The 2026 NFL Draft is formally in full swing after Thursday night time’s opening spherical in Pittsburgh.
Whereas the highest of the draft order principally stayed true to type and didn’t ship many surprises, there have been some first-round picks that stood out greater than others and raised some eyebrows.
Listed here are the 5 most head-scratching picks from the primary spherical:
Arizona Cardinals working again Jeremiyah Love (No. 3 total)
Love had been one of the crucial fascinating gamers because the draft approached. That was evident by the Cardinals deciding to pick him third total and passing up a chance to deal with wants on the offensive line and at edge-rusher.
At that time, linebacker Arvell Reese was nonetheless on the board, along with a number of choices for an OL improve. As an alternative, the Cardinals centered on a place they didn’t must so quickly within the draft, particularly in case you contemplate the recent history of RBs going in the top three.
Love’s expertise is obvious, but when Arizona doesn’t put the items round him, this doesn’t appear like a right away repair.
This not as a lot to do with Proctor and extra concerning the Dolphins passing up alternatives to draft security Caleb Downs or native fan-favorite Reuben Bain Jr.
The upside is there with Proctor, particularly if he’s given time to develop. Nevertheless, the Dolphins let a number of key gamers go elsewhere and determined to take the prospect on Proctor after swapping picks with the Dallas Cowboys.
Coming into the draft, many projections had Simpson both going within the second spherical or late within the first spherical, doubtlessly with a group transferring as much as get him. Neither of these situations occurred on Thursday when the Rams took him with the thirteenth total choose.
There isn’t any denying Simpson’s athleticism and arm expertise, however there have been a lot different positions of want that the Rams might have addressed first. For example, USC broad receiver Makai Lemon was a preferred choose to deal with some depth points on the WR place.
As an alternative of specializing in different positions and taking a better projected participant, the Rams elected to go together with Simpson as a long-term option at QB behind veteran Matthew Stafford. It might work out ultimately, but it surely was a stunning selection by a group with different wants.
The Vikings had many areas of want getting into Thursday, together with at DT. That alone makes their resolution to draft the Florida DT at No. 18 one which is smart in that regard.
With that mentioned, he was extensively projected to be mid-to-late second-round choose. Banks boasted the longest recorded wingspan on the mix since 1999 and provides a whole lot of energy to the defensive position at 6-foot-6, 327 kilos. A left foot fracture previous to the mix, although, raises some doubts and makes this a dangerous choose in the mean time.
Dallas Cowboys edge Malachi Lawrence (No. 23 total)
What makes this choice at No. 23 fascinating is the truth that Dallas inherited the choose after its NFC East-rival Philadelphia Eagles swapped picks and drafted Lemon at No. 20 to bolster its WR room.
Moreover, the Cowboys chosen a participant who was projected to go within the second spherical and has hassle turning the nook constantly towards tackles. There’s actually some upside there for a rebuilding protection, but in addition a low flooring for a first-round choose.
