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To no one’s surprise, Thursday’s NFL Draft was, well, full of surprises.
Wide receiver Carnell Tate being the first Ohio State player picked. Quarterback Ty Simpson being the 13th pick. The 49ers and Bills making multiple trades to get out of the first round.
Here’s a wrapup of the first round (rounds 2-3 will be held today, with rounds 4-7 on Saturday).
1. Las Vegas (QB, DI, CB, G)
Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana, 6-5, 238, H: 91⁄2
Joe Flacco-type stature and arm but with sneaky mobility. Tends to take too many violent hits, which happened against Ohio State and Miami (both blows to the head) in both seasons. Great face-of-the-franchise leader. He’s the definition of what it means to be “all in.”
2. NY Jets (QB, WR, E)
David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech, 6-4, 251, A: 333⁄4, 4.5, VJ: 35
Brings instant pass rush to the Jets, which should help translate to some rushed throws and maybe some interceptions, something the Jets shockingly didn’t register in 2025. New York’s previous pick came against Miami during the 2024 season.
3. Arizona (QB, OL, LB)
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, 6-0, 212, 4.36
Many considered Love the best player in the draft. The Cardinals are deep in running backs with James Conner and Tyler Allgeier but any team that’s in the same division with the Seahawks, Rams and 49ers will need to run the ball. When Conner went down with injury last year, the Cardinals’ season went downhill.
4. Tennessee (IOL, E, RB)
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State, 6-2, 192, H: 101⁄4, 4.53
First stunner of the draft. Tate might have been the fourth-best Ohio State player in the draft — behind Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs — but was the first one off the board. OC Brian Daboll got the makings of an offense with Tate and QB Cam Ward, last year’s No. 1 overall pick.
5. New York Giants (LB, WR, DI)
Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State, 6-4, 241, A: 321⁄2, 4.46
The Giants were in a no-lose situation, with the options of having Reese or Sonny Styles. Well, they did lose out on Love or Tate. Reese’s versatility should be a boost to a defense that already has quality rush ends in Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
6. Kansas City (CB, DL, WR, G, T)
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, 6-0, 187, 4.38
The Chiefs got a shutdown-type corner in a desperately needy position after they lost both cornerbacks (Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson) to the Rams. Delane came at a cheap price, too. It only took a third- and a fifth-round pick to move up to the Browns’ spot from No. 9.
7. Washington (DL, DB, WR)
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State, 6-5, 244, 4.46, VJ: 431⁄2
GM Adam Peters, an assistant GM with the 49ers, got his Fred Warner. Like Warner, who would cover receivers while at BYU, Styles did the same as a former safety. He roams the entire field with his athleticism.
8. New Orleans (WR, DL, CB)
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State, 6-2, 203, BP: 26
Tyson was a late riser, with many analysts saying Tyson could move into the top 10, or even top five. He’s spectacular when healthy. But that’s the issue — he’s always hurt. He’ll be a weapon for QB Tyler Shough, whose injury history in college was worse than Tyson’s.
9. Cleveland (OT, WR, QB, IOL)
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah, 6-51⁄2, 311, 4.91, VJ: 32
GM Andrew Berry did it again. Last year he moved from No. 2 overall to No. 5 in a trade with the Jaguars, who took Travis Hunter. But that haul handed the Browns a first-round pick this year. This year’s deal wasn’t as rich. However, the Browns still filled a coveted spot at OL. Fano can play along the entire line, and that should be valuable for a team that lost all of its starters from the previous season.
10. New York Giants (LB, WR, DI)
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami,
6-51⁄2, 329, 5.10, VJ: 29
Powerful offensive lineman who plays right tackle, a spot that’s manned by Jermaine Eluemunor, who got a three-year, $39 million deal. Mauigoa could move to guard initially and eventually take over at tackle.
11. Dallas (DB, LB, DI, ED, S)
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State, 6-0, 206, 4.36
Can’t wait!! That phrase was probably uttered in the Cowboys’ war room. They made sure they got Downs by trading with the Dolphins to move up one spot and land a dynamic top-10 prospect. He’s an enforcer who should be a ringleader of the back end of the Cowboys defense. This is a great get for a team that needed help on that side of the ball.
12. Miami (DB, DL, OL, WR)
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama, 6-7, 352, 5.21, BP: 25, VJ: 321⁄2
Any pick will help a team that’s been gutted. Proctor, who once weighed 390 pounds, has the ability to play guard or tackle and could line up next to last year’s second-round pick in guard Jonah Savaiinaea. Proctor just needs to stay motivated so he can play at his optimum weight.
