Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft is here — and tonight we’ll see if there are any teams willing to trade up early in the first round to get the picks they want.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero sees three pockets in the first round where we could potentially see some movement, which could be based on who the Jets select at No. 2 overall.
“The first one is at the top. He’s in the top five. The Raiders are going to be in; we expect them to take Fernando Mendoza,” Pelissero said Thursday. Good morning Football. At two, I expect the Jets to stand in and pick at number two, whether it’s David Bailey or Arvell Reese. Then things get interesting. At three and four, with the Cardinals and Titans, both teams, to my understanding, are open for trade, and there are other teams in the top 10 that have at least looked at what it would take to move up. The Saints, who are eight, are interested in moving up in the draft – the Chiefs nine. Could it be for Arvell Reese if he’s not number two? Could it be for the top offensive tackle? It both makes sense for these teams.”
A total of five teams hold two first-round picks, including the Jets (No. 2, 16), Browns (No. 6, 24), Chiefs (No. 9, 29), Dolphins (No. 11, 30), Cowboys (No. 12, 20). With enough resources, these teams mentioned could be seen as potential candidates for promotion.
Much like the Jaguars did last year when they gave up a future first round pick to select Travis Hunter, a team giving up future assets shouldn’t be ruled out either.
Pelissero then expects to run an offensive line in the middle of the first round, which could encourage teams to trade up and get in front of their projected pick.
“Everybody expects the Lions to sit there at 5 p.m., everybody knows what their need is,” Pelissero said. “If you want your tackle – it’s not one of those guys that goes straight to the top – go above them, go to 15 or 16 and see if you can do something.”
Late in Round 1, things could get really interesting as teams in need of teams in need of teams potentially bite the bullet for the consensus no.
“Then, late in the first round, as we say every year, it’s always going to be — is one of those quarterbacks going to be the trade target? Pelissero said. “If Ty Simpson is still sitting in the green room when we get 15, and to 20, and to 25, all eyes will be on teams like the Cardinals at No. 34. They make a big move up the bottom, which is only a few spots, but is big symbolically. Teams like the Patriots and Seahawks are already moving down to both teams are already moving down. draft where we might not have — everybody can say there’s not as much star power, there’s not as many quarterbacks — and all that’s true, we could have a lot of movement tonight for those very reasons, and that’s going to make it fun.”
After weeks of speculation and countless mock drafts, we will finally get clarity on what will happen in the 2026 NFL Draft. Round 1 is set to begin tonight at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network and ESPN.