The first round of the 2026 NFL draft was one of the more eventful ones in recent memory.
Eight trades took place — three of which included the Buffalo Bills — and the New York Jets (3), Tennessee Titans (2), Kansas City Chiefs (2), Cleveland Browns (2), New York Giants (2), Dallas Cowboys (2), and Miami Dolphins (2) all ended up with multiple first-round picks.
Several teams fared well, while others made some head-scratching moves. Below are the five biggest winners from Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft.
New York Jets
GettyDavid Bailey was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft
Round 1, No. 2 overall: David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech
Round 1, No. 16 overall: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Round 1, No. 30 overall: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The Jets got who many believe to be the best pure pass-rusher in the draft class in David Bailey, who totaled 81 pressures, 43 hurries, 23 QB hits, 19.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery last season.
Having Sadiq fall in their laps was also a huge win for the Jets. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder is a wide receiver in a tight end’s body. He ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, he physically overpowers most defensive backs, he can run any route, and he’s got the athleticism to play anywhere and catch any pass.
Cooper thrived playing with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, showcasing his ability as a dynamic slot receiver. He’s explosive, has good burst and acceleration off the line of scrimmage, and he’s a bona-fide downfield threat.
New York Giants
GettyArvell Reese was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft
Round 1, No. 5 overall: Arvell Reese, Edge-Rusher, Ohio State
Round 1, No. 10 overall: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Having Reese fall into their laps in the middle of the top 10 was a coup for the Giants, who now have a formidable pass-rush with Reese, Brian Burns, 2025 third overall pick Abdul Carter, and 2022 fifth overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Mauigoa was considered the top tackle prospect in the draft class, and he should be a clear upgrade over starting right tackle Jermain Eluemunor. He’s got strong hands and a solid base. Maiugoa doesn’t get beat easily, and he’s got the size and power to drive defenders off the ball and open up running lanes and keep a clean pocket.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
GettyRueben Bain was the No. 15 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft
Round 1, No. 15 overall: Rueben Bain, DE, Miami
Bain was projected to go in the top 10, and some scouts are still convinced he’s the top pass-rusher in the class. The way the first 14 picks fell, Tampa lucked into what could be the steal of the first round. Bain has non-stop motor, he plays with a nasty edge to his game, and he has the power and speed to bully offensive linemen into the backfield.
Philadelphia Eagles
GettyMakai Lemon was the No. 20 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft
Round 1, No. 20 overall: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
What makes landing Lemon, who was projected not to make it out of the top 15, even sweeter for the Eagles is the fact that they drafted him thanks to a trade with the division rival Dallas Cowboys, and they took him right out from under the Pittsburgh Steelers’ noses. Lemon should be a perennial 1,000-yard receiver in the NFL, and selecting him frees Philadelphia up to trade A.J. Brown after June 1.
Tennessee Titans
GettyCarnell Tate was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft
Round 1, No. 4 overall: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Round 1, No. 31 overall: Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Passing on Reese was a bit puzzling at first, but the Titans clearly are prioritizing setting 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward up for success. Tate is an excellent route runner who attacks defensive backs and puts them on their back feet from the jump. He’s explosive, has excellent hands, can make catches in traffic, and above all, he gives Ward a reliable WR1 option.
Getting Faulk at the back end of Round 1 makes passing on Reese justifiable. Faulk has the perfect blend of speed, strength, and power. He often beats lineman on the first step, he knows how to shed blocks, and he flat out knows how to get to the quarterback. Faulk will make the perfect complement opposite Jermaine Johnson, a former first-round pick who the team acquired via trade with the New York Jets.
Biggest Winners From Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft