2026 NFL Draft grades: Did Cowboys Ace Their Two First-Spherical Picks?

[ad_1] What had been mocked in every single place for months grew to become official Thursday night time: The Las Vegas Raiders chosen quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 general choose within the 2026 NFL Draft.

After which draft day actually started in Pitsburgh. The Jets drafted 3 times within the first spherical. Eight different groups did not draft in any respect, amid a flurry of trades. We analyzed and graded each Day 1 choice.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Rang: A great match for the Raiders each from a bodily and intangible perspective, Mendoza isn’t simply the suitable choose, he’s the right one. His prototypical dimension, pre- and post-snap recognition and accuracy from each the pocket and on the transfer ought to make him a star in Klint Kubiak’s offense. Even higher, Mendoza has composure on and off the sphere wanted for a staff based mostly in a metropolis with the various, diverse distractions of Las Vegas.

Grade: A

2. New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech Rang: Ending useless final within the AFC in sacks, the Jets made the suitable selection so as to add this yr’s prime pass-rusher. Bailey’s burst and bend off the sting is elite. He's a practical Defensive Rookie of the Yr candidate who initiatives as a 10-plus sack-a-year difference-maker.

Grade: A

3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Rang: Throw out the narrative about positional worth, Love’s capability to right away enhance Mike LaFleur’s offense justifies this choice. Frankly, GM Monti Ossenfort wanted a slam dunk and Love ought to present it. His creativity, elusiveness and breakaway pace have earned comparisons to NFL superstars like Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson from scouts touring via South Bend for the previous two years. Critics, after all, have a degree about the truth that drafting a operating again this yr comes with zero wage reduction — one thing that usually happens with rookies. Love might be the most effective operating again within the NFL subsequent yr, however the Cardinals will already be paying him near that, regardless.

Grade: B+

4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State Rang: It is our first "upset" of the night time, however two folks definitely not upset with this choice are Titans quarterback Cam Ward and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Head coach Robert Saleh and Daboll had been each fired from latest head-coaching positions as a result of their respective offenses struggled to attain. Tate isn’t an elite athlete, however his body, pace and monitoring abilities assist him challenge as a professional No. 1 candidate.

Grade: B+

5. New York Giants: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State Rang: This can be a fascinating choice for the Giants, as Reese offers the Giants as formidable a trio of edge rushers as there may be within the NFL, teaming, after all, with latest top-10 picks Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Reese’s capability to play the off-ball linebacker place, in addition to challenge as a dynamic pass-rusher offers head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson an terrible lot of flexibility. And in contrast to a number of the coaches who handed on Reese, Harbaugh has the safety to offer him time to develop.

Grade: A-

6. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (through Browns): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU Rang: I really like the Chiefs’ daring determination to commerce up for Delane, who wouldn't have lasted till No. 9 general given the way in which the board modified as soon as the Titans surprisingly took wideout Carnell Tate. Whereas the hole between Delane and the No. 2 cornerback is not fairly as huge as it's on the QB and RB positions, he's unquestionably the most effective nook on this class and the Chiefs desperately wanted to deal with this place.

Grade: A

7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Types, LB, Ohio State Rang: Each in Seattle and most just lately in Washington, Dan Quinn was blessed to have future Corridor of Famer Bobby Wagner at center linebacker. Remarkably, Quinn will now have a good higher athlete in the course of his Commanders protection in Types. There are just a few linebackers in NFL historical past with Types’ mixture of dimension and pace — Corridor of Famer Brian Urlacher involves thoughts. Washington wanted to search out an alpha on protection and Types ought to show to be that instantly.

Grade: A

8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Saints Rang: GM Mickey Loomis has by no means been one to shy from aggressive picks, and the choice of Tyson is definitely that. Critics will level out his struggles with sturdiness, however his tape is great. This can be a choose about potential, but in addition an affirmation of Tyler Shough and head coach Kellen Moore. If Tyson stays wholesome, he’ll be a star — that’s a major "if" although, capping this grade.

Grade: B

9. Cleveland Browns (through Chiefs): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah Rang: The Browns desperately wanted to discover a left deal with and a large receiver from this draft, and with the highest two wideouts already off the board, Cleveland’s selection was clear. Will probably be fascinating to see how properly Fano performs compared to Tyson — who, after all, the Browns traded away the chance to draft. Fano’s dimension and agility ought to make him the Browns’ day one starter at left deal with.

Grade: B

10. New York Giants (from Bengals): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami Rang: Mauigoa starred at proper deal with for The U, however I consider the Giants will transfer him inside to proper guard. His girth and energy make him a really perfect match for New York, a membership trying to undertake the run-heavy assault John Harbaugh most popular at Baltimore. I truly like this match even higher than Spencer Fano in Cleveland one choose earlier — regardless of the left deal with place being extra valued than inside blockers.

