| Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com with a good recap of what went on in Thursday’s first round: Half of the picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft changed hands before the selection was made. Of the 32 picks, 16 of them were traded, resulting in eight teams having no first-round pick, six teams having two first-round picks, and the Jets having three first-round picks. The Falcons, Bengals, Broncos, Packers, Colts and Jaguars all entered the draft without a first-round pick, having previously traded theirs. The Bills and 49ers traded out of the first round during draft night. Six teams drafted two players on Thursday night: The Browns took offensive lineman Spencer Fano and wide receiver KC Concepcion. The Titans took wide receiver Carnell Tate and defensive end Keldric Faulk. The Giants took linebacker Arvell Reese and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. The Chiefs took cornerback Mansoor Delane and defensive tackle Peter Woods. The Cowboys took safety Caleb Downs and defensive end Malachi Lawrence. The Dolphins took offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor and cornerback Chris Johnson. The Jets had three first-round picks: With their own pick they took linebacker David Bailey, with the Colts’ pick acquired in the Sauce Gardner trade they took tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and then they traded back up into the late first round to draft wide receiver Omar Cooper. All of the teams with multiple first-round picks missed the playoffs last season. They know they have big roster rebuilds ahead, and they hope they’ve added an infusion of young talent to get those rebuilds moving. Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY identified five “head-scratching” moves in the first round. 1. RB Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals (No. 3)2. QB Ty Simpson, Los Angeles Rams (No. 13)3. DT Caleb Banks, Minnesota Vikings (No. 18)4. OT Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins (No. 12)5. DT Peter Woods, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 29) His reasoning for each is with the respective picks below. We certainly agree with the Vikings pick of Banks. Even if you uniquely like Banks, couldn’t you move down a few picks, he’d still be there.- – -Nick Guarisco is a Louisiana lawyer who is proud of his Mock record: @FantasyLawGuyMy #MockDraft Results:— 8 Correct Team/Matches— 29/32 players going in Rd 1 Matches: Mendoza, Love, Tyson, Fano, Downs, Lawrence, Concepcion, Chris JohnsonNick Guarisco 3 Rd 1 exclusions: DT Banks, OG Rutledge, RB Price The DB had 28 of the 32, missing the three that Guarisco did plus Peter Hood. We matched on six teams with the pick (Buccaneers in different spot due to projected trade). We had Love at three but thought it would be a trade up with Arizona. We had Seattle trading down at 32. We would have put Price there for Seattle. But that’s easy to say now.- – -Daniel Flick of SI.com with some names predicted for the top of Day 2: ROUND 2 33. San Francisco 49ers: Zion Young, edge, MissouriThe 49ers traded out of the first round and likely will field plenty of offers for this pick on Friday night, but Young fits the build of a traditional San Francisco pass rusher. The 49ers finished last in the league in sacks in 2025, and Young has the juice to elevate the unit this fall. 34. Arizona Cardinals: T.J. Parker, edge, ClemsonAfter taking running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3, the Cardinals need to improve their play along both lines. Parker is a physical run defender with nuanced hands and has a chance to be a three-down player. 35. Buffalo Bills: R Mason Thomas, edge, OklahomaBuffalo traded down three times and ultimately moved out of the first round, but Thomas is a solid consolation prize. The Bills want to add more speed off the edge, and Thomas, while undersized, has the twitch and power to provide it. 36. Las Vegas Raiders: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio StatePerhaps the Raiders will opt to give QB Fernando Mendoza a new weapon, but the team also needs a physical presence on the interior of its defensive line. McDonald, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, has powerful hands and is one of the draft’s best run defenders. 37. New York Giants: Denzel Boston, WR, WashingtonThe Giants nabbed a pass rusher with Arvell Reese at No. 5 and an offensive lineman with Francis Mauigoa at No. 10. They didn’t, however, give QB Jaxson Dart a new target—until now. Boston is big and strong with tremendous ball skills, making him a strong complement to Malik Nabers. 38. Houston Texans: Christen Miller, DT, GeorgiaHouston improved its interior offensive line with Keylan Rutledge in the first round, and it should continue bolstering its defensive line on Day 2. Miller blends power and athleticism to thrive against the run and flash on passing downs. 39. Cleveland Browns: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, ToledoDay 1 went as the Browns hoped: Cleveland moved down and landed Utah tackle Spencer Fano at No. 9, and it still secured a playmaking receiver with KC Concepcion at No. 24. McNeil-Warren is long, lanky and a quality value pick at this slot. 40. Kansas City Chiefs: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&MThe Chiefs traded up to select cornerback Mansoor Delane with their first pick and added defensive tackle Peter Woods with their second. To cap a stronghold on the top 40, they get Howell, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, who’s one of the draft’s best pure speed rushers. 41. Cincinnati Bengals: Colton Hood, CB, TennesseeCincinnati effectively used its first selection in a trade for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, whom the Bengals acquired via trade last Saturday. The Bengals need more defensive help, especially at corner, and Hood was one of the more surprising omissions from the first round. Hood is physical, athletic and has a high ceiling, which bodes well in Cincinnati. 42. New Orleans Saints: Jermod McCoy, CB, TennesseeThe Saints were tied to cornerbacks at No. 8, but after the Chiefs moved up to select Delane, New Orleans opted for Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson. Without medical concerns, McCoy could’ve been in play in the top 10. His speed, fluidity and ball production in 2024 warranted such a pick, but his knee injury justifies his fall. |
| NFC NORTH |
