The 2026 NFL Draft is finally here, and teams will be looking to bolster their roster with some of the top collegiate talent from across the country.
The first round of the draft kicks off Thursday night in Pittsburgh, where it’s expected to be an intriguing Night 1 with plenty of speculation about teams looking to trade up or back, a predicted run on offensive tackles and perhaps some unexpected selections along the way.
Make sure to follow along for live updates and analysis on every pick throughout the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
20. Philadelphia Eagles (from Dallas Cowboys): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Lemon isn’t an impressive athlete and won’t test off the charts at the combine but he has an incredible feel for finding space in coverage and maximizing opportunities. His solid frame (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) should hold up in the slot at the NFL level. He had just two drops in 2025 on 108 targets and a 130.0 quarterback rating when targeted.
19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Huge, powerful frame that shows up with a great anchor in pass protection. Went from 21 pressures allowed in 2024 to nine in 2025. Good initial quickness off the snap should ensure he stays in front of faster edge rushers. Needs to improve his hand usage and upright playing style in order to last as more than a swing tackle in the NFL.
Beat writer take: Monroe Freeling is a player whose best football may still be ahead of him. He declared for the draft after just three college seasons and 18 total starts, all at left tackle. The former five-star recruit from Charleston is next in line of Georgia first-round tackles after Amarius Mims and Broderick Jones in recent years. The 6-foot-7, 315-pounder’s draft stock rose with his 2025 season and the run-up to the draft including arms measuring 34¾ and a 4.93 40. -Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald
18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Fluid mover for his imposing size with all of the tools you could look for in a dominant interior DT. Elite length with impressive burst off the line. A difference-maker in pass rush but needs work in run defense and consistency. Fully healed from midseason foot injury; came back early from that to compete with teammates late in-season.
Beat writer take: Banks re-broke his foot during the NFL Combine but expects to be fully healed by June. At 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, Banks possesses the combination of length and pass rush ability to deflect passes and get quarterbacks on the ground. Banks had a breakout junior season in 2024 with 7 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks before first suffering a broken foot during his senior season. A dominant week at the Panini Senior Bowl re-opnened the eyes of some NFL Scouts, but Banks remains an injury risk heading into the NFL Draft — Kevin Brockway, Gainesville Sun
17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Four-year starter for the Tigers who was almost exclusively a right tackle. Impressive athleticism for such a large frame (34 1/4-inch arms) and that showed in testing. That athleticism kept him out of trouble in college despite playing too upright at the position. Needs to make strides there and with his hand usage.
Beat writer take: Miller has become popular among draft projections as multiple NFL teams need offensive linemen. He fits the bill at 6-foot-6 and 318 pounds. Miller started in every game of his Clemson career, setting the school record for career snaps at 3,778. He worked primarily at tackle in college.
16. New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Like Love at running back, Sadiq is the runaway No. 1 tight end prospect in the class. The Ducks’ tight end is a young prospect with plenty of development potential. He’s an outstanding athlete at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds who can be a vertical threat in an NFL offense – shown by his outstanding combine performance. His willingness as a blocker should only improve his abilities in time to complete his game.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ruben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Bain stepped up in the College Football Playoff and that improved his stock. At 6-foot-2 and 263 pounds, his physicality and power will fit in at the NFL level immediately. He wasn’t as productive numbers-wise as you’d like from a top-10 pick and his arm length may force him inside long-term. But he has the makings of a high-end No. 2 pass rusher.
Beat writer take: You have to wonder about the effect of the news that Bain was the driver of a vehicle involved in a 2024 auto accident that led to the death of a 22-year-old woman and cited for careless driving. NFL teams apparently were aware of this even if it was kept out of the news until recently. Add the concern over Bain’s arm length and he likely has fallen out of the top 10.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Ioane is by far the top interior offensive line prospect in a class full of starting-caliber prospects. His size (6-foot-3, 335 pounds) and very good athleticism made him one of the bright spots in a disappointing year for the Nittany Lions offense. His physicality in the run game and anchor in pass protection should make him a plug-and-play starter in the trenches.
Beat writer take: Ioane is considered a plug-and-play starter because of his dynamic power base as a run- and pass-blocker and ultimate consistency. He may be one of the safest picks in the entire draft because of his productivity, reliability and high-character reptuation. Zero sacks allowed over the past two seasons in the Big Ten about says it all.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Simpson looked like a potential No. 1 pick at times this season for Alabama, his first as a starter. He’s shown a lot of flashes that point to a long-term starter in the NFL thanks to his pocket awareness, accuracy, timing, processing and quick release. He did struggle at times down the stretch for Alabama; four of his five interceptions came in the final six games of 2025 compared to one over his first nine.
