NFL · 2 days ago

Mel Kiper Ranks the Top 10 Best Picks From the 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

10) LB Arvell Reese, New York Giants (Pick 1-5)
Arvell Reese Pre-Draft Rankings
- Mel's Final Big Board: 3
- Position Ranking: 1
New York is getting creative with Arvell Reese, and that’s where this pick gets interesting. His versatility allows the defense to deploy him in multiple roles, keeping offenses guessing while maximizing his athletic traits. It may not be conventional, but it could be dangerous.

"Reese offers rare versatility as a linebacker who can impact both coverage and the pass rush." - Matt Miller

Arvell Reese's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 241 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 32 1/2"
Arvell Reese's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.46
- 10-Yard Split: 1.58
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
1) S Caleb Downs, Dallas Cowboys (Pick 1-11)
Caleb Downs Pre-Draft Rankings
- Mel's Final Big Board: 6
- Position Ranking: 1
The fit for Caleb Downs in Dallas feels almost too clean. He walks into a defense that values instincts and versatility, and his feel for the game should translate immediately as a tone-setter on the back end. This is the kind of plug-and-play safety who elevates everyone around him from Day 1.

"Downs is the rare safety prospect who can control the game from multiple alignments, and that’s exactly what Dallas needs to unlock its defense." - Matt Miller

Caleb Downs's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 206 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 30 1/4"
Caleb Downs's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
2) CB Jermod McCoy, Las Vegas Raiders (Pick 4-101)
Jermod McCoy Pre-Draft Rankings
- Mel's Final Big Board: 29
- Position Ranking: 2
If healthy, Jermod McCoy could end up being one of the defining steals of this class. Las Vegas took a calculated swing on elite traits, and his speed and coverage skills make him a much-needed difference-maker in the secondary. This is a high-risk move, but the payoff could reshape their defense.

"McCoy falling this far is all about medicals, not talent, because on tape he’s a top-tier corner with true CB1 upside." - Matt Miller

Jermod McCoy's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 188 lbs.
- Hand: 9"
- Arm: 31 1/4"
Jermod McCoy's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: 14
4) WR Makai Lemon, Philadelphia Eagles (Pick 1-20)
Makai Lemon Pre-Draft Rankings
- Mel's Final Big Board: 11
- Position Ranking: 3
Philadelphia played the board to perfection, landing Makai Lemon, and the fit is explosive. He gives the Eagles another dynamic weapon with the polish to contribute early and the ceiling to become a true No. 1 option. Pairing him with an already-strong receiving corps keeps this offense dangerous for years.

"Lemon is a complete receiver prospect with the route running and explosiveness to make an instant impact." - Matt Miller

Makai Lemon's Combine Measurements
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 203 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 30 1/4"
Makai Lemon's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
5) WR Omar Cooper Jr., New York Jets (Pick 1-30)
Omar Cooper Jr. Pre-Draft Rankings
- Mel's Final Big Board: 35
- Position Ranking: 5
The Jets finding a way to land Omar Cooper Jr. late in Round 1 feels like a heist. His ability to separate and win downfield complements their existing weapons and adds another layer to the passing game. This is a value pick that could outperform its draft slot in a hurry.

"Cooper’s polish as a route runner makes him one of the safest wideouts in this class." - Matt Miller

Omar Cooper's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 199 lbs.
- Hand: 9 5/8"
- Arm: 30 1/4"
Omar Cooper's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.42
- 10-Yard Split: 1.55
- Vertical Jump: 37"
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
6) EDGE David Bailey, New York Jets (Pick 1-2)
David Bailey Pre-Draft Rankings
- Mel's Final Big Board: 5
- Position Ranking: 2
There’s a level of readiness that comes with David Bailey, and the Jets are clearly betting on it. He steps into the league with a refined pass-rush plan and the strength to contribute immediately off the edge. For a team looking to turn the corner, this is a win-now type of addition.

"Bailey is one of the most pro-ready pass rushers in this draft, and his impact should come early." - Matt Miller

David Bailey's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 251 lbs.
- Hand: 10 1/4"
- Arm: 33 3/4"
David Bailey's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.50
- 10-Yard Split: 1.62
- Vertical Jump: 35"
- Broad Jump: 10'9"
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
7) RB Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals (Pick 1-3)
Jeremiyah Love Pre-Draft Rankings
- Mel's Final Big Board: 2
- Position Ranking: 1
Arizona didn’t overthink it with Jeremiyah Love, and that’s what makes this fit so compelling. He brings game-breaking ability and immediate star power to an offense that needs a centerpiece. The expectations are massive, but so is the talent.

"Love has rare explosiveness and vision, the kind that can change an offense overnight." - Matt Miller

Jeremiyah Love's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 212 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 32"
Jeremiyah Love's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.36
- 10-Yard Split: 1.55
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
8) CB D'Angelo Ponds, New York Jets (Pick 2-50)
D'Angelo Ponds Pre-Draft Rankings
- Mel's Final Big Board: 57
- Position Ranking: 7
Few players bring the edge and urgency that D'Angelo Ponds does, and the Jets landed him in a perfect spot. His toughness and ability to impact the game in multiple ways should quickly make him a fan favorite. This is as much a culture fit as it is a football fit.

"Ponds plays bigger than his size and brings a fearless mentality that coaches love." - Matt Miller

D'Angelo Ponds's Combine Measurements
- Height: 5'9"
- Weight: 182 lbs.
- Hand: 9 5/8"
- Arm: 29 3/8"
D'Angelo Ponds's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: 43.5”
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
9) QB Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders (Pick 1-1)
Fernando Mendoza Pre-Draft Rankings
- Mel's Final Big Board: 1
- Position Ranking: 1
The Raiders are betting the future on Fernando Mendoza, and the tools are all there. His poise and decision-making give him a chance to stabilize the franchise quickly, especially with the right pieces developing around him. This is the kind of quarterback selection that defines an era.

"Mendoza has the makeup of a franchise quarterback with the accuracy and leadership teams build around." - Matt Miller

Fernando Mendoza's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 225 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 31 7/8"
Fernando Mendoza's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
10) LB Arvell Reese, New York Giants (Pick 1-5)
Arvell Reese Pre-Draft Rankings
- Mel's Final Big Board: 3
- Position Ranking: 1
New York is getting creative with Arvell Reese, and that’s where this pick gets interesting. His versatility allows the defense to deploy him in multiple roles, keeping offenses guessing while maximizing his athletic traits. It may not be conventional, but it could be dangerous.

"Reese offers rare versatility as a linebacker who can impact both coverage and the pass rush." - Matt Miller

Arvell Reese's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 241 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 32 1/2"
Arvell Reese's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.46
- 10-Yard Split: 1.58
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
1) S Caleb Downs, Dallas Cowboys (Pick 1-11)
Caleb Downs Pre-Draft Rankings
- Mel's Final Big Board: 6
- Position Ranking: 1
The fit for Caleb Downs in Dallas feels almost too clean. He walks into a defense that values instincts and versatility, and his feel for the game should translate immediately as a tone-setter on the back end. This is the kind of plug-and-play safety who elevates everyone around him from Day 1.

"Downs is the rare safety prospect who can control the game from multiple alignments, and that’s exactly what Dallas needs to unlock its defense." - Matt Miller

Caleb Downs's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 206 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 30 1/4"
Caleb Downs's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a