NFL Draft 2026 Round 1 Grades for Every Pick

The sentiment toward the 2026 NFL draft tends to be the same, though it's wildly off base.

Those in and around the league are downplaying the incoming crop of talent.

The 2026 class is exciting and deserves to be recognized as such. The Bleacher Report is ready to reflect what occurs with each selection by grading every pick throughout the entire weekend. NFL organizations will hit the ground running Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Catch all the Round 1 picks on the B/R Live Draft Show with NFL stars Micah Parsons and Malik Nabers.

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Scroll down for grades on every Round 1 pick.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

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Grade: A+

The Las Vegas Raiders finally got it right. After decades of trying to figure out the quarterback position, with multiple first-round misfires, they can finally build around a true franchise signal-caller in Indiana's Fernando Mendoza.

Mendoza may not be the same caliber of prospect as Andrew Luck or Trevor Lawrence, but make no mistake: He's every bit worthy of being the first overall selection in this year's draft.

Mendoza elevated the Hoosiers program and led IU to its first national championship. His ability to respond after every mistake he made or every misstep that Indiana endured throughout the 2025 season was astounding.

The Raiders have taken this plunge before. Many Raiders fans still shudder at the mere thought of selecting JaMarcus Russell with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. 

Fear not, though. Mendoza falls on the opposite side of the spectrum compared to Russell, at least when it comes to work ethic, preparedness and commitment to his team.

Las Vegas found itself on the outside looking in when it came to the quarterback position during the last two drafts. After suffering through a highly disappointing campaign, the silver (and black) lining to that organizational failure is finally addressing the game's most important position with a long-term solution.

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Poise, toughness, quick processor, accurate passer, capable of layering throws to all three levels

Weaknesses: Will take unnecessary hits, can be better climbing pocket to avoid rush, good but not elite arm talent

Complete scouting report via Dame Parson of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

2. New York Jets: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech

AP Photo

Grade: B+

The New York Jets found themselves in a difficult position after quarterback Dante Moore chose to return for another year at Oregon. The team had to pivot, and they did so by addressing another premium position with the selection of David Bailey.

The Jets already brought in Joseph Ossai and Kingley Enagbare during free agency to boost their pass rush after finishing 31st in sacks last year. With Bailey's addition and Will McDonald IV already on the roster, Gang Green can now attack opposing quarterbacks in waves.

Bailey is the best pure pass-rusher in this year's draft class. If his nation-leading 14.5 sacks wasn't a good enough indication, the unanimous All-American's pass-rush grade was on par with Myles Garrett, Chase Young and Nik Bonitto coming out of college, according to Pro Football Focus.

Compared to the likes of Arvell Reese and Rueben Bain Jr., Bailey is the most traditional edge-rusher among this year's top edge options. The reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year is more fluid and quick, which allows him to beat offensive tackles off the edge and glide toward opposing quarterbacks. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Excellent first-step quickness, instant acceleration, can turn and bend the corner, varies pass-rush attack

Weaknesses: Not a complete defender, he'll likely struggle early in his career as a run defender, must improve play-strength

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

3. Arizona Cardinals: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

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Grade: A

The Arizona Cardinals understood the assignment. Their roster wasn't good enough to win as it is currently constructed. The organization needed to add a legitimate blue-chip talent regardless of position. Arizona found one in Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love.

Love immediately provides the Cardinals with an offensive focal point. When a team is entering the season with the expectations of starting Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, a top-flight running back immediately makes the offense viable.

With Mike LaFleur as the team's new head coach, the former offensive coordinator can potentially unlock both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Love to make life far easier on Brissett and any other quarterback that eventually lines up behind center. 

From a historical standpoint, Love is closer to Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson than other top-10 running backs over the last decade.He should be viewed as an offensive weapon capable of contributing on all three downs, which is why the B/R Scouting Department graded him as a top-two prospect regardless of position. 

The 20-year-old love doesn't need to be a workhorse, not with James Conner and Tyler Allgeier already on the offense. The run game now drives everything in the desert. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Threat as a runner and receiver, home run hitter, tremendous stop-start acceleration, reliable and physical ball-carrier

Weaknesses: Gets cute at times instead of just taking the yards available to him, can do a better job at not constantly absorbing significant blows

Complete scouting report via Dame Parson of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

4. Tennessee Titans: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

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Grade: D

Were the Tennessee Titans disappointed because Jeremiyah Love came off the board one pick earlier? Did they not see the potential found in other top prospects in this year's class?

