FantasyPros – Real First Round NFL Mock Draft (Ep. 1944)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Date: February 8, 2026
Host: Joey P. (Joe Pisapia) with Pat Fitzmorris, Scott Bogman, and special guest Steve Mensch (from ESPN and The Todd McShay Show)

Episode Overview

This episode marks the official transition from college football to NFL Draft season, following an epic college championship the night before. Joey P. is joined by Pat Fitzmorris, Scott Bogman, and draft analyst Steve Mensch to conduct a detailed, real-time mock draft of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The conversation is candid, analytical, and filled with informed banter, focusing on player fits, team needs, and how the Draft landscape is shifting this year—especially at skill positions.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. NFL Draft Season Kicks Off

College Football's End, Draft Time Begins
The hosts note the rarity of a perfect college season, the high quality of the championship game, and the excitement surrounding a unique draft class and order (01:27).
Changing Landscape
With perennial playoff teams like the Chiefs and Rams picking high, and some weaker franchises picking later, the dynamic is different (02:20).
Mock Drafts as Team-Building Exercises
Early mocks help analysts—and teams—gauge needs and strategize for free agency, even if they're "useless until FA is over" (04:00).

2. Quarterback Class Analysis

Fernando Mendoza – The Clear #1
The panel unanimously agrees: Las Vegas Raiders take Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza at #1. Mendoza's competitiveness, big-game efficiency, and winning mentality are highlighted (05:46).
- Quote:
  “He just finds ways to make plays in big moments... there’s no one close to him.” – Steve Mensch (06:26)
- Comparison: Jared Goff-like professional, with underrated mobility and leadership.
QB Class is Shallow
Ty Simpson's stock fell, and Dante Moore is returning to school. Next year will feature a "loaded" QB class (08:55, 09:04).

3. Team-by-Team Picks & Draft Strategy

Each GM/analyst selects a pick, citing specific team needs and draft philosophy.
Early Focus on Defense & Trenches:
Several defensive front seven players and offensive linemen go in the top 10, reflecting team-building priorities in a less-stacked offensive draft class.

Key Picks and Justifications

#1 Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (05:46–13:48)

Culturally transformative, proven leader, Goff comparison.

#2 Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State (14:21)

"Best player in this draft” (15:11) – Mensch invokes Micah Parsons comparison for positional versatility.

#3 Cardinals: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (16:19)

Special pass-rush talent; value at a premium position.

#4 Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (18:27)

Build an elite DL; led the NCAA in QB hits/sacks.

#5 Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (20:00)

Big need with RT hitting free agency; Fano is a “plug-and-play” high-ceiling lineman.

#6 Browns: Francis Mauinoa, OL, Miami (22:15)

Complete OL rebuild needed; Maunoa gives “quickness and explosive power.”

#7 Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (23:10)

Tackle machine, great coverage, fits as a team leader.

#8 Saints: Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State (24:34)

Chosen over Carnell Tate for his route-running and separation.

#9 Chiefs: Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame (26:13)

Dynamic, special back, corrects previous draft blunder (Clyde Edwards-Helaire > Jonathan Taylor mistake).
Quote:
“Love is just the best running back in this draft by far... a weapon the Chiefs need.” – Pat Fitzmorris (28:42)

#10 Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (29:18)

Best player available; defense needs impact talent.

4. Mock Draft Trends and Class Overview

Receivers Start Mid-First:
Multiple players debate between Jordan Tyson, Carnell Tate, and Makai Lemon.
- Notable that WR class isn’t as lauded as previous years, but several “route-savvy” prospects.
Edge Rushers and Trenches Dominate:
Many premium picks are spent on trench players, reflecting real-life board tendencies (40:34–44:23).
Quarterback Depth Lacking – Only Mendoza (1) and Ty Simpson (late) are selected.

