Every 2026 NFL First-Round Pick After Spring Practices
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- Fernando Mendoza (Raiders, #1) played mostly with second and third teams in OTAs and minicamp, impressing with work ethic but struggling with under-center footwork, with the team under no pressure to rush him behind veteran Kirk Cousins.
- Carnell Tate (Titans, #4) reached the end zone three times during OTA practices open to the media, with cornerback Alontae Taylor calling the rookie "polished" and a player who is "really, really exciting" to watch.
- Spencer Fano (Browns, #9) worked his way up to consistent reps at left tackle with the starting offense by the end of mandatory minicamp, with coach Todd Monken already viewing him as one of the team's five starting linemen.
- Mansoor Delane (Chiefs, #6) missed mandatory minicamp with a shoulder injury but remains projected as a starter, with coordinator Steve Spagnuolo declaring "we all felt like he was the top corner in this class."
- Rueben Bain Jr. (Bucs, #15) drew high praise after batting down a Baker Mayfield pass at minicamp, with coach Todd Bowles saying he "does not learn like a normal rookie" and adding his instincts are "things you cannot teach."
- Olaivavega Ioane (Ravens, #14) — the team's highest-drafted offensive lineman in a decade — has seamlessly switched to right guard despite logging 1,822 snaps at left guard in college, with coordinator Declan Doyle saying "you almost don't notice him."
- Jordyn Tyson (Saints, #8) only participated in walk-through portions of minicamp while rehabbing pre-draft injuries, leaving limited on-field film for evaluators before he can be fully assessed.
Why it matters: With training camp opening in late July, several first-rounders — including Spencer Fano at left tackle for the Browns and Francis Mauigoa at right guard for the Giants — have already secured starting roles, while injury recoveries will keep Chiefs CB Mansoor Delane, Jets TE Kenyon Sadiq, and Saints WR Jordyn Tyson behind. The vocal early endorsements from veteran coaches like Steve Spagnuolo and Todd Bowles signal which rookies are positioned for Day 1 snaps once pads go on.
