The article highlights the top three picks from the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, showcasing the excitement surrounding new talent. Omar Cooper from the New York Jets is featured as a standout choice.
We canāt help ourselves. The excitement overcomes us, and the possibilities are endless. Your favorite NFL team just added a talented player, and itās difficult to ignore the upside. For that reason, here we are to judge the draft picks before the players even put on a helmet. If you ask each of the 32 teams, youāll likely get 32 different answers as to who the best pick of the first round was, but here are my top three picks of the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
MORE: 5 first-round talents still available heading into Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
I thought about tagging this with Kenyon Sadiq, but instead Iāll let the picks stand alone.
Sadiq is clearly a transformational talent. Between his size, speed (4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash, athleticism, and versatility (he can block and line up anywhere as a pass catcher), he is a uniquely talented player. However, the Jets did draft Mason Taylor in the second round last season, and they are in need of a legit receiver to line up opposite Garrett Wilson.
When the Jets traded up, they forfeited just the 179th overall pick and drafted Cooper; everything was set. They had their receiver, and now they have the benefit of Sadiqās talent. The NFL has become a two-tight-end league, and the Jets could have two of the best now. And they have the wide receiver they needed, and Cooper was one of the best available in the draft, as he, too, is versatile.
The article identifies Omar Cooper from the New York Jets as one of the top picks, but does not specify the other two.
Omar Cooper is a wide receiver (WR) for the New York Jets.
There is excitement due to the potential impact these talented players can have on their teams, generating high expectations before they even play.
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It was a great job by the Cowboys to trade up and draft Downs. The fact that heās a safety caused him to lose a little luster, but giving up two fifth-round picks was a no-brainer for Dallas. Downs should have been off the board by the 11th pick after being a two-time All-American at Ohio State.
Thereās nothing Downs canāt do, and heās also a strong punt returner if Dallas is so inclined. The Cowboys can put Downs anywhere in their secondary, and heās going to excel.
The rich got richer here as the Chiefs added a second impact piece on the defensive side of the ball. Not only does Woods give them coverage behind Chris Jones, but he also strengthens their defense today by locking up the middle of the field.