
The expectation of increased trades in the 2026 NFL Draft is driven by the depth in defensive positions and teams' strategies to prepare for the highly anticipated 2027 draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft is noted for its depth in defensive positions, specifically EDGE, cornerback (CB), and linebacker (LB).
Teams are likely looking to acquire extra picks for both the 2026 draft and the generational talent expected in the 2027 draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to see a significant increase in trades, according to insider Jordan Schultz. Teams are particularly focused on strong defensive positions and may also be preparing for the generational 2027 draft.
For fans of the NFL Draft, the event has become almost as big as the Super Bowl. It can achieve such heights as compared to the big game, which involved all 32 NFL fan bases. As a result, everyone gets heavily invested; you have 32 general managers who are clamoring for the same players, and it is the best reality show on television.
With that stage set, why not create more chaos? Trades can certainly achieve that. NFL insider Jordan Schultz is hearing that this may be a more active NFL Draft in terms of trades than normal.
He shared this thought on social media, writing, "The expectation among many NFL teams is that the 2026 draft will be one of the more trade-heavy drafts in recent memory, according to multiple league sources. Specifically, on the defensive side of the ball â EDGE, CB and LB are all strong/deep â while WR is typically considered to be the most talented offensive position."
On top of the position groups themselves, teams are also keeping their eyes on the 2027 installment of the draft. The class in next year's selection meeting is considered generational by analysts. Teams making trades could also be looking to gather up extra picks in the draft for 2027 just as much as 2026.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: There could be more trades than usual in this year's NFL Draft
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