2026 NFL Draft Round 1 Recap: Mendoza Goes No. 1, Running Back Makes History, Rams Surprise with QB Pick
The first round of the 91st NFL Draft played out before a record-breaking crowd at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on April 23, 2026, with the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. The night delivered several memorable storylines, including a historic running back selection, a surprise quarterback choice by the Los Angeles Rams, and a dominant showing from Ohio State.
Top Picks and Key Storylines
Mendoza, a redshirt junior who led Indiana to its first national championship, was the consensus top prospect heading into the draft. He completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions in his final college season, earning widespread praise for his precision as a pocket passer.
The Arizona Cardinals made history at No. 3 by selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love — the first running back drafted in the top five since Saquon Barkley went to the New York Giants in 2018. The selection signalled a shift in how some teams value the position after years of the running back being devalued in the draft.
The Los Angeles Rams provided the night's biggest surprise at No. 13, selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Only two quarterbacks were taken in the first round, and Simpson is expected to be developed as a long-term successor to veteran Matthew Stafford.
Ohio State Dominates, Trades Reshape the Board
Ohio State placed four players in the top 11: wide receiver Carnell Tate (No. 4, Tennessee Titans), linebacker Arvell Reese (No. 5, New York Giants), linebacker Sonny Styles (No. 7), and safety Caleb Downs (No. 11, Dallas Cowboys). A record nine offensive linemen were selected in the first round, reflecting a league-wide emphasis on protecting quarterbacks.
Several significant trades reshaped the board. The Kansas City Chiefs traded up to No. 6 to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. The Dallas Cowboys moved up to No. 11 for Caleb Downs. The New York Jets were particularly active, trading up twice to add edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2 and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30.
Why It Matters
The 2026 draft class is widely regarded as one of the deepest in recent memory, particularly at edge rusher and offensive line. The record crowd in Pittsburgh underscored the NFL's continued dominance as America's most popular sports league, with the draft itself now a major entertainment event drawing millions of viewers across ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network.
What's Next
Rounds 2 and 3 of the draft were scheduled for April 24, with Rounds 4 through 7 set for April 25. Teams will look to address remaining needs at positions such as cornerback, safety, and interior defensive line in the later rounds.
Sources: SportsNet Pittsburgh; WTAE; NFL.com
