NEW YORK – APRIL 29: The stage is shown with the NFL Logo at the 2006 NFL Draft on April 29, 2006 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

The whirlwind of free agency is officially in the rearview mirror as the NFL world turns its attention towards the draft. Even though a bevy of free agents remain, the big fish have already been signed. So, the draft essentially serves as the last major opportunity for teams to add to their rosters before the start of the season, and draft performance can significantly alter a franchise’s trajectory. A few good drafts in a row, and you’re likely in position to compete for a championship. A few bad drafts in a row, and you’re likely staring down the barrel of irrelevancy. 

Here’s how I see the first round unfolding on the night of April 23. 

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

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Mendoza link to Las Vegas has been obvious. The Raiders are ushering in a new era under Klint Kubiak, and they’ll soon secure their biggest missing piece by selecting the Heisman Trophy-winning National Champion out of Indiana to take the reins under center. 

2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB – Ohio State 

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 27: Arvell Reese #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes puts on his helmet against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)

The Jets simply need as many difference makers as they can get. Specifically on defense, Aaron Glenn needs that unit to step up to prove he’s the right man for the job. Reese gives Glenn a versatile off-ball linebacker with potential to develop into a dominant force. 

3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, EDGE – Texas Tech 

LUBBOCK, TEXAS – OCTOBER 11: David Bailey #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders gestures during the second half of the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)

Bailey is perhaps the most polished pass rusher in this year’s draft. Adding him into the fold gives the Cardinals more assurance on defense while new head coach Mike Lafluer goes to work establishing the offense. 

4. Tennessee Titans – Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE – Miami (FL)

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 08: Rueben Bain Jr. #4 of the Miami Hurricanes plays against the Syracuse Orange during the first half of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

The Titans have spent big on their defense in free agency, and many believe it to be an indicator that Jeremiyah Love could be the pick here. But with new head coach Robert Saleh – a defensive mind – I think they opt to fortify the defense even more rather than use a top-five pick on a running back. 

5. New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB – Ohio State 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 06: Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) celebrates during the Big 10 Championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana Hoosiers on December 6, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Linebacker has been at or near the top of the Giants’ list of needs since last season ended, and signing Tremaine Edmunds doesn’t effectively move the needle. Sonny Styles is an athletic freak at the position, the likes of which are rarely seen. He immediately turns the Giants’ weakness into a potential strength. 

6. Cleveland Browns – Francis Mauigoa, OT – Miami (FL)

COLLEGE STATION, TX – DECEMBER 20: Miami Hurricanes lineman Francis Mauigoa blocks during College Football Playoff game featuring the Miami Hurricanes and the Texas A&M Aggies on December 20, 2025 at Kyle Field in College Station, TX (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Browns have a quarterback battle on their hands heading into the 2026 season, which is even more worrisome considering their bottom-ranked offensive line. The Browns added to the room in free agency, but taking the next step to bolster the room could be the likely move with the sixth pick, and Mauigoa checks many boxes. 

7. Washington Commanders – Jeremiyah Love, RB – Notre Dame 

SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 22: Jeremiyah Love #4 of the University of Notre Dame runs with the ball past the diving tackle attempt of Jamie Tremble #82 of Syracuse University during a game between Syracuse University and University of Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium on November 22, 2025 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Washington lacks firepower on offense, and a dynamic running back could change that immediately. Pairing Love with quarterback Jayden Daniels adds an entirely new dimension to the Commanders’ offense and could very well be the most exciting backfield in the NFL. 

8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR – Ohio State 

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 29: Carnell Tate #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Free agency moves have opened the door for the Saints to add an offensive weapon to pair with Chris Olave. What better way to do so than by selecting a fellow Ohio State product? New Orleans can’t go wrong by continuing to build around Tyler Shough.

9. Kansas City Chiefs – Mansoor Delane, CB – LSU 

BATON ROUGE, LA – OCTOBER 25: Mansoor Delane #4 of the LSU Tigers before the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)

The Chiefs traded Trent McDuffie – their premier cornerback – to the Rams. Sitting at pick #9, they have the opportunity to select his replacement in Delane, who has all the attributes needed to develop into a lockdown corner.

10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S – Ohio State 

COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 04: Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 4, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Downs is considered by many to be the best player in this year’s draft, so getting him with the tenth pick is a no-brainer for a Bengals team that struggled mightily on defense last season. Downs could also fit well alongside recently signed Bryan Cook, creating a truly dynamic safety tandem. 

