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<\/p>\nMeta AI had plenty of reasonable picks in its 2026 NFL mock draft but did not include David Bailey or Carnell Tate in it.<\/p>\n
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NFL Draft prospect, Fernando Mendoza, watches these quarterbacks<\/p>\n
2025 Heisman winner, Fernando Mendoza, shares which NFL quarterbacks he loves to study and why they’ve made an impact on him.<\/p>\n
Mocking the NFL draft is no easy exercise, but at least Meta AI seemed to be up to the task of creating its own, first-round mock.<\/p>\n
After USA TODAY Sports’ recent experiments with Microsoft Copilot<\/a> and Grok<\/a> produced some… interesting results, Meta AI was tasked with creating a mock of its own that spanned the first 32 selections.<\/p>\n Meta proved surprisingly adept at the task. The chatbot needed only to be prompted once to create its initial mock draft, which featured the correct draft order, only draft-eligible players and no duplicate picks. From there, the only additional prompt needed to feed the chatbot was to provide a brief explanation of each pick.<\/p>\n 2026 NFL MOCK DRAFT: Trade land Jets more picks while Chargers fill need<\/a><\/p>\n Below are the exact prompts USA TODAY Sports used for its experiment.<\/p>\n Can you create your own 2026 NFL mock draft for the first 32 picks?Can you provide a brief explanation of each pick?<\/p>\n Of course, that doesn’t mean that Meta’s mock was perfect. The chatbot had a couple of notable omissions from its first round, as a couple of presumed top-10 talents were not selected within the first 32 picks.<\/p>\n Additionally, some of Meta’s prospect breakdowns weren’t exactly accurate. It particularly seemed to struggle with assessing arm length, as it praised the “length” of several players known to have below-average arm lengths for their respective positions.<\/p>\n This wasn’t entirely surprising, as some large language models (LLMs) struggle to keep pace with the latest sports news and updates.<\/p>\n Here’s a look at Meta AI’s mock draft, along with a human assessment of how the AI chatbot fared in its mock drafting.<\/p>\n 2026 NFL mock draft: First-round AI picks1. Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana<\/p>\n Meta AI knows the Raiders are basically locked into taking Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. It praised his “elite arm talent and mobility” while opining he could become a franchise quarterback at the next level. A good start for the chatbot.<\/p>\n 2. New York Jets<\/a>: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State<\/p>\n The Jets need help defensively, in Meta’s estimation, and it is high on the “tackle-hungry” Reese and his “sideline-to-sideline range.” New York is widely expected to take a top pass rusher here, so it’s hard to argue with Reese being the selection here.<\/p>\n 3. Arizona Cardinals<\/a>: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)<\/p>\n The Cardinals need to add a bookend across from Paris Johnson Jr<\/a>. at right tackle. Meta likes the idea of plugging a “polished pass protector” like Mauigoa into that role. Mauigoa profiles as a natural right tackle, so this is another good pick by Meta.<\/p>\n 4. Tennessee Titans<\/a>: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame<\/p>\n Meta called Love an “explosive back with breakaway speed and power” and opined he would be a “dynamic weapon” in Tennessee’s offense. Love has become popularly tied to the Titans in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft<\/a>, and getting Cam Ward<\/a> a quality running mate could be a good start to the Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll era.<\/p>\n 2026 NFL DRAFT: Jeremiyah Love explains his simple message to NFL coaches<\/a><\/p>\n 5. New York Giants<\/a>: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State<\/p>\n John Harbaugh is entering his first season with the Giants, and Meta believes the former Ravens coach will want to add a big-time playmaker to his defense. The chatbot praised Styles’ “elite instincts” and “sideline-to-sideline speed” while also noting New York’s need for a No. 1 linebacker.<\/p>\n 6. Cleveland Browns<\/a>: OT Spencer Fano, Utah<\/p>\n Meta AI had its first analytical faux pas in its breakdown of Fano. It referred to the Utah tackle as “long,” despite his No. 1 concern for the next level being his below-average arm length for the offensive tackle position.<\/p>\n Even so, Fano fills a big need for a Browns team that is revamping its offensive line. He qualifies as an “athletic tackle with upside” and could challenge Dawand Jones<\/a> for the team’s starting left tackle role.<\/p>\n 7. Washington Commanders<\/a>: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)<\/p>\n The Commanders signed Odafe Oweh<\/a> and K’Lavon Chaisson<\/a> in free agency but could still use another high-end pass rusher for their defense. Meta likes the “disruptive” Bain and, like Fano, evidently isn’t concerned about the Miami product’s arm length, which is bottom-barrel.