JP Acosta· Apr 20, 2026
In the show's first-round mock draft, JP Acosta made the odd-numbered picks, starting with Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall to Vegas and running through Blake Miller to the Patriots at 31.
“It is Fernando Mendoza, quarterback from Indiana.”
said on air, transcribed by us · Pushing the Pile (podcast) · read the original →
16 checkable claims — 16 mock draft picks — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 31 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
All 16 have settled, averaging 81.8 out of 100, against 50 for a naive guess at the same calls.
Their call against what happened
overall pick15They said
22What happened
Their call against what actually happened.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
- Akheem Mesidor
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Sonny Styles
- New York Giants
- Blake Miller
- New England Patriots
- David Bailey
- Arizona Cardinals
- Omar Cooper
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Makai Lemon
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Monroe Freeling
- Los Angeles Rams
- K.C. Concepcion
- Carolina Panthers
- Kadyn Proctor
- Detroit Lions
- Malachi Lawrence
- San Francisco 49ers
- Keldric Faulk
- Chicago Bears
- Avieon Terrell
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Spencer Fano
- Francis Mauigoa
- Miami Dolphins
- Caleb Downs
- Washington Commanders
- Fernando Mendoza
- Las Vegas Raiders
16 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
Akheem Mesidor to be picked at number 15
“But if they don't go and find a trade up partner, I think a key Mesador would be the pick here.”
Close · 74Scored 73.84 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 91.91 against a shuffle’s 50+41.91 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 41.91
- player:
- Akheem Mesidor
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 73.84
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 22
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 73.84
- predicted pick:
- 15
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 91.91
- Mock Draft PicksSonny StylesNew York GiantsApr 20, 2026
Sonny Styles to be picked at number 5
“Number five with the Giants, their first pick... but I have Sonny Styles going here. The linebacker out of Ohio State”
Hit · 92Scored 91.7 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 91.91 against a shuffle’s 50+41.91 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 41.91
- player:
- Sonny Styles
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 91.7
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 7
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 91.7
- predicted pick:
- 5
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 91.91
- Mock Draft PicksBlake MillerNew England PatriotsApr 20, 2026
Blake Miller to be picked at number 31
“31 for the patriots. This feels like a dream scenario for them. I had them going Blake Miller tackle from Clemson.”
Close · 55Scored 54.53 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 91.91 against a shuffle’s 50+41.91 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 41.91
- player:
- Blake Miller
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 54.53
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 17
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 54.53
- predicted pick:
- 31
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 91.91
- Mock Draft PicksDavid BaileyArizona CardinalsApr 20, 2026
David Bailey to be picked at number 3
“So I kept David Bailey here at three.”
Hit · 96Scored 95.76 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 91.91 against a shuffle’s 50+41.91 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 41.91
- player:
- David Bailey
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 95.76
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 2
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 95.76
- predicted pick:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 91.91
- Mock Draft PicksOmar CooperPhiladelphia EaglesApr 20, 2026
Omar Cooper to be picked at number 23
“23 for the Eagles... I'm going Omar Cooper Junior here.”
Close · 74Scored 73.84 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- Omar Cooper
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 73.84
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 30
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 73.84
- predicted pick:
- 23
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
- Mock Draft PicksMakai LemonPittsburgh SteelersApr 20, 2026
Makai Lemon to be picked at number 21
“But Mikai Lemmon falling here at 21 feels like a perfect fit for what the Steelers need in their receiver room.”
Hit · 96Scored 95.76 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- Makai Lemon
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 95.76
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 20
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 95.76
- predicted pick:
- 21
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
- Mock Draft PicksMonroe FreelingLos Angeles RamsApr 20, 2026
Monroe Freeling to be picked at number 13
“I think they're going tackle here... and I have them taking Monroe Freeling out of Georgia.”
Close · 77Scored 77.11 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- Monroe Freeling
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 77.11
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 19
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 77.11
- predicted pick:
- 13
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
- Mock Draft PicksK.C. ConcepcionCarolina PanthersApr 20, 2026
K.C. Concepcion to be picked at number 19
“I have them going KC Concepcion, wide receiver out of text saying them.”
