2026 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper unveils first mock draft, predictions for all 32 picks in first round

The first 2026 NFL Mock Draft from ESPN’s Mel Kiper is here now that the College Football Playoff is in the books. Indiana won the national title and it’s easy to see where the No. 1 pick is going.

Quarterbacks don’t dominate the first 32 picks here. But there are plenty of elite players to go around for needs and wants.

So without further ado, let’s dive into Kiper’s latest predictions. We start with the first pick in the draft.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB – Indiana

Mel Kiper put Mendoza in Las Vegas with the top selection after he won a Heisman and national championship. Mendoza saved his best for last too: 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 72% completion percentage.

The Raiders need a big reset in a massive way and what better way to start than at QB? They still need to hire a head coach though.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB – Ohio State

With Dante Moore (QB, Oregon) returning to school, Kiper went defense here for the Jets. New York needs, pretty much, everything again.

Reese is a good first step on defense. Arguably the best linebacker in the game, he’s a Day 1 starter for Aaron Glenn’s defensive unit.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT – Miami

The Cardinals need to protect whatever QB they decide to start under center in 2026. So start with the top offensive lineman in the draft, per Kiper.

Mauigoa has 41 career starts in college and is a solid pass protector and run blocker. Being versatile is his speciality!

4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, OLB – Texas Tech

Bailey broke out this year, if he didn’t already, helping Texas Tech win the Big 12 and make the College Football Playoff. New head coach Robert Saleh won’t be able to pass up on this potential pick.

This is Kiper’s second best defender per the mock. Bailey had 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss this past season for the Red Raiders.

5. New York Giants: Carnell Tate, WR – Ohio State

John Harbaugh already won the press conference and now he can win the draft, at least in the first round. Giving Jaxson Dart a WR like Tate next to Malik Nabers is awesome.

A young and exciting offense is just what the Giants need. Kiper has the best available receiver going to New York in this mock draft.

6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT – Utah

Like the Cardinals, the Browns need to protect whatever quarterback they trot out there in 2026. Fano is the next man up for Kiper’s mock draft.

Over 37 college games, Fano only gave up four sacks in his career. He played both left and right tackle, so you might as well start him right away!

7. Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain Jr., DE – Miami

Bain just feels like a Commander doesn’t he? He feels like a Dan Quinn type of player going into the 2026 season.

Kiper has him as a top 10 pick in this mock draft and Bain comes in with credentials. He had 9.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss for the Hurricanes this year, helping them get to the national championship.

8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR – Arizona State

Chris Olave is only under contract for one more year, so the Saints need to be prepared. Tyson was dominat at Arizona State. 

Either way, Kiper knows Kellen Moore’s offense needs more weapons for QB Tyler Shough. Tyson fits the bill as WR1, finishing his last two seasons with 136 catches, 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB – Notre Dame

It’s time to beef up the backfield behind Patrick Mahomes. Mel Kiper is feeling the “Love” in the top 10 here and it seems hard to judge even a top running back. What’s the value?

Pretty darn good for Andy Reid’s offense we’d say! Loe actually reeled in 63 catches in his career, so he’s versatile. He ran for 2,882 yards, 36 touchdowns and 6.7 yards per carry in his career.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S – Ohio State

One of the best overall defenders in college football won’t fall out of the top 10 per Kiper. He has him in the mold of a prime Jamal Adams, the only other safety to go in the top 10 during the common draft era.

The Bengals desperately need to fix the defense and Downs could help right away. He doesn’t have too many picks, two per season, but he’s an elite tackle, cover defense back and leader. Take him!

Mel Kiper reveals first NFL Draft predictions of 2026

11. Miami Dolphins: Keldric Faulk, DE – Auburn
12. Dallas Cowboys: Sonny Styles, LB – Ohio State
13. Los Angeles Rams: Jermod McCoy, CB – Tennessee
14. Baltimore Ravens: Makai Lemon, WR – USC
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE – Oregon
16. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB – Alabama
17. Detroit Lions: Vega Ioane, G – Penn State
18. Minnesota Vikings: Mansoor Delane, CB – LSU
19. Carolina Panthers: CJ Allen, LB – Georgia
20. Dallas Cowboys: Akheem Mesidor, DE – Miami
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Boston, WR – Washington
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Woods, DT – Clemson
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Avieon Terrell, CB – Clemson
24. Cleveland Browns: Zachariah Branch, WR – Georgia
25. Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT – Ohio State
26. Buffalo Bills: Chris Brazzell II, WR – Tennessee
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT – Utah
28. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, OT/G – Alabama
29. Los Angeles Rams: Monroe Freeling, OT/G – Georgia
30. Denver Broncos: Caleb Banks, DT – Florida
31. New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, OLB – Texas A&M
32. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Cisse, CB – South Carolina