sports
NFL draft 2026 takeaways: Rams reach, Cowboys retool and Jets add juice
The win-now Rams shocked by picking a QB and the Cowboys addressed their disastrous defense as a faster-paced first round reshaped the NFL draft’s opening night
TL;DR
- The Rams surprised many by selecting quarterback Ty Simpson at pick No. 13, a pick seen as a reach given his limited college starting experience and physical profile.
- The Cowboys addressed their defensive weaknesses by trading up for safety Caleb Downs and drafting edge-rusher Malachi Lawrence.
- The Jets made three first-round picks, focusing on speed and playmaking with edge-rusher David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
- A significant number of offensive linemen were selected in the first round, reflecting a league-wide emphasis on the trenches.
- The NFL's decision to shorten the time between picks to eight minutes resulted in a faster, more dramatic first round, concluded in just over three hours.