Pros and cons of every pick in Round 1: How each player fits with his new team

Open Extended Reactions

The 2026 NFL draft began Thursday night in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. (on ESPN/ABC/ESPN App).

We will be tracking all 257 picks for Rounds 1-7, and you also can check out all the best available draft prospects.

The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and concludes with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday (noon ET).

ESPN's team of reporters will submit pros and cons below for each of the 32 players selected in Thursday's first round.

More coverage:
Top prospects at every position
Kiper’s position rankings

Round 1 picks / order

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Why they picked him: With the Raiders in the midst of a rebuild, they needed a long-term answer at quarterback, and Mendoza has the potential to fill this need. His skill set is a natural fit for new coach Klint Kubiak's offense, and the two can develop into a strong pairing for years to come. Similar to most quarterbacks coming out of college, Mendoza will have to adjust to playing under center. But his decision-making and accuracy should carry him a long way.

Biggest question: Even though general manager John Spytek and Kubiak prefer letting a young quarterback sit until ready, the best players will ultimately play. The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins ahead of the draft, giving the organization insurance at the position. The best-case scenario is that Cousins begins the season as the starter before Mendoza takes over for the rest of the way, similar to Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart with the New York Giants last year. — Ryan McFadden

Read more on Raiders picks over all seven rounds

2. New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

Why they picked him: Did you see what opposing quarterbacks did to the Jets last season? We're talking 36 touchdown passes and zero interceptions. The Jets' pass rush was so benign (26 sacks) that the safest place in the stadium was the pocket behind center. Bailey should change that. In 2025, he led the FBS in sacks (14.5) and quarterback pressure percentage (20.4%). His outside speed is real and should attract double-teams, creating one-on-ones for the interior rushers. The Jets haven't had a consistent, double-digit sack threat in a decade. Bailey needs to be that guy.

Biggest question: Did they blow it by passing on Arvell Reese? Most talent evaluators believe Reese has a higher ceiling than Bailey. Another question will be about Bailey’s liability against the run. By his own admission, this is an area where he needs to improve. He had only eight run stops (tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage) in 14 games. The Jets will leave themselves vulnerable against the run if they roll with Bailey (251 pounds) and Will McDonald IV (245) as their two edge defenders. Rich Cimini