NFL draft 2026: Mendoza goes No 1 as Rams surprise with move for QB Ty Simpson at No 13

The story of the first round of the 2026 NFL draft surrounded a quarterback but it wasn’t No 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

As expected, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Mendoza with the first pick on Thursday after he led Indiana to the national title last season. But the shock of the night came when the Los Angeles Rams picked another quarterback, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, at No 13. The Rams current starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford, was named NFL MVP last season and Simpson was projected to be a second-round pick by many analysts. However, Stafford turned 38 in February and the Rams are starting to plan for life without him.

Simpson started just 15 games in college but he exuded confidence after the Rams selected him.

“Absolutely, I am confident,” Simpson said. “That’s why I decided to come [to the draft in person]. You know with the offensive infrastructure we had in Alabama with other coaches and the offensive system, the weight room, everything was set up to better you for the NFL. And that’s why I stayed at ’Bama.”

With Rams head coach Sean McVay on his side and Stafford to learn from for at least the next season or two, his new team are giving him a long leash to develop, a good plan for a player whom many doubted could start early.

Meanwhile, Mendoza wasn’t in Pittsburgh for the festivities, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at home in Miami. He’ll be heading to Las Vegas on Friday to begin an NFL career that may have seemed improbable when few colleges were interested in him coming out of high school.

“The last five months have been such a blessing by God, and I can’t thank Him enough,” Mendoza said. “I’m just looking forward to getting to work, prove it at the next level. College was fantastic. I’m so blessed to have that career, but now I step into a great game, the NFL. Look forward to proving and earning it every single day.”

Mendoza wasn’t even a prominent prospect at this time last year. But he had a sensational season with the Hoosiers, completing 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Still, there are plenty of doubts about him in a quarterback-thin draft class. He’s determined to prove any critics wrong again.

Mendoza’s selection was expected for months. The intrigue began at No 2 with the New York Jets, who selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State edge Arvell Reese. The Jets had two further picks in the first round, using them on offensive weapons. The Jets selected the top tight end in the draft at No 16, taking Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq. They later traded with the 49ers to take Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr at No 30, drawing loud cheers from their fans in the crowd.

David Bailey was the second player picked on Thursday. Photograph: Gene J Puskar/AP

The Giants took Reese at No 5, adding a potential elite rusher less than a week after trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati. “It’s surreal to me,” Bailey said. “It’s an awesome opportunity. I just want to get in there and be a sponge and soak up everything.”

Arizona took Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third pick. Love is the highest running back selected since Saquon Barkley went No 2 to the New York Giants in 2018.

Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate was picked fourth by Tennessee in a surprise move that gives QB Cam Ward – last year’s No 1 overall pick – a top target.

The Chiefs traded up to No 6 to take LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Kansas City sent Cleveland the ninth pick along with Nos 74 and 148 to move up. Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles went seventh to Washington, improving a defense that allowed the most yards in the league last season.

New Orleans selected Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No 8, giving QB Tyler Shough a 1-2 punch with Chris Olave. Utah’s Spencer Fano was the first offensive lineman chosen, going to Cleveland with the ninth pick. The Giants followed up with another offensive tackle, taking Miami’s Francis Mauigoa at No 10.

The Cowboys moved up one spot to select versatile Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No 11. Dallas sent Miami a pair of fifth-rounders and the 12th pick. The Dolphins took Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. Baltimore chose Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane at No 14 with a pick they had traded to the Raiders for Maxx Crosby but regained when they voided the trade.

Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr was selected by Tampa Bay with the 15th pick, giving the Buccaneers’ dismal pass rush a possible game-changer who was considered a top-10 talent.

“I know I’m the best in the country,” Bain said. “I can do anything I put my mind to because of my mindset.”

Detroit moved up one spot to take Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th pick. The Lions swapped picks with division rival Minnesota, who chose Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, once expected to be a top-10 pick, was chosen by Carolina at No 19.

The Eagles moved up to 20th in another pick swap involving division rivals and took USC wideout Makai Lemon. Dallas got Philadelphia’s 23rd pick plus two fourth-rounders for No 20 and a seventh. Lemon thought he was heading to the Steelers.

“Pittsburgh called me and I thought they were going to draft me and then the Eagles called at the same time. I guess it was meant to be. I’m super excited to be in Philly,” Lemon said.

Mendoza is the fourth straight quarterback selected No. 1 overall following Cam Ward, Caleb Williams and Bryce Young. It’s the 10th time in 12 years a QB was the first pick. None of those 10 have won a Super Bowl, though Jared Goff and Joe Burrow each started one.