We can’t help ourselves. The excitement overcomes us, and the possibilities are endless. Your favorite NFL team just added a talented player, and it’s difficult to ignore the upside. For that reason, here we are to judge the draft picks before the players even put on a helmet. If you ask each of the 32 teams, you’ll likely get 32 different answers as to who the best pick of the first round was, but here are my top three picks of the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
MORE: 5 first-round talents still available heading into Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
I thought about tagging this with Kenyon Sadiq, but instead I’ll let the picks stand alone.
Sadiq is clearly a transformational talent. Between his size, speed (4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash, athleticism, and versatility (he can block and line up anywhere as a pass catcher), he is a uniquely talented player. However, the Jets did draft Mason Taylor in the second round last season, and they are in need of a legit receiver to line up opposite Garrett Wilson.
When the Jets traded up, they forfeited just the 179th overall pick and drafted Cooper; everything was set. They had their receiver, and now they have the benefit of Sadiq’s talent. The NFL has become a two-tight-end league, and the Jets could have two of the best now. And they have the wide receiver they needed, and Cooper was one of the best available in the draft, as he, too, is versatile.
It was a great job by the Cowboys to trade up and draft Downs. The fact that he’s a safety caused him to lose a little luster, but giving up two fifth-round picks was a no-brainer for Dallas. Downs should have been off the board by the 11th pick after being a two-time All-American at Ohio State.
There’s nothing Downs can’t do, and he’s also a strong punt returner if Dallas is so inclined. The Cowboys can put Downs anywhere in their secondary, and he’s going to excel.
The rich got richer here as the Chiefs added a second impact piece on the defensive side of the ball. Not only does Woods give them coverage behind Chris Jones, but he also strengthens their defense today by locking up the middle of the field.
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