Grade: A

11. Dallas Cowboys (from Dolphins): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Rang: The Cowboys allowed an NFC-worst 35 passing touchdowns a yr in the past, and Downs is the participant on this draft finest geared up to repair that challenge. His outstanding instincts and pace had been apparent since his true freshman season, and so they're why I had him as the most effective participant on this draft. Critics will argue that Downs didn’t generate sufficient huge performs, however sensible quarterbacks merely stopped throwing the ball anyplace close to him. The Cowboys wanted a brand new sheriff within the secondary and so they simply obtained him.

Grade: A

12. Miami Dolphins (from Cowboys): Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama Rang: The primary true upset of the draft and an actual roll of the cube much like the gamble basic supervisor Jon-Eric Sullivan made in paying huge cash to quarterback Malik Willis. At his finest, Proctor will be dominant. However even his former head coach, Nick Saban, has publicly talked about Proctor’s struggles with sustaining his weight. This can be a dangerous choose that might wind up busting. With the native famous person Rueben Bain Jr. nonetheless obtainable, taking Proctor is very head-scratching.

Grade: C-

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama Rang: The pending retirement of Jimmy Garoppolo meant that the Rams could be trying to this draft for a backup quarterback, however to take Simpson at No. 13 is daring, certainly. There isn't any denying that he's an excellent slot in Sean McVay’s offense — he was listed as such in my finest NFL staff suits for every of this yr’s QBs — however that is simply the gutsiest choose of the primary spherical up to now. That is clearly a transfer made for the long run. However I can not assist however marvel if the Rams, presumably Tremendous Bowl contenders in 2026, will later want they’d chosen a participant likelier to make an instantaneous impression. In fact, if Simpson in the end pans out, Les Snead and McVay will as soon as once more be confirmed geniuses. '

Grade: B

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State Rang: John Harbaugh might have left city, however the Baltimore custom of constructing via the trenches continues to be going robust with the choice of Ioane — the final of the dozen prospects I gave a first-round grade to. Ioane’s girth, steadiness and energy make him a day one improve at left guard with Professional Bowl potential. Whereas I really like Ioane’s match, I do query how a lot better the Ravens’ cross rush may be if Rueben Bain Jr. had gone right here.

Grade: B+

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami Rang: GM Jason Licht has made a profession out of stealing actually good gamers on draft day (like Emeka Egbuka a yr in the past, for instance) and that occurred once more right here with Bain. Essentially the most bodily violent participant on this draft, Bain’s capability to bulldoze his approach via contact interprets properly to the NFL. The Bucs wanted to search out somebody to function reverse YaYa Diaby and Bain’s capability to play everywhere in the line of defense ought to make him an instantaneous hit.

Grade: A-

16. New York Jets (from Colts): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon Rang: I’m as intrigued by Sadiq’s expertise as anybody. He is among the most explosive athletes on this draft at any place. Until the Jets have a longer-term plan at quarterback than Geno Smith, nevertheless, I've some considerations about his slot in New York. Smith didn't hyperlink up a lot with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer in Las Vegas a yr in the past (or with Seattle’s tight ends in 2024). I do like Sadiq’s willingness to dam, and his apparent upside as a focus on this offense. However I don’t assume this would be the instant hit for the Jets that some do.

Grade: B-

17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson Rang: It was apparent that the Lions could be priotizing an offensive deal with early on this draft, and Miller’s sturdiness makes him an ideal match for Dan Campbell. I like this choose lots.

Grade: B+

18: Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida Rang: Just like the Dolphins and the Rams, the Vikings are swinging for the fences with this choice. Banks’ spotlight reel is filled with top-10-caliber performs. Nevertheless it's a brief reel, as Banks struggled to remain on the sphere all through his faculty profession. The Vikings just lately made Brian Flores the highest-paid defensive coordinator ever, so clearly he feels assured he can unlock Banks’ simple potential. Nonetheless, that is as dangerous because it will get.

Grade: C+

19: Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia Rang: The ominous knee harm suffered by beginning offensive deal with Ikem Ekwonu a yr in the past made this a place of want for the Panthers. Freeling’s upside is pretty much as good as any deal with on this class. He’s solely began one yr, however I like this wager on traits.

Grade: B

20: Philadelphia Eagles (from Cowboys): Makai Lemon, WR, USC Rang: The hypothesis regarding A.J. Brown’s future (or lack thereof) in Philadelphia will solely intensify with this choice. Lemon lacks Brown’s dimension however performs with nice physicality and competitiveness. As a receiver, runner (on reverses) and returner, Lemon will shortly show a fan — and extra importantly Jalen Hurts’ — favourite. I really like the aggression of the Eagles to commerce up with the Cowboys and get Lemon, who probably would’ve come off the board a choose later to the Steelers.

Grade: A

21: Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OL, Arizona State Rang: A stunning choice for the Steelers right here. Iheanachor has thrilling traits to develop, however with latest first-round picks invested in tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu, I believed the Steelers would have been higher off getting Aaron Rodgers (or whoever the Steelers QB is) a weapon, quite than one other blocker.