Hit · 81Scored 80.52 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- K.C. Concepcion
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 80.52
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 24
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 80.52
- predicted pick:
- 19
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
- Mock Draft PicksKadyn ProctorDetroit LionsApr 20, 2026
Kadyn Proctor to be picked at number 17
“We go to Detroit at 17 and this one feels like a Brad Holmes pick... It's Caden Proctor, tackle from Alabama.”
Hit · 81Scored 80.52 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- Kadyn Proctor
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 80.52
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 12
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 80.52
- predicted pick:
- 17
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
Malachi Lawrence to be picked at number 27
“27 with San Francisco forty niners. I have them going Malachi Lawrence Edge from UCF.”
Hit · 84Scored 84.09 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- Malachi Lawrence
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 84.09
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 23
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 84.09
- predicted pick:
- 27
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
- Mock Draft PicksKeldric FaulkChicago BearsApr 20, 2026
Keldric Faulk to be picked at number 25
“which leads us to '25 with the Chicago Bears... if he does fall here, Dennis Allen's gonna fall over himself drafting him, and that's Auburn Edge, Keldrick Falk.”
Close · 77Scored 77.11 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- Keldric Faulk
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 77.11
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 31
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 77.11
- predicted pick:
- 25
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
- Mock Draft PicksAvieon TerrellKansas City ChiefsApr 20, 2026
Avieon Terrell to be picked at number 29
“'29 is the Chiefs again... And I had them taking a guy that I think is very similar to Trent McDuffie, and that's Avion Tyrell.”
Close · 44Scored 43.91 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- Avieon Terrell
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 43.91
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 48
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 43.91
- predicted pick:
- 29
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
- Mock Draft PicksSpencer FanoKansas City ChiefsApr 20, 2026
Spencer Fano to be picked at number 9
“I have them going Utah tackle Spencer Fano with the ninth overall pick.”
Hit · 100Scored 100 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- Spencer Fano
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 9
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 100
- predicted pick:
- 9
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
- Mock Draft PicksFrancis MauigoaMiami DolphinsApr 20, 2026
Francis Mauigoa to be picked at number 11
“They're keeping the guy local. They I have them taking Francis Maitonoa out of Miami.”
Hit · 96Scored 95.76 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- Francis Mauigoa
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 95.76
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 10
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 95.76
- predicted pick:
- 11
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
- Mock Draft PicksCaleb DownsWashington CommandersApr 20, 2026
Caleb Downs to be picked at number 7
“They also throw positional value out the window, and I have them taking Caleb Downs, safety from Ohio State.”
Hit · 84Scored 84.09 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- Caleb Downs
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 84.09
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 11
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 84.09
- predicted pick:
- 7
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
Fernando Mendoza to be picked at number 1
“if we're gonna start number one overall, this feels like cut and dry. We're putting this in Sharpie. It is Fernando Mendoza, quarterback from Indiana.”
Hit · 100Scored 100 on this pickthis mock ordered the draft 95.8 against a shuffle’s 50+45.8 skillHow this was scored
- draft:
- 2026
- naive:
- a shuffled mock scores 50
- skill:
- 45.8
- player:
- Fernando Mendoza
- season:
- 2026
- zero at:
- 32
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 50
- actual pick:
- 1
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- pick accuracy:
- 100
- predicted pick:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- mock ordering score:
- 95.8
What others said about the same people
- Chris BrockmanTrade and Signing Calls · Baker MayfieldHit · 100Brockman's season-preview overreactions: Fernando Mendoza becomes an Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist; Dak Prescott wins MVP and the Cowboys win the Super Bowl; Jesse Minter's Ravens win the AFC North; C.J. Stroud leads Houston to the AFC's No. 1 seed; Jonathan Taylor approaches 2,000 rushing yards; Baker Mayfield wins the NFC South, goes 12-5 and reaches the NFC title game while landing a $60 million-per-year deal; and Aaron Rodgers throws 35-plus touchdowns as the Steelers go 11-6 and win the North.
