# Jaime Eisner: In a "What I Would Do" 2026 NFL mock draft, Eisner assigns first-round selections for all 32 picks plus several early second-round picks, starting with Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders at No. 1. **Claimed:** Apr 6, 2026 **Pundit:** Jaime Eisner — https://missedtakes.co/pundits/jaime-eisner **Outlet:** The Draft Network — https://missedtakes.co/outlets/the-draft-network **How it reached us:** published in writing **Original:** https://www.thedraftnetwork.com/2026/04/06/2026-nfl-mock-draft-april 43 checkable claims — 37 mock draft picks and 6 depth chart calls — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing call. It names 69 players and teams, each linked to their own record. 37 of 43 have settled so far, averaging 67.8 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess at the same calls. Of the 2 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands above the room on 1 and below it on 1. > If I were each of the 32 general managers, how would I attack the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft? *(their words, quoted for attribution)* ## The claims - **Kayden McDonald to be picked at number 28** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Kayden McDonald, Houston Texans - Verdict: scored 70.71 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Dillon Thieneman to be picked at number 12** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Dillon Thieneman, Dallas Cowboys - Verdict: scored 56.94 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Cashius Howell to be picked at number 15** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Cashius Howell, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Verdict: scored 32.42 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Kenyon Sadiq to be picked at number 19** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Kenyon Sadiq, Carolina Panthers - Verdict: scored 87.81 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Keldric Faulk to be picked at number 31** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Keldric Faulk, New England Patriots - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Zion Young to be picked at number 25** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Zion Young, Chicago Bears - Verdict: scored 42.04 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Christen Miller to be picked at number 56** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Christen Miller, Jacksonville Jaguars - Verdict: scored 54.53 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Arvell Reese to be picked at number 2** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Arvell Reese, New York Jets - Verdict: scored 87.81 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Avieon Terrell to be picked at number 30** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Avieon Terrell, Miami Dolphins - Verdict: scored 45.85 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Zachariah Branch to be picked at number 48** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Zachariah Branch, Atlanta Falcons - Verdict: scored 26.11 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Rueben Bain to be picked at number 4** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Rueben Bain, Tennessee Titans - Verdict: scored 62.09 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Omar Cooper to be picked at number 27** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Omar Cooper, San Francisco 49ers - Verdict: scored 87.81 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Ty Simpson to be picked at number 29** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Ty Simpson, Arizona Cardinals - Verdict: scored 50 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Olaivavega Ioane to be picked at number 16** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Olaivavega Ioane, New York Jets - Verdict: scored 91.7 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Makai Lemon to be picked at number 13** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Makai Lemon, Los Angeles Rams - Verdict: scored 73.84 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Monroe Freeling to be picked at number 11** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Monroe Freeling, Miami Dolphins - Verdict: scored 70.71 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Kadyn Proctor to be picked at number 22** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Kadyn Proctor, Los Angeles Chargers - Verdict: scored 64.84 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Jake Golday to be picked at number 62** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Jake Golday, Denver Broncos - Verdict: scored 62.09 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Francis Mauigoa to be picked at number 3** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Francis Mauigoa, Arizona Cardinals - Verdict: scored 73.84 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Spencer Fano to be picked at number 14** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Spencer Fano, Baltimore Ravens - Verdict: scored 80.52 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Mansoor Delane to be picked at number 9** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Mansoor Delane, Kansas City Chiefs - Verdict: scored 87.81 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Peter Woods to be picked at number 20** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Peter Woods, Dallas Cowboys - Verdict: scored 67.71 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Chris Johnson to be picked at number 32** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Chris Johnson, Seattle Seahawks - Verdict: scored 80.52 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Fernando Mendoza to be picked at number 1** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Jermod McCoy to be picked at number 10** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Jermod McCoy, Cincinnati Bengals - Verdict: scored 1.94 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Keith Abney to be picked at number 52** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Keith Abney, Green Bay Packers - Verdict: scored 1.06 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **David Bailey to be picked at number 8** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: David Bailey, New Orleans Saints - Verdict: scored 77.11 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Jeremiyah Love to be picked at number 18** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Jeremiyah Love, Minnesota Vikings - Verdict: scored 52.21 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Max Iheanachor to be picked at number 17** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Max Iheanachor, Detroit Lions - Verdict: scored 84.09 