The NFL draft opened with a gamble, a surprise and a sign of things to come

The Los Angeles Rams picking quarterback Ty Simpson shocked experts and fans alike, but it wasn't the only surprise from the first round of the NFL draft.

The NFL draft kicked off with its first round Thursday night, as most teams made their initial selection in what’s become a multiday affair.

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The Las Vegas Raiders began the festivities by selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. While Mendoza’s selection was a foregone solution, what happened next had plenty of twists and turns.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the draft’s opening night.