Justin Melo

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.

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Toledo defensive back Avery Smith (DB30) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Player Profiles

Dec 30, 2022; Tucson, AZ, USA; Wyoming Cowboys offensive tackle Caden Barnett (72) against the Ohio Bobcats during the 2022 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Player Profiles

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

Player Profiles

New Mexico Lobos defensive end Keyshawn James-Newby speaks to members of the press during a Rate Bowl media day at JW Marriott Camelback Inn in Scottsdale on Dec. 24, 2025.

Player Profiles

Nov 1, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) throws a pass during the first half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Player Profiles

Kansas' Jalon Daniels is among the more experienced quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and teamms appreciate his maturity and leadership.

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon offensive lineman Alex Harkey (OL26) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Player Profiles

Oregon offensive lineman Alex Harkey is a versatile blocker in the 2026 NFL Draft, and that flexibility is gaining him attention after his Pro Day.

Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Kansas State Wildcats safety VJ Payne (19) against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

The 2026 NFL Draft presents a strong group of cornerback and safety prospects, so we've identified the late-round value picks worth making.

Michigan defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny (26) tries to tackle Central Michigan running back Trey Cornist (6) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.

Late-Round Expert

The 2026 NFL Draft features a strong class of defensive tackle prospects, and the following options will be late-round value picks.

Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller talks with media during midweek press conference at the Smart Family Media Center in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday, August 30, 2023.

Player Profiles

Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller is an instant starter in the 2026 NFL Draft, and that should make him very desirable for NFL teams.

Sep 13, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) walks off the field after a game against the Texas El Paso Miners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Player Profiles

Texas tight end Jack Endries enters the NFL Draft as a multi-year starter, and that should appeal to teams looking for an instant contributor at the position.

Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up before the start of the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

The NFL Draft is won (and lost) in the middle and late rounds, so we've identified five franchises who routinely make late-round value picks.

Sep 14, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) pursues a play on defense against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

The 2026 NFL Draft features a really strong class of linebacker prospects, so we've analyzed the best mid-and-late-round sleepers.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza was flawless at Pro Day, confirming the Las Vegas Raiders will select him at No. 1 overall during the NFL Draft.

Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) makes a catch as he warms up before playing against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

Player Profiles

Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers put forth a historic performance at the NFL Combine, forcing teams to move him up their NFL Draft boards.

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher (LB04) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Player Profiles

Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher is an exciting and athletic prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, and his unique story paints a full picture.

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Memphis offensive lineman Travis Burke (OL09) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Late-Round Expert

The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft features a deep class of sleeper offensive linemen prospects, and we've identified a solid handful of them.