NFL Daily’s “Should Do Mock Draft” Analyzed: What Teams Should Do in Round 1
On the April 16, 2026 episode of NFL Daily, hosts Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan Rodrigue presented the podcast’s annual “Should Do Mock Draft,” offering a strategic vision for how NFL teams ought to approach the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Unlike traditional mock drafts predicting what teams will do, this exercise focuses on optimal decision-making based on team needs, roster construction, and long-term value.
Rosenthal and Rodrigue emphasized that the “Should Do” framework evaluates picks through the lens of maximizing roster impact, addressing critical weaknesses, and aligning with each franchise’s competitive window. The discussion covered a range of scenarios, from quarterback-needs teams considering early selections to contenders seeking difference-makers on defense or in the trenches.
Key Themes from the Should Do Mock Draft
The hosts highlighted several recurring principles guiding their recommendations. For teams drafting in the top 10, the consensus leaned toward selecting premium talent at positions of scarcity—particularly edge rushers, cornerbacks, and elite offensive linemen—when franchise quarterbacks were not deemed worthy of the pick. Rosenthal noted that reaching for a quarterback without a clear grade often backfires, citing recent draft classes where early signal-callers failed to meet expectations.
For teams in the middle rounds, Rodrigue stressed the importance of targeting players who can contribute immediately while possessing traits that project to long-term starters. She specifically mentioned the value of versatile defensive linemen who can play multiple techniques and offensive linemen with the athleticism to adapt to modern scheme demands.
Both hosts agreed that trading down remains an underutilized strategy for teams lacking a premier prospect at their pick. Accumulating additional capital—especially in a draft noted for depth at receiver and defensive back—allows franchises to address multiple needs without overpaying for marginal upgrades.
Positional Focus and Strategic Insights
Rosenthal and Rodrigue devoted significant attention to the quarterback class, acknowledging its perceived weakness compared to recent years. While they did not endorse any specific first-round quarterback as a must-pick, they noted that teams with urgent needs (such as the New York Giants or Las Vegas Raiders) might still be compelled to act, albeit with caution regarding developmental timelines.
On defense, the hosts repeatedly highlighted the demand for disruptive edge rushers capable of generating pressure without relying on blitzes. Rodrigue pointed out that with offenses increasingly designed to neutralize traditional pass-rush schemes, teams should prioritize athletes with rare combination of length, explosiveness, and hand combat skills.
Regarding offensive line play, Rosenthal argued that investing in interior linemen with elite anchor strength and mental processing is often more valuable than chasing athletic tackles, especially given the prevalence of interior stunts and twist games in modern defensive schemes.
Conclusion: Process Over Prediction
The “Should Do Mock Draft” segment on NFL Daily serves as a reminder that successful drafting hinges less on predicting team behavior and more on applying sound principles of value, need, and roster construction. By focusing on what franchises should do—rather than what they will do—Rosenthal and Rodrigue provide a framework for evaluating draft decisions through a lens of strategic integrity rather than speculation.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, this analysis offers fans and analysts alike a benchmark for assessing whether teams are maximizing their opportunities to build sustainable contenders through intelligent, disciplined decision-making in Round One.