5. Notable Quotes & Analyses

On Mendoza to the Raiders:
“There’s probably not a more Raider-sounding name than Fernando Mendoza and probably not a more possible, or should I say a least possible personality for the Raiders historically...” – Joey P. (09:59)
On Defensive Playmakers:
“Arvell Reese... you don’t want to take a LB at 2, but this guy can do it all—edge, LB, athleticism, he's a difference maker.” – Steve Mensch (15:12)
On Draft Philosophy:
“Every mock draft we do right now is pretty useless until free agency is over, but it’s a great way to talk about prospects and fits.” – Scott Bogman (03:48)
On running back value (Jeremiah Love):
“If you have a heartbeat, you have to take Jeremiah Love for the Chiefs here.” – Scott Bogman (27:54)

Notable Debates & Memorable Moments

Mock Draft Value Game:
Pat Fitzmorris: “Would you rather have Francis Maunoa and Casey Concepcion or Jordan Tyson and Kaden Proctor?” (57:07)
Panel splits on OL vs. WR priority—insightful draft resource management talk.
Denzel Boston (Washington WR) Pick Appreciation:
“This might be my favorite pick in this whole exercise.” – Steve Mensch (43:41)
QB Development Akins:
“My feelings of Simpson (Alabama QB) will improve if Sean McVay is the guy developing him.” – Joey P. (65:55)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

Intro & College Championship Recap: 00:27–02:51
Draft Kicks Off, Scouting Mindset: 03:05–04:45
Fernando Mendoza Breakdown (Raiders): 05:46–13:48
- QB class depth and comparisons: 08:55–09:59
Top 5 Picks Analysis: 14:21–21:32
Skill Player Run – WRs and RBs: 23:10–29:11
Jets WR Pick: Denzel Boston praised: 43:35–44:23
Late 1st: Second-tier OTs/OL, Edge Rushers, TEs: 61:40–64:44
QB Ty Simpson’s fit and theory at #29: 64:56–66:44
End of Episode/Panel Banter on Player Development: 70:27–71:41

Guest and Panel Insights

Steve Mensch: Consistently injects real scouting perspective (“trust your board”), highlights athletic profiles, and offers practical team-build mindset.
Pat Fitzmorris / Scott Bogman: Balance team-needs realism with fantasy/analytics angles; compare players to pro comps.
Active back-and-forth: Disagreement on WR tiers, OL value, and BPA vs. team fit philosophies.
Memorable Banter:
“Maybe you don’t want a guy named Boston playing in New York, but...” – Bogman (43:01)

Final Takeaways

The 2026 NFL Draft class is deep in trench players and defense, but thin in quarterbacks and star skill talent.
Top 10 sees a run of DEF and OL with only one QB, reflecting league trends and the consensus on positional scarcity.
The panel provides detailed justifications and player comps, incorporating personal scouting notes, analytics, and projected team fits.
Fantasy football implications are teased, especially at QB and RB, emphasizing the impact of landing spots and surrounding talent.
Consensus: next year’s (2027) quarterback class is highly anticipated and will be deeper than this year’s talent pool.

Table of First Round Picks: Quick Reference

| Pick | Team | Selection | Position | School | |------|----------------|-------------------------------|--------------|---------------------| | 1 | Raiders | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana | | 2 | Jets | Arvell Reese | LB/EDGE | Ohio State | | 3 | Cardinals | Rueben Bain | EDGE | Miami | | 4 | Titans | David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech | | 5 | Giants | Spencer Fano | OT | Utah | | 6 | Browns | Francis Mauinoa | OL | Miami | | 7 | Commanders | Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State | | 8 | Saints | Jordan Tyson | WR | Arizona State | | 9 | Chiefs | Jeremiah Love | RB | Notre Dame | | 10 | Bengals | Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State | | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | | 29 | Rams | Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama | | 30 | Patriots | TJ Parker | EDGE | Clemson | | 31 | Broncos | Romello Height | EDGE | Texas Tech | | 32 | Seahawks | Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State |

(Table truncated for space. Full pick order discussed from 14:21–70:51)

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Comprehensive 1st-round-only NFL Mock with honest, up-to-date board value
Insider insights: Analyst scouting notes, team fits, fantasy impact
Audience value: Great primer for both NFL and fantasy fans prepping for the draft and dynasty rookie drafts

Hosts: Joey P. (Joe Pisapia), Pat Fitzmorris, Scott Bogman
Guest: Steve Mensch (ESPN, The Todd McShay Show)

For more analysis, subscribe to FantasyPros on YouTube and follow them on X, Instagram, and TikTok.