| CHICAGOThe Bears swooped in to land S DILLON THIENEMAN after division rival Minnesota went off the rails at #18. Dane Brugler of The Athletic: 25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, OregonThe Bears completely turned over their safety corps this offseason, then one of the position’s top prospects plopped in their laps. Thieneman can do it all for the Bears — he’s a hitter, can cover anyone … and he’s from Indiana (perhaps the Bears’ new home?). This is a big-time win for GM Ryan Poles, and it’s my favorite pick of the first round. Thieneman (6-0, 201) had a productive three-year career (two seasons at Purdue, one at Oregon). He was a freshman All-American in 2023 after intercepting six passes. Last year, he earned second-team All-American honors, with seven breakups and two interceptions. He was uber-productive, securing a combined 306 tackles in his three seasons. Plus, he ran a 4.35 40, benched 225 pounds 18 times and posted a 41-inch vertical jump at the combine. Grade: A-plus ProFootballFocus.com has the selection of Thieneman as one of two ELITE picks in Round 1: Pick 25. Chicago Bears: S Dillon Thieneman, OregonPick Grade: Elite Thieneman didn’t often make it to Chicago in mock drafts, but the Bears will certainly be happy he was available here. Thieneman earned 89.0-plus PFF grades on multiple defenses — 2023 with Purdue and 2025 with Oregon — and can cover, defend the run and bring high-end athleticism. Given that the Bears came into this draft with a clear need at safety, this is an ideal scenario for Dennis Allen’s defense. |
| MINNESOTAWhy Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY didn’t like the Vikings pick: 3. DT Caleb Banks, Minnesota Vikings (No. 18)Equipping Brian Flores with a 6-6, 327-pound missile off the line of scrimmage might seem like a surefire way for Minnesota’s defense to up its chaos quotient. Ultimately, the move might end up doing that in the wrong way. When he’s healthy and locked in, Banks is easily the most talented and disruptive defensive tackle in this class. He’s a load for any offensive tackle to keep at bay, and he’s nimble enough to put himself in position to finish off plays in the backfield rather than just throw them off course. Part of the problem: He rarely actually does so, with missed tackles an all-too-common problem. That’s just one facet of the inconsistency that has come to define Banks’ game. His subpar hand usage and leverage also allow less athletically gifted opponents to neutralize him without much trouble. And with two significant foot injuries sidelining him for much of the last year, his ability to stay on the field will loom large over his pro future. Mel Kiper, Jr. concurs: Minnesota VikingsThe pick: Caleb Banks (No. 18)Big-time reach for me. Banks was No. 62 on my board, the biggest stretch of the night. Sure, there’s reason to believe this could work out for the Vikings. Banks can stop running backs in their tracks, and he gets enough interior push to be a factor in the pass rush. He moves well for a 6-foot-6, 327-pounder. But he has been dealing with a foot injury for a while now, and he just had surgery on it after the combine. A lot of risk here, even if Banks healthy and at his best can shore up the interior. This was made worse by the fact that safety Dillon Thieneman was still on the board. Everyone thought that pairing made sense. Harrison Smith is still uncertain to return for 2026, and even if he comes back, he’s 37 years old. Thieneman would have been perfect in Brian Flores’ defense. Not sure I understand this one. The point is, the Vikings have the 49th pick and seven picks in the next five rounds. Even if you absolutely love Banks, take Thieneman at #18 and trade up into the top of the second round to grab him. But Charles McDonald of YahooSports.com did like the Banks pick: 18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, FloridaGrade: A- This might be the highest grade on Banks you’ll see, but this guy can really do all the hard stuff in terms of defeating blocks and understanding leverage within a true top-1% athletic frame. The injury and lack of finishing makes him a risky pick, but he does so many other things at a high level. |
| NFC EAST |
| DALLASMel Kiper, Jr. admires the Cowboys two first round picks: Dallas CowboysThe pick: Caleb Downs (No. 11), Malachi Lawrence (No. 23)Dallas traded two fifth-round picks to move up one spot, but it was worth it. The Cowboys got my No. 6 prospect and a culture-changer for a defense that needed one. They had a top-five offense last season. It didn’t matter. Dallas would get into the end zone, and opponents would immediately go the other way and score. But Downs won’t tolerate that on the back end of the secondary. He diagnoses and sniffs out plays, and he has the coverage and tackling ability to limit the big plays that buried the Cowboys in 2025 (54 plays allowed of 25 or more yards, most in the NFL). It turns out those traded picks were coming right back, too. Putting aside the fact that it was an in-division move, how about the Cowboys trading back three spots from No. 20 to No. 23 with the Eagles and getting a pair of fourth-rounders in return? (Though, they sent a 2027 seventh-rounder to Philly as part of the deal.) The Cowboys turned the No. 23 pick into Lawrence, who has risen very fast over the past few months. As we saw both on tape and at the combine, he can fly off the edge. Lawrence had seven sacks last season and helps a defense that tied for 22nd in that area in its first year without Micah Parsons (35). The Cowboys see parallels to the 2005 draft in the selection of Downs and Lawrence. Todd Archer of ESPN.com: The Dallas Cowboys are hoping they can repeat their draft success from 2005 to repair a defense in need of serious help. After taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 11 pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, thanks to a trade with the Miami Dolphins, the Cowboys selected UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd pick after moving down from No. 20 in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. “We’ve changed the face of the defense,” owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. In 2005, the Cowboys selected outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and defensive end Marcus Spears in the first round at Nos. 11 and 20. Ware became the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks during his Hall of Fame career, and Spears was a starter for most of his eight-year stint with Dallas. The Cowboys allowed a franchise-record 511 points in 2025 and were 30th in