11. Miami Dolphins – Olaivavega Ioane, OG – Penn State

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 29: Olaivavega Ioane #71 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 40-36. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley come over to Miami from Green Bay. Taking into account Green Bay’s draft philosophy, building through the trenches seems like the smart and likely move. The pick makes even more sense considering the Dolphins’ signing of quarterback Malik Willis. Shoring up the offensive line with a mauler like Ioane will only help Willis succeed. 

12. Dallas Cowboys – Jermod McCoy, CB – Tennessee 

KNOXVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 19: Jermod McCoy #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers before a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

The Cowboys have made it clear that they are committed to improving their defense. Free agency moves dedicated to the defensive line lead me to believe that the secondary could be where they allocate their top draft picks. McCoy didn’t play last season at Tennessee due to an ACL tear, but if the Cowboys feel good about where he stands medically, he gives them a high-upside starting cornerback. 

13. Los Angeles Rams – Makai Lemon, WR – USC 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 20: Makai Lemon #6 of the USC Trojans walks out of the tunnel before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 20, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

With Davante Adams getting older, the Rams need another playmaker at wide receiver. Lemon is already polished in many areas of his game and has the potential to take McVay’s offense to another level in 2026 and beyond. 

14. Baltimore Ravens – Spencer Fano, OT – Utah 

LAWRENCE, KS – NOVEMBER 28: Utah Utes offensive lineman Spencer Fano (55) raises his hands to celebrate a touchdown late in the fourth quarter of a Big 12 football game between the Utah Utes and Kansas Jayhawks on November 28, 2025 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Fano is an excellent fit with a Ravens team that needs offensive line help. He has the athleticism and versatility to play multiple spots up front before eventually settling into a long-term position. 

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Akheem Mesidor, EDGE – Miami (FL) 

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 19: Akheem Mesidor #3 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts after sacking Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the third quarter in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Mesidor might have the best tape of any defensive lineman in the draft. He is an ultra-violent pass rusher with a high motor whose only true drawbacks are age and injury history. The Buccaneers have been gunning for a game-changing defensive lineman for a while, and Mesidor’s upside might be too high to pass up. 

16. New York Jets – Jordyn Tyson, WR – Arizona State

TEMPE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 23: Jordyn Tyson #0 of the ASU Sun Devils celebrates after Cougars turn over the ball in the fourth quarter of the BYU Cougars versus the Arizona State Sun Devils football game at Mountain America Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Bruce Yeung/Getty Images)

The Jets would greatly benefit from adding a formidable receiving option opposite Garrett Wilson, and Tyson has the potential to fill that role with great success. An abundance of injuries throughout his college career is his biggest detriment, but when healthy, Tyson proved to be a do-it-all receiver with superstar potential. 

17. Detroit Lions – Blake Miller, OT – Clemson 

LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 14: Blake Miller #78 of the Clemson Tigers blocks during a college football game against the Louisville Cardinals on November 14, 2025 at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

What used to be the most formidable unit in the league, the Lions’ offensive line, took a significant step backward as they were forced to do some reshuffling. Recent comments by Dan Campbell express a desire to move Penei Sewell to left tackle, opening the door for Miller to fill the void at right tackle. 

18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S – Oregon

EUGENE, OREGON – SEPTEMBER 6: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks looks on in action during a game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Career Viking Harrison Smith remains undecided about playing his 15^th NFL season. Luckily for Minnesota, the ideal replacement could fall right into their hands with Thieneman, who is a versatile safety with great range and athleticism. 

19. Carolina Panthers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE – Oregon 

EUGENE, OREGON – AUGUST 30: Tight end Kenyon Sadiq #18 of the Oregon Ducks reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Montana State Bobcats at Autzen Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

Taking a skill position player – Tetairoa McMillan – in the first round last year worked out well for the Panthers. Using the same strategy again this year to take Sadiq would give them another offensive playmaker that they greatly need alongside McMillan. 

20. Dallas Cowboys – CJ Allen, LB – Georgia 

ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 27: CJ Allen #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sanford Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

CJ Allen might lack outstanding physical traits, but he more than makes up for it with a slew of intangibles. The high-IQ leader of Georgia’s defense would serve as a reliable option for a Cowboys team with a glaring need at linebacker. 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kadyn Proctor, OT – Alabama 

AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 29: Kadyn Proctor #74 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after their 27-20 win over the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Steelers need help on the left side of their offensive line, specifically at the guard spot. While Proctor is primarily a tackle, he possesses the athleticism and versatility to move around. It’s never a bad idea to add a talented player to the offensive line, especially with an offensive head coach like Mike McCarthy going into year one in Pittsburgh. 