13. Los Angeles Rams (WR, OT, LB)
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama, 6-1, 211, 4.40
The biggest shocker of the draft. The Rams are in a win-now mode so how does this help them reach the Super Bowl on their homefield this season? A receiver would have been a better option, especially with the situation surrounding Puka Nacua and the age of Davante Adams. Simpson has only 15 college starts and is now under immense pressure to be ready to be QB2 behind MVP Matthew Stafford.
14. Baltimore (IOL, WR, E, DL)
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State, 6-4, 320, VJ: 311⁄2
Oh, a perfect fit. He’s rough, tough, nasty, built like a house, like a typical AFC North player.
15. Tampa Bay (LB, E, TE)
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami, 6-2, 263, A: 307⁄8
Toughness is not a question, arm length is. But the Bucs fill a need with a prospect who was viewed as a top-10 player. He’s relentless.
16. New York Jets (QB, WR, E)
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, 6-3, 241, 4.39, BP: 26, VJ: 431⁄2
Well, now the Jets have two highly drafted tight ends in Sadiq and Mason Taylor, a second-round selection last season. The Jets have a good WR in Garrett Wilson, a good RB in Breece Hall, a pretty good offensive line. QB Geno Smith needs to elevate this crew, or else it could cost him and coach Aaron Glenn their jobs.
17. Detroit (OT, E, LB, IOL)
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson, 6-7, 317, 5.04, BP: 32; VJ: 32
A quality, four-year starter who should slot into right tackle as Penei Sewell moves to LT. He has quick feet, a good kick slide and gets down to the second level.
18. Minnesota (DI, C, S)
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida, 6-6, 327, 5.04, VJ: 32
Just a recurring football injury has been holding him down. When healthy he can dominate, displaying good hands and the ability to disengage from blockers and penetrate.
19. Carolina (LB, S, C)
Monroe Freeling, OT, 6-7, 315, 4.93, VJ: 331⁄2
A highly talented offensive tackle who could develop into a cornerstone of the O-line, which is in flux as Ikem Ekwonu, the sixth overall pick in 2022, recovers from a ruptured patellar tendon suffered during the playoffs.
20. Philadelphia (E, WR, OL)
Makai Lemon, WR, Southern California, 5-11, 192, 4.46, H: 83⁄4
Divisional enemies became frenemies on draft day. The Eagles traded with the Cowboys and moved up from No. 23 to No. 20 to get a fleet WR in the mold of the other Philly WR DeVonta Smith. Lemon is a playmaker who could have gone higher, like to the Rams at No. 13. This can only mean A.J. Brown will be headed to the Patriots or elsewhere.
21. Pittsburgh (QB, OT, WR)
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona St., 6-6, 330, 4.91, BP: 25, VJ: 301⁄2
This newbie to the game of football — started after high school — has major upside. But he might have to learn quickly as Broderick Jones’ neck injury has been reported to be much worse than earlier reported.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (G, E, WR)
Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami, 6-3, 259, DNP in 40 at Pro Day
A tough physical-type of rusher. Not a quick-footed elusive type. He’ll take on blockers, fitting coach Jim Harbaugh’s personality.
23. Dallas (DB, LB, DI, E, S)
Malachi Lawrence, DE, 6-4, 253, 4.52, VJ: 40
Explosive off the edge, with 19 sacks over last three seasons. Lawrence could be a standup edge rusher who fits nicely in the new 3-4 defense that was solidified along with the line with the trade acquisitions of Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary.
24. Cleveland (OT, WR, QB, IOL)
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M, 6-0, 196
Brings juice to an offense with the ball in his hands, or when he’s able to hold onto the ball. He’s had some drop issues in college, but he’s explosive, creates separation and can return punts, a sore issue for the Browns last season.
25. Chicago (DL, S, C, LB)
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon, 6-0, 201, 4.35, BP: 18, VJ: 41
A team on the rise, with an ascending offense behind Caleb Williams and coach Ben Johnson, just needed help on the defensive side. They filled a void in the secondary with a talented play-making safety who played a deep safety while at Purdue and a roving safety while at Oregon.
26. Houston (LB, S, WR, DI, LB)
Kaylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech, 6-4, 318, 5.05, VJ: 321⁄2
Traded up from No. 28 with Buffalo and landed a favorite of many draft prognosticators. He has a good lower, powerful base. Rutledge has a nasty disposition and likes putting players on the ground.