yards allowed per game, and they knew they needed to address their defense. “I damn sure hope it works out that way because that worked out in a very positive way for us,” executive vice president Stephen Jones said of the 2005 parallel. “Of course, that along with the rest of the draft, which we still got a lot of wood to chop in terms of the rest of the draft, but I do think we got two really good football players. Starting with [defensive coordinator] Christian Parker had a tremendous vision for what these guys can do in our defense.” Downs immediately fills a need for Parker. He started every game he played in college (44), first at Alabama and then the past two years at Ohio State. He was credited with 256 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 16 pass deflections and six interceptions. He was the 2025 winner of the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back and is a two-time unanimous All-American. In his two seasons with the Buckeyes, he did not allow a touchdown as a primary defender, to go with four interceptions and nine pass breakups. “He was a prize for us sitting there,” Jerry Jones said of Downs. The Cowboys traded up one spot to select former Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 on Thursday night. Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesDowns sees himself as a great fit in Dallas. “I think it’s just being able to make plays in all facets of the game,” he said. “Whether that’s near the line of scrimmage or in the deep part of the field, I feel like I could do it all and it’ll be a great relationship to be able to do that with the Cowboys.” Lawrence provides the Cowboys an edge rusher who they believe fills the profile Parker wants. At 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, Lawrence has the size and length to handle an outside linebacker role. He had 20 sacks in his college career and was a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025 after putting up seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, three pass deflections and two forced fumbles. The Cowboys have not made a bid yet to re-sign their leader in sacks from 2025, Jadeveon Clowney (8.5), but they have traded for Rashan Gary, re-signed Sam Williams and now brought in Lawrence to add to last year’s second-round pick, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and James Houston, who had 5.5 sacks a year ago. “Love the ability to rush the passer,” Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said of Lawrence. “We feel great about what we have with [Gary] and Ezeiruaku, James Houston, but this guy has got tremendous upside. His first-step quickness is elite. The ability to turn his toe and run the edge, as we like to call it, is, we think, elite. And then of course the one thing I love about the guy is he has an innate ability to attack the football while he is attacking the quarterback.” |
| PHILADELPHIAMatt Verderame of SI.com on the Eagles getting WR MAKAI LEMON: 20. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cowboys): Makai Lemon, WR, USCHow he fits with the Eagles: This feels like the Eagles announcing the A.J. Brown trade. Lemon is a slot receiver who will pair nicely with burner DeVonta Smith, giving Jalen Hurts a middle-of-the-field target who can also run with toughness after the catch. Lemon is a tremendous value, even at the price to trade up from No. 23, giving general manager Howie Roseman a potential steal. Grade: A The Eagles traded up three spots with their division rivals to steal Lemon from their instate rival. Andy Nesbitt of SI.com: First, let’s explain how the Eagles ripped Lemon away from the Steelers NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Pittsburgh was on the phone with Lemon, telling him they were going to take him with the 21st pick. The Cowboys were on the clock with the 20th pick and everyone expected them to pick a defensive player. But that’s when things took a crazy turn as the Cowboys traded their pick to the rival Eagles, who then drafted Lemon. Rapoport said: “The Dallas Cowboys were on the clock at 20 with everyone knowing they were going defense. [The] Pittsburgh Steelers get on the phone with Makai Lemon planning to select him next at 21, except what they didn’t know is the Eagles had actually traded up over them, were trying to get in touch with Lemon, but he wasn’t answering because he was already on the phone with the Steelers,” Rapoport said. “In the end, the Eagles do the trade, they get Makai Lemon, and the Steelers grab a tackle right after.” The Eagles were both excited about adding a new weapon to their offense and also more than happy to give Pittsburgh sports another loss this week. The Philadelphia Flyers are currently playing the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL playoffs and are one win away from completing a surprising sweep. So not only have Pittsburgh fans had to watch Philadelphia rip their hearts out a number of times this week on the ice, but then they had to watch as the Eagles swooped in and delivered another devastating blow on the first night of the NFL draft. |
| WASHINGTONCharles McDonald of YahooSports.com thinks the Commanders will be very glad that LB SONNY STYLES was available to them at #7: 7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateGrade: A+ Another A+ Buckeye pick here. The Commanders desperately needed to upgrade their back seven on defense and got a potential unicorn at linebacker with Styles. He has the range, size and physicality that Dan Quinn looks for in middle linebackers and will be a massive upgrade over the play that Bobby Wagner gave them last year. |
| NFC SOUTH |
| NEW ORLEANSMatt Verderame of SI.com gave each of the first seven picks at least a B+. Then he got to the Saints: 8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateThe talent is evident. The big question is whether he can stay healthy. In 2022, Tyson tore his ACL, MCL and PCL, missing all but three games of the following season as a result. The next year, he broke his collarbone. In ’25, he was sidelined with a hamstring injury for four games. When healthy, the 203-pounder can match any receiver in this class with athleticism and explosiveness, making him a tantalizing prospect. How he fits with the Saints: The Saints are taking a huge risk by selecting Tyson. He’s struggled with injuries throughout his time at Colorado and Arizona State, and is now playing alongside Chris Olave, who has dealt with concussions during his NFL career. If Tyson is healthy, he’s a great fit in coach Kellen Moore’s offense, but a massive gamble. Grade: C |
