From Mendoza to Mr Irrelevant - Grading Every Team's 2026 Draft Class

The 2026 NFL Draft in Review: All 32 Teams, Graded and Dissected

Pittsburgh played host to one of the wildest three-day stretches in recent NFL Draft history. A record 805,000 fans packed the Steel City across the weekend, topping Detroit's 2024 mark of 775,000 to set the all-time attendance record at 805,000. The NFL went full Pittsburgh for the occasion, bringing out Michael Keaton to announce a fifth-round pick and giving the home crowd plenty to cheer about when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar landed with the Steelers in Round 3. Then came one of the weekend's best moments: a Pittsburgh native, Navy's Eli Heidenreich, hearing his name called in the seventh round while sitting in the crowd at the draft site. Washington, D.C., has the hosting duties next year, and the bar has been set impossibly high.

The action on stage matched the energy on the concourse. Fernando Mendoza going first overall to the Raiders felt like a foregone conclusion after leading Indiana to a national championship, but that was about the only predictable thing that happened. The Rams stunned everyone by taking a quarterback at 13. The Eagles stole a player from Pittsburgh's lap at a draft held in Pittsburgh. And a top-10 talent at cornerback tumbled all the way to the fourth round because of a surgically repaired knee. Three days, 257 picks, double-digit trades, and enough drama to fill an offseason's worth of debate.

The Big Picture: What Defined This Draft

The offensive tackle market exploded unlike anything we have seen in years. Seven tackles came off the board in Round 1, and the frenzy created a chain reaction that rippled through every team's draft plan. There was a clear top tier of seven tackles, and after that the talent dropped off sharply. That reality is what drove New England to trade up from 31 to 28 to grab Caleb Lomu, and it is why Detroit made calls before the draft with a clear plan to get ahead of the tackle run. Multiple teams we heard from viewed the late first round as interchangeable with the early second round in terms of talent, which is partly why Buffalo felt comfortable trading out of the first round entirely, flipping the 26th pick into a package that included five selections. As one team source acknowledged, the Bills felt a few bullets short after the D.J. Moore trade cost them a second-rounder, and the trade-backs were designed to reload.

The quarterback class was scattered and strange. Fernando Mendoza was always going first, but after that, chaos. The Rams took Alabama's Ty Simpson at 13, a pick that had almost no predraft buzz and landed with a thud on most draft boards that had Simpson ranked around 40th overall. Arizona waited until the third round for Miami's Carson Beck, a player whose struggles at Georgia and successful transition to Miami showed the kind of resilience that intrigued the Cardinals. Pittsburgh bet on Drew Allar in the third round as a raw, moldable prospect who they believe has arm talent comparable to a young Joe Flacco. The Jets took a fourth-round flyer on Cade Klubnik. And then there was Garrett Nussmeier, the former LSU passer who would have been a near-certain first-rounder had he declared last year. He lasted until the seventh round and the 249th pick before Kansas City grabbed him. Ten quarterbacks heard their names called, and almost none of them went where anyone expected a year ago.

The first round also featured two of the weekend's most electric trades. Kansas City's internal draft simulator suggested that both Washington at 7 and New Orleans at 8 were threats to take LSU corner Mansoor Delane, so the Chiefs shipped third- and fifth-round picks to Cleveland to jump from 9 to 6 and lock him up. And then came the moment that had the Steelers' draft room scrambling: Philadelphia traded up one spot to 20 and swiped USC receiver Makai Lemon, the Biletnikoff Award winner, right out from under Pittsburgh. The Steelers were literally on the phone with Lemon telling him he would be their pick at 21. Instead, they pivoted to Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor and the Eagles walked away with the draft's top receiver.

Day 2 and Day 3 produced their own fireworks. Tennessee corner Jermod McCoy, ranked as a top-10-to-12 talent by most evaluators, slid all the way to the 101st pick because of medical concerns with his surgically repaired knee. Five of eight teams polled said McCoy was completely off their board. Las Vegas did not care, doing extensive homework on the injury and betting that the reward far outweighs the risk. If McCoy is healthy, the Raiders may have landed the single biggest steal in the entire draft. Meanwhile, the Jets executed four trades across the weekend using at least six different trade calculators and simulators, a level of analytical firepower that helped them land four players many consider future starters. Forty percent of one evaluator's top-100 picks list consisted of Day 3 selections, proof that patient, value-driven teams found impact players well into Rounds 4 through 7.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Brandon Beane's front office went full portfolio manager here. Buffalo traded out of the first round entirely, flipping the 26th pick into a haul that included five selections. The big return was Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker at 35, who would have been solid value at 26 and became a steal after the trade-down. Parker fills the void left by Joey Bosa and AJ Epenesa, both of whom departed in free agency. The fourth round was where Buffalo really cooked, grabbing UConn receiver Skyler Bell as a polished slot option with immediate return potential, TCU linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr as a coverage weapon who could become the next Matt Milano, and Boston College tackle Jude Bowry for depth up front. Ohio State corner Davison Igbinosun in the second round adds length to the secondary. This was a masterclass in accumulation and need-matching, even if the lack of a first-round splash left some fans underwhelmed initially.

