A month and a half after the Microsoft Copilot AI chatbot crafted a reasonable and well-constructed 2026 NFL mock draft, USA TODAY Sports decided to retry the experiment.
The main takeaway? NFL mock draft analysts won’t need to worry about AI taking their jobs any time soon.
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In the original experiment, Copilot successfully created a full, first-round mock in advance of Super Bowl 60 using just one prompt: “Can you create your own 2026 NFL mock draft for the first 32 picks?”
This time, Copilot struggled to interpret the prompt. This wasn’t a major surprise – as some Large Language Models (LLMs) have trouble keeping up with the latest sports news and updates – but the errors in this iteration were more unorthodox than usual.
Originally, the chatbot produced a mock draft that not only featured an incorrect draft order, but also consisted entirely of players the AI had seemingly created itself. After several re-prompts, Copilot was able to use the correct draft order, but it struggled to keep track of which players were draft-eligible in 2026. That led to players already on NFL teams – like Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard – being included in its mock draft.
After enough tinkering, Copilot finally produced a 2026 NFL mock draft featuring the correct draft order and only players eligible for this year’s draft. The prompt utilized to create it was as follows:
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Can you create your own 2026 NFL mock draft for the first 32 picks using the official 2026 NFL Draft order, only players eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft and without having the same prospect being selected twice within the mock?
Even so, Copilot’s mock featured several head-scratching picks, including inexplicably mocking a quarterback to the New England Patriots at the end of Round 1.
Here’s a summation of Microsoft Copilot’s latest mock draft, along with a human assessment of how the AI chatbot fared in its mock drafting efforts.
2026 NFL mock draft: First-round AI picks
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The Raiders are basically locked into taking Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. Copilot praised his “NFL‑ready traits” while identifying him as the right fit in Las Vegas. So far, so good for the chatbot.
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2. New York Jets: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
OK, this is the right range for Love, who Copilot called “elite” and an “explosive three‑down weapon.” The only issue is the Jets don’t really need a running back, as they franchise-tagged Breece Hall during the offseason. It’s hard to imagine the Jets using the No. 2 overall pick on one of the few positions at which they don’t have a need. So, unless New York trades Love, this seems exceedingly unlikely.
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3. Arizona Cardinals: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
Copilot forgot to include Bain in its last mock draft. This time, it has him going No. 3 overall, as “a disruptive defender with elite pressure numbers” who would provide a boost to Arizona’s pass rush. Bain is a feasible selection, but seeing him go ahead of both Arvell Reese and David Bailey would be a surprise, especially considering the concerns about the Miami product’s arm length.
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4. Tennessee Titans: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Copilot identified linebacker as a “major defensive need” for the Titans and noted it likes Reese’s “sideline‑to‑sideline range.” Tennessee needs a long-term partner for Cedric Gray, and off-ball linebacker was one of the few positions the team didn’t address in free agency. Nice work, Copilot!
5. New York Giants: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Back-to-back Ohio State players come off the board, as Copilot believes the Giants will be intrigued by Downs’ “versatility, instincts, and physicality.” John Harbaugh has always had strong safety play with the Ravens, and pairing Downs with Jevon Holland would give the Giants one of the best safety tandems in the NFL.
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6. Cleveland Browns: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
The Browns are actively rebuilding their offensive line, and Copilot is continuing that process with their first-round pick. The chatbot likes Mauigoa as a “massive, powerful” blocker who will help Cleveland become a ground-dominant team.
7. Washington Commanders: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Copilot has the Commanders rolling with Styles over a top-end pass rusher like David Bailey. Why? The chatbot likes Styles’ versatility, calling him “a modern chess piece” for Dan Quinn to use. Commanders general manager Adam Peters was part of the 49ers front office when they selected Fred Warner, so he knows the importance of having a top-end linebacker.
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8. New Orleans Saints: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Copilot believes Tate will “fit perfectly” alongside Chris Olave thanks to his “separation skills and deep‑threat ability.” It’s hard to argue with that logic, and it would behoove the Saints to continue investing in their offensive weaponry around Tyler Shough.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Copilot sees Tyson as a “legitimate WR1” and noted the Chiefs have been seeking such a player in recent seasons. Some may view Kansas City’s tandem of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy as good enough, but Rice is under NFL investigation for domestic abuse allegations. The Chiefs will need to replace him if he is suspended again, so the chatbot’s process in giving the team Tyson is sensible.
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10. Cincinnati Bengals: DL Peter Woods, Clemson
Would the Bengals really go with Woods over David Bailey? Probably not, considering the team’s need for edge rush depth and talent in addition to Shemar Stewart and Boye Mafe. Still, Copilot likes the idea of Cincinnati adding “youth and power” to its defensive line in Woods.
11. Miami Dolphins: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
This probably represents Bailey’s floor, as he could go as early as the No. 2 overall pick come April. If he lasts this long, the Dolphins would love to add the productive pass-rusher, whom Copilot highlighted as a strong scheme fit for Jeff Hafley’s defense.
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12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Copilot likes the idea of Dallas building up its secondary early in the 2026 NFL Draft. It believes the “physical” Delane is the perfect candidate to accomplish that goal with the No. 12 overall pick.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): OT Spencer Fano, Utah
The Rams are well-positioned to take one of the best players available with the 13th selection after upgrading their cornerback room considerably during the offseason. Copilot called Fano a “technically refined, athletic tackle,” and it’s easy to see his potential positional versatility quickly turning him into an asset for Los Angeles.
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14. Baltimore Ravens: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
The Ravens still have a need on the edge across from Trey Hendrickson after backing out of the Maxx Crosby trade. This may be on the earlier side for Parker, but Copilot called him “explosive, long and productive” while opining he will fit well into Jesse Minter’s defense.
