Mel Kiper Jr.Apr 15, 2026, 06:15 AM ETCloseMel Kiper Jr. has served as an NFL draft analyst for ESPN since 1984. He is a regular contributor on “SportsCenter,” ESPN studio shows and ESPN Radio. He is the co-host of the First Draft podcast, and he writes regularly for ESPN+.Follow on XMultiple Authors
play0:50Carnell Tate’s NFL draft profileCheck out some of the top highlights from Ohio State’s Carnell Tate.
play0:39Monroe Freeling’s NFL draft profileCheck out some of the top highlights from Georgia’s Monroe Freeling.
play0:56Max Iheanachor’s NFL draft profileCheck out some of the top highlights from Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor.
play0:47KC Concepcion’s NFL draft profileCheck out some of the top highlights from Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion.
play0:56Zachariah Branch’s NFL draft profileCheck out some of the top highlights from Georgia’s Zachariah Branch.
Mel Kiper Jr.: Fernando Mendoza won’t have to wait long to start for Raiders (0:38)Mel Kiper Jr. weighs in on the Raiders’ potential quarterback dynamic with Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza. (0:38)
Carnell Tate’s NFL draft profileCheck out some of the top highlights from Ohio State’s Carnell Tate.
Monroe Freeling’s NFL draft profileCheck out some of the top highlights from Georgia’s Monroe Freeling.
Max Iheanachor’s NFL draft profileCheck out some of the top highlights from Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor.
KC Concepcion’s NFL draft profileCheck out some of the top highlights from Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion.
Zachariah Branch’s NFL draft profileCheck out some of the top highlights from Georgia’s Zachariah Branch.
12. Cleveland Browns (via projected trade with DAL)
20. Cleveland Browns (via projected trade with DAL/GB)
30. Arizona Cardinals (via projected trade with MIA/DEN)
I have one more set of projections for you ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, which kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh with 32 first-round picks before continuing with Rounds 2-3 on April 24 and Rounds 4-7 on April 25. But my final mock draft for this cycle will be a little different than the three editions I did earlier this year. This time, I’m going two full rounds.
For more on these projections and this class in general, watch “NFL Draft Daily” on ESPN2 (3 p.m. ET every weekday) and listen to the “First Draft” podcast. And be sure to check out the final update to my personal Big Board rankings when the top-150 list drops next week.
Las Vegas could theoretically turn the draft card in now and start celebrating the landing of its new franchise quarterback. Mendoza is accurate with the football, can pick up the sticks with his legs when necessary and is able to execute any NFL-level throw. Considering the Raiders have been among the bottom five in QBR over the past five seasons (44.8), there’s no reason to overthink this. Let’s get to the Jets at No. 2, where the draft really starts.
I get the sense the Jets will take production over potential here in the great Bailey vs. Arvell Reese debate. New York was 31st in sacks last season with 26. It was 27th in pressure rate at 28.8%. Something has to change, and bringing in a player who led the FBS in pressure rate (20.2%) and tied for the lead in sacks (14.5) last season could do the trick. Bailey would be an instant-impact player off the edge for the Jets.
With both of the top edge rushers off the board, we could see a new No. 1 running back ahead of Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears and Michael Carter in Tennessee.
The Commanders need defensive help, and Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. would have to get a look. But they also have their pick of the receiver class. Tate is currently my No. 2 receiver behind Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, but he’s atop a lot of receiver boards around the league and doesn’t come with the same injury questions that Tyson does.
Paired with another Ohio State product in Terry McLaurin, Tate would bring clean route running, reliability and some big-play ability. He averaged 17.2 yards per catch last season en route to 875 yards and nine trips to the end zone. Considering the Commanders would be relying on Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown behind McLaurin, this makes sense.
Check out some of the top highlights from Ohio State’s Carnell Tate.
He has been buzzy this month, and while his tape is a little inconsistent, the traits are all there. Proctor could lock down the left tackle spot for an offensive line undergoing big alterations.
Check out some of the top highlights from Georgia’s Monroe Freeling.
Along with many evaluators, I’ve been projecting Thieneman to Minnesota since before the combine. There’s still uncertainty around Harrison Smith’s status, but it’s sort of irrelevant because the Vikings have to start planning for the future at safety whether or not Smith is back there in 2026. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores would have Thieneman lined up all over the place to create havoc. He can create turnovers (eight career interceptions), too.
