Anticipation builds for an intriguing 2026 NFL Draft class

The wait is almost over, and the buzz around the 2026 NFL Draft is reaching a fever pitch.

The uncertainty alone is what makes this year's NFL Draft feel different. Outside of the wide receiver class, and sprinkling in some defense and offensive linemen, a lot of prospects feel like a high-stakes guessing game. It doesn't look like fans know entirely how the first round will turn out, but the owners and general managers may not be fully prepared for how things will unfold either.

Unlike in previous years, there is no universal agreement on how things will look for the quarterback class, aside from Fernando Mendoza going first to the Las Vegas Raiders. The "premier" position isn't so premier after all, but the draft could house some hidden gems, while most should go after the first round. Behind Mendoza, things could get a little murky.

With names like Ty Simpson, Carson Beck, and Diego Pavia, who knows which teams are thinking about taking on prospect picks or giving them the opportunity to start immediately?

Other names like Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Jeremiyah Love are all viewed as elite, but sometimes those positions do not go as early as some think, although, as it stands now, the aforementioned names should all go top ten.

Multiple teams are exploring trade-up options, while others are on board with moving back and stockpiling picks. Six teams have two picks in the first round, and six teams don't have any. These will be the teams to keep an eye on to see if they want to slide in and snag a player.

Either way, the countdown is on, and after the first pick is announced, all of the speculation will turn into a reality. Until then, the anticipation is the story.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Anticipation builds for an intriguing 2026 NFL Draft class