2026 NFL Draft: Top Picks & Value

0:00On April 24th, the 2026 NFL Draft first round is in the books, an analyst Josh Edwards ranked all 32 picks based on value, trades, and fit. Top spot goes to the Raiders snagging quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana at number 1 overall. He called it a slam done for Las Vegas, already building around a young QB with vets like Kirk Cousins and Center Tyler Lindervom. Giants landed second with Ed rusher Arville Reese from Ohio State at number 5, picking best player available over need. Cowboys moved up chief for safety, Caleb Downes at number 11, third on the list. Ohio State's linebacker Sonny Stiles to Washington at number 7 and Arizona State's wide receiver Jordan Tyson to New Orleans at number 8, rounded out the top 5. Teams like Cleveland traded back smartly for offensive tackle Spencer Fano, while chiefs grabbed defensive lineman Peter Woods laid a number, 29 for huge value next to Chris Jones. Some reach is hurt, like the jets doubling up on tight ends or Eagles jumping for

1:03a wide out. Lower down, Cardinals trading up for running back, Jeremiah Love, at number 3, tanked them to 31st, wasting prime rookie years on a crowded backfield. Rams took older edge a keen messador at number 22 and Texans reached for interior lineman Keelan Rutledge. Edwards praises Ohio State halls across teams but warns high-risk QBs like Ty Simpson to the Rams could bust. Solid draft overall, with trenches and past rusher stealing the show as training camps heat up. That wraps NFL news today, brought to you with AI. I'm Cory with the story.