The first round of the NFL is over, and while some of the picks played out as expected, there were some shocking moves, selections, and slides that took place Thursday night.
While we wait for Round 2 to commence later today, we’re going to take a look at a few of the biggest moves and storylines of Round 1, including a player that’s likely on the way out from his current team, and a player still on the board whose slide could continue well into Day 2.
Fernando Mendoza Goes #1
The No. 1 overall pick is in, and it’s the one everyone expected. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is the latest quarterback tasked with becoming the face of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mendoza is the Raiders’ first No. 1 pick since JaMarcus Russell, one of the biggest busts in NFL history. He’s not a lock, but he’s a very different type of prospect and should have time to develop. Klint Kubiak has already indicated that Kirk Cousins will open the season as QB1.
4 Buckeyes Go in Top 11
Carnell Tate, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs were all selected within the first 11 picks, tying a record for the most college teammates taken that high in a single draft.
The order was a surprise. Many expected Reese to go No. 2 to the Jets, and few had Tate landing at No. 4 with the Titans. Either way, it’s a strong statement for Ohio State’s program and its continued ability to develop top-end talent ready for the next level.
Ty Simpson Headed to LA
A surprise to some and a foregone conclusion to others, Ty Simpson went No. 13 to the Los Angeles Rams. Most projections had him either landing in Los Angeles or sliding toward the end of the first round.
Rams GM Les Snead, who helped convince Simpson to enter the draft, got his guy. With Matthew Stafford still in place, the Rams can afford to take a long-term approach, giving Simpson time to develop under the tutelage of Sean McVay.
Rueben Bain Jr. Falls to #15
Bain Jr. was widely expected to go in the Top 10, and in some cases the Top 5, just weeks ago. His slide appears tied to reports of his involvement in a 2024 car crash that resulted in the death of a fellow student.
Whether it was those concerns or questions about his measurements at the Combine, the Buccaneers were able to land him at No. 15. Bain looked focused on stage, and could enter the league with added motivation after the fall.
Eagles Trade Up for Makai Lemon, AJ Brown Expected to be Gone
No pick in the first round generated more storylines than the Eagles selecting USC’s Makai Lemon at No. 20. In a rare deal between division rivals, Philadelphia swapped first-round picks with the Dallas Cowboys and sent two fourth-rounders in the process.
The bigger takeaway is what the move could mean for A.J. Brown. After a season that included reported issues with coaches and quarterback Jalen Hurts, Brown’s future in Philadelphia is uncertain. Trade speculation, including a potential post-June 1 move to New England, continues to build.
Lemon now joins DeVonta Smith and newly acquired Dontayvion Wicks in what will be a reshaped receiver room.
Jermod McCoy Falls Out of First Round
McCoy, the standout corner from Tennessee, was widely expected to go in the Top 15 before a major knee injury cost him the entire 2025 season. Even after that, his film had him projected in the early-to-mid first round as the top corner in the class.
That changed quickly. Reports surfaced just days before the draft that McCoy’s knee may be in worse shape than initially believed, with concerns extending beyond the torn ACL. His slide, similar to what we saw with Will Johnson, reflects how wary teams are about his long-term outlook.
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