🏈 2026 NFL Draft Reactions (LIVE): Round 1 Grades, Pick-by-Pick Analysis for First Round

Follow our live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft with Rob Paul's instant analysis and scheme fit breakdowns, All-22 highlights, and my first-round grades for all 32 picks.
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After a memorable 2026 NFL Draft that had everyone catching their breath between picks, our live NFL draft tracker broke down every Round 1 pick with instant analysis from college football expert Rob Paul and my NFL draft grades for all 32 first-round picks.

Last updated: 11:49 PM ET | Last pick: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame -> Seattle Seahawks | On the clock (No. 33): Arizona Cardinals (Friday)


🏈 2026 NFL Draft picks: Full results & draft grades for all 32 picks

Here is every pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with my grades for all 32 picks and the best and worst picks in Round 1:

Pick Team Player Grade
1 Las Vegas Raiders Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana A
2 New York Jets David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech B+
3 Arizona Cardinals Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame C+
4 Tennessee Titans Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State B-
5 New York Giants Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State A
6 Kansas City Chiefs (via Cleveland) Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU C-
7 Washington Commanders Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State B+
8 New Orleans Saints Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State B+
9 Cleveland Browns (via Kansas City) Spencer Fano, OL, Utah B
10 New York Giants (via Cincinnati) Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami B+
11 Dallas Cowboys (via Miami) Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State A+
12 Miami Dolphins (via Dallas) Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama B-
13 Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta) Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama C-
14 Baltimore Ravens Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State A
15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami B+
16 New York Jets (via Indianapolis) Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon B+
17 Detroit Lions Blake Miller, OT, Clemson B
18 Minnesota Vikings Caleb Banks, DL, Florida B-
19 Carolina Panthers Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia A-
20 Philadelphia Eagles (via Dallas) Makai Lemon, WR, USC A
21 Pittsburgh Steelers Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State B
22 Los Angeles Chargers Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami C+
23 Dallas Cowboys (via Philadelphia) Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF B+
24 Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville) KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M A+
25 Chicago Bears Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon A-
26 Houston Texans (via Buffalo) Keylan Rutledge, OL, Georgia Tech C+
27 Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco) Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State B+
28 New England Patriots (via Buffalo) Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah B
29 Kansas City Chiefs (via LA Rams) Peter Woods, DL, Clemson B+
30 New York Jets (via Miami) Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana A-
31 Tennessee Titans (via New England) Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn A+
32 Seattle Seahawks Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame A+

Best picks in Round 1

  • Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State → Cowboys (A+)
  • KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M → Browns (A+)
  • Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn → Titans (A+)
  • Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame → Seahawks (A+)
  • Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana → Raiders (A)
  • Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State → Giants (A)
  • Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State → Ravens (A)
  • Makai Lemon, WR, USC → Eagles (A)
  • Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia → Panthers (A-)
  • Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon → Bears (A-)

Worst picks in Round 1

  • Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame → Cardinals (C+)
  • Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami → Chargers (C+)
  • Keylan Rutledge, OL, Georgia Tech → Texans (C+)
  • Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU → Chiefs (C-)
  • Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama → Rams (C-)

📝 2026 NFL Draft pick-by-pick analysis: Scheme fits & grades

See all of our NFL draft predictions for the rest of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Pick 1: Las Vegas Raiders select Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

🔍 How Mendoza fits with the Raiders

Mendoza is a nice fit in Klint Kubiak's offense, with his consistent ball placement and the anticipation he throws with at all three levels. While he doesn't add a ton out of structure, Mendoza is a cerebral player both pre- and post-snap, often finding an answer with his mind and quick release before pressure breaks plays down. He has both the physical and mental makeup of a franchise passer and should push to be a top 12 QB in the NFL.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: A

There was no other choice for the Raiders at the top of this draft, and I'm all in on Mendoza's chances of developing into a high-level starter long term. He has a lively arm that he showed even in his Cal days, and his ability to process what he sees on the field - combined with the mental makeup and maturity that helped him lead Indiana to a national title - has me fully bought in on him as a future star. I'll be shocked if this doesn't work out.