Beat writer take: Ty Simpson waited his turn. And when the time came for him to be Alabama’s starting quarterback, Simpson tool the bull by the horns and became the accurate, productive signal caller the Crimson Tide needed him to be. He’s a coach’s son, one who is incredibly smart both inside and outside of the pocket. Simpson showed ample potential in 15 starts. But it was only 15 starts, some of which showed signs of struggle. If given the right situation, Simpson can develop into a program builder at the next level. It’s what he wants. That team may have to be patient, though. — Colin Gay, Tuscaloosa News
12. Miami Dolphins (from Dallas Cowboys): Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: There just aren’t a lot of humans that move like Proctor does at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds. That size and power could keep him on the outside for some teams or have them instead take the Mekhi Becton route and move him inside. He needs to improve his discipline and consistency as a blocker given how much leverage he gives up at his size.
Beat writer take: Kadyn Proctor has always been athletic, going back to his days as a three-sport athlete at Southeast Polk High School in Iowa. He has the frame any NFL team will love and project as a top-tier offensive lineman for years to come, one who’s made highlights as a pass catcher or decoy in the offense. But Proctor was a revolving door at times at tackle and needs to develop more consistency if he’s going to be successful against NFL defensive ends. Guard could be the path for Proctor at the next level. — Colin Gay, Tuscaloosa News
11. Dallas Cowboys (from Miami Dolphins): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Downs won’t go No. 1 overall because of the position he plays. The Buckeyes’ star defensive back is one of the best safeties in recent memory. He offers impressive athleticism, coverage skills, run defense and general football IQ to be a true defensive weapon in multiple ways. He raises the floor of a secondary while moving up the ceiling for a creative playcaller.
Beat writer take: Downs was a centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ defense for two seasons after transferring to Ohio State from Alabama following Nick Saban’s retirement. It’s possible no other safety in school history was as decorated during their career. He was a two-time unanimous All-American and became only the second Ohio State safety to win the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. Downs also finished ninth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy in December. His closing speed combined with great instincts allowed him to canvas all areas of the field. — Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
10. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Mauigoa offers years of experience at right tackle with a powerful frame and very strong hands at 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds. His body control and anchor make him a great fit in pass protection. His footwork may ultimately move him inside to guard but he has a very high floor at either position with a mauling presence coaches would love in the run game.
Beat writer take: Mauigoa is projected to go anywhere from third overall to somewhere in the top 15. Could play guard for a team with that need, eventually shifting to tackle. His pass-blocking is his strong suit. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported that Mauigoa has a herniated disc in his back that is asymptomatic. The issue is that if it worsens, Mauigoa would need surgery that could sideline him about three months.
9. Cleveland Browns (from Kansas City Chiefs): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Fano brings experience at both left tackle (2023) and right tackle (2024-25) for the Utes in his career. His athleticism and footwork paired with hand strength make him our top tackle prospect in the class. His leaner frame at 6-foot-6 and 311 pounds may give pause to keeping him on the outside against stronger pass rushers. His relentless motor offers a lot to like, though.
8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Tyson’s been the top wide receiver prospect all season despite other risers at the position thanks to his elite route-running for his age. His suddenness paired with that route-running creates separation at will. He lacks elite vertical speed but has the ball skills, alignment versatility and playmaking teams love to see packed in a 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame.
Beat writer take: The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder has 136 catches for 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns the last two years. He has the ability to ake catches in traffic and to separate himself from a defender. For much of the last seson he was considered a top 10 pick and the first receivere off the board but durability is the issue with injuries ending his season early the last two years. A private workout a week before the draft could go a long way toward changing the narrative. — Michelle Gardner, Arizona Republic
7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Styles entered the year as the top linebacker in the class before Reese overtook him. Still, Styles has impressive size and elite athleticism in his 6-foot-5 and 244-pound frame. He’s a young prospect and already diagnoses plays effectively. Given his age and elite traits, he could become a perennial Pro Bowler with some development. His scouting combine performance cemented his status as a premiere talent in this class.
Beat writer take: Styles began his career at safety, including starting as the nickel back for the Buckeyes in 2023, before switching positions to linebacker as he grew into his 6-foot-5, 244-pound frame. In his second year at the position, he took over for Cody Simon as the starting middle linebacker and led the Buckeyes with 82 tackles during an All-America season. Along with his physical tools, he was a disciplined defender at Ohio State. It wasn’t until the College Football Playoff that Styles even missed a tackle in 2025. — Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
6. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cleveland Browns): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Don’t let his lean frame (6-foot-1, 187 pounds) fool you. Delane is a technician at the cornerback spot with impressive savvy for a player his age. Quarterbacks actively avoided him in the SEC; he was targeted just 35 times in 11 games and allowed just 13 receptions for 147 yards all season. There are concerns about his frame in run defense but the coverage acumen is off the charts.
