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The 2026 NFL draft began Thursday night in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. (on ESPN/ABC/ESPN App).
We will be tracking all 257 picks for Rounds 1-7, and you also can check out all the best available draft prospects.
The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and concludes with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday (noon ET).
ESPN’s team of reporters will submit pros and cons below for each of the 32 players selected in Thursday’s first round.
More coverage:
Top prospects at every position
Kiper’s position rankings
Why they picked him: With the Raiders in the midst of a rebuild, they needed a long-term answer at quarterback, and Mendoza has the potential to fill this need. His skill set is a natural fit for new coach Klint Kubiak’s offense, and the two can develop into a strong pairing for years to come. Similar to most quarterbacks coming out of college, Mendoza will have to adjust to playing under center. But his decision-making and accuracy should carry him a long way.
Biggest question: Even though general manager John Spytek and Kubiak prefer letting a young quarterback sit until ready, the best players will ultimately play. The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins ahead of the draft, giving the organization insurance at the position. The best-case scenario is that Cousins begins the season as the starter before Mendoza takes over for the rest of the way, similar to Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart with the New York Giants last year. — Ryan McFadden
Read more on Raiders picks over all seven rounds
Why they picked him: Did you see what opposing quarterbacks did to the Jets last season? We’re talking 36 touchdown passes and zero interceptions. The Jets’ pass rush was so benign (26 sacks) that the safest place in the stadium was the pocket behind center. Bailey should change that. In 2025, he led the FBS in sacks (14.5) and quarterback pressure percentage (20.4%). His outside speed is real and should attract double-teams, creating one-on-ones for the interior rushers. The Jets haven’t had a consistent, double-digit sack threat in a decade. Bailey needs to be that guy.
Biggest question: Did they blow it by passing on Arvell Reese? Most talent evaluators believe Reese has a higher ceiling than Bailey. Another question will be about Bailey’s liability against the run. By his own admission, this is an area where he needs to improve. He had only eight run stops (tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage) in 14 games. The Jets will leave themselves vulnerable against the run if they roll with Bailey (251 pounds) and Will McDonald IV (245) as their two edge defenders. — Rich Cimini
Read more on Jets picks over all seven rounds
Why they picked him: Love gives the Cardinals even more offensive skill talent for first-year head coach Mike LaFleur to utilize. Love is a dynamic back, who will slide into the RB1 role immediately. Arizona has a number of other needs that will help the Cardinals win in 2026 but Arizona can build around Love and will complement the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and Trey McBride.
Biggest question: Having a talent such as Love in the backfield could lead to offensive fireworks, if Arizona can both protect the quarterback — whoever it might — and block for Love. Arizona has a major need at right tackle, so addressing the offense from the outside in is a major risk for a general manager on the hot seat with a first-year head coach. — Josh Weinfuss
Read more on Cardinals picks over all seven rounds
Why they picked him: The Titans took Tate because they want to add playmakers for QB Cam Ward. Tate is a complete receiver who developed into a downfield threat last season. He averaged 32.5 yards per touchdown last season with five scores of 40 or more yards. It’s a relatively safe pick for the Titans, who are banking on his continued development as a pass catcher. He’ll get to work with wide receivers coach Greg Lewis and figures to settle in at the No.1 receiver for Ward. Tate is also a willing blocker.
Biggest question: How will Tate adjust to being the No.1 receiver? As the No.4 pick, Tate will be asked to immediately become the No.1 receiver. That’s new territory for him after serving as the No. 2 wideout at Ohio State alongside Jeremiah Smith. The coverage is going to be rolled towards Tate now. He’ll also face the opposing team’s top cover corner when they see man defense. How Tate adjusts to the new defensive focus on him will be the key to his success. The good thing is he’ll have an accomplished playcaller in Brian Daboll and veteran receivers Wan’Dale Robinson and Calvin Ridley to show him the way. — Turron Davenport
Read more on Titans picks over all seven rounds
Why they picked him: Quite simply, he’s one of the best prospects in this draft. The Giants didn’t expect him to be available when they selected fifth. Reese projects primarily as an edge rusher but also has played inside linebacker at Ohio State. He can move around the field and is a unique athlete, having run the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds at 241 pounds. As general manager Joe Schoen reported back at the NFL scouting combine: “You can’t have enough pass rushers.” That applies here.
Biggest question: How do the Giants fit Reese into the mix? They already have edge rushers Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the roster. This would seem to put Thibodeaux’s future in further doubt. Thibodeaux is set to play this season on his fifth-year option. A trade could be on the horizon. Even with Burns, Carter and Reese it will be a challenge for new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson to get the talented rookie on the field enough to justify this high pick. — Jordan Raanan
Read more on Giants picks over all seven rounds
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