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Caleb Downs to be picked at number 5** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Caleb Downs, New York Giants - Verdict: scored 77.11 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Gabe Jacas to be picked at number 47** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Gabe Jacas, Indianapolis Colts - Verdict: scored 70.71 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Caleb Lomu to be picked at number 24** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Caleb Lomu, Cleveland Browns - Verdict: scored 84.09 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Carnell Tate to be picked at number 6** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Carnell Tate, Cleveland Browns - Verdict: scored 91.7 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **K.C. Concepcion to be picked at number 21** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: K.C. Concepcion, Pittsburgh Steelers - Verdict: scored 87.81 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Jordyn Tyson to be picked at number 26** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Jordyn Tyson, Buffalo Bills - Verdict: scored 45.85 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Blake Miller to be picked at number 23** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Blake Miller, Philadelphia Eagles - Verdict: scored 77.11 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Sonny Styles to be picked at number 7** - Kind: Mock Draft Picks · About: Sonny Styles, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess - **Francis Mauigoa to be 1st on the depth chart** - Kind: Depth Chart Calls · About: Francis Mauigoa - Verdict: not settled yet - **Dillon Thieneman to be 1st on the depth chart** - Kind: Depth Chart Calls · About: Dillon Thieneman - Verdict: not settled yet - **Avieon Terrell to be 1st on the depth chart** - Kind: Depth Chart Calls · About: Avieon Terrell - Verdict: not settled yet - **Sonny Styles to be 1st on the depth chart** - Kind: Depth Chart Calls · About: Sonny Styles - Verdict: not settled yet - **Mansoor Delane to be 1st on the depth chart** - Kind: Depth Chart Calls · About: Mansoor Delane - Verdict: not settled yet - **Makai Lemon to be 3rd on the depth chart** - Kind: Depth Chart Calls · About: Makai Lemon - Verdict: not settled yet ## Who this take is about - Kayden McDonald — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/kayden-mcdonald - Houston Texans — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/texans - Dillon Thieneman — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/dillon-thieneman - Dallas Cowboys — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/cowboys - Cashius Howell — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/cashius-howell - Tampa Bay Buccaneers — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/buccaneers - Kenyon Sadiq — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/kenyon-sadiq - Carolina Panthers — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/panthers - Keldric Faulk — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/keldric-faulk - New England Patriots — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/patriots - Zion Young — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/zion-young - Chicago Bears — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/bears - Christen Miller — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/christen-miller - Jacksonville Jaguars — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/jaguars - Arvell Reese — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/arvell-reese - New York Jets — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/jets - Avieon Terrell — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/avieon-terrell - Miami Dolphins — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/dolphins - Zachariah Branch — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/zachariah-branch - Atlanta Falcons — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/falcons - Rueben Bain — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/rueben-bain - Tennessee Titans — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/titans - Omar Cooper — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/omar-cooper - San Francisco 49ers — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/49ers - Ty Simpson — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/ty-simpson - Arizona Cardinals — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/cardinals - Olaivavega Ioane — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/olaivavega-ioane - Makai Lemon — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/makai-lemon - Los Angeles Rams — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/rams - Monroe Freeling — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/monroe-freeling - Kadyn Proctor — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/kadyn-proctor - Los Angeles Chargers — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/chargers - Jake Golday — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jake-golday - Denver Broncos — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/broncos - Francis Mauigoa — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/francis-mauigoa - Spencer Fano — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/spencer-fano - Baltimore Ravens — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/ravens - Mansoor Delane — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/mansoor-delane - Kansas City Chiefs — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/chiefs - Peter Woods — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/peter-woods - Chris Johnson — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/chris-johnson - Seattle Seahawks — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/seahawks - Fernando Mendoza — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/fernando-mendoza - Las Vegas Raiders — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/raiders - Jermod McCoy — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jermod-mccoy - Cincinnati Bengals — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/bengals - Keith Abney — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/keith-abney - Green Bay Packers — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/packers - David Bailey — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/david-bailey - New Orleans Saints — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/saints - Jeremiyah Love — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jeremiyah-love - Minnesota Vikings — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/vikings - Max Iheanachor — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/max-iheanachor - Detroit Lions — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/lions - Caleb Downs — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/caleb-downs - New York Giants — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/giants - Gabe Jacas — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/gabe-jacas - Indianapolis Colts — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/colts - Caleb Lomu — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/caleb-lomu - Cleveland Browns — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/browns - Carnell Tate — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/carnell-tate - K.C. Concepcion — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/k-c-concepcion - Pittsburgh Steelers — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/steelers - Jordyn Tyson — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jordyn-tyson - Buffalo Bills — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/bills - Blake Miller — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/blake-miller - Philadelphia Eagles — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/eagles - Sonny Styles — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/sonny-styles - Washington Commanders — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/commanders ## What others said about the same people - Zack Kelberman on Sean Fresch Jr.: Kelberman expects Sean Fresch Jr. to clear waivers and return to the Broncos' practice squad, sees Riley Moss back from concussion for the Week 11 game at Las Vegas, and projects newly acquired Daiyan Henley to begin as the third inside linebacker behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad before likely moving into a starting role. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/978f775c-5611-4514-ad2f-b35a6eac0402 (scored 0) - Zack Kelberman on Sean Fresch Jr.: Kelberman writes that Riley Moss may sit out the preseason finale against Minnesota but should be available for the Week 1 opener at Kansas City; they also suggest undrafted corners Sean Fresch Jr. and Brent Austin are being evaluated for practice squad spots. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/3c8c47b8-6041-4282-8d21-d21741d8f11b (scored 0) - Chris Clark on Nikko Remigio: Clark expects the Chiefs to bring back exclusive-rights receiver Nico (Remigio) and long snapper James Winchester, to re-sign JuJu Smith-Schuster as a cheap veteran fifth receiver, and not to bring back Hollywood Brown, Josh Dobbs-type depth, Gardner Minshew, Janarius Robinson or Mike Caliendo; they also say the Chiefs will not use a franchise tag and believes Bryan Cook won't return. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/99521265-d5c0-4db1-b2a0-fe77908ea0b3 (scored 0) - Nate Gosney on Daiyan Henley: After the Broncos rescinded the trade, Gosney expects Daiyan Henley to remain with the Chargers for the rest of the 2026 season, but believes the awkward fallout has effectively killed any chance of them signing a new contract with Los Angeles after the season. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/60272861-4ad0-4749-b36a-dcdf09b9213f (scored 0) - Parker Hurley on Khalid Kareem: Hurley predicts the 49ers will release Khalil Kareem when Nate Hobbs is activated and cut Brandin Cooks when C.J. West returns, while arguing Sebastian Valdez won't be the one let go and no cornerback will be cut. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/5a729417-69ee-493a-9bec-d905fd1a7082 (scored 0) - Sam Monson on New York Giants: Monson picked every Week 10 game, taking the Giants, Lions, Packers, Panthers, Colts, Texans, Bills, Chiefs, Jaguars, Seahawks, Rams, Cowboys, Bengals and Ravens, and also suggested the Chargers' only likely wins the rest of the way come against the Jets and Dolphins. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/f4cb7a1e-1380-4f08-b39b-1432b97db846 (scored 0) ## More mock draft picks The same kind of call, about other players and teams. - Chris Simms on Malachi Corley: Simms named the Bears the NFL's best overall offense and best rushing offense, the Bengals the best passing offense, Seattle the best total defense, Minnesota the best pass defense and Tampa Bay the best run defense; they also called Tristan Wirfs the league's best offensive lineman, projected Miami's Malachi Toney as a top-15 pick, and predicted a 30-14 Jaguars win in Baltimore. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/c0fd4647-2de8-4a5f-bac2-950fed303ee9 (scored 11.46) - Todd McShay on Keelon Russell: While breaking down LSU's offense, McShay called receiver Jackson Harris a top-50 NFL draft prospect, and later said LSU's Sam Levitt and Alabama's Keelan Russell are potential top-10 picks in a future draft. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/15d40546-2ab9-4ab8-b5bd-ed0ef7f26ae5 (scored 0) - Philip Hughes on Kyle Kennard: Evaluating edge rusher Kyle Kennard ahead of the draft, the account projected them as a Day 2 selection. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/605a686a-b5f1-4611-82b4-961abf8de93e (scored 33.86) - Charlie Campbell on Xavier Williams: Campbell's draft stock report projects Indiana WR Charlie Becker as a top-10 pick in 2027, Mississippi State CB Kelley Jones as a first-rounder, Tennessee DT Xavier Gilliam as a top-15 pick, and Texas OT Trevor Goosby as a top-10 pick, while suggesting Arch Manning could still be a first-rounder if they declare. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/2dd4bf46-e5eb-4dff-8500-95d9fdbd2986 (scored 0) - Walt on Garrett Nussmeier: In a running series of coach/GM hiring and firing grades, Walt projects Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick of the Raiders in the 2026 draft and has LSU's Garrett Nussmeier going No. 2 overall in their 2026 mock draft. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/29bb2d31-fbe3-40db-b378-be5ba5d990b0 (scored 0) - Charlie Campbell on Xavier Williams: Reviewing Week 7 college games, Campbell projects a slate of draft outcomes: Tennessee's Xavier Gilliam as a top-15 pick in 2026, Alabama's Bray Hubbard as a Day 2 pick and Yhonzae Pierre as a potential first-rounder, Jeremiah Smith as one of the very first players drafted, Charlie Becker as a top-10 pick in the 2027 draft, Colin Simmons and Trevor Goosby as top-10 picks, and Jadan Baugh as a first-round pick. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/d2c00414-086d-4a40-bb69-7584be496742 (scored 0) --- Accuracy is 0-100 against what actually happened. The naive guess is what a strategy requiring no knowledge would have scored on the same call — the difference is the skill, and it is what the MissedTakes Score averages. Full method: https://missedtakes.co/methodology We summarize what a pundit said and quote a short span for attribution; we never republish their article. If this is wrong, tell us: https://missedtakes.co/corrections?pundit=jaime-eisner