Miami Dolphins

First-year GM Jon-Eric Sullivan earned rave reviews from league insiders for a draft that addressed nearly every hole on the roster. Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor at 12 was widely considered a top-five talent, though questions persist about whether he will maximize that ability. Pairing him with San Diego State corner Chris Johnson at 27 gave Miami two potential long-term starters on Day 1. Johnson's size, 4.40 speed, and press-man technique made him a perfect fit for Jeff Hafley's scheme. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez in the second round was outstanding, a playmaker who forced seven fumbles and intercepted four passes last season. Louisville receiver Chris Bell in the third round was playing like a top-25 pick before tearing his ACL in November. If healthy, he could emerge as Miami's top target. Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis in the fourth round was a consensus top-100 talent who slipped due to size concerns, and Texas safety Michael Taaffe adds depth in the secondary. The Dolphins drafted 13 players and hit on quantity and quality.

New England Patriots

The Patriots recognized that the offensive tackle class had a clear top seven and a significant drop-off after that. Trading up from 31 to 28 to secure Utah's Caleb Lomu was smart asset management. The question becomes where Lomu and 2025 first-rounder Will Campbell line up, since both played exclusively at left tackle in college. Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas in the second round was a strong scheme fit with 27 college sacks and the power to set the edge, drawing comparisons to Matthew Judon. Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon in the third round gives the offense a reliable target, and sixth-rounder Dametrious Crownover adds tackle depth with his massive 86-inch wingspan. Missouri edge Zion Young was reportedly on New England's radar early in the process, though Baltimore ultimately snagged him. A solid if unspectacular haul that prioritized the trenches.

New York Jets

This was one of the best drafts in the entire class, and GM Darren Mougey attacked every angle of a rebuild in progress. Texas Tech edge David Bailey at No. 2 gives the Jets a pro-ready pass rusher who can contribute immediately, chosen over the more versatile but rawer Arvell Reese. Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at 16 was the top tight end in the class by a wide margin, with 4.39 speed and elite burst. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich was reportedly ecstatic, having called his shot during a predraft videoconference with Sadiq. Then the Jets traded back into Round 1 for Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at 30, surrendering only a late fifth-rounder to move up from 33. Indiana corner D'Angelo Ponds at 50 was a flat-out steal for an undersized enforcer with elite coverage instincts. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik in the fourth round represents a low-risk swing at a developmental passer. The Jets executed four trades using at least six trade simulators and believe they won every deal. Kansas State safety VJ Payne in the seventh round, at 6-3 and 206 pounds with 4.40 speed, was another 90-plus pick value swing. This franchise finally looks like it has a plan.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Eric DeCosta keeps proving why he is one of the league's premier drafters. Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane at 14 was one of the most popular mock draft pairings all spring, and for good reason. Ioane is a plug-and-play starter with All-Pro upside who immediately upgrades a line tasked with protecting Lamar Jackson. The Ravens were sweating that someone would jump them, since multiple teams called about trading to 13, but the Rams stayed put and took a quarterback. Missouri edge Zion Young at 45 was 15 picks below his board value and fills Baltimore's top need after a season of struggling to generate pressure. USC receiver Ja'Kobi Lane in the third round and Indiana receiver Elijah Sarratt in the fourth added the big-bodied pass catchers that Jackson has long needed. Duke corner Chandler Rivers at 162 was ranked 71 spots higher on some boards and could push for dime reps behind Marlon Humphrey. Michigan defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny in the seventh round was a near-100-point value swing as a fourth-round talent who slid to 250. Eleven picks, almost all of them hits.

