49ers GM Using AI to Make NFL Draft Picks?? | The Ricky Cobb Show
The NFL draft has officially entered the AI era 🤖🏈 Front offices across the league are relying on artificial intelligence to get creative, and 49ers GM John Lynch made it clear this week: “If you’re not using it, you’re behind.” That raises a big question – what exactly are teams like the Dallas Cowboys doing with AI… and is Jerry Jones using enough? That’s where Ricky Cobb comes in. Just when the line between real life and AI starts to blur, things take a strange turn as former President Bill Clinton shows up at the Cowboys’ pre-draft press conference. What’s next? Pure chaos. Two Arkansas legends. One draft. And a hilarious, direct performance from Cobb that wraps it all up.
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The long wait is over, as the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in downtown Pittsburgh in what is expected to be an entertaining first round.
It’s a virtual lock the Las Vegas Raiders, owners of the number 1 pick, selected Indiana linebacker Fernando Mendoza to start the draft in hopes that he could be their franchise man for years to come. From there, funny drafts are all over the place, which is always a sign of some fun, even chaos, as the draft progresses.
However, there are those who have established themselves as first-round talent entering Thursday night, whether it’s through the NFL Combine and Pro Day, top-30 visits to different franchises, what they put on tape during their college careers, or all of the above.
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Ohio State’s Arvell Reese participates in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Feb. 26, 2026. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Either way, the prospects have done their best — now it’s up to the teams to decide if they have what it takes to succeed.
Fox News Digital had the privilege of speaking with some of those potential first-round picks before the start of the NFL Draft, and each of them was asked the same question: “What will an NFL team be getting for you when they call your name on draft night?”
Here are some of their responses:
OHIO STATE OLB ARVELL REESE: “I think an NFL team is going to get someone who loves the game, who loves the ball. Then, they’re going to get someone who plays the game aggressively. …On top of that, you have to play with relentless effort. So, I think an NFL team gets that from me — someone who plays with relentless effort, someone who looks forward to your aggressive play.”
Reese is a visual example, running a sub-4.5 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine at 6-foot-4, 241 pounds, and many experts believe he can still grow into his body and his game on the field. He was named an All-American in 2025, accumulating 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss for the Buckeyes, although their season ended at the hands of the Miami Hurricanes in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Now, Reese enters the draft looking for a potentially short night when the clock starts ticking. Some have mocked him to the New York Jets at No. 2 overall, and many believe he won’t be available for a top-10 pick. Either way, the edge rusher is considered an immediate impact player on the defensive line wherever he resides.
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OHIO STATE S CALEB DOWNS: “I can explain [myself] as a highly motivated player with a good sense of the game, but also with all the physical attributes you will need. A player who says, wherever you feel the ball is, that’s where you want it to be. Put him in [point of attack] and he will do what he does.”
Caleb Downs of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on before the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on December 31, 2025. (CFP/Getty Images)
A Swiss army knife of defense, Downs simply made plays throughout his college career, which began at Alabama before moving on to the Buckeyes and helping them win the 2025 national championship.
Like his Ohio State counterpart in Reese, Downs is not expected to be available after the first 10 picks, but exactly where he ends up remains to be seen. The New York Giants at No. 5 has been a popular spot, especially compared to Kyle Hamilton, who John Harbaugh coached with the Baltimore Ravens before moving on to New York. But teams like the Washington Commanders (No. 7), New Orleans Saints (No. 8) and Kansas City Chiefs (No. 9) are also interesting to watch, as a potential trade.
Downs had 164 tackles, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions and 12 passes defended in 44 college games, earning two All-American nods during his time at Ohio State. If a team is looking for a versatile linebacker, who can perform well no matter what the job is given to him, Downs has positioned himself as that man in the process.
ALABAMA QB TY SIMPSON: “I think it starts with my personality and how I can take the locker room and the franchise. The quarterback of Aa, you want to go in there, gather troops, and have an impact on the people there. So, every 30 visits, every time I talk to the team, every time I Zoom’d with them, I hoped to show my personality, my leadership, and touch my football IQ, but also touch my football boy. make people raise their game around him is what you want at quarterback I feel like I can do that.”
Simpson’s confidence is what makes him who he is on the football field, whether it’s running past defenders to his goal, or using his legs to pick up a crucial yard. He told Fox News Digital that his Christian faith plays a big role in playing with confidence and poise, and he fully intends to bring that to any NFL franchise that wants him.
Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball against the Indiana Hoosiers in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2026. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Will that be in the first round? Although Simpson has maintained his status as a first-round talent, it will be interesting to see if NFL teams think the same way about using the first 32 picks. If he’s not taken Thursday night, most comic books believe he’ll be taken as soon as Friday, perhaps to the Arizona Cardinals, the team with the No. 3 overall pick in the first round, but also the second overall pick in the second round. The Jets are also interesting with four picks in the top 44 (Nos. 2, 16, 33, 44).
Either way, Simpson is excited to hit the ground running and prove his worth to whichever franchise takes him this week.
TEXAS TECH LB JACOB RODRIGUEZ: “I think they’re going to find someone who is consistent. Someone who has good character and integrity, and someone who wants to put him in a leadership position. I think someone, especially in the middle of the defense, who can fire guys to get them ready to play and have someone who is going to be a steady person. I’m really happy to get help wherever I play, but I’m really happy to get the opportunity to play and have the privilege to play. people, meet my teammates and all the people I’m going to have.”
Rodriguez wasn’t always the epitome of a modern-day quarterback — he wanted to be a quarterback coming out of high school in North Texas. He first attended the University of Virginia with that in mind before the Red Raiders believed he could switch to defensive end, as they envisioned him as a safety or middle linebacker.
The change was worth the risk, as Rodriguez quickly developed into a defensive anchor for Texas Tech, and really elevated his game, and draft stock, for the 2025 season. Rodriguez won the Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski, Dick Butkus and Vince Lombardi Awards in 2025, while being named an All-American after compiling 128 total tackles (11 for loss), four interceptions, one sack, six passes defensed and two fumbles, one of six. His seven forced fumbles led all of college football with 14 games.
Texas Tech defensive back Jacob Rodriguez leaves the field before the game against Oklahoma State at Jones AT&T Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025. (Michael C. Johnson/Images)
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Rodriguez’s tape has gotten better over the season, and he’s probably not in the best shape yet as he considers a position change. But there’s no doubt his speed, aggressiveness, and high football IQ should translate to the NFL.
Will he be a first round pick? That remains to be seen, but he shouldn’t last long in the second round as someone who has established himself as a top prospect this year.
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