When a reporter asked ChatGPT to simulate the Las Vegas Raiders’ 10 picks in the 2026 NFL draft, the results ranged from sensible to surreal — including multiple players who are already in the NFL.
The exercise began with a straightforward prompt: produce a full seven-round mock draft for the Raiders based on team needs and best available players. The chatbot’s first selection was spot-on: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, at No. 1 overall.
“Good start, AI,” the reporter noted.
But the picks quickly veered off course. In the second round, the bot chose Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller, a four-year starter and elite pass protector — though a questionable fit for Klint Kubiak’s run-heavy scheme. The third-round selection, Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, was deemed a fantastic value if available, though most analysts expect him to be gone by the second round.
The fourth round produced the first head-scratcher: Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, a projected early-round pick, was somehow available at No. 102. “Come on, ChatGPT. What are you trying to get away with here?” the reporter wrote. Two picks later, the bot selected Georgia defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse — who already plays for the Green Bay Packers after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2025.
The trend continued in the fourth round with Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson, a 2025 first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings. “At some point in this AI draft, the program just started randomly deciding to take players who are already in the league,” the reporter observed. In the fifth round, Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins was selected — though he is currently on the Cleveland Browns’ roster.
The sixth round brought some stability: LSU safety A.J. Haulcy, a likely mid-round pick, and Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard, a Las Vegas native. “This would be a great pick if there was any chance it was realistic,” the reporter said of Bernard. The final pick was Florida kicker Trey Smack, a draft-eligible player not yet on an NFL roster. “Strong finish, AI,” the reporter concluded.
