As rumored for months, quarterback Fernando Mendoza went to the Raiders to start Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft. But status quo went out the door after that, especially with the Rams throwing a curveball at No. 13.
So with the 32 first-round picks now official, it's time to go over everything that's happened -- the good picks, the overzealous reaches and the teams that perfectly filled their draft needs. NFL draft analysts Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates answered some of the biggest lingering questions. Which trades stood out? Which teams filled their needs best? What are our biggest mock draft regrets?
Jump to a section: Best pick | Most confusing | QB questions Biggest surprise | Mock regrets | Glaring need Best trade | Multiple first-rounders | Love's impact Fantasy WRs | Day 2 lookahead
Who was the best pick of the night?
Miller: Safety Dillon Thieneman to the Bears. No one thought Thieneman would get past the Vikings at No. 18, but he slipped and the Bears were smart to patiently wait and select him to be the new free safety next to enforcer Coby Bryant. The Bears are a team with legitimate Super Bowl hopes, and Thieneman's versatility and alignment flexibility are perfect for what coordinator Dennis Allen wants to do defensively.