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Jets Select Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30 Overall in NFL Draft
The New York Jets have selected wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. with the 30th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. New York traded the 33rd and 179th picks in order to move up and select Cooper at No. 30. The move has significant contract implications, as first-round picks are eligible for a fifth-year option. The Jets will now have control over Cooper through 2030, giving them a talented wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson. Cooper had an impressive final season at Indiana, catching passes from Fernando Mendoza in the national championship-winning Hoosiers offense. Across 16 games last year, he caught 69 passes, 937 yards, and 13 touchdowns. The Jets continue to supply quarterback Geno Smith with a plethora of weapons, adding Cooper and fellow first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq to an offense that already features Wilson, Breece Hall, and Mason Taylor. As it stands, Cooper ranks as the overall WR50 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Patriots Trade Up Three Spots, Select Caleb Lomu 28th Overall
The New England Patriots have traded up from pick 31 to pick 28 to select Utah offensive lineman Caleb Lomu. Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Patriots are sending pick 125 to the Buffalo Bills in addition to pick 31. Lomu spent his final two years in college as the starting left tackle for the Utes, but is generally considered to be a developmental prospect with plenty of room left to improve. The Patriots have 2025 number four overall pick Will Campbell at left tackle and veteran Morgan Moses at right tackle, so Lomu could either move inside or spend his first year in the NFL in a reserve role. Either way, New England has fortified the protection in front of franchise quarterback Drake Maye for the future.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Jets Trade Up Into First Round, Acquire Pick No. 30 From 49ers
The New York Jets have acquired the 30th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 33rd and 179th overall picks. The Niners had initially traded back from 27th to 30th with the Dolphins, and now they're trading out of the first round entirely. Barring any additional trades, the 49ers are now set to kick off Day 2 with the first pick in the second round. Meanwhile, the Jets are making their third selection of Day 1 after they previously selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Moving back into the first round has contract implications, as first-round picks are eligible for a fifth-year option. It appears the Jets were willing to part with a Day 3 pick in order to move up three slots and guarantee a fifth year of control over their imminent selection, which will reportedly be Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Dolphins Trade Up Three Spots, Select Chris Johnson 27th Overall
The Miami Dolphins have traded up from pick No. 30 to pick No. 27 to select San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Miami has sent picks 30 and 90 to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for picks 27 and 138. Johnson had a productive season as a senior at San Diego State in 2025, recording 36 solo tackles, nine passes defensed, and four interceptions. He returned two of his four interceptions for touchdowns, showcasing his big-play ability. The Miami secondary figures to be a relatively open competition for playing time, so Johnson should have a chance to step in as a starter immediately if he can produce in training camp and the preseason.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Texans Trade Up, Select Keylan Rutledge 26th Overall
The Houston Texans have traded up from pick 28 to pick 26 to select Georgia Tech interior offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Houston is sending picks number 28, 69, and 168 to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for picks 26 and 91. Rutledge began his college career at Middle Tennessee State before transferring to Georgia Tech for his final two collegiate seasons. The Texans have fielded one of the least consistent offensive lines in the NFL over the last two seasons, so Rutledge should have a chance to step in as a starter immediately. Rutledge's presence in Houston should be a boost for Texans running back David Montgomery and quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Dillon Thieneman Selected 25th Overall by Bears
University of Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman has been selected 25th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Thieneman was a playmaker across 15 games for the Ducks in 2025, recording 44 solo tackles, 3.5 TFLs, two interceptions, and one sack. The 21-year-old also posted elite testing numbers at the 2026 scouting combine, running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and recording a 41-inch vertical jump. Thieneman is known as a versatile safety who can excel in a variety of different coverage schemes. In Chicago, Thieneman should have a chance to step in as a starter in the secondary right away.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Browns Select Wide Receiver KC Concepcion With 24th Overall Selection
The Cleveland Browns have selected wide receiver KC Concepcion with the 24th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. Concepcion is the fourth wide receiver selected in this year's opening round, joining Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Makai Lemon. Concepcion began his college career at North Carolina State in 2023 and 2024, before joining the Aggies for his final campaign. In 2025, Concepcion would enjoy his best season, totaling nine receiving scores, which led the SEC, and a career-high 919 yards on 61 receptions. The wideout was named a consensus All-American and was awarded the 2025 Paul Hornung Award. Scouts credit the wide receiver with having a full route tree and the skill set to play physically for his 6-foot frame. Concepcion could immediately carve out a role for fantasy in a weak Cleveland Browns wide receiver room that was led by Jerry Jeudy in 2025, who totaled just 602 yards and two touchdowns.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Malachi Lawrence Joins Cowboys at 23rd Pick
After trading down from the 20th overall selection with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys will select UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Lawrence spent his entire college career playing for UCF but did not carve out a full-time role on the defense until his second season. In 2023, Lawrence would tally 7.5 sacks with 105 tackles for loss. After a somewhat down season in 2024, where he logged only 5.0 sacks, Lawrence would return to form in his senior campaign, logging a career-high 11.0 tackles for loss with 7.0 sacks, and was named first-team All-Big 12. Per scouting reports, Lawrence has the skill set to win on the line with both his power and speed. Lawrence will join a Dallas defense that struggled to pressure the opposing quarterbacks last fall, logging just 35.0 total sacks.
