Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN's longtime NFL draft analyst, recently released updated mock drafts for the 2026 NFL Draft, reflecting changes from free agency and the scouting combine. His latest projections, from mid-March 2026, keep Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 pick to the Las Vegas Raiders while reshuffling the top 10 due to team needs.[1][2][4]
Kiper's post-free agency mock includes these Round 1 selections:[2]
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Vegas Raiders | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana | |
| 2 | New York Jets | Bailey (Texas) | Unknown | Texas | |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals | Ar Reese | Unknown | Ohio | |
| 4 | Tennessee Titans | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame | |
| 5 | New York Giants | Downs | Unknown | Ohio | |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns | Monroeeling | Unknown | Georgia | |
| 7 | Washington | ny Styles | LB | State | |
| 8 | New Orleans Saints | ell Tate | WR | State | |
| 9 | Kansas City Chiefs | uben Bain | EDGE | Miami | |
| 10 | Cincinnati Bengals | Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU | [2] |
In early April 2026, Kiper participated in an ESPN "Mega Mock" where he built a dream team, prioritizing Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love early and selecting Miami QB Carson Beck last. Comparisons with other analysts like Charles Davis show alignment on top picks like Mendoza and Reese. The 2026 NFL Draft is set for late April in Pittsburgh.[3][6][2]
With the 2026 NFL draft less than three weeks away, we're beginning to get a little clarity about how the opening round might unfold. Nothing is certain at this point, of course, and it only takes one trade or surprise pick to create chaos. However, the first couple of picks, at least, may be settled.
bleacherreport.comWhere will national title game standouts Fernando Mendoza and Akheem Mesidor land in Round 1? And could we really see six WRs in the opening 32 picks?
www.espn.comIn the aftermath of the scouting combine and free agency, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. dropped his latest 2026 NFL mock draft with some notable changes at the top.
bleacherreport.com.
www.on3.comOffered the opportunity to build a team through the 2026 NFL draft, ESPN expert Mel Kiper Jr. prioritized Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
bleacherreport.com