The 2026 NFL draft concluded with 257 players chosen, ranging from Fernando Mendoza to Red Murdock, as teams completed months of evaluation and preparation.
While some rookies will make immediate impacts, others will require development time, and not every draftee will secure a roster spot. The Associated Press has released preliminary evaluations for each franchise’s draft performance, though definitive assessments won’t be possible for several years.
The Arizona Cardinals selected running back Jeremiyah Love as a special talent and immediate improvement, though choosing him third overall raises questions about positional importance. Offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (34th pick) should create opportunities for Love, while interior defensive lineman Kaleb Proctor (104th) shows promise. In a weak quarterback class, they took an early chance on Carson Beck (65th).
Atlanta secured first-round caliber talent in the second round with cornerback Avieon Terrell (48th), who will play alongside his brother AJ Terrell in the secondary. Wide receiver Zachariah Branch (79th) brings playmaking ability to the slot, and linebacker Kendal Daniels (134th) should contribute on special teams at minimum.
Baltimore addressed immediate needs with guard Olaivavega Ioane (14th) as a day-one starter. Edge rusher Zion Young (45th) was frequently projected for the first round. They added size at receiver with Ja’Kobi Lane (80th) and Elijah Sarratt (115th), while tight end Matthew Hibner (133rd) addresses a position of need.
Buffalo traded their first-round selection, accumulated additional picks, and still landed talented edge rusher T.J. Parker (35th). Cornerback Davison Igbinosun (62nd) provides depth, while offensive tackle Jude Bowry (102nd), wide receiver Skyler Bell (125th), and linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr (126th) fill specific requirements.
Carolina found excellent value with offensive tackle Monroe Freeling (19th), who was often considered a top-10 prospect and fits the prototypical left tackle mold. Defensive lineman Lee Hunter (49th) can disrupt plays from the interior. Their day-three selections include wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (83rd), cornerback Will Lee III (129th), offensive lineman Sam Hecht (144th), and safety Zakee Wheatley (151st).
Chicago addressed a critical need with safety Dillon Thieneman (25th) in the first round. Center Logan Jones (57th) was selected earlier than anticipated, while tight end Sam Roush (69th) specializes in run blocking. Wide receiver Zavion Thomas (89th) enhances the return game, and cornerback Malik Muhammad represents solid value.
The New York Giants didn’t possess a first-round pick after trading the 10th overall selection for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. They acquired edge rusher Cashius Howell (41st), who received first-round evaluations. Cornerback Tacario Davis (72nd) also strengthens a struggling defense. Center Connor Lew (128th) could start after being found in the fourth round, and 6-foot-5 wide receiver Colbie Young (140th) adds size to a deep receiving corps.
Green Bay traded down, accumulated additional selections, and assembled an impressive overall collection. Offensive tackle Spencer Fano (9th) will start immediately, while wide receiver KC Concepcion (24th) possesses all necessary tools. They selected another receiver in the second round with Denzel Boston (39th). Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (58th) carried first-round grades. Offensive tackle Austin Barber (86th) provides line depth and flexibility. Center Parker Brailsford (146th) fills a need, and linebacker Justin Jefferson (149th) brings athleticism and talent.
Houston made an excellent defensive move by trading up one spot to secure the draft’s top safety, Caleb Downs, at 11th overall. Moving back three positions to 23rd might have cost them a better option, but they ended up with Malachi Lawrence, who wasn’t universally considered first-round material. Edge rusher Jaishawn Barham (92nd), cornerback Devin Moore (114th), and edge rusher LT Overton (137th) give new defensive coordinator Christian Parker additional talent to develop. Offensive tackle Drew Shelton (112th) has significant upside.
Denver’s first selection came in the third round with defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim (66th). Running back Jonah Coleman (108th) adds depth, offensive lineman Kage Casey (111th) offers versatility, and tight end Justin Joly (152nd) provides a downfield receiving threat. Denver had already acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle via trade before the draft.
Detroit filled a major need with offensive tackle Blake Miller (17th). Edge rusher Derrick Moore (44th) remains in Michigan and brings energy to the pass rush. Linebacker Jimmy Rolder (118th) is another Michigan player staying local. Cornerback Keith Abney II (157th) and wide receiver Kenrick Law (168th) represent solid value selections.