— Cowart


Pick 2: New York Jets select David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

🔍 How Bailey fits with the Jets

A pass rusher with rare twitch, Bailey's explosive first step is what makes him such a lethal sack artist. His ability to convert speed-to-power, along with his developing pass rush plan could make him the most productive rookie in terms of sacks. Bailey is a bit stiff and needs to improve as a run defender, but his effort is there (just watch him crash backside).

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B+

Bailey led the FBS in sacks (14.5) and pressure rate last season, so it's hard for me to fault them for taking him here given their ineptitude at rushing the passer last year (26 sacks). If Aaron Glenn wants to win now, Bailey is the guy. That said, Reese would have been the pick for me as a long-term bet on his upside for a modern defense. I'm not going to be too disappointed with someone as productive as Bailey.

— Cowart


Pick 3: Arizona Cardinals select Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

🔍 How Love fits with the Cardinals

The best offensive playmaker in the class, Love has a rare blend of contact balance and burst. He was the best home run hitting running back in college football in 2025, and he's a weapon out of the backfield as a pass catcher. He gives Mike LaFleur a Pro Bowl talent to build his offense around.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: C+

Look, I'm not going to knock the Cardinals too hard for taking the player they presumably see as the best football player in this class who gives them the most opportunities to build an offense around whomever their next long-term quarterback is. I just can't endorse the math behind it. Arizona's window just got shorter with this pick, and I'm not sure it has the roster to justify that - even if this team will be infinitely more entertaining.

— Cowart


Pick 4: Tennessee Titans select Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

🔍 How Tate fits with the Titans

The best wide receiver in the class, Tate offers a big-play threat for the Titans and should pair well with Cam Ward's big arm. Tate has elite ball skills (0 drops in 2025) and is a contested catch monster thanks to his massive hands and body control. He's an ascending route runner, too, and can start at Z immediately.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B-

This feels like a reach on paper, especially with such a deep class that could have allowed the Titans to trade back and potentially gain value. But if they didn't have a dance partner, then I don't mind the pick on paper: Tate has a high floor with his route running and high-end ball skills, and giving Cam Ward a running mate like Tate is a strong development plan for Robert Saleh.

— Cowart


Pick 5: New York Giants select Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State

🔍 How Reese fits with the Giants

This is a best case scenario for John Harbaugh and the Giants, with Reese having the highest ceiling of any player in the class. He's a rare athlete who's just scratching the surface as a pass rusher, and can be a defensive weapon spying opposing QBs and setting the edge against the run. This is a best player available pick, and even with it not being a need, it's worth it in a weaker draft class.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: A

The Giants have to be elated to see Reese fall all the way to five as potentially the best player in this draft. Yes, the fit is a little odd on paper, but New York is building an amoeba-like defense with pass-rushers who can play off-ball and linebackers who can blow up the quarterback. I'm buying what John Harbaugh's new team is selling with this pick, especially with another top-10 pick left for a safer play.

— Cowart


Pick 6 (TRADE): Kansas City Chiefs select Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

🔍 How Delane fits with the Chiefs

The Chiefs fill their biggest defensive need with the best cornerback in the class in Delane. A pro-ready outside corner with one of the highest floors in the class, the All-American has elite footwork and cover instincts. Delane is schematically versatile with the ability to play press-man or with his eyes on the QB in zone where his ball skills shine.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: C-

This isn't really a knock against Delane, who was clearly the best cornerback in this year's draft, and I fully understand how dire the need was at cornerback for Kansas City. But that's a self-inflicted wound after trading All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie, so paying extra capital to move up three spots feels a little off to me. If Delane pans out as an All-Pro, it'll pay off; if not, this feels desperate.

