2026 NFL Draft Round 1 grades: Rams get a C for Ty Simpson pick; Giants earn high marks

The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Welcome to The Athletic’s pick-by-pick grades for Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Which teams filled a need with a potential star? Which GMs might wind up regretting their decisions down the line?

Because we won’t know those full answers until the incoming rookie class has been in the league for a few seasons, our immediate grades take into account a number of factors: pick value, trade cost, how the draft board looked at the time of the selection and so on.

The Round 1 grades:

(Note: Scott Dochterman provided grades for odd-numbered picks, Nick Baumgardner for even-numbered picks.)

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Mendoza is the perfect player around which to build a franchise. Nobody was bigger in the biggest moments last season, from late-game comebacks at Penn State and Iowa to historic wins against Ohio State and Miami. Mendoza has the arm strength, accuracy, toughness and character to lead a Las Vegas franchise desperately seeking a franchise quarterback.

After transferring from California ahead of the 2025 season, Mendoza (6 feet 5 inches tall, 236 pounds) led Indiana — the losingest program in college football history — to its first national championship, while also winning the Heisman Trophy. He threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, six interceptions and completed 72 percent of his passes. He also rushed for one of the greatest touchdowns in college football history, a play that ultimately sealed the Hoosiers’ College Football Playoff championship.

Grade: A

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

The best pure pass rusher in the draft, Bailey (6-3, 251, with 34-inch arms) has a deep array of pass-rush moves that is better than any other edge in this class. Long, lean and explosive, Bailey got better during every season of his college career and should be an immediate force rushing the QB.

I do wonder if New York might’ve gotten more value here from Ohio State edge/LB Arvell Reese — I had Reese higher on my board and believe he has a better long-term ceiling. But it’s very hard to argue with Bailey, as he’ll be a big-time factor quickly.

Grade: A-minus

3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

There’s no disputing the talent — Love tops the entire draft in that area. There’s also no doubting the need — Arizona ranked 31st in total rushing last year. Love would improve any team with his rare blend of speed, quickness and fight, but … do the Cardinals have the team around him that will let those abilities shine? Would Arizona have been better off grabbing an edge rusher or an offensive lineman? We’ll see.

Love rushed for a combined 35 touchdowns the past two seasons. In 2025, he was a unanimous first-team All-American, Heisman Trophy finalist and Doak Walker Award winner. Love (6-0, 212) rushed for 1,372 yards, 18 touchdowns and averaged 6.9 yards per carry last year, including 4.5 yards per carry after contact. He also wowed observers at the combine with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash time.

Grade: B

4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Let’s start with this: I really like Carnell Tate. I believe he’s WR1 in this class, and he’s going to help Cam Ward. The Titans needed a wide receiver, and their young quarterback needed reliable targets. And I loved how much better Tate got playing opposite Jeremiah Smith last season, while pushing Smith along the way. He’s a polished football player who will be ready to roll early. It’s hard to hate on this pick.

At the same time, there was more value on the board here. Reese, Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs are all players the Titans could have — and arguably should have — taken over the Ohio State receiver.

Grade: B-plus

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

The Giants likely can’t believe their luck. Reese has the most upside of any defensive player in this class, and he’s versatile and explosive. When you combine him with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and perhaps Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Giants now have a ferocious pass rush. And, as we saw a generation ago, that recipe makes Super Bowl jambalaya.

Reese (6-4, 241) conjures up comparisons with former Penn State (and current Green Bay Packers) pass rusher Micah Parsons — and rightly so. Both were lethal pass-rushing linebackers in college and projected as edge defenders in the NFL. In his first season as a starter at Ohio State, Reese was a consensus first-team All-American and racked up 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 69 total tackles.

Grade: A-plus

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

The Chiefs do not plan to be drafting this high again any time soon. As a result, Kansas City traded up to No. 6 (sending Nos. 9, 74 and 148 to Cleveland) and replaced Trent McDuffie with the best — and safest — cornerback on the board. The most comfortable man-coverage defender in the draft, Delane is very difficult to stack and fool in coverage and should be a factor in Kansas City quickly.

