Last 11 Picks of Round 1 in 2026 NFL Draft: 4 Trades, New RB for Seattle
The 2026 NFL Draft’s first round concluded with a flurry of activity in the final 11 selections, featuring four trades and a notable running back selection by the Seattle Seahawks. According to verified draft coverage, the Raiders opened the draft by taking Heisman winner Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, setting the tone for an eventful night.
The Jets followed at No. 2, selecting top pass rusher Bailey and later adding playmaking tight end Sadiq and wide receiver Cooper with their additional first-round picks. Arizona continued the trend at No. 3, choosing running back Love, who became the highest running back taken since Saquon Barkley.
Dallas bolstered its defense at the next pick, securing Ohio State safety Downs and UCF pass rusher Lawrence to address key needs in the secondary and pass rush. The Patriots then made a surprising move at No. 13, selecting Alabama’s Simpson as the second quarterback off the board, a decision described by analysts as a “stunner” given the quarterback talent available later in the round.
Seattle’s selection at the end of the first round generated significant discussion, as the team chose a running back despite recent investments in the position. This pick marked a shift in Seattle’s offensive strategy, though specific details about the player were not available in the verified draft tracking sources.
Throughout the final 11 picks, four trades were executed, altering the draft order and allowing teams to move up or down based on their evaluations. These transactions reflected the dynamic nature of draft night, where franchises adjust their strategies in real time based on available talent and competing offers.
The Eagles emerged as consistent value pickers in the first round, with analysts noting they “landed another steal” among their selections. This assessment was echoed in multiple value pick analyses, highlighting Philadelphia’s ability to maximize returns on their draft capital.
Bucky Brooks’ pick-by-pick analysis provided detailed breakdowns of each selection in the first round, offering insights into team needs, player fits, and potential long-term impacts. His commentary served as a key resource for understanding the rationale behind each franchise’s decisions.
As teams evaluated the remaining prospects after Round 1, questions arose about which top talents were still available and which represented the best value moving into Day 2 of the draft. The official NFL draft tracker continued to monitor these developments throughout the evening.
The 2026 NFL Draft officially began with the Raiders’ historic selection of Mendoza, the first Heisman winner taken No. 1 overall since [verified data not available in sources]. Ticket packages for the event were made available through On Location, allowing fans to experience the draft proceedings in person.
ESPN announced it would serve as the Official Fantasy Game of the NFL, extending its partnership with the league and providing fans with enhanced draft-related content through the NFL App. This integration aimed to keep supporters engaged with draft news and NFL+ coverage on the go.
With Round 1 complete, all 32 teams turned their attention to Rounds 2 and 3, where the focus shifted to addressing depth needs and finding developmental prospects. The trades made during the first round would continue to influence roster construction strategies as the draft progressed into its final stages.
The next checkpoint in the NFL offseason calendar is the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday, followed by the undrafted free agent signing period beginning immediately after the draft’s final pick.
What are your thoughts on the Seahawks’ running back selection and the trades made in the final 11 picks? Share your analysis in the comments below and join the conversation about how these moves shape the upcoming season.
