2026 NFL mock draft: Kiper's pick predictions for Rounds 1-2 - ESPN

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 from the three editions I did earlier this year. This time, I'm going two full rounds.

To make these predictions, I'm leaning on team needs, evaluations and what I'm hearing in conversations with execs, coaches and scouts around the NFL. This isn't what I would do; it's what I believe each team will do once on the clock. We know the No. 1 pick will be Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, but things get interesting very quickly from there. You'll notice some surprise late risers in both rounds. And to shake the picks up even more, I projected two in-draft trades — including one in the top 10.

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.

Let's get going with my NFL mock draft 4.0. Here are my predictions for the first 64 picks.

More on the 2026 NFL draft:
Kiper's Big Board | Latest mock drafts

Jump to:
Round 1 | Round 2
First trade | Second trade

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

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),