Kiper's Bold 2026 NFL Draft Predictions

0:00On April 15th, Mill Kuiper Jr. dropped his final mock draft for the 2026 NFL draft on April 15th, marking the end of over four. Decades of predictions from the ESPN legend. This one shakes things up with projected trades. Coverage through 64 picks across two rounds and two running backs in the first. Round something Kuiper rarely backs despite his old school views on the position. Ohio State leads the top prospects with linebacker Arville Reese topping the list for his size, speed and pass rush upside. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza sits second, prays for his clean play despite shotgun questions while Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love. A Heisman finalist lands third with elite speed and moves them make him a rare early pick. Fans and analysts buzz about the Cowboys trading up from picks 12 and 20 to snag Ohio State linebacker Sonny Stiles at six, bolstering a defense that struggled last year. Meanwhile, Alabama tackle Caden Proctor's hype grows, projected to Cleveland at 12 as a massive blindside protector with sneaky traits.

1:08Other moves include the Cardinals trading into the end of Round 1 for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a mobile dissector of defenses who could slide. Like others, before him, Seattle might grab Notre Dame running back Giderian price at 32 to fill their backfield void after free agency hits. As the 2026 draft nears, Kuiper's bold call set the stage for surprises with Ohio State's talent wave ready to reshape rosters. Leaguewide.