| TAMPA BAYSomeone in the draft coverage (Kirk Herbstreit maybe?) said there was no way the Buccaneers thought EDGE RUEBEN BAIN, Jr. would fall to #15. The DB can tell you that they did and he did – and Dane Brugler of The Athleticapproves: 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, MiamiTampa Bay got a steal here. Considered a top-10 talent, Bain fell to No. 15, where he aligned with the Buccaneers’ positional needs. Tampa Bay largely has journeymen at that position group, so Bain immediately gives the group a weapon. How much will Todd Bowles adjust his defense to accommodate Bain, who’s more of a 4-3 edge who can kick inside on passing downs? That remains to be seen. Bain (6-2 1/2, 263) was a destructive force on the national runner-up defense (9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season). He was a consensus first-team All-American and boasts rare power and explosiveness, but his arm length (30 7/8 inches) provides cause for concern. Grade: A As does Charles McDonald of YahooSports.com: 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, MiamiGrade: A Bain falling this far is kind of crazy, but the Buccaneers are getting a ton of value here. Bain can win against the run in a big way with physicality, and it should translate to playing against bigger offensive linemen. His arm length might stop him being a 10-sack player every year, but he’s a high-floor player who can make the Buccaneers defense a lot more physical. ProFootballFocus.com has the selection of Bain as one of two ELITE picks in Round 1: Pick 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami FLPick Grade: Elite The Buccaneers stayed at their original draft slot and were able to pick up a player at a position of need and a premium position who led all FBS edge rushers in total pressures and PFF Wins Above Average. Bain was likely still available because of his limited length, but his tape — including against high-level opponents on big stages — indicates he should have come off the board earlier. |
| NFC WEST |
| ARIZONAWhy Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY didn’t like the Cardinals pick: 1. RB Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals (No. 3)When word first began trickling out this week that the Cardinals were zeroing in on Love, it seemed like classic pre-draft misdirection. How could a team that lacked any sort of resolution along its front or behind center skip ahead in a roster build and take a top-tier running back? With Arizona also broadcasting its interest in trading back, perhaps the team was simply trying to gin up interest in a deal that would better position the front office to take an offensive tackle later in the order. No smokescreen here. Now, a team not far along in its reset finds itself in possession of a ball carrier who enters the league as one of the highest-priced players at his position. On its face, that’s bad business in an event in which teams typically mine for cost-controlled young talent at premium positions. But the decision becomes even harder to square when accounting for the Cardinals’ current offensive composition. Yes, Arizona finished 31st in rushing last year and couldn’t generate the explosive plays for which Love has become known. But a rookie back alone has exceedingly little control over fixing a ground game on his own, as the Raiders’ woes with Ashton Jeanty last year reinforced. Some might tout Love as a supposed all-purpose “offensive weapon,” but how much additional value can he provide to an attack that already runs through Trey McBride and should be bringing along Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson? And with Jacoby Brissett set to return as the starting quarterback, running room might be tough to come by. Good thing Love has mastered the hurdle in the open field. He’s probably going to need it. Love very well could become a highly productive back. Still, there might not have been a team in the top 10 in a worse position to take advantage of what he can offer. This felt like a dessert-first kind of move for a roster suffering from malnutrition. But Mel Kiper, Jr. of ESPN.com is all in on the move – and we can see his point about fan engagement, etc. : Arizona CardinalsThe pick: Jeremiyah Love (No. 3)We started hearing some buzz that Arizona might go this way earlier this week. And I know, I’m not supposed to like a running back in the top five. This isn’t a running back. Love is so much more than that — he’s a true all-purpose offensive playmaker who is going to change this offense. He was No. 2 on my board behind Mendoza. The Cardinals didn’t really have an identity on that side of the ball; that unit was pretty bland. But coach Mike LaFleur is going to line up Love in the backfield and let him break home runs with his 4.36 speed. He’s going to get Love in the slot and also out wide as a dynamic pass catcher. No pun intended, but I love this fit, even with James Conner and Tyler Allgeier in that RB room. This 20-year-old is going to energize the fan base. Bucky Brooks of NFL.com is also a fan: Love is special. In my scouting days, Reggie Bush earned my highest grade at the running back position, and Love is right there with him. With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, he’s the total package as a runner and pass catcher out of the backfield. I mean, how many times can we watch him hurdle over defenders? Not enough. The Cardinals won’t regret taking this can’t-miss prospect, as Love is the caliber of player they need to help close the gap in the NFC West. Dane Brugler of The Athletic splits the difference: 3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameThere’s no disputing the talent — Love tops the entire draft in that area. There’s also no doubting the need — Arizona ranked 31st in total rushing last year. Love would improve any team with his rare blend of speed, quickness and fight, but … do the Cardinals have the team around him that will let those abilities shine? Would Arizona have been better off grabbing an edge rusher or an offensive lineman? We’ll see. Love rushed for a combined 35 touchdowns the past two seasons. In 2025, he was a unanimous first-team All-American, Heisman Trophy finalist and Doak Walker Award winner. Love (6-0, 212) rushed for 1,372 yards, 18 touchdowns and averaged 6.9 yards per carry last year, including 4.5 yards per carry after contact. He also wowed observers at the combine with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash time. Grade: B |
