How will your team fare on the first two nights of the 2026 NFL Draft, from the first through the third rounds? The Sporting News again has you covered, tracking all the selections and handing out grades in real time on Thursday and Friday nights.
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This class won’t be known for the quarterbacks or running backs beyond the top options, but wide receivers, offensive linemen and edge rushers were positioned to dominate early. That makes for some intriguing and surprising selections after another predictable No. 1 overall pick.
From the top, with the Las Vegas Raiders taking Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza as their new franchise QB, through No. 100 overall, this is your hub for in-depth live reactions for Rounds 1-3, grading every team and player fit:
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NFL Draft grades 2026: Expert analysis for Rounds 1-3.jpg.webp.webp "Fernando Mendoza Raiders")
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Round 11. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-5, 236)
The Raiders get their much-needed pocket-passing franchise quarterback who checks all the boxes, following Cam Newton and Joe Burrow as Heisman winners and national champions becoming No. 1 overall picks. Mendoza is can’t-miss in Klint Kubiak’s offense on a Tom Brady part-owned team with his arm, accuracy, athleticism, decision-making, leadership skills and intangibles. The only question is when he will start, in Week 1 or sit a little behind Kirk Cousins.
2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-4, 251)
The Jets make their call on who they think they can be the most disruptive pass rusher who can dominate blockers with speed and quickness. Bailey has that explosive profile and has a higher ceiling than Arvell Reese. New York also gets an unique athletic who can also help in coverage.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 212)
The Cardinals have loved Love for a long time as a dynamic workhorse back, moving free-agent pickup Tyler Allgeier to top backup status again. There’s no doubt Love will be a complete big playmaker with his power, speed and quickness in the NFL, but Arizona did have some more glaring defensive needs. Love will need to carry their young offense in transition under Mike LaFleur without Kyler Murray.
4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 192)
The Titans throw a curveball for their offense with Love off the board a pick earlier. They still make a great pivot move to help second-year No. 1 overall quarterback Cam Ward. Ward needed a true outside top target and Tate fills that with his size, speed and field-stretching ability. He also will be a welcome red zone asset in Brian Daboll’s offense.
5. New York Giants: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State (6-4, 241)
The Giants take advantage of Reese falling a few spots after Bailey to get the most impactful defender available with Love and Tate off the board. Reese is a versatile weapon in the Micah Parsons vein who has shown some pass-rush juice to go with his lateral rangy playmaking. He gives them a little more ground coverage than former college teammate Sonny Styles.
6. Kansas City Chiefs (from CLE): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6-0, 187)
Delane becomes the second most obvious pick early in the first round after the Chiefs moved up to No. 9 to ensure landing him ahead of the Commanders. Cornerback is a huge need for Kansas City after moving on from Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams in the offseason. Delane compares well to McDuffie as a potential shutdown corner who can make a lot of plays on the ball with his big frame in coverage.
7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-5, 244)
The top talent is coming off the board well early and it made sense for the Commanders to go best defensive player available, easy with Bailey, Reese and Delane off the board. Styles will find a spot in Dan Quinn’s second level, a major upgrade as a run defender and cover man over Frankie Luvu. Styles also is the ideal lateral and downfield complement to Leo Chenal, the former Chief signed for his upfield production.
8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-2, 203)
The Saints could have considered Rueben Bain Jr. to fill a big need on the edge of their defense to replace Cameron Jordan, but they instead do fine to get Tyler Shough a much-needed second target to play off Chris Olave. Tyson can thrive either a big-play “Z” outside or big slot who causes some mismatches inside. This shows real belief in Shough as the franchise QB as offensive-minded coach Kellen Moore gets a much-desired weapon.
9. Cleveland Browns (from KC): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-6, 302)
The Browns were locked so much into Tate to help their offense early that treading down and adding more draft capital made sense once the Titans took the top wide receiver. With Tyson also gone, Cleveland pivoted toward working on its line rebuild. Fano can be a right tackle option for the team, but it’s probable he starts right away at guard with the Browns turning the page from former top starters Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio.
10. New York Giants (from CIN): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 315)
The Giants were attached plenty to wide receivers but with Tate and Tyson gone, they didn’t turn to get Makai Lemon as a much-needed No. 2 opposite Malik Nabers. Instead, they went with Mauigoa, who figures to slide inside to start at either left or right guard given they are pretty good at the tackles with Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Elumenor. Shoring up the line for Jaxson Dart and the running game isn’t bad, but it was a slight reach in relation to their needs.
11. Dallas Cowboys (from MIA): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6-0, 206)
The Cowboys saw two of their favorite defensive prospects go earlier with Styles and Delane, but that didn’t want to risk missing out on getting at least one of the top Ohio STate playmakers. Safety is rather weak with Malik Hooker and Jalen Thompson and Downs provides a big upgrade with rare upfield traits vs. the run on top of great coverage instincts. Dallas lands the player who was at one time seen as the best in this class until some unwarranted concerns about his size in relation to playmaking.
12. Miami Dolphins (from DAL): Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-7, 366)
Proctor has been polarizing in the pre-draft process because of split opinion on whether he can deliver the consistent athleticism and technique needed to play effective tackle in the NFL in the massive frame. The Dolphins lean on the side of huge upside. In reality, Proctor will need to play either right tackle in place of Austin Jackson or slide inside at first because he cannot be trusted in regular pass protection yet. Miami did reach with some better, safer offensive linemen on the board.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6-1, 211)
The Rams make the biggest early head-scratcher, going for a luxury QB stash pick behind reigning NFL MVP QB Matthew Stafford playing at the highest level of his career in Sean McVay’s offense. Simpson has a lot of smarts and accuracy but he is a long way away from being a reliable and effective winning starter with his limited college starting experience. Even if Stafford would retire next year, it’s a huge reach for a Super Bowl favorite that needed more immediate impact at several other positions.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (6-4, 330 pounds)
The Ravens were coming around on Ioane as the best early pick for them late and follow through in getting the draft’s best pure interior lineman to added needed young nastiness and power in their overall blocking in front of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Ioane even has the potential to take over from free-agent departure Tyler Linderbaum at center with his athletic line leadership.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-2, 263)
The Buccaneers needed to upgrade their pass rush in Todd Bowles’ 3-4 and had to be surprised that Bain, a projected top-10 pick even behind Bailey and Reese, was available. Bain fills a big need and is well positioned to produce right away, building on his in-state physical star turn in leading the Hurricanes defense to the CFP national championship game.
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16. New York Jets (from IND): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6-3, 241)
The Jets had been attached plenty to taking the No. 3 wide receiver, Makai Lemon, at this spot, but go to Sadiq instead in trying to get a key second target behind Garrett Wilson. New offensive coordinator Frank Reich does have some good history in getting the most out of atheltic receiving tight ends, but Sadiq was a bit of a luxury for a rebuilding team with more direct offensive needs.
17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (6-6, 315 pounds)
This is a sneaky good pick for the Lions to fill their major offensive tackle need to replace Taylor Decker on the left side opposite dominant Penei Sewell. Miller rose into first-round consideration late in the process and should be a seamless athletic fit to maintain their protection for pocket-passing Jared Goff. Miller also has a frame built to improve as a run blocker for Jahmyr Gibbs.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (6-6, 327 pounds)
Banks was an early first-round consideration until concerns over a lingering foot injury means he might not able to contribute right away, needing through the summer to recover. It’s not bad in terms of addressing a defensive need for Brian Flores, but they will need to be patient for production. It also is shocking the team didn’t take much-needed safety Dillon Thieneman.
19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (6-7, 315 pounds)
The Panthers were in the market for the best offensive lineman available had Tyson and Sadiq been taken. Freeling is a big, strong mauler who has some untapped athletic upside with the potential to take over at left tackle and push Ikem Ekonwu to be an asset at guard.
20. Philadelphia Eagles (from GB through DAL): Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-11, 192)
The Eagles had to move up (with the rival Cowboys, no less) to jump on Lemon to replace A.J. Brown, who will be traded to the Patriots after the draft. Lemon doesn’t have the same type of skill set as his quickness, hands and route-running are better suited to win in the slot. But he does complement DeVonta Smith in a different way and will be busy moving the chains soon for Jalen Hurts.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (6-6, 330)
The Steelers had to be getting worried a little they wouldn’t get a welcome offensive tackle upgrade with popular targets Blake Miller and Monroe Freeling taken a few picks earlier. Iheanachor became a late first-round option, getting more attention for his standout athleticism in a powerful frame. He fills a literal huge need for better protection in front of Aaron Rodgers (presumably).
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6-3, 259)
The Chargers need to rev up their pass rush opposite returning Khalil Mack after losing Odafe Oweh in free agency. Mesidor, much like his former Hurricanes teammate Bain, has the skills to handle outside linebacker work. He can support Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu as a productive situational rusher at first before being groomed to start when Mack retires.
23. Dallas Cowboys (from PHI): Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF (6-4,
Lawrence, much like Iheanachor, made a late surge into the first round based on comparing his intriguing athleticism to others at the position. He is a straight up devastating pass rush who can have situational impact until he grows into being more reliable vs. the run.
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026: QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (6-0, 196)
The Browns did need to get wide receiver help badly in this draft, but as they have no reliable with size outside, this was a curious way to address the position after the Titans took Tate away from them. Concepcion operates better as a complementary big playmaker with his speed and quickness vs. a steady “X”. Concepcion would have been better off going to a team with an established No. 1, too.