— Cowart


Pick 7: Washington Commanders select Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

🔍 How Styles fits with the Commanders

Dan Quinn gets an alpha to lead his defense, with Styles poised to wear the green dot in Washington for a long time. With jaw-dropping length and athleticism to go with his ability to diagnose and finish through tackles, Styles can become one of the best run defending linebackers in the league. The former safety is one of the few blue-chip prospects in the class.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B+

Styles fits the archetype of a modern linebacker - which makes sense for a converted safety - who has the athleticism and physicality to fill the run while being a nightmare tormenting opposing quarterbacks. The only reason to doubt this pick is the positional value, but this is a tough year to beat that drum. I like this pick especially at this spot.

— Cowart


Pick 8: New Orleans Saints select Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

🔍 How Tyson fits with the Saints

A healthy Tyson will be a scary sight opposite Chris Olave as a go-to chain mover. The Arizona State product has the skill set to be a dynamic route runner with his suddenness and deep release package. His quickness is similar to that of a basketball player getting to the rim, which isn't a surprise given his brother plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B+

Tyson might be my favorite prospect in this entire draft with a ridiculously deep bag as a route runner and the ability to take over games when healthy. That last part is likely why he wasn't a top-five pick, and the only reason this isn't an A grade is the depth at receiver in this class if the Saints had opted to move back.

— Cowart


Pick 9: Cleveland Browns select Spencer Fano, OL, Utah

🔍 How Fano fits with the Browns

Cleveland adds the most athletically gifted offensive lineman in the class to Todd Monken's offense. While Fano's length is a question, his light feet and lateral quickness will help him hang at offensive tackle if the Browns keep him there. He's a mean people mover in the run game and offer positional versatility.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B

The Browns were linked throughout the draft process to Fano, who slides in on Day 1 as a starter for Cleveland at tackle or edge. I would have rather taken a swing on a player with All-Pro upside like Caleb Downs for a team that should be in "best player available" mindset, but Fano has the type of projected floor that makes him a fair top-10 pick.

— Cowart


Pick 10: New York Giants select Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

🔍 How Mauigoa fits with the Giants

The definition of a big hoss,  Mauigoa can be a road grading mauler in the run game at right tackle or guard for the Giants. He has rare power and consistently finishes through the whistle, but is an underrated athlete. Mauigoa's anchor and violent hands make him an ascending pass blocker.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B+

I like the value here for the Giants, especially given that they didn't own this pick a week ago and now land a potential franchise tackle in exchange for a disgruntled Dexter Lawrence. Mauigoa should be an instant-impact run blocker for Harbaugh and develop into a blind-side protector for Jaxson Dart.

— Cowart


Pick 11 (TRADE): Dallas Cowboys select Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State

🔍 How Downs fits with the Cowboys

The Cowboys manage to land a top five player in the draft at No. 11, and Downs should make an immediate impact. He has the highest football IQ in the class and plays with eye-popping physicality. Downs' suddenness, cover instincts, and leadership make him one of the highest floor players in the class while having an All-Pro ceiling.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: A+

The Cowboys spent two fifth-round picks to move up one spot and end Downs' fall, and I couldn't endorse it more. The former Ohio State and Alabama star was one of my favorite players in college football over the last few years and should have a panacea-like effect for the worst defense in the NFL last season. To get one of the premium defenders in this class without trading into the top 10 is a massive win for Dallas.

— Cowart


Pick 12 (TRADE): Miami Dolphins select Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

🔍 How Proctor fits with the Dolphins

One of the biggest humans on the planet, Proctor is a mammoth at tackle with surprising athleticism for his size. He plays with nastiness and power in the run game while utilizing his length and anchor to hold up in pass pro. The Dolphins new regime are clearly looking for maulers up front.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B-

The Dolphins desperately need help up front and aren't in the business of winning games next year, so I buy taking a swing on an upside player like Proctor to develop into a Pro Bowl tackle in time. This feels a little high on merit alone with other tackles available later in the round, but this fits the timeline and player profile for a new regime's first pick.

