2026 NFL mock draft: Kiper, Miller, Reid, Yates on Rounds 1-3

To kick off April, we put our four NFL draft analysts to the test with something new — a three-round, rotating 2026 mock draft. Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates took turns making selections through the top 100 picks — Kiper kicked us off with the Raiders, followed by Miller, Reid and Yates, before swinging back around to Mel.

But we added a twist to this mock draft. This isn’t a straight prediction of how things will play out. Our analysts leaned more heavily on what they would personally do at each slot, playing more of a general manager role for all 32 teams, rather than projecting what they think will ultimately happen. They used their personal rankings to guide them, along with the latest buzz in the scouting industry. (No potential trades were made in this exercise, and each analyst made 25 selections.)

Here are all 100 picks, and be sure to check out “NFL Draft Daily” for more (Thursday, 3 p.m. ET, ESPN2). (Compensatory picks are marked with an asterisk.)

Jump to a round: 1 | 2 | 3

More NFL draft coverage:
Each analyst’s top prospects
Latest mock drafts | Scouting reports

ROUND 1

Kiper’s pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Should we just start mock drafts at No. 2 at this point? The Raiders need a quarterback solution, and Mendoza has the tools to be a franchise guy. Lock it in.

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Miller’s pick: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

I have the Jets opting for the upside of Reese over the proven production of Texas Tech’s David Bailey. Reese has double-digit sack potential in the NFL and can be a versatile player for coach Aaron Glenn.

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Reid’s pick: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Cardinals signed Elijah Wilkinson, but that shouldn’t keep them from drafting a long-term solution at right tackle. Mauigoa is a plug-and-play starter and my top tackle in the class.

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Yates’ pick: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

Tennessee’s busy offseason has beefed up the pass rush, but Bailey — who tied for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks in 2025 — would give the roster a young rusher to build around.

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Kiper’s pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

I know, I know. Kiper doesn’t like early-pick running backs. But Love is so much more than just a running back. He’s a dynamic playmaker who could elevate Jaxson Dart and this Giants offense to another level.

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Miller’s pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

My top-ranked wide receiver in the class goes to the Browns, who are undergoing a youth movement at the skill positions. Lemon can create space for himself and knows how to vary his routes.

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Reid’s pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The instincts and versatility of Downs would immediately help a Washington defense that gave up an average of 8.1 yards per pass attempt last season (third worst in the NFL). He is a consistent tackler with great ball skills.

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Yates’ pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Is linebacker a pressing need for the Saints? No, not after they brought back Kaden Elliss. But I wouldn’t let the exceptional Styles — who is No. 5 on my board — slide any further.

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Kiper’s pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Yes, Travis Kelce is back in Kansas City. But he’s turning 37 next season, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes needs playmakers in this offense. Sadiq is as explosive and versatile as they come.

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Miller’s pick: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

DJ Turner II and Dax Hill are talented, but Delane would be an upgrade on the outside, where he can win at the line of scrimmage with great quickness and instincts.

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Reid’s pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are gone. But Tate’s route running ability, sure hands and range as a pass catcher would give quarterback Malik Willis a go-to WR1 and would provide a boost to the Dolphins’ lacking receiver room.

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Yates’ pick: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

The mission to fix the Cowboys’ defense should start with the addition of Bain. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year has hands of destruction that will travel to the NFL, and he had 9.5 sacks last season for the Hurricanes.

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Kiper’s pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

This might not seem like a need on paper, with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams eating up targets in the Rams’ offense. But there isn’t much behind them on the depth chart, and Los Angeles reportedly explored trading the 33-year-old Adams this offseason. Tyson is my WR1 and a great value here.

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Miller’s pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Marlon Humphrey is on the decline, and Nate Wiggins is still a little unproven. McCoy, meanwhile, would have been CB1 in this class had he not lost a season to a torn ACL.

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Reid’s pick: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

The Bucs are still in need of pass rushers off the edge, and Mesidor is a high-effort pressure generator who can step into the rotation right away.

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Yates’ pick: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Cooper solidified his status as a first-round pick with a breakout 2025 season that included 13 receiving touchdowns, an average of 7.3 yards after catch and numerous clutch plays. He would pair well with Garrett Wilson.

