Overview of 2026 NFL Draft first round recap
The Athletic Football Show crew recapped the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft by sorting the picks into superlatives rather than going selection-by-selection. The big themes were: fewer blockbuster trades than expected, several teams aggressively targeting specific roster fits, and a handful of picks that sparked real debate about positional value and long-term planning.
Favorite Picks and Best Values
Reuben Bain to the Buccaneers
The panel loved Tampa Bay landing Reuben Bain at No. 15. Their take: Bain is a rare, one-of-one edge rusher whose slide turned into an ideal value for a team with a major need. Jason Licht’s reaction said it all — the Bucs felt like they got a gift.
Caleb Downs to the Cowboys
Caleb Downs at No. 11 was another favorite because he immediately upgrades the spine of Dallas’ defense. The group liked both the value and the fit, calling him a smart, high-floor addition who should be a starter-level player for a long time.
Dylan Thieneman to the Bears
Dylan Thieneman falling to Chicago at No. 25 was viewed as a major win. The crew thought he fit the Bears’ long-term plan on the back end and could help transform the secondary alongside Kobe Bryant.
Sonny Styles to Washington
Washington’s selection of Sonny Styles was praised as a clean roster fit. The staff liked that he brings a distinct skill set they didn’t already have in the linebacker room and could become the “heart” of the defense.
Costco All-Stars: Teams That Stockpiled in Round 1
Browns
Cleveland got a lot of love for trading back and still landing the tackle and receiver they wanted. The Browns’ first-round haul was seen as a strong offensive reboot: tackle first, then a dynamic pass catcher, while still adding extra draft capital.
Cowboys
Dallas also earned praise for maneuvering around the board, getting Caleb Downs and then recouping more picks later. The crew liked the aggression and the way the Cowboys maximized value despite limited premium capital.
Giants
The Giants were viewed as one of the clear winners after getting Arvell Reese and Maui Noah. The panel thought both players fit the roster well and gave New York two young building blocks with real upside.
Titans
Tennessee was singled out for getting Carnell Tate and Keldric Faulk. The crew loved the idea that the Titans walked away with both a major receiving weapon and a disruptive defensive lineman.
Jets
The Jets were the only team to come away with three players, and the panel found their haul intriguing even if the fit was a little messy. The main question was how the pieces would all be deployed, especially on offense.
“What the F*** Were They Thinking?” Picks
Ty Simpson to the Rams
This was the most debated selection of the night. The Rams taking Ty Simpson at No. 13 sparked a long discussion about whether this was a responsible long-term bet or a poor use of premium draft capital for a team in win-now mode.
Key tension points:
- He likely won’t play right away, so the pick was made for the future.
- The Rams could have used that selection on a player who helps them immediately.
- Some panelists thought the Rams were thinking like a stable franchise protecting the future; others thought it was the wrong way to use such a valuable pick.
Arizona taking a running back
The Cardinals drafting Jeremiah Love was another major eyebrow-raiser. The argument against it was straightforward: Arizona’s roster is not in a place where a first-round running back should be the priority, especially with premium positions like pass rusher and offensive tackle still needing attention.
Caleb Lomu to the Patriots
The Patriots’ pairing of Caleb Lomu and Will Campbell on the tackle spots was viewed as odd and hard to get excited about. The concern wasn’t just fit — it was whether that combination gives New England enough edge and physicality at two premium positions.
Biggest Surprises of Night One
Caleb Banks to the Vikings
Banks going in the first round surprised the crew because of the injury history and uncertainty around his health. The Vikings clearly took a traits-based swing on a player with rare tools and big upside.
Arvell Reese falling to No. 5
Several panelists were stunned Reese lasted that long. They felt he could easily have been the best player in the draft and considered him one of the best defensive fits of the night for New York.
Emmanuel McLaurin still on the board
Bruce Feldman called out Emmanuel McLaurin still being available as a surprise, viewing him as a top-25 type talent who should not have lasted that long.
Best Pairings and Fits
Peter Woods and Chris Jones
The Chiefs pairing Peter Woods with Chris Jones was one of the most exciting defensive fits. The crew thought it gave Woods a great developmental environment and a chance to grow without huge early expectations.
Carnell Tate and the Saints
New Orleans landing Carnell Tate was described as a “hell yeah” fit. The idea of him as a safety valve alongside Chris Olave really clicked for the panel.
Keilan Rutledge and the Texans
Houston’s selection of Keilan Rutledge was praised as an attitude-setting offensive line move. The crew liked his toughness, versatility, and the possibility that he helps reshape the identity of the offense in front of C.J. Stroud.
Blake Miller and the Lions / Monroe Freeling and the Panthers
Both offensive tackle picks were viewed as strong fits:
- Blake Miller to Detroit: a steady, reliable right tackle opposite a freak athlete in Penei Sewell.
- Monroe Freeling to Carolina: a high-upside, toolsy tackle who could become a major piece for the Panthers down the line.
Main Takeaways
- The first round had fewer huge trades than expected, but plenty of small moves and smart maneuvering.
- Several teams leaned hard into fit and upside rather than consensus value.
- The biggest debate of the night was whether the Rams were being prudent or reckless with Ty Simpson.
- A lot of the best-reviewed picks were players who landed in clear, logical roles rather than abstract “best player available” spots.
Looking Ahead
The crew closed by teasing more live draft coverage for Rounds 2 and 3, noting that some of the biggest unanswered questions — especially around quarterback and offensive line value — will continue to shape how the rest of the draft is judged.