<\/p>\n 8. New Orleans Saints<\/a>: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU<\/p>\n Meta AI likes Delane’s “ball skills and toughness.” It also knows that the Saints could use another cornerback after losing Alontae Taylor<\/a> in free agency, so adding Delane \u2013 who allowed a 31.3 passer rating last season and played locally at LSU \u2013 is a sensible move.<\/p>\n 9. Kansas City Chiefs<\/a>: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State<\/p>\n Tyson comes off the board before Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon in Meta’s mock draft. The chatbot likes the idea of adding an “elite route runner with big-play ability” to Patrick Mahomes<\/a>‘ arsenal of weapons, which makes sense given the combined troubles Rashee Rice<\/a> and Xavier Worthy<\/a> have had staying on the field.<\/p>\n 10. Cincinnati Bengals<\/a>: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State<\/p>\n The Bengals signed Bryan Cook<\/a> and Kyle Dugger<\/a> in free agency. Will that preclude them from selecting a safety with the 10th overall pick? Meta doesn’t think so, as it believes Downs’ “instincts and range” will make him an attractive option for Cincinnati at this juncture.<\/p>\n 2026 NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD: Ranking the top 150 best players available<\/a><\/p>\n 11. Miami Dolphins<\/a>: WR Makai Lemon, USC<\/p>\n Again, Meta had a quality player-team fit, but its analysis of the player wasn’t exactly spot on. It referred to the 5-11, 192-pound Lemon as a “big, physical receiver,” which is simply incorrect.<\/p>\n Still, the chatbot was right about Lemon having “strong hands,” and there’s little doubt the Dolphins could use a No. 1 receiver after trading Jaylen Waddle<\/a> and cutting Tyreek Hill<\/a>. Seeing Miami take its pick of Lemon or Carnell Tate would hardly be a surprise.<\/p>\n 12. Dallas Cowboys<\/a>: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee<\/p>\n David Bailey is still on the board, but Meta has the Cowboys targeting a cornerback with their first, first-round selection. It noted McCoy has “shutdown potential,” which will benefit a Dallas defense that needs an infusion of talent.<\/p>\n 13. Los Angeles Rams<\/a> (from Atlanta<\/a>): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon<\/p>\n Sadiq is a good receiver with “blocking chops,” and Meta AI believes that will pique the Rams’ interest. Los Angeles used its first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on a tight end, Terrance Ferguson<\/a>, but grabbing another Oregon tight end would make sense considering Sean McVay used multiple tight ends frequently last season.<\/p>\n 14. Baltimore Ravens<\/a>: iOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State<\/p>\n The one word Meta AI used to describe Ioane? “Sturdy.” The Ravens have a big need for help along the interior offensive line after losing Tyler Linderbaum<\/a>, so this seems like a great fit.<\/p>\n 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a>: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)<\/p>\n OK, I have a sneaking suspicion we won’t be seeing David Bailey in this mock. We’ve seen in the past that when AI chatbots have top prospects fall out of their typical draft ranges, they tend to forget about them entirely.<\/p>\n That explains why Mesidor is getting the nod here. He’s a realistic option for the Buccaneers \u2013 as general manager Jason Licht loves pass rushers with proven production and Meta likes Mesidor’s “elite get-off” \u2013 but if Bailey somehow fell this far, Tampa Bay would pounce on him.<\/p>\n 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis<\/a>): WR Denzel Boston, Washington<\/p>\n The same thing happening to David Bailey in this mock also appears to be happening to Carnell Tate. Presumably, the Jets would snap up a second Ohio State product if he were available at this juncture, but Meta AI has them going with Boston, a “possession receiver with high IQ.”<\/p>\n 17. Detroit Lions<\/a>: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama<\/p>\n Giving the Lions a “massive tackle with rare athleticism” after Dan Skipper retired and Taylor Decker demanded his release<\/a> seems like a perfect fit. Nicely done, Meta!<\/p>\n 18. Minnesota Vikings<\/a>: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon<\/p>\n The Vikings could use a “hard-hitting safety with ball skills” to help replace Harrison Smith, in Meta’s estimation. Thieneman’s athleticism will help him quickly become a do-it-all weapon in Brian Flores’ defense.<\/p>\n 19. Carolina Panthers<\/a>: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia<\/p>\n Left tackle is a sneaky, long-term need for the Panthers. Ikem Ekwonu<\/a> tore his patellar tendon in the playoffs while Rasheed Walker<\/a> was signed to a one-year deal during the offseason. Both players will be free agents after the season, so Meta AI mocking a “physical tackle with elite run-blocking skills” to Carolina makes sense.