2026 NFL Draft Round 1: Winners, Losers and Best Value Picks

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft delivered exactly what fans expect—surprises, bold decisions, and a few picks that will be debated for years.

Mel Kiper Jr. broke down the biggest takeaways, highlighting which teams made the most of their opportunities and which ones may have missed the mark.

Biggest Winners from Round 1

Some teams walked away from Day 1 looking significantly stronger.

The Las Vegas Raiders made the most obvious statement by selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. It was a clear franchise move, giving them a potential long-term leader at the most important position.

Other teams impressed with smart, balanced decisions. The Dallas Cowboys strengthened their defense by landing top safety Caleb Downs, while the Philadelphia Eagles grabbed wide receiver Makai Lemon, a player seen as a high-impact addition on offense.

The Los Angeles Rams also drew attention by selecting quarterback Ty Simpson earlier than expected. While surprising, the move could pay off long term, allowing him to develop behind an experienced starter.

Teams That Raised Questions

Not every team came out of the first round looking confident.

Some decisions were viewed as reaches or questionable fits. The Arizona Cardinals, for example, were criticized for selecting a running back early despite having bigger needs elsewhere.

The Los Angeles Chargers also faced scrutiny for not addressing key weaknesses, particularly on the offensive line. Instead, they opted for a different position, leaving gaps in their roster.

In Minnesota’s case, concerns centered around risk. Their pick of a defensive prospect with injury history raised doubts about long-term reliability.

Best Value Picks

One of the most important aspects of the draft is value—teams finding top-level talent later than expected.

Several franchises managed to do just that. Some players who were projected higher ended up falling, giving teams a chance to grab impact talent without sacrificing additional assets.

These types of selections often become the biggest wins over time, especially when they outperform their draft position.

Best Players Still Available

After the first round, a number of highly rated prospects were still on the board.

This sets up an interesting Day 2, where teams with multiple picks could benefit from unexpected opportunities. Players who slipped out of Round 1 often come with extra motivation—and many go on to outperform expectations.

Final Takeaway

The opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft showed how unpredictable team strategies can be. Some franchises focused on immediate needs, while others prioritized long-term development.

For the winners, it’s about building momentum. For the teams facing criticism, the real judgment will come over time.

As always, the draft isn’t decided on Day 1—but it’s where the story begins.