This is a great pick. Delane is a high-floor player who oozes confidence and will have no problems entering a serious, championship-level operation. Love the aggressiveness the Chiefs showed here.

Grade: A

7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Dan Quinn is a defensive coach at heart, and his defense was in dire need of a second-level playmaker. There’s no better off-ball linebacker in this class than Styles, who can play in any subpackage and wreak havoc on an offense. He’s also a high-character leader, something that’s desperately needed in D.C., and he’ll make for a great pairing with Leo Chenal.

Styles (6-5, 244) began his career as a safety, then shifted to linebacker, where he started 42 games over three seasons (including all 16 during the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship season). A first-team All-American last year, Styles put up a career 244 tackles, plus 22.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks and nine passes defensed.

Grade: A

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

If Tyson is healthy and consistently available, this is a terrific pick. The problem? He was never consistently healthy and available throughout his time in college. At full strength, he’s the best wide receiver in this class, but — as with Tate — it’s not a slam dunk Tyson blossoms into a WR1 in the NFL. And with the No. 8, that’s what you’re shooting for.

I like the player and think Tyson should help out New Orleans pretty quickly (so long as his medicals are clear), but, again, I question whether or not more value could’ve been had.

Grade: B-plus

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

The Browns have plenty of tackles but none of them stood out — until now. Fano, whom Dane Brugler graded in “The Beast” as this draft’s top offensive tackle, will step in as an immediate starter. The only question is: On which side of the O-line is he going to play?

Fano (6-5 1/2, 311) won the Outland Trophy last season as the nation’s top interior lineman and was a unanimous first-team All-American. He largely played right tackle in college, where he made 25 of his 36 career starts. His arm length (32 1/8 inches) is a concern, especially if he gets a look on the left side, but he’s physical and will be a great asset as a blocker in front of Cleveland’s running back duo of Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. The Browns improved, for the right value, at a position of need.

Grade: B-plus

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

Was really curious to see if the Giants would take Downs here, but I cannot argue with this pick — especially considering that Mauigoa might be moving inside to play guard on an offensive line that already features young talent. Mauigoa is a terrific run blocker. He was the heart of Miami’s offense and is as reliable as it gets up front.

This has been a terrific start to the draft for the Giants. Reese at No. 5 was outstanding value, and there were some in the NFL who considered Mauigoa this draft’s top offensive lineman. Whether he’s a guard early or long-term tackle, Mauigoa will be a factor.

Grade: A

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

Pound for pound, Downs is the best player in the draft. Now, he’s also the 2026 draft’s best value in the draft. For Dallas, Downs marries need with best player available — it’s not just a win-win, but a win-win-win. He can cover most receivers, he’s a sure tackler, and he returns punts when needed (see his 92-yard touchdown return against Indiana in 2024).

Downs (5-11 3/4, 206) was a two-time unanimous first-team All-American as one of the top college safeties over the last decade. Downs did everything for the Buckeyes’ defense, which was college football’s top-ranked unit each of the past two seasons. Considering how much attrition the Buckeyes had after the 2024 season, the primary common element on those units was Downs.

Grade: A-plus

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

This is tough. As an athlete, Proctor is one of the best prospects in this class, regardless of position. A mutant at 6-8, 350, Proctor could blossom into a dominant force in the NFL. Right now, however, he’s a long way from it. He was very inconsistent on the field at Alabama and might have to move inside to guard in Miami. He’s also had weight concerns in the past — he has pushed well north of 350 pounds in the past, so this might be messy for Miami if its new OT can’t mature quickly.

We could look back on this as a great pick, but there’s bust potential, too.

