The Dynamics of the 2026 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is more than just a chance for teams to bring in new talent. It’s a strategic event where teams consider various factors, such as how their selections will affect their current roster, whether to accept trade offers, or decide whether to acquire established players or future picks instead of selecting a prospect. Trade possibilities are always part of the excitement, especially in the first round when the value of picks is at its highest.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, there’s a lot of potential for changes in the draft order. Six teams do not have a first-round pick, including the Cincinnati Bengals after their recent deal with the Giants involving the No. 10 pick. With an underwhelming quarterback class and strong players at positions that are traditionally undervalued, like Jeremiyah Love and Caleb Downs, it’s easy to imagine scenarios where more teams will want to move up or down.
Here are some of the teams most likely to make moves on the first-round draft board, along with the latest rumors about potential trades.
Teams Considering Moves
One of the most notable teams being watched for possible moves is the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones and his team currently hold the No. 12 and No. 20 picks. For a team that prioritizes star power and has significant needs, moving up to secure a high-profile player could be a logical step.
Jordan Schultz reported on April 14 that Dallas is a team to watch in trade-up scenarios, particularly with rumors suggesting interest in jumping their division rival, the Giants, who pick fifth. If this were to happen, the Arizona Cardinals (No. 3) or Tennessee Titans (No. 4) could be potential trade partners.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also reported on April 18 that the Cowboys are being closely watched as a trade-up candidate due to their obvious defensive needs. However, the team is also comfortable keeping its two first-rounders.
If the Cowboys decide to move up, they might target a high-profile pass rusher like Arvell Reese or David Bailey. While defensive talent is needed in Dallas, there’s also a chance that the Cowboys want to add a star to their offense in running back Jeremiyah Love, considered one of the best running back prospects in years. Safety Caleb Downs could also be a fit for Dallas, but he isn’t expected to land in the top-5.
If the price isn’t too high, the Cowboys could end up picking in the top-5. A year removed from trading Micah Parsons, a new young pass rusher would be a good fit.
Top Picks and Trade Possibilities
The No. 1 pick, in all likelihood, is not going to be moved this year. The Las Vegas Raiders have received trade calls for the pick, according to ESPN, but the team is heavily expected to keep the selection to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The Jets at No. 2 aren’t considered likely to trade down, being connected to Reese or Bailey at edge rusher. But from there, it’s fairly conceivable that almost any team in the top-10 would trade down.
Albert Breer reported on April 13 that the Cardinals, Titans, Giants, Browns, and Commanders are all among the teams that have looked at the possibility of trading down, but the problem has been finding a trade partner. Additionally, Schultz reported on April 16 that Arizona, picking at No. 3 overall, remains “the biggest mystery” regarding whether the Cardinals would trade down.
On April 18, Fowler called the Cardinals and Titans reportedly “open to moving back.” Breer wrote that, assuming the Jets take Bailey, there are two players who could “inspire” a trade-up: Reese and Love. Teams in need of a pass rusher, like the Cowboys, or who want to ensure they’ll land a star running back, like the Saints, could eye a move up.
However, Schultz also reported on April 14 that the teams interested in trading down in the order are finding an issue: other franchises have “a lack of interest” in parting ways with their 2027 selections, with that draft expected to include some big quarterback names.
Based on rumors, it appears to be a better market for teams that are looking to move up into the top-10 this year. With some strong prospects, but some questions about positional value, the cost to move up may not be quite as high as it usually would be.
Other Teams to Watch
The Jets appear locked into their No. 2 spot, but after trading Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts last season, they have another first-rounder at No. 16. New York could be an intriguing team to watch in the mid-first round. While the Jets have plenty of needs – including quarterback, although there aren’t any projected mid-first round passers – one of the more glaring ones is cornerback.
As ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggested, a trade-up from No. 16 to land a cornerback could make sense for New York, especially if targeting the projected CB1, LSU’s Mansoor Delane. With plenty of cornerback-needy teams in the 10-15 range, it’s unlikely Delane would make it to the Jets.
Another positional need is wide receiver – New York could try to get ahead of the Dolphins or Rams at No. 11 and 13 to get a player like Jordyn Tyson or Makai Lemon. Considering the Jets have two second-round picks and two fourth-round picks, they have the ammo to facilitate a move up for a player they like.
Eagles and Potential Moves
At No. 23, Philadelphia is often being mocked to land either an offensive lineman, considering Lane Johnson’s eventual retirement, or a pass rusher, with Jaelan Phillips leaving in free agency. As a win-now team, the Eagles are a team that surely would find some value in a trade-up for a player they like.
Considering all the investing that the Eagles have done on the defensive side of the ball in recent drafts, they’re expected to eye an offensive lineman, or potentially even a wide receiver or tight end in the first round. In order to land players like Monroe Freeling, Olaivaega Ioane, Kadyn Proctor or Kenyon Sadiq, however, they may have to move up from No. 23.
The teams in front of the Eagles may also be considering offensive linemen, and the draft’s group of elite receivers are expected to be gone by No. 23. Regardless of the position, including a pass rusher, Philadelphia is a team to watch in smaller trade-up scenarios, especially on draft day.
Howie Roseman has a growing history of draft-day trades. Last year, he moved up one pick to get Jihaad Campbell. In 2023, the Eagles moved up one pick to land Jalen Carter. Philadelphia isn’t shy about sacrificing a later-round pick to make sure it gets its desired player, and the 2026 NFL Draft may not be an exception.
Potential Moves for Ty Simpson
With Mendoza appearing set to go No. 1, the next quarterback expected to be taken is Alabama’s Ty Simpson – but the former Crimson Tide star has a fairly wide range of expected draft slots. Mocked anywhere from the mid-first round to the late-second, a realistic range for Simpson would be a quarterback-needy team taking a shot on him late in the first round.
Especially if Simpson isn’t taken by the Jets at No. 16 or the Steelers at No. 21, there’s a decent chance that one of those teams, or another such as the Cardinals, is willing to trade into the late-first round or early-second round to take him. The teams that own picks No. 22 to 32 don’t have a big need for a young quarterback – the Browns or Dolphins could theoretically add Simpson, but both teams have passers expected to start in 2026.
Because of that, keep an eye on trade-ups for Simpson. The Seahawks, at No. 32, have a history of trading out of the first round. That slot could make sense for Pittsburgh, with the Jets owning pick No. 33 to begin the second round, able to hypothetically consider Simpson once again, followed by the Cardinals.
If Simpson goes in the first round, there’s a good chance it will be because of a trade-up from one of the quarterback-hungry franchises willing to bet on his upside.