| LOS ANGELES RAMSWhy Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY didn’t like the Rams pick: 2. QB Ty Simpson, Los Angeles Rams (No. 13)When the Rams secured this pick from the Falcons a year ago, it seemed as though it might provide a prime opportunity for Sean McVay and Les Snead to secure a successor to Matthew Stafford. Then, the quarterback class thinned out to Fernando Mendoza and little else. And along the way, Los Angeles affirmed its commitment to gearing its resources toward another Super Bowl run for the reigning NFL MVP. Nevertheless, the Rams pulled the trigger on a passer many were uncertain would crack the first round at all. In some respects, Simpson is a sensible solution for a team that lacked a transition plan behind center. The Alabama signal-caller displays the clean footwork one would expect of a coach’s son, and his lack of experience (15 starts) won’t prove as troublesome in a situation where he can sit and wait for a year or more. But the fit here is still strange in myriad other ways. At 6-1 and 211 pounds with arm strength that’s middling at best, Simpson profiles as a physically limited offensive catalyst. Pursuing and embracing Stafford as the team’s triggerman was a direct effort to move outside of that box. Maybe this works out and the Rams avoid the rebuild phase that so many other contenders have to endure. But the Rams might feel themselves bumping up against Simpson’s ceiling not long after he takes over, and the opportunity cost here was significant. It seems that Coach Sean McVay, anxious to win the Super Bowl now and perhaps not as enamored of Simpson’s talent as others, also had reservations about the selection. Jack Baer of YahooSports.com: The biggest surprise in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft came from the Los Angeles Rams, a win-now team that opted to draft its quarterback of the future. With the 13th overall pick and plenty of talent still on the board, the Rams selected Alabama passer Ty Simpson as the heir apparent to Matthew Stafford. It was quickly reported that head coach Sean McVay had spoken to Stafford earlier in the day to notify him about the decision to draft a quarterback. Stafford’s reaction to the pick will be interesting. But what really stood out Thursday night was McVay’s reaction. Speaking with reporters alongside Rams general manager Les Snead after the pick, multiple members of the media noticed McVay, well known for his animated personality, seemed subdued while talking about the pick. When asked about speaking with Stafford, McVay confirmed he did and said “I’ll keep that between us” to the natural follow-up question of what was discussed. When asked if Simpson would back up Stafford, McVay bluntly said “We’ll see, he’s going to compete with [incumbent backup Stetson Bennett]. Snead, who reportedly has a strong relationship with Simpson’s father and advised him about entering the draft, was noticeably more energetic. Simpson also said on Sirius XM that he had never met McVay. At one point, Snead and McVay were asked if they had specifically targeted Simpson in the draft and McVay reeled off an answer that lasted for well longer than a minute. An excerpt: “There was a lot of players that we liked. When you do look at it, I think the thing you liked about the body of work is — let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team. You get a chance to be able to address the backup quarterback, we’ve got Stetson, we’ve talked about the importance of [former Rams back-up Jimmy Garoppolo], so to be able to add somebody that you can evaluate a body of work that he was asked to play the position and a lot of things that do translate: concepts, reading with his feet, some of the different things in the dropback and the play action game, the movement game. “So there’s a lot of things that [Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb] did that’s very similar to how we operate. So it made it an easier evaluation to be able to say, ‘Alright, what would that look like if he did translate it to our level?’ But there was a lot of players that we liked and there was a lot of thought that went into it.” There are several possible outcomes from here. Stafford could keep playing for years and keep the Rams regularly competitive. Simpson could take over quickly and become a star. Simpson could take over quickly and become a bust. Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald is not one of the optimistic voices, giving the selection an “F.” Simpson posted a good season with Alabama last year, but also faded down the stretch and doesn’t quite have the physical traits in you see in top quarterback prospects. Whatever happens, Thursday night represented a shift for the Rams, and McVay’s reaction could end up being dissected repeatedly if it doesn’t work out. Mel Kiper, Jr. lays it out well, naming names who would have been better at #13: Los Angeles RamsThe pick: Ty Simpson (No. 13) Well, this was wild. I had Lemon to the Rams in my final mock draft, and the USC receiver was still on the board when L.A.’s pick came around. This team is in win-now mode as it tries to capitalize on a really good roster with 38-year-old Matthew Stafford playing on a year-to-year basis. I really thought the Rams would go get another playmaker for Stafford, or at least boost his protection with someone such as tackle Monroe Freeling. This is a Super Bowl-caliber team! Instead, the Rams took Simpson, who I wasn’t positive would even go in Round 1, let alone this high. I did have Simpson in my final mock but not until late in the 20s. So this was a little surprising to say the least. There was talk that the Rams were interested in him at No. 29 before they traded that pick, but No. 13? Way, way too rich. Simpson is an accurate passer with a lot of promise, and he looked like the real deal for half of the 2025 season. But he fell off down the stretch and declared for the draft despite only 15 career starts. I get that Simpson is the heir apparent here, and Los Angeles is smart for planning for the future. But using the No. 13 pick on a QB with lingering questions when the Rams had the chance to do something to help them right now doesn’t fit with the contention window. |
| AFC WEST |
