New Mel Kiper NFL mock draft shows major impact of free agency

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is back with his latest mock draft projections for the 2026 NFL draft, following the first wave of free agency. Several major moves were made during the first few days of the new league year, which changed a lot about the way the top of the draft could play out.

Kiper’s new mock draft reflects exactly that.

While Indiana Hoosiers star and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza remains the top pick for the Las Vegas Raiders, the next five picks have all changed.

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Texas Tech star linebacker David Bailey jumps all the way to the New York Jets at No. 2, followed by Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese to the Arizona Cardinals. At No. 4 to the Tennessee Titans, we have our next offensive player, with Notre Dame superstar running back Jeremiyah Love flying off the board.

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

The New York Giants select Ohio State do-it-all safety Caleb Downs to round out the top five.

Seeing Bailey’s jump to No. 2 says a lot about how fast he is climbing up draft boards following his standout performance in the NFL Scouting Combine, and it also fills a major void for the Jets, who have aggressively added talent on defense throughout the start of free agency. Head coach Aaron Glenn has a clear vision.

MORE: 2026 NFL Free Agency Report: 5 Brilliant Moves & 5 Costly Gambles

It will be interesting to see how the next few weeks leading up to the draft continue to impact how players could come off the board, so stay tuned. The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from Thursday, April 23, through Saturday, April 25.

A look at the top 10 in Kiper’s latest mock draft can be seen below, while the full mock draft is available here.

Mel Kiper’s Top 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft <p>Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; The 2026 NFL Draft logo at the Super Bowl LX Experience at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</p>

Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; The 2026 NFL Draft logo at the Super Bowl LX Experience at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

New York Jets: David Bailey, LB, Texas Tech

Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Kansas City Chiefs: Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

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