Overview
- The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall Thursday in Pittsburgh.
- The New York Jets chose Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2 to bolster a pass rush that produced 26 sacks last season.
- Round 1 featured eight trades and several surprise picks, including the Rams selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13.
- Chicago selected Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 in a first round that reshaped boards for the rest of the draft.
- Day 2 begins Friday at 7 p.m. ET with Rounds 2–3, and the Pittsburgh event drew a record crowd of more than 320,000 fans.