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

It's an exciting time in the football calendar, with the College Football Playoff National Championship game — congrats to Indiana on an amazing season — and the NFL playoffs' conference championship games falling within a week's time. It's also when we really start to ramp up the NFL draft discussion, and I'm taking the opportunity to release my first mock draft for the 2026 class.

There is only one clear first-round quarterback, followed by a few other passers who could join. (I projected two QBs on Day 1 here.) But we should see a bunch of talented pass catchers — the offensive skill positions make up a quarter of my 32 pick projections below — and impact defenders.

The draft order is set for the first 28 picks, and I used ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) for the Broncos, Patriots, Rams and Seahawks, who, of course, still have some football to play before their slots lock in. I didn't project any trades quite yet, but four first-round picks already have been dealt to other teams. 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.

One thing to remember before I dive in: The predraft process commences with the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Panini Senior Bowl over the next two weeks, before continuing with the combine, pro days, private workouts and team interviews. We still have NFL free agency and the trade market to sort out. Heck, six teams don't even have head coaches yet. The point is, it's very early, and a lot is going to change.

OK, let's kick this off with the No. 1 prospect on my board going to the Raiders.

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

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana