2026 NFL mock draft: Miller's pick predictions for Rounds 1-7

2026 NFL mock draft: Miller's pick predictions for Rounds 1-7 Matt Miller predicted every pick in the 2026 NFL draft, from the Raiders' selection at No. 1 to the Broncos' Mr. Irrelevant slot at the end of Round 7. Mel Kiper Jr. explains why he disagrees with the notion that Ty Simpson is closing the gap on Fernando Mendoza ahead of this year's NFL draft. Matt Miller is an NFL draft analyst for ESPN, providing in-depth scouting on the nation's top pro prospects. A Missouri native, Matt joined ESPN in 2021 and also contributes to SportsCenter, NFL Live and ESPN Radio. Prior to joining ESPN, Matt spent 11 years as a senior draft analyst at Bleacher Report.2026 draft. That's right -- I'm projecting all seven rounds and 257 draft picks. Predraft events are winding down, and teams are starting to finalize their plans. We have a clearer idea of what every rostercomplete. How might each front office approach its picks? How many teams will target a quarterback? Which positions will run deepest, and where can teams find value? Here are my predictions for Rounds 1-7. I provided complete breakdowns for the first three rounds and listed names for the final four. Asterisks indicate compensatory picks. It all starts and ends in the AFC West, with the Raiders at No. 1 and the Broncos at No. 257. And for more on these predictions, check out our new show"NFL Draft Daily" at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2. As soon as the Raiders were locked in with the first overall pick, they were expected to select a quarterback, and Mendoza is the clear QB1. Mendoza is a smart, accurate, poised quarterback with enough arm talent and mobility to be a threat, but his trademark is his ability to layer the ball as a thrower to the right spot for his receivers. He threw an FBS-high 41 touchdown passes and just six interceptions last season en route to ato the Titans) teased what the Jets might be thinking here. Instead of reaching for a quarterback, GM Darren Mougey could dive in on a deep edge rusher class and land the highest-upside player of that group. Reese split time between linebacker and edge rusher but has the tools to be ain free agency, pass rush is still a priority for a Jets team that finished with 26 sacks last season .are gone, so the Cardinals lack an identity. With the drop-off after Mendoza at QB, Arizona could choose to stick with veteranin 2026 and wait until a deeper 2027 draft to select their next signal-caller. So this pick can be the start of their future foundation. Mauigoa is the draft's top-ranked offensive lineman and allowed only two sacks during Miami's run to the national title game. He is a fierce run blocker who would be an immediate replacement for right tackle. Love is a rare RB prospect with home run speed, as shown by his multiple touchdown runs of more than 90 yards, and he has finishing power at 214 pounds. He's also a seasoned route runner and proven pass catcher with 63 career grabs for six scores. The Titans checked enough boxes in free agency and byto make a luxury pick here. Love has the tools to be one of the NFL's best running backs very quickly. The Giants have a bunch of needs to choose from with this pick -- with receiver and right tackle being prominent ones -- but Downs' fit within Baltimore, Harbaugh knows the value of a versatile, smart safety prospect. That describes Downs, who started immediately at Alabama as a freshman and for two seasons at Ohio State. Pairing him with. So they could use this pick to help whoever is under center. Tate is the next man up in the talented Ohio State, but it needs an elite shutdown corner. Delane did that better than anyone in the nation last season, allowing only 10 completions for 119 yards while showing a penchant for timely tackles and big plays. Despite being targeted only 36 times, Delane picked off two passes to show off his playmaking skills. If you want an impact playmaker off the edge, look no further than Bailey. With 23 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks last season, Bailey was unstoppable thanks to his first-step quickness and relentless pursuit skills. That's what the Saints need, as long-time franchise stapleatop the depth chart at edge. Bailey's burst is the best in the class and will be an ideal fit in Brandon Staley's defense. The Saints could also go wide receiver or corner here, but Bailey would represent great value at this pick. The Chiefs are used to contending for Super Bowls, but they have a lot of needs at premium positions. The pass rush struggled, with only 35 sacks last season , and Kansas City has done little to upgrade the outside pass rush this offseason. Bain would immediately start oppositeand has the inside/outside alignment versatility that Steve Spagnuolo has typically preferred. With 71 pressures and 9.5 sacks in 2025, Bain has the strength, speed and production to make teams overlook his sub-standard 30⅞-inch arm length. The Chiefs don't normally get a chance to pick this high, so this is a rare opportunity to grab a blue-chip prospect at a high-value position.Rueben Bain Jr. gets his hand up to block Texas A&M's Jared Zirkel's kick to keep the score 0-0 in the 2nd quarter. It's hard to imagine Styles lasting this long, but teams selecting early often prefer premium positions and draft for need over talent. Styles is a top-five talent, so the Bengals would be wise to stop his slide and make him their new enforcer in the middle of the field. Last year's fourth-rounder,, looks like a hit at middle linebacker, but Cincinnati could use an upgrade at weakside LB. A former safety, Styles has the range at 6-foot-5 to be an eraser against tight ends and in-breaking wide receivers. He also provides pass-rush upside, with seven sacks the past two seasons.. That opens the door for my top-ranked wide receiver. Lemon had 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He is an elite middle-of-the-field receiver who will immediately helpin his first stint as a full-time NFL starter. Lemon's yards-after-catch ability is elite and second only to his hands -- he dropped only one pass in each of the past three seasons.suffered in January 2025, but his 2024 tape was elite, with four interceptions and nine passes defensed. The 6-foot-1, 188-pound McCoy profiles as a physical outside cornerback with smooth moving skills in phase. He would have been my top cornerback in the 2025 class if he had been draft-eligible.. could fill that spot, it opens the door for the Rams to draft for the future. Fano started his career at left tackle before moving to the right side and excelling. His length is a concern , but teams love his toughness and quickness on top of his three seasons of starting experience. Fano would represent a long-term solution at right tackle opposite emerging left tackleentering his age-31 season. Besides his 4.39 speed, Sadiq is an elite red zone threat who had eight touchdowns in 2025. His effort and upside in the run game as a blocker makes him a true blue-chip tight end prospect for a team that badly needs another threat in the passing game.in free agency. But Anzalone, who will turn 32 in September, is a short-term fix. Allen is a leader in the middle of the defense and a player capable of being a defensive captain and signal-caller in the NFL. He's also a nasty blitzer who is able to hang in coverage when matched up with tight ends. Allen is a polarizing prospect, as some scouts don't love his lack of length at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds with 31½-inch arms, but his instincts and toughness are elite. The Jets might not have their future franchise quarterback yet, but they can give Geno Smith or whoever they draft later a viable target opposite), and his 6-foot-2, 203-pound frame is ideal to be a threat over the middle of the field and in the red zone thanks to his vertical skills. Tyson has battled injuries in his career, and hamstring issues limited his predraft testing availability, but the talent is good enough to take a chance here.from the right side. Either way, the Lions need tackle help. Freeling was a one-year starter at Georgia but has elite traits in terms of movement, size and 4.93 speed. Freeling is one of the few proven left tackles with a Round 1 grade and has the upside of a higher-end starter thanks to his upper-level athletic skills plus his development over the course of the 2025 season.is one of the cleanest and easiest picks to predict in this draft. Thieneman has been a playmaker in both of his college stops, notching eight career interceptions between Purdue and Oregon while never allowing more than 11 receptions in a single season. Minnesota could slide Thieneman into the starting split safety spot in Brian Flores' defense and watch him flourish., but they will be entering their age-29 and age-30 seasons, respectively. So there's a future need there, plus an immediate need at center. Ioane played left guard, center and right guard in college and has the power to be an effective run blocker at any position. Ioane sought to play with better movement and conditioning in 2025, and his stock soared because of it. The Panthers could rebuild their offensive line around him and left tackle After going corner at No. 12, the Cowboys could land a long-term safety option, as they need a youthful upgrade to 30-year-old. McNeil-Warren would be elite in a three-safety look due to his 6-foot-4 build, range and ability to play in the box. He's very good at erasing passing lanes, but McNeil-Warren's best asset is his downhill tackling ability that has led to nine career forced fumbles. Dallas needs difference-makers on defense, and McNeil-Warren's turnover creation would be welcome.hasn't played like a former first-rounder, giving the Steelers room to draft a replacement. Proctor is a powerful mover at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds. Though he had an up-and-down final season, he ended on a high note and impressed with his predraft testing at the combine and his pro day. Proctor had three sacks allowed and only two penalties last season. Pittsburgh is rumored to be out on the quarterbacks in Round 1, so it makes sense to bolster the offensive line foropens the door for a speed rusher in Round 1. Howell led the SEC with 11.5 sacks and added 40 pressures. The 6-foot-3 edge doesn't have ideal NFL length with 30¼-inch arms but is a blur off the line of scrimmage, and he consistently wins with burst and a low center of gravity. Howell can learn from, the Eagles have to prioritize adding capable rushers early in this draft. At 25 years old, Mesidor is an older prospect, but he's a pro-ready pass rusher with the tools to beat offensive tackles with his powerful hands, technique and moves. Mesidor broke out last season with 12.5 sacks and 58 pressures under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.. became a free agent. At 6-foot, 189 pounds, Cisse has the frame and speed to be a factor inside or outside the formation. He's also an elite tackler who could bring added value as a blitzer and run defender from the slot. Cleveland has needs on the offensive line and at linebacker, but ending Day 1 with a WR1 and a playmaking corner would be a win. This isn't a great interior defensive line class, but the Bears could check off their biggest roster need while picking a defender in Round 1 for the first time since 2018 . Woods didn't live up to his potential at Clemson, but scouts believe that he'll be a better pro than college player. His physical tools are special, with first-step burst and overall strength that look like a high-end 3-technique starter. Woods could serve ashelps next season, but the 29-year-old receiver is on the decline. Cooper is an accomplished route runner with experience in the slot and on the outside. He's dependable with great hands -- only three drops on 94 targets last season -- and the physicality to run through contact before and after the catch. I feel like I predict that the 49ers will draft their offensive tackle of the future every year, yet they never do. Considering that All-Pro, this would be a good time for San Francisco to finally make that pick. Lomu started at left tackle during the past two seasons, allowing only three sacks . He plays with the agility and balance needed for the 49ers' offensive scheme.solves Houston's right tackle need for the moment, but the Texans' plan to build a young offensive line aroundis still in place. Miller started 54 college games at right tackle and improved every season, allowing only two sacks in 2025. With 34-inch arms and a strong base to block from, Miller profiles as a solid starter with higher-end potential as he develops his run-blocking talents., respectively. The McDuffie deal got Kansas City this pick, which it could use on Terrell. The younger brother of Falcons' cornerbackis similar to McDuffie in his ability to play inside or outside. Avieon Terrell had three interceptions at Clemson while allowing only 4.4 yards per attempt when targeted by opposing quarterbacks. Receiver isn't the only position where the Dolphins suffered significant personnel losses. Miami was also decimated in the secondary afterall left. That created a sizable hole at corner, and the 6-foot, 193-pound Hood could fill it. He has 4.44 speed and excellent ability to play the press schemebut impressed during the Senior Bowl and combine, showing rare movement ability at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds with a 5.04 40. Banks' power and push in the middle could open things further for Barmore and Williams to rush the passer. A strong defense guided the Seahawks to the Lombardi Trophy last season, and coach Mike Macdonald will look to keep that unit strong despite key free agent departures.was instrumental last season but is 34 years old and needs an heir apparent. Faulk is a high-potential prospect at 6-foot-6 and 276 pounds with pro-level power and agility. At just 20 years old, there's room for him to grow and develop beyond what he did at Auburn, where he had only two sacks last season. There could be calls for the Jets to trade up into Round 1 to secure a fifth-year option on Simpson, but trading away picks in the 2027 draft, which is expected to be the most talent-rich in recent history, wouldn't be smart. New York can take him here, allow him a year to develop behind Geno Smith, then evaluate his future. Simpson is a talented distributor who is accurate in a clean pocket but struggled down the stretch. His questionable decision-making could drop him to Round 2.NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid joins Pat McAfee to break down Ty Simpson's chances of being selected by the Jets. The Cardinals would just miss on Simpson falling to them here, though they could trade up, which is what they did in's most recent mock drafts. Young would be a strong consolation prize, giving Arizona a powerful defensive end to complement the speed. Bisontis played right guard and right tackle before settling in at left guard. He has the versatility to start out of the gate at right guard opposite former first-round pick Boston slips through the cracks in this mock draft due to team needs, but he would be a true WR1 in Las Vegas and a perfect pairing with Mendoza. The 6-foot-4, 212-pound Boston caught 11 touchdown passes in 2025 and can win the 50-50 balls that Mendoza excelled with at Indiana.. Concepcion is an elite yards-after-catch receiver who excels from the slot. He's a chain mover who would seamlessly replace the McDonald is an ascending prospect whose best football is ahead of him. He had high-end production from the middle of the line, posting three sacks last season on only 223 passing downs. He would primarily anchor the middle of the line for Houston's powerful defense, but McDonald has the all-around potential to become an elite 1-technique or nose tackle.and has yet to solidify his starting status. Tiernan is an underrated three-year starter at left tackle who allowed only four sacks last season.has yet to emerge as a WR1. Bernard would, at minimum, be a capable WR3 and replace the targets departed free agentsreceived, with the upside to grow into a front-line starter in the slot. His yards-after-catch ability and versatility to play across the formation -- even at tailback -- should appeal to Andy Reid's creativity.are free agents after 2026. This is about the future as much as the present, as Johnson could take over for the departedThe Dolphins' new-look offense will want to feature the tight end because of coordinator Bobby Slowik's scheme, which has San Francisco roots. Stowers is an elite athlete who had record-setting broad and vertical jumps at the combine. That explosiveness shows up on tape, especially off the line of scrimmage and out of breaks in his route tree. The Jets would continue to build a foundation with another rangy, talented front-seven defensive player. Hill was a three-year starter who has the athletic tools to be a fierce weakside linebacker. He had 17 career sacks and three interceptions at Texas.but could also use an upgrade in the slot. Scott is one of the best slot corners to come out of college in some time. He's feisty in coverage but provides an even bigger bonus as a blitzer and in run defense. Scott is an all-around playmaker, with two interceptions and five sacks last season.. The 6-foot-4, 263-pound Parker has length and strength at the point of attack. He might never be a double-digit sack player, but Parker is consistently solid on tape. Teams looking for a speed rusher this year have identified Thomas as one of the best. He's a blur off the snap with excellent twitch and an ability to get under the hands of opposing offensive tackles. The Colts have room for an additional rusher to work in concert with. in Round 1, but the middle still needs work. Miller is a rock at nose tackle and does the dirty work of keeping interior blockers busy so linebackers and edge rushers can run free.has never been a consistent front-line starter. Price is a powerful back with the speed to produce chunk plays. He's also a high-end return man who returned three kickoffs for touchdowns at Notre Dame.. Lawrence is a speedy, upside rusher with 4.52 speed and a 253-pound frame. He can easily slot in for departed free agent If you want to see the pound-for-pound toughest player in this draft class, turn on Ponds' tape. A slot cornerback with elite ability to blitz off the edge or lock up slot receivers, Ponds is a playmaker who routinely shows up in the biggest moments. From left: Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore, Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, Miami quarterback Carson Beck and Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. Abney is one of the best pure coverage players in the class and would be an immediate starter as a nickel or slot cornerback in Green Bay. He's tough and feisty in coverage at the line of scrimmage and fights through traffic. Aaron Rodgers hasn't announced his 2026 plans, but the Steelers' lack of urgency in free agency likely points to his return. But Rodgers is 42 years old, and there's no clear-cut successor on the roster. Nussmeier is ideal for Mike McCarthy's West Coast offense, with good arm talent and accuracy on the move that would allow him to thrive in a short-to-intermediate passing scheme.'s future with the team, it would be smart for the Eagles to draft a wide receiver somewhat early. The worst-case scenario has Williams working as the WR3 in 2026. He had 208 catches over four seasons with 21 touchdowns and is NFL-ready.is a smart value play here. Harris is a massive prospect at 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds, and he excels at blocking kicks, with six in his college career. Jacksonville needs a playmaking middle linebacker, and that's what Rodriguez does. He had four interceptions in 2025 and finished his college career with 13 forced fumbles. He's a heady, downhill player who captained the Texas Tech defense and is ready to be a green-dot linebacker in the NFL.to receive push notifications for the latest updates first. Opt in by tapping the alerts bell in the top right corner. For more information,, but there's still a need. Haulcy is a big safety who has been a playmaker, with 10 career interceptions.but can find plenty of long-term guard options in this draft. Pregnon has starter-level strength at 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds and brings an impressive ability to redirect defenders in the run game. He's among the toughest, most physical players in the class.was a bigger blow than advertised. Muhammad has been a rock-solid starter since his freshman season and has 4.42 speed to go with pro-level technique in man coverage., but he's also 38 years old. The Rams could take a swing on Allar's traits and potential to develop him for a