Ohio State's wide receiver Carnell Tate is an excellent target, and his inclusion helps in Cam Ward's development.

At the same time, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department had Tate as the 10th overall prospect behind three teammates that everyone expected to come off the board earlier than him. They were all graded noticeably higher. Tate isn't even the best wide receiver in the class. A healthy Jordyn Tyson is.

The biggest question facing Tate is whether he can be a top target at the next level simply because he was never asked to be "the guy" in Columbus. Tate set a career-high in 2025 with 875 yards. It was the only time during his tenure with the Buckeyes that he finished the season as Ohio State's No. 2 wide receiver.

However, the program has a history of producing top-shelf targets despite others being bigger weapons at the collegiate level. Emeka Egbuka, Garrett Wilson and Terry McLaurin never led the Buckeyes in receiving yardage during their collegiate careers. Tate playing second-fiddle to Jeremiah Smith is no slight at all since the 2027 prospect has a chance to be the No. 1 overall talent for next year's class.

Still, this pick doesn't exemplify great value with a hint of desperation.

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Polished route-runner, understands how to use his frame, smooth and quicker than timed speed indicates

Weaknesses: Release package can improve, lacks explosive burst, doesn't have a ton of wiggle when working in space

Complete scouting report via Dame Parson of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

5. New York Giants: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

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Grade: A

The New York Giants should be thrilled, because Arvell Reese was almost universally seen as a top-three pick throughout the lead up to this event. Clearly, head coach John Harbaugh brought a little bit of the Baltimore Ravens with him to New York, because his previous team was known for getting great value on the regular.

The fascinating aspect of Reese's inclusion is that he's not currently an ideal fit. But he's too talented to bypass. He's not going to help cover up Tremaine Edmunds' issues working in space. The Giants already have a ton invested in their edge rusher. However, this pick could tip an eventual Kayvon Thibodeaux trade.

Furthermore, Reese and Abdul Carter could form a dynamic duo that creates significant flexibility within Dennard Wilson's defense.

Reese is an off-ball linebacker, edge-rusher or somewhere between those two points with a creative defensive gameplan. A specific plan is necessary to fully maximize the versatile defender's capabilities. As seen during Ohio State's final two contests, Reese wasn't a major factor against the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes–both of which turned into losses.

The Buckeyes coaching staff didn't take full advantage of what Reese could do during the team's biggest games of the season, and he became somewhat of a non-factor compared to what he was doing earlier in the season destroying opposing offenses.

The Giants picked Reese high enough not to make the same mistake. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Position/scheme flexibility, high-end athlete with excellent movement skills and ideal frame, instinctual run defender, adds thump and reliability as a tackler

Weaknesses: Often projected as an edge-defender despite limited experience, shows a little hip tightness and poor vision when dropping into coverage

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

6. Kansas City Chiefs (via CLE): CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

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Grade: C+

The Kansas City Chiefs had an obvious need at cornerback after trading Trent McDuffie to the Minnesota Vikings. That move makes a trade-up for Mansoor Delane rather perplexing.

Kansas City did recoup a first-round pick for McDuffie. Then, they packaged third- and fifth-round selections to move up for Delane. It's a half-measure to address a premium position. 

To be fair, Delane is the class' CB1. He can step in immediately and fill the void left by McDuffie. But the team didn't get significantly better in the short team. Over the long haul, this move could definitely be beneficial, particularly with Delane on a rookie contract for the next four to five years.

Delane may be the best example of a prospect benefiting from the NCAA's current transfer rule. David Bailey could make an argument, too, but he was generally considered a first-round prospect before playing a down for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. On the other hand, Delane received a thorough evaluation as part of the Virginia Tech Hokies during last year's cycle and looked like a potential Day 2 target.

During Delane's time in Baton Rouge, he elevated his status as a top-10 prospect and the top corner among the incoming class. He became a true shutdown option by allowing the lowest passer rating into his coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Physical and competitive cover corner, smooth in his backpedal and turn, plays through the ball when it's in the air or reaches the catchpoint.

Weaknesses: Better in man-coverage than zone, can do a better job trusting his eyes when the route/ball is in front of him

Complete scouting report via Daniel Harms of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

7. Washington Commanders: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

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Grade: A

The Washington Commanders found the perfect piece to balance their defense. Entering the draft, the team had previously invested in Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal to be their off-ball linebackers. They're both aggressive and physical. However, they're both much better playing downhill and definitely not as effective dropping into space.

