Grading the 2026 NFL mock drafts: How did Mel Kiper, Daniel Jeremiah, Todd McShay and other experts fare?

Grading the 2026 NFL mock drafts: How did Mel Kiper, Daniel Jeremiah, Todd McShay and other experts fare? originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft proved to be one of the most whirlwind in recent memory. The action really started at No. 2, with the Jets opting for Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey as opposed to Ohio State maven Arvell Reese.

That set the stage for a hectic draft board, one whose fireworks were amplified by trades and Ty Simpson's surge up the rankings. All told, it made for a heart-racing, but memorable night at the races for the more than 300,000 fans that pooled into Pittsburgh's North Shore on Thursday night. The Sporting News is grading pundits' final mock drafts.

Here is the point system: One full point for correct player, pick and team; One half point for correct player and pick, but incorrect team; One half point for correct player and team, but incorrect pick Here's a look at how some of the experts fared in their final mock drafts. (Bold lines represent one full point while italicized lines represent a half-point). 2026 NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available Vinnie Iyer (The Sporting News) Iyer's latest mock draft was released on Wednesday, April 22 Pick Team Player Position School 1 Raiders Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana 2 Jets Arvell Reese LB/EDGE Ohio State 3 Cardinals David Bailey EDGE Texas Tech 4 Titans Jeremiyah Love RB Notre Dame 5 Giants Sonny Styles LB Ohio State 6 Browns Carnell Tate WR Ohio State 7 Commanders Caleb Downs S Ohio State 8 Saints Rueben Bain Jr.