season and hope to tap into his high-end arm talent. Denver's defense is elite, but there's room for a downhill thumper. Trotter has NFL bloodlines and the speed to make a huge impact in the run game, where he's a missile with quick read-and-react skills.is still solid at 35 years old, but drafting a replacement if one falls to this pick would be smart. Iheanachor is 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds with a 4.91 40 and the ability to jump in as soon as this season if needed.After missing on Simpson in Round 2, the Cardinals could take a swing at QB here. Beck's experience and strong pocket play would allow him to run the play-action-based offense Mike LaFleur brings to Arizona. Let's help Cam Ward by drafting a big-play receiver. Bell would have gone off the board much earlier were it not for aDallas Goedertin contract seasons. Golday has dream-level size and length at 6-foot-5, 239 pounds with explosive quickness in the downhill run game.Without a second-round pick, the Commanders would wait until Round 3 to get a potential steal at wide receiver. Fields didn't have elite college production, but the 6-foot-4, 218-pounder can win 50-50 balls and has the size to beat up defenders opposite the speedyare good front-line players, but both are 31 years old and declining. Hunter is a plug-and-play nose tackle who will do the dirty work in the trenches. Stukes is one of the hottest names in the scouting community after the combine. He is seen as a capable cornerback or safety prospect with elite 4.33 speed in the 40., meaning youth is needed. Orange is a solid nose tackle at 6-foot-2 and 322 pounds, and he can be an anchor in the middle of the line and provide push on third downs., leaving room for a young speed rusher to flourish. Barham is a converted linebacker with tons of potential on the edge.It's important for the Bucs to leave Day 2 with a starting-caliber cornerback prospect. Kilgore is a battler in the slot with size and 4.44 speed. He could also play outside corner or box safety. You won't find a nastier blocker than Rutledge in this class. He plays with a mean streak in run blocking that has coaches falling in love with his game. He would be a Day 1 starter at right guard over. but need a speed option and someone who can win with the ball. Burks is a slot receiver with"make you miss" ability and 4.3 speed. Tyler Linderbaum left via free agency, creating a gigantic hole in the middle of the offensive line that the draft's top center prospect can fill.is key for a defense that thrived on big plays and timely takeaways last season. The 6-foot-1 Clark is a center fielder with 4.41 speed and 15 career interceptions., leaving a hole in the middle of the offensive line that Lew can fill. He's coming off an ACL injury suffered in October but profiles as a clear-cut starter when healthy.is Carolina's enforcer in the box, but there's a need for a back-end safety. Wheatley's range at 6-foot-3 and 202 pounds gives him the versatility that would fit in the Panthers' defense., the Packers need to draft O-linemen. Parker has potential at guard or tackle, but some teams have talked about him as a center. Green Bay traditionally loves offensive linemen with positional versatility.It wouldn't be surprising if the Chargers took a cornerback in Round 1, but if they don't, Igbinosun would give them a starting-level outside corner who also has experience in the slot on Day 2.in free agency mean a starter is needed at safety. Payne is an elite mover with top-tier finishing ability as a tackler.Hall doesn't boast elite speed, but his timing and ability to win at the line of scrimmage with press technique make him a starting-caliber outside corner who would allowshould be a priority in every Bears draft. Bell is an impressive athlete with the speed and route-running ability to win consistently from the slot. Right guard should be open for a newcomer, and Zuhn has the technique and experience to quickly win the job. He was a left tackle at A&M, but most scouts think his future is inside, given his shorter arms ., but they need more edge rushers to rotate in. Moore is a productive pass rusher who had 10 sacks last season. Defensive speed is the theme of the Cowboys' mock draft so far. Perkins' versatility and open-field range make him a natural fit oppositeAfter adding Lemon in Round 1, Miami needs a physical wideout who can win on the outside. That's Sarratt , who has a route tree that often leaves him open against press coverage., but the Patriots need a solid TE2. Roush has in-line ability as a blocker and receiver to be a valuable second option.is on the decline at 33 years old. Lance is an expert at stretching the field and would open up the Seahawks' passing game. The Eagles have made a living off drafting offensive linemen before there's a need at the position. Crownover could maybe be their future right tackle once The Steelers need a field-stretching speed receiver. Brazzell has 4.37 speed and averaged 16.4 yards per catch last season with nine touchdowns., the Jaguars could add another back. Johnson is more of a bruiser than Etienne and can be Jacksonville's between-the-tackles option.Tacario Davis grabs interception vs. Illinois Fighting Illini