27. Miami (DB, DL, OL, WR)
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State, 6-0, 193, 4.4, BP: 17, VJ: 38
Traded up with the 49ers to get a Day 1 starter on a team with no starting-level cornerbacks.
Competitive, good closing speed when beat deep, sticky on short and intermediate patterns.
28. New England (DL, TE, OT)
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah, 6-6, 313, 4.99, VJ: 321⁄2
Found a trade partner in the division with the Buffalo Bills, who moved down for the second time in the first round. Lomu played left tackle for the Utes but could transition to guard since Will Campbell seems to be entrenched at LT despite a tough Super Bowl. But Lomu isn’t sturdy right now and gets pushed back on occasion. He should be fine once he gets more strength.
29. Kansas City (CB, DL, WR, G, T)
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson, 6-21⁄2, 298, BP: 34, VJ: 29
The stock of all Clemson players went down because of their disappointing season. But Woods and other Clemson players entered the season as top prospects. Woods, a first team All-ACC player, sheds blockers well but seems light for an inside defensive tackle.
30. New York Jets (QB, WR, E)
Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana, 6-0, 199, 4.42, VJ: 37
A solid, sure-handed, complete receiver who can break tackles like Deebo Samuel. The Jets roster looks solid with three first-round picks in David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq and Cooper. They’ll have fifth-year options on all of them. The Jets moved into this spot by trading with the 49ers, who had only six picks coming in but now have the first pick in the second round.
31. Tennessee (IOL, E, RB)
Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn, 6-6, 276, 4.67, BP: 17, VJ: 35
The Titans made OC Brian Daboll happy with the pick of Carnell Tate and then made head coach Robert Saleh happy with the pick of Faulk, a solid base defensive end with high upside. The Titans traded with the Bills, who, like the 49ers, traded twice and out of the first round.
32. Seattle (RB, OG, S, CB)
Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame, 5-11, 203, 4.49, BP: 21, VJ: 35
This is not a surprise. Most felt that the targets would be at corner, since the Super Bowl champs lost two to free agency. But they also have no bell cow running back. They lost Super Bowl MVP RB Kenneth Walker III to the Chiefs in free agency and Zach Charbonnet to a torn ACL in the playoffs. Price was the second-rated running back next to teammate Jeremiyah Love. Some even contended that he was a more natural runner than Love.
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Wide receiver Carnell Tate being the first Ohio State player picked. Quarterback Ty Simpson being the 13th pick. The 49ers and Bills making multiple trades to get out of the first round.
Here’s a wrapup of the first round (rounds 2-3 will be held today, with rounds 4-7 on Saturday).
1. Las Vegas (QB, DI, CB, G)
Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana, 6-5, 238, H: 91⁄2
Joe Flacco-type stature and arm but with sneaky mobility. Tends to take too many violent hits, which happened against Ohio State and Miami (both blows to the head) in both seasons. Great face-of-the-franchise leader. He’s the definition of what it means to be “all in.”
2. NY Jets (QB, WR, E)
David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech, 6-4, 251, A: 333⁄4, 4.5, VJ: 35
Brings instant pass rush to the Jets, which should help translate to some rushed throws and maybe some interceptions, something the Jets shockingly didn’t register in 2025. New York’s previous pick came against Miami during the 2024 season.
3. Arizona (QB, OL, LB)
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, 6-0, 212, 4.36
Many considered Love the best player in the draft. The Cardinals are deep in running backs with James Conner and Tyler Allgeier but any team that’s in the same division with the Seahawks, Rams and 49ers will need to run the ball. When Conner went down with injury last year, the Cardinals’ season went downhill.
4. Tennessee (IOL, E, RB)
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State, 6-2, 192, H: 101⁄4, 4.53
First stunner of the draft. Tate might have been the fourth-best Ohio State player in the draft — behind Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs — but was the first one off the board. OC Brian Daboll got the makings of an offense with Tate and QB Cam Ward, last year’s No. 1 overall pick.
5. New York Giants (LB, WR, DI)
Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State, 6-4, 241, A: 321⁄2, 4.46
The Giants were in a no-lose situation, with the options of having Reese or Sonny Styles. Well, they did lose out on Love or Tate. Reese’s versatility should be a boost to a defense that already has quality rush ends in Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
6. Kansas City (CB, DL, WR, G, T)
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, 6-0, 187, 4.38
The Chiefs got a shutdown-type corner in a desperately needy position after they lost both cornerbacks (Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson) to the Rams. Delane came at a cheap price, too. It only took a third- and a fifth-round pick to move up to the Browns’ spot from No. 9.