| KANSAS CITYThe Chiefs believe they made a brilliant move to trade up for LSU CB MANSOOR DELANE. Nate Taylor of ESPN.com on their revealed strategy: A week ago, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach predicted that the first round of this year’s NFL draft would include plenty of trades. Veach was correct — and he was behind the first one. In a deal with the Cleveland Browns, the Chiefs moved up three spots, from the ninth pick to the sixth, to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane on Thursday night. Kansas City sent the Nos. 9, 74 and 148 picks to Cleveland, which used the ninth selection to take Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano. “I [got] the phone call and [the Chiefs] traded up; I was like, ‘Damn, I wanted to go to the Chiefs,'” Delane said. “I just wasn’t expecting it. I pick up the phone, and I’m like, ‘Woah, this is crazy.’ That’s when the emotions came to me. I was just so blessed to be on a team like this.” Three weeks ago, the Chiefs’ top trio of decision-makers — Veach, coach Andy Reid and longtime defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo — believed the best prospect they could acquire for the roster was Delane, the top-rated cornerback in this year’s draft class. Veach’s issue, though, was figuring out how to move into position for him. Earlier this month, Veach and Marc Richards, who leads the Chiefs’ data analytics team, went through various predictive models to learn that the best option to acquire Delane was to jump ahead of the New Orleans Saints, who held the eighth pick. “Every model that we ran kind of said, looking at the stack of players, we figured [edge rushers David] Bailey and [Arvell] Reese would go [off the board],” Veach said Thursday night. “The predictive model said that the Saints are going to be the biggest obstacle. I’ve been doing this for a few years now. Cleveland made it obvious early on that they were interested in trading, so we had some traction. “I know [Saints GM] Mickey [Loomis]. If there’s one guy more aggressive than me, it’s Mickey. I have that experience where we’re kind of eyeing the same guy. We had Mansoor Delane as a top-five guy on our board. We felt it would come down to us and New Orleans.” In 11 games last season at LSU, Delane recorded two interceptions and 13 pass breakups while not surrendering a touchdown in coverage. He also didn’t commit a single penalty. Delane became the first unanimous All-American at LSU since star quarterback Joe Burrow. With the Chiefs, Delane will be tasked with replacing All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, who last month was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for a package of draft picks that included the No. 29 selection Thursday night. Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs’ other starting cornerback last season, signed with the Rams last month in free agency. “They weren’t really on me too much in this process, but they said they just wanted to keep it quiet and make that sneak move,” Delane, 22, told ESPN on the draft stage in Pittsburgh. “They made the best move in the draft. I’m excited.” Seth Walder of ESPN.com isn’t as thrilled with the deal for the Chiefs as Veach: Chiefs get: No. 6Browns get: Nos. 9, 74, 148 Chiefs grade: D+Browns grade: A- The Chiefs had a rare opportunity to draft in the top 10 after their disappointing 2025 campaign, entering Thursday with the No. 9 pick. They decided to move up even higher. Kansas City dealt a third-round pick and a fifth-rounder to move up three spots, leaping from No. 9 to 6 in a deal with the Browns in order to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Delane immediately fills the Chiefs’ drastic need at cornerback after Kansas City lost two starting corners to the Rams this offseason — Trent McDuffie (trade) and Jaylen Watson (free agency). The Chiefs are betting on defensive coordinator Steve Spanguolo getting the most of whatever cornerbacks they have and developing that young talent. Now we know that plan includes Delane. But was it a smart deal? I don’t think so. The trade was even on the Jimmy Johnson chart, but that is an antiquated measure and is indicative of NFL teams’ overconfidence in their ability to forecast the difference between one prospect from another. By ESPN’s Approximate Value-based draft pick valuations — which are based on how players at each draft slot actually perform — the Chiefs executed a larger-than-average overpay for a first-round, non-QB trade up. Here’s the kicker: There was a good chance that Delane would have fallen to No. 9. In fact, at the time of his selection, the Draft Day Predictor gave Delane a 90% chance to make it to the ninth pick. Even if that was a little high, there’s still a good chance that the Chiefs surrendered third- and fifth-round picks for nothing! This is an easy win for the Browns. Trading down early in the NFL draft is one of the most obvious ways for teams to gain an advantage. Cleveland walks away with extra draft capital and still got Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano — a highly ranked player at a position of need — with the No. 9 pick.– – -Why Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY didn’t like the Chiefs second pick: 5. DT Peter Woods, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 29)Take this as a vote of confidence in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to get the most out of a player who’s yet to fully deliver. While drawing double teams and operating in a capacity that didn’t always position him to make plays, Woods showed sporadic flashes of promise early in his career at Clemson. That led many to bill him as a potential top-five pick entering the 2025 campaign. Then, things went sideways for Woods and his teammates, as he and the rest of the defense didn’t take the step forward so many had envisioned for them. Woods can be utilized more effectively at the next level by Spagnuolo, who can be a force multiplier on stunts. But the Chiefs were due for true difference-makers along the defensive line, and they looked well-situated to grab one with either of their two first-round picks. With his short arms and lack of development as a pass rusher, Woods doesn’t clear that bar. Mel Kiper, Jr. didn’t really like either selection Kansas City made: Kansas City ChiefsThe pick: Mansoor Delane (No. 6), Peter Woods (No. 29) There’s a lot to unpack here. First, we have to recognize that the Chiefs gave third- and fifth-round picks to Cleveland to move up to No. 6 to even make this pick. I had Delane as the No. 14 prospect on my board, so it feels like a slight reach. It’s an aggressive move for a team that hasn’t entered a draft with a top-10 pick since 2013. But on the other hand, Kansas City had a massive cornerback