Grade: B-minus

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

This is the draft’s most enigmatic selection, and it’s not close. If a team drafted Simpson to start right away, the grade, at best, would have been a C-minus — he’s not ready for the NFL in that capacity. But as a backup behind potential Hall of Famer Matthew Stafford? That’s interesting. Can Simpson become a Jordan Love-style success story or will he go down the Jake Locker path? Check the magic eight-ball in three or four years.

Simpson (6-1, 211) earned second-team All-SEC honors last season, while helping lead the Crimson Tide to a College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance. He threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 64.5 completion percentage in 2025, but he only made 15 career starts. He needs an NFL redshirt season. This is a gutsy move for Sean McVay and Les Snead.

Grade: C

14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

This might be my favorite pick of the first round, and it was the most obvious match in the draft — Ioane has felt like a Raven for a long time now. The best pure run blocker in the class, Ioane’s presence over the ball will go a long way toward securing the interior O-line in front of Lamar Jackson, with Tyler Linderbaum now in Las Vegas.

This is classic Baltimore, landing a match of best player available and need. The Ravens are still going to be a physical force up front in the Jesse Minter era.

Grade: A-plus

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami

Tampa Bay got a steal here. Considered a top-10 talent, Bain fell to No. 15, where he aligned with the Buccaneers’ positional needs. Tampa Bay largely has journeymen at that position group, so Bain immediately gives the group a weapon. How much will Todd Bowles adjust his defense to accommodate Bain, who’s more of a 4-3 edge who can kick inside on passing downs? That remains to be seen.

Bain (6-2 1/2, 263) was a destructive force on the national runner-up defense (9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season). He was a consensus first-team All-American and boasts rare power and explosiveness, but his arm length (30 7/8 inches) provides cause for concern.

Grade: A

16. New York Jets (from IND): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

I love this pick. The Jets needed a pass catcher, and Sadiq was the best one left on the board. So what if he’s a tight end? He can also line up as a gigantic X receiver, or maybe even as a Z. An outstanding blocker at the line of scrimmage and out in space, Sadiq runs a 4.39 at 250 pounds.

He is a freakish athlete — arguably the best in this class — and the type of weapon who can always keep the math in the offense’s favor. Sadiq is built for the modern game. I like this better than the Jets’ selection of Bailey at No. 2, if I’m honest.

Grade: A

17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Detroit needed an offensive tackle to replace stalwart Taylor Decker, and Miller (6-6 3/4, 317) looks like a strong successor. He started 54 games along the offensive line for Clemson, 52 of those starts coming at right tackle. This selection seems to confirm Detroit will move Penei Sewell to left tackle (and start Miller on the right side).

Miller, a two-time first-team All-ACC selection, does have left tackle dimensions (34 1/4-inch arms, 83 7/8 wingspan), but it would be a tough flip as a rookie. I’m intrigued by why the Lions picked Miller over Caleb Lomu and Monroe Freeling, because they’re all considered in the same pool of OT candidates.

Grade: B-plus

18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

This is bold (if that’s the right word). When Banks is healthy and engaged with his technique, he’s a serious problem — on talent alone, he’s definitely DT1 in this class. However, he’s not a very consistent player, and despite his athletic potential, he could bust. Banks (6-6, 330) has had two serious foot injuries in less than a year, and many teams dropped him out of the first round after he broke his foot at the combine.

The Vikings could’ve had a perfect fit to fill a need here, in Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Instead, they made a serious gamble on a recently injured, albeit very talented, athlete. It’s too big a risk for my taste, though I could easily be proven wrong in a year. We’ll see.

Grade: C-plus

19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Panthers are looking to protect themselves after Ikem Ekwonu’s knee injury, and Freeling adds depth and competition right away. This appears to be a “best player available” choice, but with an eye on the future, which is healthy. I’m not sure Freeling will play right away, but he has long-term potential.

Freeling (6-7 1/2, 315) is built like a left tackle, with incredible length (34 3/4-inch arms, 84 1/2 wingspan) and great speed (4.93 40). He started a combined 18 games at left tackle the past two years for Georgia, but he’s still raw and just 21 years old.

