3 & Out - 10 Bold Predictions heading into the NFL Draft
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In this episode of 'The Herd with Colin Cowherd,' host John Middlecoff delivers his 10 bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft, blending analysis, speculation, and sharp takes on team strategies, player value, and league trends. He begins by predicting a shift from 10-minute to 8-minute picks in the first round—driven by shorter attention spans and the need for faster-paced content—foreshadowing a future move to five-minute picks. He then dives into team-specific forecasts, arguing the Rams won’t take wide receiver Makai Lemon at 13, instead opting for an offensive lineman due to their history of drafting success at WR later and their current roster needs. Middlecoff also predicts no wide receiver will be selected in the top 10, with the Giants, Titans, and others likely avoiding the position despite strong talent. He boldly claims Jeremiah Love won’t go in the top five, despite his elite status, due to depth at running back and team roster dynamics. Ty Simpson is expected to fall to the second round, not the first, despite hype, as teams avoid taking a quarterback with limited college experience. The episode also touches on the potential for increased trades, especially among playoff contenders looking to move up or down, and the growing influence of media speculation on team decisions. Throughout, Middlecoff emphasizes the unpredictability of the draft, the importance of team context, and the role of luck and timing in player selection.
The NFL may shorten first-round pick time from 10 to 8 minutes, with a future goal of 5 minutes per pick to match modern attention spans.
The Rams are unlikely to take wide receiver Makai Lemon at 13; instead, they’ll likely select an offensive lineman to address long-term needs.
No wide receiver will be drafted in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft, despite strong talent, due to team roster depth and strategic positioning.
Jeremiah Love, despite being a top-tier prospect, will not be selected in the top five due to depth at running back and team-specific needs.
Ty Simpson will not be a first-round pick; his stock will drop due to limited college experience and team skepticism about his readiness.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Intro and Draft Context
The episode begins with a series of podcast promos for 'Love Trapped,' 'Thanks Dad,' and 'The Clifford Show,' before transitioning into John Middlecoff's introduction of his 10 bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft. He sets the stage by expressing his excitement for the draft as a unique, event-driven spectacle that brings fans together.
Draft Timing and Pace Changes
“I do think the 10 minutes thing was a good idea to scrap. And, you know, I would imagine the teams push back against shortening it too much because you want to have time on the clock to make decisions about trades. But multiple of these GMs have mentioned over the course of the last week in these press conferences that these conversations about trades in the first round used to happen on like Tuesday and Wednesday.”
Rams’ Draft Strategy and Ty Simpson
“I do not think Ty Simpson's off the board on Thursday night. The volume. In 2023, Bachelor star Clayton Eckerd was accused of fathering twins, but the pregnancy appeared to be a hoax. You doctored this particular test twice in so long, correct? I doctored the test once. It took an army of internet detectives to uncover a disturbing pattern.”
Wide Receiver Class and Top 10 Predictions
“My bold prediction number three? No wide receiver goes in the top ten. Here's where I get really bold. At number one, you got Fernando Mendoza. Let's say the pass rushers in some order go two and three.”
Jeremiah Love, Trades, and Team Strategy
“I do not think that Ty Simpson goes in the first round because, I mean, this is classic. The hype, the talk starting with Arlovsky and CAA. You can force this. They send him to the draft. There are going to be enough teams to go one, how many teams need a quarterback?”
“My bold prediction number three? No wide receiver goes in the top ten. Here's where I get really bold. At number one, you got Fernando Mendoza.”
“I do not think Jeremiah Love goes in the top five. And I don't even think number one is a bold prediction. I just think this is going to happen.”
“I do think the 10 minutes thing was a good idea to scrap. And, you know, I would imagine the teams push back against shortening it too much because you want to have time on the clock to make decisions about trades.”
Host
John Middlecoff
person
Jeremiah Love
person
Rams
other
Ty Simpson
person
Titans
other
Fernando Mendoza
person
Sonny Stiles
person
Makai Lemon
person
Carnell Tate
person
Giants
other
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