2026 NFL Draft Winners and Losers: Raiders, Browns, and Cowboys Shine While Rams and Vikings Raise Concerns

The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and while some teams made smart, strategic moves to strengthen their rosters, others took risks that left fans and analysts questioning their decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the clear winners and losers from this year’s draft.

Top Winners of the 2026 NFL Draft

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders got the draft off to a strong start by selecting Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback who guided Indiana to the 2025 College Football Playoff championship. As the first QB taken, Mendoza brings immediate hope and leadership to a franchise that has struggled in recent years.Under general manager John Spytek and first-year coach Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas built an impressive class.

They added Arizona safety Treydan Stukes in the second round, Auburn edge rusher Keyron Crawford and Texas A&M guard Trey Zuhn III in the third, and solid value picks in the fourth round with Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy and Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr., who ran a blazing 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the Combine.The Raiders also traded former first-round pick Tyree Wilson and used the acquired fifth-round selection on Arizona safety Dalton Johnson. Even their sixth-round choice, Oregon receiver Malik Benson, has a chance to contribute. Overall, the Raiders delivered one of the most balanced and successful drafts of the weekend.

Baltimore Ravens

First-year defensive coordinator Jesse Minter helped add more talent around two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. The Ravens used their first-round pick on Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane, a player ready to contribute right away.Baltimore also selected three promising pass-catchers — USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane, Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt, and SMU tight end Matthew Hibner — who combined for 23 touchdown receptions in 2025. They rounded out the class with Alabama tight end Josh Cuevas and Missouri edge rusher Zion Young. The draft had a smart, well-balanced feel that should benefit Jackson and the entire offense.

Dallas Cowboys

After finishing 7-9-1 last season and allowing a league-high 30.1 points per game, the Cowboys focused heavily on fixing their defense under new coordinator Christian Parker. They landed what many viewed as the steal of the first round with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11.Dallas also took UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence in the first round, Michigan hybrid linebacker Jaishawn Barham in the third, and added Florida cornerback Devin Moore and Alabama defensive tackle LT Overton. These selections should lead to noticeable improvement on a defense that struggled badly in 2025.

Cleveland Browns

Working with first-year coach Todd Monken and general manager Andrew Berry, the Browns made several intelligent choices. They traded down to the No. 9 pick and selected Spencer Fano, then added two receivers — KC Concepcion in the first round and Denzel Boston in the second. They also landed highly regarded safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at No. 58.Later selections included Alabama center Parker Brailsford and Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, who impressed at the Combine. Green joins a crowded quarterback room, but the low-risk Day 3 pick gives Cleveland added flexibility for the future.

Other Positive Notes

Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami DE to Tampa Bay): Despite slipping to the 14th overall pick, Bain showed strong determination on draft night and is expected to have a productive NFL career.

Ohio State Defense: Five Buckeyes defenders were drafted early, showing the impact of hiring experienced NFL coordinator Matt Patricia.

SEC Dominance: The Southeastern Conference led the way with 87 total selections, continuing its long streak of draft success.

Biggest Losers of the 2026 NFL Draft

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams created plenty of drama by reaching for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall. With 38-year-old Matthew Stafford coming off an MVP season and entering the final year of his contract, the pick immediately sparked questions about the team’s long-term plan at the position. Later selections, including tight end Max Klare and tackle Keagan Trost, were overshadowed by the quarterback controversy.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars had no first-round pick after trading it away last year for Travis Hunter. Despite a strong 13-4 season and winning the AFC South, their draft lacked star power. Their highest selections came in the second and third rounds with tight end Nate Boerkircher and guard Emmanuel Pregnon.

Minnesota Vikings

After trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, the Vikings focused heavily on defense, using five of their first six picks on that side of the ball. While Florida’s Caleb Banks and Iowa State’s Domonique Orange tested well, questions remain whether these additions can replace lost production. The team also ranked near the bottom in offensive scoring last season, making the heavy defensive focus a risky strategy in a competitive NFC North.

Houston Texans

Coming off a playoff appearance, the Texans had a disappointing draft. They reached on several players, including Michigan tight end Marlin Klein, and took Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge earlier than necessary.

Pittsburgh Steelers

For the second straight year, Pittsburgh’s quarterback strategy drew criticism. The Steelers drafted Penn State’s Drew Allar in the third round after selecting Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round last year. With Aaron Rodgers’ future still uncertain, the team still lacks a clear long-term solution at quarterback.

Late-Round Quarterback Surprises

LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, once considered a potential Day 2 pick, surprisingly fell all the way to the seventh round (No. 249) and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs. Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis was chosen ahead of him. Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up, went undrafted.

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