Overview of On the Clock — The Athletic Football Show (2026 edition)
This episode launches The Athletic’s On the Clock series for the 2026 NFL Draft. Host Robert Mays and guest Trevor Sykema (NFL Stock Exchange, PFF) run a mock-first-round exercise: for each pick the guest is given three options and must choose what they would do if they were actually on the clock. The conversation is after free agency, so team rosters and needs are more settled—leading to a discussion that balances raw prospect talent, positional value, roster construction and short‑term/long‑term team windows.
Format of the exercise
- For each draft slot (1–6 in this episode) Trevor was given three options (players or a trade).
- He selects the option he would take in the moment — not necessarily what he predicts teams will do, but his “if I’m on the clock” choice.
- Emphasis on post‑free‑agency context: picks weighed against roster moves, cap decisions and positional scarcity.
Picks 1–6: choices, options and reasoning
Below are the three-option scenarios presented and Trevor’s pick for each team, plus the main rationale behind each decision.
Pick 1 — Las Vegas Raiders
Options:
- Draft Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
- Trade to move down (to NYJ at #2 plus picks)
- Draft Arvel Reese (LB)
Choice: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana) Why: Trevor views Mendoza as a legitimate No. 1 quarterback prospect in this class—worthy of taking at 1 overall given the Raiders’ offseason additions (veteran center Tyler Linderbaum, defensive investments) and lack of an established starter. He argued you don’t overthink a prospect you view as top-tier in a weak QB year—take him and begin the franchise reset.
Pick 2 — New York Jets
Options:
- Draft Arvel Reese (hybrid LB)
- Draft Ruben (Reuben/Ruben) Bain Jr. (edge, Miami) — or other pure edge rusher
- Draft Sonny Stiles (off‑ball LB, Ohio State)
Choice: Ruben Bain Jr. (edge, Miami) Why: Trevor recommends prioritizing the best front‑seven talent over positional fit/short‑term depth. Bain’s pass‑rush production, power and versatility (can play three‑tech, four‑tech, stand‑up roles) make him a “change‑the‑math” player. Trevor downplayed arm‑length concerns given Bain’s tape and noted veteran leadership acquired by the Jets makes them a good landing spot.
Pick 3 — Arizona Cardinals
Options:
- Arvel Reese (LB)
- David Bailey (edge)
- Sonny Stiles (off‑ball LB)
Choice: Sonny Stiles (off‑ball LB) Why: Trevor believes Stiles is a top‑three overall player on his board because of his instincts, run defense and positional versatility (can play MIKE, slot roles, pseudo‑nickel). Arizona can still find tackle help later (early second round) and would benefit from an elite defender in the middle to accelerate a defense-heavy build.
Pick 4 — Tennessee Titans
Options:
- Arvel Reese (LB)
- Jeremiah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
- Carnell Tate (WR)
Choice: Arvel Reese (LB) Why: Trevor takes Reese for positional value and athletic upside. He notes Tennessee’s offensive line is still unsettled, making drafting a high-end RB (Jeremiah Love) less attractive despite Love’s talent. Reese offers more long‑term defensive juice and complements/upgrades the Titans’ linebacker room.
Pick 5 — New York Giants
Options:
- Jeremiah Love (RB)
- Carnell Tate (WR)
- Spencer Fano or Francis Mauinoa (offensive line)
Choice: Francis Mauinoa (offensive tackle; plan to start him at guard short‑term) Why: Trevor prioritizes trench help for a young QB and sees interior offensive line as an under-discussed Giants need. He would convert Mauinoa to guard initially with the idea of moving him to tackle later — favoring OL stability over drafting a premium skill player (RB/WR) in the top five.
Pick 6 — Cleveland Browns
Options:
- Carnell Tate (WR)
- Monroe Freeling (OT)
- Caleb Downs (safety)
Choice: Carnell Tate (WR) Why: Cleveland’s pressing need is a reliable WR1; Tate fits as an immediate playmaker and vertical threat. Trevor is comfortable the Browns can find acceptable offensive linemen later (pick 24, etc.) and therefore takes the best available offensive weapon at #6.
Key takeaways and themes
- Certainty at the top: Mendoza as a consensus No. 1 QB in Trevor’s view — “take him, don’t overthink it.”
- Positional value matters: Trevor repeatedly prefers premium positions (edge, OT, tackle) over elite non‑premium talents (RB) in the top five when all else is equal. Contract market reality (“teams don’t lie with money”) influences that thinking.
- OL scarcity and sequencing: Multiple scenarios hinge on whether teams address offensive line now or wait to secure tackles/guards later in the draft — that sequencing can determine whether teams target defense or offense early.
- Hybrid/versatile defenders are scrutinized: Reese and Stiles are both praised, but Trevor emphasizes the need for a clear “home” position for rookies — more comfort with Stiles’ defined off‑ball role vs. Reese’s hybrid ambiguity.
- Trades and market dynamics: Several trade possibilities were discussed (Washington, Cowboys, Chiefs) as dark horses to move into top slots for specific players.
Notable quotes / soundbites
- On Mendoza: “If you’re in a position to draft a guy that you think clears a certain bar in this specific draft…you just do it.”
- On roster signals: “NFL teams will lie with their words all the time. They will not lie with their money.”
- On Bain: “Anytime you have the ability to say someone could be a long‑term major difference maker, I don’t let short‑term roster construction stop me.”
Implications for the teams
- Raiders: Take Mendoza and begin QB era; offseason OL/center moves support that choice.
- Jets: Adding Bain would accelerate defensive talent even if free agency added edge depth.
- Cardinals: A defensive centerpiece (Stiles) accelerates a defense-first rebuild; OT can be found later.
- Titans: Roster still needs OL clarity; drafting a high-end RB now is less defensible than investing in defense/talent with longer runway.
- Giants: Prioritizing OL to protect a young QB is Trevor’s handle; short‑term guard plan with future tackle move.
- Browns: WR is an immediate need — Tate fills a top-end offensive hole.
Where to follow the guest
- Trevor Sykema: NFL Stock Exchange on YouTube (player rankings, mocks, big boards) and his work at PFF.
If you want a compact “one‑line” synopsis: Trevor’s first‑round exercise has Mendoza feeling like an obvious No. 1, big defensive and OL swings in the top six, and positional value (especially OL/edge vs RB) driving many of the choices.