The 2026 NFL Draft is here — and the first round is in the books.
QB Fernando Mendoza was picked No. 1 by the Raiders, while the Jets took linebacker David Bailey at No. 2 and tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16. The Giants took Arvell Reese at No. 5 and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa at No. 10, the pick they got for trading Dexter Lawrence.
The Jets later traded back into the first round to take wideout Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30.
Follow The Post’s live updates from the 2026 NFL Draft for a complete list of first-round picks and analysis.
Matthew Stafford’s reward for winning NFL MVP is a ticking clock in the shape of Ty Simpson. The Rams delivered the biggest surprise of the NFL Draft’s first round Thursday when they drafted Simpson at No. 13 and put an early end to the foolish idea that the Alabama quarterback might have to wait until the second round to hear his name called. Malik Nabers was feeling some kind of way about the Giants’ first round in the 2026 NFL Draft. Appearing on “B/R NFL Draft Night” alongside Packers star edge rusher Micah Parsons and host Adam Lefkoe, the young Giants receiver provided his unfettered reaction to his team’s selection of Arvell Reese at No. 5 and when they didn’t take Caleb Downs with the No. 10 pick. Nabers didn’t sound particularly happy about either decision.What to make of Rams’ Ty Simpson surprise and more first-round 2026 NFL Draft takeaways
By Ryan Dunleavy Malik Nabers questions Giants’ first-round decisions in 2026 NFL Draft: ‘Where do you play?’
By Christian Arnold 
The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his grades for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Grade A: The Heisman Trophy and national-championship winner was the no-brainer No. 1 pick during the whole process. He makes quick decisions that lead to accurate throws and is at his best in the fourth quarter. And he oozes toughness.
Grade A-: The Jets went with the best pure pass-rusher (29 career sacks) over the versatile weapon Arvell Reese, who was considered more of a high-ceiling projection. Why did the Jets cancel Bailey’s facility visit? Bailey’s first step is lightning quick.
A look at all the picks made on Thursday night. Who do you think had the best round 1?
All 32 picks from Round 1 📈 pic.twitter.com/xDEHAXQcMM
— NFL (@NFL) April 24, 2026
The No. 2 pick overall by the Jets is excited to take on the Giants. He looks forward to "beating up on" them. That'll be sure to make Giants fans happy!
David Bailey was asked if there is one team specifically that he looks forward to "beating up on"
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) April 24, 2026
"I look forward to beating up on the Giants, probably" 😂 pic.twitter.com/Fwh1tkBWxx
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said 320,000 fans attended tonight's draft in Pittsburgh, setting a round 1 record.
Two Notre Dame running backs go in the first round as the Seahawks take a potential Kenneth Walker replacement in Jadarian Price.
He's a patient, balanced runner with burst, vision, and kick-return upside.
During Indiana's perfect season, Omar Cooper Jr. made one of the most spectacular grabs of the year against Penn State late in the fourth quarter to seal an unbelievable win.
Jets fans might be getting excited about this kid.
His family honored that catch on draft night, too.
Omar Cooper Jr.'s family rocked "CATCH OF THE YEAR" shirts on his NFL draft night 🔥
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 24, 2026
That's tough 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/YmdL2wDhUw
"That is the best catch I've seen all season long."
— NFL (@NFL) April 6, 2026
Omar Cooper Jr.'s game-winner at Penn State was INSANE 😮@indianafootball (via @cfbonfox)
2026 NFL Draft – April 23-25 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/hlWXhUvRBX
Solid value here for the Titans who traded up for this pick. Keldric Faulk is a long, versatile front-seven piece whose tools and frame give him big upside.
Buffalo continues to stack picks as they trade back.
The Jets trade up for another offensive weapon. Cooper Jr. is a tough, explosive receiver who shines at the catch point and after the catch.
The Jets have traded up to the No. 30 pick with the 49ers. 49ers go back to No. 33.
The Chiefs opt to take some more defensive help here with a solid run stopper in Peter Woods from Clemson.
