2026 NFL Draft: Live analysis, grades for every 1st-round pick

The 2026 NFL Draft is underway. Follow along for live analysis and instant grades for every pick made in Thursday's first round.

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Panthers select Monroe Freeling

OL, Georgia - 19th overall

Maybe I was too high on Freeling. Or maybe the Panthers just got one hell of a steal. The Georgia product was my top offensive lineman and the No. 12 overall player in this class on account of his unlimited upside. He may need some time to get stronger and further polish up his technique, but he's already shown some incredible flashes, and there are only so many 6-foot-7, 315-pound human beings who can move like this. I see Freeling as a franchise-caliber tackle.
Grade: A

Vikings select Caleb Banks

DL, Florida - 18th overall

This has the potential to be a home-run pick for the Vikings. There's certainly some risk involved, as Banks didn't produce at the level of your typical top defensive line prospect in college. But his tape is loaded with the kind of quick wins that simply shouldn't be possible for a player who checks in at 6-foot-6, 327 pounds. He ended up as my No. 21 overall player after factoring for the foot surgery that could keep him out into the summer. After recently getting some positive news about his ongoing recovery though, there's a real case to be made that he should have been quite a bit higher. Brian Flores' defense will become even scarier if Banks begins to tap into his potential.
Grade: A-

Lions select Blake Miller

OL, Clemson - 17th overall

The Lions going with an offensive tackle at No. 17 was the lock of all locks. I'm not a huge fan of the value here, as Miller was the No. 31 overall player on my board. With Monroe Freeling still available, this seems like quite the reach. That said, I do see the vision. With Penei Sewell shifting over to left tackle to replace Taylor Decker, the Lions needed a right tackle. Miller, a four-year starter at that spot for Clemson, is a natural fit. His athleticism and explosive movement skills offer plenty of upside as both a run blocker and in pass protection. With some continued development to get stronger and clean up his technique, Miller could be a solid long-term starter.
Grade: C

Jets select Kenyon Sadiq

TE, Oregon - 16th overall

Well, I don't hate it. I just don't love it, either. The case for Sadiq in this spot is obvious. The Oregon product is one of the most athletic tight end prospects in NFL history. He offers incredible upside in the passing game, and he can also hold his own as a blocker. And the value is totally fine. But with a few of the top receivers still on the board, the Jets opting for a tight end is a little surprising. Makai Lemon, KC Concepcion, or even Omar Cooper Jr. would have been the ideal move to follow up drafting David Bailey at No. 2 overall. A deep tight end class would have offered several potential options on Day 2 to find a running mate for 2025 second-rounder Mason Taylor.
Grade: C+

Buccaneers select Rueben Bain Jr.

EDGE, Miami - 15th overall

This pick will be right up there with Downs among my favorites in the class. Bain's slide was presumably the result of teams shying away from outlier measurables - his 30 7/8-inch arms puts him in the first percentile among edge defenders since 1999. That would make it tough for other players to match up with NFL offensive linemen. In Bain's case, I just don't care. He was my top-ranked edge defender, and the No. 3 overall player in this class, because a dominant run at Miami proved that he has the power and technique to overcome the lack of length. His advanced pass-rush traits will be an excellent addition to fill a long-standing need on the edge for Tampa Bay, and he has the potential to be a dominant run defender, too.
Grade: A+

Ravens select Olaivavega Ioane

OL, Penn State - 14th overall

Ioane always seemed like such a natural fit with the Ravens. I just wasn't sure whether he'd get to them, as he was quite easily the best natural guard in this class. The Ravens had a glaring need on the interior offensive line after losing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency. Ioane, a Penn State product, should be an instant impact player to upgrade that unit. His unique combination of power and athleticism should bolster both the run game and the pass protection for Lamar Jackson.
Grade: A