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Makai Lemon, USC
Would this fit Lemon’s draft range? Absolutely. However, it’s hard to imagine the Buccaneers taking a first-round receiver even after losing Mike Evans to free agency. The team spent a first-round pick on Emeka Egbuka last season and also has Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson on the roster. So, despite Copilot insisting Lemon would “immediately contribute” in Tampa Bay, this doesn’t seem like the best fit.
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16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Copilot likes the idea of the Jets selecting a “high‑upside quarterback” to pair with Geno Smith after spending its first selection on a blue-chip player. This strategy is probably the only way the Jets can land both a blue-chip player and their quarterback of the future, so the AI chatbot deserves credit for following this approach.
17. Detroit Lions: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
The Lions have a big need at left tackle after Dan Skipper retired and Taylor Decker demanded his release. Copilot saw that clearly and also noticed Freeling rising because of his “length and movement skills.” If Freeling lasts this long, he would be a great fit in Detroit, as Dan Campbell and Hank Fraley can develop him into a strong starter. Well done, Copilot.
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18. Minnesota Vikings: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
The Vikings need a cornerback and Copilot believes McCoy “fits Brian Flores’ defensive style perfectly.” McCoy didn’t play in 2025 while recovering from a torn ACL, but he was one of college football’s best cornerbacks the previous season.
19. Carolina Panthers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
The Panthers have spent back-to-back first-round picks on wide receivers (Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan) in an effort to improve Bryce Young’s supporting cast. Boston may have “strong contested‑catch ability” and “add physicality” to Carolina’s receiving corps, according to Copilot, but it’s hard to imagine the team using yet another first-round asset on a wide-out.
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20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
The Cowboys have spent three of their last four first-round picks on offensive linemen. Would they really do it again? Copilot thinks it’s possible, but Dallas seems more likely to double-dip on defense with its two first-round picks.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: DL Caleb Banks, Florida
Copilot believes Banks’ “size and raw power” would make him a strong fit on Pittsburgh’s interior defensive line. Cameron Heyward is turning 37 in May, so adding a long-term partner for 2025 first-round pick Derrick Harmon would be a smart move.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Johnson performed well at San Diego State at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, but this is still probably a little early for him. The Chargers have bigger needs along the interior offensive line and at edge rusher, so this doesn’t seem overly likely.
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23. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
The Eagles brought back Dallas Goedert on a one-year deal, but they could use a long-term successor for the 31-year-old. Copilot called Sadiq a “matchup weapon” and believes he will develop into a key target for the team. This is a good value pick; no notes.
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24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville): OT Kaydn Proctor, Alabama
It may not be as likely for the Browns to double-dip along the offensive line in the first round after acquiring three potential starters during NFL free agency. Nonetheless, Copilot has Cleveland doing just that and targeting Proctor thanks to his “elite frame and raw strength.” Proctor would certainly fill a big need at left tackle, but again, it isn’t clear whether the team would draft two first-round tackles after paying trade acquisition Tytus Howard to be its right tackle.
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25. Chicago Bears: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Copilot likes the idea of giving the Bears a replacement for DJ Moore. It views Cooper as a “strong route runner with reliable hands” and thinks he would pair well with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. That might be true, but the Bears have larger needs along the defensive front, so it’s hard to imagine them spending another top-end resource on a receiver.
26. Buffalo Bills: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
The Bills brought in a couple of veteran safeties – C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone – in free agency but could use a long-term complement to Cole Bishop at the position. Copilot likes Thieneman’s “instincts and range,” and this looks like a solid value with Thieneman getting first-round buzz after blowing up the 2026 NFL combine.
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27. San Francisco 49ers: Edge Keldrick Faulk, Auburn
Copilot opined Faulk matches the prototype San Francisco tends to pursue while looking at edge defenders. The 49ers had a league-low 20 sacks last season so it makes sense for the team to target pass rush help, even after spending a 2025 first-round pick on Mykel Williams.
28. Houston Texans: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Copilot wanted to give the Texans a “versatile second‑level weapon.” Enter Hill, a do-it-all defender who totaled 249 tackles, 31.5 TFL, 17 sacks and three interceptions across 40 games played at Texas. This is about the top of Hill’s potential draft range, but he interests the teams picking in the late first round.
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29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
The Browns aren’t the only team Copilot has double-dipping at a position in the first round. It also has the Chiefs taking two receivers, with Concepcion representing “a dynamic YAC specialist” to pair with Patrick Mahomes. As fun as it would be to see that partnership come to fruition, it is beyond improbable Kansas City will spend its top-two picks at receiver, especially considering how desperate the team is for cornerback help.
30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver): OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Austin Jackson is under contract with the Dolphins for one more season, so bringing in competition and a potential long-term successor for him makes sense. Copilot sees Miller as a “sturdy right tackle” who could emerge as a plug-and-play starter for the rebuilding Dolphins.
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31. New England Patriots: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Oh boy. Did Copilot not pay attention to the 2026 NFL season? Drake Maye finished as the MVP runner-up in his sophomore campaign while the Patriots made it all the way to Super Bowl 60. New England has no need for help at quarterback, so adding Nussmeier in the first round would be nonsensical. This is easily Copilot’s most egregious mock draft selection.
32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
At least Copilot is ending on a high note. Terrell – who it describes as a “twitchy, reactive cover corner” – could sneak into the top 20 if all goes well. Seattle would be ecstatic to land him here and help replace Riq Woolen, who the team lost in free agency.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL mock draft 2026: Microsoft Copilot AI predicts entire first round
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