1) Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB
The Raiders knew exactly what they needed in the draft and got it. Picking Mendoza was a no-brainer for them, considering the massive hole they had at the quarterback position. He’ll be able to provide the stability that they have been lacking
He will fit in perfectly in the Kubiak system as a precision passer who doesn’t throw interceptions. Overall, in the 2025 season, he threw 41 touchdowns, with 38 coming in the red zone. He’ll be able to unlock the Raiders’ passing game after they finished 28th last year.
2) New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge
After the Jets finished 25th in total defense last year, it was clear they needed to address it. They did just that by drafting David Bailey, the draft’s most decorated rusher. He is a polished player who is able to combine his speed and power to get to the passer
Bailey finished last season with 14.5 sacks and will be able to slot in perfectly alongside Joseph Ossai and Will McDonald IV in the Jets disguise heavy scheme. He will instantly be able to bring up the Jets’ sack total from 26 last season.
3) Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB
The Cardinals didn’t have the biggest need for running, considering they signed Tyler Allgeier and have James Conner. However, it’s clear that they felt like Jeremiyah Love was too good to pass up. Now, first head coach Mike LeFleur has another weapon to use on offense.
He is arguably the best player in the draft coming off a season where he had 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. He’ll definitely be able to boost a running game that finished 31st in rushing yards with 93.1 yards per game.
4) Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR
The Titans needed offensive weapons to help Cam Ward, and Tate is just that. He is going to be the Titans’ WR1 going into the season and has all the tools to do that with his combination of size, speed, and hands.
Even though they signed Wan’Dale Robinson during free agency, he is more of a slot receiver. Tate can be the true downfield X receiver that Ward needs. Especially when you consider the fact that He averaged 32.5 yards per touchdown last season with five scores of 40 or more yards.
5) New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB
The Giants clearly drafted for talent. Many people didn’t think that he would fall to the fifth pick, but he did, and they snatched him up. Reese is a 6’4″, 241-pound monster who can fly around with 4.46 speed. and play both edge rusher and linebacker.
However, his role isn’t quite clear. The Giants already have Brian Burns and Abdul Carter to take the majority of the edge snaps. If they play him as an off-ball linebacker as he did in college, then it makes a bit more sense.
6) Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB
Traded up with the Cleveland Browns
The Chiefs traded away their entire secondary during the offseason, but they’ve found their replacement. Delane has the potential to be a star from day one with great film in both off and press coverage, and he also has a nose for the ball, totaling two interceptions and 13 pass breakups last season.
Considering how the Chiefs have been able to develop defensive backs under Steve Spagnuolo, this could be one of the best moves of the first round. Delane will be able to shut down one side of the field and help restore the Chiefs’ defense.
7) Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB
Everything went exactly as planned for the Commanders. Sony Styles fell right into their laps, and now they can rest easy knowing they have an All-Pro talent manning their defense. He brings a rare mix of 4.46 speed, 6’5″ 244-pound size, and 11-foot-2 explosiveness.
He can do it all, including coverage as a former safety, blitzing with his tremendous physical traits, and run defender considering he only missed two tackles last season. His leadership will help bring out the best in the other players around him.
8) New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR
The Saints have needed another receiver to pair with Chris Olave since Rashid Shaheed was traded to the Seahawks. They were able to get just that with Tyson, who will pair up nicely next to Olave and give Tyler Shough another weapon.
Tyson is able to run the short and intermediate routes but is hard to cover in man, and can stretch the field when needed, as shown by his 18 touchdowns over the past two seasons. The only thing the Saints have to do is make sure that he stays healthy, and they’ll be in great shape.
9) Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT
Traded down with the Kansas City Chiefs
The Browns needed help at offensive line, and they’re getting that by adding the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft. Fano played at both tackle positions in college but could also potentially play on the interior.
Considering they have Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson, they would most likely play him at tackle. Especially when you consider the fact that their left tackle position gave up a league worse 16.2% pressure rate and 36 quick pressures.
10) New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT
The Giants needed to bring in offensive linemen, and they brought in what many consider to be the top prospect. He was a consensus All-American at right tackle, allowing only a 1.1% pressure percentage, and has extremely quick hands and feet.
However, he could move to the interior to replace Daniel Faalele. He has all the tools to play guard with his size and strength, along with his mobility, which will allow him to catch defensive tackles and linebackers off guard. If the Giants’ tackles struggled, he could eventually move out to tackle.
11) Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S
Traded up with the Miami Dolphins
The Cowboys walked away with arguably the best defensive player in the draft. Downs is a versatile player who can move all over the secondary and brings a level of leadership and winning mentality that’ll change the Cowboys’ defense.
He’ll be able to slot in well in Christian Parker’s defensive scheme. He will most likely play as a nickel and can diagnose things quickly and help in the run game when needed. He can also create turnovers, forcing fumbles and catching interceptions.