- Jon GrudenTrade and Signing Calls · Baker MayfieldHit · 100The former Buccaneers head coach predicted that Tampa Bay and Baker Mayfield are closer on a new contract than believed and that an extension will get done.
- Joel CorryTrade and Signing Calls · Baker MayfieldHit · 100The unsigned CBS Sports analysis lays out the contract it believes Tampa Bay will have to give Mayfield at minimum: a two-year extension averaging $50 million per year with $110 million in guarantees and a no-trade clause.
- Nathan JahnkeDepth Chart Calls · Jalen TolbertMiss · 0PFF's preseason fantasy recap makes a large number of depth-chart, role and fantasy-value calls across the league, including Chig Okonkwo as a top sleeper tight end, Tre Tucker as the Raiders' top receiver, and various backfield hierarchies.
- Emmett MatasovskyDepth Chart Calls · Christian IzienMiss · 0Matasovsky says Dobbs is currently leading the backup quarterback race and suggests Christian Izien may be pressed into a starting safety role in Week 1 while Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph rehab.
- Nathan JahnkeDepth Chart Calls · Jalen TolbertMiss · 0PFF's fantasy football preseason recap projects depth-chart outcomes, roster spots and fantasy value for numerous players across several preseason games, including Chig Okonkwo's expanded role in Washington, Ja'Kobi Lane as Baltimore's WR3, Malachi Fields winning the Giants' starting X job, and Zachariah Branch being a fantasy bust relative to his late-round cost.
More mock draft picks
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Rob RangMock Draft Picks · Jeremiah SmithMiss · 0Rang ranks the four headline prospects from the Texas-Ohio State game in the order he'd draft them (Jeremiah Smith, Arch Manning, Cam Coleman, Julian Sayin) and assigns each a draft grade: Smith and Manning as top-5 picks, Coleman top 10, and Sayin a third-rounder.
- Gregg RosenthalMock Draft Picks · Brandon DoughtyMiss · 3Rosenthal gave first reactions to Vegas win totals: overs on the Steelers, Broncos, Vikings, Buccaneers, 49ers and Cardinals, unders on the Falcons and Commanders, plus he expects Shedeur Sanders to start about 10-11 games and thinks the Cowboys' 9.5 is beatable.
- Peter BukowskiMock Draft Picks · Gennings DunkerHit · 100Bukowski breaks down Iowa offensive lineman Jennings Dunker as a Packers fit and puts a late second-/early third-round grade on him, noting that range overlaps where Green Bay picks.
- Damian ParsonMock Draft Picks · Zachariah BranchHit · 100Locked On's draft analyst laid out where several prospects should land in the upcoming draft: Zachariah Branch as a Day 2/third-round target for the Chargers, Penn State's top offensive lineman gone well before pick 22 (ideally 14 to Baltimore), Akeem Mesador and Malachi Lawrence as first-round edge rushers, Derrick Moore as a Day 2 edge, and Texas's left tackle as a top-10 pick next year.
- Ollie ConnollyMock Draft Picks · Kyle LouisMiss · 19Connelly assesses the 2026 draft class: he sees Jeremiah Love as a top-ten most productive player at running back with an Ezekiel Elliott-to-Bijan/McCaffrey range, projects Fernando Mendoza as a top-8-to-12 starting QB in the league, pegs Ty Simpson as a top-of-the-second-round pick he'd only be comfortable taking in the third, and slots various tight ends and late running backs into specific rounds.
- Gregg RosenthalMock Draft Picks · Eli StowersClose · 62Rosenthal is bullish on Jeremiah Love as a near-certain hit worth a top pick, thinks Kenyon Sadik won't last long on the board and could go in the top fifteen, expects Garrett Nusmeyer to have a long NFL career as a good backup, and pegs Eli Stowers as a third-to-fourth-round type player.