AI may have many uses. Predicting the NFL draft may not be one of them.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, draft experts around the internet have tried to predict the outcome of the first round in their own unique mock drafts. Each expert has provided their own spin on the first 32 picks in this year’s draft, and most of them have provided analysis while explaining their thought process for those picks.
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But what if we pawned off all of that lousy “thinking” and “analysis” to a large language model (LLM) powered by AI? Can the chatbots come up with their own versions of a mock draft that compete with the accuracy and predictive analysis provided by real draft experts?
AI VS. EXPERT: How chatbot picks compare to expert predictions in 2026 NFL mock draft
Over the last month, USA TODAY Sports has consulted with five different AI chatbots, asking each one to come up with its own predictions for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, xAI’s Grok, Microsoft Copilot, Meta AI and Google Gemini each put together its own mock draft.
Here is a full roundup of the results of AI mock drafts ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft:
AI mock draft predictions before 2026 NFL Draft
Note: All five mock draft predictions were compiled before the Cincinnati Bengals traded the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants.
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Microsoft Copilot: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Google Gemini: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Grok: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Meta AI: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
ChatGPT: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The only consensus pick of the entire mock draft roundup. Mendoza to the Raiders is the closest thing to a foregone conclusion in this draft, so even the artificial intelligence couldn’t screw this pick up.
Microsoft Copilot: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Google Gemini: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Grok: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Meta AI: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State
ChatGPT: QB Dante Moore, Oregon
The Jets’ selection at No. 2 was one of the picks that came the closest to a consensus in this roundup of AI mock drafts. One has to wonder how much of that came down to three out of the five chatbots seemingly forgetting about Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey’s existence. Copilot’s decision to have Love match Eagles running back Saquon Barkley’s draft position at No. 2 overall was a real head-scratcher, but it’s not even the worst pick of the group. ChatGPT’s selection of Moore, who has already announced he would return to Oregon instead of declaring for the draft, was just a bit of foreshadowing for the disastrous mock draft OpenAI’s LLM put together.
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Microsoft Copilot: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
Google Gemini: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
Grok: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Meta AI: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
ChatGPT: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Spoiler alert: Gemini’s pick is the highest that Bailey goes in any AI mock draft in this roundup. Meanwhile, Copilot had Arizona opting for a different edge rusher – Microsoft’s LLM had Bailey go later – and the two social media-owned AIs were in lockstep on an offensive tackle selection instead. Bailey and Mauigoa are among consensus selections for the Cardinals in the draft community, so those picks don’t stand out. Bain at No. 3 is a bit of a reach in the post-NFL combine world where his arm length raised concerns. Elsewhere, ChatGPT continued to march to the beat of its own drum.
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Microsoft Copilot: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Google Gemini: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Grok: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Meta AI: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
ChatGPT: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Another near-consensus pick. Tennessee would love to have Reese fall to them as one of the top edge rushers in the class, and Love is otherwise a popular consensus pick for the Titans among experts’ mock drafts. For ChatGPT, none of that meant anything. While building up the offensive line in front of Cam Ward makes sense, no draft expert has Proctor as the top offensive tackle in this class, which is where he lands in OpenAI’s mock.
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Microsoft Copilot: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Google Gemini: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Grok: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Meta AI: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
ChatGPT: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
According to five different AI large language models, one thing was for sure when it came to the No. 5 pick: an Ohio State Buckeye was coming off of the board. Though the LLMs did not have a consensus pick, all of the selections made sense for New York. Downs and Styles provide a necessary upgrade to Big Blue’s defense, while Tate is an excellent wide receiver to pair with lead wideout Malik Nabers to support quarterback Jaxson Dart.
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Microsoft Copilot: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Google Gemini: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Grok: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Meta AI: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
ChatGPT: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Build up the trenches! Getting an offensive tackle in the building is important for protecting whichever quarterback wins the starting battle in Cleveland for 2026, whether that be Mauigoa, Fano or Freeling (though the latter is a bit of a reach at 6). ChatGPT continues to do its own thing here, and while Woods is also a reach this early, he is also one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the class.
