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.

Michigan tight end Marlin Klein (17) warms up before the Central Michigan game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.

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The 2024 NFL Draft produced some playmakers who have fallen short of expectations. Three in particular are starting to turn heads at OTAs.

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Analyzing all 32 selections from the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and picking out the perfect prospect-team matches moving forward.

Missouri Tigers defensive tackle Chris McClellan (7) celebrates his sack as Auburn Tigers take on Missouri Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Missouri Tigers lead Auburn Tigers 10-7 at halftime.

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The 2026 NFL Draft featured sleeper picks throughout all seven rounds, so we've singled out one prospect from every round climbing depth charts at OTAs.

May 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard (17) participates in OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

Another batch of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) is in the books, and we've identified five sleeper prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft who thrived at practice.

Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) warms up before an AFC Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

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The 2023 NFL Draft was electric and dynamic, but we're giving teams a do-over by reimagining the top five selections four years later.

Nov 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Deven Eastern (91) celebrates against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

A total of 41 selections were made throughout the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and we've singled out five sleeper picks capable of surprising.

Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks on during warmups before the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Identifying five teams that missed the playoffs in 2025 and drastically improved their rosters via the 2026 NFL Draft, putting them back on track.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver CJ Daniels (7) reacts after a run against the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

There were a total of 35 selections made throughout the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and we've identified five sleeper picks.

May 1, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon (9) runs drills during rookie minicamp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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The Philadelphia Eagles traded A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, but selecting Makai Lemon during the 2026 NFL Draft will replace the outgoing Brown.

Oct 25, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) runs with the ball against Northwestern Wildcats defensive lineman Carmine Bastone (1) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

The 2026 NFL Draft presented a bunch of sleeper prospects in the fifth round, so we've identified five who are primed to outperform expectations.

Jan 9, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Several 2026 NFL Draft classes flew under the radar, and we've identified five that deserve more national recognition than they've received.

Sep 16, 2023; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators cornerback Devin Moore (28) intercepted the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

The fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft presented several sleeper picks, and we've identified another five prospects capable of developing into steals.

Justin Melo

Joined: Feb 16, 2026

How a League-Wide Trend Forced Teams Into Stunning NFL Draft Decisions

NFL Draft Rookies Who Are Suddenly Impossible to Ignore at OTAs

The Rookie Receivers NFL Teams Can't Stop Talking About at OTAs Right Now

Five Teams That Totally Missed the Mark During the 2026 NFL Draft

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Once-Questioned 2024 NFL Draft Prospects Proving Doubters Wrong at OTAs

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First-Round NFL Draft Pairings That Already Look Like Perfect Matches

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One Rookie From Every NFL Draft Round Forcing Tough Depth Chart Decisions Already

Late-Round Expert

Five Overlooked NFL Draft Rookies Suddenly Demanding Attention at OTAs

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How the Top Five Picks of the 2023 NFL Draft Should Look Today

Late-Round Expert

Seventh-Round NFL Draft Steals That Deserve Far More Attention

Five Teams That Missed the Playoffs Took a Massive Step Forward Through the NFL Draft

Late-Round Expert

Sixth-Round NFL Draft Sleepers Hiding in Plain Sight (And Why They'll Prove You Wrong)

Eagles Made Makai Lemon NFL Draft Decision to Survive A.J. Brown's Inevitable Departure

Underrated Fifth-Round NFL Draft Gems Poised to Outperform Expectations

Five NFL Draft Classes That Were Far Better Than Anyone Wants to Admit

Overlooked Fourth-Round NFL Draft Picks Won't Stay Hidden Much Longer