What we learned from the 2026 NFL Draft: Story on McVay’s face, Raiders’ Mendoza plan

Key Points:

• The 2026 NFL Draft saw teams largely avoid reaching for quarterbacks early, with many opting to wait until later rounds or next year’s class, which is expected to be strong with prospects like Arch Manning and Dante Moore.
• The Las Vegas Raiders plan to sit their top pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, behind veteran Kirk Cousins for the 2026 season, emphasizing the value of development over immediate play despite fan pressure.
• Rams coach Sean McVay appeared unenthusiastic about the first-round selection of quarterback Ty Simpson, signaling a possible disconnect between coaching and management priorities as Simpson is viewed as a long-term investment behind MVP Matthew Stafford.
• Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. fell in the draft due to concerns about his arm length and a past fatal crash incident, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw him as a steal at No. 15, praising his bend, physicality, and motor as key traits for success in their defense.
• The draft highlighted a focus on positions other than quarterback, with nine offensive linemen and defensive players like linebackers and cornerbacks taken early, reflecting teams’ immediate needs and strategic rebuilding efforts.