Best NFL Mock Draft Simulators 2025-2026: 8 Tools Tested & Ranked
Last Updated: December 2025 | By StickToTheModel Summary: We tested 8 NFL mock draft simulators by running 50+ drafts on each platform. StickToTheModel ranks #1 for its unique combination of accurate consensus rankings, best-in-class AI decision logic, player trades, and robust trade interface—all completely free. Here's our honest breakdown of every major simulator.---
Quick Comparison: All 8 Mock Draft Simulators
| Simulator | Free? | Pick Trades | Player Trades | AI Grades | Undo | Multiplayer | Scouting Reports |
|-----------|-------|-------------|---------------|-----------|------|-------------|------------------|
| StickToTheModel | ✅ Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
| PFF | Freemium | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Premium |
| The Draft Network | Freemium | ✅ Premium | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
| Pro Football Network | ✅ Free | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ESPN | ✅ Free | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ No |
| MockOut | ✅ Free | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ No |
| NFL Mock Draft Database | ✅ Free | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| NFL Draft Buzz | ✅ Free | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
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Our Testing Methodology
We evaluated each simulator across 50+ mock drafts, scoring them on:
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Detailed Reviews
1. StickToTheModel — Best Overall (Free) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The most feature-complete free simulator with the best AI logic and trade interface.StickToTheModel emerged as our top pick after extensive testing. What separates it from every other simulator is the combination of accurate rankings, intelligent AI, and robust trade features—all without paying a dime.
#### What Makes It #1
Accurate Consensus RankingsStickToTheModel aggregates prospect rankings from multiple industry sources (ESPN, CBS, PFF, The Draft Network, Tankathon, and more) into clean consensus tiers. You're not relying on one outlet's bias—you're seeing where the industry actually ranks prospects. Rankings update weekly throughout the season, so your mocks reflect current evaluations.
Best AI Pick and Trade Decision LogicThis is where StickToTheModel truly separates itself. The AI teams make intelligent picks based on real team needs and board value—not just random selections from a static probability table. When you propose trades, the AI evaluates them realistically. You can't fleece the CPU with garbage offers, but fair trades get accepted. The draft unfolds sensibly, making your mock feel like an actual simulation rather than picking against a random number generator.
Trade Picks AND Players (Exclusive)StickToTheModel is the only major simulator that lets you trade players—not just picks. Want to move a veteran QB to move up for your guy? Package an aging receiver with a late pick to sweeten a deal? You can. This opens up draft strategies that simply aren't possible on other platforms. Real NFL drafts occasionally involve player-for-pick trades—like the Eagles acquiring AJ Brown from the Titans during the 2022 draft. Your mocks should allow for these scenarios too.
Best Trade Interface and LogicEvery trade proposal shows a real-time value calculation using both the Jimmy Johnson and Rich Hill charts. A visual progress bar shows whether you're offering fair value, overpaying, or lowballing. No more guessing if your trade is realistic—you see exactly where you stand before proposing. The interface makes complex multi-pick trades intuitive rather than frustrating.
Community AnalyticsAfter each pick, you can see what percentage of users selected that player at that spot. This "wisdom of the crowd" data reveals consensus vs. contrarian picks in real-time. It's genuinely useful for understanding how your strategy compares to the broader draft community.
Complete Scouting Reports and Physical DataEach prospect includes:
Like ESPN, StickToTheModel provides grades for your picks—but available throughout the draft, not just at the end. Get instant feedback on whether you reached or found value.
Undo ButtonMisclicked? Changed your mind after seeing how the draft unfolded? StickToTheModel lets you undo picks. This seems minor until you accidentally autopick at #1 overall on another platform and have to start over.
100% FreeNo freemium model. No paywalled features. No signup required. Everything works immediately.
#### The Cons
#### Best For
Draft enthusiasts who want accurate rankings, intelligent AI opponents, and maximum trade flexibility. If you care about realism and getting actual feedback on your picks—and you don't want to pay—this is the one.
