ChatGPT predicted the first round of the NFL Draft and here's what it said

Jonathan Hutton & Chad Withrow ask Armando Salguero what position has the most value in this year's NFL draft

I'm not sure why I do these things to myself, but I decided to go head-to-head with ChatGPT in a mock draft competition. I recently released my final mock draft, and then I asked ChatGPT to predict the entire first round. Below, you will see where we are the same and where we are different.

Please don't tell my bosses about this because if AI smokes me in the NFL Draft, they might realize that I'm not necessary. Pray for me, everyone.

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One quick note before we begin: I projected a few trades, while ChatGPT mostly kept the current order intact (even though I didn't explicitly tell it not to make trades), so some of our differences are about the shape of the board as much as the players themselves. Here we go!

The NFL Draft stage features a backdrop depicting the Fort Pitt Bridge outside Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on April 22, 2026. (Ethan Morrison / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

GPT's pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Dan's pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

GPT: Mendoza felt like the cleanest blend of quarterback need, consensus, and franchise-quarterback upside at No. 1.

Dan: No need for explanation, Mendoza is obviously going No. 1 overall.

GPT's pick: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

Dan's pick: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

GPT: I gave the Jets Reese because his versatility and defensive upside fit a team that needed juice all over that side of the ball.

Dan: I'm very confident that I am right and GPT is wrong here.

GPT's pick: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Dan's pick: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio