Artificial intelligence is a lot of things. Intelligent is not one of them, at least when it comes to NFL mock drafts.
The countdown to the2026 NFL Draftis on and the board is taking shape with just over two weeks to go.Fernando Mendozais essentially locked in as the No. 1 pick and it's widely expected that No. 2 will beArvell ReeseorDavid Bailey.
Unless you askGrok, X's chatbotthat appeared insistent on putting the "mock" in "mock draft."
Bailey was a noticeable absence from the first 32 picks, but that's not all. The chatbot also invented a new strategy regarding the NFL – part-time players. Like a person who works more than one job, apparently, one team isn't enough to survive in 2026.
Grok made sure thatSonny Styles,Makai Lemonand others managed to find work with multiple teams across the league.
In other words, there was some good, some bad and some ugly in this experiment. Just hope that your favorite team's general manager isn't asking artificial intelligence who to pick. If they do, we hope you picked up a pair of cleats at the store. It might just make you the next pick in the draft.
Here's a look at Grok's 2026 NFL first-round mock draft.
3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
4. Tennessee Titans – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
6. Cleveland Browns – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
9. Kansas City Chiefs – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
17. Detroit Lions – Spencer Fano, OT/G, Utah" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
18. Minnesota Vikings – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
19. Carolina Panthers - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
22. Los Angeles Chargers – T.J. Parker, DE/OLB, Clemson" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
23. Philadelphia Eagles – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
24. Cleveland Browns – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
25. Chicago Bears – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
26. Buffalo Bills – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams) – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
32. Seattle Seahawks – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> NFL mock draft: Top-10 surprises in latest first-round projection
2026 NFL mock draft: First-round AI picks
1.Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Hardly a shocker, the Raiders elect to draft their quarterback of the future with the No. 1 pick. Grok called this selection "one of the more predictable No. 1 selections in recent years," and for good reason. Mendoza is the clear top quarterback in a draft that features no real competition for the spot.
There are only a few things preventing this selection from happening – the world ending or the Raiders' losing phone service before they can submit the pick.
RAIDERS 7-ROUND MOCK:Fernando Mendoza joined by Indiana WR in Las Vegas
2.New York Jets: Edge/LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
As expected, the Jets opt for Reese's upside with the second pick. Having the No. 2 pick in a one-quarterback draft is far from ideal, but New York can continue to improve the defense by landing someone they hope can be a game-changer. Reese has all the pieces, and now it's about putting them together. He is the No. 1 player onUSA TODAY Sports' 2026 big boardand his ceiling was enough for the Jets to pass on Bailey's floor.
3.Arizona Cardinals: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
The Cardinals are at a crossroads. A rebuild is the logical step, but the team's strategy of signing older veterans in free agency seems to indicate they have no interest in that right now. Perhaps Arizona is trying to toe the line and this is a good way to accomplish that. Offensive line remains a need regardless of team direction, especially at right tackle. Grok thinks the Cardinals will want to build the trenches, which is a fine idea considering Mauigoa can anchor the right side of the line oppositeParis Johnson Jr.
4.Tennessee Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
The "running backs don't matter" crowd will surely Love this selection. Tennessee is in the midst of a rebuild, but they already have the quarterback. Or at least they hope they do. This is a move that helps the Titans build aroundCam Ward, giving him another offensive weapon to work with. The chatbot likes the pick as a "high-upside" selection, while new head coach Robert Saleh uses other avenues to improve the defense.
5.New York Giants: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Skies are blue and the sun is shining bright in East Rutherford, New Jersey as the John Harbaugh era begins. The coach lands a big piece for Big Blue with his first pick as the NFL combine star should anchor New York's defense for years to come.
6.Cleveland Browns: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
And here we go. Right on cue, Grok decides to venture off the board to opt for Freeling out of Georgia. Offensive line is an obvious need for the Browns, but they passed on the top lineman available,Spencer Fano. In the case of Freeling, he brings tremendous size at 6-7 and 315 pounds. The Browns will bet on that, along with his Georgia pedigree, to land what they hope is a franchise tackle.
7.Washington Commanders: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
From the makers of "what goes up must come down," we introduce "what goes Downs must go up." The Commanders can't be much worse than they were in 2026, and the Ohio State star safety is primed to be a big reason for that, as Washington, the football team, finally adds some youth.
8.New Orleans Saints: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The Buckeyes theme continues as Tate joins the fray after Downs and Reese already came off the board. Grok calls this pick a "high-value, fan-friendly pick" that should give the Saints offense a boost. Paired with another Ohio State product inChris Olave, Tate is the type of quarterback-friendly selection that can helpTyler Shoughcontinue to develop going into his second season.
9.Kansas City Chiefs: Edge Reuben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
For better or worse, Bain's arm length will remain a question unless he visits the taffy puller before draft night. Whether his short arms will actually matter at the next level remains to be seen, but the Miami prospect is a steady presence on the edge that would generate some pressure for a Chiefs defense that certainly could use it.
10.Cincinnati Bengals: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Move over Harry, there's a new Styles in high demand.
The Bengals elect to improve their defense by entering what we can only assume is some sort of pilot program from the NFL that allows players to play for two teams. Leave it to Cincinnati to find a new way to cut costs.
NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD:Ranking the top 150 best players available
11.Miami Dolphins: WR Makai Lemon, USC
When life gives you Lemon, you might as well draft him. The Dolphins welcome the receiver to a state known for oranges, which should eliminate the sour taste that the team has givenMalik Willisin his limited time with the franchise. Lemon finally gives the QB some receiving help and someone other thanDe'Von Achaneto work with in 2026.