FantasyPros – Real First Round NFL Mock Draft (Ep. 1944)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Date: February 8, 2026
Host: Joey P. (Joe Pisapia) with Pat Fitzmorris, Scott Bogman, and special guest Steve Mensch (from ESPN and The Todd McShay Show)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. NFL Draft Season Kicks Off

College Football's End, Draft Time Begins
The hosts note the rarity of a perfect college season, the high quality of the championship game, and the excitement surrounding a unique draft class and order (01:27).
Changing Landscape
With perennial playoff teams like the Chiefs and Rams picking high, and some weaker franchises picking later, the dynamic is different (02:20).
Mock Drafts as Team-Building Exercises
Early mocks help analysts—and teams—gauge needs and strategize for free agency, even if they're "useless until FA is over" (04:00).

2. Quarterback Class Analysis

Fernando Mendoza – The Clear #1
The panel unanimously agrees: Las Vegas Raiders take Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza at #1. Mendoza's competitiveness, big-game efficiency, and winning mentality are highlighted (05:46).
- Quote:
  “He just finds ways to make plays in big moments... there’s no one close to him.” – Steve Mensch (06:26)
- Comparison: Jared Goff-like professional, with underrated mobility and leadership.
QB Class is Shallow
Ty Simpson's stock fell, and Dante Moore is returning to school. Next year will feature a "loaded" QB class (08:55, 09:04).

3. Team-by-Team Picks & Draft Strategy

Each GM/analyst selects a pick, citing specific team needs and draft philosophy.
Early Focus on Defense & Trenches:
Several defensive front seven players and offensive linemen go in the top 10, reflecting team-building priorities in a less-stacked offensive draft class.

Key Picks and Justifications

#1 Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (05:46–13:48)

Culturally transformative, proven leader, Goff comparison.

#2 Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State (14:21)

"Best player in this draft” (15:11) – Mensch invokes Micah Parsons comparison for positional versatility.

#3 Cardinals: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (16:19)

Special pass-rush talent; value at a premium position.

#4 Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (18:27)

Build an elite DL; led the NCAA in QB hits/sacks.

#5 Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (20:00)

Big need with RT hitting free agency; Fano is a “plug-and-play” high-ceiling lineman.

#6 Browns: Francis Mauinoa, OL, Miami (22:15)

Complete OL rebuild needed; Maunoa gives “quickness and explosive power.”

#7 Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (23:10)

Tackle machine, great coverage, fits as a team leader.

#8 Saints: Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State (24:34)

Chosen over Carnell Tate for his route-running and separation.

#9 Chiefs: Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame (26:13)

Dynamic, special back, corrects previous draft blunder (Clyde Edwards-Helaire > Jonathan Taylor mistake).
Quote:
“Love is just the best running back in this draft by far... a weapon the Chiefs need.” – Pat Fitzmorris (28:42)

#10 Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (29:18)

Best player available; defense needs impact talent.

4. Mock Draft Trends and Class Overview

Receivers Start Mid-First:
Multiple players debate between Jordan Tyson, Carnell Tate, and Makai Lemon.
- Notable that WR class isn’t as lauded as previous years, but several “route-savvy” prospects.
Edge Rushers and Trenches Dominate:
Many premium picks are spent on trench players, reflecting real-life board tendencies (40:34–44:23).
Quarterback Depth Lacking – Only Mendoza (1) and Ty Simpson (late) are selected.

