The 2026 NFL Draft has finally arrived, and we've got you covered with live updates as every pick happens throughout the first round Thursday night in Pittsburgh.
As each pick is confirmed, I'll have live grades and instant analysis for every first-round selection.
How does each pick fill the team's most pressing needs? Does the selection represent strong value based on my predraft evaluations and rankings of this year's top prospects? What will each player bring to their new team, and how will they fit in their schemes?
Catch it all right here in real time:
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
We've all known this pick was coming for months now, and it's the right one. Even though Mendoza is ranked 10th overall on my board, he's the only first-round talent in this year's weak quarterback class, and he's worthy of this spot. He may not have the high-end traits we saw from the 2024 trio (Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye), but he's an accurate passer who makes sound decisions with the football, with the intangibles and toughness his teammates love. If the Raiders can build a better roster around him, Mendoza has the tools to eventually develop into a successful starter.
GRADE: B+
2. New York Jets
David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
Aaron Glenn's defense needs a ton of help, but it has to start in the trenches. Bailey has the most explosive first step in this year's deep class of edge rushers, and he racked up 14.5 sacks for the Red Raiders last season (tied for the most in the FBS). Ohio State's Arvell Reese may have brought more upside and versatility to the table, but Bailey is the more proven player who can make an immediate impact as a pass rusher. There's still a ton of work left to be done with this roster, but adding Bailey is a huge step in the right direction.
GRADE: B+
3. Arizona Cardinals
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
For all the talk of the modern NFL "devaluing" the position, recent history says that when you take a special running back prospect early, they usually pan out (Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs). Love is absolutely that level of prospect, and brings a three-down skill set that can instantly transform Arizona's entire offense. He's a big-play machine as both a runner and a receiver, and arguably the best overall prospect in this draft, regardless of position. It might seem like a luxury pick for a team that needs a ton of help on both sides of the ball before they're ready to be a playoff contender, but you can't go wrong taking the best player available.
GRADE: B+
4. Tennessee Titans
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
The first surprise of the night, the Titans passed on the top defenders available to give Cam Ward a new No. 1 receiver. Tate is the best receiver in this year's class, and you know what you're getting with pass-catchers who come out of Columbus. He instantly gives Ward a three-level receiver with a high floor, and helping out your young franchise quarterback is never a bad idea. Passing on Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese is an intriguing decision as they start the Robert Saleh era in Tennessee, though, both of whom are top-10 talents on my board, while I ranked Tate at the No. 11 spot.
GRADE: B
5. New York Giants
Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State
It wouldn't have been surprising to see Reese go at No. 2 overall to the Jets, so the Giants getting him here is a win. He's more pro-ready as an off-ball linebacker, but Reese has limitless potential as an edge rusher at the next level. One of the youngest prospects in this draft, Reese has as much upside as any prospect in the class, and brings immediate juice to the Giant's defense as they kick off John Harbaugh's tenure as head coach. Passing on his Ohio State teammate, Sonny Styles, might cost them some immediate success and a higher floor, but banking on the versatility, athleticism and potential Reese can deliver makes plenty of sense. We'll see if the Jets regret letting him fall to their local rival.
GRADE: B+
6. Kansas City Chiefs (from CLE)
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
After trading away Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs had a clear need for a new shutdown corner. Delane is the perfect fit, and easily the top corner prospect in this year's class. He's a smart, athletic player with elite ball skills and awareness, with the ability to completely erase an opposing team's top receiver. The move up the board wasn't terribly costly, and with both the Saints and Commanders with a huge need of their own at corner, this was a smart move by the Chiefs to make sure they landed the top cover man in this class. Delane was the No. 6 overall player on my board, and that's exactly where he goes.
GRADE: A
7. Washington Commanders
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
What a massive win for the Commanders, who land a new cornerstone for the next generation of their defense under Dan Quinn. This unit needs more playmakers at every level, and after adding multiple edge rushers in free agency, they're freed up to land easily the best off-ball linebacker in this year's draft. Styles is a big, athletic defender with the versatility to make big plays against both the run and pass, and he's dangerous as an extra rusher in blitz packages. He brings a ton of intelligence and valuable leadership qualities to the table, too. The No. 3 overall player on my board, Styles is a steal here, regardless of perceived positional value.
GRADE: A
8. New Orleans Saints
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
The Saints have a solid WR1 in Chris Olave, but he's had a hard time staying healthy of the past couple of seasons. Durability is also a question mark with Tyson, but when healthy, you could make a strong case for him to be the best receiver in this draft. If he can avoid the injuries that plagued him during his college career (and limited him throughout the predraft process), Tyson has the ability to be a WR1 in his own right. It's a bit of a reach based on where he landed on my board (No. 20 overall) due to the injury concerns, but the skill set and upside are worth the gamble.
