Author: Mel Kiper Jr.

Mel Kiper Jr.Apr 21, 2026, 06:00 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

It’s time to head to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL draft. Round 1 begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC and the ESPN App. Before we get to all the exciting picks, wild trades and overall chaos, I’m updating my Big Board one last time.

These final rankings stack

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Mel Kiper Jr.Apr 19, 2026, 06:40 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

You’ll see a lot of rankings for the 2026 NFL draft this week, and I’ll have my final top-150 Big Board on Tuesday before the first round begins Thursday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC/ESPN the app). But some of my favorite players in the class aren’t necessarily the best ones.

Every April,

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Mel Kiper Jr.Apr 15, 2026, 06:15 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

I have one more set of projections for you ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, which kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh with 32 first-round picks before continuing with Rounds 2-3 on April 24 and Rounds 4-7 on April 25. But my final mock draft for this cycle will be

Link to Original Article - on ESPN