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Microsoft Copilot: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Google Gemini: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Grok: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Meta AI: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
ChatGPT: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
The Commanders’ pick was another rare instance in which there were several different options from the different LLMs and all of them would make sense. Styles is a pick that would make a ton of sense for Washington if he fell this far – helping to replace Bobby Wagner in the linebackers group and provide a capable pass defender at the position. Downs would help give the Commanders an extra boost in the secondary, which they desperately need with a weak group of cornerbacks. Bain could slot in across from free agent signing Odafe Oweh to upgrade Washington’s pass-rush attack in a big way, and Tate could be the No. 2 wide receiver the Commanders are in need of behind Terry McLaurin.
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Microsoft Copilot: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Google Gemini: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Grok: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Meta AI: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
ChatGPT: WR Evan Stewart, Oregon
Addressing the worst pick first: ChatGPT’s selection of Stewart was the second time in its mock draft it tried to pick a player that did not declare for the draft. Outside of that, it was either Tate – to give New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough a strong second option to throw to outside of Chris Olave – or Delane, a cornerback that fills a need across from Kool-Aid McKinstry after Alontae Taylor’s departure in free agency. Not bad.
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Microsoft Copilot: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Google Gemini: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Grok: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
Meta AI: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
ChatGPT: OT Will Campbell, LSU
Giving Mahomes more wide receiver help with Tyson would make sense at No. 9, as would improving the secondary or edge rusher situation in Kansas City. The Chiefs have not done well getting after opposing quarterbacks on the edge – though Chris Jones has held things down in the interior – and they’ve lost some key defenders in the secondary this offseason.
What does not make sense in the slightest is wasting a top-10 pick on a player that already plays for another professional team. This is only the beginning of many (many) such moves by ChatGPT.
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Microsoft Copilot: DL Peter Woods, Clemson
Google Gemini: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
Grok: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Meta AI: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
ChatGPT: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Improving the defense had to be a clear point of focus for the Bengals this offseason – which they made clear in their trade of this pick for Dexter Lawrence. These AI mock drafts were all put together before that trade, and each LLM understood that assignment except for ChatGPT. Offensive tackle is a position of need, but Cincinnati will have a hard time if it tries to draft one of the Saints’ players.
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Microsoft Copilot: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
Google Gemini: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California
Grok: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California
Meta AI: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California
ChatGPT: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Lemon’s a good fit for a team that released wide receiver Tyreek Hill and traded away Jaylen Waddle this offseason. Bailey is a steal at the No. 11 pick in the draft and gets the Dolphins a high-ceiling replacement for Bradley Chubb, whom they also released in the offseason. But once again, ChatGPT is trying to use the draft to steal players from other teams. Johnson was the Cardinals’ second-round pick last year.
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Microsoft Copilot: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Google Gemini: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Grok: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Meta AI: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
ChatGPT: Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Defense, defense, defense for the Cowboys, who finished last year with one of the worst units in the sport. Dallas allowed the third-highest completion rate, second-highest passer rating and most passing yards to opponents in 2025, so adding a cornerback makes sense. Styles, a super-versatile freak athlete, would be a steal for Dallas here as well. But not as much of a steal as Pearce, who is currently rostered by the Atlanta Falcons.
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Microsoft Copilot: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Google Gemini: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Grok: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California
Meta AI: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
ChatGPT: Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia
Fano would give the Rams talented extra depth at offensive tackle, while Tyson and Lemon would do the same at wide receiver to eventually replace Davante Adams. Notably, Grok just re-drafted Lemon two picks after sending him to the Dolphins. Sadiq would be a strong addition to an offense that loved to run three-tight-end sets in 2025, though there isn’t an immediate need there. Meanwhile, ChatGPT tries to steal a player who is already in the NFL for a fifth straight pick.
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Microsoft Copilot: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
Google Gemini: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Grok: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Meta AI: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
ChatGPT: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
Make it six straight stolen players for ChatGPT as Hunter, currently on the Jaguars, apparently manages to both play offense and defense and play for two different teams. Otherwise, Ioane is the most popular pick for a Ravens offensive line that just parted ways with center Tyler Linderbaum. Edge rusher is not as pressing a need for Baltimore after it signed Trey Hendrickson, and the Parker pick is also a bit of a reach by Copilot. Still not as bad as ChatGPT.
