The 2026 NFL Draft was completed full of changes and surprises on the night of Thursday, April 23.
In a significant move, the Las Vegas Raiders took Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick.
After the first round, some teams are determined to decide their future, while others are dangerously close to being eliminated.
Who is inside?
The Las Vegas Raiders are in without a doubt. With the first overall pick, they selected Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who will be the face of the franchise going forward.
All four NFC East teams are now in contention. The New York Giants are in after selecting Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and tackling Francis Mauigoa. The Dallas Cowboys are in after trading up to select “transformative” safety Caleb Downs. Even the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders landed top talent.
The Los Angeles Rams are looking to build for the future. By selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick, they have guaranteed themselves their man under center when Matthew Stafford retires.
who is out
The New York Jets did not find the right path. Despite having three first-round picks, officials analyzed their haul and rated edge rusher David Bairly at No. 2 as a strong reach.
Another setback was the Arizona Cardinals. Drafting a running back like Jeremiyah Love with an underperforming offensive line and extreme needs on defense made you wonder if the team had already sunk.
The Miami Dolphins also disappointed. After spending free agency on a quarterback like Malik Willis, they didn’t provide him with anything worthwhile offensively.
Predictions for round 2 and round 3
As Rounds 2 and 3 approach, analysts are making important predictions.
Starting in Round 2, San Francisco will select Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as its safety pick at 33rd overall, while Arizona selects Carson Beck as its future starting quarterback at 34th overall.
Buffalo will take a chance by selecting Josh Allen’s red zone target in Denzel Boston at 35th overall, while New York adds to its depth with Jermod McCoy at 37th overall.
Meanwhile, Baltimore is looking for another breakout star in Avieon Terrell at 45th overall. Teams in need of a quarterback will be watching closely as the Steelers select Garrett Nussmeier 53rd overall.
In Round 3, Philadelphia selects an offensive tackle to help upgrade its offensive line with Caleb Tiernan going 68th overall, while Cleveland takes on one more defensive player.
Miami selects tight end Oscar Delp 75th overall, and Pittsburgh looks to continue rebuilding its secondary. As the third round progresses, expect runs on receivers and interior offensive linemen.