GRADE: B-
9. Cleveland Browns (from KC)
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah
This was always the ideal scenario for the Browns, as they move back a few spots and add extra picks, while getting better value at their biggest position of need. Fano has experience at both tackle spots, and the Browns have long-term needs on both sides. He's got all the physical traits to be a Pro Bowl-caliber blocker at the next level, but he'll need some patience as he refines his technique. This is a few pots higher than I have him ranked (No. 13 overall), but the combination of the trade compensation and filling a big need balances out any question of value.
GRADE: B
10. New York Giants (from CIN)
Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)
This is such a Harbaugh pick. Mauigoa is a plug-and-play starter at right tackle, but he could easily slide inside to guard if needed right away. Mauigoa was a dominant force for the Canes throughout his college career, with the kind of punishing style of play every offensive line coach loves. There are concerns about a back injury that could lead to long-term durability questions, but as the top offensive tackle on my board, Mauigoa represents solid value at this point. Passing on Caleb Downs (the No. 1 overall player in my rankings) could prove to be a mistake down the road, though.
GRADE: B
11. Dallas Cowboys (from MIA)
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
When you get the best player in the entire draft outside of the top 10 picks, you're doing pretty well. I've spent plenty of time criticizing Jerry Jones' moves as the Cowboys' general manager, but I've got nothing but praise for this. Giving up a pair of fifth-round picks to move up one spot was well worth it to land the No. 1 overall player on my board. Downs is a three-level defender who can line up all over the place and make huge plays in every phase of the game. He's smart, athletic, and versatile, with the intangibles to make an instant impact as a leader, as well as on the field as a playmaker. This is the kind of pick that can immediately transform an entire defense, and that's exactly what Dallas needed.
GRADE: A+
12. Miami Dolphins (DAL)
Kadyn Proctor | OL | Alabama
The Dolphins need just about everything, but any rebuild should always start in the trenches. Proctor has been a left tackle for the Tide, but he's got the skill set to slide inside and play guard, as well. The physical traits are obviously off the charts for Proctor, who has rare athleticism for his massive size, and all the power you'd expect. That said, he needs a ton of technical refinement, and needs to find more consistency in maximizing his talents. There's some boom-or-bust here for Miami, and as the No. 24 overall player on my board, this feels like a bit of a reach. Getting a pair of fifth-roud picks from Dallas to move back one spot helps boost the value, though.
GRADE: B-
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
In theory, planning ahead at the game's most important position is never a bad thing. But for a Super Bowl contender with an MVP quarterback, spending a top-15 pick on a quarterback with limited physical traits and only 15 collegiate starts under his belt is a puzzling decision by the Rams. Instead of helping Matthew Stafford win another Super Bowl, they're hoping Simpson can be the kind of quarterback who can win one after he's gone, despite lacking the arm talent Stafford brings to the table. Simpson wasn't even a top-50 player on my board, so this is a massive reach that doesn't get them any closer to winning a title anytime soon.
GRADE: D
14. Baltimore Ravens
Olaivavega Ioane | OL | Penn State
There's a reason every mock draft for the last month had Ioane in this spot. Even under a new coaching staff, the Ravens' franchise is all about prioritizing the trenches, and pure value. Ioane checks both boxes, filling an immediate need along the interior of Baltimore's offensive line as the top guard prospect in this class. He's the No. 8 overall player on my board, making him a strong value pick at this slot. If the Ravens want to make sure their ground game stays strong and Lamar Jackson stays clean, Ioane is the perfect pick to make sure both of those things happen for years to come.
GRADE: A
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
The Bucs were tabbed by every mock drafter to take Akheem Mesidor here, but that's because nobody could have expected Bain would still be on the board here. The No. 4 overall player on my board, Bain is my top-ranked edge rusher in this draft, ahead of David Bailey, who went No. 2 overall to the Jets. Everyone knows how badly the Bucs need to improve their pass rush, and Bain was absolutely dominant for the Canes last season. He's a high-motor player who wins with explosiveness and power, and he's polished enough to make an instant impact for a team that has high expectations in 2026. This is the perfect blend of need and value for Tampa Bay, and a player who had no business still being on the board.
GRADE: A+
16. New York Jets (from IND)
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
Another surprise pick, the Jets were expected to target a pass-catcher early, but at receiver. Instead, they land this year's clear-cut leader atop the tight end class in Sadiq, who brings athleticism and versatility that creates serious matchup problems for opposing defenses. It might feel like a luxury pick after spending a second-rounder on Mason Taylor last year, but the Jets are still building a foundation under Aaron Glenn, so their early picks need to be all about adding as much talent as possible, regardless of position. Sadiq was the No. 15 overall player on my board, so I can't argue with the value here. Whoever ends up throwing the passes for the Jets long-term, they'll be glad Sadiq is already in-house. Passing up Makai Lemon will be something to look back on, though.
