Funky Chicken 2026 Mock Draft(s)

TheFunkyChicken · 2026-04-23T12:32:38-07:00

This year marks 20 years of me being a full fledged draft nerd. The number one overall QB selection in 2005 was the introduction (I was team Rodgers btw), but 2006 was when I really got into watching highlights of other positions. And the 9ers actually drafted both of my 1st round wish list guys that year, with Vernon Davis and Cory Lemonier. I do not pretend to be a draft or football expert, and I am very clear that watching highlights on youtube is not the same as "grinding film." But man, do I love this time of year when I get to watch all those highlight reels, fall in love with certain players, and try to figure out the puzzle of that year's draft board. That used to involve poring over MadDog's big board on these forums, now I spend more time running draft sims and listening to podcasts. I still have my share of hits and misses with my draft crushes, from Antonio Brown, Brandon Graham and Arian Foster to Laviska Shenault, Quentin Groves and Kory Sheets. The fun is in both the process of nerding hard and then getting to look back years later and say "I was in on Juaun Jennings before they drafted him!" This year I'm doing two mocks. I usually try to ignore trades and just stick to drafting at the spots the 9ers have because trades open up a cascade of infinite scenarios. But this year I did both, one with a trade and one without. As always, these are guys I like for the 9ers, not guys I think they will take. And where I have them going is a guess. Last year I liked both Stout and Martin as 7th round picks for the 9ers and they took both in the 3rd. So who knows.... but here we go. 2026 Mock with Trade R1 (27) - Kadyn Proctor - OT - Alabama Has the upside to take over LT when Trent retires but can play LG or backup both OT spots until then. He's not Trent Williams (who is?) but he does have rare movement for someone his size. Also like: Max Iheanachor Trade pick 56 with Miami for picks 87 and 94 R3 (87) - Jaishawn Barham - EDGE - Michigan Versatility is the key to modern defenses and Barham can play both as a speedy edge rusher or big SAM LB, giving him more opportunities to see the field no matter who else is healthy or hurt. But more importantly, he gets after the QB like an animal, and that's what I want to see from pass rushers. Also like: Romello Height R3 (94) - Kyle Lewis - LB - Pitt Love this kid. Versatile enough to play LB or even box Saftey. A little small but great in coverage and has the IQ/instincts to make plays all over. Also like: Harold Perkins R4 (127) - Jalon Kilgore - S - South Carolina Big, fast and can play Saftey or Nickle. Opinions seemed split on him and I know there were games were he got roasted. But I think he has the range to play FS, and can do it with the ferocity we used to have in guys like Goldson. Also like: Louis Moore R4 (133) - Joe Royer - TE - Cincinnati Tempted to go after a better blocker but the dynamic receiving threat Royer can be is too tantalizing, and his blocking is good enough to keep him on the field. Also like: Sam Roush R4 (138) - Josh Cameron - WR - Baylor He might be another Laviska Shenault and never do anything... but I think he has star WR upside and could at the very least be dangerous in designed plays. Could also be a big, dynamic returner. Also like: De'Zhuan Stribling R4 (139) - Adam Randall - RB - Clemson Big WR turned RB. Maybe Guerendo 2.0 or maybe what they wanted out of Guerendo. Also like: Robert Henry

Apr 23, 2026 at 4:04 PM

TheFunkyChicken
Veteran
Posts: 4,364

2026 Mock No Trades

R1 (27) - Malachi Lawrence - DE - UCF
Plays violent. Hits the sweet spot of adding speed off the edge but being big and physical enough to play every down.
Also like: Gabe Jacas

R2 (56) - Germie Bernard - WR - Alabama
High floor WR who can play anywhere but I think he's more dynamic and high ceiling than people give him credit for. Feel like he could step in right away, but has the potential to fill both Deebo and Aiyuk roles.
Also like: Chris Brazell

R4 (127) - Bud Clark - S - TCU
Older prospect but could play FS with vet level presence right away.
Also like: Michael Taaffe

R4 (133) - Sam Roush - TE - Stanford
Blocks well enough to be an every down player but has receiving threat upside.
Also like: Dallen Bently

R4 (138) - Harold Perkins - LB - LSU
Unique player who is kind of a pass rusher/LB hybrid but can cover. Maybe he's not actually good at anything.. or maybe he plays everywhere and opens up the defense.
Also like: KeyShawn Elliot

R4 (139) - Trey Zuhn - OL - Texas A&M
OT who would transition to center or guard. Could back up all 5 line positions and maybe start at RG or C.
Also like: Cage Casey

Apr 24, 2026 at 11:17 AM

TheFunkyChicken
Veteran
Posts: 4,364

Updated Post Round 1 Mock

R2 (33) - Chase Bissontis or Emmanuel Pregnon - G
Eat your veggies and take a top guard

R2 (58) - Gabe Jacas or Jaishawn Barham - EDGE
I like Barham for the upside but Jacas probably has a higher floor

R3 (90) - AJ Haulcy or Jalon Kilgore - S
Would probably go Safety before WR or LB because I think it's a bigger need, and the right guy can really change a defense

R4 (127) - Kyle Lewis or Harold Perkins - LB
Need more talent at LB and after Perkins it gets pretty thin

R4 (133) - Joe Royer, Sam Roush or Dallen Bently - TE
Need someone to compete with Tonges for the starting job while Kittle is out. But beyond that we should be able to run 2 TE sets with dangerous players everywhere.

R4 (139) - Josh Cameron or De'Zhaun Stribling - WR
I know this feels late for WR but we have a top 3 established this year and there are LOTS of interesting guys that will go late in the draft. I'm okay shooting our shot on whoever we like best. Mid to late round WRs are a good bet in the modern NFL.

R4 (179) - Adam Randall or Robert Henry - RB
I want to leave with another option at RB and not have to rely on undrafted leftovers. These guys might not be blue chip but are still exciting players.