EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe 2026 NFL draft began Thursday night in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. (on ESPN/ABC/ESPN App).We will be tracking all 257 picks for Rounds 1-7, and you also can check out all the best available draft prospects.The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and concludes with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday (noon ET).ESPN's team of reporters will submit pros and cons below for each of the 32 players selected in Thursday's first round.More coverage:Top prospects at every positionKiper's position rankingsRound 1 picks / order1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaWhy they picked him: With the Raiders in the midst of a rebuild, they needed a long-term answer at quarterback, and Mendoza has the potential to fill this need. His skill set is a natural fit for new coach Klint Kubiak's offense, and the two can develop into a strong pairing for years to come. Similar to most quarterbacks coming out of college, Mendoza will have to adjust to playing under center. But his decision-making and accuracy should carry him a long way.Biggest question: Even though general manager John Spytek and Kubiak prefer letting a young quarterback sit until ready, the best players will ultimately play. The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins ahead of the draft, giving the organization insurance at the position. The best-case scenario is that Cousins begins the season as the starter before Mendoza takes over for the rest of the way, similar to Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart with the New York Giants last year. -- Ryan McFaddenRead more on Raiders picks over all seven rounds2. New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas TechWhy they picked him: Did you see what opposing quarterbacks did to the Jets last season? We're talking 36 touchdown passes and zero interceptions. The Jets' pass rush was so benign (26 sacks) that the safest place in the stadium was the pocket behind center. Bailey should change that. In 2025, he led the FBS in sacks (14.5) and quarterback pressure percentage (20.4%). His outside speed is real and should attract double-teams, creating one-on-ones for the interior rushers. The Jets haven't had a consistent, double-digit sack threat in a decade. Bailey needs to be that guy.Biggest question: Did they blow it by passing on Arvell Reese? Most talent evaluators believe Reese has a higher ceiling than Bailey. Another question will be about Bailey's liability against the run. By his own admission, this is an area where he needs to improve. He had only eight run stops (tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage) in 14 games. The Jets will leave themselves vulnerable against the run if they roll with Bailey (251 pounds) and Will McDonald IV (245) as their two edge defenders. -- Rich CiminiRead more on Jets picks over all seven rounds3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameWhy they picked him: Love gives the Cardinals even more offensive skill talent for first-year head coach Mike LaFleur to utilize. Love is a dynamic back, who will slide into the RB1 role immediately. Arizona has a number of other needs that will help the Cardinals win in 2026 but Love is someone who Arizona can build upon for the future, and will complement the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and Trey McBride.Biggest question: Having a talent like Love in the backfield could lead to offensive fireworks, if Arizona can both protect the quarterback -- whoever it may be -- and block for Love. Arizona has a major need at right tackle, so addressing the offense from the outside in is a major risk for a general manager on the hot seat with a first-year head coach. -- Josh WeinfussRead more on Cardinals picks over all seven rounds4. Tennessee Titans5. New York Giants6. Cleveland Browns7. Washington Commanders8. New Orleans Saints9. Kansas City Chiefs10. New York Giants11. Miami Dolphins12. Dallas Cowboys13. Los Angeles Rams14. Baltimore Ravens15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers16. New York Jets17. Detroit Lions18. Minnesota Vikings19. Carolina Panthers20. Dallas Cowboys21. Pittsburgh Steelers22. Los Angeles Chargers23. Philadelphia Eagles24. Cleveland Browns25. Chicago Bears26. Buffalo Bills27. San Francisco 49ers28. Houston Texans29. Kansas City Chiefs30. Miami Dolphins31. New England Patriots32. Seattle Seahawks
