by: Steve Samra 12 hours ago SamraSource
ESPN’s Matt Miller has revealed his first two-round mock draft ahead of April’s 2026 NFL Draft . His latest update comes after the Senior Bowl shook things up a bit.
When April rolls around, there’s going to be plenty of incredible prospects available, but one who won’t be hearing their name called in a few short months is Oregon quarterback Dante Moore . Instead of being a top-five pick, he opted to return to the Ducks for another season, and that’s led to some serious unknown at the top of the draft.
Regardless, the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock, and Miller’s insight is as valuable as ever. Check out his mock draft, beginning with Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza heading to Sin City.
A phenomenal season for the Heisman winner. Mendoza threw for 3,349 yards and 41 touchdowns to just six interceptions. He’ll be the first quarterback taken in April after leading Indiana to a national title.
Miller : “Mendoza gives the Raiders a franchise-caliber quarterback with excellent poise, decision-making, accuracy and toughness both in and out of the pocket, which he showed in winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to the national championship.”
Reese spent three seasons at Ohio State, playing in a total of 36 games. During that time, he had 112 career sacks, 13.5 tackles for a loss, and 7.0 sacks. He would also defend two passes.
Miller : “Reese split time at linebacker and edge rusher. He is built in the Micah Parsons/Abdul Carter mold, with elite speed and powerful hands off the edge and high potential once he settles in as a full-time edge rusher.”
Offensive line will be at a premium, per usual in the NFL Draft. Evidently, Miller believes Mauigoa is the best of the bunch. No matter if he’s protecting Kyler Murray or someone else.
Miller : “Mauigoa to the Cardinals is one of the most seamless fits in the first round. Arizona must shore up its offensive line and needs a long-term starter at right tackle opposite Paris Johnson Jr.”
Bain was one of the more feared pass-rushers in all of college football this past season, and for good reason. Miller has moved him firmly inside his top five after a campaign where he amassed 64 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 68 pressures, eight run stops, one forced fumble and one interception.
Miller : “Bain has the power at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds to stay on the field regardless of down or distance. With 9.5 sacks and an incredible 71 pressures last season, Bain showed the necessary determination to complement his athletic traits and be great on the edge.”
Tate is the next in a long line of star Ohio State wide receivers to be drafted in the first round. The Giants have a hole with Malik Nabers coming off a torn ACL, so the rookie could hit the ground running in 2026 as the first pick of John Harbaugh’s regime in New York.
Miller : “Tate’s tape reminds me of Justin Jefferson at LSU, and he enters the league with a similar body type and skill set. So although the Giants could consider a right tackle or defensive back here, pairing Tate with Nabers to give Dart more playmakers is the move.”
With Todd Monken in charge, it’s time to start protecting the quarterback better in Cleveland. The figures to be Shedeur Sanders. Fano is a great choice to help his development.
Miller : “The rebuild is ongoing in Cleveland, as the Browns have holes throughout the roster with no clear-cut answer at quarterback or left tackle. That leads to yet another ‘best player available’ approach.”