— Cowart


Pick 13: Los Angeles Rams select Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

🔍 How Simpson fits with the Rams

While Simpson's tape doesn't say top-15 pick, this is the best landing spot for him to live up to the billing. At his best, Simpson looks like a Kirk Cousins clone with his footwork and mechanics while possessing the arm strength to let it rip. If he can clean up his sprays and not rush through his progressions when under pressure, he can become the future in LA.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: C-

This grade would be an A+ for Simpson alone as he walks into a tailor-made situation to succeed behind reigning MVP winner Matthew Stafford, who was reportedly given a heads-up about this pick. This is good process on paper, but for a team that was a few plays away from reaching and potentially winning the Super Bowl, this is a curious way to spend a premium pick on a player who has some brutal precedent working against him long term.

— Cowart


Pick 14: Baltimore Ravens select Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State

🔍 How Ioane fits with the Ravens

Baltimore gets the best pure interior offensive lineman in the class in Ioane. He's a powerful mauler with sneaky athleticism when it comes to climbing to the second level, and he's rock solid in pass pro. Ioane collects pancakes like the Ravens collect stars who slide in the draft.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: A

The Ravens have been arguably the best drafting team of this decade, and this is another slam-dunk pick for a team with an Ioane-sized hole on the interior of the offensive line after Tyler Linderbaum left for Las Vegas. I get the concerns with investing a top-15 pick on a guard, but when they're built like Ioane, you'll be better for adding them to your line.

— Cowart


Pick 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

🔍 How Bain fits with the Buccaneers

Jason Licht loves taking defensive linemen early in the draft, and Bain is a slam-dunk at this point. The nation's leader in pressures (83), Bain plays with weaponized hands (and a deep pass rush repertoire) and a relentless motor. He can be as disruptive stopping the run as he is winning with violence and power as a pass rusher.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B+

I don't think the concerns about Bain's arm length and testing measurables are entirely unfounded - the NFL is a different game than college and there's a reason billion-dollar organizations invest so many resources in scouting beyond tape. But the tape is pretty undeniable, and Bain clearly has a chance to be a steal in hindsight if he can dominate at the point of attack like he did at Miami.

— Cowart


Pick 16: New York Jets select Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

🔍 How Sadiq fits with the Jets

A freak athlete at tight end, Sadiq can be a vertical threat down the seam, a contested catch savant, or a YAC weapon for New York. While Sadiq is a F-tight end, he is a more than willing run blocker who can play in-line when needed, but is best utilized as a chess piece. Sadiq is almost like a jumbo slot to complement Garrett Wilson on the outside.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B+

I watched a lot of Sadiq last year (#GoDucks), and you always knew when and where he was on the field - that's one heck of a complement for a tight end and why I don't mind the positional value for this pick in the top half of the first round. This is a less conventional way to add a dynamic pass-catcher for whomever the franchise QB becomes, but it could pay off in a big way for New York with its second pick of Round 1.

— Cowart


Pick 17: Detroit Lions select Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

🔍 How Miller fits with the Lions

The Lions take a player in Blake Miller that Dan Campbell will absolutely love. Miller checks every box you could want at right tackle, which is perfect with Penei Sewell moving to left tackle. Miller started 54 games at Clemson, has ideal length, is an underrated athlete with his ability to find work in space, and plays mean.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B

The Lions desperately needed a right tackle opposite Penei Sewell, and Miller fits the bill as a potential Day 1 starter for Detroit. That's what the NFL draft is about for teams in contention, so I'm content with the pick, though I'm not sure Miller will be the best tackle available at this spot in five years' time.

