2026 NFL Draft Day 1 Recap: Mendoza Leads Raiders, Buckeyes Shine, Rams' Surprising QB Pick

DAY 1 Draft Recap

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and it was a night defined by a historic Heisman winner, a shocking quarterback succession plan in Los Angeles, and a massive run on Ohio State talent.

Here is the recap of the major storylines and picks from opening night in Las Vegas.

## 1. The Mendoza Era Begins in Vegas

As widely anticipated, the **Las Vegas Raiders** used the No. 1 overall pick to select Indiana quarterback **Fernando Mendoza**. Mendoza, the first-ever Heisman winner in Indiana history, enters the league coming off a legendary season where he led the Hoosiers to a national title.

The pick marks a franchise-defining moment for the Raiders, who are betting on Mendoza’s elite accuracy and pocket presence to lead the "Silver and Black" back to contention under Klint Kubiak's offense.

## 2. The Shock of the Night: Rams Take Ty Simpson

While Mendoza at No. 1 was expected, the **Los Angeles Rams** provided the evening's biggest curveball. Despite veteran Matthew Stafford coming off an MVP season, the Rams selected Alabama QB **Ty Simpson** at No. 13 overall.

Most analysts projected Simpson as a second-round talent, but Sean McVay clearly saw his future starter. With Stafford currently in contract extension talks, this pick sends a massive signal about the Rams' long-term transition plan.

## 3. The Buckeyes Dominate the Top 10

Ohio State flexed its muscle as a developmental powerhouse, seeing four players taken in the first 11 picks.

* **WR Carnell Tate** went No. 4 to the **Tennessee Titans**, providing a premier weapon for their young offense.

* **EDGE Arvell Reese** was scooped up at No. 5 by the **New York Giants**.

* **LB Sonny Styles** went No. 7 to the **Washington Commanders**.

* **S Caleb Downs** rounded out the early Buckeye run at No. 11 to the **Miami Dolphins**.

## 4. Notable Trades and Slides

The **Kansas City Chiefs** made the first aggressive move of the night, trading up from No. 9 to No. 6 in a swap with the Cleveland Browns to snag LSU cornerback **Mansoor Delane**. The move bolsters a secondary that looks to remain elite.

Meanwhile, Miami edge rusher **Rueben Bain Jr.** saw a surprising slide. Once projected as a top-10 lock, Bain fell to the **Baltimore Ravens** at No. 15. While off-field concerns regarding a 2024 car accident may have played a role in the slide, the Ravens likely feel they secured the steal of the draft.

### 2026 NFL Draft: Top 10 Results

|---|---|---|---|---|

| 6 | Chiefs | Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU |

2 days agoEdited to

The first day of the 2026 NFL Draft brought a whirlwind of excitement and unexpected turns that truly highlight the shifting dynamics in the league. As a longtime football enthusiast who follows the draft closely, I found this year particularly fascinating due to the blend of historic achievements and strategic gambles. Fernando Mendoza’s selection as the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders isn’t just a milestone for the franchise but a significant moment for Indiana football. Seeing a Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana lead a franchise gives fans plenty to be optimistic about. Mendoza’s precision and calm under pressure, traits I have observed through numerous college highlights, suggest the Raiders are investing wisely in a quarterback who can thrive in Klint Kubiak’s offensive scheme. One of the most talked-about surprises was the Los Angeles Rams picking Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall. Many analysts anticipated Simpson to be a later-round pick, but Sean McVay’s decision underscores a clear vision for the Rams' future despite Matthew Stafford's recent MVP-caliber season. The team is clearly preparing for a transition, and Simpson's arrival is a bold statement about relying on developing talent to sustain success. Ohio State's strong presence in the first round reaffirms their legendary status as a talent factory. Players like Carnell Tate, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs showcase the Buckeyes’ ability to consistently produce NFL-ready athletes. From watching their college careers, I’ve noticed how Ohio State players often bring leadership and versatility to the professional level, which explains why four players landed in the top 11 picks. The moves by the Kansas City Chiefs trading up to snag Mansoor Delane demonstrate how motivated some teams are to strengthen key areas such as their secondary. Such proactive strategies often pay dividends in tough divisions. Lastly, the unexpected slide of Rueben Bain Jr. to the Baltimore Ravens highlights how off-field issues can impact draft position, yet the Ravens may have landed an exceptional edge rusher who could be a valuable asset. This reminds me how teams weigh risks against talent, hoping their scouting insights translate into future successes. Reflecting on the 'AP SPORTS DRAFT NFL 2026' scene, the draft continues to be an electrifying event where franchises bet on potential, and fans get a glimpse of the NFL's next generation. Whether it’s historic first picks, surprising quarterback moves, or the dominance of powerhouse collegiate programs, this draft day sets the tone for an exhilarating season ahead.