The Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets were among the biggest winners of every NFL team on day one of the 2026 NFL Draft.
First-Round Winners From The 2026 NFL Draft
6. Chicago Bears
For the Chicago Bears to draft Dillon Thieneman to add to their defense was an A+ move. Thieneman was complimented throughout the draft process for his playmaking ability and his instincts, and the Bears certainly needed someone who could add playmaking to their defense.
5. Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders were able to stand pat at seventh overall and take Sonny Styles. Styles was considered the best linebacker in the draft, and he will be used as a chess piece in the defense for Dan Quinn. The Commanders’ defense needed an infusion of talent after being one of the worst in 2025. Adding someone like Styles could easily move the Commanders’ defense to one of the top half of the league.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs doubled up on top defensive prospects in this draft, coming away with Mansoor Delane and Peter Woods. Coming into the 2025 NFL season, Woods was considered among the top prospects, while Delane was quite clearly looked at as the top cornerback in the draft. The Chiefs needed to rebuild their defense after losing talents like Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie, so it was important that KC find a way to solidify it.
3. New York Giants
The New York Giants arguably picked the best defensive player in the draft with Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick, and then picked arguably the best offensive lineman with Francis Mauigoa with the tenth pick in the draft. The Giants made sure to address the trenches of offense to solidify the offensive line and protect Jaxson Dart. Reese was widely regarded by draft analysts as the top player on draft boards, even over quarterback Fernando Mednoza. So for Reese to fall and for the Giants to scoop him up at five was more than a steal.
Mauigona will bring an edge to the Giants’ offensive line, and he will make sure he gives Dart extra time to be able to deliver the ball to players.
2. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys had two first-round picks in the NFL draft and ended up with Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence. Downs was easily regarded as one of the top players in the 2026, and Lawrence was graded out as an edge at the end of the first round of the 2026 draft. Dallas gets much-needed defensive help with Downs and Lawrence, with Downs stepping in regularly and being one of the best players at his position in the entire NFL.
Last season, Dallas ranked 32nd in defensive EPA per play. It was clear that defensive help was a significant need for the Cowboys, as they were one of the worst defenses in the league, and to be able to get Downs, who was arguably the best defensive prospect in the draft, was a steal.
1. New York Jets
The Jets were able to address the offense and the defense in their first round of the NFL Draft. They took Davud Bailey, number two overall, who was considered maybe the safest pass rusher in the draft, and added Omar Cooper Jr., someone who could fill different roles on the Jets defense, who can also create yards after contact, which every NFL team can use in 2026. They also added the top tight end on the board in Kenyon Sadiq.
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