As the 2026 NFL Draft inches closer, four franchises find themselves in an enviable position: holding multiple first-round picks. It’s not every year you see this kind of draft capital concentrated in a handful of teams. While three first-rounders is a rarity, even having two gives a front office a real shot at reshaping the roster in a meaningful way-especially if the team already has a solid foundation in place.
Let’s dive into the four teams holding multiple first-round picks this year, what got them here, and how they could use that leverage to change their trajectory.
New York Jets (Picks 2 and 16)
The Jets are sitting on a war chest of draft capital-five first-round picks across the 2026 and 2027 drafts. That’s not just a rebuild; that’s a full-scale roster renovation. The trades that sent Sauce Gardner to Indianapolis and Quinnen Williams to Dallas were tough pills to swallow for fans, but they brought back premium picks that put New York in position to reload with top-tier talent.
General Manager Darren Mougey also holds two second-rounders in this draft, giving the Jets a total of four picks in the top 64. That’s the kind of draft positioning that can define a franchise’s next decade-if they get it right.
The Jets are clearly in the market for a franchise quarterback, and holding the No. 2 overall pick gives them a prime shot at landing one. But beyond that, they’ll need to surround that QB with talent, especially on the offensive line and at wide receiver.
This is a pivotal moment for the Jets. They’ve torn down the core of their defense to build something new. Now it’s about turning those picks into cornerstone players.
Cleveland Browns (Picks 6 and 24)
Cleveland enters the draft with two first-rounders, thanks to a 2025 trade that saw the Jaguars move up to grab Travis Hunter. That deal is already paying dividends for the Browns, who now hold the sixth and 24th overall picks.
The quarterback position remains a glaring hole in Cleveland’s roster. There’s no long-term answer in the building right now, but GM Andrew Berry showed in 2025 that he can put together a strong rookie class. That group helped stabilize the roster, and now he’ll look to build on that momentum.
While the Browns might wait until 2027 to make a major move at quarterback, this year’s draft gives them a chance to solidify the foundation. Whether that means bolstering the offensive line, adding a playmaker, or shoring up the defense, Cleveland has options. And with two first-rounders, they can afford to think both short-term and long-term.
Dallas Cowboys (Picks 12 and 20)
The Cowboys made headlines with one of the most shocking trades in recent memory, sending Micah Parsons elsewhere in a bold move that signaled a defensive reset. They also brought in Quinnen Williams, adding a proven interior force to a unit that desperately needed help.
Now, with picks 12 and 20 in their pocket, Dallas is poised to double down on fixing that side of the ball. The offense is already among the league’s elite-it can score with anyone. But the defense has lagged behind, and that’s what’s kept this team from making a deeper playoff run.
Don’t be surprised if both of these picks go toward defensive talent. Whether it’s edge rushers, linebackers, or secondary help, the Cowboys have holes to fill. If they can bring that unit up to even league-average status, they’ll be a legitimate threat in the NFC.
Los Angeles Rams (Picks 13 and 29)
It wouldn’t be an NFL offseason without Les Snead making headlines. The Rams GM is once again armed with two first-round picks-13 and 29-thanks to a savvy draft-day deal with the Falcons last year.
Now, if history is any indicator, there’s a good chance Snead doesn’t hold onto both of these picks. He’s never been shy about flipping first-rounders for proven talent, and with the Rams knocking on the door of a Super Bowl appearance in 2025, that aggressive mindset could resurface.
Cornerback stands out as a major area of need, and Los Angeles could look to swing a deal for an immediate-impact player at that position. They’ve already proven they can compete with the best in the NFC, but getting past Seattle remains the hurdle. Adding a lockdown corner or a difference-maker on defense could be the move that finally gets them over the top.
Final Thoughts
Multiple first-round picks give a team flexibility-but also pressure. The margin for error shrinks when you’re expected to turn draft capital into on-field results. For the Jets, Browns, Cowboys, and Rams, the 2026 NFL Draft isn’t just about adding talent-it’s about defining the next phase of their franchise.
Whether it’s a quarterback hunt in New York, a defensive overhaul in Dallas, or a win-now trade in L.A., these teams are holding the cards. Now it’s time to see how they play them.