What happens when you combine a former NFL GM and a player who heard his name called in the 2008 NFL Draft? Well, you get the GM Shuffle Podcast and, at this time of the year, you also get a rather interesting mock draft.
Former NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz and longtime NFL exec and Carolina Panthers GM Marty Hurney gave their thoughts on how the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft may play out on Thursday night.
Not only did they speculate on the potential for trades, which many draftniks and reporters are suggesting could be the theme of the night, but they also alternated back and forth making selections for each of the 32 picks in the first round.
Before you check out the episode, which we’ve cut into two parts on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast content, let’s hit on some of the highlights:
Giants Load Up On Offense with Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate
The trade of Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati gave the Giants two top-10 selections and our guys are speculating that it could be a big opportunity for New York to surround QB Jaxson Dart with some talent at the skill positions, taking Love at No. 5 and Tate at No. 10.
Pass Catchers Pay Homage to Tom Petty by Free Fallin’
One of the more notable strategies in recent drafts has been to focus on wide receivers and tight ends. Will that dynamic change this year? While the guys do have Tate and Makai Lemon in the first 15 picks, Marty’s selection at No. 19 was Jordyn Tyson to Carolina and Geoff’s selection at No. 22 was TE Kenyon Sadiq to the Chargers. Too high? Too low? What do you think?
Table for One?
Fernando Mendoza is going No. 1 overall. Will any other quarterbacks join him on Thursday night? Neither Marty nor Geoff took a QB while making their selections with the other 31 picks.
Props, Anyone?
A couple of Over bets did cash based on their picks, with Over 11.5 Big Ten Players Selected and also Over 3.5 Cornerbacks Picked. Who are they and where did they go? Now it’s time to listen to the GM Shuffle Mock Draft episodes.
Episode 1: Picks 1 Through 16
Episode 2: Picks 17 through 32
Be sure to subscribe to The GM Shuffle on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