problem after trading Trent McDuffie and letting Jaylen Watson walk in free agency. And with the medical concerns around Jermod McCoy’s knee, there wasn’t another elite CB1 on the board this year. It was no lock that Delane would be there at No. 9, especially with the Commanders and Saints picking ahead of the Chiefs. Delane is instinctive and has ball-hawking coverage skills (eight interceptions over his career). He is a day one starter. But between the reach and the draft capital headed to the Browns, I’m not sure this was the savviest move. With their second pick, the Chiefs got Woods to line up next to Chris Jones. Denzel Boston and Missouri edge rusher Zion Young were the two best players on the board at that point, and they both would have hit needs. Instead Kansas City rolled the dice on an interior lineman whose 2025 production (two sacks) didn’t match his talent. If defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo can coach him up, maybe this looks great in a few years. But I saw more consistent prospects at positions of need sitting there for the taking. |
| LOS ANGELES CHARGERSCharles McDonald of YahooSports.com didn’t like the Chargers pick because of the calendar: 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, MiamiGrade: D+ This is rich for a pass rusher who is already 25 years old, but the Chargers must believe that he has enough juice to end up as a consistent threat off the edge. He’s more inconsistent and needed the talent around him at Miami more than people have let on. He now enters a defense that needs him to be sturdy against the run. This is risky. McDonald approved of the Vikings risky pick at #18 of a defensive lineman who for whatever reason has never done “it”. But Mesidor is bad because he’s 25? If he is really good for 4 or 5 years then falls off an aging cliff, is it really a D+ pick? |
| AFC NORTH |
| BALTIMORELike many, Mel Kiper, Jr. felt that G VEGA IOANE was the perfect fit for Baltimore at #14: Baltimore RavensThe pick: Olaivavega Ioane (No. 14)I love this pick. Ioane is a 6-foot-4, 320-pound blocker with light feet and immense strength, and he refuses to give up sacks. He hasn’t given up one since 2023. Baltimore wasn’t able to keep center Tyler Linderbaum, and though it signed John Simpson to play one guard spot, it needed to upgrade the other one in a big way. Ioane is a safe, high-floor prospect who is going to boost this unit and open some rushing lanes for the Ravens’ excellent run game. |
| CLEVELANDMel Kiper, Jr. of ESPN.com loved what the Browns did with their two first round picks: Cleveland BrownsThe pick: Spencer Fano (No. 9), KC Concepcion (No. 24)Everyone talked about how the Browns had to leave Round 1 with an offensive tackle and a wide receiver. But doing that and picking up extra middle-round picks after trading back from No. 6? That’s impressive work by general manager Andrew Berry. Once on the clock at No. 9, Cleveland took Fano, who was my No. 2 offensive tackle and is an extremely versatile lineman. Cleveland is remaking this line, bringing in Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins. But Fano is going to be the key option. He plays with power and quickness, and he gave up only one sack over the past two seasons. The question now: Will he stay at tackle, or will his 32⅛-inch arms kick him inside? The next Browns pick checked the other box. To be clear, I thought Concepcion might fall a little bit, and he was my eighth-best receiver. I’m not sure he was the right receiver to take here. But he’s explosive and can do work underneath. Not quite an A-plus first round — Denzel Boston would have done it for me there — but I have to give Cleveland praise for hitting its two big needs and getting some picks back in a trade. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| HOUSTONProFootballFocus.com didn’t like Houston’s first round pick of G KEYLAN RUTLEDGE: 26. Houston Texans: G Keylan Rutledge, Georgia TechPick Grade: Poor Rutledge was a late riser in the pre-draft process — and offensive linemen tend to go earlier than expected in general — but it’s an interesting decision by Houston to move up to take him, as he ranked outside the top 50 on most consensus big boards. Rutledge earned PFF grades below 70.0 in his first three seasons — at Middle Tennessee State and Georgia Tech — before showing improvement in the run game in his final season (77.8 PFF grade). |
| TENNESSEEDane Brugler says it well about the Titans taking WR CARNELL TATE at #4: 4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateLet’s start with this: I really like Carnell Tate. I believe he’s WR1 in this class, and he’s going to help Cam Ward. The Titans needed a wide receiver, and their young quarterback needed reliable targets. And I loved how much better Tate got playing opposite Jeremiah Smith last season, while pushing Smith along the way. He’s a polished football player who will be ready to roll early. It’s hard to hate on this pick. At the same time, there was more value on the board here. Reese, Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs are all players the Titans could have — and arguably should have — taken over the Ohio State receiver. Grade: B-plus The Titans traded back up to take DE Kedric Faulk late in the round. We think most draftniks would have liked the pairing of EDGE ARVELL REESE or LB SONNY STYLES with WR OMAR COOPER, Jr. or DENZEL BOSTON better. But Charles McDonald of YahooSports.com really liked the Faulk pick: 31. Tennessee Titans (via trade with Bills, Patriots): Keldric Faulk, DL, AuburnGrade: A Faulk easily could have gone a lot earlier than this, so to get him at this spot is potentially incredible value. He’s got elite run defense skills already and will have a better shot to rush the passer in the NFL than he did at Auburn due to him playing inside a lot. He can be a more impactful version of John Franklin-Myers, who has been a longtime favorite of new head coach Robert Saleh. GM Mike Borgonzi is proud of his draft per Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com: The Titans picked up a pair of players on Thursday night, selecting receiver Carnell Tate out of Ohio State at No. 4 overall before trading back into the first round to select defensive end Kendrick Faulk out of Auburn at No. 31. After making the picks, General Manager Mike Borgonzi shared his excitement about the two players. “Carnell Tate, we thought he was the best receiver in the draft,” Borgonzi said, via the team’s website. “And then coming back up and getting Keldric