The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft delivered a few surprises. After two chalk picks, the Arizona Cardinals bucked convention by selecting running back Jeremiyah Love third.
Ten selections later, the Los Angeles Rams made a bold move by taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13.
Unexpected Selections and Interesting Fits
Carnell Tate is expected to be Cam Ward’s new target in Tennessee. However, questions remain whether the Titans truly wanted the player selected one pick before Tate.
Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. falling to the Buccaneers at pick No. 15 was surprising. It is thought that he’s in an excellent scheme and Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles is creative with his fronts, so Bain will move into different positions.
Trades and Defensive Moves
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs falling out of the top 10 wasn’t a complete surprise. The Dallas Cowboys traded up to select him. New Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker saw firsthand the impact that Cooper DeJean made for the Eagles.
Offensive Line and Linebacker Considerations
If the Detroit Lions were going to replace Taylor Decker by moving Penei Sewell from right tackle to left, they needed a right tackle. They found a good one in Clemson’s Blake Miller. Miller stood out because of his toughness and aggressiveness and should be a starter when the season begins.
Ohio State’s Sonny Styles should fit well at linebacker with Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders, who inject badly needed young leadership into their defense.
By the time the Seattle Seahawks ended the first round with the selection of running back Jadarian Price, we saw a slew of trades, surprising slides and some interesting fits.