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Kiper’s pick: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Regardless of which side Penei Sewell plays next season, the Lions need a long-term answer at the other offensive tackle spot. Freeling started just 18 games in college, but he’s long and quick, and his ceiling is high.

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Miller’s pick: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

This might be the second-most predicted pick in mock drafts behind Mendoza to the Raiders. Thieneman can be a smooth-moving replacement for longtime Vikings safety Harrison Smith.

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Reid’s pick: Spencer Fano, OT/G, Utah

Fano can play all five spots up front, and he could even fill in at center as a rookie prior to moving to another spot after his first season. He’s light on his feet and plays with urgency.

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Yates’ pick: Zion Young, Edge, Missouri

A double dip at edge in the first round for Dallas? Why not? A dominant pass rush unlocks any defense, and this would be the Cowboys’ third major investment at the position this offseason (Bain at No. 12 and the trade for Rashan Gary).

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Kiper’s pick: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

Let’s assume Aaron Rodgers is coming back to town and wait on the QBs. Instead, here is the Steelers’ Isaac Seumalo replacement. Ioane is a powerful people mover who hasn’t allowed a sack since 2023.

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Miller’s pick: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

This is a bit of a projection, but the 20-year-old Faulk has untapped potential (seven sacks the past two seasons). I see elite strength, movement and length along with alignment versatility on the D-line.

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Reid’s pick: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

Lane Johnson missed eight games last season, which caused the Eagles’ offensive line to take a big step back. Iheanachor is a high-upside right tackle who could provide a succession plan at that spot.

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Yates’ pick: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

I’m dubious that Proctor will fall to this point in Round 1, and I wrote last week that he could even sneak into the top 10 by April 23. But in this exercise, the Browns can fill their other top need with the gigantic Proctor after taking Lemon at No. 6.

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Kiper’s pick: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Best player available and checking off a need — that’s a win late in Round 1. At his best, Woods is a penetrating 3-technique who would help the Bears’ run defense (5.0 yards allowed per carry, 29th) and pass rush (35 sacks, tied for 22nd).

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Miller’s pick: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Predraft hamstring issues aside, Terrell has high-end ability as an inside or outside cornerback and plays with the toughness and feistiness the Bills love at the position.

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Reid’s pick: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Concepcion is tailor-made for the Kyle Shanahan offense, as he’s an explosive YAC receiver who can align at multiple spots and is capable of running any route on the route tree.

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Yates’ pick: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Houston could use more youth at defensive tackle, and McDonald was the best at his position against the run in 2025. His sturdy frame and power make him a tough player to move around.

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Kiper’s pick: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

I have both Chiefs picks in Round 1, and since I went offense with the first, I have to go cornerback here. Cisse makes plays on the ball and could help replace Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

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Miller’s pick: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Miami is continuing to remake its secondary, and McNeil-Warren’s length and downhill ability would make new coach Jeff Hafley very happy.

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Reid’s pick: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

The Patriots must keep adding quality pass rushers — they had 35 sacks last season, tied for 22nd in the league — and Howell is an explosive pressure generator who can close on QBs in a hurry.

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Yates’ pick: R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma

Seattle’s defense reminds us of the importance of waves of pass rushers. Thomas is relentless and can really bend the edge around tackles.

ROUND 2

Kiper’s pick: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

There isn’t as much risk in taking Simpson — who had just 15 career starts, all in 2025 — in Round 2. The Jets can roll Geno Smith out and let Simpson develop a bit. I like his pocket presence and accuracy, but he will need some time.

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Miller’s pick: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson

Kiper sniped my quarterback target, but we’ll happily take the edge-setting ability and consistent power of Parker along Arizona’s defensive front.

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Reid’s pick: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

A big-bodied ball winner on the outside who runs good routes, Boston fits perfectly in a Brian Daboll-led offense that needs young playmakers around second-year QB Cam Ward.

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Yates’ pick: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

The Raiders will move to more of a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Rob Leonard, which will require disciplined and sturdy defensive linemen for the interior. Miller is exactly that.