Grade: C+

22: Los Angeles Chargers: Ahkeem Mesidor, Edge, Miami Rang: Mesidor is arguably essentially the most polished pass-rusher of this class. He doesn’t depend on his burst and energy — although he checks bins in these classes — however actually pairs his arms and toes properly and has extra instruments in his belt than your native carpenter. Jim Harbaugh prioritizes manufacturing, competitiveness and toughness, and Mesidor provides all these. However his age (25) and historical past of foot accidents are regarding.

Grade: B

23: Dallas Cowboys (from Eagles): Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF Rang: Among the many most explosive edge rushers of this class, Lawrence will get upfield in a rush — as his 40-yard sprint time (4.52) and vertical leap (40 inches) counsel. He isn’t as flexible off the sting as a number of the prime rushers of this class, however given the presence of latest acquisitions Quinnen Williams and Rashan Gary, I feel Lawrence might be an incredible match who reinforces the funding Dallas made earlier Thursday in Caleb Downs.

Grade: B

24: Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M Rang: With all due respect to the receivers drafted forward of him, Concepcion is the premier playmaker of this class, scoring in 4 out of each 5 video games over his three-year faculty profession. His pace makes him a vertical risk, however I particularly like Concepcion within the fast sport — an space that Shedeur Sanders excels in. Whereas Concepcion can be a dynamic returner, he struggles with drops, which ought to concern Browns followers given the struggles the membership has had for many years now at quarterback.

Grade: B

25: Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon Rang: Thieneman is a steal at this level within the first spherical. He's among the many cleanest gamers on this class, providing terrific instincts, pace and ball abilities. As excessive as I'm on Caleb Downs, I don’t assume there was that a lot of a distinction between the 2. I really like how the Bears have upgraded the protection abilities at security with this choice of Thieneman and the free-agent addition of Coby Bryant.

Grade: A

26: Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge, OL, Georgia Tech Rang: The Texans have invested at offensive deal with, however the shortest path to the quarterback is correct up the center and C.J. Stroud struggled with rushers in his face. Including one of many grittiest inside blockers on this class makes a lot sense to get Stroud again on monitor. Rutledge starred at proper guard in faculty but in addition has the smarts and quickness to play middle, giving the Texans preferrred flexibility.

Grade: B

27: Miami Dolphins (from 49ers): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State Rang: After making one of many largest gambles of the primary spherical with the choice of Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor at No. 12, the Dolphins did the precise reverse right here with Johnson. He might lack elite measureables, however he is one of many cleaner prospects on this class. His athleticism and instincts leap off the tape. He's so clean in protection and made performs on the ball. That is certainly one of my favourite gamers within the draft.

Grade: A

28: New England Patriots (from Payments): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah Rang: This can be a actually attention-grabbing choice by the Patriots, as Lomu performed the previous two seasons at left deal with for Utah. That is the place 2025 first-rounder Will Campbell performed for New England simply final yr. Lomu at the moment lacks the physicality to play the suitable deal with place, so this choice may portend Campbell transferring to protect. I like Lomu’s upside, however I see him being a yr away from actually contributing.

Grade: C

29: Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (from Rams): Peter Woods, DT, Clemson Rang: Chris Jones stays one of many NFL’s finest defensive tackles, however Kansas Metropolis is smart so as to add a proficient rookie to be taught from him. Woods is a former five-star recruit who has proven the ability to be a run-plugger and has the mix of first-step quickness and lateral agility to challenge as a future cross rush risk from the inside, as properly. This choose received’t get as a lot consideration because the Chiefs’ choice of Mansoor Delane at No. 6, however I like the mix of instant impression and long-term potential right here.

Grade: B+

30: New York Jets (from 49ers): Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana Rang: Whereas I used to be a bit vital of the Jets’ choice of Kenyon Sadiq, I really like this choose. Cooper performs greater than his 6-foot-0 body suggests, exhibiting good core power to struggle via contact and make troublesome receptions. His physique management and gentle arms are additionally spectacular. Kudos to New York for including two proficient pass-catchers within the first spherical to assist Geno Smith … or whomever its QB of the long run is.

Grade: B+

31: Tennessee Titans (from Payments): Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn Rang: Faulk doesn’t have the statistics to counsel he must be a first-round choose, however I truly love this choice for Tennessee. He is a future franchise pillar, for my part. I really like his dimension, power, flexibility and intangibles. Pairing him with Jeffery Simmons & Co. offers Robert Saleh a younger defensive lineman to develop alongside a powerful veteran core.

Grade: A

32: Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Worth, RB, Notre Dame Rang: Worth is the right schematic match for Seattle’s wide-zone offense. His mixture of imaginative and prescient, lateral agility and underrated breakaway pace additionally make him a high quality substitute for reigning Tremendous Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. I see parts of Corridor of Famer Terrell Davis in Worth’s instincts and big-play potential, although his straight-line pace is extra good than nice. Worth performed behind Jeremiyah Love at Notre Dame, making him an excellent match for an offense the place he'll be rotated.