The new draft class has arrived, and it’s one of the most balanced in recent memory. With impact players at quarterback, edge rusher, and wide receiver, several teams will look to add cornerstones for years to come. Let’s take a look at how the first round shakes out—starting with picks 1 through 16.
Picks 1–16
1.1 – Kansas City Chiefs: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Chiefs add a freakish athlete off the edge in Keldric Faulk. Built like a modern power rusher at 6’6”, 265, Faulk wins with length and violent hands. He’ll replace Chris Jones and bring fresh juice to Kansas City’s defensive front.
NFL Comp: Rashan Gary
1.2 – Carolina Panthers: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Carolina takes a big swing on upside with the 6’3”, 230-pound dual-threat LaNorris Sellers. His arm strength and athleticism are undeniable, and he could thrive in a system designed to stress defenses with movement. The key will be refining his decision-making.
NFL Comp: Anthony Richardson
1.3 – New Orleans Saints: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
The Saints land the face of their franchise. Manning enters the league with polish, pedigree, and poise. His anticipation and mechanics are already NFL-ready, and he has the leadership intangibles New Orleans craves.
NFL Comp: Justin Herbert
1.4 – Tennessee Titans: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Chambliss is a fascinating riser—big arm, sturdy frame, and mobility that flashes when plays break down. The Titans are betting that his strong senior season translates as he adjusts to NFL reads and tempo.
NFL Comp: Jalen Hurts
1.5 – Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Delane’s long, athletic frame and sticky man coverage ability fit perfectly in Miami’s aggressive scheme. He can match up against top receivers right away, giving the Dolphins a future star opposite Jalen Ramsey.
NFL Comp: Patrick Surtain II
1.6 – New York Giants: Anthony Hill Jr., MLB, Texas
The Giants need a tone-setter in the middle, and Hill brings that alpha energy. He’s explosive downhill and versatile enough to cover tight ends. He’ll instantly elevate New York’s front seven.
NFL Comp: Roquan Smith
1.7 – Detroit Lions: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Detroit continues its defensive rebuild with Muhammad, a quick-twitch corner who thrives in press coverage. His instincts and competitiveness mirror the gritty identity of Dan Campbell’s Lions.
NFL Comp: D.J. Reed
1.8 – New England Patriots: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Branch gives the Patriots a true game-breaking playmaker. With elite quickness, return ability, and yards-after-catch skills, he’s a nightmare for defenses. A perfect weapon for a young QB to grow with.
NFL Comp: Tyreek Hill
1.9 – Buffalo Bills: Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
The Bills finally find a dynamic running mate for their passing game. Stewart’s fluid route-running and burst after the catch complement Josh Allen’s vertical attack beautifully.
NFL Comp: Chris Olave
1.10 – Cincinnati Bengals: Kadyn Proctor, LT, Alabama
Proctor is a mountain of a man at left tackle, and he plays with the raw power to anchor any front. Cincinnati secures Joe Burrow’s blindside for the long term with a physical mauler.
NFL Comp: Jordan Mailata
1.11 – San Francisco 49ers: Francis Mauigoa, RT, Miami
The 49ers grab an offensive tackle built in their image—mean, athletic, and relentless. Mauigoa’s lateral agility fits the Shanahan system perfectly, keeping the 49ers’ run game dominant.
NFL Comp: Tristan Wirfs
1.12 – Los Angeles Chargers: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Bain is undersized but explosive, with elite bend and leverage off the edge. The Chargers need more pass-rush juice, and Bain provides instant disruption potential opposite Joey Bosa.
NFL Comp: Haason Reddick
1.13 – Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Dallas fortifies its interior with Woods—a squat, powerful defensive tackle who eats double teams and collapses pockets. His blend of strength and technique will make life easier for Micah Parsons.
NFL Comp: Grady Jarrett
1.14 – Los Angeles Rams: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Love gives the Rams a versatile back who can catch, cut, and accelerate through contact. His ability to stretch plays and contribute in the passing game fits Sean McVay’s modern offense.
NFL Comp: Jahmyr Gibbs
1.15 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Sadiq is a rare athlete at tight end—smooth in routes and explosive after the catch. Tampa gets a vertical seam threat who can also develop into a strong inline blocker.
NFL Comp: Evan Engram
1.16 – Chicago Bears: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Bears land a leader and tone-setter on the back end. Downs is instinctive, physical, and fundamentally sound—everything you want from a franchise safety.
NFL Comp: Minkah Fitzpatrick