Green Bay acquired first-round talent with cornerback Brandon Cisse (52nd). Defensive tackle Chris McClellan (77th) provides needed run-stopping ability. Edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton (120th) could prove to be a fourth-round steal, while versatile offensive lineman Jager Burton (153rd) matches the offense’s character.
Houston boosted a problematic area with offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (26th) after two weak seasons. Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (36th) is an elite run defender who complements edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Tight end Martin Klein (59th) was a reach, but Febechi Nwaiwu (106th) is a versatile offensive lineman. Linebacker Wade Woodaz (123rd) has good potential, and safety Kamari Ramsey (141st) offers value.
Indianapolis filled a significant need with linebacker CJ Allen (53rd), who was projected higher, giving the Colts excellent value. Safety A.J. Haulcy could start as a rookie. Offensive lineman Jalen Farmer (113th) is powerful and versatile. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher (135th) and edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. (156th) have development potential in Lou Anarumo’s defense.
Jacksonville selected Texas A&M teammates with their first two picks. Tight end Nate Boerkircher (56th) is physical and will enhance the running game, though the Jaguars needed defensive help. Defensive lineman Albert Regis (81st) primarily defends against the run from the interior. Offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon (88th) has strong potential. Safety Jalen Huskey (100th) and edge rusher Wesley Williams (119th) provide depth at positions of need. Tight end Tanner Koziol (164th), wide receiver Josh Cameron (191st), and wide receiver CJ Williams (203rd) give Liam Coen additional offensive options.
Kansas City traded up three spots and surrendered a third-round pick to acquire needed cornerback Mansoor Delane (6th). They found Chris Jones’ potential replacement later in the first round with defensive lineman Peter Woods (29th). Edge rusher R Mason Thomas (40th) is a speedy pass rusher. Cornerback Jadon Canady (109th) strengthens a depleted secondary. Running back Emmett Johnson (161st) and wide receiver Cyrus Allen (176th) provide decent fifth-round value.
Las Vegas quarterback Fernando Mendoza won’t play immediately, but the Raiders don’t need to wait to see this draft class’s impact. Cornerbacks Treydan Stukes (38th) and Keyron Crawford (67th) will contribute right away. Offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III (91st) fits new coach Klint Kubiak’s system. Cornerback Jermod McCoy (101st) is among the draft’s best prospects who fell only due to injury concerns. Running back Mike Washington Jr. (122nd) could form a tandem with Ashton Jeanty. Safety Dalton Johnson (150th), cornerback Hezekiah Masses (175th), and wide receiver Malik Benson (195th) add depth.
Los Angeles Chargers selected edge rusher Akheem Mesidor (22nd), who performed like a top-10 pick at Miami. Offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (63rd) seems questionable since the Chargers signed center Tyler Biadasz. Speedy wide receiver Brenen Thompson (105th) stretches the field. Offensive tackle Travis Burke (117th) and safety Genesis Smith (131st) completed a productive fourth round. They further strengthened the trenches with defensive lineman Nick Barrett (145th) and offensive linemen Logan Taylor (202nd) and Alex Harkey (206th).
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson might become a franchise player, but using the 13th pick on someone who won’t play until Matthew Stafford retires is difficult to justify instead of selecting someone who could help a Super Bowl run. Tight end Max Klare (61st) is talented but doesn’t address an immediate void. Offensive lineman Keagen Trost (93rd) is a 25-year-old prospect providing depth. Wide receiver CJ Daniels (197th) could succeed in Sean McVay’s offense. Defensive tackle Tim Keenan III (232nd) stops the run.
Miami’s offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (12th) could become dominant. Cornerback Chris Johnson (27th) gives Jeff Hafley’s defense a secondary anchor. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (43rd) has high potential. They reached for wide receiver Caleb Douglas (75th), projected for middle day-three, but found great value with wide receiver Chris Bell (94th). Tight end Will Kacmarek (87th), linebacker Kyle Louis, and safety Michael Taaffe (158th) are among a 13-player haul. Wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (177th) could be a fifth-round gem.
Minnesota defensive tackle Caleb Banks is superb but recovering from two foot surgeries. Linebacker Jake Golday (51st) could thrive under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Defensive lineman Domonique Orange (82nd) adds depth. Offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan (97th) is versatile and ready. Safety Jakobe Thomas (98th) is dynamic. The Vikings traded to acquire speedy running back Demond Claiborne (198th), potentially the highlight among four day-three selections.
New England got offensive tackle Caleb Lomu (28th), considered the draft’s best by some analysts, making this potentially a steal. Edge rusher Gabe Jacas (55th) has immediate contribution talent. Tight end Eli Raridon (95th) and offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover (196th) strengthen both positions. Quarterback Behren Morton (234th) was among five other picks.
New Orleans wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is tremendously talented but needs to stay healthy to justify the eighth overall selection. Defensive lineman Christen Miller (42nd) will help stop the run. Tight end Oscar Delp (73rd) fits Kellen Moore’s scheme. Wide receiver Bryce Lance (136th) highlights the Saints’ day-three picks. Cornerbacks Lorenzo Styles Jr. (172nd) and TJ Hall (219th) are value picks with potential.
The New York Giants selected foundation players with edge rusher Arvell Reese (5th) and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa (10th). Cornerback Colton Hood (37th) is first-round talent. Wide receiver Malachi Fields (74th) could have gone higher. Defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis (186th), offensive tackle J.C. Davis (192nd), and linebacker Jack Kelly (193rd) complete an impressive group in John Harbaugh’s first draft with the Giants.
The New York Jets chose David Bailey over Reese (2nd) as the first of three first-rounders. Kenyon Sadiq (16th) is the draft’s best tight end. They traded up for wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (30th) to give the Jets another playmaker with Garrett Wilson. Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds (50th) resembles coach Aaron Glenn. Defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. (103rd) and offensive lineman Anez Cooper (188th) strengthen the trenches. They took a chance on quarterback Cade Klubnik (110th) in the fourth round.
Philadelphia took wide receiver Makai Lemon (20th) from the Steelers but surrendered two fourth-rounders to move up three spots. Tight end Eli Stowers (54th) lacks size but offers offensive versatility. Offensive tackle Markel Bell (68th) is a developmental talent. They finally selected a Georgia player in the sixth round with offensive lineman Micah Morris (207th). Quarterback Cole Payton (178th) is intriguing for a team that values backups.
Pittsburgh will be remembered for the Lemon situation but acquired considerable talent among a 10-player class. Offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (21st) gives Aaron Rodgers or any quarterback more protection if he starts immediately. Wide receiver Germie Bernard (47th) compensates for losing Lemon. Quarterback Drew Allar (76th) seems like a reach, but cornerback Daylen Everette (85th) and guard Gennings Dunker (96th) have high potential. Wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (121st) should be a dynamic returner. Safety Robert Spears-Jennings (224th) could be the best day-three selection.
San Francisco traded out of the first round and selected wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (33rd) to begin the second. Edge rusher Romello Height (70th) should improve a pass rush that recorded the fewest NFL sacks. Running back Kaelon Black (90th) could give Christian McCaffrey rest. They added offensive tackles Carver Willis (127th) and Enrique Cruz Jr. on day three. Defensive tackle Gracen Halton (107th) provides significant interior help.
Seattle running back Jadarian Price (32nd) replaces Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker. Safety Bud Clark (64th) also fills a void. Cornerback Julian Neal (99th) is tough and physical, ideal for this defense. Cornerback Andre Fuller (236th) might be a discovery among five day-three picks.
Tampa Bay edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (15th) gives the Buccaneers a desperately needed pass rusher. Linebacker Josiah Trotter (46th) plays Todd Bowles’ defensive style. Wide receiver Ted Hurst (84th) has size but can’t be expected to replace Mike Evans. Safety Keionte Scott (116th) is a physical tackler who can help the secondary. Offensive lineman Billy Schrauth (160th) is talented and represents solid fifth-round value.
Tennessee made Carnell Tate the first wide receiver selected (4th) instead of taking Reese or another impact defender. But they traded back into the first round for edge rusher Keldric Faulk (31st). Linebacker Anthony Hill (60th) is a versatile plug-and-play athlete. Offensive lineman Fernando Carmona (142nd) can play multiple positions. Running back Nicholas Singleton (165th) has potential to be a fifth-round steal. Defensive lineman Jackie Marshall (184th) fits well with Robert Saleh.
