How DKDB Works

This page explains how DKDB mocks are selected and what standards guide the curation process.

What DKDB Is

DKDB is an NFL mock draft database curated by Lou Pickney, an independent NFL draft analyst since 2003.

That database is a curated index of the most thoughtful, high signal NFL mock drafts published across the draft community. Instead of listing every mock that appears online, DKDB focuses on the analysts and projections that demonstrate real methodology, consistent reasoning, and meaningful insight.

The goal is simple: help fans find the mocks that are worth their time.

In short, DKDB is a human‑curated index of the most credible NFL mock drafts, updated regularly by Lou Pickney, designed to help fans quickly find serious, high‑effort mocks.

Why DKDB Exists

The mock draft ecosystem is massive. Every cycle brings hundreds of new mocks, wildly different levels of quality, AI generated noise, content farms, rushed updates, and inconsistent methodology. Most fans do not want all of it; they want the good stuff.

DKDB solves that problem by filtering the landscape and highlighting the mocks that show real thought, structure, and expertise.

How DKDB Selects Mocks

Every mock included on DKDB is chosen through a consistent editorial process. The goal is not to reward big names; it is to surface high quality work.

Analyst Track Record

DKDB prioritizes analysts who demonstrate consistent accuracy across cycles, thoughtful methodology, clear reasoning behind picks, and a history of serious draft coverage. This includes both established voices and rising analysts who show strong process.

Methodology and Process

Mocks are evaluated on how well the analyst explains their picks, whether the mock reflects team needs and tendencies, how the analyst handles positional value, and whether the mock is more than a list of names. High signal mocks show their work.

When deciding whether to include a mock, DKDB looks for:

• Effort and Intent

DKDB excludes low effort mocks, content farm output, AI generated drafts, mocks with no reasoning or context, and projections clearly designed for clicks rather than insight. The goal is to highlight analysts who take the work seriously.

• Update Cadence

Mocks are included when they reflect current information, show meaningful updates, and incorporate new data such as combine results, free agency, and trades. Stale or abandoned mocks are removed.

• Editorial Judgment

DKDB is not an algorithm. It is a curated list shaped by human judgment. If a mock feels thoughtful, well constructed, and grounded in real analysis, it is considered for inclusion, regardless of the analyst’s size or platform.

What DKDB Does Not Do

To protect the work of analysts and maintain trust, DKDB avoids practices that harm creators.

DKDB does not reproduce full mock drafts, scrape content, summarize paywalled work, replace the analyst’s site, use AI to generate mocks, or list every mock published online. Every listing links directly to the original source. DKDB exists to send readers to analysts, not take traffic from them.

Why DKDB Is Selective

Curation only works when it is intentional. Listing every mock would dilute the value of the index, overwhelm readers, reward low effort content, and make it harder to find the best work. By staying selective, DKDB keeps the focus on quality.

How Often DKDB Updates

DKDB updates regularly during the early cycle, more frequently as the draft approaches, and daily during peak season. Updates include adding new high quality mocks, removing outdated ones, adjusting analyst tiers, and highlighting notable changes. This ensures the index reflects the current draft landscape.

Who Curates DKDB

DKDB is curated by Lou Pickney, a long‑time NFL draft analyst, who evaluates mocks based on methodology, reasoning, track record, consistency, and insight.

Pickney's commentary on YouTube provides additional context on why certain mocks are included, what makes an analyst trustworthy, how he evaluates trends, and what he looks for in high signal projections. The site and the channel work together to give fans a clear, thoughtful view of the mock draft ecosystem.

What DKDB Aims to Be

DKDB’s mission is to become the most trusted, human curated guide to NFL mock drafts, a place where fans can quickly find the mocks that matter, understand why they are included, and follow the analysts who consistently deliver insight.

Each DKDB page is meant to be a hub for high‑quality mocks for a given draft year, not a replacement for the analysts’ own work.

In a world flooded with content, DKDB highlights the work that stands out.

Last Updated: February 2026

DKDB: Curated 2026 NFL Mock Drafts - Updated daily. Curation by Lou Pickney.
MORE: What Is DKDB? | About Lou Pickney | Home