NFL draft 2026 takeaways: Rams reach, Cowboys retool and Jets add juice

The 2026 NFL Draft's first round saw the Los Angeles Rams make the night's biggest surprise by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick, a decision that appeared to catch even head coach Sean McVay off guard — Simpson revealed he had never met McVay prior to being drafted. The Dallas Cowboys used the draft to address their struggling defense, while the New York Jets also made notable additions. The first round proceeded at a faster pace than usual, reshaping the traditional flow of the draft's opening night.