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Microsoft Copilot: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California
Google Gemini: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Grok: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
Meta AI: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
ChatGPT: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Replacing wide receiver Mike Evans is on the docket for the Buccaneers in the logic of Copilot and ChatGPT, but only one of them picked a draftable player. McMillan, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year for the Carolina Panthers, isn’t going anywhere. The three other LLMs opted to address a more pressing draft need for Tampa Bay: edge rusher.
Microsoft Copilot: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Google Gemini: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Grok: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Meta AI: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
ChatGPT: Edge LT Overton, Alabama
A new quarterback for Gang Green? That makes sense, Copilot and Gemini. More wide receiver help across from Garrett Wilson? Solid decisions, Grok and Meta AI. An edge rusher that ranks outside the top 75 of USA TODAY Sports’ draft expert Ayrton Ostly’s big board? Well, ChatGPT, at least it’s a 2026 draft prospect for the first time since No. 7 overall.
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Microsoft Copilot: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Google Gemini: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Grok: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Meta AI: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
ChatGPT: DT Mason Graham, Michigan
Offensive tackle is a clear need for the Lions with Taylor Decker’s surprise release request, and four out of five AI LLMs got that memo. If you had one guess as to which missed it… That’s right, ChatGPT picked another player that already plays in the NFL.
Microsoft Copilot: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Google Gemini: S Dillon Thieneman, Purdue
Grok: S Dillon Thieneman, Purdue
Meta AI: S Dillon Thieneman, Purdue
ChatGPT: OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
Thieneman is by far the most popular pick for the Vikings at No. 18 in draft experts’ mocks around the web, so it makes sense to see him well-represented in the LLMs’ picks. McCoy also makes some sense for Minnesota as help in the secondary at a different position. What doesn’t make sense? Drafting an offensive tackle that already plays for the Houston Texans.
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Microsoft Copilot: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Google Gemini: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Grok: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California
Meta AI: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
ChatGPT: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
More pass-catching help for Bryce Young? Sure, even if it means a third straight year of taking a wide receiver in the first round. For Grok, this is the third time Lemon has been drafted, so that’s not ideal. Gemini’s Sadiq selection is the best of the bunch here by getting tight end help instead. While ChatGPT’s “heart” was in the right place, its logic once again misled it by trying to draft yet another player that has already been employed by another pro team.
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Microsoft Copilot: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Google Gemini: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
Grok: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
Meta AI: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
ChatGPT: DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
More defensive help for the Cowboys in most of the selections here at No. 20 after most LLMs had them taking a cornerback at 12. Meanwhile, ChatGPT is back to its old ways and trying to give Dallas another already-drafted player: first it was James Pearce Jr., now Walker, who was the Bills’ fourth-round pick last year.
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Microsoft Copilot: DL Caleb Banks, Florida
Google Gemini: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Grok: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Meta AI: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
ChatGPT: CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
No real theme emerges from the collective AI picks at No. 21. In addition to ChatGPT continuing its tendency to select 2025 draft picks (Morrison was a second-rounder for the Buccaneers last year), Grok got in on the weirdness. The xAI chatbot tried to select Ioane a second time after sending him to the Ravens seven picks prior.
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Microsoft Copilot: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Google Gemini: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Grok: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Meta AI: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
ChatGPT: OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
So Grok apparently loves re-drafting players in the same draft. First Lemon, now Ioane gets drafted a third time. ChatGPT still loves stealing players from other teams, with the Commanders losing their offensive tackle this time. Tackle depth makes some sense here from Meta AI and Gemini’s picks after last year’s disaster. Johnson, one of the best small school prospects in this class, gets into the first round in Copilot’s mock draft.
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Microsoft Copilot: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Google Gemini: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Grok: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Meta AI: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
ChatGPT: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
If the Eagles are able to get Sadiq, their eventual replacement for Dallas Goedert, at No. 23, their draft would be off to an incredible start. One thing Howie Roseman definitely won’t do? Try to poach Luther Burden III from the Bears with his first-round pick, at least in any way that isn’t via trade. McNeil-Warren and Faulk would address Philly’s needs on defense, with edge rusher among the biggest roster holes.
