The 23 Best Picks of the 2026 NFL Draft

From the consensus top overall pick to polarizing late-first-round value steals, the 2026 class sparked debates that will last for years. Which player was the real prize?

1. 1
   Rueben Bain Jr.

   Miami edge rusher selected 15th by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after leading all FBS edge defenders in pressures, earning PFF's elite grade on draft night.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Fernando Mendoza

   Indiana quarterback taken 1st overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, praised for his elite pocket presence and NFL-ready accuracy.
   944pts
3. 3
   Dillon Thieneman

   Oregon safety chosen 25th by the Chicago Bears, a rangy ball-hawk with elite PFF grades throughout his college career at Purdue and Oregon.
   750pts
4. 4
   Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

   Toledo safety who slid to the Cleveland Browns at 58th despite being ranked a top-15 prospect by Daniel Jeremiah, one of the draft's biggest steals.
   699pts
5. 5
   Arvell Reese

   Ohio State linebacker taken 5th overall by the New York Giants, a long, explosive defender graded among the best first-round picks by PFF.
   642pts
6. 6
   Colton Hood

   Tennessee cornerback taken 37th by the New York Giants, rated the top value pick of rounds two and three by NFL Next Gen Stats.
   576pts
7. 7
   David Bailey

   Texas Tech edge rusher selected 2nd by the New York Jets, widely projected as a future All-Pro pass rusher with explosive first-step speed.
   500pts
8. 8
   Jadarian Price

   Notre Dame running back selected 32nd by the Seattle Seahawks, a patient zone-run specialist who closed the first round with outstanding value.
   500pts
9. 9
   Makai Lemon

   USC wide receiver taken 20th by the Philadelphia Eagles, a speedy YAC machine who perfectly fits Nick Sirianni's explosive scheme.
   500pts
10. 10
    Kadyn Proctor

    Alabama offensive tackle drafted 12th by the Miami Dolphins, a massive 6-foot-7 blocker who started at left tackle for the Crimson Tide.
    409pts
11. 11
    Ty Simpson

    Alabama quarterback taken 13th by the Los Angeles Rams, whose pre-draft meeting with coach Sean McVay generated enormous buzz.
    409pts
12. 12
    Francis Mauigoa

    Miami's powerful offensive lineman selected 10th by the New York Giants to anchor the protection in front of their young quarterback.
    409pts
13. 13
    Olaivavega Ioane

    Penn State guard selected 14th by the Baltimore Ravens, an overpowering interior blocker who dominated the Big Ten in his final season.
    409pts
14. 14
    Carnell Tate

    Ohio State wide receiver drafted 4th by the Tennessee Titans, an elite route-runner with rare hands and a clean release off the line.
    409pts
15. 15
    Sonny Styles

    Ohio State linebacker taken 7th by the Washington Commanders, drawing comparisons to his father Lorenzo Styles for his sideline-to-sideline range.
    409pts
16. 16
    Jordyn Tyson

    Arizona State wide receiver selected 8th by the New Orleans Saints, a physically imposing wideout whose yards-after-catch ability sets him apart.
    300pts
17. 17
    Caleb Downs

    Ohio State safety selected 11th by the Dallas Cowboys, a versatile defensive back who can play deep safety or cover slot receivers with equal effectiveness.
    300pts
18. 18
    Mansoor Delane

    LSU cornerback who went 6th to the Kansas City Chiefs, viewed as a lockdown talent who could thrive under Andy Reid's defense.
    300pts
19. 19
    Omar Cooper Jr.

    Indiana's national champion receiver taken 30th by the New York Jets, praised by PFF as one of the best values at the end of the first round.
    300pts
20. 20
    Jeremiyah Love

    Notre Dame running back chosen 3rd by the Arizona Cardinals, celebrated for his rare blend of power, vision, and receiving ability out of the backfield.
    0pts
21. 21
    Kenyon Sadiq

    Oregon tight end chosen 16th by the New York Jets, an athletic pass-catcher who was the first tight end off the board.
    0pts
22. 22
    Spencer Fano

    Utah offensive tackle chosen 9th by the Cleveland Browns, considered the draft's most technically polished blocker with rare balance and hand usage.
    0pts
23. 23
    Eli Stowers

    Vanderbilt tight end picked 54th by the Philadelphia Eagles, ranked by NFL Next Gen Stats among the best value selections of day two.
    0pts

Comments