7. Washington (DL, DB, WR)
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State, 6-5, 244, 4.46, VJ: 431⁄2
GM Adam Peters, an assistant GM with the 49ers, got his Fred Warner. Like Warner, who would cover receivers while at BYU, Styles did the same as a former safety. He roams the entire field with his athleticism.
8. New Orleans (WR, DL, CB)
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State, 6-2, 203, BP: 26
Tyson was a late riser, with many analysts saying Tyson could move into the top 10, or even top five. He’s spectacular when healthy. But that’s the issue — he’s always hurt. He’ll be a weapon for QB Tyler Shough, whose injury history in college was worse than Tyson’s.
9. Cleveland (OT, WR, QB, IOL)
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah, 6-51⁄2, 311, 4.91, VJ: 32
GM Andrew Berry did it again. Last year he moved from No. 2 overall to No. 5 in a trade with the Jaguars, who took Travis Hunter. But that haul handed the Browns a first-round pick this year. This year’s deal wasn’t as rich. However, the Browns still filled a coveted spot at OL. Fano can play along the entire line, and that should be valuable for a team that lost all of its starters from the previous season.
10. New York Giants (LB, WR, DI)
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami,
6-51⁄2, 329, 5.10, VJ: 29
Powerful offensive lineman who plays right tackle, a spot that’s manned by Jermaine Eluemunor, who got a three-year, $39 million deal. Mauigoa could move to guard initially and eventually take over at tackle.
11. Dallas (DB, LB, DI, ED, S)
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State, 6-0, 206, 4.36
Can’t wait!! That phrase was probably uttered in the Cowboys’ war room. They made sure they got Downs by trading with the Dolphins to move up one spot and land a dynamic top-10 prospect. He’s an enforcer who should be a ringleader of the back end of the Cowboys defense. This is a great get for a team that needed help on that side of the ball.
12. Miami (DB, DL, OL, WR)
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama, 6-7, 352, 5.21, BP: 25, VJ: 321⁄2
Any pick will help a team that’s been gutted. Proctor, who once weighed 390 pounds, has the ability to play guard or tackle and could line up next to last year’s second-round pick in guard Jonah Savaiinaea. Proctor just needs to stay motivated so he can play at his optimum weight.
13. Los Angeles Rams (WR, OT, LB)
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama, 6-1, 211, 4.40
The biggest shocker of the draft. The Rams are in a win-now mode so how does this help them reach the Super Bowl on their homefield this season? A receiver would have been a better option, especially with the situation surrounding Puka Nacua and the age of Davante Adams. Simpson has only 15 college starts and is now under immense pressure to be ready to be QB2 behind MVP Matthew Stafford.
14. Baltimore (IOL, WR, E, DL)
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State, 6-4, 320, VJ: 311⁄2
Oh, a perfect fit. He’s rough, tough, nasty, built like a house, like a typical AFC North player.
15. Tampa Bay (LB, E, TE)
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami, 6-2, 263, A: 307⁄8
Toughness is not a question, arm length is. But the Bucs fill a need with a prospect who was viewed as a top-10 player. He’s relentless.
16. New York Jets (QB, WR, E)
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, 6-3, 241, 4.39, BP: 26, VJ: 431⁄2
Well, now the Jets have two highly drafted tight ends in Sadiq and Mason Taylor, a second-round selection last season. The Jets have a good WR in Garrett Wilson, a good RB in Breece Hall, a pretty good offensive line. QB Geno Smith needs to elevate this crew, or else it could cost him and coach Aaron Glenn their jobs.
17. Detroit (OT, E, LB, IOL)
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson, 6-7, 317, 5.04, BP: 32; VJ: 32
A quality, four-year starter who should slot into right tackle as Penei Sewell moves to LT. He has quick feet, a good kick slide and gets down to the second level.
18. Minnesota (DI, C, S)
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida, 6-6, 327, 5.04, VJ: 32
Just a recurring football injury has been holding him down. When healthy he can dominate, displaying good hands and the ability to disengage from blockers and penetrate.
19. Carolina (LB, S, C)
Monroe Freeling, OT, 6-7, 315, 4.93, VJ: 331⁄2
A highly talented offensive tackle who could develop into a cornerstone of the O-line, which is in flux as Ikem Ekwonu, the sixth overall pick in 2022, recovers from a ruptured patellar tendon suffered during the playoffs.