Rams select Ty Simpson

QB, Alabama - 13th overall

What in the world is happening here? It was only a matter of time before the Rams had to plan for the future at quarterback - Matthew Stafford isn't going to play forever. But Simpson? At No. 13? I simply didn't see him as the kind of player worth taking at any point in the first round. He's got a solid arm, he works through progressions well, and he can make plays with his legs. Those traits could make him a strong fit for a Sean McVay offense. But Simpson started just one full season at Alabama, and his play really fell off after a hot start. As things currently stand, I have major concerns about the accuracy lapses and the way his process falls apart under pressure. Perhaps even more importantly, the Rams having the No. 13 overall pick afforded them the rare opportunity to add a player who could help them win a Super Bowl while Stafford is still around. This feels like an astonishing missed opportunity for what may not be all that much upside.
Grade: D

Dolphins select Kadyn Proctor

OL, Alabama - 12th overall

The Dolphins starting their rebuild in the trenches seems wise. This is going to be a long, methodical process, and it's not going to work if they aren't strong up front. I'm just not sure I can get on board with the value here at No. 12. Proctor, an overwhelmingly powerful lineman who tips the scales at nearly 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds, indeed comes with sky-high ceiling. I'm not sure how well he'll handle speed at tackle, though. If the idea is to play him there, I think Monroe Freeling probably would have been the better move. If they intend to play him at guard, then passing on Olaivavega Ioane is a curious move. Proctor could be a star if it all clicks, but he may have a lower floor than others at the position.
Grade: C+

🚨 TRADE: Cowboys move up for Caleb Downs

S, Ohio State - 11th overall

Trade details: Dolphins send No. 11 to Cowboys for No. 12, No. 177, and No. 180

We're only 11 picks in and I can safely say this is going to be my favorite pick of the entire draft. Say what you will about the value of safeties, but there is simply no world where Downs should have been available for Dallas. The way I see it, the Ohio State star is the clear top player in this class. After trading up one spot to make sure nobody else could beat them to the punch, the Cowboys come away with an exceedingly smart and versatile chess piece for the secondary. Downs' rare instincts should go a long way toward shoring up the back end of the defense in coverage, and his steady tackling skills will be a huge addition for the run game. Home run.
Grade: A+

Giants select Francis Mauigoa

OL, Miami - 10th overall

I can't say that I love this pick. It probably shouldn't be a surprise that John Harbaugh used one of his two first-round picks to bolster the offensive line for Jaxson Dart. And Mauigoa was seen by many as the best lineman in this draft. He was my fourth-ranked lineman, though, checking in at No. 17 overall. There also appears to be a bit of risk here, as recent reports indicate teams believe he's going to need back surgery at some point. Allowing Caleb Downs, my No. 1 overall player, to fall into the lap of a division rival seems like a mistake.
Grade: C+

Browns select Spencer Fano

OL, Utah - 9th overall

The Browns starting their draft by rounding out the offensive line felt like a lock. And there's a lot to like about the decision to trade down and add a few mid-round picks before making Fano the first big man off the board. I'm admittedly a little unsure on the fit here, as left tackle was the lone glaring need on Cleveland's remade offensive front. The move from right tackle could be a tough transition for Fano, particularly considering how much he was protected from island pass-pro duties in Utah's run-heavy offense. Georgia left tackle Monroe Freeling was the cleaner fit here. But it's tough to argue with taking another sensational athlete who will also provide versatility to kick inside if he doesn't end up at tackle.
Grade: B

Saints select Jordyn Tyson

WR, Arizona State - 8th overall

How can you not love what the Saints are building on offense? Tyson's stock went on a bit of a wild ride throughout the pre-draft process, but the questions were effectively put to rest when a recent workout for teams showed that he has indeed put last year's hamstring issues behind him. The Arizona State star is a dynamic route-runner who is no stranger to making ridiculous highlight-reel plays at the catch point. Adding a player like this opposite Chris Olave should give Tyler Shough all the weapons he needs to take another step forward after a promising rookie season.
Grade: A-

Commanders select Sonny Styles

LB, Ohio State - 7th overall

I love this fit for Washington. Styles is one of the most athletic linebacker prospects we've ever seen. After blowing up the combine with a 4.46 40 and absurd jump scores, there was talk that he'd be gone well before this point. Instead, the Commanders sit back and have a potential superstar fall into their lap. Styles' background as a safety shows up with his unique ability in coverage. The range in all phases of the defensive game should make him a game-changer in the middle of Dan Quinn's defense.
Grade: A

