Justin Melo

Joined: Feb 16, 2026

Justin Melo is the publisher of NFL Draft on SI, a Sports Illustrated channel. He has previous experience covering the NFL Draft in a professional capacity at various outlets such as The Draft Network, USA Today SMG, and SB Nation. NFL Draft on SI will cover all things NFL Draft extensively, with scouting reports, prospect rankings, big boards, and unique first-hand stories. It will also be home to Melo's NFL Draft prospect interview series, which has featured more than 1,000 exclusive interviews with NFL Draft picks. Melo is also the published author of Titans of The South: Photographs and History of the Tennessee Titans, available where all books are sold.

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (44) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

News

The 2026 NFL Draft presented a bunch of first-round prospects who will be critical to their teams' success by the midseason mark.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Antonio Williams (0) stiff-arms Duke Blue Devils safety DaShawn Stone (8) Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.

Late-Round Expert

The 2026 NFL Draft featured a bunch of late-round sleeper picks, and we've identified which value prospects have a chance to start as rookies.

News

The 2026 NFL Draft put forth a bunch of players who could make the Pro Bowl as rookies this season, and we've identified seven in particular.

Apr 24, 2026; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams first-round draft pick Ty Simpson speaks to media during a press conference at Code Next at Hollywood Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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With the dust settled on the 2026 NFL Draft, we've analyzed all 32 classes and ranked them best to worst while assigning a letter grade to each team.

Nov 1, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Mock Drafts

A 2027 NFL Mock Draft that features a ton of interesting quarterback prospects at the top after a lackluster 2026 NFL Draft class.

Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. (17) reacts after catching a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers in the fourth quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

A ton of intriguing wide receiver prospects went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, so we've identified the best ones that can make a roster.

Nov 22, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

Just 10 quarterbacks were selected throughout the 2026 NFL Draft, so we've identified the undrafted free agent quarterbacks that could make an NFL roster.

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

News

The Washington Commanders selected linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he's capable of being exactly what they need.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

The Kansas City Chiefs may have landed a 2026 NFL Draft steal in the secondary that could make an immediate impact on their defense.

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

News

After some first-round controversy, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Max Iheanachor during the 2026 NFL Draft, and he'll solve a problem.

Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Derrick Moore (DL52) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

The 2026 NFL Draft featured defensive talent, so we've identified three defenders selected outside the first round that could win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Aug 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) participates in pregame warmups against the Colorado State Rams at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

The 2026 NFL Draft featured some exciting running back and wide receiver prospects, so we've identified mid-round options for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Justin Melo

Joined: Feb 16, 2026

NFL Teams May Have Struck Gold With These Overlooked Day 3 Picks

NFL Rookies Already Threatening to Steal Starting Jobs (Including Round 2-3 Picks)

Late-Round Steal Draft Picks With the Best Chance to Start This Year

Our Late-Round Sleeper Hits and Misses From the NFL Draft

News

NFL Draft Picks Who Will Matter Most by Midseason

Late-Round Expert

6 Late-Round NFL Draft Picks Most Likely to Start Week 1

News

7 2026 Draft Picks Who Could Make the Pro Bowl as a Rookie

News

Ranking the Best NFL Draft Classes From Best to Worst: Grades & Predictions

Mock Drafts

Way-Too-Early 2027 NFL Mock Draft: Already Sparking QB Debates

Late-Round Expert

These Undrafted Wide Receivers Could Embarrass NFL Teams That Passed

Late-Round Expert

5 Undrafted Free Agent Quarterbacks That Can Stick With an NFL Roster as Rookies

News

Why Sonny Styles Made So Much Sense for the Washington Commanders

One Overlooked Chiefs NFL Draft Pick Could Become a Massive Steal

Steelers May Have Quietly Solved a Massive Problem with Max Iheanachor

3 Non-First-Round Picks Who Could Be in the Defensive Rookie of the Year Race

3 Late-Round Picks Who Could Be in the Offensive Rookie of the Year Race