Fornelli’s 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0: Two first-round QBs, surprise WR1 headline — class light on elite talent
Quick TL;DR: This draft feels like a bowl of mixed trail mix — plenty of stuff in there, but not a single giant chocolate bar. There are good players, but not many obvious superstars. That means teams might play it safe… or they might get weird. Either way, it should be fun to watch the chaos unfold.
The vibe
Mock drafts in mid-February are basically educated guesses with a caffeine problem. Right now the big theme: not a ton of jaw-dropping, generational prospects at the top. My two favorites in the class? Not quarterbacks or wideouts — it’s Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Cute, right? Trouble is teams historically aren’t handing top-10 picks to safeties or running backs. Will they this year? Maybe. Probably not. But I’ve put both inside the top 10 in this mock — just not top five. Thrilling balance of optimism and reality.
Two QBs in round one
Yes, two quarterbacks crack my first-rounders: Fernando Mendoza slides to the No. 1 pick to fill a desperate QB need, and Ty Simpson sneaks into the late first round as a developmental option for a team that wants potential more than immediate perfection. Mendoza has the size and some of the leadership traits teams drool over; Simpson flashes brilliance and then… loses his marbles some weeks. Think of Mendoza as the steadying hand and Simpson as the electric kid who might need coaching and naps.
Surprise WR1
Makai Lemon ends up as my top wideout in this class, and it might raise eyebrows. He’s not a burner, but his route craft, contested-ball swagger and slot magic make him sneakily valuable. Picture a shortish receiver who plays like a giant at the catch point — annoying for defenders, loved by quarterbacks.
Who I have going early (highlights)
Pick 1 — A QB with size and upside to fix a franchise’s immediate panic. Not a guaranteed superstar, but he gives a team a chance to stop windows from being smashed by desperation.
Pick 2 — A prototype-y linebacker who does a little bit of everything and fits modern defensive chess pieces. Versatile, hungry, and the type teams covet early.
Pick 3 — Tackle depth shows up. This guy is a strong run-game monster but gets tested on island in pass protection — still an early pick because tackles are currency.
Picks 4-6 — Edge rushers and more tackles. There’s a lot of “floor” players here — safe, dependable types who should start and contribute without making fans weep with joy.
Pick 8 — The running back I love: a do-it-all back who can handle workhorse duties and be a mismatch in space. Maybe not the flashiest pick on paper, but ready to produce.
Pick 10 — That Ohio State safety I keep mentioning: instinctive, versatile, and someone who finds The Play when the defense needs it. High football IQ, big energy.
College hotspots and quirks
Ohio State shows up a lot early — a handful of Buckeyes dot the top part of the board. There’s good tackle depth, several intriguing edge rushers, a couple of interior linemen with upside, and not much consensus at WR beyond the surprising standout. Also: ACL recoveries and spotty 2025 seasons mean some players could tumble and others could rocket up after the combine. The board will shuffle more than a Vegas deck of cards.
Late first-round fliers
At the end of the round I’m tossing out a few picks that are essentially rolls of the dice — big-bodied tackles with upside, interior defensive linemen who flash but aren’t consistent, and scheme-fit players who might thrive in the right system. Those picks are fun because they often become hidden gems or, uh, talking points in next year’s “remember when?” segments.
Final thought
So that’s the gist: a draft that’s solid but short on unambiguous superstars. Teams will have to decide whether to reach for a position they love (safety? running back?) or play it safe and grab a high-floor guy. Either way, buckle up — the combine, workouts, and the next few months of rumors will flip this whole thing a dozen times. I’ll be here, changing my mind and giggling about it.