— Cowart


Pick 18: Minnesota Vikings select Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

🔍 How Banks fits with the Vikings

If Banks didn't miss most of the season with an injury, he may have been viewed as a consensus top 20 pick. While Minnesota taking him here is a surprise, he brings big-time length and quick hands as a versatile D-lineman who can play 4i to 1-tech. There's plenty of pass rush upside with Banks, who has a nasty swipe and club-swim in his bag.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B-

Every single mock draft in America had Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman to the Vikings at this spot, so it's pretty shocking to see them opt for Banks, who played just three games in his final season at Florida. This is clearly an upside play for Brian Flores' defense, and I see the vision if it hits, but this is riskier than some of the other options (like Thieneman) for a team that has pressing needs on the back end, too.

— Cowart


Pick 19: Carolina Panthers select Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

🔍 How Freeling fits with the Panthers

A raw player who started just one season at Georgia, Freeling has one of the highest ceilings in the class among offensive linemen. Freeling moves like a tight end with the way he can climb to the second level as a run blocker. While he needs to improve his hand placement and anchor, his feet are super sweet in pass pro.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: A-

I like this pick a lot for a Panthers team that most had projected to take another receiver. Carolina needed another long-term answer opposite Ikem Ekwonu along the offensive line, and Freeling has the upside of a top-10 pick in this class with a strong base as a run blocker right away. That's another plus for a team that relied on the run game aggressively last year.

— Cowart


Pick 20 (TRADE): Philadelphia Eagles select Makai Lemon, WR, USC

🔍 How Lemon fits with the Eagles

One of the "safest" players in this NFL draft class, Lemon is an instant impact slot receiver with some of the best ball skills in the class. Despite not being a dynamic athlete, Lemon creates plenty of separation with the way he tempos and stems his routes. He's also a threat to create after the catch.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: A

This is tremendous value for the Eagles on a player who was overshadowed by Tate and Tyson in this class despite a highlight reel that would have made him a top-15 pick in most drafts. The former USC star should make an instant impact opposite DeVonta Smith - what a devastating route-running combo those two will be - and almost certainly confirms that A.J. Brown won't be coming back next year.

— Cowart


Pick 21: Pittsburgh Steelers select Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

🔍 How Iheanachor fits with the Steelers

One of the smoothest athletes on the offensive line in the draft class, Iheanachor is still developing after coming to football late. The former soccer and basketball player has crisp footwork to complement top-notch athleticism. A strong Senior Bowl week boosted his draft stock, and he has the tools to develop into a strong starter at offensive tackle.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B

Iheanachor is the definition of a late bloomer who has grown into an intriguing prospect as a potential franchise tackle long term thanks to his ridiculous athleticism. He's clearly an upside swing, which further signals the direction this team is going under new head coach Mike McCarthy and adds further questions about Aaron Rodgers' future.

— Cowart


Pick 22: Los Angeles Chargers select Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

🔍 How Mesidor fits with the Chargers

Although age is a knock on Mesidor, who will be a 25-year-old rookie, the Canadian has one of the deepest pass rush plans in the class. Mesidor has heavy hands and he knows how to use them, and he can also line up inside and win with his quickness. Mesidor's demeanor will fit with Jim Harbaugh's team.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: C+

The Chargers are thinking a year ahead here with their top pass-rushers set to hit free agency, and Mesidor should be able to step into a starter's role as one of the draft's oldest prospects. But I would have much rather seen Los Angeles invest in its quarterback by drafting another offensive lineman here. Both needs are pressing, so Mesidor is a fine pick, but it doesn't feel like the smartest play long term.

— Cowart


Pick 23 (TRADE): Dallas Cowboys select Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

🔍 How Lawrence fits with the Cowboys

One of the most explosive pass rushers in the draft class, Lawrence has a high ceiling thanks to his twitch and hands. While his pass rush plan is still coming along, he has all the tools to be a demon off the edge. He was the best player at the East-West Shrine Bowl, with his athleticism and effort on full display.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B+

This isn't the sexiest pick for the Cowboys, but Lawrence fills an immediate need for Dallas' struggling defense after adding Caleb Downs earlier. His stock rose later in the draft process after a strong showing in the spring showcase season, which is either a risky sign or a promise of better days ahead. I think a bet on the latter is fine at No. 23 in what most draftniks considered to be a 20-22 player draft in terms of blue-chip guys.

