Our Final Mock Draft (3.0)
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In the final installment of their 2026 NFL Draft mock draft (3.0), hosts Bladen Couric, Matthew Spahnauer, and Theo Ash deliver a dynamic blend of humor, analytics, and football strategy, releasing their board a day early for fans. The episode kicks off with lighthearted banter on fashion and cultural absurdities before diving into team-specific projections: the Jets are likely to select either Arvel Reese or Jeremiah Love at #2, with Reese favored for his versatility; the Cardinals may trade down but are expected to pick Jordan Styles at #3 for positional fit; the Giants are projected to take Devin Downes at #5, aligning with their value-driven approach. The hosts analyze positional value across the first round, spotlighting the rising cost of edge rushers like Rubin Bain and Will Anderson Jr., while questioning whether such high salaries are sustainable given the imbalance in pay between positions like edge rushers and safeties. Teams like the Chiefs, Dolphins, and Seahawks are scrutinized for their needs—offensive line upgrades, receiver depth, and interior lineman athleticism—culminating in the Seahawks selecting Kalen Rutledge at #32 for his elite physical traits and fit in their run-heavy scheme. The episode closes with a tease for an exclusive round two mock draft on Patreon, encouraging fan engagement and subscription for full recaps and behind-the-scenes content.
The Jets are likely to select Arvel Reese at #2 due to his superior traits and versatility, while the Cardinals may trade down but still pick Jordan Styles at #3 for positional value.
Edge rushers like Will Anderson Jr. and Rubin Bain are highly valued but face scrutiny over their massive contracts, raising concerns about positional value and long-term team sustainability.
Teams like the Seahawks and New England are projected to target high-athleticism interior linemen (Kalen Rutledge) and right tackles (Ian Atchor) to address immediate offensive line needs.
There is a growing pay disparity in the NFL, with elite defensive players earning more than top-tier safeties and linebackers, prompting debate over contract inflation and position value.
The full mock draft is available on Twitter and Patreon, with exclusive content—including a round two mock draft—available to subscribers for $5.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Opening Banter & Mock Draft Setup
The hosts kick off with playful discussion about fashion, performative culture, and the joy of carrying a book in your coat pocket. They set the stage for the mock draft, emphasizing their early release to give fans a full 24-hour preview before the real draft.
Top 10 Picks: Jets, Cardinals, Titans
“I think Reese is even better than Downs. I agree with you. It's Reese and I don't even think it's close with anybody else truly. He's like a special type of quarterback spy made in a lab, however you want to put it. He's crazy.”
Giants, Browns, Washington & Carolina
“The Browns are one of our best top five franchises. They have history and they are endlessly entertaining.”
Late First Round & Sponsor Break
The hosts continue the mock with picks from Dallas, Pittsburgh, Chargers, and Philadelphia. They discuss player fit, positional value, and the rising cost of edge rushers. The episode concludes with a sponsor segment promoting Warby Parker and Quince, tied to the theme of style and self-presentation.
The Will Anderson Extension Debate
“I don't want to pay my edge rusher quarterback money, dude. Wow. Will Anderson's like that, man. He is nice. Like he is like that.”
“The thing that just breaks my heart is when I watch the best safety in football make like a quarter or half of them, not a quarter, like half or 40% of the money where the best linebacker in the NFL make 40% of the money.”
“I don't want to pay my edge rusher quarterback money, dude. Wow. Will Anderson's like that, man. He is nice. Like he is like that.”
“I think Reese is even better than Downs. I agree with you. It's Reese and I don't even think it's close with anybody else truly. He's like a special type of quarterback spy made in a lab, however you want to put it. He's crazy.”
Hosts
Theo Ash
person
Will Anderson Jr.
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Matthew Spahnauer
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Bladen Couric
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Arvel Reese
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Jeremiah Love
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Kalen Rutledge
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Jordan Styles
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Omar Cooper
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Devin Downes
person
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