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PITTSBURGH – The 2026 NFL Draft kicked off with a bang at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday night. In a move that surprised no one but energized a fanbase, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana QB and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the #1 overall pick.
However, the real story of Round 1 wasn't just the quarterbacks—it was the massive men in the trenches. A record nine offensive linemen were taken in the first 32 picks, signaling a league-wide shift toward protecting the pocket.
Top 5 Picks: Round 1 Recap
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
| #1 | Raiders | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana |
| #2 | Jets | David Bailey | EDGE | Missouri |
| #3 | Cardinals | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame |
| #4 | Titans | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State |
| #5 | Bears | Will Johnson | CB | Michigan |
The Raiders’ New Era: Fernando Mendoza
After a dismal 3-14 season, Las Vegas found their savior. Mendoza, fresh off a National Championship with Indiana, brings elite accuracy and mobility to the desert. He becomes the newest member of the elite "Heisman at #1" club and is expected to start under center in Week 1.
The Return of the RB: Jeremiyah Love at #3
In an era where running backs are often devalued, the Arizona Cardinals made a "seismic" statement by taking Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love at #3. This is the highest a running back has been drafted since Saquon Barkley, proving that Arizona is ready to build their entire offense around a generational ground talent.
Trend Watch: 9 Offensive Linemen in Round 1
NFL front offices went on an "O-Line spending spree." From Utah’s Spencer Fano (#9, Browns) to Caleb Lomu (#28, Patriots), teams prioritized the trenches.
Why it matters: With defensive ends getting faster, teams are refusing to leave their franchise QBs exposed.
The Record: Nine blockers in a single first round is one of the highest tallies in modern draft history.
Aggressive Trades: Chiefs and Cowboys Move Up
Chiefs: Traded up to #6 for LSU shutdown corner Mansoor Delane. They later doubled down on defense with Peter Woods at #29.
Cowboys: Swapped with Miami to grab Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at #11, adding elite speed to their secondary.
Dolphins: Secured a steal at #27 by trading up for San Diego State CB Chris Johnson, who boasted a nearly perfect 92.4 coverage grade last season.
What’s Next? (Rounds 2–7)
The draft isn't over yet. While the superstars went on Thursday night, the "meat" of the rosters will be built over the next 48 hours:
Friday, April 24: Rounds 2 and 3 (starting tonight!)
Saturday, April 25: Rounds 4 through 7.