The Draft Network’s Justin Melo released his latest 2026 NFL mock draft via our Mock Draft Machine (MDM). Our latest Draft Network Top 100 prospect rankings served as a reference point for his picks and analysis. With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine looming, it's officially NFL Draft season for all 32 teams.
Let's dissect Melo’s latest NFL mock draft, identifying our favorite pick, biggest question mark, best value, favorite sleeper, and best player not selected. Let’s dive into The Draft Network’s latest 2026 NFL mock draft.
Favorite Pick: Francis Mauigoa to Giants (No. 5)
The New York Giants could be tempted to go in a few different directions with the No. 5 overall pick. Assuming elite defensive options are off the board (Rueben Bain Jr., Caleb Downs, and Arvell Reese), I love the idea of passing on a wide receiver for now and getting a long-term right tackle to keep Jaxson Dart upright. Francis Mauigoa and Andrew Thomas will serve as the team’s bookends for years to come. There are plenty of quality pass-catchers to snag on day two.
Biggest Question Mark: Kenyon Sadiq to Ravens (No. 14)
While I understand the logic of getting younger at the position with an athletic freak like Kenyon Sadiq—especially with Isaiah Likely scheduled for free agency—the Baltimore Ravens have issues on both sides of the ball that need to be addressed first. Mark Andrews is still under contract, so he and a veteran free agent can hold down the fort for 2026. In the meantime, the Ravens need to upgrade their offensive line, wide receiver corps, and pass-rushing group. One of those positions should be their first-round pick.
Best Value: Olaivavega Ioane to Chargers (No. 22)
“How is an interior offensive lineman a value pick?” Great question. Olaivavega Ioane may be the second-best offensive lineman in the entire class. He’s just locked into a guard role. Ioane is a powerful, technically sound player who excels in pass protection and consistently creates running lanes. Anyone who watched the Los Angeles Chargers this season understands why this is a good fit for Jim Harbaugh’s offense and for Justin Herbert. It’s a good value relative to Ioane’s talent level.
Biggest Sleeper: Zachariah Branch to Steelers (No. 21)
Evaluations are all over the map for Zachariah Branch. TDN’s Keith Sanchez has been beating the drum of Branch being a first-round-caliber prospect all season long, recently ranking him No. 27 overall in the latest TDN Top 100. Branch brings speed, agility, and versatility to an offense and can be fully unlocked at the NFL level after serving in a more limited role inside the Georgia offense.
Best Player Not Selected: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Zion Young was a standout at the Senior Bowl. Some evaluators have compared him to Jaelan Phillips. His physical, violent style of play fits perfectly with the identity of several defenses across the NFL. Senior Bowl executive director Drew Fabianich compared Young to DeMarcus Lawrence. While Young is not a first-round lock, he could be an instant difference-maker for whichever team drafts him.
