The Herd with Colin Cowherd: FantasyPros – 2026 NFL First Round Mock Draft 2.0 (Ep. 1961)

Date: February 20, 2026
Host: Joey P. (Joe P. Zepia)
Analysts: Derek Brown (Debro), Pat Fitzmorris, Scott Bogman
Theme: A detailed and lively roundtable, as the FantasyPros team runs through their post-Super Bowl 2026 NFL First Round Mock Draft 2.0, exploring prospects, team fits, strategy, and NFL Draft trends.

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Joey P. leads analysts Derek Brown, Pat Fitzmorris, and Scott Bogman through the new 2026 NFL First Round Mock Draft. Each analyst takes turns making picks for NFL teams, explaining their rationale, prospect breakdowns, and which team needs they're addressing. The show is packed with deep-dive football analysis, playful banter, insightful quotes, and debate about player value, positional trends, and front office decision-making.
Tone: Informative, passionate, with a heavy side of good-natured trash talk and football nerd energy.

Key Discussion Points & Notable Quotes

Setting the Stage & Draft Order

• Joey welcomes listeners and introduces the all-star analyst panel.
• Announces this is Mock Draft 2.0, following an earlier edition; analysts encourage listeners to check out the new Dynasty channel and subscribe to FantasyPros content.
• Joey sets the rules: picks start at #2 because the consensus is Fernando Mendoza goes #1.

Top Three Picks & the Quarterback Class

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB

• Derek Brown: “Fantastic prospect. One of the cleanest quarterback evals had in some really, the last few years, man. High floor and depending on what they put around him, high ceiling. ... My comp for Mendoza? Eli Manning.” (02:48)
• Joey P.: “You mean soon to be Hall of Famer Eli Manning, that guy? ... Mendoza makes Tim Tebow look like Ice Cube.” (03:06)
• Pat Fitzmorris: “...as far as processing mechanics, ball placement, and accuracy are just where he really shines... He's just a football nerd, which I love.” (03:41)
• Scott Bogman: “...definitely has one of the best attitudes that we've ever seen. He's ready to lead... should change the face of this franchise immediately.” (04:11)

2. New York Jets: Ruben Bane, EDGE (Miami)

• Pat Fitzmorris: “Bane is an absolute wrecking ball... Incredible power, incredible first step quickness, can bend the edge, killer against the run – but yes, Bane does have short arms. If Ruben Bane had long arms, he'd be the second coming of Bruce Smith… Jets are getting a defensive renaissance.” (04:50)

3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB (Ohio State)

• Scott Bogman: “I'll take the risk for the Cardinals and take Arvell Reese at number three... Runs 3-4, can play inside/outside, be a pass rusher on third and long... Cardinals need BPA and that's what they do.” (06:41)

First Round Highlights: Picks 4-16

• Tennessee Titans (#4): Carnell Tate, WR (Ohio State)

  • Derek Brown: “My wide receiver one in the process…Let's give Cam Ward a true wide receiver one." (07:41)

• NY Giants (#5): Caleb Downs, S (Ohio State)

  • Pat Fitzmorris: “Downs can be the same sort of Swiss army knife safety for John Harbaugh’s Giants that Kyle Hamilton has been for the Ravens.” (08:53)

• Cleveland Browns (#6): Francis Malnoa, OT (Miami)

  • Scott Bogman: “Every single offensive lineman is a free agent for them this year and they graded dead last in pass blocking... He's one of the best offensive linemen in this class.” (10:07)

• Washington (#7): David Bailey, EDGE (Texas Tech)

  • Derek Brown: “Bailey led the freaking nation in sacks ... this just makes too much sense.” (11:21)

• New Orleans Saints (#8): Jeremiah Love, RB

  • Pat Fitzmorris: “Love is the best running back in this draft by a mile... Instant acceleration, easy speed, burst through holes...” (11:55)
  • Derek Brown: “If this happens, I’m buying a Jeremiah Love.” (13:25)

• Kansas City Chiefs (#9): Keldrick Falk, EDGE (Auburn)

  • Scott Bogman: “He's kind of a big tweener, can line up all over the formation... even if he’s not the guy getting to the quarterback, he impacts everyone else.” (15:12)

• Cincinnati Bengals (#10): Manslaughter Delane, CB

  • Derek Brown: “They have corner need and they need help there, man. Give DJ Turner a running mate… with Delane, allow the Bengals to play more man coverage.” (16:09)

• Miami Dolphins (#11): Spencer Fano, OT (Utah)

  • Pat Fitzmorris: “Austin Jackson has missed 20 games over two years... Fano is a three-year starter, exceptional athlete, allowed zero sacks last year.” (16:54)

• Dallas Cowboys (#12): Sonny Styles, LB (Ohio State)

  • Scott Bogman: “Easiest pick... They need someone. Sonny Styles is a team leader. ...just an easy, easy fit for the Cowboys.” (17:39)

Notable Trends & Picks (Picks 13-32)

• Early Ohio State Run: Three Ohio State players taken in a row (Reese, Tate, Downs), sparking banter about NFL draft history. (09:39)
• Defensive heavy early: EDGE, LB, and DBs dominate the top 16, showcasing positional scarcity and team needs for athletic difference-makers.
• Running Back Value: Discussion around Jeremiah Love as a rare talent in a weak class; debate about other RBs' fantasy value and fit.
• Wide Receiver Depth: Boston, Lemon, Tyson, and others lauded for their skills, with conversations about role, fit, and dynasty value.