25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon (6-0, 201 pounds)
The Bears had to love the fact the division rival Vikings and then the Eagles passed on Thieneman. Chicago didn’t bring back Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker or C.J. Gardner-Johnson. After signing former Seahawk Coby Bryant, Chicago wasted no time reloading with elite playmaking at the position. Thieneman adds some dynamic athleticism they didn’t have in Byard, who turns 33 in August.
26. Houston Texans (from BUF): Keylan Rutledge, G/C, Georgia Tech (6-4, 330)
The Texans make a curious pick after also trading up a couple of spots. There’s nothing wrong with going for an interior offensive lineman, but this feels like their version of the Patriots taking Cole Strange. There were several better options at the position than Rutledge, more of an early Day 3 prospects including Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis.
27. Miami Dolphins (from SF): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (6-0, 193)
The Dolphins did need to target a cornerback rather early in the draft, but made a move up for a corner should who should have gone in the mid second round with several other better defensive back options on the board. Johnson flashes as a playmaker in zone coverage, but he is very inconsistent and uncertain whether he fits better inside or outside.
28. New England Patriots (from HOU and BUF): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6-6, 304)
The Patriots make a shrewd offensive line move facilitated by the rival Bills. Lomu should find a key starting spot to help 2025 first-round left tackle Will Campbell, whether it is guard or right tackle. His athletic run blocking style is a great fit in Josh McDaniels’ scheme, filling a big weakness exposed in the Super Bowl.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6-2, 298)
The Chiefs make another terrific defensive pick for a key need after landing Delane for the back end early. They needed extra inside pass-rush juice to better support Chris Jones and Woods also offers a quick frame in getting the job done vs. the run.
30. New York Jets (from DEN through MIA and SF): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (6-0, 196)
The Jets end up still getting a choice first-round wide receiver via a smart late trade up with the 49ers. Cooper has some needed big-play ability to stretch the field, making him the needed complement for Wilson. Between him and Sadiq, the Jets are setting up their future long-term franchise QB (and Geno Smith) with some prime weapons.
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31. Tennessee Titans (from NE through BUF): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 276)
The Titans recognized well that Faulk was a falling star in the first round and wanted to make sure the Seahawks didn’t add him to the pass-rush committee. Faulk has exceptional power for that massive frame to be a needed force against the run. He also has great athletic upside to help plenty in the pass rush sooner rather than later for defensive-minded Robert Saleh.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (5-11, 203)
The Seahawks make a pick with “running it back” most in mind, filling their backfield need to replace Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III earlier than expected. Price likely wouldn’t have been around at No. 64, so they had to jump on him here as the ideal back for their zone rushing attack under Brian Fleury. Price can have a big role for the run-heavy champs right away with Zach Charbonnet recovering from a late major knee injury.
MORE NFL DRAFT NEWS:
Round 233. San Francisco 49ers (from NYJ)
34. Arizona Cardinals
35. Buffalo Bills (from TEN)
36. Las Vegas Raiders
37. New York Giants
38. Houston Texans (from WAS)
39. Cleveland Browns
40. Kansas City Chiefs
41. Cincinnati Bengals
42. New Orleans Saints
43. Miami Dolphins
44. New York Jets (from DAL)
45. Baltimore Ravens
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
47. Indianapolis Colts
48. Atlanta Falcons
49. Minnesota Vikings
50. Detroit Lions
51. Carolina Panthers
52. Green Bay Packers
53. Pittsburgh Steelers
54. Philadelphia Eagles
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55. Los Angeles Chargers
56. Jacksonville Jaguars
57. Chicago Bears
58. San Francisco 49ers
59. Houston Texans
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60. Chicago Bears (from BUF)
61. Los Angeles Rams
62. Denver Broncos
63. New England Patriots
64. Seattle Seahawks
66. Buffalo Bills (from TEN)
67. Las Vegas Raiders
68. Philadelphia Eagles (from NYJ)
69. Tennessee Titans (from NYG through HOU and BUF)
70. Cleveland Browns
71. Washington Commanders
72. Cincinnati Bengals
73. New Orleans Saints
74. Cleveland Browns (from KC)
75. Miami Dolphins
76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from DAL)
77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
78. Indianapolis Colts
79. Atlanta Falcons
80. Baltimore Ravens
81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET)
82. Minnesota Vikings
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83. Carolina Panthers
84. Green Bay Packers
85. Pittsburgh Steelers
86. Los Angeles Chargers
87. Miami Dolphins (from PHI)
88. Jacksonville Jaguars
89. Chicago Bears
90. San Francisco 49ers (from HOU through MIA)
91. Houston Texans (from BUF)
92. Dallas Cowboys (from SF)
93. Los Angeles Rams
94. Miami Dolphins (from DEN)
95. New England Patriots
96. Seattle Seahawks
97. Minnesota Vikings (compensatory)
98. Philadelphia Eagles (compensatory)
99. Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory)
100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET, compensatory)
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