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Keldric Faulk, EDGE – Auburn 

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 27: Keldric Faulk #15 of the Auburn Tigers lines up on the line of scrimmage during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on September 27, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)

The Chargers’ biggest issue last season was protecting the quarterback, but they also lost their standout pass rusher, Odafe Oweh, in free agency. The opportunity to replace Oweh by taking a physical specimen like Faulk, who can wear multiple hats across the defensive line, might be too good to turn down, even with the apparent offensive line needs. 

23. Philadelphia Eagles – Caleb Lomu, OT – Utah 

STILLWATER, OK – SEPTEMBER 21: Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) on the field against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on September 21st, 2024 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by WJ/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Eagles star right tackle Lane Johnson will be 36 years old when the 2026 season begins, so now would be a good time for the franchise to explore options for his heir apparent. Lomu fits that bill like a glove, but also has the versatility to play either tackle spot until that time comes. 

24. Cleveland Browns – Omar Cooper Jr, WR – Indiana 

PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: WR Omar Cooper Jr. #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers looks up field after a catch during the Alabama Crimson Tide versus Indiana Hoosiers College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2026, at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Cleveland lacks playmakers at wide receiver, and Cooper Jr. possesses a level of physicality and run-after-catch ability that would allow new head coach Todd Monken to use him in a multitude of ways. Adding another offensive weapon could also go a long way in helping their undecided quarterback room succeed. 

25. Chicago Bears – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S – Toledo 

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 24: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren #DB40 of Toledo participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)

The Bears need all the help they can get generating a pass rush, but they also have a glaring hole in the secondary after not resigning a single player from last year’s safety room. Drafting McNeil-Warren to pair with free agent signee Coby Bryant would immediately turn Chicago’s secondary into a formidable one, while giving them the flexibility to bolster the defensive line in later rounds. 

26. Buffalo Bills – Kayden McDonald, DT – Ohio State

COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 22: Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) walks onto the field before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 22, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

McDonald is an absolute stuffer of the run. He leaves plenty to be desired as a pass rusher, but for a Bills team that struggled to defend the run last season, his ability to swallow run lanes should be enough to justify a first-round selection. 

27. San Francisco 49ers – Monroe Freeling, OT – Georgia 

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 13: Monroe Freeling #57 of the Georgia Bulldogs plays against the Tennessee Volunteers during their game at Neyland Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

The 49ers and star left tackle Trent Williams are in the midst of restructured contract negotiations. As Williams enters next season at 38 years old, the franchise could opt to draft Monroe Freeling as his eventual replacement. Freeling only started one season at Georgia, but he greatly improved as the season went on, and his physical attributes are highly coveted at the position.

28. Houston Texans – Peter Woods, DT – Clemson 

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 01: Peter Woods #11 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the first half of a football game against the Duke Blue Devils at Memorial Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

The Texans have put together top-level defenses under DeMeco Ryans, but a nose tackle to start alongside veteran Sheldon Rankins is a crucial need heading into the draft. Woods would give them a young and explosive athlete to plug into the middle of the line, who still has plenty of room to develop at only 21 years old. 

29. Kansas City Chiefs – T.J. Parker, EDGE – Clemson

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: T.J. Parker #3 of the Clemson Tigers reacts before a football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

The edge position in Kansas City – opposite George Karlaftis – needs improvement, and while Parker took a step back in production at Clemson last season, he still flashed the elite physical tools that make him a high-ceiling prospect. 

30. Miami Dolphins – KC Concepcion, WR – Texas A&M

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 15: KC Concepcion #7 of the Texas A&M Aggies takes a knee in the end zone before playing the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter at Kyle Field on November 15, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

The Dolphins acquired this pick from Denver in the Jaylen Waddle trade, which left their wide receiver room incredibly bare. The room needs multiple additions, but Concepcion would be an exceptional starting point as he would immediately add dynamite elusiveness and big-play potential to the Dolphins’ offensive attack. 

31. New England Patriots – Max Iheanachor, OT – Arizona State 

STARKVILLE, MS – SEPTEMBER 06: Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) during the college football game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and Mississippi State Bulldogs on September 6, 2025, at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Will Campbell experiment at left tackle did not work out well for the Patriots down the stretch last season. Iheanachor would immediately provide the physical tools that Campbell lacks to protect Drake Maye’s blind side, while allowing Campbell to potentially kick inside where he is better suited. 

32. Seattle Seahawks – Avieon Terrell, CB – Clemson 

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 08: Avieon Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers hypes up the fans during the second half of a football game against the Florida State Seminoles at Memorial Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

The departure of Riq Woolen leaves an opening at corner for the defending Super Bowl champions. Terrell could step right in with a level of athleticism to play all over the formation, a trait that Mike Macdonald covets.