Whether it’s two or three first-rounders for the Browns, they have to leave Day 1 with a new receiver. Their receivers caught four touchdowns all season in 2025. But put Boston opposite Jerry Jeudy, and things are looking up. After all, Boston had 11 touchdowns himself last season. His dependable hands and ability to box out defenders with his strength make the quarterback’s job a lot easier.
That sound you hear is the Chargers’ brain trust collectively slamming the war room table when the Steelers snagged Ioane one pick before they came on the clock. Los Angeles gave up 60 sacks last season, tied for the second most. A lot of that had to do with the injuries to tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, and the Chargers did make a few moves on the interior in free agency, but that still has to be a focus for the team at the draft.
Let’s pivot, though, to the interior on the other side of the ball. The Chargers signed Dalvin Tomlinson, but he’s 32 years old. Woods could be a long-term fixture at 3-technique. He’s as strong as they come, and he’d help plug the middle against the run and try to tap into his pass-rushing potential as he gets acclimated in the pros.
The Eagles don’t typically let future needs become current problems. General manager Howie Roseman is tactful in how he keeps the roster stocked with depth and future replacements. The question here, though, is whether Roseman will add the next in line behind receiver A.J. Brown (trade candidate) or offensive tackle Lane Johnson (turning 36). The value is better for the latter in this projection, and Miller is a perfect fit after playing over 3,500 snaps at right tackle in college.
Would the Bills consider another first-round cornerback after going with Maxwell Hairston in 2025? Would they continue to hammer the receiver position? Would they even consider a trade back if another team started seeing Ty Simpson fall?
All valid options for a perennial contender. But I have Buffalo taking a chance on a prospect with a ton of impressive physical traits and upside. Faulk is scheme-versatile, and he can make an impact in the pass rush and against the run. His production didn’t take the expected jump last season (he went from seven sacks in 2024 to only two in 2025), but getting him in the building with Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb could unlock his potential.
Check out some of the top highlights from Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor.
An already elite defense gets better. Houston can put Miller next to Sheldon Rankins on the interior to push the pocket and create more pass-rush opportunities outside for Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. The other option would be considering an offensive lineman, but it’d be a slight reach to go get someone on the interior. So, let’s keep this defense strong and replenished.
After opting for offense at No. 9, the Chiefs can use one of the picks they got back for Trent McDuffie to replace him. And after also losing Jaylen Watson in free agency, this cornerback room is really hurting for talent. Hood is long and physical, and he had 17 pass breakups over the past two seasons. Kansas City could still add to the position beyond Hood with one or two of its seven remaining picks outside Round 1.
The Kyler Murray era is over, but I’m not putting a lot of stock in Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew being anything more than bridge options. The Cardinals could absolutely wait until 2027 to find their next franchise QB, and this small trade up at the end of Round 1 wouldn’t keep them from doing so anyway. But there’s an opportunity for Arizona to land a talented passer at good value.
You might have heard that Simpson has started only 15 games, and that lack of experience is a concern. But he is also accurate, mobile and smart in the way he dissects opponent defenses. He threw 28 touchdown passes to only five interceptions last season. Why not take a swing at the most important position in the game?
Kenneth Walker III signed in Kansas City, and Zach Charbonnet is working back from a torn ACL. Price might not have been the RB1 at Notre Dame, but he can be one in the NFL. He’s powerful and fast, averaging 6.0 yards per carry over his career and scoring 11 touchdowns last season.
Allen is a three-down ‘backer who always seems to be around the ball because he anticipates so well. He racked up 97 tackles last season and flashed as a blitzer with 3.5 sacks. The Jets brought in Demario Davis this offseason, but he’s 37.
Down Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle since this time last year, the Dolphins will be sizing up this receiver class. Bernard has underrated speed (4.48) and superb hands, and new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik could get creative in how he uses him. Bernard had 862 yards and seven TDs as a pass catcher last season, but he also ran for 101 yards and two scores.
There’s certainly a chance Lawrence is off the board before Round 2 — he has risen the board quickly over the past month or so. He had seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss last season, showcasing real closing speed. Tennessee still has a need for edge rushing help, even after trading for Jermaine Johnson.