2026 NFL Draft Intel: Surprises, Trade Buzz, and Top Prospects

The 2026 NFL draft begins Thursday night in Pittsburgh, offering a prime opportunity to share insights from around the league.

Every draft presents surprises, and the week leading up to it is filled with speculation about what teams might do. A few days before the 2025 draft, a prediction was made that then-new Jaguars GM James Gladstone, with 10 picks, might be unpredictable. Indeed, shortly after the Titans selected quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1, the Jaguars traded the No. 5 pick, a second-rounder, a fourth-rounder, and a future first-rounder to the Browns for a fourth-rounder, a sixth-rounder, and the No. 2 pick, which they used on cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter. This trade, agreed upon two weeks prior, was kept quiet until the Browns were on the clock.

Two years ago, before the 2024 draft, it was noted that some general managers saw an 'undercurrent of support for Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix,' with speculation that Penix could go as high as No. 8 to the Falcons, which is exactly where he was picked.

Now, more surprises could be on the horizon. The following information is based on weeks of calls to NFL front offices and coaching staffs, aiming to provide a sense of what each team might do.

Pittsburgh is hosting the NFL draft for the second time; the first was in December 1947, with 300 players selected over 32 rounds. The draft has evolved into a major event, and the first round begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, live on ESPN, ABC, the ESPN App, and the NFL Network.

League executives describe this year's draft class as less top-heavy, with one GM stating it's 'not a great year to have a top-10 pick,' and another calling the first half of Round 1 'uninspiring' due to a lack of 'star power.' However, many believe the third and fourth rounds offer significant opportunities with good players.

Despite the challenges of prediction, the draft remains one of the most exciting weeks of the year due to its inherent unpredictability, as noted by Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

A.J. Brown, Eagles trade talk

An A.J. Brown trade to the Patriots remains a possibility and is still tracking to occur on or after June 1, per league sources. The teams have discussed a deal, but neither has committed until after June 1, when Brown's $40 million cap charge would be split between this year and next, making the trade more manageable. All signs point to Brown to the Patriots as the likely outcome, just not during draft week. The Eagles are open to trading Brown, the Patriots are highly interested, and discussions are expected to resume around June 1, likely leading to a deal. The Eagles are not concerned about adding draft capital for this week, as acquiring picks in 2027 and 2028 is more enticing. They previously had extensive trade talks with the Rams regarding Brown, which did not materialize. The Eagles have since added receiver depth by signing Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, and trading for Dontayvion Wicks, giving them more flexibility.

The Patriots are at the forefront of these talks, though other teams could emerge. As of now, sources believe Brown and the Patriots are likely to become a tandem.

Eagles might not stop there

The Eagles could be active in more trades beyond any Brown-related move. General manager Howie Roseman is reportedly planning a deal on draft weekend, a move consistent with his tendency for surprises.

One potential target is Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard, whom the Eagles have inquired about. Greenard had 12 sacks in 2024 but only three last season over 12 games. The Vikings are seeking a premium Day 2 pick for him. The Eagles hold picks Nos. 54, 68, and 98 on Day 2.

Talks between the Eagles and Vikings have reportedly lost steam recently. However, the Eagles' trade wish list extends beyond Greenard, with Roseman known for having multiple plans.

Other trade candidates to watch

Beyond Brown and Greenard, other players who could be traded during the draft include Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., Titans quarterback Will Levis, Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler, Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II, Giants edge Kayvon Thibodeaux, Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman, and 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

San Francisco's Mac Jones is not expected to be traded, as his market has been weak this offseason. Browns coach Todd Monken jokingly suggested Kyle Shanahan should 'cut him' to see the market.

A lot of love for Love

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, though not a No. 1 pick, is considered by many to be the best player in this class and could be the first running back drafted in the top five since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Some believe he could go as high as No. 3 to Arizona or no lower than No. 7 to Washington.

There is growing chatter that Love is a serious consideration for Arizona at No. 3. The Cardinals would prefer to trade down but have had 'exploratory' calls regarding the pick. If they hold on, Love could be an early surprise selection.

Even if Love doesn't go at No. 3, his floor is seen as No. 7 with the Commanders, who have sought to upgrade their backfield and have limited financial investment at the position. Washington might 'rush to turn in the card' for Love, pairing him with Jayden Daniels.

Fewer first-round trades possible, but watch the Browns

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach predicts an active draft day with many trades. However, others suggest fewer first-round deals are likely this year, as more teams want to trade down than up. The number of Round 1 trades has been declining in recent years.

Teams expect any observed trades to be more about jockeying for position than major blockbuster deals like the one between the Browns and Jaguars last year. The Browns are open to moving the No. 6 pick, which would give them more capital in a draft where they already have nine selections, including Nos. 6 and 24 in the first round.

The Cowboys are a potential trade-up candidate, needing a big-time defensive player and holding two first-round picks, though they reportedly want to keep pick No. 20.

One long-shot scenario to keep an eye on

A scenario being discussed in some front offices, dependent on the first few picks, involves Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese or David Bailey. If the Jets take Bailey at No. 2, the Cardinals take Love at No. 3, and the Titans take Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 4, then Reese (or Bailey, if the Jets take Reese) could slide to No. 5. This might tempt a team like the Cowboys to trade up for a top-tier pass rusher. This scenario relies on a specific draft order but highlights the draft's compelling nature.

The trade that affected Simpson and what's next

The Rams' trade of the No. 29 pick to the Chiefs for cornerback Trent McDuffie had an unintended consequence for quarterback Ty Simpson's first-round prospects. League sources indicate the Rams were eyeing Simpson with the No. 29 pick but now hold No. 13. Without that pick, Simpson may be off the board by their next selection at No. 61.

The Jets (No. 16 and No. 33) and Cardinals (No. 34) appear most interested in Simpson. Arizona could leapfrog New York to secure Simpson and the fifth-year option on his contract by drafting him in Round 1.

Quarterback gap year

If the Raiders select Indiana's Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, this draft could resemble drafts from 25 years ago, with a significant gap between the first and second quarterback selected. In 2001, Michael Vick was the No. 1 pick, and Drew Brees wasn't selected until the first pick of the second round (No. 32).

If Simpson goes to the Jets (No. 33) or Cardinals (No. 34) on Day 2, it would mirror that 2001 draft. However, some believe a team might trade up into the first round for him.

There have been seven instances of teams trading up for a QB in the first round at pick 25 or later since 1967. This range might be where a team could jump up for Simpson, who shows impressive traits but started only 15 college games.

Host-city Steelers have QB, OL questions

Pittsburgh, the host city, has 12 draft picks but several unresolved issues. Left tackle Broderick Jones' neck injury sustained last season requires further examination to determine his readiness for training camp and the season, potentially influencing the Steelers' need for a new left tackle early in the draft.

Regarding quarterback, Aaron Rodgers' decision on playing in 2026, initially expected soon after the 2025 season, has stretched into the offseason. If Rodgers hasn't confirmed his return by Thursday night, Pittsburgh will need to consider Simpson with the No. 21 pick, or another QB within the seven rounds.