2026 NFL draft: Best picks, trades, QB fits and predictions

Seven rounds and 257 picks have come and gone in the 2026 NFL draft. Players landed with their new teams during a three-day run that saw a record run of pass-catchers during the first two days and a few first-round curveballs.

Draft analysts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller have spent more than a year evaluating this class and have their opinions ready to go. So we asked them to break down this draft in 29 categories, from best (and worst) picks to a few long-term predictions.

Who were the best value selections in each of the seven rounds? Which teams dominated and what were the best trades? Which picks surprised the most and what are the most ideal quarterback fits? Was Ty Simpson really the best first-round play for the Rams? And how many of these rookie receivers are destined for stardom? Reid and Miller also made Rookie of the Year predictions, picked standout classes, pointed to confusing slides, found intriguing developmental prospects and suggested big takeaways. Let's get to it.

What was your biggest overarching takeaway from the draft?

Miller: This was a draft with talent and depth in the trenches, which played out during the first two days. Nine offensive linemen were drafted in Round 1, and nine tight ends came off the board in the first three rounds. We also saw 13 edge rushers go off the board in the first 70 picks. We knew this wouldn't be a quarterback or running back draft early, and there were only six backfield players (four QBs, two RBs) picked in the top 100. The trench players more than picked up the slack.

Reid: The NIL effect has really reduced the amount of small-school talent, especially early in the draft. Only three players from schools not in Power 4 conferences (San Diego State CB Chris Johnson, Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Georgia State WR Ted Hurst) were picked in the first two days. The remaining 97 came from the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC and Notre Dame.