GRADE: B
17. Detroit Lions
Blake Miller | OT | Clemson
We expected the Lions to target a tackle here, but Miller wasn't the name most frequently connected with them. It's hard to argue with the polish and experience he brings to the table with 54 collegiate starts to his credit, but he's a pure right tackle, which signals a move to the left side for All-Pro Penei Sewell. There's risk associated with that, but Miller is the kind of pro-ready prospect who makes a ton of sense for a playoff contender if they're comfortable with Sewell's ability to make that transition. That said, Miller had a second-round grade from me (No. 34 overall on my board), behind multiple tackles who were still on the board who carried first-round grades (Georgia's Monroe Freeling, Utah's Caleb Lomu).
GRADE: C+
18. Minnesota Vikings
Caleb Banks | DL | Florida
This definitely fills a big need for Minnesota on defense, and it's hard to argue with the upside that Banks brings to the table. It's rare to find interior defenders with his combination of size and athleticism, and his highlight reel is among the most impressive you'll find from any prospect in this class. That said, he's dealt with multiple foot injuries over the past year, which can be concerning for a bigger prospect when it comes to projecting their ability to stay healthy at the next level. If he's able to avoid injury issues, Banks could absolutely prove to be worthy of this spot, but those durability concerns are a big reason why he landed at No. 43 overall on my board with a second-round grade, making him a reach in the top 20.
GRADE: C-
19. Carolina Panthers
Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia
Carolina hasn't had true stability at left tackle since Jordan Gross, and they need a long-term plan at right tackle with Taylor Moton in the twilight of his career. Freeling fills that first need after a stellar 2025 campaign that saw him climb up the board with some dominant game tape. He's still chasing consistency, but the ceiling is undeniable, and the combination of size, athleticism and physicality is impressive. This is a solid value pick (No. 22 overall on my board) that fills a clear need, and should be a massive help to Bryce Young, who has shown flashes of brilliance but needs more help around him.
GRADE: B
20. Philadelphia Eagles (from GB via DAL)
Makai Lemon | WR | USC
When you don't have a ton of glaring needs, you're able to take advantage when top prospects slip through the cracks and fall down the board. The Eagles made a short jump up the board to snag Lemon, the No. 2 receiver on my board (No. 17 overall), who could have easily been a top-10 pick. What he lacks in size, Lemon makes up for in every other area of his game, and he brings big-play potential to an offense that was simply too boring last season. Especially with AJ Brown likely to be on the move, Lemon should make a massive impact right away for Jalen Hurts and company.
GRADE: A
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Max Iheanachor | OT | Arizona State
One of my favorite players in this class, Iheanachor didn't play football until college after growing up in Nigeria, when a junior college basketball coach told him it might be a good idea because his size and athleticism. The early returns have been impressive for Iheanachor on the gridiron, as he flashed a ton of potential with those physical traits, and the physicality the Steelers have always prioritized in the trenches. With a question mark at tackle due to Broderick Jones' neck injury, banking on the upside with Iheanachor makes a ton of sense. This is exactly the range that always made sense for him, and it's a strong fit for what the Steelers need moving forward.
GRADE: B
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (FL)
The Chargers need an edge rusher to eventually replace Khalil Mack opposite Tuli Tuipolotu, so this position always made sense for them if they couldn't land an instant-impact player for the interior of the offensive line. Mesidor's tape and production are as good as you'll see from any edge rusher in this draft, but he's an older prospect (already 25 years old), with an injury history that could lead to concerns about long-term durability. If he's able to stay healthy, Mesidor should make a big impact right away as a rotational rusher, but this is a high slot for a player who will be pushing 30 years old when he's up for his second contract. That highly influenced his spot on my board (No. 40 overall, second-round grade), so this is a bit of a reach at a deep position.
GRADE: C
23. Dallas Cowboys (from PHI)
Malachi Lawrence | Edge | UCF
After stealing a dynamic playmaker for the secondary, the Cowboys address their massive need for a high-end edge rusher with one of the most underrated players in the draft. Lawrence might be a surprise name to some fans, but he earned the No. 21 overall spot on my board, ranked behind only Rueben Bain Jr. (who went to the Bucs at No. 15) and David Bailey (who went to the Jets at No. 2). He's an impressive athlete who put up big numbers throughout his career, and brings a ton of explosiveness and potential to the table. He still needs to get stronger and improve as a run defender, but his pass-rushing upside is through the roof.
GRADE: B+
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
After addressing their need at offensive tackle earlier in the round, the Browns go 2-for-2 in filling the most gaping holes on their roster by landing a big-play machine for the passing game. Concepcion is a smaller but explosive pass-catcher who can stretch the field deep and create tons of yards after the catch, and he brings a ton of juice in the return game, as well. He barely missed the cut for a first-round grade from me (No. 31 overall on my board), but he's such a strong fit for what Cleveland needs opposite Jerry Jeudy. Whoever ends up under center in Cleveland next year will be happy that Concepcion has been added to the receiver room.
