Five best fits from the first round of 2026 NFL Draft

As analyst Matt Harmon noted on Yahoo Sports' live draft coverage, Tyson is strong in the intermediate area, where quarterback Tyler Shough thrived as rookie.

According to NFL Pro, the 2025 second-rounder ranked fifth among qualifying quarterbacks in pass EPA on throws traveling 10-19 air yards. Tyson gained 262 yards after the catch and was particularly effective against zone coverage, when he produced a 53 percent positive play rate. (h/t SIS)

Harmon also pointed to Olave's strength against man coverage, giving New Orleans a pair of receivers with two unique skill sets, which should only help the offense become more dynamic.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson (No. 13 overall)

The Rams pulled off the biggest shocker of Round 1, taking 2025 MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford's eventual replacement with the pick acquired in last year's draft-day trade with the Atlanta Falcons. Unlike most first-rounders, Simpson has the luxury of sitting, which could be the best thing for him.

For a team that finished two wins shy of a Super Bowl triumph, adding Simpson doesn't get Los Angeles closer to a championship. While a missed opportunity for the Rams, that's of no concern to Simpson. It's hard to imagine a more ideal landing spot, with Stafford and head coach Sean McVay's tutelage excellent for his long-term development. With only 15 collegiate starts, it's not a bad plan to grow him behind the scenes rather than throw him to the wolves. 

ESPN draft analyst Louis Reddick discussed the "similar concepts" he ran at Alabama, which should only help put him in a position to succeed whenever he becomes QB1.

Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman (No. 25 overall)

Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker and C.J. Gardner-Johnson's departures created a clear need at safety for the Bears — even after signing Coby Bryant in free agency — and they filled it with one of the top players at the position in the 2026 class. Thieneman, who ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the combine, has the versatility to make an impact against the pass and run, which should make him an immediate favorite for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

Houston Texans guard Keylan Rutledge (No. 26 overall)

The Texans addressed their dreadful 2025 run game earlier this offseason by acquiring running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions. On Thursday, they added a bruiser up front in Rutledge who can be just as instrumental to an improved attack.

Per NFL Pro, Houston ranked No. 31 in rush success rate (35.6 percent) a season ago. Last year at Georgia Tech, backs had a 55 percent positive play rate when running back Rutledge while gaining 5.7 per carry, including 3.1 yards before contact, according to SIS.