Author: Mel Kiper Jr.

Mel Kiper Jr.Mar 5, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

CloseMel Kiper Jr. has served as an NFL draft analyst for ESPN since 1984. He is a regular contributor on “SportsCenter,” ESPN studio shows and ESPN Radio. He is the co-host of the First Draft podcast, and he writes regularly for ESPN+.Open Extended Reactions

The 2026 NFL draft is coming. And after seeing top prospects work out at the NFL combine, I’m updating my top-25 Big Board ranking.

Of course, the class will still change between now and April 23 when Round 1 begins in Pittsburgh. Players will rise and fall as we learn more

Link to Original Article - on ESPN

It was an eventful combine week, with more than 300 prospects in the 2026 NFL draft class heading to Indianapolis for on-field drills, 40-yard dashes, medical testing and/or interviews with team personnel.

Not everyone participated in workouts, and some were selective in what they did. But several players improved their draft outlook by putting up solid performances and exceeding (or simply meeting/confirming) expectations. Which prospects did the most for their stock? Who is suddenly getting buzz ahead of where they were slotted before the combine?

I picked 13 standouts coming out of the combine, listed by position. They didn’t all rise in

Link to Original Article - on ESPN

Mel Kiper Jr.Feb 24, 2026, 06:20 AM ET

CloseMel Kiper Jr. has served as an NFL draft analyst for ESPN since 1984. He is a regular contributor on “SportsCenter,” ESPN studio shows and ESPN Radio. He is the co-host of the First Draft podcast, and he writes regularly for ESPN+.Open Extended Reactions

More than 300 prospects will be in Indianapolis this week for the combine, but only 32 of them will ultimately go in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft on April 23. Let’s project those picks with my second mock draft for this cycle.

You’ll notice some similarities to my January

Link to Original Article - on ESPN