The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh. Mendoza at #1 is a foregone conclusion but the next 31 picks are filled with intrigue. Here are the biggest storylines that could define draft night.
Mendoza is locked at #1 to the Raiders. But Alabama's Ty Simpson is the QB2 in this class -- and his range is one of the biggest mysteries of this cycle. Daniel Jeremiah projects picks 20-40. The Jets and Cardinals are frequently mentioned as teams that would trade back into Round 1 for him. If Pittsburgh takes Simpson at #21 in their home city, it would be the loudest moment of draft night.
New York holds picks #2 and #16 plus three first-rounders in 2027. At #2, the choice is likely David Bailey or Arvell Reese. At #16, they could take a receiver or package the pick in a trade. The Jets ranked 31st in sacks and 31st in pressure rate last season -- they are one of the most likely teams to shake up Round 1.
Dallas allowed the most points in the NFL (30.1 ppg) and near the worst yards per play (6.1). Jerry Jones holds picks #12 and #20. Rueben Bain Jr., Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese and David Bailey have all been connected to Dallas. Some analysts project a Cowboys trade UP from #12 to beat other teams to a blue-chip defender.
With Mendoza at #1, the #2 slot becomes the premier edge rusher position. Raiders GM John Spytek has said teams know where they stand on the #1 pick -- indicating it is not for sale. The #2 could move if a team wants to jump ahead for Bailey or Reese.
No GM is more active on draft night -- 5.6 trades per draft average. The Eagles need a safety, edge rusher and potentially a receiver if A.J. Brown is traded. Brown trade rumors have circulated for months. New England and the Rams are rumored to have interest.
Giants DT Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade. New head coach John Harbaugh wants to repair the relationship but reports suggest talks have reached an impasse. If Lawrence is traded, the Giants gain flexibility and picks -- but it reshapes their entire approach at #5.
Three of the top players -- Jeremiyah Love (RB), Caleb Downs (S) and Sonny Styles (LB) -- play positions not historically valued in the top 10. CBS Sports calls this a fascinating case study in positional value. Will a team take Love top-5? Will Downs slide past pick 10?
The Browns hold picks #6 and #24. Andrew Berry could package both to trade up, take two starters, or trade down from #6 for future capital. Mel Kiper projects a scenario where Dallas trades #12 and #20 to Cleveland for #6 and #39 -- giving the Browns three first-round picks. That would be the biggest trade of the night.
Opinions on the tackle class are wide-ranging per Daniel Jeremiah after pro day season. Mauigoa, Fano, Miller, Freeling, Proctor and Lomu all have first-round grades but wildly different evaluations across front offices. How teams stack their tackle boards will be one of the most fascinating storylines of Round 1.
The Steelers pick at #21 in their home city. There is genuine speculation Pittsburgh could select Ty Simpson. Aaron Rodgers is expected back but has no guaranteed money after 2026. If the Steelers take a QB at #21 in Pittsburgh, it would be unforgettable.
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