Microsoft Copilot: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Google Gemini: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
Grok: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Meta AI: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
ChatGPT: Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Disregarding ChatGPT again here, the rest of the picks mostly make sense. Copilot’s move to have Cleveland double down on offensive tackles in the first round is questionable, but the wide receiver picks from other LLMs make a ton of sense for a team needing more support in the receiving corps.
Microsoft Copilot: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Google Gemini: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Grok: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Meta AI: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
ChatGPT: OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
Once again, we’re going to disregard ChatGPT’s shenanigans at this point. The Bears could really use safety help after letting so many of their safeties walk in free agency this offseason. Grok and Meta AI’s McNeil-Warren picks address that. Copilot’s Omar Cooper Jr. selection serves as Chicago’s replacement for DJ Moore, whom the Bears traded to the Bills, but is also a more questionable pick with more pressing needs elsewhere.
Microsoft Copilot: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Google Gemini: Edge R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
Grok: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Meta AI: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
ChatGPT: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Again, ChatGPT makes a horrible pick of a 2025 draft prospect, and again, we disregard. Gemini and Grok’s picks for an edge rusher make the most sense here to address one of Buffalo’s biggest needs.
Microsoft Copilot: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Google Gemini: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Grok: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
Meta AI: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
ChatGPT: DT Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
ChatGPT disregarded. Gemini and Meta AI have the 49ers drafting their possible Trent Williams replacement, while Copilot and Grok have them addressing one of their biggest needs at edge rusher. Outside of ChatGPT, solid choices all around.
Microsoft Copilot: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Google Gemini: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Grok: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Meta AI: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
ChatGPT: TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
All AI LLMs (except one, because of course) went with an interesting strategy of going defense with the Texans’ first-round pick. Houston already has one of the strongest defensive units in the sport, and offensive line felt like a bigger priority heading into this draft. The chatbots seemed to disagree here at pick 28.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams)
Microsoft Copilot: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Google Gemini: Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Grok: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Meta AI: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
ChatGPT: CB Kalen King, Penn State
Similar to the Chiefs’ first pick in this mock draft roundup at No. 9, pretty much every pick (except the one bad one, you know which) makes sense. Cornerback needs to be a priority with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson going to the Rams earlier in the offseason, and that’s what Grok and Meta AI address. Wide receiver and edge rusher help is necessary as well, which jibe with Copilot and Gemini’s selections.
Microsoft Copilot: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Google Gemini: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Grok: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Meta AI: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
ChatGPT: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
Another pick, another nonsensical ChatGPT selection. Outside of that, more draft capital spent on building up the Dolphins’ foundation makes sense after each AI took strides to do so with the No. 11 pick. Meta AI’s selection stands out as the most unique of this bunch as a player at a non-premium position.
Microsoft Copilot: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Google Gemini: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Grok: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Meta AI: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
ChatGPT: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
Copilot got in on the jaw-droppingly bad logic train with this pick. The Patriots are not drafting a quarterback in the first round after Drake Maye was the MVP runner up and led New England back to the Super Bowl. ChatGPT also picked another 2025 prospect, so nothing new there, and Meta AI reached for a linebacker. That leaves Grok, shockingly, with one of the better picks to give Maye some blocking help up front. Gemini’s defensive tackle pick – getting Woods, a top-ranked player at his position as well – is the best pick here.
Microsoft Copilot: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Google Gemini: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Grok: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Meta AI: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
ChatGPT: Edge Chop Robinson, Penn State
ChatGPT closes out its mock with a whimper. Copilot, Grok and Meta AI all make a logical pick for a cornerback with Riq Woolen departing earlier in the offseason. Gemini’s selection of a wide receiver is a bit surprising given Seattle’s retention of Rashid Shaheed in free agency, but the extra depth wouldn’t hurt for the Seahawks’ offense.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Five AI chatbots predict the 2026 NFL Draft: Mock draft roundup
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