The 2026 NFL Draft is now underway, with teams across the league making key decisions to support their rosters. The first round saw a mix of bold moves and strategic trades, with some teams earning high marks for their selections, while others were met with more scrutiny.

Top Picks and Immediate Impact

Las Vegas Raiders made a decisive move by selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. FOX Sports praised the pick as an “ideal fit” for the Raiders, citing Mendoza’s “prototypical size, pre- and post-snap recognition and accuracy from both the pocket and on the move.” According to FOX Sports, Mendoza is expected to thrive under the guidance of rookie coach Klint Kubiak and is viewed as a potential star. The move earned the Raiders an A grade.

Meanwhile, the New York Jets made three first-round selections. They were commended for picking a top pass-rusher to address their defensive weaknesses. According to FOX Sports, the Jets “made the right choice to add this year’s top pass-rusher,” and their pick was also awarded an A grade. The Jets are expected to see immediate impact from their selection, who is considered a strong candidate for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Controversial and Risky Moves

Not all first-round selections were met with enthusiasm. The Arizona Cardinals, for example, chose to select running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 overall. According to CBS Sports, this move was seen as an “aggressive” decision, as Love became the first running back selected in the top five since Saquon Barkley in 2018. While some analysts praised the Cardinals for their boldness, others questioned the decision, noting that selecting a running back at that position does not come with salary relief, which is typically a benefit of rookie contracts.

FOX Sports also noted that the narrative around positional value was challenged by the Cardinals’ decision. Love is expected to bring creativity, elusiveness, and breakaway speed to the team’s offense under rookie coach Mike LaFleur. Despite the controversy, some scouts have compared Love to NFL stars like Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson.

Trading and Strategic Adjustments

The draft also saw a flurry of trades, with eight teams making no first-round selections as they adjusted their strategies. According to CBS Sports, eight trades in the first round added complexity to the process, as teams looked to position themselves for future opportunities. The page tracking team-by-team grades updated in real time, with evaluations based on an internal formula that weights early-round selections more heavily than later ones.

CBS Sports provided live updates for all 32 teams as the first round unfolded. Each selection was analyzed for value, fit, and talent, with grades assigned by two analysts. The grading system emphasized the significance of early-round picks, especially those at the top of the board.

As the 2026 NFL Draft continues, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these early decisions translate into on-field success in the coming season.