The Las Vegas Raiders chose Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft's first round on Thursday night in Pittsburgh. The New York Jets followed by selecting Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2, while the Arizona Cardinals made waves by taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love third overall, the highest-drafted RB since 2018. Several trades and high-profile selections marked the early going of the event.
The draft kicked off with little surprise as the Raiders tabbed Mendoza, whom CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner graded an 'A' and described as the best quarterback in college football last season, especially under pressure. New head coach Klint Kubiak gets his franchise quarterback, the first Hoosier selected No. 1 overall since 1938 in a different era of the league. Renner praised Mendoza's fit in Kubiak's offense as a cerebral pocket passer excelling in clutch situations. The Jets opted for Bailey at No. 2, earning a 'C-' grade due to his pass-rushing prowess but inconsistent run defense, overlapping with existing edge defender Will McDonald IV. Arizona's selection of Love at No. 3 drew a 'C+' from Renner, highlighting the running back's superstar potential and elite explosiveness despite positional value concerns for a team without a long-term quarterback. Love, who rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns last year, signs a four-year, $50.5 million rookie deal, joining backs like James Conner in the Arizona backfield. The Tennessee Titans took Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4 ('B' grade), providing weapons for second-year quarterback Cam Ward. The New York Giants bolstered their front seven with Ohio State edge Arvell Reese at No. 5 ('A+'), creating what Renner called the scariest edge-rushing group in the NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs traded up from No. 9 with the Browns to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane at No. 6 ('B-'), addressing secondary needs after offseason losses. Washington added Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7 ('A'), the New Orleans Saints picked Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 despite injury concerns ('B+'), and the Browns chose Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano at No. 9 for his elite zone-blocking skills.