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Kiper’s pick: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

Allen is my No. 23 prospect, and the Giants could pop him in next to Tremaine Edmunds at off-ball linebacker. He does a little bit of everything, from chasing down ball carriers to blitzing from the second level.

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Miller’s pick: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

The Texans look set at tackle after adding Braden Smith but need to get better on the inside. Bisontis is a mauler in the run game.

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Reid’s pick: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

Teven Jenkins shouldn’t keep the Browns from adding another guard to their offensive line overhaul, as Pregnon is a physical tone-setter with immediate starter upside.

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Yates’ pick: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

The Chiefs have Jaylon Moore as a veteran to anchor the right side for now, but he’s on an expiring deal. It would be great value to land Miller at this point of the draft.

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Kiper’s pick: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

Branch is 5-foot-9 and 177 pounds, but he’s lightning quick (4.35-second 40-yard dash) and does damage after the catch. He’d be yet another playmaker for Joe Burrow alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

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Miller’s pick: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Hood’s length and coverage IQ would solve the hole at cornerback caused by Alontae Taylor‘s departure in free agency.

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Reid’s pick: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Dolphins get the steal of the draft here, as Lomu would transition to right tackle and give Miami a pair of bookend offensive tackles (with Patrick Paul) for the foreseeable future.

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Yates’ pick: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

The Jets can continue to check off needs with their four top-50 picks, taking a cornerback after trading away Sauce Gardner last season. Johnson blazed a 4.40-second 40 at the combine.

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Kiper’s pick: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech

Even after the John Simpson signing, the Ravens’ interior could use some attention at the draft. Rutledge allowed just two sacks across 43 career starts.

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Miller’s pick: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

The retirement of Lavonte David was expected but still leaves a hole. Hill is an ideal weakside prospect who can produce in the pass rush and pass coverage.

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Reid’s pick: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF

Edge rusher is one of the Colts’ top needs. And despite not picking in Round 1, they can check a box here. Lawrence is a long and physical edge setter with excellent bend and closing speed.

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Yates’ pick: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

Atlanta’s first pick is a big swing on Banks, who has top-20 talent but was limited to just 90 snaps in 2025. He recently underwent foot surgery and is expected to be shelved from full football activity until June.

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Kiper’s pick: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

Aaron Jones Sr. is 31 years old, and Jordan Mason hasn’t made the jump to clear RB1. Neither is signed beyond 2026. And Price is a powerful runner with enough speed to cut and go.

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Miller’s pick: Jaishawn Barham, Edge, Michigan

Detroit goes down the road to get a sudden defender who is still ascending after moving from linebacker to a full-time edge rusher role. Barham could help fill the void opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

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Reid’s pick: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Devin Lloyd was a huge signing, but the Panthers still need significant linebacker upgrades. Rodriguez would be another instinctive second-level playmaker.

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Yates’ pick: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Green Bay will have some 3-4 elements under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon; Hunter has the right skill set to anchor a run defense.

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Kiper’s pick: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

Not enough value on the QB3 candidates here, so I’m going to continue building up the rest of the offense. Brazzell is 6-foot-4 with 4.37 speed and really good hands. DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and Brazzell could be a dangerous pass-catching trio.

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Miller’s pick: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

Wide receiver A.J. Brown‘s future is in question, but the Eagles need a WR3 no matter what happens with Brown after June 1. Bernard could do a little bit of everything in the Philly offense.

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Reid’s pick: Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky

I think Farmer will be picked higher than expected; he didn’t allow any sacks over 12 games last season. The Chargers have a need at both guard spots, and he would compete with Cole Strange and Trevor Penning inside.

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Yates’ pick: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

A tone-setter at linebacker, Trotter would help Jacksonville fill the vacancy created by Devin Lloyd’s departure in free agency. He had 183 tackles over the past two seasons.

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Kiper’s pick: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State

Dennis-Sutton had 17 sacks over the past two years, and his 53 pressures in 2025 ranked 10th in the country. That’s the sort of juice the Bears need off the edge.

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Miller’s pick: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

Tiernan is exactly the type of savvy, experienced tackle prospect the 49ers need to prepare for life after Trent Williams.