— Cowart


Pick 24: Cleveland Browns select KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

🔍 How Concepcion fits with the Browns

One of the most dynamic players in the draft, Concepcion moves at a different pace than every other receiver in the class. He's an explosive route runner with the lateral quickness to win off the line of scrimmage with his release repertoire. But Concepcion is at his scariest with the ball in his hands, where he's a YAC monster and punt return dynamo.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: A+

The Browns desperately needed juice in a receiving corps that was squeezed dry last year for a rotating cast of quarterbacks. Concepcion is the type of player who can win a game on his own with his ability to turn a sliver of daylight into six points as a receiver and punt returner. This is exactly the type of player that Cleveland needs to add to its roster, and to get him at No. 24 makes it a slam-dunk pick.

— Cowart


Pick 25: Chicago Bears select Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon

🔍 How Thieneman fits with the Bears

Chicago adds the exact player it needs on the back end of Dennis Allen's defense, with Thieneman being a versatile and rangy safety. At Oregon Thieneman played in the box where his take-on skills shined, and at Purdue he played as a deep safety showcasing his cover instincts. Wherever he plays for the Bears, his instincts will make him an impact player.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: A-

Thieneman was one of the most versatile defenders in this class with the ability to play centerfield or frustrate offensive coordinators as a rover in the box. Those are my favorite types of players as defenses move toward chess-on-grass, and it's precisely what this Bears' defense needed after so many embarrassing lapses in coverage last year. He might not be a first-rounder in every year, but in this class, this is a home-run pick.

— Cowart


Pick 26 (TRADE): Houston Texans select Keylan Rutledge, OL, Georgia Tech

🔍 How Rutledge fits with the Texans

Houston addresses one of its biggest needs with a violent run blocker in Rutledge. While he's known for his power and tendency to finish plays by putting defenders in the dirt, Rutledge is also an underrated athlete who climbs well to the second level and finds work in space. He should compete to start as a rookie.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: C+

Houston came into the first round needing to invest in the offensive line, so this is a good pick in that regard, but I'm a bit surprised the Texans gave up additional assets to draft a player who doesn't profile as a plus-protector in the passing game to keep C.J. Stroud upright. Rutledge may develop into a fine player down the road, but this feels like a subpar use of resource management for Houston.

— Cowart


Pick 27 (TRADE): Miami Dolphins select Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

🔍 How Johnson fits with the Dolphins

Miami addresses one of its biggest needs with one of the most pro-ready players in the class. Johnson is as technically sound as any corner in the class with his smooth pedal, route recognition, and suddenness when attacking the ball. His instincts in zone are arguably the best in the class.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B+

Johnson entered Round 1 as one of the most underrated prospects in the draft as a Power Four star, but his ball skills and technique in coverage gives him a chance to make a serious impact for a Dolphins defense desperate for talent. He enters the league as a pro-ready corner who should have every opportunity to play right away.

— Cowart


Pick 28 (TRADE): New England Patriots select Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

🔍 How Lomu fits with the Patriots

This is an ideal landing spot for Lomu, who doesn't necessarily have to play as a rookie and can focus on getting stronger. While Lomu's power is iffy, he's as fluid as any offensive lineman in this class with explosive footwork and the short area quickness to climb and reach linebackers. Lomu's upside in pass pro is high.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B

The Patriots' top priority is developing and protecting Drake Maye as the face of the franchise and potential MVP winner, so Lomu makes a ton of sense here as someone who profiles as an elite pass protector long term if he can grow into his frame. That fits how this offense operated last year, so I get why the Patriots paid the tax to grab him.

