Comic book characters, lapel tributes and hometown styles: Best outfits from the first round of the 2026 NFL draft
The fashions were notable on the first night of the draft.
The main focus of the NFL draft may have been on which hat each selection would be putting on when their names were called Thursday night, but from a fashion standpoint, the rest of the players’ outfits were just as interesting as the teams they were repping.
Pittsburgh became a temporary fashion capital with some of the fits the draftees were sporting in the Steel City. Here are some of the best:
Jeremiyah Love
He might have been the third pick of the draft, but Love is first on the list with his custom brown suit and a jacquard fabric to elevate the basic brown suit.
But the real talking point of Love’s look was the inside lining of his jacket. On the left side was an illustration of a comic book character he created, “Jeremonster,” inspired by his story. The right side featured images of the newest Arizona Cardinals’ time at Notre Dame.
Francis Mauigoa
Mauigoa, an offensive tackle from Miami drafted by the Giants, used his big moment in the draft to pay homage to his Samoan heritage.
Mauigoa grew up in Ili’ili, American Samoa, and had custom artwork on the back of his suit jacket to showcase those origins.
He also wore a ula fala, a traditional Samoan piece that is worn during ceremonial or celebratory occasions.
Makai Lemon
Lemon was the Eagles’ first-round pick in the 2026 draft, after they traded up to select him. He was wearing a grey pinstripe suit with a maroon tie and black sunglasses.
While Eagles fans are sure to look forward to seeing his gameday fits, seeing him rock midnight green on Sundays might be even more exciting.
Carnell Tate
Tate wore a cream suit with a cropped jacket, paired with a white undershirt. But the beauty of the outfit was in the details.
Tate had the names of his sisters and his late mother, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2023, embroidered on the inside of the lapel. He added a layered diamond-cross-chain and a matching gold watch.
Fernando Mendoza
He may have been at home in Miami, but that didn’t stop the first pick overall from dressing for the occasion.
Mendoza wore a classic navy suit and a blue tie. He accessorized with a gold watch, and eventually — to no surprise — a Las Vegas Raiders hat.
Mansoor Delane
Delane, the Chiefs’ pick at No. 6, wore a dusty pink suit with a matching shirt underneath.
He completed the look with a silver double layered chain and black shoes to break up the monochromatic nature of the look.