Beat writer take: Mansoor Delane transferred to LSU from Virginia Tech to iron out the parts of his game that he needed to make himself as ready as possible for the NFL Draft. And he did it as he worked himself into arguably the top cornerback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Delane it top-notch in coverage and his ball instincts are unmatched in this draft class. — Cory Diaz, The Daily Advertiser
5. New York Giants: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Reese is the top linebacker prospect of the past five years. He combines ideal size (6-foot-4, 243 pounds) with outlier athleticism. But it’s his football IQ that’s set him apart this season. The game’s slowing down for him and he can take on varied roles in a defense as a pass rusher, quarterback spy, run defender or coverage linebacker. Teams may want to deploy him more off the edge but even if they don’t, he’s a force multiplier across the second level.
Beat writer take: Reese became an overnight sensation for the Buckeyes, going from a second-string linebacker to an All-American last year. Beginning with a breakout performance in Ohio State’s season-opening win over Texas, he added a versatile dimension to the top-ranked defense, splitting snaps between the edge and off the ball as new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia introduced a mix of odd fronts. After a hot start that saw him rack up 6.5 sacks in the first eight games, Reese’s production took a dip in November when the Buckeyes began using him to spy quarterbacks on a seemingly more frequent basis. — Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Tate looks poised to be the next first-round receiver out of Columbus. He boasts impressive size and route running at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds. While he’s not a burner, he dominates on vertical routes thanks to his elite contested catch ability (85.7% contested catch rate in 2025). He’s one of the most sure-handed players in the class; he didn’t drop any of his 66 targets in 2025.
Beat writer take: Tate makes challenging catches look easy, especially on sideline throws. His size (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) and speed (4.53 in the 40) are good enough, but it is his smooth route-running, strong hands and ability to adjust his body to any throw that set him apart. The latest in a long line of excellent NFL receivers out of Ohio State, Tate stacks up with the best of them, but probably most comparable to Garrett Wilson. — Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch
3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: The 2026 class features yet another clear-cut No. 1 running back. Love is far and away the top player at the position with a skill set tailored to the modern NFL. He’s a three-down running back with size (6-foot, 214 pounds) and breakaway speed to score at any moment. His receiving skills mean he’s a true three-down back. He averaged 4.50 yards after contact per attempt this season.
Beat writer take: Jeremiyah Love ran a 4.36 40-yard-dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, second-fastest among running backs but tied for 14th overall with Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green. Love’s video-game moves, including a leap-mode function and a vicious spin cycle, make him a compelling draft target for even the most loaded NFL offense. He fumbled just once in 498 career touches (rushing, receiving and returning) over three seasons at Notre Dame. That happened on the fourth play last Oct. 4 in a home win over Boise State. Love recovered his own fumble. — Mike Berardino, South Bend Tribune
2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Bailey was one of the most prolific edge rushers in the country in 2025 with 81 pressures, 15 sacks and 23 quarterback hits. He led the FBS in all three categories. His quick twitch, hand usage, bend and overall athleticism in a 6-foot-3 and 250-pound frame make him the most pro-ready edge rusher in the class. There are some concerns about his run defense abilities which means he may be a designated pass rusher to start his career.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Aryton Ostly’s breakdown: Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy in what’s been an unprecedented year for the Hoosiers program. He has NFL size at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds with a surprisingly quick release. His arm talent fits the bill but what stands out on tape from Mendoza is his post-snap processing. That football IQ gives him a high floor in the NFL even if his ceiling is capped by his good-but-not-great mobility and arm talent.
Beat writer take: Those looking for flaws in Fernando Mendoza’s film are trying too hard. The improved offensive line he played behind at Indiana unlocked his full potential. Behind the scenes, his arm talent was evident the moment he walked on campus as was his unrelenting work ethic. The only thing that prevented Mendoza from putting up numbers like Joe Burrow did at LSU in 2019 was the lopsided nature of IU’s many blowout wins and the staff’s emphasis on the run game. — Michael Niziolek, The Herald-Times
2026 NFL Draft first-round order
Here’s the complete draft order for the first round:
When is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place on April 23-25, 2026. The first round action kicks off Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET, continuing with the second and third rounds Friday night at 7 p.m. ET and concluding with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday at noon ET.
Where is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The main event will take place near Acrisure Stadium & Point State Park.
Watch the 2026 NFL Draft live on Fubo (free trial)
Where can I watch the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft will broadcast live on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. Streaming options for the draft include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Live 2026 NFL Draft first-round updates, picks, analysis
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
