All 32 First-Round Picks from the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft began on Thursday night in Pittsburgh, with the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the first overall pick. Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner, joins an elite group of players to achieve both the Heisman and a national championship in the same season before being taken No. 1 overall. The Raiders now glance to develop him under veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, with Mendoza citing Tom Brady — a minority owner of the Raiders — as an idol, and mentor.
With the second pick, the New York Jets selected Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey, who led the nation in sacks with 14.5 during his college career. The Jets, who had the second-fewest sacks in the league last season, added Bailey to bolster their pass rush. The Jets also made two additional first-round selections later in the round, choosing Oregon tight conclude Kenyon Sadiq and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., marking the first time since 2014 that a team has made three first-round picks in a single draft.
The Arizona Cardinals took Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third pick. Love scored 40 touchdowns over the past two seasons and provides both rushing and receiving versatility. The Cardinals opted for Love despite rumors they might pursue a quarterback, signaling a commitment to building a balanced offensive attack around their young quarterback.
At No. 4, the Tennessee Titans selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. Tate helped the Buckeyes win the national championship in 2024 and posted career-high receiving yards and touchdowns in 2025. The Titans, who entered the draft needing offensive firepower for quarterback Cam Ward, chose Tate over defensive options, aiming to revitalize their passing game.
The New York Giants, after trading Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati, used their acquired pick to select Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5. Reese joins a defensive front that now includes Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Brian Burns, giving the Giants one of the most talented edge-rushing groups in the league. The Giants later added Florida State defensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10, further strengthening their interior defensive line.
The Kansas City Chiefs, entering the draft with two first-round picks, selected two defensive players: Georgia defensive tackle Triston Hill at No. 22 and Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry at No. 29. While the Chiefs did not address wide receiver depth in the first round, their focus on defense reflects a strategy to protect their investment in quarterback Patrick Mahomes by improving the team’s ability to receive off the field on third down.
One of the most talked-about moves of the night came at No. 13, when the Los Angeles Rams traded up to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Simpson, who transferred to Alabama after starting at Texas A&M, was considered a boom-or-bust prospect due to inconsistencies in his college career. The Rams’ decision to move up for him signals their commitment to finding a long-term successor to Matthew Stafford, though analysts have questioned the premium paid to secure his selection.
The Cincinnati Bengals, holding the No. 17 pick, selected Iowa edge rusher Joe Evans. Evans recorded 11.5 sacks in 2025 and brings a high motor to Cincinnati’s defensive line. The pick addresses a need for pass-rushing depth behind starters Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard.
Other notable selections include the Dallas Cowboys taking Notre Dame safety Caleb Downs at No. 24, adding versatility to their secondary; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selecting Miami (FL) defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. At No. 19; and the San Francisco 49ers choosing LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers at No. 21, a pick that surprised many given Nabers’ off-field concerns leading into the draft.
The draft concluded with Mr. Irrelevant honors going to Brock Purdy’s counterpart in spirit — though the official title went to the final pick of Round 1, which was not officially designated as such in the first round. The term “Mr. Irrelevant” traditionally applies to the last pick of the entire seven-round draft, not just Round 1.
As Rounds 2 and 3 are set to commence on Friday at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, teams will look to address remaining needs and capitalize on value still available on the board. The 2026 NFL Draft continues to shape the future of franchises across the league, with this year’s first round reflecting a strong emphasis on defensive talent, quarterback development, and strategic trading.
For ongoing updates, official draft results, and team-by-team analysis, visit the NFL’s draft tracker or trusted sports news outlets providing real-time coverage.
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