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

We asked four NFL draft analysts -- Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates -- to make picks in the first three rounds. Where do the top prospects land?

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:39am

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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.

Why it matters

This mock draft provides an inside look at how top NFL talent evaluators would approach the 2026 draft, rather than just predicting what they think will happen. It offers unique insights into how the analysts would build their teams through the first three rounds.

The details

The analysts 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.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place on April 23-25, 2026.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

A quarterback prospect from Indiana University who the Raiders selected with the first overall pick in the mock draft.

Arvell Reese

An edge rusher from Ohio State who the Jets selected with the second overall pick.

Francis Mauigoa

An offensive tackle from the University of Miami who the Cardinals selected with the third overall pick.

David Bailey

An edge rusher from Texas Tech who the Titans selected with the fourth overall pick.

Jeremiyah Love

A running back from Notre Dame who the Giants selected with the fifth overall pick.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This mock draft provides a unique glimpse into how top NFL talent evaluators would approach building their teams through the first three rounds of the 2026 draft, offering valuable insights into their decision-making process and the top prospects they have identified.