The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and while every team had its own agenda, a few franchises clearly came out on top. From a Heisman-winning quarterback to a defensive steal and a future franchise passer, here are the three biggest winners from Thursday night.
Las Vegas Raiders: The Fernando Mendoza Era Begins
The Raiders didn't overthink things with the No. 1 overall pick. They grabbed Indiana's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, and gave their offense a new identity. Mendoza's arm strength, mobility, and leadership make him a perfect fit for the AFC West, where he'll face elite defenses twice a year. The move was predictable but smart—Las Vegas now has its franchise signal-caller for the next decade.
Mendoza's college résumé speaks for itself: He won the Heisman after throwing for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading the Hoosiers to a playoff berth. The Raiders' front office believes he can handle the pressure of playing in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. If Mendoza lives up to the hype, this pick will be remembered as the start of something special in Sin City.
Dallas Cowboys: Steal of the Night at No. 11
The Cowboys might have pulled off the biggest heist of the first round. When Ohio State safety Caleb Downs—a consensus top-five prospect—was still on the board at pick No. 11, Jerry Jones didn't hesitate. Downs, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, racked up 257 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and six interceptions in college. He instantly upgrades a Dallas secondary that needed a playmaker.
But the Cowboys weren't done. Later in the first round, they added UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence, who posted 28 tackles for loss and 20 sacks in his college career. With two impact defenders in one night, Dallas addressed major needs and got incredible value. If Downs and Lawrence develop as expected, the Cowboys' defense could be among the league's best.
For more on the draft's lighter moments, check out how Jordyn Tyson's mom stole the show at the event.
Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson Lands in a Perfect Spot
When the Rams traded up for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, they made a statement about their future. Simpson has all the tools to be a successful NFL starter—arm talent, poise, and athleticism—but he needs time to develop. And there's no better place for him to learn than under Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford.
Simpson himself couldn't hide his excitement. “Two of the greatest minds in offense, especially with Coach McVay and the quarterbacks from an offensive standpoint,” he told ESPN. “And then Matthew is just one of the greatest of all time. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
The Rams are setting themselves up for a smooth transition when Stafford eventually retires. In the meantime, Simpson can absorb everything from a future Hall of Famer and one of the NFL's most innovative coaches. This is a win-win for Los Angeles. For more on what this means for Stafford's timeline, read our analysis on whether Matthew Stafford's clock is ticking.
While the Raiders, Cowboys, and Rams stole the spotlight, other teams made notable moves. The Jets, for instance, loaded up on talent by drafting Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey at No. 2, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16, and Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30. But it was these three franchises that truly aced the first round.
As the draft continues Friday, all eyes will be on how these winners build on their strong starts. For now, fans in Las Vegas, Dallas, and Los Angeles have plenty of reasons to smile.