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Reid’s pick: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

Golday checks a lot of the Texans’ boxes, as he’s a highly athletic, physical presence with a lot of upside once he settles into a permanent spot.

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Yates’ pick: Kyle Louis, S/LB, Pittsburgh

The Bears are focused on adding speed to their defense this offseason, which Louis could help with at linebacker or safety.

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Kiper’s pick: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

I checked, and the Rams apparently are allowed to add cornerbacks who didn’t play for the Chiefs in 2025. Ponds is undersized at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, but he’s explosive and will generate takeaways (seven INTs over three seasons).

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Miller’s pick: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

Evan Engram was added last offseason to be the Broncos’ “Joker” tight end, but he’ll be 32 years old. Stowers dazzled at the combine and could be a good fit in Denver.

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Reid’s pick: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois

We’ll double up on edge rushers in New England, as Jacas is an NFL-ready run defender who has the traits to be a consistent pressure generator.

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Yates’ pick: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami

Coach Mike Macdonald is a master at maximizing a defensive back’s strengths. He would easily tap into Scott’s versatile playmaking, which led to 5.0 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2025.

ROUND 3

Kiper’s pick: Carson Beck, QB, Miami

Beck sees the field well and can get the ball out quickly and accurately, and Arizona could let him learn behind Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. I like this flier, but it also crucially wouldn’t prevent the Cards from going back to the QB well next year in a deeper class.

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Miller’s pick: Gennings Dunker, OT/G, Iowa

The Titans are solid at tackle, but Dunker would be a plug-and-play upgrade at right guard. He’d help with Cam Ward’s protection.

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Reid’s pick: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn

Bell has plenty of alignment versatility and showcases the consistent hands to be a reliable contributor early in his career. Fernando Mendoza will need more playmakers.

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Yates’ pick: Keyron Crawford, Edge, Auburn

Crawford is a supercharged athlete who finished fourth in the SEC in pressures this past season (41). The Eagles are always on the hunt for toolsy pass rushers.

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Kiper’s pick: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

I love Rivers’ fast route recognition and surprising physicality for a 185-pound player. The Texans’ secondary is stacked, but Rivers would provide depth both inside and outside.

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Miller’s pick: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State

Abney is sudden, fast and feisty, and he could play in the slot or on the outside for Cleveland. He had five interceptions over the past two seasons.

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Reid’s pick: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

Hurst matches perfectly with the consistent deep throwing of quarterback Jayden Daniels and could boost a Washington passing game that lacked explosive plays in 2025.

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Yates’ pick: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

Cincinnati must address its defensive tackle depth. “Big Citrus” is a powerful, explosive nose tackle to aid in that area.

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Kiper’s pick: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

Bell is coming off a torn ACL, but he could be a reliable target opposite Chris Olave once fully healthy. He is great in 50-50 situations, and with his physicality at 6-foot-2 and 222 pounds, he can win over the middle.

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Miller’s pick: Romello Height, Edge, Texas Tech

Kansas City can’t get out of the first three rounds without an edge rusher. Height plays with urgency and violent hands.

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Reid’s pick: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan

Moore is an ascending, high-effort pass rusher who can play a significant number of snaps early even as he continues to develop. Miami cut Bradley Chubb and needs a burst off the edge.

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Yates’ pick: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

Pittsburgh has long had room for physical safeties with plus ball skills. Haulcy fits that bill with crunching strength and eight interceptions over the past two seasons.

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Kiper’s pick: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

The Cade Otton re-signing shouldn’t keep Tampa Bay from looking at this tight end class. Delp — my No. 2 tight end — is a big target at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, and he is solid after the catch.

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Miller’s pick: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

There’s a hole in the middle of Indianapolis’ offensive line, and I think Hecht is the best center in the class.

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Reid’s pick: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

Igbinosun is a big, physical presence who will need to limit his handsy nature, but he has the potential to be an eventual starting CB2 at the next level.

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Yates’ pick: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

Fields would give the Ravens a much different style of wideout than Zay Flowers. Fields has vise-grip hands (one drop in 2025) and contested-catch ability, but his speed is just average.