Faulk, who really fits this defense. I mean, long, can play outside, inside. Looking back to some of [Robert] Saleh’s defenses, too, it reminded me a little bit of [Arik] Armstead when he had him there in San Francisco. So, really excited about adding these two guys here tonight. Great character guys, too.” When it comes to Tate in particular, the Titans are excited about the statue of the 6-foot-2, 192-pound wideout. “Well, he’s a bigger, vertical guy. The route running, very efficient, his route running,” Borgonzi said. “I thought he had exceptional ball skills to be able to track the footballs, catch radius downfield. I think he’s going to be a great fit in this offense. And you know, he’s 20 years old last year playing at Ohio State. He’s a young kid. “But Tate has the ability to play big downfield. That’s the one thing, all these contested catches downfield, his ability to go up and catch the football, contort his body in certain ways. I think it’s going to be great for Cam [Ward].” |
| AFC EAST |
| MIAMIWhy Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY didn’t like the Dolphins first pick: 4. OT Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins (No. 12)Miami’s new regime literally went big with its first pick. At 6-7 and 352 pounds, Proctor is a truly mountainous blocker. He can eradicate opponents in both the run game and aerial attack when everything is truly clicking for him. This past season, however, laid bare what happens when there are lapses. Proctor can easily get out of sync, allowing defenders to snake past him. His weight management has also been a point of contention in his career, and former Alabama coach Nick Saban raised some eyebrows with his pre-draft remark that Proctor was “not really a self-starter.” New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan this offseason cited left tackle Patrick Paul and center Aaron Brewer as two of the core pieces in the Dolphins’ rebuild. He might envision Proctor as a third along the front, but he’s nowhere near reliable enough to earn consideration as such right out of the gate. |
NEW ENGLANDDane Brugler of The Athletic on the Patriots first round pick: 28. New England Patriots (from BUF via HOU): Caleb Lomu, OT, UtahReally good value here. I had Lomu graded about even with Miller and maybe a tick higher than Iheanachor, as Lomu should be ready to start at right tackle immediately opposite Will Campbell. This gives the Patriots two very athletic tackles who are plus run blockers. Lomu isn’t a flashy player, but he gets the job done. He’s very versatile, and he could play right or left tackle, and maybe even guard. The 49ers (who traded down from 27 to 30) also might’ve been looking to select an offensive tackle, so I don’t hate the trade-up. Nice pick. Grade: A-minus  You might not know it from his picture, but Lomu’s heritage is from Tonga. More love for Lomu from Charles McDonald who sees it salvaging last year’s T WILL CAMPBELL pick: 28. New England Patriots (via trade with Bills, Texans): Caleb Lomu, OT, UtahGrade: A This pick can be a two-for-one upgrade for the Patriots. Lomu can slide in as a legit long-term left tackle prospect and allow Will Campbell to play elsewhere along the offensive line if that’s what they choose to do. The Patriots desperately needed to upgrade their frontline play after getting sledgehammered by the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, and this pick should help them get better up front.– – -Albert Breer of SI.com on how the Dianna Russini scandal has impacted Mike Vrabel. From NJ.com: There are coaches who lead with schemes. There are coaches who lead with analytics. And then there are coaches who lead with sheer force of personality. New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is that last kind of coach. Or at least, he has been. In an appearance on 98.5 Boston on Friday, NFL insider Albert Breer revealed that Vrabel “has not been the same” since reports of an alleged affair between him and Dianna Russini became public. “I can just tell you factually, he has not been the same the last two weeks in that building,” Breer said in a clip shared on X/Twitter. “The sense I’ve gotten talking to people is like, the — that bravado and everything else. I think this has taken a chunk out of that, you know?” The scandal leapt into public view when The New York Post published photos on April 7 that appeared to show Vrabel embracing and holding hands with Russini (formerly of The Athletic) at an Arizona resort. More images, including intimate ones between Vrabel and Russini from 2020, were published on Thursday. The bravado is, according to Breer, the very mechanism through which Vrabel builds buy-in, commands respect, and moves an entire roster in the same direction. “The swagger, all of that — to me, that’s such a big part of who Mike is,” Breer explained. “That’s such a big part of how he gets people on board with him.” The only thing that cuts through all of that noise of an NFL locker room is a head coach who walks in the room and immediately commands the space. Vrabel has always been that guy. His playing career — a decorated run as a linebacker with a reputation for big moments — laid the foundation for that presence. His coaching career has reinforced it at every turn. But what happens when that version of Vrabel goes quiet? That’s the question Breer is raising. “I really like Mike personally. I’ve known him a long time. I covered him as a player,” Breer said. “I think, like, deep down, he’s a good guy with a good heart who’s done a lot of good things for people and wants to do good things for people and has done right by a lot of people.” The DB is reminded of Tiger Woods when he had both the perfect family and his secret fantasy life. When that was exposed, Tiger fell apart (with brief periods of a return to greatness). |
| NEW YORK JETSMel Kiper, Jr. has no real complaints with what the Jets accomplished with three first round picks: The Jets made three picks Thursday, starting with edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2. I personally would have preferred Arvell Reese there, but I can’t argue with Bailey’s bend, burst and production. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq was an interesting selection in the middle of the round — he’s an after-the-catch maverick with explosive traits — and landing receiver Omar Cooper Jr. back at No. 30 after trading back into the first will absolutely boost this lackluster receivers room behind Garrett Wilson. Three good players for New York. |