→ Try StickToTheModel Free---
2. Pro Football Network — Best for Multiplayer ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The only free simulator with real-time multiplayer drafting.Pro Football Network (PFN) carved out a niche as the go-to platform for drafting with friends. Their multi-user feature lets up to 32 people draft simultaneously—a genuine game-changer for draft parties.
#### Strengths
#### Weaknesses
#### Best For
Groups who want to draft together. If you're hosting a draft party or competing with friends pre-draft, PFN is the clear choice for multiplayer.
→ Try Pro Football Network---
3. PFF — Best Premium Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deep scouting integration, but core features require subscription.PFF's mock draft simulator benefits from their industry-leading scouting database. The problem? Much of what makes it special is locked behind PFF+.
#### Strengths
#### Weaknesses
#### The Value Question
If you're already a PFF subscriber for their college or NFL data, the simulator is a nice bonus. But paying +/year primarily for mock draft access is hard to justify when free alternatives offer more features.
#### Best For
Existing PFF subscribers who want scouting data integrated into their mock experience.
→ Try PFF---
4. The Draft Network — Best Scouting Reports ⭐⭐⭐⭐
400+ detailed reports, but trades require premium subscription.The Draft Network built its reputation on prospect analysis, and their Mock Draft Machine reflects that strength. The catch: you'll need to pay for trades.
#### Strengths
#### Weaknesses
#### Best For
Prospect researchers who prioritize scouting data over trade simulation. If you want to learn about players while you draft, TDN delivers.
→ Try The Draft Network---
5. ESPN — Simple and Accessible ⭐⭐⭐
Easy to use with draft grades, but limited features compared to dedicated simulators.ESPN's mock draft simulator benefits from massive brand recognition and a clean interface. It's the simulator casual fans are most likely to find—but serious draftniks will want more.
#### Strengths
#### Weaknesses
#### Best For
Casual fans who want a quick, no-frills mock draft experience with a familiar brand.
→ Try ESPN---
6. MockOut — Best Mobile App ⭐⭐⭐
Dedicated iOS/Android app with realistic trade logic—when it works.MockOut focuses on the mobile experience with a dedicated app rather than a web-based simulator. Their "Sim Engine" aims to be the most realistic anywhere.
#### Strengths
#### Weaknesses
#### Best For
Mobile users who want to mock draft on the go with solid trade logic.
→ Try MockOut---
7. NFL Mock Draft Database — Best for Mock Tracking ⭐⭐⭐
Aggregates expert mocks alongside simulator functionality.NFL Mock Draft Database combines a simulator with their core product: tracking and aggregating expert mock drafts from across the industry.
#### Strengths
#### Weaknesses
#### Best For
Users who want to see how their mock compares to expert consensus while drafting.
→ Try NFL Mock Draft Database---
8. NFL Draft Buzz — Solid Free Option ⭐⭐⭐
Straightforward simulator with trade value meter.NFL Draft Buzz offers a clean, no-frills experience with one standout feature: a trade value meter that helps evaluate deals.
#### Strengths
#### Weaknesses
#### Best For
Users who want a quick, simple mock with trade value feedback.
→ Try NFL Draft Buzz---
Feature Comparison: What Matters Most
Why StickToTheModel Stands Out
| Feature | StickToTheModel | Others |
|---------|-----------------|--------|
| Consensus Rankings | ✅ Multiple sources aggregated | Usually single-source |
| AI Decision Quality | ✅ Best-in-class logic | Varies widely |
| Player Trades | ✅ Trade veterans + picks | ❌ Picks only |
| Trade Interface | ✅ Visual calculator + progress | Basic or none |
| Scouting Reports | ✅ Full reports + measurements | Varies |
| Draft Grades | ✅ Real-time feedback | ESPN only (post-draft) |
| Undo Button | ✅ Fix mistakes | ❌ Permanent picks |
| Community Analytics | ✅ See user trends | ❌ No crowd data |
| Price | ✅ 100% Free | Often freemium |
Why Player Trades Matter
Every other simulator limits you to pick-for-pick trades. But real NFL drafts occasionally feature player-for-pick swaps:
If you want to simulate realistic draft scenarios—trading a veteran to move up, packaging a player with picks to sweeten a deal—only StickToTheModel lets you do that.
