Quarterback landing spots, 2026 NFL draft class rankings & Diego Pavia UDFA watch
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The 2026 NFL Draft concluded with a record-setting attendance of 805,000 fans and 257 picks, with the Raiders leading draft class rankings due to their selection of quarterback Fernando Mendoza and valuable later picks like Jermod McCoy.
- Quarterback selections remain crucial, with the first quarterback drafted historically having a 40% chance of outperforming others in their class, while the second and third quarterbacks have significantly lower odds.
- The Eagles secured a strong draft haul including a key trade for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, while the 49ers’ pick of receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, initially seen as a reach, is now viewed as a strategic fit for their offense.
- Undrafted free agents include notable names like Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, the first Heisman runner-up to go undrafted since 2003, who remains unsigned amid concerns about his backup willingness and arm strength.
- Reader predictions from Jeff T. and Brady impressively anticipated key draft trades and picks, highlighting engaged fan analysis alongside professional evaluations of draft outcomes and future NFL impacts.