🚨 TRADE: Chiefs move up for Mansoor Delane

CB, LSU - 6th overall

Trade details: Browns send No. 6 to Chiefs for No. 9, No. 74, and No. 141

The Chiefs evidently weren't about to sit back and risk missing out on the clear No. 1 cornerback in this draft. Parting with picks in the third and fifth rounds is a small price to pay to fill a massive need created by the offseason trade that sent Trent McDuffie to the Rams. Delane is an outstanding fit for Steve Spagnuolo's defense, demonstrating the speed, fluidity, and patience for lockdown man coverage. He's also instinctive in zone, and he's eager to contribute in run support. Crucially, keeping picks at the end of the first round (No. 29) and early on Day 2 (No. 40) will allow the Chiefs to fill some of their other pressing needs at receiver, edge rusher, and potentially offensive tackle.
Grade: A

Giants select Arvell Reese

EDGE, Ohio State - 5th overall

I can't say I saw this one coming. Reese should have been the pick at No. 2 overall, so this feels like a massive steal for the Giants. An edge rusher admittedly wasn't the most glaring need for John Harbaugh as he sets out to build this roster, but at some point you have to simply take the elite talent at a premium position. Kayvon Thibodeaux can now be shopped. And who knows? Maybe Reese sees quite a bit of work off the ball as a true linebacker, his original position at Ohio State. Either way, the Giants are getting another potential superstar with rare explosiveness in the front seven. His presence, however he ends up being used, should make for a fascinating fit alongside Brian Burns and 2025 No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter.
Grade: A-

Titans select Carnell Tate

WR, Ohio State - 4th overall

Surprise! I love seeing the Titans make a significant move to improve Cam Ward's supporting cast. Tate's ability to both create separation with his route-running and rise up and win over the top of defenders in contested situations gives him the potential to be a true No. 1 target at the next level. And while there was plenty of talk about the Titans targeting Jeremiyah Love, this was always going to be the best way to help their quarterback. It's not necessarily perfect value - Tate was my No. 10 overall player. With that in mind, I probably would have preferred to round out the defensive front with a falling Arvell Reese and then adding a receiver on Day 2. But none of that will matter if Tate has the impact I expect for this offense. The Titans should be in for a big jump this year.
Grade: B+

Cardinals select Jeremiyah Love

RB, Notre Dame - 3rd overall

I can't believe the Cardinals are going to make me cross over to the other side of the position debate for a second. For the most part, I tend to think the idea that running backs simply shouldn't be drafted in the top 10 is over the top. A true superstar at the position can still be a game-changer, and Love certainly falls into that category. But at No. 3 overall? For a team that's this far away? Perhaps the Cardinals are simply opting for the best player on the board after trying, and failing, to trade down. It's a tough position, to be sure. But Arizona already had a crowded running back room featuring James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, and Trey Benson. Passing on a potential star pass-rusher like Arvell Reese, who would have filled an obvious need at a premium position, could prove costly in the long run.
Grade: C

Jets select David Bailey

EDGE, Texas Tech - 2nd overall

Bailey is a dynamic pass-rusher. His proven ability to get after the quarterback, highlighted by an elite get-off and a deep arsenal of rush moves, makes him an easy projection in that sense. Ultimately, that's probably what helped the Jets reach this decision. But I really think Arvell Reese should have been the pick here. That route probably would have required some patience, as the Ohio State star is less developed as a pass-rusher at this moment. Reese's rare explosiveness gives him a similarly high ceiling in that regard, though, and he's the much better run defender. Again, Bailey should have a long, productive career, but I don't love passing up the player with significantly more upside.
Grade: B-

Raiders select Fernando Mendoza

QB, Indiana - 1st overall

And we're off. There was never going to be any drama with this one. The Raiders have been in quarterback purgatory for years. And while Mendoza may not be a generational prospect, he's absolutely worth the No. 1 overall pick. The Heisman Trophy winner was consistently at his best in the biggest moments of Indiana's perfect season. He's an excellent pre-snap processor with a good arm, accuracy to all levels of the field, and the athleticism to make plays out of the pocket. Those traits should make him an excellent fit in Klint Kubiak's offense. The Raiders may finally have a franchise quarterback.
Grade: A

Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.