Grade: B

20. Philadelphia Eagles (from DAL via GB): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Lemon has some size limitations and isn’t a burner, but he might be the most quarterback-friendly receiver in the class. He’s always open, finishes in the air despite that relative lack of size, never rounds off routes, runs back to the football, blocks — you get everything Lemon has, all the time. I wouldn’t be surprised if he out-performs this slot.

He reminds me of a smaller version of former USC star Amon-Ra St. Brown and could be a huge asset for Jalen Hurts as the Eagles look to make their QB more comfortable. I’m not sure I’d have traded up, but I like the player.

Grade: A-minus

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

For the third time in four years, the Steelers have used a first-round pick on an offensive tackle. Is this an admission that they whiffed on Broderick Jones in 2023? You have to read it that way to some degree, although Jones’ neck injury was an unforeseen issue. Iheanachor has plenty of talent, but he’s really raw. He could be a real find here, if the Steelers are patient, although I’m not sure how much he helps right away.

Born in Nigeria, Iheanachor (6-6, 321) moved to the United States at age 13 and first started playing football after graduating from high school in 2021. He spent two seasons at East Los Angeles College before earning a scholarship to Arizona State, where he started 31 games as a right tackle. He was a second-team All-Big 12 offensive lineman last year.

Grade: B-minus

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami

A self-made, high-motor, physical hammer up front with experience rushing both inside and off the edge, Mesidor is exactly the type of player Jim Harbaugh loves. He’s up there with Bain, his former Miami teammate, among the most violent defenders in this draft class. He’s a powerhouse against the run, and despite some length concerns, his physicality shows up in pass rush.

Mesidor is an older player (age 25) and has dealt with some injuries, but he’s also ready to contribute right now. He should be on the field quickly.

Grade: A-minus

23. Dallas Cowboys (from PHI): Malachi Lawrence, edge, UCF

The Cowboys gave up the most passing yards in the NFL last year, so it makes sense they would allocate resources in the draft to make improvements. And there’s no problem in taking an edge rusher — Dallas had only 35 sacks in 2025. But is Lawrence the right pick or a reach?

Brugler rated Lawrence as the No. 37 prospect in this class, so it does seem like a bit of a reach right now, but Lawrence (6-4 1/2, 253) has every physical quality required to become a high-level pass rusher. He boasts long arms (81 5/8 inches) and produced a 4.52 40 time and 40-inch vertical at the combine. As a first-team All-Big 12 performer, Lawrence had seven sacks last year and finished with 20 career sacks.

Grade: C-plus

24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Concepcion’s ability to go from 0 to 60 in a hiccup is unmatched in this class. He moves like a jet ski on smooth water, whether in a straight line or in and out of breaks. A terrific athlete in space who can make tacklers look silly after a catch or on a kick return, Concepcion is one of the most electric playmakers this draft had to offer.

He’s also small (5-11, 196) and had major issues with drops throughout his college career. His role is going to be limited offensively in the NFL. Though the Browns should be able to get some special teams juice here, their quarterback play is going to need to be much better than it currently stacks up to make this pick really sing.

Grade: B-plus

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The Bears completely turned over their safety corps this offseason, then one of the position’s top prospects plopped in their laps. Thieneman can do it all for the Bears — he’s a hitter, can cover anyone … and he’s from Indiana (perhaps the Bears’ new home?). This is a big-time win for GM Ryan Poles, and it’s my favorite pick of the first round.

Thieneman (6-0, 201) had a productive three-year career (two seasons at Purdue, one at Oregon). He was a freshman All-American in 2023 after intercepting six passes. Last year, he earned second-team All-American honors, with seven breakups and two interceptions. He was uber-productive, securing a combined 306 tackles in his three seasons. Plus, he ran a 4.35 40, benched 225 pounds 18 times and posted a 41-inch vertical jump at the combine.

