NFL Draft 2026: Top Picks Shake Up League

0:00On April 24th, Raider snag quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall out of Indiana, kicking off the 2026 NFL Drafts first round in. Pittsburgh Jets grabbed edge rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech at number two, while Cardinals took Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love 3rd. Titans went with Ohio State White receiver Carnell Tate 4th, and they kept rolling with Ohio State linebackers and more buck-eyes flooding the top. Picks 4 in the top 11 alone. Traits shook things up early, by chiefs and browns, swapping spots for cornerback Mansour Delane, and offensive lineman Spencer Fano. Rams grabbed Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson 13th, amid buzz he might slip entirely, and Jets doubled down late with tied-in Kenyans Sadiq, and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. No one moved future first rounders, leaving teams like the Jets stocked for next year's deeper class. Fans and analysts lit up over winners, Jets building a defense in weapons for their future franchise quarterback, Mendoza landing in Vegas as the

1:02Drafts face, browns surrounding Shader Sanders with lineman and receiver Casey Concepcion. ESPN's Dan Orlovsky celebrated his pre-draft type on Simpson, going to the Rams, and Pittsburgh's mashed attendance records at 320,000 for hosting his first draft in decades. On the flip side, Steelers got burned, when Eagles traded up for USC White Out McKay-Lemon, right as he chatted on the phone with them. Cardinals Love Hall came with a tough fit, and a crowded backfield in week NFC West. Titans passed on a running back upgrade for Cam Ward, despite the need and defensive backs mostly slid with only a few cracking round one. Time will tell if this class shakes the league, but with 225 picks left over Friday and Saturday, these early moves already got. Everyone talking about legacies in the making.