Cincinnati Bengals

Without a first-round pick after the Dexter Lawrence trade, the Bengals needed to maximize Day 2. Texas A&M edge Cashius Howell at 41 has one of Maxx Crosby's defining traits: a relentless motor. He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks and fills the Trey Hendrickson-sized hole in the pass rush. Washington corner Tacario Davis in the third round has a nearly 6-4 frame that could get leggy at times but plays with enough physicality and ball skills to offset it. Auburn center Connor Lew in the fourth round was the top center on many boards before a torn ACL, making him a long-term investment behind the Joe Burrow protection project. Duke tackle Brian Parker II in the sixth round adds swing versatility after starting 33 college games. Texas tight end Jack Endries in the seventh gives the Bengals a young pass-catching option behind aging veterans. A workmanlike class that addressed the right positions without any splashy moments.

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland assembled the strongest overall class in the draft. The Browns traded down from 6 to 9 with Kansas City, picked up an extra Day 2 selection, and still landed Utah tackle Spencer Fano, whose rare movement ability and football IQ made him the first lineman off the board. Then came the historic receiver double: Texas A&M's KC Concepcion at 24 and Washington's Denzel Boston at 39, making Cleveland the first team in 30 years to grab two receivers in the top 40. Concepcion had multiple suitors and would not have lasted much longer, while Boston was a player the Browns considered trading back into the first round to get. Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at 58 was a consensus late-first talent who slipped after an average combine workout, a 38-pick gift. Florida tackle Austin Barber in the third round and Alabama center Parker Brailsford in the fifth continued the offensive line rebuild. Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer has an opportunity to make an immediate impact. The only lingering issue is the quarterback room, where Arkansas's Taylen Green in the sixth round makes the Browns the first team since the 2010-11 Panthers to select three quarterbacks in a two-draft span. Outstanding value throughout, even if the signal-caller situation remains a mess.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers had their hearts set on USC receiver Makai Lemon and were on the phone telling him he would be the pick at 21 when Philadelphia traded up one spot ahead and swiped him. Pittsburgh pivoted to Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor, a raw but physically gifted prospect the Steelers had scouted in person during a campus visit. Iheanachor and Iowa guard Gennings Dunker at 96 represented a heavy investment in an offensive line that desperately needed it. The two looked imposing together at the Senior Bowl, which set the stage for the double-dip. Alabama receiver Germie Bernard in the second round should complement DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round is a bet on raw arm talent and coach Mike McCarthy's quarterback development track record, with the team believing Allar has similar arm talent to a young Joe Flacco. Georgia corner Daylen Everette adds secondary depth. Penn State tackle Drew Shelton in the fourth round had internal supporters pushing for him as early as Day 2. Navy's Eli Heidenreich in the seventh, a Pittsburgh native drafted while attending the event, was one of the weekend's best moments. Oklahoma safety Robert Spears-Jennings, who ran a 4.32 at the combine, is a late-round traits play at a position of future need. The Lemon miss stings, but Pittsburgh recovered admirably.

AFC South

Houston Texans

Houston traded up two slots to 26 to secure Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge, a player GM Nick Caserio identified as the one prospect every scout in the building agreed on unanimously. Assistant GM James Liipfert's Georgia Tech ties ran deep, and offensive line coach Cole Popovich did a private workout with Rutledge before the draft. One NFC executive went as far as calling Rutledge the top guard in the entire class, ahead of Ioane. Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald at 36 anchors the middle alongside Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Caserio worked multiple trade scenarios to get McDonald, even exploring a late first-round trade-in on Thursday night. Michigan tight end Marlin Klein in the second round gives C.J. Stroud another weapon, and USC safety Kamari Ramsey in the fifth adds versatility to the back end. Indiana linebacker Aiden Fisher in the seventh capped a class that prioritized the trenches and culture.

Indianapolis Colts

Without a first-round pick, the Colts needed to nail Day 2, and they did. Georgia linebacker CJ Allen at 53 ran a 4.4 forty, was once considered a first-round talent, and should step immediately into the starting lineup as a tone-setter. One team source described the scouting report simply: great person, all about football, ran 4.4, tough. LSU safety A.J. Haulcy in the third round was a personal favorite of many evaluators, a 6-0, 215-pound safety built like a linebacker who dropped into deep coverage and picked off passes in pressure situations. Kentucky guard Jalen Farmer in the fourth is a future plan at a position where Quenton Nelson has one year left on his deal. Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher will contribute on special teams while developing. Ohio State edge Caden Curry in the sixth round, with 11 sacks last season in a stifling defense, was one of the best values on Day 3. Oklahoma receiver Deion Burks in the seventh sat atop available player lists for hours before Indianapolis finally stopped his fall. Chris Ballard continues to find starters in the mid-rounds.

