2026 NFL Draft: First Round Delivers Surprises & Franchise Cornerstones
The first round of the NFL Draft kicked off Thursday night in Pittsburgh, marking the beginning of one of the league’s most anticipated offseason events.
Quarterbacks and offensive playmakers headlined the evening, but several unexpected selections and trades quickly reshaped the draft board.
The Las Vegas Raiders opened the night by selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, setting the tone for a class that emphasized offensive upside and versatility.
First Five Picks Set the Tone
The top of the draft featured a mix of expected selections and early surprises:
- 1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana): A national championship-winning quarterback, Mendoza brings accuracy and leadership as a franchise cornerstone.
- 2. New York Jets – David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech): A defensive standout expected to immediately upgrade the Jets’ pass rush.
- 3. Arizona Cardinals – Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame): A surprising pick, adding explosive playmaking to Arizona’s offense.
- 4. Tennessee Titans – Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State): A dynamic receiver to support the Titans’ evolving offense.
- 5. New York Giants – Arvell Reese (EDGE, Ohio State): A high-upside defender with elite athletic traits and versatility.
Full First-Round Picks
Here’s a quick look at some of the top picks from Thursday’s draft action.
| Pick | Player | School | Position | Team | Scouting Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernando Mendoza | Indiana | QB | Las Vegas Raiders | Accurate, poised passer with strong leadership traits and pro-ready decision-making. |
| 2 | David Bailey | Texas Tech | EDGE | New York Jets | Explosive edge rusher with elite first-step quickness and high sack upside. |
| 3 | Jeremiyah Love | Notre Dame | RB | Arizona Cardinals | Dynamic, versatile back with home-run speed and receiving ability. |
| 4 | Carnell Tate | Ohio State | WR | Tennessee Titans | Smooth route-runner with size and reliable hands as a perimeter threat. |
| 5 | Arvell Reese | Ohio State | EDGE | New York Giants | Athletic defender with versatility to rush or drop into coverage. |
| 6 | Mansoor Delane | LSU | CB | Kansas City Chiefs | Physical corner with strong press skills and ball-tracking ability. |
| 7 | Sonny Styles | Ohio State | LB | Washington Commanders | Hybrid linebacker with size, range, and coverage versatility. |
| 8 | Jordyn Tyson | Arizona State | WR | New Orleans Saints | Quick, agile receiver who excels after the catch in open space. |
| 9 | Spencer Fano | Utah | OT | Cleveland Browns | Powerful lineman with strong fundamentals and run-blocking upside. |
| 10 | Francis Mauigoa | Miami | OT | New York Giants | Massive tackle with elite length and high ceiling as a pass protector. |
| 11 | Caleb Downs | Ohio State | S | Dallas Cowboys | Instinctive safety with elite range and playmaking ability in coverage. |
| 12 | Kadyn Proctor | Alabama | OT | Miami Dolphins | Dominant physical presence with the tools to anchor the offensive line |
Betting Impact of the Draft
The first round of the craft continues to play a growing role in NFL betting. Sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel offered extensive draft markets, including wagers on the No. 1 overall pick, positional runs, and player draft positions.
As selections unfolded, betting odds shifted rapidly, particularly after surprise picks like Love going third overall and the Rams selecting a quarterback earlier than expected.
These movements also impacted futures betting markets, with teams landing top prospects often seeing immediate adjustments in odds to win divisions or reach the playoffs. With the first round complete, Friday brings selections in Rounds 2-3 with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday
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