5. Notable Quotes & Analyses

On Mendoza to the Raiders:
“There’s probably not a more Raider-sounding name than Fernando Mendoza and probably not a more possible, or should I say a least possible personality for the Raiders historically...” – Joey P. (09:59)
On Defensive Playmakers:
“Arvell Reese... you don’t want to take a LB at 2, but this guy can do it all—edge, LB, athleticism, he's a difference maker.” – Steve Mensch (15:12)
On Draft Philosophy:
“Every mock draft we do right now is pretty useless until free agency is over, but it’s a great way to talk about prospects and fits.” – Scott Bogman (03:48)
On running back value (Jeremiah Love):
“If you have a heartbeat, you have to take Jeremiah Love for the Chiefs here.” – Scott Bogman (27:54)

Notable Debates & Memorable Moments

Mock Draft Value Game:
Pat Fitzmorris: “Would you rather have Francis Maunoa and Casey Concepcion or Jordan Tyson and Kaden Proctor?” (57:07)
Panel splits on OL vs. WR priority—insightful draft resource management talk.
Denzel Boston (Washington WR) Pick Appreciation:
“This might be my favorite pick in this whole exercise.” – Steve Mensch (43:41)
QB Development Akins:
“My feelings of Simpson (Alabama QB) will improve if Sean McVay is the guy developing him.” – Joey P. (65:55)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

Intro & College Championship Recap: 00:27–02:51
Draft Kicks Off, Scouting Mindset: 03:05–04:45
Fernando Mendoza Breakdown (Raiders): 05:46–13:48
- QB class depth and comparisons: 08:55–09:59
Top 5 Picks Analysis: 14:21–21:32
Skill Player Run – WRs and RBs: 23:10–29:11
Jets WR Pick: Denzel Boston praised: 43:35–44:23
Late 1st: Second-tier OTs/OL, Edge Rushers, TEs: 61:40–64:44
QB Ty Simpson’s fit and theory at #29: 64:56–66:44
End of Episode/Panel Banter on Player Development: 70:27–71:41

Guest and Panel Insights

Steve Mensch: Consistently injects real scouting perspective (“trust your board”), highlights athletic profiles, and offers practical team-build mindset.
Pat Fitzmorris / Scott Bogman: Balance team-needs realism with fantasy/analytics angles; compare players to pro comps.
Active back-and-forth: Disagreement on WR tiers, OL value, and BPA vs. team fit philosophies.
Memorable Banter:
“Maybe you don’t want a guy named Boston playing in New York, but...” – Bogman (43:01)

Final Takeaways

The 2026 NFL Draft class is deep in trench players and defense, but thin in quarterbacks and star skill talent.
Top 10 sees a run of DEF and OL with only one QB, reflecting league trends and the consensus on positional scarcity.
The panel provides detailed justifications and player comps, incorporating personal scouting notes, analytics, and projected team fits.
Fantasy football implications are teased, especially at QB and RB, emphasizing the impact of landing spots and surrounding talent.
Consensus: next year’s (2027) quarterback class is highly anticipated and will be deeper than this year’s talent pool.

Table of First Round Picks: Quick Reference

(Table truncated for space. Full pick order discussed from 14:21–70:51)

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Comprehensive 1st-round-only NFL Mock with honest, up-to-date board value
Insider insights: Analyst scouting notes, team fits, fantasy impact
Audience value: Great primer for both NFL and fantasy fans prepping for the draft and dynasty rookie drafts

Hosts: Joey P. (Joe Pisapia), Pat Fitzmorris, Scott Bogman
Guest: Steve Mensch (ESPN, The Todd McShay Show)

For more analysis, subscribe to FantasyPros on YouTube and follow them on X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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FantasyPros - Real First Round NFL Mock Draft (Ep. 1944)

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Summary

FantasyPros – Real First Round NFL Mock Draft (Ep. 1944)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. NFL Draft Season Kicks Off

2. Quarterback Class Analysis

3. Team-by-Team Picks & Draft Strategy

Key Picks and Justifications

4. Mock Draft Trends and Class Overview

5. Notable Quotes & Analyses

Notable Debates & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

Guest and Panel Insights

Final Takeaways

Table of First Round Picks: Quick Reference

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Summary

FantasyPros – Real First Round NFL Mock Draft (Ep. 1944)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. NFL Draft Season Kicks Off

2. Quarterback Class Analysis

3. Team-by-Team Picks & Draft Strategy

Key Picks and Justifications

4. Mock Draft Trends and Class Overview

5. Notable Quotes & Analyses

Notable Debates & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

Guest and Panel Insights

Final Takeaways

Table of First Round Picks: Quick Reference

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters