2026 NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper's pick predictions for Round 1 - ESPN

More than 300 prospects will be in Indianapolis this week for the combine, but only 32 of them will ultimately go in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft on April 23. Let's project those picks with my second mock draft for this cycle.

You'll notice some similarities to my January predictions; there hasn't been a ton of movement on the board quite yet. But I suspect we will have some big risers during combine workouts, and remember that NFL team needs will change quickly during free agency in March, shaking up the first round. I'm not projecting any trades in this mock draft, but four selections have already changed hands: The Rams have the Falcons' selection, the Jets have the Colts' selection, the Cowboys have the Packers' selection and the Browns have the Jaguars' selection.

Here's my current thinking on how Round 1 could look based on what I'm hearing from execs, scouts and coaches in the league. And for more, check out «NFL Draft Daily» at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2 all week long.

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

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

I won't waste a lot of time here: Mendoza to the Raiders seems pretty obvious at this point. The Geno Smith trade didn't solve the post-Derek Carr quarterback problem in Las Vegas, and new coach Klint Kubiak will want a signal-caller to build his offense around. Mendoza is the No. 1 prospect on my board and far and away the best QB in the class. He is competitive and precise with his ball location.

If the Raiders bring in a receiver or two during free agency and maybe shore up the O-line a bit, this offense could take a step forward with Mendoza, Kubiak, running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers.

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

This would be the