2026 NFL Mock Draft Picks 11-20

The MMQB NFL Podcast48mApril 9, 2026

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “2026 NFL Mock Draft Picks 11-20” inside PodZeus.

AI-Generated Summary

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.

Key Takeaways
1

Teams are increasingly prioritizing long-term roster building over immediate best-player-available picks, especially when elite talent is scarce in the top 10.

2

Depth at wide receiver and edge rusher is creating strategic uncertainty, leading teams to delay addressing those positions in the first round.

3

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.

4

Positional fit and scheme compatibility are becoming more critical than raw athleticism, especially for edge rushers and receivers in specific offensive systems.

5

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

Chapters
0:00
10 min

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?

Highlight
10:00
10 min

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.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

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.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

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.

40:00
10 min

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.

High-Impact Quotes
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.
Connor10:50
Viral: 90.0
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?
Connor42:46
Viral: 88.0
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?
Albert Breer3:05
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Hosts

ConnorAlbert Breer
Topics Discussed
draft strategy95%team rebuilding90%positional value88%offensive line development85%wide receiver depth82%edge rusher evaluation80%defensive back needs75%generational fandom shift70%
People & Brands

connor

person

15xNeutral

albert breer

person

12xNeutral

mel kiper

person

8xPositive

reuben bain

person

7xPositive

denzel boston

person

6xPositive

olai vavenga awane

person

5xPositive

carnell tate

person

5xPositive

monroe freeling

person

5xPositive

makai lemon

person

4xPositive

jordan tyson

person

4xNeutral

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “2026 NFL Mock Draft Picks 11-20” inside PodZeus.

Start discovering podcast insights today

Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.

No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime