NFL Draft 2026: Who's in, who's out after chaotic first round in Pittsburgh

The 2026 NFL Draft was completed with full of trades and surprises on Thursday night, April 23.

In a significant move, the Las Vegas Raiders opted for Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No.1 overall pick.

After the first round, some teams are all in on their future, while others are dangerously close to being counted out.

Who’s in

The Las Vegas Raiders are in without a doubt. With the first overall pick, they drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the winner of the Heisman Trophy, who will be the face of the franchise going forward.

All four teams in the NFC East are in contention now. The New York Giants are in after drafting Arvell Reese from Ohio State and tackle Francis Mauigoa. The Dallas Cowboys are in after trading up to select “transformative” safety Caleb Downs. Even the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders landed top talent.

The Los Angeles Rams are looking to build for the future. By taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick, they've guaranteed themselves their man under center when Matthew Stafford retires.

Who’s out

The New York Jets didn’t find the right path. Despite having three first-round picks, officials panned their haul, calling edge rusher David Bairly at No. 2 a major reach.

Another setback was the Arizona Cardinals. Selecting a running back like Jeremiyah Love with an underperforming offensive line and dire needs defensively made one wonder if the team had already tanked.

The Miami Dolphins disappointed just as much. Following their spending in free agency on a quarterback such as Malik Willis, they didn't provide him with anything worthwhile offensively.

Predictions for round 2 and round 3

As rounds 2 and 3 are approaching, analysts make major predictions.

Starting with Round 2, San Francisco will select Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as their safety selection at No. 33 overall, while Arizona selects Carson Beck as a future starting quarterback at No. 34 overall. 

Buffalo will be taking a chance by selecting Josh Allen's red zone target in Denzel Boston at No. 35 overall, while New York adds to their depth with Jermod McCoy at No. 37 overall. 

Meanwhile, Baltimore is going for yet another falling star in Avieon Terrell at No. 45 overall. Teams that need a quarterback will watch closely as the Steelers draft Garrett Nussmeier at No. 53 overall.

In Round 3, Philadelphia drafts an offensive tackle to help improve their offensive line with Caleb Tiernan at No. 68 overall, while Cleveland takes care of one more defensive player. 

Miami selects tight end Oscar Delp at No. 75 overall, and Pittsburgh looks to continue rebuilding its secondary. As the third round progresses, expect runs on receivers and interior offensive linemen.