2026 NFL Draft buzz: Chiefs, Saints among teams who could trade up in Round 1
NFL.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 NFL Draft Round 1 begins tonight, with potential early trades expected around picks 3 and 4, depending on the Jets' selection at No. 2 overall, as teams like the Cardinals and Titans are open to trading.
- Five teams, including the Jets, Browns, Chiefs, Dolphins, and Cowboys, hold two first-round picks, making them prime candidates to trade up for desired prospects, especially offensive linemen in the mid-first round.
- Late in Round 1, quarterback-needy teams may trade up to select the consensus No. 2 QB prospect, with teams like the Cardinals, Patriots, and Seahawks already open to moving picks, creating anticipation for draft-day activity.
- Top quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson are expected to go early, while Miami's Carson Beck is projected as the third QB taken, likely in the second or third round, with other QBs like Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier, and Cade Klubnik expected later.
- Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia is considered a late-round wild card due to his competitive nature and football IQ, though he may go undrafted or be selected in the sixth or seventh round.
