Eight trades, six teams with multiple picks, and one night that changed everything
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft delivered everything football fans could ask for — chaos, strategy, and plenty of moments that will fuel debate well into the preseason. Eight trades went down, six franchises walked away with multiple selections, and by the end of the night, the league looked meaningfully different. Some front offices deserve a standing ovation. Others have some explaining to do.
That’s a wrap on the first round of the 2026 NFL draft 🏈
Who came out on top? pic.twitter.com/AEGUWX6cgN
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 24, 2026
The Big Winners of Draft Night
The NFC East collectively had one of the strongest nights of any division in recent draft memory. Every single team in the division made moves worth celebrating.
The New York Giants opened strong, locking in Arvell Reese at No. 5 — widely considered the top player available — then doubled down by grabbing Francis Mauigoa, the draft’s premier offensive tackle, at No. 10. Two picks, two massive needs addressed, zero complaints.
The Dallas Cowboys grabbed Caleb Downs to anchor their defensive rebuild, and while Malachi Lawrence at No. 23 drew some skepticism, the haul of fourth-round picks from Philadelphia sweetened the deal considerably. The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, landed Makai Lemon at No. 20, a sharp receiver addition that also quietly sets up future flexibility around A.J. Brown’s situation. The Washington Commanders kept it clean and efficient, taking Sonny Styles at No. 7 — a physical, instinctive defender whose tackling ability fills an immediate gap.
The Cleveland Browns also deserve recognition. Spencer Fano at No. 9 was a strong offensive line investment, and KC Concepcion at No. 24 might be the night’s most underrated pick — a receiver with genuine No. 2 upside who could quietly become one of the better steals of the entire draft class.
Then there is Ty Simpson, who lands at No. 13 with the Los Angeles Rams — a franchise with a proven quarterback in Matthew Stafford and the infrastructure to develop young talent. The situation sets Simpson up for both financial security and real growth under one of the more experienced signal-callers still active in the league.
The Teams That Walked Away Disappointed
Not every franchise had a night to remember — and a few decisions are already raising red flags.
The New York Jets came in with three first-round picks and somehow left the room feeling underwhelming. Selecting David Bailey at No. 2 sparked immediate debate about fit and long-term value. Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. were serviceable additions, but for a team holding that much draft capital, the return felt thin.
The Arizona Cardinals drew criticism for prioritizing Jeremiyah Love — a running back — while their offensive line remains a glaring vulnerability. Without the protection to open lanes, Love’s upside is immediately capped before he ever takes a snap.
The Miami Dolphins rounded out the disappointment column. Both Kadyn Proctor and Chris Johnson were viewed as reaches by most analysts, selections that did not clearly map to the team’s most pressing needs heading into the season.
Steals and Reaches at a Glance
- Titans: WR Carnell Tate at No. 4 — reach
- Buccaneers: DE Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 15 — steal
- Vikings: DT Caleb Banks at No. 18 — reach
- Bears: S Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 — steal
- Chiefs: DT Peter Woods at No. 29 — steal
What Happens Next
Round one is done — but the draft is far from over. The decisions made Friday night will ripple through rosters, depth charts, and fan bases for years. The teams that nailed their picks have real momentum heading into training camp. The ones that stumbled now face pressure to course-correct in the rounds ahead.
The 2026 class is officially underway, and the league will never look quite the same.