Overview
- The draft, which finished Saturday, featured only two first-round quarterbacks, with Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 to the Raiders and Ty Simpson taken 13th by the Rams.
- No team dealt a 2027 first-round pick, a clear sign front offices want flexibility for what evaluators project as a deeper quarterback group next year.
- Post-draft grades highlighted strong hauls, as the Jets added four players in the top 44 for their rebuild and the Browns doubled up at tackle and receiver, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. giving A grades to the Browns, Cowboys, Raiders and Eagles.
- Medical flags reshaped the board, as Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy slid to Day 3 before the Raiders traded up to take him 101st and LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier fell to No. 249 to the Chiefs after reports of a spinal cyst.
- Day 3 value stood out in several spots, with the Bengals landing center Connor Lew in the fourth round and analysts pointing to a deep pool of later steals and UDFAs, while Ohio State led all programs with 11 players drafted.