Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off tonight, and excitement is in the air. Will teams trade up for their dream prospects? NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero believes we might see some action, especially depending on the Jets’ pick at No. 2 overall.
Pelissero notes that the top five picks are where things could heat up. The Raiders appear firm on taking Fernando Mendoza. As for the Jets, they are expected to pick either David Bailey or Arvell Reese. The real drama unfolds with the Cardinals and Titans; both seem open to trading their picks, likely sparking interest from teams in the top 10, like the Saints and the Chiefs.
Currently, five teams hold two first-round picks each: the Jets (2, 16), Browns (6, 24), Chiefs (9, 29), Dolphins (11, 30), and Cowboys (12, 20). These teams have the resources to make a leap in the draft. Similar to how the Jaguars traded a future pick for Travis Hunter last year, a surprise trade-up could happen again.
Pelissero anticipates a mid-round rush on offensive linemen, which might push other teams to trade up. He points out that the Lions at pick 17 are a team to watch since they have clear needs.
As Round 1 progresses, teams in search of quarterbacks will likely consider making bold moves. For instance, if Ty Simpson remains available past the 15th pick, expect teams like the Cardinals to consider trading up from pick 34.
Interestingly, this draft has sparked various social media discussions. Many fans have concerns about the lack of star power among quarterbacks, which might heighten trading activity as teams aim for their needs rather than top talent. Historical patterns suggest that drafts with fewer standout players often lead to more trades, as teams take calculated risks.
Tonight’s draft promises to be anything but predictable. Tune in at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network, NFL+, ESPN, and ABC for all the action.
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