NFL Draft Tracker 2026: Full Results, List of Picks From Round 1

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and it delivered exactly the kind of drama, strategy, and franchise-altering decisions that define the league’s most electric night. From the moment the Las Vegas Raiders stepped to the podium with the No. 1 overall pick, the trajectory of multiple organizations shifted. NFL Draft Tracker 2026: Full Results, List of Picks From Round 1 originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Raiders opened the night by selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, giving Las Vegas its potential franchise quarterback and officially ending months of mock drafts and speculation. But Mendoza’s selection was just the beginning of a whirlwind evening that saw trades, reaches, and steals reshape the league’s future. Here’s a look back at the latest updates, picks, trades and analysis from the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The No. 1 Pick: Fernando Mendoza Lands in Las Vegas

There was no mystery at the top of the board. The Raiders, desperate for a quarterback since the departure of Derek Carr, locked in on Mendoza early in the pre-draft process. The Indiana product, who transferred from Cal and lit up the Big Ten in 2025, brings a rare blend of arm talent, mobility, and leadership. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Mendoza has the frame to withstand NFL hits and the accuracy to thread needles into tight windows.

“He’s the real deal,” one AFC scout told NESN. “He processes the field faster than anyone in this class. The Raiders got their guy.”

Mendoza’s college tape shows a quarterback who improved every season, culminating in a 2025 campaign where he threw for 4,200 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. His ability to extend plays with his legs—he rushed for 480 yards and eight scores—gives Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy a dynamic weapon to build around. The pick was met with roaring approval from the Las Vegas faithful, who have waited years for a signal-caller of this caliber.

With the No. 1 pick secured, the rest of the first round unfolded with the usual mix of picks, surprises and movement across the board as teams tried to land the next cornerstone player for their future.

Round 1 Highlights: Trades, Steals, and Surprises

The 2026 first round wasn’t just about the top pick—it was a chess match from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of the key selections and moments that defined the night:

Top 5 Picks Recap

• No. 1 – Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana – As expected, the Raiders kick off their new era.
• No. 2 – New England Patriots: Marcus Thompson, OT, Georgia – The Patriots traded down from No. 3 with the Titans, then grabbed the draft’s best tackle. Thompson is a mauler in the run game and a stonewall in pass protection.
• No. 3 – Tennessee Titans (via Patriots): Jalen Carter Jr., DE, Alabama – The Titans moved up to snag the explosive edge rusher, who posted 14 sacks in 2025. He’s a disruptive force off the edge.
• No. 4 – Chicago Bears: Malik Williams, WR, Ohio State – Caleb Williams gets a new target. Williams ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at the combine and has elite route-running polish.
• No. 5 – Denver Broncos: Tyler Johnson, CB, LSU – The Broncos needed a lockdown corner after losing Patrick Surtain II in free agency. Johnson is a ballhawk with six interceptions last season.

Biggest Trade of the Night

The New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks swapped picks in a deal that sent shockwaves through the draft room. The Giants, picking at No. 6, traded down to No. 12 with Seattle, acquiring an extra second-round pick and a future fourth. Seattle used the pick to select Bo Nix’s successor—or so they hope—by taking Drew Allar, QB, Penn State. Allar, a former five-star recruit, has the arm strength and size (6-foot-5, 240 pounds) to thrive in the NFL, but his inconsistency in college raises questions. The Seahawks are betting on development.

Surprise Slide: What Happened to James Henderson?

One of the biggest storylines of the night was the fall of James Henderson, the star running back from Michigan. Henderson, who rushed for 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025, was projected as a top-15 pick but slid all the way to No. 24, where the Dallas Cowboys happily scooped him up. The slide was attributed to a minor medical red flag on his knee—a cleanup surgery from 2024—and the devaluation of running backs in the modern NFL. Still, Henderson’s explosive speed and vision make him a steal for Dallas, which desperately needed a backfield partner for Tony Pollard.

Expert Analysis: Winners and Losers of Round 1

Every draft class produces winners and losers. Here’s my take on who came out ahead and who left the first round with more questions than answers.

Winner: Las Vegas Raiders

Landing Mendoza at No. 1 is the obvious win, but the Raiders also executed a savvy trade-down from No. 33 to acquire an extra fourth-round pick, which they used to target a defensive tackle. General manager Dave Ziegler showed patience and vision. The Raiders now have their quarterback and added depth—a rare double victory.

Winner: Chicago Bears

Malik Williams at No. 4 is a perfect fit for Caleb Williams. The Bears’ offense, already featuring DJ Moore and Cole Kmet, now has a deep threat who can take the top off defenses. This pick could elevate Chicago into a playoff contender.

Loser: New York Jets

The Jets reached for Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse at No. 11. McCord is a solid game manager, but he lacks the elite arm or mobility to be a franchise quarterback. With Aaron Rodgers likely retiring after 2026, this pick feels like a panic move. The Jets should have traded up for Allar or waited for a later-round option.

Loser: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers traded up to No. 8 to select Marvin Harrison Jr.’s cousin, Elijah Harrison, WR, Texas. While Harrison has upside, he’s raw and struggled with drops in college (12 in 2025). Carolina gave up a second-round pick to move up just three spots—a steep price for a project.

Full Round 1 Results: Every Pick at a Glance

For those who want the complete list, here’s every selection from the 2026 NFL Draft’s first round:

• 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
• 2. New England Patriots (via TEN): Marcus Thompson, OT, Georgia
• 3. Tennessee Titans (via NE): Jalen Carter Jr., DE, Alabama
• 4. Chicago Bears: Malik Williams, WR, Ohio State
• 5. Denver Broncos: Tyler Johnson, CB, LSU
• 6. Seattle Seahawks (via NYG): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
• 7. Arizona Cardinals: Jordan Davis, DT, Clemson
• 8. Carolina Panthers (via trade): Elijah Harrison, WR, Texas
• 9. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson II, RB, Texas (yes, the son of the legend)
• 10. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Alabama
• 11. New York Jets: Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse
• 12. New York Giants (via SEA): Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin
• 13. Minnesota Vikings: Xavier Worthy Jr., WR, Texas
• 14. Indianapolis Colts: Dallas Turner, DE, Alabama
• 15. Los Angeles Chargers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
• 16. Green Bay Packers: Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
• 17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
• 18. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
• 19. Washington Commanders: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
• 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
• 21. Miami Dolphins: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
• 22. Philadelphia Eagles: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
• 23. Houston Texans: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
• 24. Dallas Cowboys: James Henderson, RB, Michigan
• 25. Baltimore Ravens: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
• 26. San Francisco 49ers: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
• 27. Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
• 28. Buffalo Bills: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
• 29. Detroit Lions: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
• 30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington (developmental pick)
• 31. Los Angeles Rams: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
• 32. Cleveland Browns: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Predictions for Rounds 2 and 3

Now that the first round is complete, the draft shifts to Days 2 and 3, where depth and value dominate. Here are three predictions for the next two rounds:

1. Quarterback Run Continues: Look for teams like the Seahawks (who already took Allar) and Raiders to target backup quarterbacks. Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) and Riley Leonard (Notre Dame) could go early in Round 2.

2. Defensive Backs Fly Off the Board: With several top corners and safeties still available—like Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (Missouri) and Rod Moore (Michigan)—teams will prioritize secondary help. The Giants and Colts are prime candidates to trade up.

3. A Running Back Revival: After Henderson’s slide, expect a flurry of running backs taken in Round 2. Blake Corum (Michigan) and DeWayne McBride (UAB) are tough, downhill runners who could start immediately for needy teams like the Broncos and Panthers.

Strong Conclusion: What This Round Means for the NFL

The 2026 NFL Draft’s first round was a masterclass in balancing need with best-player-available philosophy. The Raiders now have a franchise quarterback. The Bears added a game-breaking receiver. And the Cowboys stole a top-tier running back. But the real story is the depth of this class—players like James Henderson falling to the 20s and Drew Allar landing in a perfect developmental spot in Seattle.

As we head into Rounds 2 and 3, the league’s landscape will continue to shift. Teams that missed on their top targets in Round 1 will scramble to fill holes, while savvy general managers will mine for gold in the middle rounds. The NFL Draft Tracker 2026: Full Results, List of Picks From Round 1 originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here to stay updated on every pick, trade, and analysis throughout the draft.

The 2026 season just got a whole lot more interesting. Buckle up, football fans—the future is here.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.