year starter who improved each season, culminating in 19 sacks and seven forced fumbles over his final two years. As a pass rusher, his game is built on heavy hands, core strength, instincts, and a blend of relentless motor and toughness. His gap discipline against the run is still developing, but he made noticeable strides in 2025. When given opportunities, he’s a true disruptor and finisher.

30. Miami Dolphins (via Denver): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

The Dolphins have needs just about everywhere, so it’s more about drafting the best player available than anything. But after addressing WR (Lemon) with their first pick, the Dolphins shift the focus to defense and select the best defensive back on my board in Hood. At 5 feet, 11 5/8 inches and 193 pounds, Hood is a fluid man-to-man cover corner with verified 4.44 speed and a 40.5-inch vertical.

31. New England Patriots: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Howell’s short arms (30 1/4 inches) are a major red flag. NFL teams tend to avoid outliers, and the league hasn’t seen a double-digit sack producer in 20 years with sub-31-inch arms. That said, if Howell had a more prototypical build, we’d be talking about him as a top-10 pick—he’s that impactful. And honestly, his lack of length rarely showed up on tape. His standout trait is his ability to corner tightly at high speed. He plays with violence, burst (4.59 40, elite 1.58 10-yard split at the combine), and rare change-of-direction quickness. It’s not a perfect comp, but the fit makes a lot of sense given the success Mike Vrabel has had with undersized edge rushers like Harold Landry III—first in Tennessee and now in New England.

32. Seattle Seahawks: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

The Seahawks can address guard and cornerback on day two, but Concepcion is a value pick at 32 and would give Sam Darnold a young difference maker as a versatile Z-flanker/slot to emerge in a rotation with JSN and Rashid Shaheed (as Cooper Kupp nears the end). Concepcion has just adequate size but he could make an immediate impact. He uncovers in a flash in the short to intermediate passing game and excels with the ball in his hands after the catch, as a runner, and in the return game.