12) Miami Dolphins Kadyn Proctor, OT
Traded down with the Dallas Cowboys
The Miami Dolphins needed to bring in someone who could protect Malik Willis. They did just that by drafting Proctor. While their left tackle spot is secured with Patrick Paul, Proctor could challenge for the right tackle spot or move inside to guard.
Proctor is one of the most physically gifted players in this draft, standing at 6’7”, 352 pounds. However, there were some questions about consistency with his play. If he can iron those out, he’ll be a stalwart at any position he plays.
13) Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB
The Rams made the most shocking move of the draft by drafting Simpson. Nevertheless, they’ve secured their quarterback position for the future as Simpson will get to learn from MVP Matthew Stafford and soak up the Sean McVay offense.
Simpson was largely considered the second-best quarterback in the class behind Mendoza. Last season at Alabama, Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns. The only question is whether looking to the future will impact their short-term ability to win the Super Bowl.
14) Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavego Ioane, OG
Ioane and the Ravens have been linked throughout the entire draft process. He will easily be able to slot in at guard after the Ravens had arguably the worst guard combination in the league last season. He also brings the tough, gritty mentality that has defined the Ravens for generations.
The Ravens have made it clear that they are going to protect Lamar Jackson, and Ravens quarterbacks were sacked on 8.9% of their drop-backs. Ioane is a massive 6’3” 330 guard who hasn’t given up a sack over the past two seasons and is just as good in the run game.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge
Many people believed that Bain was going to be a top 10 pick, but the Buccaneers were able to snatch him up at 15. He was one of the most productive edge rushers in college football and stepped up for Miami in the playoffs with five sacks.
There were definitely other possibilities for the Buccaneers, but they felt like the production of Bain outweighed the potential downsides of his arms. That is because, despite the rough performance at the combine, the tape speaks for itself.
16) New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE
Sadiq shot up the draft boards after an amazing combine performance. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound tight end ran a 4.39 40-yard dash. Now, the Jets are hoping that his physical abilities turn into on-field production.
Last season, he only averaged 21.2 yards per game despite having 13 receptions of 20 or more yards. He did, however, prove to be a red zone threat with 8 touchdowns. If he can reign in his drop issues and the Jets target him, he could be a great pick.
17) Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT
The Lions have officially figured out their tackle situation after they finished second-to-last in pass block win rate. Miller will easily slot in at right tackle, and Penei Sewell will move over to left tackle to replace Taylor Decker.
The Lions are by no means losing any talent on the right side of the line. Miller, a prototypical tackle at 6’6”, 315 pounds, started 54 games for Clemson and was an All-ACC selection the past two seasons. He played a record 3,778 snaps, and his arm length will help lock down the edge in both the running and passing game.
18) Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT
The Vikings took the biggest swing in the first round by drafting Banks. Even though he could’ve been a top 10 pick. He has been facing constant foot injuries since 2024, and big men with foot injuries are a good combination.
They are addressing their biggest need on defense with this swing, however. They lost both Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen in free agency. That, coupled with the inexperience of the rest of their interior line, is why they picked up Banks, who has tremendous potential.
19) Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT
The Panthers weren’t linked to a tackle during the draft process, as they have Rasheed Walker and Taylor Moton on contracts. However, taking Freeling was the smart thing to do as he has no rush to start and can be a cornerstone in the future.
The Panthers’ offensive line last year was disappointing. They ranked 23rd in pass block win rate (59.4%), 28th in run block win rate (69.7%), and 29th in pressure rate allowed (36.1%). Freeling, who played both left and right tackle and gave up only two sacks, easily fit in to help them.
20) Philadelphia Eagles: Makai Lemon, WR
Traded up with the Cowboys
The Eagles are prepared to ship A.J. Brown off to the Patriots on June 2. As proof of that, they drafted Lemon, who was the best receiver in college football last season. He won the Biletnekoff last year after putting up 1,156 yards and four 150-yard games.
He is a great slot receiver with 1,281 yards out of the slot since 2024 and can take on all those slant routes that Brown used to get. Lemon creates a great dynamic with DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks as a slot receiver running routes under the deeper routes.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT
The Steelers had a major need at offensive line going into the draft. And with all other tackles with a first-round grade being taken, they took Iheanachor. Now the Steelers have a three-year starter who could play both right and left tackle.
He is still relatively raw, starting to play football in junior college, and because of that, there are still some gaps in his game. However, with the question of Broderick Jones‘ health and play, he could learn quickly and become the Steelers’ starting tackle.
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Ahkeem Mesidor, Edge
The Chargers have decided to take the oldest player in the first round in the past 20 years. Messidor will be able to slot into the hole that Odafe Oweh left behind and potentially become the lead pass rusher if Khalil Mack retires.
It took Messidor a while to break out in college, as his sixth year was the only year with double-digit sacks. However, he has all the tools to be good in the running and passing game with violent hands and good strength. The only question is whether or not the Chargers should’ve drafted some offensive line help.
23) Dallas Cowboys: Malachi Lawrence, Edge
Traded down with the Philadelphia Eagles
The fact that Dallas loved Lawrence was no secret. What makes it better is that they were able to trade back and still get the high-energy pass rusher that fits perfectly into Christian Parker’s defensive scheme.
He had 20 sacks in his career at UCF and was an All-Big 12 selection in 2025 when he had seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. His 4.5 speed shows on the tape as he can chase down plays. That, combined with his hands and dip, leads to him impacting the quarterback and the run game.
24) Cleveland Browns: KC Concepcion, WR
The Browns’ receiver room leaves a lot to be desired as they ranked at the bottom for receptions, yards, and touchdowns last season. Now they’re bringing Concepcion who led Texas A&M in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
He averaged 15.1 yards per catch last season and was a weapon as both a receiver and a returner for the Aggies. He has a great burst and can win at the line of scrimmage and down the field. The only thing he has to do is lower his drop rate, and he’ll be a great wide receiver for the Browns.
25) Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S
The Bears’ secondary was cleaned out, including Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Now they pair Thieneman with Coby Bryant to give their secondary a physical presence that they haven’t had in the past couple of seasons.
The Bears’ secondary was a major area of need after they gave up the second-most completions of 20-plus yards(61) and tied the Cowboys for the most passing touchdowns of 20-plus yards(13). Now Thienemen can come in and make all the plays that they have been lacking.
26) Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge, OG
Traded up with the Buffalo Bills
The Texans needed to bring in players on the interior of their offensive line. They did just that by drafting Rutledge, who is a great run blocker and brings the tough mindset that the Texans love and their offensive line needs.
There is, however, the fact that their interior is essentially set with guards Wyatt Teller, Ed Ingram, and Jake Andrews at center. Nevertheless, the Texans added a good player who could potentially win the starting spot.
27) Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB
Traded up with the San Francisco 49ers
There was no true starting cornerback for the Dolphins, so Johnson was the most logical pick for them. He will be thrown into the fire immediatley on day one, but with his 6-foot, 193-pound frame and 4.4 speed, he has all the tools to succeed.
He has the ability to track the ball and read the route concepts, producing four interceptions. Johnson also has great coverage ability, being able to work in phase or in trail positions and also recover when he’s beaten off the line of scrimmage.
28) New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT
Traded up with the Buffalo Bills
The Patriots took the task of protecting Drake Maye seriously by drafting Lomu. Lomua has the potential to play on either side of the line, and that’s important when you consider that Will Campbell had a rough Super Bowl and Morgan Moses is 35 years old.
He is an extremly polished pass protector, not giving up a single sack last season. However, in the run game, he is more of a position blocker and doesn’t have the most aggressive hands, which makes it hard to secure blocks.
29) Kansas City Chiefs: Peter Woods, DT
General Manager Brett Veach acknowledged that the Chiefs needed to add interior help, and they did with Woods. He’ll be able to add some much-needed depth behind Chris Jones, who has been the subject of retirement rumors for a couple of seasons.
Woods has great quickness and hands that make him a pass-rushing threat on both the interior and the edge. He showed signs of greatness in 2024 when he had four sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. Now he has to put things all together to help the Chiefs return to the Super Bowl
30) New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR
Traded up with the San Francisco 49ers
The Jets needed to add weapons so that whoever starts at quarterback can be competent. Cooper is just that, and he’ll fit in nicely alongside Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell with his middle-of-the-field abilities.
His yards after the catch are also an added boost that the Jets desperately need after finishing 30th. He can play in both the slot and outside, making his versatility an added bonus that will do nothing but help the Jets’ offense.
31) Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, Edge
Faulk has all the physical tools to perform under Robert Saleh. The 20-year-old is a 6’5″ 276-pound athlete who can line up on the inside or on the edge due to his rare combination of speed, strength, and length.
Saleh could use him like an Arik Armstead, like when he was in San Francisco, when he had a rotation of players that could line up at multiple spots. The only caveat is that Faulk didn’t exactly have elite production, totaling only 10 sacks in 37 games.
32) Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB
The Seahawks needed a replacement for Kenneth Walker III after he went to the Chiefs. Price will be able to do that easily with his combination of slashing ability and explosiveness, which includes three kickoff returns for touchdowns.
Even though he was the backup to Love, he still has great vision, finding running lanes and change-of-direction to continue runs. He will be a good piece of the Seahawks as Zach Charbonnet continues to recover from his ACL injury.
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