— Cowart


Pick 29: Kansas City Chiefs select Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

🔍 How Woods fits with the Chiefs

Coming into the season, Woods was viewed as a potential top-10 pick because of his athleticism on the interior. The flashes are bright with Woods, who has the twitch everyone covets in a gap-shooting 3-tech and the violent hands to beat blockers. If he can get stronger and improve his anchor as a run defender, he'll be scary next to Chris Jones.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: B+

I love this pick for the Chiefs, who grab a potential top-10 talent in Woods with a late first-round pick to mold into a long-term replacement for Chris Jones - and learn under him in the meantime. Woods has the physical tools to become that type of All-Pro impact on the field if he can develop a more consistent motor.

— Cowart


Pick 30 (TRADE): New York Jets select Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

🔍 How Cooper fits with the Jets

The best offensive player left on the board at this point in the draft, Cooper is exactly what the Jets need to pair with Garrett Wilson and Kenyon Sadiq. Cooper's YAC ability is ridiculous, with his contact balance being rare for a wide receiver. He also brings strong ball skills and a love for blocking.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: A-

Cooper gets plenty of attention for his burst and ability to create explosive plays as a short-game safety valve, but he made some pretty fantastic grabs last season with Fernando Mendoza firing him darts all across the field. It feels like there's even more untapped potential for one of the most underappreciated wideouts in this class, and the Jets should be thrilled to land him this late in the first round.

— Cowart


Pick 31 (TRADE): Tennessee Titans select Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn

🔍 How Faulk fits with the Titans

With Robert Saleh taking over in Tennessee, Faulk's fit makes total sense. Faulk is massive, explosive, and young, and dripping with potential as a versatile piece along the D-line - he played everything from 9-tech to nose tackle at Auburn. The 21-year-old can be an impact run defender as a rookie while developing his pass rush plan

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: A+

This is another player-team fit that I am enamored with as Faulk walks into Saleh's defense with a chance to develop into a superstar. The Titans already have a star interior pass-rusher in Jeffery Simmons who can help Faulk grow his game on a technical level, because he has the physical tools to be one of the best lineman in football. To get a talent of this level with the No. 31 pick is larceny, especially for this staff.

— Cowart


Pick 32: Seattle Seahawks select Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

🔍 How Price fits with the Seahawks

The clear No. 2 running back in the class after his teammate, Jeremiyah Love, Price's lateral explosiveness and contact balance are legit. With the vision to press the line and the burst to get North-South in a hurry, Price should fill Kenneth Walker's big-play ability well. He also has fresh legs with just 280 collegiate carries.

— Paul

✍️ SBR Draft Grade: A+

The rich get richer with the final pick in the first round as the Seahawks add the second-best running back in this class without needing to move a finger to get him. Price has the well-rounded profile that should make him a strong complement to Zach Charbonnet (or the other way around) and fills the biggest need for the defending champions. What more can you ask for with the No. 32 pick?

— Cowart


📊 2026 NFL Draft big board (top 150)


🏈 More 2026 NFL Draft coverage

See live NFL draft odds for the rest of the draft from the best NFL betting sites.

Team-by-team draft guides

AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots

AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers

AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans

AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders

NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants

NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings

NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints

NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks


NFL draft prospect profiles

➡️ Arvell Reese draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds

➡️ David Bailey draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds

➡️ Rueben Bain Jr. draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds

➡️ Sonny Styles draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds

➡️ Caleb Downs draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds

➡️ Jeremiyah Love draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds

➡️ Carnell Tate draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds

➡️ Jordyn Tyson draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds

➡️ Makai Lemon draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds


More NFL draft predictions

➡️ 2026 NFL mock draft 3.0: Full first-round projections

➡️ NFL mock draft consensus picks for first round

➡️ NFL draft first-round predictions: Who will be drafted in Round 1?

➡️ NFL draft Over/Under odds: Best bets & O/U picks for Round 1

➡️ NFL draft team markets: Which position will each team draft 1st?

➡️ NFL draft prediction markets: Who will be top-10 pick?

➡️ Arvell Reese vs. David Bailey? Odds & Predictions


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