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12.Dallas Cowboys: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Grok might be wearing a Styles jersey. After double-dipping with the Bengals and Giants, the Ohio State star will now take his talents to the central time zone.
13.Los Angeles Rams(viaAtlanta): WR Makai Lemon, USC
Coast-to-coast? Inspired by Styles, Lemon is also going to pull some double duty at the next level. It seems like a logistical nightmare, but at least the USC star can play for teams projected to land on opposite ends of the standings.
14.Baltimore Ravens: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
We get a break from the run on Styles and Lemon as the Ravens elect for some offensive line help. It has been a roller coaster of an offseason for the Ravens, but protectingLamar Jacksonremains a priority. This pick accomplishes that goal.
15.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
Grok clearly isn't a fan of Bailey, as the chatbot passed on the Texas Tech star again, opting instead to have Mesidor land with the Buccaneers. The prospect will be 25 at the stage of the season and has a lengthy injury history, but Grok likes Mesidor's fit on the edge in Todd Bowles' defense.
16. New York Jets (viaIndianapolis): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
The Jets should be thrilled with the way this played out. New York walks away with the best player in the draft and the best receiver, filling two huge areas of need. This pick givesGarrett Wilsona running mate who could help open up the passing game for the Jets' top receiver.
JETS 7-ROUND MOCK:New York picks Arvell Reese, potential QB of the future
17.Detroit Lions: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
With Fano still on the board, the Lions opt for the third part-time player of the first round. Freeling will be racking up the miles between Detroit and Cleveland to help anchor a pair of offensive lines for two teams that could really use him.
18.Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Harrison Smithwas designated a post-June 1 release, opening the door for some safety help to make its way to the Twin Cities. Grok called the idea of selecting Thieneman a "high-value" move that makes sense for the team going forward.
19.Carolina Panthers: WR Makai Lemon, USC
If you're keeping score at home, Lemon is set to join his third team in the first round. Turns out, the receiver is a hot commodity as he'll also catch passes fromBryce Youngin 2026 and beyond.
OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 2026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, trades
OT Tytus Howard:Traded to Cleveland Browns(previous team: Houston Texans)
20. Dallas Cowboys (viaGreen Bay): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
The Cowboys already picked Styles, who was picked by both the Bengals and Giants, so it makes sense that Grok also thinks they like Mesidor, who the Buccaneers already took off the board earlier.
21.Pittsburgh Steelers: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Well, how about that? Like a pair of siblings, the Steelers and Ravens found out that sharing is caring as they each pick Ioane out of Penn State. Perhaps it really is a new chapter for this pair of bitter rivals who are welcoming in new coaching staffs.
22.Los Angeles Chargers: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
There are 257 picks and even more prospects in this year's draft, but these teams will instead choose to fight over a few players. Ioane is drafted for the third time and the second time in as many picks.
23.Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Death, taxes and the Eagles drafting a player no one thought would be there. Philadelphia ends up with Sadiq in Grok's imaginary mind after all the shenanigans from the teams that came before the birds. Howie Roseman might buy a lottery ticket after this one.
24.Cleveland Browns(viaJacksonville): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
With Tate, Tyson and Lemon off the board, the Browns bring Boston to Cleveland. It fills a big need after they addressed the offensive line earlier and gives new head coach Todd Monken another building block to work with.
25.Chicago Bears: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
The Bears ended up in a situation that required a pair of starting safeties this offseason after the departures ofKevin ByardandJaquan Brisker. They filled one of those spots withCoby Bryant. Grok says they'll fill the other one with McNeil-Warren.
26.Buffalo Bills: Edge Cassius Howell, Texas A&M
Buffalo continues to build the pass rush for new defensive coordinator, Jim Leonard. Howell joins a group that already addedBradley Chubbin free agency as the Bills continue to search for something that can put them over the top in the AFC.
27.San Francisco 49ers: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
The 49ers opt to draft an edge for the second year in a row after they selectedMykel Williamsin 2025. Grok thinks that Parker is a good fit for Steve Wilks' defense. Of course, Raheem Morris is actually the defensive coordinator for the Niners and Wilks was fired by the Jets during the 2025 season. In other words, take this pick with a grain of salt.
28.Houston Texans: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
DeMeco Ryans' defense is arguably the best in the league but that doesn't mean they don't have needs. They fill the spot in the interior with this pick, even if the offensive line remains the priority. Sorry,C.J. Stroud. You'll have to wait a little longer for those reinforcements if Grok has any say in the process.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (viaRams): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
ExitTrent McDuffie. Enter Jermod McCoy. How's that for a twist? Kansas City was able to cut costs by moving the All-Pro corner and now they draft his replacement with one of the picks they got for him.
30. Miami Dolphins (viaDenver): CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Grok projected the Dolphins would take Lemon earlier, which would help replaceJaylen WaddleandTyreek Hill. Now the chatbot is going with Terrell at No. 30, which would help replace the void in the secondary that was partially created byJalen Ramsey'strade last offseason.
31.New England Patriots: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
The offensive line emerged as a big concern for the Patriots in the postseason. Grok has them turning to Miller to help fix it. Standing at 6-7 and weighing in at 315 pounds, the tackle brings plenty of size up front.
32.Seattle Seahawks: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
For a team that had no weaknesses in the playoffs, the Seahawks certainly have plenty of them now. The chatbot has them filling the hole in the secondary with Cisse and waiting until later in the draft to address other positions.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL mock draft 2026: Grok AI predicts all 32 first-round picks