Jacksonville Jaguars

GM James Gladstone set the draft board on fire. The Jaguars reached on four of their first five picks relative to consensus boards, a strategy that drew heavy criticism. Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher at 56 ignited an unexpected tight end run, with four more going in the next 17 picks. He was ranked as the 13th tight end on some boards and had no idea he was even on Jacksonville's radar, though he had been notified during the process that multiple teams listed him as their top blocking tight end. Texas A&M defensive tackle Albert Regis at 81 was another significant reach. Maryland safety Jalen Huskey at 100 was projected as a late Day 3 pick by most evaluators. Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon at 88 was the bright spot, a versatile lineman with late first-round buzz who should compete for the starting right guard job immediately. Houston tight end Tanner Koziol in the fifth adds pass-catching talent. As one veteran agent put it, Jacksonville is going to do things their way, perception be damned. Whether that boldness pays off remains to be seen, but the reaches were aggressive even by draft-day standards.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans surprised nearly everyone by taking Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate fourth overall with Reese and Sonny Styles still on the board. Tennessee had finalized its board more than a week before the draft and rated Tate higher, believing the top-end receiver pool was stronger than the other positions it might have prioritized and that Tate would not last past the seventh pick. Tate becomes the highest-drafted receiver in franchise history and gives second-year quarterback Cam Ward a three-level threat on the outside. Auburn edge Keldric Faulk at 31 fits coach Robert Saleh's love for mammoth defensive linemen. Faulk had just two sacks last year, but that came in a two-gap scheme at Auburn that limited his pass-rush opportunities. Tennessee believes his 6-5, 276-pound frame has untapped potential as a versatile chess piece. Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. at 60 was a terrific value, a three-year starter with 17 career sacks and three interceptions who could have gone in the late first round. Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton in the fifth gives the backfield a jolt behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Indiana center Pat Coogan in the sixth adds interior depth. Four top-100 caliber players across the class.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

With just one pick in the top 100, Denver was always going to rank near the bottom of team-by-team lists. Texas A&M defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim in the third round was one of the better Day 2 values, a penetrating interior presence with the reaction quickness to find the football. Washington running back Jonah Coleman in the fourth drew comparisons to J.K. Dobbins for his footwork, and the Broncos rated his character A-plus after learning he was a finalist for the William V. Campbell academic award. Denver explored taking a tight end somewhat early but the board did not cooperate. Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers was a target at 62 but went eight picks earlier. N.C. State tight end Justin Joly in the fifth was the fallback, a pass-catching weapon whose 2024 tape at a lighter weight impressed the staff. Boise State guard Kage Casey adds interior versatility. Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock at 257, the final pick of the entire draft, was actually a 90-point value on Denver's board and fills a real need behind aging starters. Utah tight end Dallen Bentley rounds out a class that did the most it could with limited ammunition.

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City used its first four picks on defensive players, an unmistakable signal about the team's identity heading into 2026 with Patrick Mahomes returning from a torn ACL. Trading up from 9 to 6 for LSU corner Mansoor Delane was driven by internal simulations that flagged Washington at 7 and New Orleans at 8 as realistic threats to take him. The Chiefs did not want to gamble after trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams earlier this offseason. Delane has the ball skills, toughness, and in-phase speed that made McDuffie an All-Pro. Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at 29 is a 3-technique of the future who should find a willing mentor in 32-year-old Chris Jones. Oklahoma edge R Mason Thomas at 40 adds more pass-rush juice. Oregon corner Jadon Canady in the fourth provides immediate competition in the nickel. The final tally for Kansas City's first-round dealings: Delane, Woods, and $65 million in cap savings over four years compared to McDuffie's new deal. Cincinnati receiver Cyrus Allen in the fifth adds deep speed, and LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh was a universally regarded top-100 talent who could be flipped for draft capital down the road. Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson in the fifth adds backfield depth. Steve Spagnuolo must have felt like Christmas morning.

Las Vegas Raiders

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 was the most predictable selection since Andrew Luck, but the lack of predraft drama should not obscure how talented the national championship-winning passer is. His poise, accuracy, decision-making, and running ability are franchise-quarterback material. The Raiders then attacked the secondary relentlessly. Arizona safety Treydan Stukes at 38 fills a long-standing need at a position that has been a problem for years. Auburn edge Keyron Crawford in the third adds pass-rush depth, and Texas A&M center Trey Zuhn III at 91 shores up the interior. The crown jewel of the later rounds was Tennessee corner Jermod McCoy at 101 in the fourth round, a prospect ranked as a top-10-to-12 talent who tumbled because of medical concerns surrounding a surgically repaired knee. Five of eight teams polled said McCoy was off their board entirely, but Las Vegas did extensive homework on the injury and is optimistic he can play in 2026 without a redshirt year. If McCoy stays healthy, this is the steal of the entire draft. Arizona safety Dalton Johnson and California corner Hezekiah Masses in the fifth round continue the secondary overhaul, and Oregon receiver Malik Benson in the sixth adds blazing return ability. One rival exec said this felt like new GM John Spytek's draft, and that was meant as a compliment. A new head coach, a new quarterback, and a front office that crushed Day 2 and Day 3. This franchise has not won a postseason game since 2002, but these are the most promising building blocks in decades.

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami edge Akheem Mesidor at 22 was excellent value, with some evaluators believing he could have gone in the 12-to-15 range if he were younger. He turned 25 in April, which played a role in his slide in a youth-centric draft. Credit to the Chargers for ignoring the age concerns and taking the best player available. Florida center Jake Slaughter in the second round solidifies the interior. Mississippi State receiver Brenen Thompson in the fourth ran a 4.26 at the combine and gives the offense a true field-stretching weapon behind Ladd McConkey and Tre' Harris. Arizona safety Genesis Smith in the fourth round is an instinctive playmaker who should find a home in sub packages quickly. Boston College guard Logan Taylor in the sixth adds swing versatility after starting at four different positions in college. No individual pick generated a top grade from evaluators, but the overall class addressed needs methodically.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at 11 was the single best pick of the entire 2026 draft. A three-time All-American and national champion, Downs brings football savvy, alignment versatility, and culture-setting ability that will transform new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's scheme from Day 1. The expectation is All-Pro potential during his rookie contract. UCF edge Malachi Lawrence at 23 was a reach on pure value but a nightmare fit flying off the edge alongside Rashan Gary and Quinnen Williams. Michigan edge Jaishawn Barham in the third round was the weekend's best Day 2 steal, a converted linebacker who posted 10 tackles for loss and four sacks after switching to edge in Week 3 under Wink Martindale's pro-level defense at Michigan. Penn State tackle Drew Shelton in the fourth had the coaching staff pushing hard for him even earlier. Florida corner Devin Moore adds secondary depth. Alabama edge LT Overton in the fourth is a toolsy big man who never lived up to early-round hype but has gap-sound principles and long arms. Five of the first six picks went to defense, and the results were impressive.

New York Giants

John Harbaugh's first draft as Giants head coach looked exactly like the formula that got him to the playoffs in 12 of 18 seasons in Baltimore. Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese falling to fifth overall was a gift. Rated as the top overall player on multiple boards, Reese joins Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux to form a terrifying front seven. Harbaugh plans to use Reese primarily at inside linebacker while slowly introducing him to a pass-rushing role, similar to his Ohio State usage where he added 97 pass-rush reps. Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa at 10 will start at right guard initially, with a potential move to tackle down the road. Tennessee corner Colton Hood at 37 was the team's guy despite rumblings about defensive line targets. Notre Dame receiver Malachi Fields in the third round drew praise from multiple receiver coaches for his downfield playmaking and ability to win isolate routes outside the numbers. Auburn defensive tackle Bobby Jamison-Travis in the sixth and BYU linebacker Jack Kelly add depth and special teams dynamism. This class has an elite ceiling.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles made the draft's most aggressive first-round move, trading up to 20 to snatch USC receiver Makai Lemon from Pittsburgh's grasp. Lemon was the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner who posted four games of 150-plus receiving yards, the most by a USC player since Drake London in 2021. He is arguably the most quarterback-friendly pass catcher in the class and gives Jalen Hurts a future running mate alongside DeVonta Smith as A.J. Brown's expected departure looms. Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers at 54 broke combine records in the vertical jump (45.5 inches) and broad jump (11-3) while running a 4.51 at 6-4, 251 pounds. Multiple teams viewed him as a big wideout similar to Michael Pittman Jr. He is the heir apparent to 31-year-old Dallas Goedert. Miami tackle Markel Bell in the third round adds offensive line depth. North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton in the fifth is a do-it-all weapon with a Taysom Hill-type skill set who could also develop as a backup behind 38-year-old Andy Dalton. Georgia guard Micah Morris in the sixth has Day 1 traits but work-ethic questions that Philadelphia's SEC-heavy culture should help address. The Eagles went all-in on offense, and it should pay off.