Whereas, Styles is a safety-convert whose athleticism and movement skills are truly special. He can be an ideal complement and eventual leader among this group, thanks to his previous experience wearing the green dot as part of Ohio State's loaded defense.

Styles is such a special athlete that he made people forget that he plays a non-premium position rarely viewed as a top-10 possibility. In fact, only three off-ball linebackers have been chosen that highly over the last 10 years, with only Devin White cracking the top five.

The first-team All-American wore No. 0 at Ohio State for representing "toughness, accountability and the highest of character, inspired by the great Bill Willis." Styles also posted a perfect 10 as the highest relative athletic score among linebackers over the last 29 years, according to Kent Lee Platte. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Elite athleticism with previous safety experience, huge frame and excellent length, physical run-defender, excellent tackler, NFL bloodlines

Weaknesses: Tends to be overaggressive reading run keys, can still add play-strength as he continues to mature physically

Complete scouting report via Matt Holder of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

8. New Orleans Saints: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

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Grade: A

This grade can easily vacillate between an A or F depending on how healthy Jordyn Tyson is throughout his professional career.

Let's stay positive at this point, because he graded as the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's WR1 based on his on-field performance. He can make a huge impact as part of the New Orleans Saints offense, specifically in the development of second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.

Considering Chris Olave's medical history, specifically multiple concussions, the addition of another receiver capable of being the focal point of the passing game became a priority.

Still, everything with Tyson revolves around his medical reports. He's an outstanding talent bordering on dominant when he's on the field. Unfortunately, he missed time during all four of his collegiate seasons.

The two-time first-team All-Big 12 honoree suffered a devastating knee injury with a torn ACL, MCL and PCL in 2022. He redshirted the following season. He didn't finish the 2024 campaign due to a broken collarbone. Hamstring issues held him up during his final year on campus.

Despite those issues, Tyson still finished the last two seasons with 136 receptions for 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns in 21 games. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Explosive target, legitimate vertical threat, can contort body for difficult catches, strong hands

Weaknesses: Significant injury history, route-running requires refinement, not the most physical target due to questionable play-strength

Complete scouting report via Dame Parson of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

9. Cleveland Browns (via KC): OT Spencer Fano, Utah

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Grade: A

The Cleveland Browns moved down, added a pair of mid-round picks and almost certainly landed the player they would have chosen with the sixth pick. That's adept draft maneuvering by general manager Andrew Berry.

Spencer Fano was graded as the class' top offensive tackle prospect by the B/R Scouting Department because of his natural movement skills. He's a natural right tackle, when the Browns desperately needed a blindside protector. Clearly, Cleveland is comfortable with him making the switch to protect whomever starts at quarterback. It's not even the first the organization asked a first-round pick to do so since 2020 first-round pick Jedrick Wills Jr. made the same transition.

Some trepidation does exist with the reigning Outland Trophy winner. Fano's movement skills and demeanor are massive feathers in his cap. At the same time, he lacks length, with sub-33-inch arms.

Even so, the Browns have completely renovated their offensive line room, with five new projected starters this fall. Fano will serve as the unit's anchor.

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Regularly hits his spots in pass protection, excellent when asked to block on the move or in space, consistently works to finish, strong hands

Weaknesses: Can improve play-strength, opens up chest, lacks ideal length

Complete scouting report via Brandon Thorn of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

10. New York Giants (via CIN): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

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Grade: C

Earlier, the New York Giants did a wonderful job allowing the draft to come to them and ending up with Arvell Reese. The same can't be said with the selection of Francis Mauigoa.

Granted, a powerful offensive lineman does feel like a John Harbaugh-type of selection. The team's new coach wants to set the tone physically and the incoming blocker can certainly do so.

Mauigoa had been earmarked for the NFL from the day he stepped onto Miami's campus as a heralded 5-star recruit. As a true freshman, he immediately took over at right tackle and started every game during his three seasons on campus.

The near-6'6", 329-pound powerhouse is a people-mover. His power at the point of attack can set the tone for any entire front five, whether he starts at tackle or guard during his professional career. He'll be prepared either way after facing Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor in practice every day.

"I mean, Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, they gave me all the work," Mauigoa said, per ESPN's Stephen Holder. "They built who I am right now."

