2026 NFL Draft: Raiders, Ravens, and Cowboys Shine, Rams and Vikings Face Tough Questions

2026 NFL Draft Winners and Losers

The anticipation surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft was palpable. Teams sought to infuse new talent and energy into their rosters, hoping to strike gold with their selections. While some franchises hit the jackpot, others are left pondering their decisions. Here's my take on this year's winners and losers.

Draft Winners

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders certainly started with a bang, selecting Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and star quarterback from Indiana, with the first overall pick. Mendoza's impressive collegiate career included leading Indiana to the College Football Playoff championship in 2025, making him a cornerstone asset as the Raiders look to shift their losing narrative.

With a current record of 21-47 since 2022, general manager John Spytek and new head coach Klint Kubiak are under pressure to build a competitive roster. Mendoza is projected to change their fortunes along with an impressive supporting cast that includes Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers.

Solid Picks Across the Board

The Raiders didn't just stop at Mendoza. They also snagged Arizona safety Treydan Stukes in the second round, a player who had been viewed as a first-round talent. They continued their winning streak with selections of Auburn edge rusher Keyron Crawford and Texas A&M guard Trey Zuhn III in the subsequent rounds.

Baltimore Ravens

First-year head coach Jesse Minter demonstrated impressive prowess, ensuring the Ravens left the draft with a stronger roster. The selection of Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane in the first round will bolster their offensive line.

Moreover, three pass-catchers added dynamic depth to the receiving corps, including USC's Ja'Kobi Lane and Indiana's Elijah Sarratt in the third and fourth rounds respectively. These selections are crucial as they team up with two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, who will be looking to elevate his game further.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are another team that made smart moves in the draft. After a difficult season that ended with a dismal 7-9-1 record, they focused on bolstering their defense. With the selection of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at 11th overall, the Cowboys have added a player who many believe could have gone higher.

In addition, they chose UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence in the first round and further shored up their defense with linebacker Jaishawn Barham in the third. These acquisitions should help address their alarming defensive statistics, which saw them yield an NFL-high 30.1 points per game last season.

Draft Losers

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams' draft strategy raised eyebrows, especially with the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13. With starting quarterback Matthew Stafford already on the roster and nearing the twilight of his career, questions loom about the Rams' long-term vision.

Beyond that, choosing talent like tight end Max Klare and tackle Keagan Trost in subsequent rounds seemed merely ancillary when the QB controversy looms over the franchise.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Without a first-round pick due to a prior trade with the Browns, the Jaguars faced an uphill battle this draft. They did manage to pick up some solid talent such as Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher and Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon. Nonetheless, the absence of first-round fireworks makes it difficult to label their draft anything but lukewarm.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings also left me with a few concerns after the draft. While they traded away star player Jonathan Greenard, their selection of defensive tackle Caleb Banks coupled with a focus on defensive prospects reinforces that they're banking on rebuilding the defense after a dismal offensive showing.

By placing their chips on this defensive-heavy draft strategy, they might find it difficult to keep pace with their rivals in the NFC North, especially if these rookies don't develop quickly.

Conclusion

The 2026 NFL Draft was filled with strategic decisions that would shape the seasons of numerous franchises. The excitement of future matchups lingers in the air, and I'm eager to see how these rookies adjust to their new teams. Sports is all about the narratives they create, and I can't wait to follow the journeys of the players chosen during this pivotal weekend.