Notable Quotes/Timestamps

• On Giants OSU picks: “...I don’t think three in a row ever from one school... that’d be wild.” – Joey P. (09:39)
• Saints running backs: “Kellen Moore could do some fun stuff with 21 personnel with these two running backs.” – Derek Brown (13:45)
• Titans WRs: “We love the way [Carnell Tate] weaves in and out, gets corners to turn and commit, leaves them far, far behind.” – Joey P. (07:22)
• Lestat Comparison: “He’s the Lestat of linebackers here. He just stays and stays and stays.” – Scott Bogman on Lavonte David (20:27)

Team Needs and Draft Fits

• Jets double-dip on defense: Ruben Bane (EDGE), Caleb Banks (DT) – “This defense needs help. Let’s give it to ‘em.” (23:04)
• Lions shore up the O-line: Kaden Proctor (OT, Alabama): Proctor’s “32-inch vertical jump for a dude who weighs 366 pounds.” (23:24)
• Cowboys double up on defense: Sonny Styles, then T.J. Parker (“...if you’d told me after 2024 he’d be available at 20, I’d have looked at you as if you had a third eye.” – Pat, 27:01)

End of First Round and Closing Thoughts

Picks 25-32 Overview

• Chicago Bears (#25): Manuel McNeil Warren, S
  • “They have impending free agents ...Let’s give them a safety...This guy creates turnovers.” (34:24)
• Buffalo Bills (#26): Denzel Boston, WR
  • Pat: “If Brandon Bean doesn’t take Denzel Boston... Bills fans are going to storm team headquarters... They desperately need a playmaker.” (35:04)
  • Joey P: “He gave me Puka Nakua vibes… he makes a quarterback look good.” (35:43)
• 49ers (#27): Kaden McDonald, DT (Ohio State)
  • “This is the best player on the board in my opinion. ...one of the best interior run defenders, if not the best in this draft.” (36:49)
• Texans/Rams shore up O-line with Caleb Lomo, Monroe Freeling (37:48, 38:18)
• Broncos (#30): Anthony Hill, LB (Texas)
  • "A rangy linebacker... always near the ball, explosive in blitz, long arms..." (39:17)
• Patriots (#31): Akeem Mezador, EDGE
  • “They need to add to that D-line. Mezador: 4th in sacks among edges, 3rd in hurries...” (40:14)
• Seahawks (#32): Chris Johnson, CB (San Diego State)
  • “Zone ace...allowed a passer rating of 16.1... zone fit for Seattle.” (40:53)

Memorable Moments & Banter

• Eli Manning Debate: Joey and Derek reignite their years-long Hall of Fame debate (03:06).
• Running Jokes on Ohio State’s dominance: “Thank goodness too. We went six whole picks without somebody from Ohio State going.” (18:27)
• Lestat of linebackers: Scott’s unique take on Lavonte David’s ageless career. (20:27)
• Trade Rumors & Free Agency: Frequent speculation about teams trading up (“...do you see the Titans trading up with the Jets a couple spots?” 08:04) or signing in free agency, noting the fluid landscape and impact on actual draft-day moves.

Important Timestamps

• [02:48] Derek’s Mendoza comp and breakdown
• [03:41] Pat on Mendoza as a prospect
• [04:50] Pat picks Ruben Bane for Jets
• [06:41] Scott on Arvell Reese to Arizona
• [07:41] Derek picks Carnell Tate to Titans
• [08:53] Pat picks Caleb Downs to Giants
• [10:07] Scott on Browns’ trench needs
• [11:55] Pat picks Jeremiah Love for Saints
• [15:12] Falcons miss out, Chiefs add EDGE
• [17:39] Cowboys get Sonny Styles at LB
• [23:24] Lions nab massive OT Proctor
• [27:01] Cowboys double-up with T.J. Parker
• [29:33] Chargers address O-line
• [35:04] Bills take Denzel Boston (“Bill’s fans storm headquarters”)
• [36:49] 49ers fix interior D with McDonald
• [40:53] Seahawks close, take CB Chris Johnson

Conclusion

The episode is an in-depth, roundtable-style mock draft full of expert analysis, laughs, and passionate debate about the future of NFL teams and the prospects primed to shape it. The team discusses big strategic philosophies (BPA, team fit, positional value), shares detailed scouting on top prospects, and, true to FantasyPros’ brand, ties everything back to dynasty and fantasy football angles. The hosts’ chemistry, humor, and football nerdery ensure this isn’t just a dry draft analysis – it’s a must-listen for draft geeks, dynasty managers, and NFL fans alike.

End of Summary