Predicting 2026 NFL Draft trades

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to see significant trades due to a compressed talent class. Teams like the Raiders may trade down from the No. 1 pick if they believe they can still secure their desired quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.

Key points

2026 NFL Draft is expected to be trade-heavy
Teams are calling the Raiders about the No. 1 pick
Raiders may draft QB Fernando Mendoza

Fernando MendozaRaiders2026 NFL Draft

Maybe this is not a hot take, but the 2026 NFL Draft is ripe for trades. Not because teams suddenly got creative, but because the class is seriously compressed. Chiefs GM Brett Veach said it plainly – grades are close across premium positions, and the draft lacks franchise guys or blue-chip outliers like Will Anderson Jr. or Myles Garrett. Thus, friends, the first round is predicted to be trade-heavy. So here’s how I see that potentially playing out on draft night.

MORE: 2026 NFL mock draft board has never been this wild

Raiders trade down from No. 1, but not far

Yes, Vegas is expected to take QB Fernando Mendoza, and yes, they’ve already admitted teams are calling about the pick. The reason a trade is in play is simple. If the Raiders view Mendoza as the top QB but still believe they can get him at No. 2 or No. 3, the value of moving down is massive. The only way they do it is if a team offers a clean premium package – extra first-rounder or a first plus multiple Day 2 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Giants trade down from No. 5 to add top-100 capital

The Giants only having a couple of top-100 picks is the reason this trade-down is realistic. If the board at five isn’t there, they’ll move down, grab volume, and call it board discipline. And frankly, it’s not discipline – it’s a necessity for Big Blue.

Chiefs use No. 9 as the pivot point

Q&A

Why are trades expected in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Trades are expected because the draft class is compressed, with close grades across premium positions and a lack of standout franchise players.

What is the Raiders' strategy for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Raiders may trade down from the No. 1 pick if they believe they can still draft their target quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, at a lower position.

What kind of trade package would the Raiders consider for the No. 1 pick?

The Raiders would consider a trade package that includes a premium offer, such as an extra first-round pick or a first-round pick plus multiple Day 2 picks.