The 2026 NFL Draft kicked off in Pittsburgh with a series of surprising moves, headlined by the Las Vegas Raiders selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick. The Raiders hope Mendoza can revitalize the franchise after his stellar collegiate career at Indiana, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led his team to an undefeated national championship season.
Top Five Picks and Trades
The New York Jets followed by picking Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2, while the Arizona Cardinals chose Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3. The Tennessee Titans surprised many by selecting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4.
The Kansas City Chiefs executed the first trade of the evening, moving up from No. 9 to No. 6 by dealing with the Cleveland Browns. They used the pick to draft LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, who noted that the Chiefs kept their interest quiet as a "sneak move."
Giants, Cowboys, and Other Selections
The New York Giants secured Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese at No. 5 and later added Miami Hurricanes tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10. The Dallas Cowboys traded up to No. 11 to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
Other notable first-round selections included Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson going to the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13, and the New York Jets adding Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16. Several offensive linemen and playmakers rounded out the draft's initial round.