20. Philadelphia (E, WR, OL)
Makai Lemon, WR, Southern California, 5-11, 192, 4.46, H: 83⁄4
Divisional enemies became frenemies on draft day. The Eagles traded with the Cowboys and moved up from No. 23 to No. 20 to get a fleet WR in the mold of the other Philly WR DeVonta Smith. Lemon is a playmaker who could have gone higher, like to the Rams at No. 13. This can only mean A.J. Brown will be headed to the Patriots or elsewhere.
21. Pittsburgh (QB, OT, WR)
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona St., 6-6, 330, 4.91, BP: 25, VJ: 301⁄2
This newbie to the game of football — started after high school — has major upside. But he might have to learn quickly as Broderick Jones’ neck injury has been reported to be much worse than earlier reported.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (G, E, WR)
Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami, 6-3, 259, DNP in 40 at Pro Day
A tough physical-type of rusher. Not a quick-footed elusive type. He’ll take on blockers, fitting coach Jim Harbaugh’s personality.
23. Dallas (DB, LB, DI, E, S)
Malachi Lawrence, DE, 6-4, 253, 4.52, VJ: 40
Explosive off the edge, with 19 sacks over last three seasons. Lawrence could be a standup edge rusher who fits nicely in the new 3-4 defense that was solidified along with the line with the trade acquisitions of Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary.
24. Cleveland (OT, WR, QB, IOL)
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M, 6-0, 196
Brings juice to an offense with the ball in his hands, or when he’s able to hold onto the ball. He’s had some drop issues in college, but he’s explosive, creates separation and can return punts, a sore issue for the Browns last season.
25. Chicago (DL, S, C, LB)
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon, 6-0, 201, 4.35, BP: 18, VJ: 41
A team on the rise, with an ascending offense behind Caleb Williams and coach Ben Johnson, just needed help on the defensive side. They filled a void in the secondary with a talented play-making safety who played a deep safety while at Purdue and a roving safety while at Oregon.
26. Houston (LB, S, WR, DI, LB)
Kaylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech, 6-4, 318, 5.05, VJ: 321⁄2
Traded up from No. 28 with Buffalo and landed a favorite of many draft prognosticators. He has a good lower, powerful base. Rutledge has a nasty disposition and likes putting players on the ground.
27. Miami (DB, DL, OL, WR)
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State, 6-0, 193, 4.4, BP: 17, VJ: 38
Traded up with the 49ers to get a Day 1 starter on a team with no starting-level cornerbacks.
Competitive, good closing speed when beat deep, sticky on short and intermediate patterns.
28. New England (DL, TE, OT)
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah, 6-6, 313, 4.99, VJ: 321⁄2
Found a trade partner in the division with the Buffalo Bills, who moved down for the second time in the first round. Lomu played left tackle for the Utes but could transition to guard since Will Campbell seems to be entrenched at LT despite a tough Super Bowl. But Lomu isn’t sturdy right now and gets pushed back on occasion. He should be fine once he gets more strength.
29. Kansas City (CB, DL, WR, G, T)
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson, 6-21⁄2, 298, BP: 34, VJ: 29
The stock of all Clemson players went down because of their disappointing season. But Woods and other Clemson players entered the season as top prospects. Woods, a first team All-ACC player, sheds blockers well but seems light for an inside defensive tackle.
30. New York Jets (QB, WR, E)
Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana, 6-0, 199, 4.42, VJ: 37
A solid, sure-handed, complete receiver who can break tackles like Deebo Samuel. The Jets roster looks solid with three first-round picks in David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq and Cooper. They’ll have fifth-year options on all of them. The Jets moved into this spot by trading with the 49ers, who had only six picks coming in but now have the first pick in the second round.
31. Tennessee (IOL, E, RB)
Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn, 6-6, 276, 4.67, BP: 17, VJ: 35
The Titans made OC Brian Daboll happy with the pick of Carnell Tate and then made head coach Robert Saleh happy with the pick of Faulk, a solid base defensive end with high upside. The Titans traded with the Bills, who, like the 49ers, traded twice and out of the first round.
32. Seattle (RB, OG, S, CB)
Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame, 5-11, 203, 4.49, BP: 21, VJ: 35
This is not a surprise. Most felt that the targets would be at corner, since the Super Bowl champs lost two to free agency. But they also have no bell cow running back. They lost Super Bowl MVP RB Kenneth Walker III to the Chiefs in free agency and Zach Charbonnet to a torn ACL in the playoffs. Price was the second-rated running back next to teammate Jeremiyah Love. Some even contended that he was a more natural runner than Love.
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