AI Mock Draft: NFL 2026

0:00It's March 26th. You're listening to NFL News Today, AI-powered NFL coverage. USA Today sports challenged Google Gemini to create a full first round mock draft for the 2026 NFL draft. The AI nailed the top choices, sending Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders at number one overall, just like most experts, predict. Ohio State's Arville Reese, the top player on their bigboard, went number two to the New York Jets for ed rushing help. Moving down the board, Gemini mostly stuck to team needs, pairing prospects like running back Jeremiah Love with the Titans and safety Caleb Downs. With the commanders, it even accounted for some trades like the Rams picking from Atlanta and the Dolphins from Denver. But early on, it overlooks swaps involving quarterback Trent McDuffy and wide receiver Jalen Waddle. Experts say the picks largely mirror human mocks, especially after the NFL combine boosted guys like Ohio State's sunny styles into top five talks.

1:02Still, fans and analysts chuckle that a few head scratchers, like the Browns reaching for a lower wide receiver or the Steelers grabbing a receiver. Overline help. Deeper into the round, the AI showed its limits with reaches for prospects outside the top 32 and odd selections, such as drafting players. Already in the league or ignoring injury histories, picks for teams like the Bears and Texans straight from bigger needs on defense. Overall, Gemini proves AI can handle draft basics well, but complex trades and nuance the valuation still tripped up, hinting at room for growth ahead of the real 2026 draft.