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

Editor's note: This mock draft was updated Tuesday morning after the Broncos traded the No. 30 pick to the Dolphins in a deal involving Jaylen Waddle. Pick Nos. 11, 13 and 30 all changed as a result.

A lot has happened since I made my last set of pick projections for the 2026 NFL draft. First, we watched hundreds of prospects work out at the combine in Indianapolis. Then, we saw a bunch of free agents sign for big money with new teams and alter roster needs around the league. And finally, we had a few changes in the Day 1 draft order. The Rams dealt their No. 29 selection to the Chiefs. Then the Broncos sent their No. 30 selection to the Dolphins. (The No. 14 pick was also set to go to the Raiders — before the Ravens backed out of the Maxx Crosby trade, keeping that pick in Baltimore.)

So with all that in mind, I'm rolling out an updated mock draft, predicting landing spots for 32 top prospects in Round 1. Things aren't final here — pro days, interviews and more offseason moves will still shake up the board a bit — but we're getting a much clearer picture of the early picks as we near the Raiders' first selection on April 23.

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

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

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Including the No. 1 selection in mock drafts is just a formality at this point. It's going to be Mendoza, and the Raiders have spent the past two weeks trying to clean up the surroundings for his arrival. The team's biggest signing was center Tyler Linderbaum on a massive three-year, $81 million deal; he will