5 Bold predictions for 2026 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is where logic meets chaos—and chaos usually wins. Every year, teams convince themselves they have a plan. Boards are set, needs are identified, and projections feel airtight. And every year, something blows it all up. Trades come out of nowhere, prospects rise (or fall) unexpectedly, and one bold decision can reshape an entire franchise.

That’s what makes the 2026 NFL Draft so intriguing. There’s talent at the top, depth across the board, and just enough uncertainty to guarantee surprises. So instead of playing it safe, let’s lean into it—here are five bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft.

NFL Teams With Most 2026 Draft Picks Ranked

There will be more than five trades in the first round

From Arizona’s pick at 3 down to Seattle at 32, there are many teams looking to get out of the first round and accumulate more picks in the loaded 2027 NFL Draft. Look for at least five trades in Round 1 as teams aggressively look to move picks.

Dallas will move up to draft a stud on defense

If the Jets select David Bailey, Dallas could move all the way up to 3 to select Arvell Reese. However, if the Jets take Reese, Dallas will still want to find a way to grab either Caleb Downs or Mansoor Delane, as Jerry Jones knows that neither will last to 12. With the NFC East up for grabs this year, Dallas is primed to act.

Arizona will shock everyone and take Jeremiyah Love

Even with the off-season signing of Tyler Allgeier and the presence of James Conner and Trey Benson on its current roster, Arizona has not ruled out the idea of taking Love, who is the single greatest impact player on offense in this draft. Unless they get overwhelmed by a trade offer, Love could be going to the desert.

Arizona trades back into the first round to take Ty Simpson

The NFL is a copycat league, and teams are looking at what the New York Giants did last year with Jaxson Dart and hoping to recreate the same thing with Simpson. Arizona is rumored to be enamored with him, so expect them to move back into the first round to get him.

Only one Running Back will be drafted in the first two rounds

Many draft pundits are talking up Jadarian Price as a possible late first-round pick (possibly to Seattle), but no running back outside of Jeremiah Love has made a pre-draft impact with NFL teams. A bevy of backs will likely go in Rounds 3-5, but during the first two days of the draft, only Love will hear his name called.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—