The first round of the 2026 NFL draft delivered several surprises, with the Los Angeles Rams making the biggest shock by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. The move raised eyebrows across the league, as Simpson started only 15 games in college and was considered a fringe first-round prospect.
Rams Reach for Stafford's Successor
The Rams' decision to pick Simpson left even their own head coach seemingly unenthusiastic. Sean McVay appeared less than thrilled at the post-pick press conference, and Simpson later revealed he had never met McVay. However, Rams general manager Les Snead had told Simpson he was a first-round talent, and Snead stuck to his word.
The pick makes some sense given the Rams' championship window. With Matthew Stafford nearing retirement, the team needed a long-term solution at quarterback. However, selecting Simpson at No. 13 was a reach. Historically, quarterbacks with 15 or fewer college starts rarely succeed, and Simpson's size (6ft 1in, 211lb) is also a concern. Only Drew Brees and a few athletic outliers have thrived at that size.
Simpson is talented, with experience in a pro-style system and a willingness to push the ball downfield. But he lacks elite athleticism, and his durability is questionable after a rib injury derailed his second half of the 2025 season. Pairing with McVay and learning from Stafford is an ideal landing spot, but Simpson needs playing time to develop.
Cowboys Crush It on Defense
The Dallas Cowboys entered the night with two first-round picks and a clear mandate to fix their defense. They traded up to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11, a home run pick. Downs is a versatile defender who can cover from the slot or deep, stop the run, and blitz effectively. He was the best read-and-react defender in college football and adds playmaking to a re-made Dallas unit.
With their second pick, the Cowboys traded back and still landed UCF edge-rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23. Lawrence brings explosive speed off the ball and has drawn comparisons to former Cowboys great DeMarcus Ware. Though not as refined as other edge prospects, Lawrence has the potential to be the most impactful pass-rusher from this class.
A League of Big Men
Nine offensive linemen were selected in the first round, reflecting a strong class and league-wide emphasis on the trenches. Spencer Fano (Browns), Francis Mauigoa (Giants), and Kadyn Proctor (Dolphins) went early, followed by guards Olaivavega Ioane (Ravens) and Keylan Rutledge (Texans). Proctor, at 6ft 6in and 352lb, is a massive athlete with All-Pro potential if he maintains his weight.
The Electric Jets
The New York Jets made three first-round picks, all focused on adding speed. They started with Texas Tech edge-rusher David Bailey at No. 2, a pass-rush specialist with unteachable first-step quickness. At No. 16, they selected Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, a freak athlete with explosive acceleration. They closed the night with Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30, a tough, shifty slot receiver with a hint of Puka Nacua's style.
The Jets addressed their lack of playmakers on offense and an aging defense, injecting game-breaking speed into their roster.
A Faster-Paced Draft
The NFL reduced the time between picks to eight minutes, resulting in a snappy first round that wrapped up in just over three hours. The faster pace added drama and tension, making the broadcast more engaging for fans. While teams may have less time to make franchise-altering decisions, the league deserves credit for improving the overall viewing experience.