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Kiper’s pick: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

Here’s a buzzy name: Halton has risen boards since running a 4.82-second 40 at the combine at 293 pounds. He had 10.5 tackles for loss and 16 run stops last season and could plug the middle in Jacksonville.

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Miller’s pick: Connor Lew, C, Auburn

Ryan Kelly‘s retirement this offseason leaves an opening at center. Lew is coming off an ACL injury but has high-end starter traits.

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Reid’s pick: Logan Jones, C, Iowa

Jones is more of an insurance pick at center in the short term but could give the Panthers a potential long-term answer in the middle of the front.

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Yates’ pick: Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona

A versatile defensive back who can fit into any scheme, Stukes posted four interceptions in 2025 and then cruised to a 4.33-second 40 at the combine.

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Kiper’s pick: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

OK, the QB board is finally lining up for the Steelers. Allar is coming off that ankle injury, but he has upside. And he has the size we’ve seen under center in Pittsburgh; at 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, his frame reminds of Ben Roethlisberger. If Aaron Rodgers is back, Allar can learn from a legend. If not, he could potentially compete with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.

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Miller’s pick: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

The Chargers’ biggest remaining need is at cornerback, and Muhammad has the speed and length to be an effective outside starter.

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Reid’s pick: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia

One noticeable trend of Miami’s offseason has been signing bigger cornerbacks. That describes the 6-foot-1, 196-pound Everette, who is a high-end athlete with starter upside down the road.

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Yates’ pick: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

I fully expect general manager James Gladstone to be a value-over-needs drafter. And Thompson is electric, leading the SEC with 1,054 receiving yards in 2025 and running a 4.26 40 at the combine.

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Kiper’s pick: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

The Bears traded DJ Moore, so adding another pass catcher on Day 2 makes sense. Williams had an 11-touchdown season in 2024.

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Miller’s pick: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

Miami has changed its offensive philosophy, and an in-line tight end is needed on the roster (Greg Dulcich is the TE1 at the moment). Klare can do it all, with 448 yards last season.

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Reid’s pick: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC

Quarterback Josh Allen needs more playmakers, and Lane is a long-striding ball winner on the outside who has loads of potential as an explosive, down-the-field target.

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Yates’ pick: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

Neal is a long, smooth corner who will help fill Dallas’ need at that spot. He’s a steady tackler who ran a 4.49 at the combine.

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Kiper’s pick: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Nussmeier makes a lot of sense in Los Angeles. He wasn’t fully healthy in 2025, and his play suffered. But the Rams can let him learn behind Matthew Stafford and evaluate him over the course of the year. And putting aside the future for a moment, let’s remember that Stetson Bennett IV is the only other passer on the L.A. roster right now behind Stafford.

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Miller’s pick: TJ Hall, CB, Iowa

As Jordan mentioned earlier, Miami’s new-look secondary needs big outside cornerbacks. He gave Daylen Everette to the Dolphins. I’m giving them Hall, who lacks high-end speed but has teach-tape technique.

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Reid’s pick: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

Lance is a sudden vertical threat who has easy speed and posted 2,139 yards and 25 touchdown catches over the past two seasons. He would provide quarterback Drake Maye with a pass catcher who strikes fear into defenses.

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Yates’ pick: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

After Kenneth Walker III signed with Kansas City, Seattle’s running back need can be addressed by Washington. He rushed for over 1,000 yards during his lone season at Arkansas and smashed the combine.

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Kiper’s pick: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

The Jalen Nailor role behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is open for applicants in the Minnesota offense, and Stribling is fresh off his second straight 800-plus-yard season.

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Miller’s pick: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

Philly needs an upgrade at tight end with Dallas Goedert on the decline and set to be a free agent in 2027. Trigg has the speed and power to be a starter-level player.

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Reid’s pick: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

Jackson fits the Steelers’ prototype, as he’s a massive first-level defender who can play in a multiple-front defense and has the power to withstand at the point of attack.

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Yates’ pick: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

This is another value pick for Jacksonville, which lands a player whose range and ball skills really show up on tape. Nice way to cap off Day 2.