Every year, while teams are on the clock, front offices are just as active behind the scenes, working phones, navigating the board, and hunting for value wherever it falls. The first round isn’t just about who you pick, but how you get them.

Here are five teams that walked away as the biggest value winners from Round 1:

Cleveland Browns

Draft Day Moves:

• Traded #6 overall to the Chiefs for #9, #74, #148
• Drafted OT Spencer Fano at #9
• Drafted WR KC Concepcion at #24

By trading down from No. 6 to No. 9, the Browns picked up additional draft capital and still landed Spencer Fano, one of the most technically sound offensive tackles in the class. Fano was dominant in college, earning an elite pass-blocking grade while allowing minimal pressure against top competition.

Later in the round, Cleveland added wide receiver KC Concepcion, one of the most productive playmakers in college football. Concepcion posted over 1,200 total yards and double-digit touchdowns, showcasing versatility as both a receiver and gadget weapon.

Instead of forcing a pick early, the Browns let the board come to them, and walked away with two high-impact offensive pieces while increasing their overall draft capital.

Philadelphia Eagles

Draft Day Moves:

• Traded #23, #114, and #137 to the Cowboys for #20 and a 2027 7th round pick
• Drafted WR Makai Lemon at #20

Trading up to No. 20, Philadelphia selected wide receiver Makai Lemon, a dynamic playmaker who entered the draft as the top WR prospect. Lemon brings explosive separation ability and after-the-catch production, finishing his final season with over 1,100 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, while consistently creating chunk plays.

This almost guarantees that they will be shopping A.J. Brown, and they may have found his replacement in Lemon.

Dallas Cowboys

Draft Day Moves:

• Traded #12, #177, and #180 to the Dolphins for #11
• Traded #20 and 2027 7th round pick to the Eagles for #23, #114, and #137
• Drafted S Caleb Downs at #11
• Drafted DE Malachi Lawrence at #23

Dallas traded up one spot to select Caleb Downs, widely regarded as the top defensive back in the class. While safeties rarely generate aggressive trade-up action, Downs isn’t a typical prospect. He’s a true hybrid defender, capable of playing deep, in the box, or matching up in coverage.

They came back and added another high-upside defensive piece in edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, continuing to rebuild the defensive line after losing Micah Parsons. Lawrence was widely viewed as one of the more intriguing pass rushers in the class, even if he didn’t always get top-10 buzz. At around 6’4”, 255 pounds, he brings an explosive first step and natural bend off the edge.

Surprisingly, they traded with their division rival, but received some mid-round capital while still getting the guy they wanted.

Baltimore Ravens

Draft Day Moves:

• Drafted OL Olaivavega Ioane at #14

The Ravens didn’t overthink it, grabbing a safe and much needed player. With their first-round pick, theylanded Olaivavega Ioane, a powerful, battle-tested interior offensive lineman who brings immediate physicality to the trenches. At roughly 6’4”, 320+ pounds, Ioane combines light feet with overwhelming strength, making him one of the most reliable interior blockers in the class.

Baltimore entered the draft with a clear need up front. The team wasn’t able to retain center Tyler Linderbaum, creating instability along the interior. Ioane stabilizes that interior, raises the floor of the entire unit, and should help open rushing lanes for star RB Derrick Henry.

Buffalo Bills

Draft Day Moves:

• Traded #26 and #91 to Texans for #28, #69, and #167
• Traded #28 to the Patriots for #31 and #125
• Traded #31, #69, and #165 to the Titans for #35, #66, and #101

The Bills took a different approach than most teams on Day 1. Rather than treating pick No. 26 as a fixed asset, Buffalo turned it into a fluid one, trading back multiple times, accumulating extra capital, and still finding a way to land in position for their target.

It was a sequence that reflected complete confidence in their board. By sliding back, then back again, the Bills picked up additional mid-round selections and future flexibility, effectively building out the middle of their draft without sacrificing their ability to strike in Round 1.