Source: Ari Alexander
Source: Ari Alexander
Akheem Mesidor Selected 22nd Overall by Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have selected defensive end Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd overall pick out of Miami. Mesidor began his time in college playing for West Virginia before joining the Hurricanes for his final three campaigns. During his first season in Miami (2022), Mesidor immediately made a significant impact, tallying 7.0 sacks with 10.5 tackles for loss, the second-highest of his career. He then missed most of the 2023 season due to a foot injury, but quickly found his stride and went on to string together two productive seasons to finish his career. In 2025, Mesidor totaled a season-best 12.5 sacks and emerged as one of the premier edge rushers in this class. While he is one of the older prospects in this class and has dealt with serious injuries, he has the potential to make a massive impact on the field. He will look to bolster a Chargers defense that totaled the 10th-most sacks in football last season.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Steelers Select Offensive Tackle Max Iheanachor With 21st Pick
The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State with the 21st selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Iheanachor has spent his entire three-year college career with Arizona State. In his first season (2023), the Nigerian native appeared in only six games before carving out a full-time role over his final two seasons. The 6-foot-6 lineman is credited with having elite range for his size and should have little trouble transitioning to the Pittsburgh running scheme. While there were concerns in the pre-draft process regarding his ability in the passing game, he may adjust well, given his strong showing during the Senior Bowl. Iheanachor will join a Pittsburgh offensive line that surrendered just 31 sacks during the season but struggled to generate consistent momentum on the ground, averaging a low 103.3 rushing yards per game.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Eagles Trade Up to Take Receiver Makai Lemon at 20th Overall
The Philadelphia Eagles swung a trade with the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night to move up to the 20th overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. The Eagles already have DeVonta Smith and acquired Dontayvion Wicks this offseason, so the selection of Lemon in the first round is more writing on the wall that star pass-catcher A.J. Brown will be traded after June 1. The 21-year-old Lemon is considered one of the best wideouts in this year's class, and he should immediately have a chance to be the Eagles' WR2 behind Smith if Brown is traded. Lemon stands at 5-foot-11 and 193 pounds and figures to see most of his playing time from the slot in Philly. The Eagles will be hoping that the Biletnikoff Award winner will once again make their offense more dynamic after they struggled mightily to stay on the field in 2025. He's regarded as a plug-and-play slot man with impressive technical route-running polish. Lemon isn't the strongest or biggest wideout, but he should give quarterback Jalen Hurts an explosive and productive weapon through the air. In dynasty/keeper drafts, Lemon should be considered a top-five pick.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Monroe Freeling Goes to Panthers at No. 19 Overall
The Carolina Panthers selected University of Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. The 21-year-old stands at an enormous 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, and he'll take the next step in his football career as a big body to help the Panthers up front in front of quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers are taking a bit of a risk with this pick, just based on the fact that Freeling only started one season with the Bulldogs. Freeling's specific position in his first year in the NFL will depend largely on the health of Ikem Ekwonu (knee), who is recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his knee. If needed, the Panthers could plug Freeling on Young's blind side right away, which would put a lot of pressure on the young offensive tackle. What Freeling lacks in experience, he can easily make up for with elite athleticism for his hulking size. He has the potential to be a franchise-changing left tackle.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Caleb Banks Drafted by Vikings at 18th Overall on Thursday
The Minnesota Vikings took University of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks (foot) with the 18th overall selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. Banks stands at a hulking 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, but he can do things on a football field that aren't typically associated with interior defensive linemen. Banks impressed with a 5.04-second 40-yard dash and 114-inch broad jump at the NFL scouting combine. The 23-year-old defensive tackle had a total of 6.5 sacks in his five collegiate seasons (his first two came at Louisville). A fractured foot that Banks suffered at the combine in February isn't expected to affect his availability for the start of his rookie season in the NFL. Banks had recurring foot injuries during his final collegiate season, which limited him to just three games played. The Vikings chose to overlook his foot issues in favor of his elite physical traits. If healthy, Banks could be a massive interior-line asset for the Vikes as a run-stopper and pocket pusher.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Lions Select Blake Miller With the 17th Overall Pick of NFL Draft
The Detroit Lions selected Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. The 22-year-old right tackle never missed a game in his four collegiate seasons with the Tigers. The 6-foot-7, 317-pounder is super competitive and is a mauler in the running game. The Lions definitely needed to address their offensive line early in this year's draft, and they have definitely done so with the selection of Miller. His presence on the O-line is great news for both quarterback Jared Goff and do-it-all running back Jahmyr Gibbs. With Penei Sewell moving to left tackle, Miller should immediately be a starter on the right side of the offensive line from the get-go in his rookie season in 2026. He's an iron man with no durability question marks, and he comes with a lot of experience. One of the few knocks on Miller is that he can often times play too upright, so that will need to be cleaned up when going against elite edge rushers.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jets Draft Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16 Overall
The New York Jets have selected Oregon tight end prospect Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's a bit of a surprising development, especially since the Jets drafted tight end Mason Taylor in the second round of last year's draft. This addition doesn't necessarily spell disaster for Taylor, though, as the Jets could benefit from running two-tight end sets. With that being said, Sadiq should immediately slot in as the Jets' No. 1 tight end, offering another key threat for Geno Smith in the passing game alongside wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Sadiq had 51 catches, 560 yards, and eight touchdowns during his final season with the Ducks. There had been rumblings about him going to the Panthers at No. 19 overall, but in the end, he didn't even make it that far. The Jets will face some growing pains with Smith at quarterback this year, but New York has made a respectable effort to build out a young core within its offense so that they can compete in years down the road. As a result, Sadiq has long-term upside, ranking as the TE9 overall in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
