We Suck - 2026 NFL Mock Draft Thread

[calia]

In scrolling through this thread, I couldn't help but wonder whether the roster is close enough to expect that we're back to competing in 2026, or whether we are more realistically looking to 2027 before we can do so. Obviously, we have a lot of injured guys who can be back (some on 1 year deals now, and back if we want them), but it still feels like we're lacking depth in enough places that we're better off trading down (perhaps repeatedly in different rounds) and getting ourselves more picks for the next 2 drafts, even if there is an impact player at, say pick 5, if that's how high up we are. In other words, can we use our (likely) high draft pick to get back to the position where we get more picks to help build greater depth?

[AnonEmouse]

Originally Posted by calia

In scrolling through this thread, I couldn't help but wonder whether the roster is close enough to expect that we're back to competing in 2026, or whether we are more realistically looking to 2027 before we can do so. Obviously, we have a lot of injured guys who can be back (some on 1 year deals now, and back if we want them), but it still feels like we're lacking depth in enough places that we're better off trading down (perhaps repeatedly in different rounds) and getting ourselves more picks for the next 2 drafts, even if there is an impact player at, say pick 5, if that's how high up we are. In other words, can we use our (likely) high draft pick to get back to the position where we get more picks to help build greater depth?

Break it down by position:

QB we should be set
RB I'm not giving up on Bill, but with Ekeler likely gone, we need depth at a minimum
WR we're not set but I wouldn't write off McCaffrey, at least as a #3. But we need to move on from Brown and the also rans we've been dropping onto the roster to cover injuries. And I'd keep Deebo and look for a better 1-2 punch with Scary next year. Do we need a new #1? I don't think its a priority. yet.
TE need to get Sinnott into more of the offence as the season wears on, else confirm he'll at best be a #2. Keep Bates but Ertz can't justify his roster spot.
OL Arguably least of our problems
DT I doubt we move on from Payne, as he and Kinlaw have been pretty solid, but Newton needs to get his head out of his ass or he's moving on.
DE P1 & 2. We need a great edge in the draft, but we need a bookend for him, and nobody on teh roster is that guy. Total rebuild at DE.
LB I think Luvu will be better in a better system, but Wagner needs to hang it up at teh end of teh year. I see a lot to like about Magee but we need 2 more guys like him. Not sure any of the other guys step up, but is Medrano a project with upside?
CB the experiment with Lattimore is done. Need to draft at least 1 CB and draft another else find one in FA. We need starters and depth here. P3.
S ideally find real ranger for the secondary. We need a guy that will go out to hunt and come back with turnovers.

I don't think it's a full on rebuild, but we need 3 or 4 difference makers in the draft, not depth material. And healthy contributing YOUNG FA's. Do we have the picks and the FA pull though?

[calia]

Originally Posted by AnonEmouse

Break it down by position:

QB we should be set
RB I'm not giving up on Bill, but with Ekeler likely gone, we need depth at a minimum
WR we're not set but I wouldn't write off McCaffrey, at least as a #3. But we need to move on from Brown and the also rans we've been dropping onto the roster to cover injuries. And I'd keep Deebo and look for a better 1-2 punch with Scary next year. Do we need a new #1? I don't think its a priority. yet.
TE need to get Sinnott into more of the offence as the season wears on, else confirm he'll at best be a #2. Keep Bates but Ertz can't justify his roster spot.
OL Arguably least of our problems
DT I doubt we move on from Payne, as he and Kinlaw have been pretty solid, but Newton needs to get his head out of his ass or he's moving on.
DE P1 & 2. We need a great edge in the draft, but we need a bookend for him, and nobody on teh roster is that guy. Total rebuild at DE.
LB I think Luvu will be better in a better system, but Wagner needs to hang it up at teh end of teh year. I see a lot to like about Magee but we need 2 more guys like him. Not sure any of the other guys step up, but is Medrano a project with upside?
CB the experiment with Lattimore is done. Need to draft at least 1 CB and draft another else find one in FA. We need starters and depth here. P3.
S ideally find real ranger for the secondary. We need a guy that will go out to hunt and come back with turnovers.

I don't think it's a full on rebuild, but we need 3 or 4 difference makers in the draft, not depth material. And healthy contributing YOUNG FA's. Do we have the picks and the FA pull though?

A very thoughtful analysis -- I think I agree with virtually all of this. I actually think we should re-sign Wise, who looked like he was going to be a very good addition before he was hurt, and the same for Armstrong who was obviously having a career year before injury; so perhaps not quite a complete overhaul but there's no question we need a few more players there. I also agree with the comments re: S and CB being a priority. On LB, it's really hard to know what to do -- they drafted 2 last spring that haven't seen the field, and Magee has had meaningful reps only a few times. I agree that we need to really kick the tires on those guys to know how much more help we need at LB -- we will need some, but unclear how much.

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by calia

In scrolling through this thread, I couldn't help but wonder whether the roster is close enough to expect that we're back to competing in 2026, or whether we are more realistically looking to 2027 before we can do so. Obviously, we have a lot of injured guys who can be back (some on 1 year deals now, and back if we want them), but it still feels like we're lacking depth in enough places that we're better off trading down (perhaps repeatedly in different rounds) and getting ourselves more picks for the next 2 drafts, even if there is an impact player at, say pick 5, if that's how high up we are. In other words, can we use our (likely) high draft pick to get back to the position where we get more picks to help build greater depth?

The league is structured so teams can turn it around rather quickly…and having a solid QB as we do makes it even a stronger possibility. The season is a disappointment, but a reality check as well. Need a better strategy in team building. It’s good for AP, let’s him know we aren’t as close…can’t make knee jerk decisions like a Lattimore. Old and slow…need speed and youth.

[AnonEmouse]

Originally Posted by Chico23231

The league is structured so teams can turn it around rather quickly…and having a solid QB as we do makes it even a stronger possibility. The season is a disappointment, but a reality check as well. Need a better strategy in team building. It’s good for AP, let’s him know we aren’t as close…can’t make knee jerk decisions like a Lattimore. Old and slow…need speed and youth.

You need something of a mix. Vet presence for leadership etc. but not too many that you're vested in older guys and you have no youth depth. Last year felt more balanced, this year feels we leant too much on vets that were not going to improve (or were going to go downhill). We need more youth and probably have another year of growing pains to go with it unless AP works miracles in the draft and FA. After the Snyder years, I can live with having to find our way a little. But if he blows this offseason...