GRADE: B
25. Chicago Bears
Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon
A fantastic match of need and value, the Bears needed another playmaking safety to pair with Coby Bryant after losing both Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker in free agency. One of the best pure athletes in this entire draft, Thieneman brings a ton of versatility and big-play ability to Chicago. He can line up all over the field (over the top, in the box, in the slot), and his instincts allow him to make splash plays whenever he gets near the ball. The No. 19 overall player on my board, the Bears get a bargain with Thieneman, and an instant-impact player to elevate their entire defense.
GRADE: A
26. Houston Texans (from BUF)
Keylan Rutledge | OL | Georgia Tech
We knew it was a top priority for the Texans to improve the interior of the offensive line in front of C.J. Stroud, so this pick shouldn't come as a surprise. Rutledge is a mauler in the run game who has the physicality to set the tone for the entire unit in the trenches, and he can make an instant impact for a team that struggled to control the line of scrimmage. Moving up two spots to land a player who was No. 54 overall on my board felt unnecessary, especially with similar players at his position still on the board (Chase Bisontis, Emmanuel Pregnon), and the Texans still have an early second-round pick that could have been a better spot to address that need while getting better value.
GRADE: C
27. Miami Dolphins (from SF)
Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State
Another underrated player who might not be a household name to many fans, Johnson is the No. 16 overall player on my board, making him a significant bargain for Miami here, and well worth moving up a few spots. His film was as clean as any I saw from a player throughout this entire process, and he brings the kind of polished technique and mental prowess that should allow him to make an instant impact at a premium position. This is a fantastic combination of need and value for Miami, which is exactly why I had them taking Johnson at this point in the first round in my final mock draft.
GRADE: A+
28. New England Patriots (from HOU via BUF)
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah
The Pats obviously have a superstar on their hands at quarterback in Drake Maye, but they need to protect him with offensive line upgrades. Will Campbell struggled as a rookie at left tackle, and that's where Lomu lined up at Utah, which could signal a move inside for last year's No. 4 overall pick. Lomu grabbed the No. 18 overall spot on my board, making him a strong value pick at this point in the first round. He's a solid athlete for his size, with a proven track record of success against top competition. He needs to technical refinement, but he's got tons of upside for a team that should be right back in the Super Bowl mix next year.
GRADE: A
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
This is a scary pick for everyone else in the AFC West. Woods didn't produce like many expected him to last season after showing flashes of brilliance in 2024, but he was playing out of position for much of the 2025 season. In Kansas City, he should be unleashed as a disruptive interior presence who can knife through double-teams and blow up running plays in the backfield and push the pocket as a pass rusher. Learning behind Chris Jones should help Woods maximize his lofty potential, and despite being a small reach based on my board (No. 36 overall), I love the fit for this defense and Woods' skill set.
GRADE: B
30. New York Jets (from DEN via MIA, SF)
Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana
I wouldn't have been surprised if Cooper was the pick for the Jets at No. 16 overall, so it makes sense that they jumped up from the first pick in the second round to make sure they landed him here. Cooper's well-rounded skill set is a perfect pairing with Garrett Wilson on the other side of the field, and he has a knack for making clutch pays in key moments. He can move all around the offense and attack from different alignments, and he's a huge asset as a blocker in the run game. The No. 35 overall player on my board, this is a solid spot for Cooper in terms of value, and he's a strong fit for a rebuilding offense with his championship experience.
GRADE: B
31. Tennessee Titans (from NE via BUF)
Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
After spending their top-five pick on a big-play target to help out their young quarterback, the Titans give their new head coach a dynamic weapon for his defense. Faulk has rare athletic traits for his size, but the production just never matched up at the college level. Robert Saleh could be the perfect coach to unlock that potential, and his skill set should be an ideal fit for Tennessee. Faulk can line up all over the defensive front, and he brings elite run-stopping ability that gives him a strong floor while he continues to develop his pass-rushing skills. The No. 28 overall player on my board, this is a solid match of value, need and fit for the Titans.
GRADE: B
32. Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame
There's a reason most of us had the Seahawks making this pick if they didn't trade out of this spot. After losing Kenneth Walker III in free agench, and with Zach Charbonnet working his way back from a late-season knee injury, Seattle has a gaping hole at the top of their running back depth chart. Price may have been the backup in South Bend, but he's a dynamic playmaker in his own right, and should make a massive impact right away for the defending champs. Price was ranked No. 52 overall on my board, so this is a bit of a reach in terms of pure value, but the fit is just too perfect.
GRADE: B
