It’s that time of year once again for NFL fans, as it’s safe to say the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, held live in Pittsburgh, PA, lived up to expectations.
Whether it was teams finding their franchise stars, shocking falls, or surprising reaches, round one has left plenty to discuss.
However, a pick that came as a surprise, as no one was expecting Fernando Mendoza to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The national champion now joins a youthful locker room in Las Vegas with stars such as No. 2 Ashton Jeanty and No. 89 Brock Bowers, as the team looks for their first winning season since their 2021 campaign.
Alongside Mendoza came another quarterback, Ty Simpon, who joins the Los Angeles Rams as a potential successor to the reigning NFL MVP, No. 9 Matthew Stafford.
Speaking of rookies tasked with filling the shoes of veterans, Jeremiyah Love is tasked with being the Arizona Cardinals‘ replacement for No. 6 James Conner.
Being the 10th running back to be taken in the first round since 2015, to say there is pressure would be an understatement.
Moving away from offense, this draft class has also produced some of the best defensive prospects the NFL has seen in years.
Just two picks after Love came Arvell Reese, who looks to fill in for No. 97 Dexter Lawrence, following the New York Giants‘ trading him to the Cincinnati Bengals days earlier.
Although Reese had better stay alert, Sonny Styles joins the division with the rival Washington Commanders after sticking with the same position.
A high-stakes match-up that will surely be one of the most anticipated of the season.
The following is every first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft graded:
1) Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB): Indiana
Grade: A+
2) New York Jets: David Bailey (EDGE): Texas Tech
Grade: B+
3) Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love (RB): Notre Dame
Grade: A-
4) Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate (WR): Ohio State
Grade: B+
5) New York Giants: Arvell Reese (LB): Ohio State
Grade: A
6) Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane (CB): LSU
Grade: C+
7) Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles (LB): Ohio State
Grade: A-
8) New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson (WR): Arizona State
Grade: B
9) Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano (OT): Utah
Grade: B+
10) New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa (OT): Miami
Grade: B
11) Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs (S): Ohio State
Grade: A
12) Miami Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor (OT): Alabama
Grade: C+
13) Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson (QB): Alabama
Grade: D+
14) Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane (OG): Penn State
Grade: A-
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE): Miami
Grade: A-
16) New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq (TE): Oregon
Grade: B
17) Detroit Lions: Blake Miller (OT): Clemson
Grade: C+
18) Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks (DT): Florida
Grade: C-
19) Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling (OT): Georgia
Grade: B+
20) Philadelphia Eagles: Makai Lemon (WR): USC
Grade: B+
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor (OT): Arizona State
Grade: C+
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE): Miami
Grade: B-
23) Dallas Cowboys: Malachai Lawrence (EDGE): UCF
Grade: B+
24) Cleveland Browns: K.C. Concepcion (WR): Texas A&M
Grade: D+
25) Chicago Bears: Dillon Theineman (S): Oregon
Grade: B
26) Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge (OG): Georgia Tech
Grade: B-
27) Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson (CB): San Diego State
Grade: C-
28) New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu (OT): Utah
Grade: B+
29) Kansas City Chiefs: Peter Woods (DT): Clemson
Grade: B
30) New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr. (WR): Indiana
Grade: B+
31) Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk (EDGE): Auburn
Grade: A-
32) Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price (RB): Notre Dame
Grade: B
As the night unfolded, it became clear to all in attendance that the future of the NFL looks bright, and the stories of these young stars were just beginning.
