**2026 NFL Draft: Team Grades and Key Selections**
By Matt Verderame, Gilberto Manzano
**Image:** Arvell Reese, Fernando Mendoza and Jeremiyah Love were three of the top five selections in the 2026 NFL draft. | Tom Horak/Imagn Images (Reese); Kirby Lee/Imagn Images (Mendoza); Rob Schumacher/The Republic/USA TODAY Network (Love)
The 2026 NFL Draft concluded with a significant surprise: the Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall, despite reigning MVP Matthew Stafford already on their roster. This unexpected move followed Fernando Mendoza’s widely anticipated No. 1 overall selection by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Further draft highlights included the Philadelphia Eagles’ intent to trade wide receiver A.J. Brown after June 1, a development that preceded a rare trade with the Dallas Cowboys, enabling them to draft Brown’s potential replacement, Makai Lemon. Quarterback selections were also prominent, with the Arizona Cardinals adding Carson Beck and the Pittsburgh Steelers drafting Drew Allar as the team awaits clarity on Aaron Rodgers’ future.
This comprehensive analysis provides grades for all 32 draft classes, evaluating selections based on talent, value, and team fit. Matt Verderame assessed the AFC teams, while Gilberto Manzano reviewed the NFC selections.
**In this story:**
Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills | News, Scores, Schedules & Standings
Carolina Panthers
Chicago Bears
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Dallas Cowboys | News, Scores, Schedules & Standings
Denver Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers
Las Vegas Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs
Jacksonville Jaguars
Indianapolis Colts
Houston Texans
Green Bay Packers
Detroit Lions
Los Angeles Rams
Miami Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings
New England Patriots
New Orleans Saints
New York Giants
New York Jets
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
Tennessee Titans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers
Pittsburgh Steelers
**Related:**
First-round grades | Rounds 2-3 grades | Round 1 winners and losers | Rounds 2-3 winners and losers | Fernando Mendoza is Tom Brady’s successor | Ty Simpson will test Sean McVay | Cardinals made the right No. with Love | Drew Allar doesn’t change Steelers’ dilemma
