Mel Kiper Jr. has released his updated 2026 NFL mock draft following major free agency moves that reshaped team needs across the league. The Raiders hold the No. 1 pick and are expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, while the Jets grab edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2. Kiper's projections reflect how teams like Kansas City and New Orleans adjusted their draft boards after significant offseason acquisitions.

Several teams made bold moves in free agency that directly influenced Kiper's first-round predictions. The Raiders signed center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal to protect Mendoza, while the Titans aggressively upgraded their offense around Cam Ward by targeting Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love at No. 4. The Giants are projected to take safety Caleb Downs at No. 5, providing a major upgrade to their struggling secondary.

The mock draft shows clear positional trends, with quarterbacks, edge rushers, and offensive linemen dominating the top selections. Kiper notes that while pro days and additional offseason moves could still shake up the board, the current projections offer a solid foundation for understanding how teams might approach the April 23 draft. The Chiefs' acquisition of an additional first-round pick adds another layer of intrigue to the early selections.