<\/p>\n 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay<\/a>): LB CJ Allen, Georgia<\/p>\n Meta AI gave Allen the same “tackle-hungry” description it gave Arvell Reese, putting the Georgia product in good company. Dallas has been more tied to help on the edge, but seeing Jerry Jones’ team add a middle-of-the-field partner for DeMarvion Overshown<\/a> would hardly be a surprise.<\/p>\n 21. Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson<\/p>\n Do the Steelers really need to add high-end talent to an edge rush that already features T.J. Watt<\/a>, Alex Highsmith<\/a> and Nick Herbig<\/a>? Maybe not, but Watt is entering his age-32 season while Herbig may soon be due a big payday. Parker is a “disruptive” pressure-generator who Meta sees as a long-term fit in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n 22. Los Angeles Chargers<\/a>: OT Blake Miller, Clemson<\/p>\n The Chargers need more help along the interior offensive line than they do at the tackle position. Meta lauded Miller as having “versatility,” so maybe it envisions him kicking inside to right guard after seeing him play right tackle for most of his career at Clemson.<\/p>\n 23. Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn<\/p>\n The Eagles lost Jaelan Phillips<\/a> to the Panthers in free agency. Meta AI thinks getting Faulk, who it believes will be a good “speed rusher” in the NFL, would make sense for Philadelphia. Howie Roseman has a penchant for building through the trenches, so this makes sense \u2013 minus the fact that David Bailey remains on the board.<\/p>\n 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville<\/a>): WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana<\/p>\n The bad news: Meta has almost certainly forgotten Carnell Tate. The good news: the chatbot addressed the Browns’ needs on the offensive line and at receiver with its first two picks. Cooper has been rising ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft and the chatbot thinks he will be a “big-play threat” at the NFL level.<\/p>\n 25. Chicago Bears<\/a>: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo<\/p>\n Meta AI likes the idea of getting the Bears a long-term partner for free-agent signee Coby Bryant <\/a>at safety. The chatbot noted McNeil-Warren is “physical” and has good ball skills, which will allow him to be a playmaker for Dennis Allen’s defense.<\/p>\n 26. Buffalo Bills<\/a>: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson<\/p>\n Let’s be honest: the Bills probably need to focus more on their front-seven than the cornerback position after spending a 2025 first-round pick on Maxwell Hairston<\/a>. Still, Terrell fits the range and Meta thinks he will develop into a “shutdown corner.” Selecting the brother of Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell<\/a> would certainly give the Bills one of the best cornerback trios in the NFL.<\/p>\n 27. San Francisco 49ers<\/a>: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State<\/p>\n The 49ers are looking for an eventual successor to Trent Williams<\/a>. Meta AI likes Iheanachor’s “upside” as he continues to tap into his athletic potential. Iheanachor has only played football since 2021, so this is a fun gamble for the 49ers.<\/p>\n 28. Houston Texans<\/a>: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M<\/p>\n Meta AI seems to have trouble understanding arm length, noting that the short-armed Howell has “length,” which simply isn’t the case. Still, Howell notched 11.5 sacks in his final season with the Aggies and would make for a stellar No. 3 pass rusher behind Will Anderson Jr.<\/a> and Danielle Hunter<\/a>.<\/p>\n 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee<\/p>\n The Chiefs added a wide receiver with Meta’s first selection. Now, the chatbot has the team addressing the cornerback position, and it really likes how Hood’s “ball skills” would upgrade Kansas City’s depleted cornerback room. Kansas City lost Trent McDuffie<\/a> and Jaylen Watson<\/a> in the offseason, so reinforcements are needed for the unit.<\/p>\n 30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver): DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State<\/p>\n Defensive tackle might be one of the few positions at which the Dolphins don’t have a major need, as they spent their 2025 first-round pick on Kenneth Grant<\/a>. McDonald would give the Dolphins another “sturdy interior defender,” but they are probably more likely to target help at cornerback here.<\/p>\n 31. New England Patriots<\/a>: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati<\/p>\n Meta praised Golday’s “instincts” and also noted the Patriots could use a No. 1 linebacker for its defense. Placing Golday next to Robert Spillane<\/a> would provide New England a potential upgrade and replenish the depth the team lost when Jack Gibbens<\/a> left in free agency.<\/p>\n 32. Seattle Seahawks<\/a>: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina<\/p>\n