NFL NationApr 23, 2026, 10:41 PM ETCloseNFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cover the NFL year-round across ESPN.com, ESPN television shows, ESPN Radio, ESPN+ and social media platforms. It was established ahead of the 2013 season.Multiple Authors
Fernando Mendoza: I’m excited to play for the Las Vegas Raiders (0:42)Fernando Mendoza says college was “a blessing,” but shares his motivation to find success in the NFL. (0:42)
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
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.
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
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
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 said back at the NFL scouting combine: “You can’t have enough pass rushers.” That applies here.
Biggest question: Tyson’s injury history is extensive, which could be a concern. Olave, the Saints’ No. 1 wideout, suffered health issues of his own when he had several concussions in 2024. Tyson has had hamstring issues, knee issues, an ankle injury and a broken collarbone. Keeping him healthy will be a top priority for the Saints, who have admitted they are more risk averse when drafting then they might have been in the past. — Katherine Terrell
Biggest question: Is Fano’s future actually at LT? Throughout the draft process, there has been speculation Fano could move inside to guard or tackle because of his sub-33-inch arm length. Cleveland has added a pair of interior linemen this offseason (Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson) but only one offensive tackle (Tytus Howard) — Daniel Oyefusi
Why they picked him: Some people consider Downs the best player in the draft. Others have called him the safest pick in the draft. The Cowboys’ defense needs all kinds of help and Downs can fill spots at safety, but most likely he will be their nickel defender, which is of huge importance for new coordinator Christian Parker. Downs can diagnose things quickly and is unafraid.
Why they picked him: Proctor brings massive size to the field at 6-foot-7, 352 pounds, and gives Miami two of the biggest tackles in the league alongside Patrick Paul. The Dolphins want to run the ball and Proctor is a mauler who can help them do so. With no set starter at right guard and Austin Jackson’s expiring contract at right tackle, Proctor could play both positions over the next two years.
Biggest question: Where will he play? Proctor played left tackle for the Crimson Tide, but it’s unlikely he takes Paul’s job in Miami. Jackson has struggled to stay healthy over the past few seasons but is productive when he’s on the field — so right guard might be Proctor’s clearest path to early playing time. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Why they picked him: The Bucs have sought edgier and more physically imposing players on defense this offseason. Bain gives them that at 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, along with production: He had 9.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for a loss, an interception and a forced fumble this past year en route to winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He also had five sacks in the postseason, showing up for the Hurricanes when it mattered most.
Biggest question: Is he ready for the NFL game? The Cowboys have Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku (their second-round pick last year), Sam Williams and James Houston as their pass rushers to pair with Lawrence. Ezeiruaku is coming off hip surgery and had two sacks last season. Williams, who re-signed as a free agent in the offseason, had one. Houston had 5.5. But for Parker, the new DC, Lawrence is active and fits the profile of what he wants on the edge. — Todd Archer
Why they picked him: The Browns needed to upgrade the wide receiver room, which has been the NFL’s least productive since the 2025 season. Cleveland’s receivers accounted for the fewest receptions, yards and touchdowns last season. KC Concepcion was one of the most dynamic wide receivers in college football and also a threat as a returner.
Biggest question: Can Concepcion fix his issues with drops? His 6.7% drop rate ranked 285th out of qualifying pass catchers. — Daniel Oyefusi
Why they picked him: There is no starting cornerback on the Dolphins’ roster right now and Johnson could take the job from Day 1. He has good size at the position (6-foot, 193 pounds) and ran a 4.4 40-yard dash — so he can keep up with essentially any receiver he lines up across from. He tested through the roof at the combine and possesses the footwork to match his athletic traits. First-year coach Jeff Hafley specializes in coaching defensive backs and now has his potential CB1.
Biggest question: Will his game translate at the next level? It’s low-hanging fruit for any prospect coming out of a group of five conference, but Johnson had limited reps against NFL-caliber competition. Sauce Gardner and Quinyon Mitchell both made the transition smoothly, and the Dolphins hope they found the next great group of five cornerback. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
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.
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 draft’s fourth pick, Tate will be asked to immediately be the Titans’ lead 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
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
Why they picked him: After trading All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams seven weeks ago, the Chiefs have found their new starter in Delane, who has the potential to be a star. One of Delane’s best traits is his coverage ability, especially in press, man-to-man coverage. In 11 games last season, he recorded two interceptions and 13 pass breakups. Delane is also not afraid to be a physical tackle in the open space. With the Chiefs, Delane will be a starter who can help replace the lost production of McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, who are both with the Rams.