Cowboys headline biggest winners from 2026 NFL Draft Round 1

The 2026 NFL Draft featured one of the most mysterious classes in recent memory, as positions usually considered to be mid-first-round priorities commanded most of the attention over the last couple of months. The latest edition of this April extravaganza was even wackier than most expected. Eight trades were made on Day 1, lauded talents fell and the Super Bowl-contending Los Angeles Rams prioritized the future. There were thrills and shrills galore.

And there were also plenty of potentially impactful selections. The Dallas Cowboys once again offset a polarizing offseason approach with a draft-night showing that is understandably receiving universal praise. They headline our list of first-round winners, but they were hardly the only franchise to come away with good value.

While you process all the twists and turns that unfolded, we will hand out some gold stars around the league.

Cowboys address their defense

Dallas has stumbled in free agency and in contract negotiations over the last few years, but the organization frequently excels at the draft. This year was no different. Some analysts projected two-time unanimous All-American safety Caleb Downs to go to the New York Giants at No. 5, but Big Blue passed on him twice and gave its divisional rival the opportunity to potentially pull off a massive heist.

The Cowboys traded the No. 12 pick and two 2026 fifth-rounders to the Miami Dolphins for the right to grab Downs at No. 11. While there are people who will harp on his 5-foot-11 frame and 30-inch-long arms, the 2024-25 national champion arguably has one of the highest floors in the class. He displayed valuable versatility during his time at Alabama and Ohio State.

Downs recorded a 46.5 passer rating allowed and six yards per reception, according to Pro Football Focus, while also totaling one sack, 45 solo tackles, five tackles for loss and two forced fumbles for the Buckeyes last season. He gives Dallas’ secondary a desperately-needed boost. The Cowboys then set their sights on the defensive line, this time striking a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, the No. 23 overall pick, is possibly the best athlete at his position. He dazzled at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, showcasing the type of explosiveness that this squad requires after sending Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Lawrence is obviously not at the level of the former No. 11, but he could make a solid impact on the Cowboys’ front-seven.

The All-Big 12 selection posted 20.0 sacks, 28 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in 39 games for the Knights. He should get opportunities to rush opposing quarterbacks fairly quickly in Dallas.

Fans have reason to be skeptical about this organization after all the playoff shortcomings and questionable decisions they have endured, but for those who are still capable of being optimistic, this was a good night.

Browns add to their offense

The Cleveland Browns’ offense will remain a problem until they solve their quarterback conundrum, but the front office is gradually building an intriguing unit around that signal-caller slot. Two more notable players are coming over to lend some help to this embattled franchise.

Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry got the feeble offensive line some help in the form of offensive tackle Spencer Fano and also snagged a dynamic wide receiver in KC Concepcion. The Browns traded down to land the former, and in the process, acquired the No. 74 and No. 148 selections from the Kansas City Chiefs. So, Thursday’s move-making could have a positive effect on the remainder of the Browns’ draft.

Fano is expected to slide to left tackle in his rookie campaign, which means he could quickly become one of the most important members of this team. The former Utah standout allowed only three sacks in 1,075 pass-blocking snaps and earned All-American honors in each of the last two seasons. Cleveland believes he is the best offensive lineman in the draft, and if true, No. 9 is nice value.

Berry then scooped up Concepcion at No. 24, giving next season’s starting QB (whoever that is) a nice weapon to wield. The 21-year-old impressed at NC State, but he flourished with Texas A&M in 2025.

Concepcion posted 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns, helping the Aggies reach the College Football Playoff. He can add a burst to a Cleveland WR room that could use all the electricity it can handle.

Again, the Browns can only go so far until they successfully develop a quarterback, but these incoming rookies could be instrumental to that process.

Ravens draft a player who fits their identity

John Harbaugh may no longer be manning the sidelines, but the Baltimore Ravens still want to emphasize their rushing attack, whether that be with two-time MVP-winning QB Lamar Jackson or superstar running back Derrick Henry. Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane can accommodate them.

The No. 14 selection brings valuable physicality to Baltimore’s trenches. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Ioane thrived amid a hugely disappointing campaign for the Nittany Lions. He has not surrendered a sack in more than two years and rarely commits penalties. Although the AP Second-Team All-American was not as flashy as other prospects, he could become one of the steadiest guards in the AFC.

This era of Ravens football is off to an auspicious start.

Did the Bucs get the steal of the NFL Draft?

Rueben Bain Jr. was at one time projected as a top-five pick. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took him at No. 15. Shorter arms (just under 31 inches) potentially caused the Miami star pass-rusher to tumble down the board, and general manager Jason Licht was all too happy to take advantage.

The ACC Defensive Player of the Year was a major part of the Hurricanes’ national championship runner-up finish, as he totaled nine and a half sacks, 67 total pressures, 54 hurries, 30 solo tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss last season. Bain can provide the Bucs’ defense with the punch it needs, thereby easing some of the pressure on Baker Mayfield and a pass-catching group that just bid farewell to franchise great Mike Evans.

This can become a more balanced squad with the 6-foot-2 edge rusher now in the fold. And all Tampa had to do was wait its turn. Not too shabby, Mr. Licht.

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