NFL Draft Shocks: Raiders, Rams, Giants Make Big Moves

0:00It's April 24th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is NFL News Today, football news powered by AI. Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft went down Thursday night in Pittsburgh, wrapping up months of hype. As expected, Highsman winner Fernando Mendoza went first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. But after that, the next 31 picks through everyone for a loop with some wild surprises. Take Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate, sliding to fourth overall with the Tennessee Titans, even though bigger names like Arvel Reese were still on, the board. Then the Los Angeles Rams shocked folks at 13 by grabbing Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, betting big on him as Matthew Stafford's future. Replacement, despite Super Bowl dreams this year. Arvel Reese, who many peg for second overall, fell to fifth with the New York Giants, giving them a stacked linebacker group. The Giants passed on Ohio State's safety Caleb Downs at 10 for Miami. Tackle Francis Maugo, instead, letting rivals Dallas trade up for Downs.

1:04Meanwhile, Kansas City traded into six for LSU Corner, Mansour Delane, to replace Trent McDuffie. Ruben Bain Jr., who stock dipped after the Combine, stayed in Florida, but landed with Tampa Bay at 15 instead of Miami. Dallas even traded spots down with Philly, helping the Eagles snag USC receiver McCoy Limbaugh in at 20 as a potential AJ Brown successor. These moves mix reaches, falls, and trades that could reshape rosters for years. Raiders got their guy, but teams like the Rams and Giants gambled hard on upside. That day drama never disappoints.