The Arena PREDICTS The 2026 NFL Draft

Hayden Wade's mock draft notably excludes Alabama QB Ty Simpson from the first round, despite some NFL GM buzz. Wade cites Simpson's limited experience (15 starts), inconsistent accuracy (second-worst on-target rate among top 100 picks since 2016 from 5-20 yards), and playing 'too fast' under pressure. The panel, including former NFL players, unanimously agrees he's a Day 2 prospect at best, emphasizing the need for development and questioning the 'GM buzz' as potentially manufactured.

Hayden Wade: 'Accuracy was the part that I could not get over... Second worst on-target rate among the top 100 picks going back to 2016.' Gerald McCoy: 'Round two guy is written all over him to me.'

Hayden projects Ohio State's Arl Reese as the #2 overall pick (first defensive player) to the Jets, praising his versatility, physicality, and ability to play multiple linebacker roles. However, the panel, particularly Skip and Gerald, argue for David Bailey as the superior choice if the Jets prioritize a pure pass rusher. They highlight Bailey's proven ability to get to the quarterback, bendability, and relentless motor, contrasting it with Reese's more 'Swiss Army knife' profile which requires a specific, well-structured defensive plan to maximize.

Hayden Wade: 'He's so physical and he's so athletic... everything that he did with Matt Patricia translates to what modern NFL backers are doing today.' Skip Bayless: 'You don't have any brains in the National Football League if you don't take David Bailey ahead of Arville Ree if you want a pass rusher.'

Hayden predicts Jeremiah Love, a running back, will go #7 to the Commanders, acknowledging the Titans and Giants might pick him earlier. Gerald and Lee argue he won't fall past #4 or #5, with Gerald advocating for the Cardinals to pick him at #3 to build an offensive 'aura' for the future. They emphasize Love's combine athleticism, 'Adrien Peterson-like' physique with receiving ability, and the need for star power, even if it's not a 'premium' position by modern standards. Skip, however, notes Love's college production doesn't match Ezekiel Elliott's dominant stretch.

Hayden Wade: 'I just think looking at the just the economics of this, how the GMs are going to look at it, they're looking, all right, I would rather draft a wide receiver.' Gerald McCoy: 'If I'm the Cardinals, he not getting past me.'

The panel discusses a hypothetical trade where the Cowboys acquire Miles Garrett. Skip, a Cowboys fan, enthusiastically endorses trading significant draft capital (e.g., picks #12, #20, and #24) for Garrett, citing his immediate game-changing impact, five All-Pro selections, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. He argues that for a team aiming to win 'right now,' an aging but dominant veteran is more valuable than multiple draft picks for unproven talent, especially given the Cowboys' defensive struggles. Gerald agrees, emphasizing Garrett's ability to elevate the entire defense.

Skip Bayless: 'If that takes two ones to go get Miles Garrett, we're gonna talk about that in a little bit. But yes, I'm all in.' Gerald McCoy: 'If Miles Garrett go to the Cowboys, that's going to be dangerous.'

Hayden projects Delane, a cornerback from LSU, to the Chiefs at pick #9. Gerald and Lee strongly support this pick, highlighting Delane's physical attributes (6'0", willing tackler), extensive college experience (44 games), and ability to play both man and zone coverage. They note his stats (2 picks, 11 pass breakups on 35 targets in SEC play) and emphasize his 'ball hawk gene' and confidence, making him a seamless replacement for the recently lost McDuffy in the Chiefs' scheme.

Gerald McCoy: 'He is literally replacing what McDuffy what they just lost in McDuffy. Same style, same type of player.' Lee: 'He got 44 games under his belt in college. That's good reps.'