The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent years, with several franchises holding multiple picks and facing major questions both on and off the field. Taking place Thursday night, the opening round will feature high-stakes decisions that could reshape the future of multiple teams.
Teams with Multiple First-Round Picks
A major storyline heading into the draft is the number of teams with multiple first-round selections. Six franchises picking in the top 12 also own another first-round pick, giving them significant flexibility.
The New York teams stand out:
- New York Jets: Hold picks No. 2 and No. 16 as they continue their search for a franchise quarterback.
- New York Giants: Control picks No. 5 and No. 10 after a busy offseason that included roster changes and front-office headlines.
The Giants recently hired John Harbaugh as head coach and made waves off the field involving co-owner Steve Tisch. On the field, they traded defensive star Dexter Lawrence II to acquire additional draft capital.
Kansas City Chiefs Enter Rare Draft Position
The Kansas City Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory with the No. 9 overall pick after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Uncertainty surrounds star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a torn ACL and may miss part of the 2026 season. The team also holds multiple picks after trading key players and is planning a long-term stadium move tied to a $3 billion project.
Dallas Cowboys Draw National Spotlight
The Dallas Cowboys once again enter the draft with major attention, holding picks No. 12 and No. 20.
Their national spotlight was evident when former U.S. President Bill Clinton made a surprise appearance at the team’s pre-draft press conference. Dallas is looking to improve after a 7-9-1 season and continues to build following the trade of Micah Parsons.
Quarterback Questions Dominate the Draft
Several teams, including the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins, are facing major uncertainty at quarterback:
- Cleveland Browns: Hold picks No. 6 and No. 24 and continue to evaluate their quarterback room after investing heavily last season.
- Miami Dolphins: Own picks No. 11 and No. 30 and made headlines by releasing Tua Tagovailoa, absorbing a record $99.2 million salary cap hit.
Despite the demand, the 2026 quarterback class is considered thin beyond projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, adding pressure to teams in need of a long-term solution.
What to Expect on Draft Night
With multiple teams holding extra picks, ongoing quarterback uncertainty, and several franchises undergoing major transitions, the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is expected to deliver surprises, trades, and franchise-defining decisions.
Fans can watch the action unfold live on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network as teams look to build the foundation for their future.