Grade: A-plus

26. Houston Texans (from BUF): Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech

This is interesting. Rutledge is a pretty high-floor interior offensive lineman who played guard in college and could be a center in the NFL, in the right situation. At 6-4, 318, with good length and quick feet, Rutledge is a good athlete and plays with a nasty streak in the run game. He’s an elite leader and offers elite toughness.

This might be a bit of a stretch based on medicals, though, as Rutledge has battled through foot injuries — he nearly lost a toe after a car accident in 2023 and wound up playing through the pain. But Houston needed interior OL help badly, and Rutledge could be a rookie starter. Was trading up for him the move? We’ll see how this works out.

Grade: B-minus

27. Miami Dolphins (from SF): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

The Dolphins have a crater-like hole in their secondary and needed to grab a cornerback or safety. New coach Jeff Hafley saw his chance here at a physical corner with terrific ball skills, so they traded up to grab Johnson. It’s strange to see the No. 2 cornerback going this late in Round 1, but Johnson (6-0, 193) was a good value at this point.

He broke up eight passes and picked off four last year for the Aztecs, bringing back two for touchdowns. He was named a second-team All-American and Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.

Grade: B

28. New England Patriots (from BUF via HOU): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Really good value here. I had Lomu graded about even with Miller and maybe a tick higher than Iheanachor, as Lomu should be ready to start at right tackle immediately opposite Will Campbell. This gives the Patriots two very athletic tackles who are plus run blockers.

Lomu isn’t a flashy player, but he gets the job done. He’s very versatile, and he could play right or left tackle, and maybe even guard. The 49ers (who traded down from 27 to 30) also might’ve been looking to select an offensive tackle, so I don’t hate the trade-up. Nice pick.

Grade: A-minus

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Kansas City needed to overhaul its defense, and adding Woods is a smart, safe move. Chris Jones won’t be around forever, so getting a physical, powerful interior defender to work alongside him was critical. The Chiefs now have fortified the middle of their defensive line and have a quality rotation.

Woods (6-2 1/2, 298) was a mainstay on the Clemson defensive line and earned first-team All-ACC honors. He finished last season with 30 tackles (3.5 for loss) and two sacks, and he also scored two touchdowns as a short-yardage running back.

Grade: A-minus

30. New York Jets (from SF via MIA and DEN): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

The Jets clearly had guys they wanted in Round 1 — and it looks like they’ve got them all. After adding a pass rusher (Bailey) and a unicorn playmaker (Sadiq), the Jets selected one of the draft’s most QB-friendly receivers. Cooper was Fernando Mendoza’s favorite target at Indiana and should make life easier on whoever winds up being the Jets’ QB of the future.

New York also holds so many picks over the next two years that I don’t mind the aggressiveness here at all. Cooper is a first-round player in this class, and New York didn’t want to wait until Round 2 to grab him. This franchise added three foundational pieces Thursday night.

Grade: A

31. Tennessee Titans (from BUF via NE): Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn

Tennessee traded up and bet on upside with Faulk, who absolutely looks the part. Faulk is a better fit for a true four-down defense, and that’s what the Titans will employ under Robert Saleh. Edge was a need position for the Titans, and the value matches up here.

Big, long (34 3/8-inch arms) and physical, Faulk (6-6, 276) finished with 10 career sacks over three seasons at Auburn — and just two last fall. He looks the part physically but has boom-or-bust characteristics, so this trade bears scrutiny.

Grade: B-minus

32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

This is how good teams stay good. As hard as it probably was to see Kenneth Walker III leave in free agency, the Seahawks knew they could do plenty to replace his production via the draft, at a much cheaper price. Some might see this as a bit of a reach, but I’m fine with it. Seattle doesn’t have a ton of room on the roster right now — it’s a young and talented championship squad.

The Seahawks did have a pretty clear hole at running back, though, and Price — Love’s backup at Notre Dame — clearly stood out as RB2 in this draft. A three-down player who can block, catch and run any call an offensive coordinator can think of, Price makes for a logical selection here. It’s another example of how Seattle does business: with confidence.

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