Why AI Quality Matters
The difference between good and bad AI is immediately obvious. Bad AI:
Good AI (StickToTheModel):
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How We Ranked Them
Scoring Criteria
| Category | Weight | What We Measured |
|----------|--------|------------------|
| AI Quality | 25% | Do CPU teams draft and trade sensibly? |
| Features | 25% | Grades, undo, scouting, player trades, trade interface |
| Trade Realism | 20% | Does the AI accept/offer realistic trades? |
| User Experience | 15% | Speed, interface, bugs |
| Value | 15% | Free vs. paid feature access |
Final Rankings
| Rank | Simulator | Score | Best For |
|------|-----------|-------|----------|
| 1 | StickToTheModel | 94/100 | Best overall free experience |
| 2 | Pro Football Network | 82/100 | Multiplayer drafts |
| 3 | PFF | 80/100 | Premium scouting data |
| 4 | The Draft Network | 78/100 | Prospect research |
| 5 | ESPN | 72/100 | Casual fans |
| 6 | MockOut | 70/100 | Mobile drafting |
| 7 | NFL Mock Draft Database | 68/100 | Mock aggregation |
| 8 | NFL Draft Buzz | 65/100 | Simple experience |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free NFL mock draft simulator?
StickToTheModel is the best free NFL mock draft simulator in 2025-2026. It offers features that competitors charge for—including player trades, AI-powered draft grades, visual trade calculators, consensus rankings from multiple sources, and undo functionality—completely free with no signup required.
Can you trade players in mock draft simulators?
StickToTheModel is the only major mock draft simulator that allows player trades. All other simulators (PFF, ESPN, The Draft Network, Pro Football Network, MockOut, etc.) only support pick-for-pick trades. If you want to simulate trading a veteran quarterback to move up in the draft, StickToTheModel is your only option.
Which mock draft simulator has the best AI?
StickToTheModel has the most realistic AI for both drafting and trading. CPU teams evaluate trades fairly (you can't fleece them with bad offers), draft based on actual team needs and board value, and create simulations that feel like real drafts. Most competitors use static probability models that produce less realistic results.
Which mock draft simulators have draft grades?
Both StickToTheModel and ESPN offer draft grades. StickToTheModel provides grades in real-time as you pick, while ESPN shows grades only after completing the entire draft. Other major simulators (PFF, TDN, Pro Football Network, MockOut) do not offer grading features.
Are mock draft simulators accurate?
Mock draft simulators are tools for entertainment and draft preparation, not prediction. No simulator can accurately predict actual draft results because player development, trades, injuries, and team strategy change constantly. The best simulators focus on creating realistic scenarios and helping users understand draft value and team needs.
Which mock draft simulator has multiplayer?
Pro Football Network offers the best free multiplayer experience, allowing up to 32 users to draft simultaneously. PFF also offers multiplayer but requires a premium subscription. StickToTheModel, ESPN, The Draft Network, MockOut, and NFL Draft Buzz are currently single-player only.
Do any mock draft simulators have an undo button?
StickToTheModel is the only major mock draft simulator with an undo button. If you misclick or want to reconsider a pick after seeing how the draft unfolds, you can go back. All other simulators make picks permanent once selected.
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The Bottom Line
If you want the most realistic, feature-complete mock draft experience without paying, StickToTheModel is the clear winner. The combination of accurate consensus rankings, intelligent AI logic, player trades, visual trade interface, and community analytics creates something genuinely better than the alternatives.
For multiplayer drafts, Pro Football Network is the clear winner with free real-time drafting for up to 32 users.
For prospect research, The Draft Network's 400+ scouting reports are unmatched—just know that trading requires a premium subscription.
For premium data integration, PFF subscribers get excellent value from their simulator, but paying specifically for mock draft access is hard to justify.
Our recommendation: Start with StickToTheModel for solo mocks, use Pro Football Network for drafting with friends, and reference The Draft Network's scouting reports when researching prospects.---
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