2026 NFL Draft: Winners and Losers in Review

The 2026 NFL Draft generated immediate verdicts on team performance. Analysts praised the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons as winners, while the Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders’ fourth-round pick Jermod McCoy and the New England Patriots’ coaching controversy were singled out as losers.

The Guardian

The Browns traded down to the ninth spot, selecting Utah left tackle Spencer Fano, then added receivers KC Concepcion (24th) and Denzel Boston (39th) and defensive back Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (58th). The Falcons took cornerback Avieon Terrell at 48th, reuniting him with brother AJ Terrell. Philadelphia’s Howie Roseman traded up for USC receiver Makai Lemon and secured edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard. Rams used the 13th pick on quarterback Ty Simpson despite having MVP Matthew Stafford, and the Raiders drafted safety Jermod McCoy in the fourth round after his ACL injury and pending bone-plug surgery.

The Guardian

Cleveland GM Andrew Berry confirmed the plan to keep Fano at left tackle. Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman emphasized roster building within the cap. Los Angeles GM Les Snead led the briefing after the Simpson pick, and head coach Sean McVay said his subdued demeanor reflected respect for veteran Matthew Stafford. New England head coach Mike Vrabel missed the third draft day amid an alleged affair, prompting GM Eliot Wolf to stress leadership continuity.

The Guardian

Berry said the Browns intend to “park Fano at left tackle and leave him there.” Snead noted the Rams’ first-round pick fits broader roster upgrades. Wolf remarked, “The stability of him as a person… some of the leadership, some of the presence.” McVay said his body language showed deference to Stafford rather than doubt in Simpson’s upside.

The Guardian

Analysts questioned the Rams’ first-round pick of a quarterback whose 2025 production declined, arguing the capital could have reinforced a secondary already bolstered by Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. The Patriots’ draft process faced scrutiny for disruption from Vrabel’s scandal.

The Guardian

Reports differ on the severity of McCoy’s bone-plug issue and whether it will sideline him for 2026. The Browns have not named a starting quarterback, and the Patriots have not disclosed how Vrabel’s absence will affect later picks.

The Guardian

• “All my doctors that did my surgery, they told me I’m good,” — Jermod McCoy, Safety, Las Vegas Raiders

The Guardian

• “Just getting that call, it was a blessing,” — Avieon Terrell, Cornerback, Atlanta Falcons

The Guardian

• “The stability of him as a person, some of the leadership, some of the presence,” — Eliot Wolf, General Manager, New England Patriots

The Guardian

• “ If you’re missing anything in a draft due to your head coach’s indiscretions, that’s not a great look.” — The Guardian editorial team

The Guardian

The Browns’ upgraded line and receiver group will be tested early, while the Eagles’ mix of veterans and new talent positions them as contenders. The Rams must decide if Ty Simpson can develop behind Matthew Stafford, and the Patriots will manage roster moves without Vrabel. The Falcons’ Terrell brothers aim to solidify a secondary that could shape league-wide defensive strategies.

The Guardian