2026 NFL Mock Draft Picks 11-20
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In this installment of the MMQB NFL Podcast, hosts Connor and Albert Breer dive into their unofficial 2026 NFL Mock Draft, focusing on picks 11–20. They explore strategic decision-making in a draft with less premium talent at the top, emphasizing how teams might prioritize long-term roster building over immediate best-player-available picks. Key themes include positional value, team rebuilding needs, and the increasing volatility in early-round selections due to depth at positions like wide receiver and edge rusher. The hosts debate high-profile picks such as Miami selecting Penn State guard Olai Vavenga Awane (Vega) to rebuild their offensive line, Dallas taking edge rusher Reuben Bain despite fit concerns with Vic Fangio’s defense, and the Rams selecting Denzel Boston as a physical, scheme-compatible replacement for Devante Adams. They also discuss the Ravens’ potential move on Carnell Tate, the Jets’ focus on adding a receiver to complement Garrett Wilson, and the Lions’ likely pick of Monroe Freeling to bolster their offensive line. The episode concludes with reflections on the unpredictability of the draft, the influence of team culture, and the surprising depth of young talent across the board. The hosts also share personal anecdotes, including a humorous story about Mel Kiper misnaming Connor during an interview, and reflect on the generational shift in sports fandom, with their children already showing advanced knowledge of the draft. They highlight the growing influence of social media content creators on young fans and express concern about the next generation outpacing their mock draft expertise. The episode closes with a lighthearted comparison between NFL coaches and Kevin Costner, underscoring the blend of humor and insight that defines the MMQB podcast. Overall, the discussion underscores how modern NFL drafts are becoming less about consensus picks and more about strategic, identity-driven decisions.
Teams are increasingly prioritizing long-term roster building over immediate best-player-available picks, especially when elite talent is scarce in the top 10.
Depth at wide receiver and edge rusher is creating strategic uncertainty, leading teams to delay addressing those positions in the first round.
Rebuilding teams like the Dolphins and Lions are likely to target high-impact, foundational players (e.g., guards, tackles) early to lay the groundwork for future success.
Positional fit and scheme compatibility are becoming more critical than raw athleticism, especially for edge rushers and receivers in specific offensive systems.
The rise of young, socially savvy fans—some of whom are already outperforming adult mock drafters—signals a shift in how NFL fandom is evolving.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Recap of Top 10 Mock Draft Picks & Draft Philosophy Shift
“You don't have the super elite at the top, you're looking at it like, okay, if I'm going to take a corner in an edge in the top two rounds, what am I more likely to get in the second round? A really good edge or a really good corner?”
Miami Dolphins: Guard Vega & Rebuilding from the Inside Out
“This is a complete rebuild. They've had the fewest draft picks in the league of any team over the last four years. I think if you put the 22 and 23 draft classes together, there's only one player left.”
Dallas Cowboys: Reuben Bain & the Edge Rusher Dilemma
“He is a mother bleeper to play against. I know that plays really hard. And I think from that standpoint, he's going to be really good for the culture that they're trying to build.”
Los Angeles Rams: Denzel Boston & the A.J. Brown Replacement
The hosts explore the Rams’ potential pick of Denzel Boston, arguing he’s the closest physical and stylistic fit to A.J. Brown. They discuss his role in Sean McVay’s offense, his ability to impact the run game, and the strategic value of replacing Devante Adams with a similar type of receiver.
Baltimore Ravens & New York Jets: Carnell Tate & Makai Lemon
The hosts debate the Ravens’ potential pick of Carnell Tate, emphasizing his stylistic fit with Zay Flowers and the team’s need for a tough, smart receiver. They then analyze the Jets’ selection of Makai Lemon as a complementary piece to Garrett Wilson, highlighting the importance of receiver room diversity.
“This is a complete rebuild. They've had the fewest draft picks in the league of any team over the last four years. I think if you put the 22 and 23 draft classes together, there's only one player left.”
“If Kevin Costner is a heartthrob in draft day, in that setting, how is Mike Malarkey not looked at as one of the best-looking NFL coaches of all time?”
“You don't have the super elite at the top, you're looking at it like, okay, if I'm going to take a corner in an edge in the top two rounds, what am I more likely to get in the second round? A really good edge or a really good corner?”
Hosts
connor
person
albert breer
person
mel kiper
person
reuben bain
person
denzel boston
person
olai vavenga awane
person
carnell tate
person
monroe freeling
person
makai lemon
person
jordan tyson
person
2026 NFL Mock Draft Picks 1-10
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The Winners & Losers of the 2026 NFL Draft
The MMQB NFL Podcast • 59m • 4/27/2026
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