Washington Commanders

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at 7 was a slam-dunk fit for Dan Quinn's defense. One AFC defensive coach said you can plug Styles into the middle for the next 10 years. His range, aggressive ability in the backfield, and playmaking potential make him a legitimate Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, with a Fred Warner comparison that feels entirely appropriate. With no second-round pick, Washington waited until the third round for Clemson receiver Antonio Williams, a silky route runner who can line up inside or outside and could become a future WR1 behind 31-year-old Terry McLaurin. The Randall Cobb comparison from a national scout is apt: both players combine route detail with the ability to freestyle within routes. Tennessee edge Joshua Josephs in the fifth adds pass-rush depth. Penn State running back Kaytron Allen in the sixth walked into a crowded backfield but an unsettled depth chart, giving him a real shot at a meaningful role after back-to-back 1,000-yard college seasons. Michigan State center Matt Gulbin shores up interior depth. A strong top pick and solid role players throughout.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at 25 was the first safety the Bears drafted in the first round since Mark Carrier in 1990. Thieneman was frequently mocked to Minnesota at 18, so having him available at 25 without needing to trade up was a major win. Eight career interceptions and explosive play speed make him the playmaker Chicago's secondary desperately needed after an offseason that started with zero safeties under contract. Iowa center Logan Jones at 57 drew mixed reviews, with some evaluators questioning his pass-protection ability. Stanford tight end Sam Roush and LSU receiver Zavion Thomas add offensive weapons. Texas corner Malik Muhammad in the fourth projects as a future starter opposite Jaylon Johnson with 4.42 speed. Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott in the fifth was a Day 2 talent with seven sacks last season and high-character leadership who was stolen late. The Bears also believe sixth-round Georgia Tech defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg has plans beyond a typical flier after several of his testing numbers hit the highest mark on their internal scouting scale. Thieneman anchors the class, but the depth is real.

Detroit Lions

The Lions' plan was clear: get ahead of the offensive tackle run. Clemson right tackle Blake Miller at 17 is the first offensive lineman Detroit has selected in the first round since taking All-Pro Penei Sewell seventh overall in 2021. Miller started 52 college games, and his length and agility were so impressive that he consistently moved up boards throughout the process. One NFC executive flatly called him the best tackle in the draft. His selection signals that Sewell will move to the left side to form an elite bookend pairing. Michigan edge Derrick Moore in the second round adds pass-rush depth. Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder in the fourth is an ascending player. Arizona State corner Keith Abney II in the fifth was a massive value, ranked 62nd overall on some boards and drafted at 157. ASU defensive backs coach Bryan Carrington compared Abney to D.J. Reed, and now Abney gets to learn under Reed in Detroit. Texas Tech defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard in the sixth adds interior rotation. A focused class built around the trenches.

Green Bay Packers

Limited on pick capital after the Micah Parsons trade, the Packers needed to maximize every selection. South Carolina corner Brandon Cisse at 52 was a press-man dream with 4.41 speed and 31-inch arm length, drafted 20 spots below his board ranking. With Keisean Nixon in a contract year, Cisse could step into a starting role quickly. Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan in the third should be a steady role player for years. Penn State edge Dani Dennis-Sutton in the fourth round was one of the best values of the entire draft, a player with 23.5 career sacks and a floor of Round 3 who somehow lasted to midway through the fourth. His presence is especially important with Parsons's early-season status uncertain after an ACL tear. Alabama corner Domani Jackson in the sixth adds more secondary depth. Green Bay also pursued LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier as a potential undrafted free agent before Kansas City grabbed him in the seventh. Brian Gutekunst continues to find value in limited circumstances.

