The 2026 NFL Draft opened with expected drama at the top but quickly escalated into controversy as quarterback Fernando Mendoza was selected first overall before the Philadelphia Eagles made a bold and unexpected move to trade up with division rivals the Dallas Cowboys to draft wide receiver Makai Lemon.
The opening selection saw Mendoza go No. 1 overall, confirming pre-draft projections that placed him as the most coveted quarterback in the class. However, attention swiftly shifted away from the top pick as trade discussions began to dominate coverage of the first round.
