NFL Draft Check-In with Ryan Wilson: Burning Questions About Top Prospects, Favorite Sleepers & MORE

In this final NFL Draft Check-In episode of the Cover 3 Podcast, Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports' NFL draft expert, joins Chip Patterson, Tom Fernelli, and Danny Cannell to unpack the final big board, mock drafts, and lingering questions ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The conversation dives deep into quarterback evaluations, with heated debates over Fernando Mendoza’s potential as the #1 overall pick versus Ty Simpson and Jeremiah Love. Wilson shares his rationale for ranking Mendoza so highly, citing his intangibles, leadership, and physical tools, while also acknowledging the narrative around his Esquire cover. The hosts explore the idea of 'smoke screens' in the draft process and debate whether teams will prioritize immediate impact or long-term upside. They also discuss sleepers like Carson Beck, Charlie Becker, and Logan Jones, as well as controversial rankings like Dylan Thienemann and the potential for unexpected first-round picks. A recurring theme is the lack of 'no-duh' top-tier prospects this year, making the draft more unpredictable and ripe for surprises. The episode closes with a fun tailgate segment featuring wild draft memories and a forward-looking question about the best single-season coaching jobs in college football history.