Minnesota Vikings

This draft was conducted under unusual circumstances, with longtime executive Rob Brzezinski serving as interim GM. Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks at 18 was the biggest surprise of Round 1 and the most divisive pick of the entire draft. Banks has elite size and traits at 6-6, 327 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan, but two foot surgeries in the past year and only three games played last season at Florida make this a significant gamble. The middle of the defensive line desperately needed talent after Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were released, so the need is real even if the value is off. Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday in the second round was one of the top off-ball backers in the class and should contribute immediately in Brian Flores's defense. Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange in the third doubles down on interior rebuilding. Northwestern tackle Caleb Tiernan at 97 was a strong value as a long-term right tackle plan behind 30-year-old Brian O'Neill. Miami safety Jakobe Thomas in the third round was considered more of a mid-to-late Day 3 pick by multiple scouts. Michigan fullback Max Bredeson in the fifth was a pure football pick for a power run game. Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne in the sixth adds lightning to Aaron Jones's thunder with 4.37 speed. Some around the league questioned how much influence defensive coordinator Flores had on the selections, calling it a coach-heavy draft. The ceiling depends entirely on Banks's health.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Without a first-round pick, the Falcons waited until 48 for Clemson corner Avieon Terrell, who produced one of the draft's best human-interest moments by joining his older brother A.J. Terrell Jr. in the same secondary. Avieon was a potential first-round talent who slipped because a hamstring injury prevented him from working out for teams. His 4.6 forty was misleading; he ran it hurt. He should make an instant impact in the slot. Georgia receiver Zachariah Branch in the third gives head coach Kevin Stefanski a unique weapon best utilized on gadget plays, screens, and sweeps. Oklahoma linebacker Kendal Daniels adds versatility. LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. in the sixth is a talented player who was moved around constantly in college and never found a settled role. If defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich can unlock Perkins's speed at one position, his ceiling is substantial. A small but targeted class.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers were tackle or bust in the first round and landed Georgia's Monroe Freeling at 19. At 6-7, 315 pounds, Freeling tested as one of the most physically gifted linemen at the combine and has prototypical tackle size. With Ikem Ekwonu recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon, Freeling secures the left tackle position even if Ekwonu cannot play in 2026. Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter at 49 pairs with Pro Bowler Derrick Brown on the interior. Tennessee receiver Chris Brazzell II in the third round has size and speed, though one AFC scout cautioned that Tennessee receivers have historically struggled to translate. Texas A&M corner Will Lee III in the fourth adds secondary help. Kansas State center Sam Hecht in the fifth was the top center on multiple boards and was drafted 55 spots below his ranking, a genuine steal who could start from day one. Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley in the fifth, at 6-3 and 202 pounds, capped a class that addressed the offensive line and found significant value late. The glaring omission was tight end, a position the Panthers still need to address.

New Orleans Saints

Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson at 8 satisfies a clear need as a true outside receiver to pair with Chris Olave, though his extensive injury history across hamstring, ankle, knee, and collarbone gives everyone pause. Tyson said he is hiring several people to help take care of his body, which is encouraging. Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller in the second round brings a violent play style that opponents will learn about quickly. Georgia tight end Oscar Delp in the third is a 6-5, 245-pounder with 4.49 speed who was never fully unlocked in Athens. If Kellen Moore can tap into that athletic ability, the passing attack with Tyler Shough throwing to Olave, Tyson, and Delp could be formidable. Auburn guard Jeremiah Wright in the fourth adds interior line depth. North Dakota State receiver Bryce Lance in the fourth ran a 4.34 and offers the size and downfield speed the rest of the receiver room lacks. The Saints got serious Day 3 speed in consecutive picks, with Ohio State's Lorenzo Styles (4.27) and LSU receiver Barion Brown (4.4) following Lance. Iowa corner TJ Hall in the seventh did not test well but has the technique and experience to compete for a roster spot. A class heavy on speed and offensive weapons.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs had scoured the earth for pass-rush help before the draft, exploring Trey Hendrickson in free agency and Jonathan Greenard on the trade market. Then Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr. fell to them at 15, and GM Jason Licht said he had probably never seen a more excited draft room. Bain wins with power and leverage and is a relentless pursuit player who racks up second-effort pressures. Expect Todd Bowles to utilize him inside as well as on the edge, similar to the Calijah Kancey role. Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter in the second round adds a reliable presence in the middle. Georgia State receiver Ted Hurst in the third has 4.42 speed at 6-4 and was a clean value match as a future outside threat. Miami corner/safety Keionte Scott in the fourth was ranked as a top-50 player on some boards and fell to 116. He is a natural in the slot and the best blitzing cornerback in the draft, a linebacker in a cornerback's body whose competitive energy will be tough to keep off the field. Clemson defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart in the fifth adds interior rotation. Notre Dame guard Billy Schrauth in the fifth shores up the line. A class anchored by a pass rusher who could have been a top-10 pick.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

Taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love third overall was the most debated pick of the draft. Love was the consensus top overall prospect, and GM Monti Ossenfort stuck with his best-player-available philosophy even though the Cardinals had just signed Tyler Allgeier to a two-year deal, had James Conner returning from injury, and had 2024 third-rounder Trey Benson averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. Love will enter the NFL with the most guaranteed money ever paid to a running back at just under $53.9 million. History is not kind to bad teams using high picks on running backs: none of the previous 11 backs taken in the top 10 over the past 20 years played in a Super Bowl. But Love is the most explosive weapon in the class and will immediately make Arizona's offense better. Texas A&M guard Chase Bisontis at 34 is a plug-and-play starter at right guard. Miami quarterback Carson Beck in the third round is the developmental passer bet. A Cardinals source praised Beck's resilience through struggles at Georgia and his successful transition to Miami, and his first top-30 visit was to Arizona. SE Louisiana defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor in the fourth has a chance to become a building block on the defensive front. Texas Tech receiver Reggie Virgil in the fifth was solid value. A fascinating class that will be defined by whether Love justifies the investment and whether Beck can develop behind the scenes.

Los Angeles Rams

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at 13 was the weekend's biggest stunner. Taking a quarterback before you need one has worked for Green Bay (twice) and Kansas City, but the value disconnect was stark. Simpson was ranked around 40th on many boards. The logic is sound for a perennial contender that believes it will not pick high enough in the next two drafts to find Matthew Stafford's successor, and the board suggests the Rams could have traded down and still gotten their passer. Ohio State tight end Max Klare in the second round gives Los Angeles flexibility, especially with tight end Colby Parkinson a free agent after the season. Missouri tackle Keagen Trost in the third round adds offensive line depth. Miami receiver CJ Daniels in the sixth has a well-rounded skill package for an offensive weapon who could see early playing time. Alabama defensive tackle Tim Keenan III in the seventh provides interior depth. Only five total picks limited the class's overall impact. The Simpson selection will be debated for years, but the Rams are betting on their system and patient development timeline.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers traded out of the first round entirely and then struggled to find value on Day 2. Ole Miss receiver De'Zhaun Stribling at 33 drew Godwin comparisons based on similar combine profiles, and his separation ability over the middle should complement Mike Evans's vertical threat. But many evaluators considered this a reach. Indiana running back Kaelon Black at 90 was not even invited to the combine, continuing an annual tradition of questionable Day 2 selections under Kyle Shanahan. Texas Tech edge Romello Height in the third and Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton in the fourth were the only picks that received consensus positive reviews. Halton is a penetrating 3-technique with 4.82 speed at 6-3, 293 pounds who should rotate with recently acquired Osa Odighizuwa. Washington corner Ephesians Prysock in the fourth has the size (6-3, 196) and patience to fit with Raheem Morris's scheme but can be clunky in his transitions. The 49ers' inability to consistently find impact players in the early-to-mid rounds of the draft remains a significant organizational concern. This was the second straight year the class failed to earn a single top grade through the first four rounds from several evaluator panels.

Seattle Seahawks

After attempts to trade out of the first round fell through, the Seahawks stayed put and found their Kenneth Walker III replacement in Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price at 32. Price is a hard-charging back at 5-11, 203 pounds with 4.49 speed and elite return ability, a fit for the outside-zone rushing scheme under new coordinator Brian Fleury. TCU safety Bud Clark in the second round was a favorite of evaluators, with a TCU-record 15 career interceptions and 4.41 speed. He follows the Seahawks' established blueprint of selecting safeties with cornerback backgrounds, similar to Julian Love and Coby Bryant before him. Arkansas corner Julian Neal in the third at 6-2, 203 pounds has the size and speed to replace Riq Woolen on the outside while allowing Devon Witherspoon to work from the slot. Iowa guard Beau Stephens in the fifth adds competition on the interior. Kansas receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. in the sixth has deep speed and kick return ability. The sense in Seattle is that Price will not need to be a bell cow right away with backfield depth available, but his special skill set will be hard to keep off the field. A well-constructed class that addressed the right positions at good value.

The Final Verdict

The 2026 draft will ultimately be remembered for the depth of its offensive tackle class, the unpredictability of its quarterback market, and the handful of teams that managed to find first-round talent deep into Day 2 and Day 3. Cleveland, New York's Jets and Giants, Las Vegas, Baltimore, Dallas, and Tampa Bay all walked away from Pittsburgh with classes that could reshape their rosters for years. On the other end, Jacksonville's aggressive reaches, San Francisco's continued Day 2 struggles, and the Cardinals' luxury spending at running back will face heavy scrutiny if results do not materialize quickly. One thing is certain: the record-setting crowds in Pittsburgh set a standard that Washington, D.C., will be hard-pressed to top when the draft rolls into the nation's capital next April.