With all of that said, Mauigoa will likely slide to guard and play next to Jermaine Eluemunor. Maugoa may eventually move to right tackle and replace the veteran. If the Giants wanted a guard now, Penn State's Vega Ioane was the higher-rated option and natural prospect for the position. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Impressive play-strength, once he anchors the rep is over, good enough athleticism to recover in pass set

Weaknesses: Not the most flexible lower body to get adequate depth in pass set at all times, can get overaggressive as a run-blocker and play over his toes

Complete scouting report via Brandon Thorn of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

11. Dallas Cowboys (via MIA): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

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Grade: A++

The Dallas Cowboys got the steal of the draft. It doesn't matter that they flipped two fifth-round picks to the Miami Dolphins to move up one spot, because Caleb Downs was easily the best player in this year's class regardless of position.

Dallas ensured it got exactly who it wanted and desperately needed. The Cowboys' fielded the third-worst defense last season and ranked dead last in pass defense. Downs will immediately make everyone on the unit better and give Dallas the highest IQ defender among the rookie crop and an all-around playmaker that can be used in a variety of manner. 

Downs went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 overall prospect on the B/R Scouting Department's draft board. He's a complete defender who's capable of not just contributing at a high level but leading a unit from the back line. His intelligence and understanding of everything that goes on in front of him border on uncanny. 

He may not be a Sean Taylor or Brian Dawkins along the back line. However, Downs is more than capable of playing at all three levels and making a massive impact, changing the entire complexion of a defense.

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Defensive orchestrator with excellent communication skills, understands and excels in multiple concepts/schemes, three-level defender

Weaknesses: Can be more consistent with tackling technique, not necessarily a tone-setter from a physical perspective

Complete scouting report via Daniel Harms of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

12. Miami Dolphins (via DAL): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Grade: F

The Miami Dolphins made a massive strategic mistake. The organization allowed positional and outright draft-pick greed to blur their vision of what should have been a no-brainer.

Caleb Downs was graded as the No. 1 overall prospect in this year's class by the B/R Scouting Department. Proctor was viewed as a fringe first-round talent based on his play in 2025.

An argument will be immediatley made that the Dolphins desperately needed talent everyone. While that's true, Downs is still the answer. More draft picks certainly weren't, because Miami already owned seven selections in this year's initial 95 picks. They're not in a position to pass on an elite talent to address a specific need. But Miami did it anhyow.

To be fair, Proctor did a fantastic job turning around his last season on campus. The 20-year-old left tackle entered the 2025 campaign as a highly regarded prospect with top-10 potential. But he really struggled through the early portions of the campaign. Proctor almost looked lethargic and displayed significant technique issues.

However, the true junior seemingly recommitted to his craft midseason, got into better shape and played well down the stretch, to the point where it became obvious he could be an NFL left tackle. At 6'7" and 352 pounds, Proctor is a mountainous and powerful human being. As long as he remains committed, he has the potential to be a long-time, high-level blocker. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Shut-down, controlling power upon first contact, tremendous movement skills for a lineman of his stature, enjoys finishing blocks

Weaknesses: Inconsistent technique and body positioning in both phases, too many easy losses in pass protection, too often unbalanced in the run game

Complete scouting report via Brandon Thorn of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

13. Los Angeles Rams: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

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Grade: C

It's easy to see both sides of the argument regarding the Los Angeles Rams' decision to draft Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick.

Matthew Stafford is 38 yards old and he's been beaten up throughout his career. The veteran quarterback has also flirted with retirement multiple times already. The Rams needed a succession plan at the game's most important position.

Conversely, this squad's Super Bowl window is rapidly closing. The Rams are in win-now mode. Simpson doesn't help the team now. It's an ideal situation for the incoming rookie because he won't be pressed into action. He doesn't move the needle for a team looking to capitalize on Stafford's final year(s).

The impression Simpson left as a prospect depends on which part of the 2025 season a person watched. During the first half, he looked like a legitimate first-round talent ripping NFL-caliber throws. Over the second half, something wasn't quite right–which was later revealed to be a litany of injuries.

The one-year starter played through a lower back issue, gastritis and elbow bursitis before being benched in a College Football Playoff meeting with the Indiana Hoosiers due to a broken rib, per the Tuscaloosa News' Colin Gay,

Despite the later issues, Simpson's earlier sample size, albeit small, eventually projects as a quality starting NFL quarterback. 

Scouting Report Highlights

Strengths: Good rhythm passer that should fit seamlessly into an NFL offense, goes through entire progression, shows very good accuracy and touch

Weaknesses: Limited starting experience, took a beating in 2025, pressure impacts effectiveness

Complete scouting report via Dame Parson of B/R NFL Scouting Dept.

B/R NFL Draft Live Show

Catch all the picks and analysis from Round 1 with NFL superstars Micah Parsons and Malik Nabers.