10 bold NFL Draft predictions, including Chiefs stealing a nightmare weapon

The NFL Draft is officially one week away, and with that, it’s time to make some bold predictions. These range from who the Titans take at No. 4 overall, to what position won’t see a player selected in the top 20, to even who ends up as the top specialist in the class.

10 bold NFL Draft predictions that could reshape the first round

Titans land Love

Despite ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggesting he’d be surprised if Tennessee takes Jeremiyah Love at No. 4 overall, this is a move that’s will happen. The Titans need to take pressure off Cam Ward, last year’s No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Love is arguably the most complete offensive weapon in the class. His ability to impact the game as a runner and receiver makes him exactly the type of player that can elevate a young quarterback immediately. Don’t be shocked if this ends up being the pick when Tennessee is on the clock.

Only two quarterbacks will go in the first two rounds

This is shaping up to be a thin quarterback class at the top. Fernando Mendoza is essentially locked in as the No. 1 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, and Ty Simpson is firmly in play to go late in the first round, with a trade-up from the Arizona Cardinals a realistic outcome. After those two, the board drops off a cliff. No other quarterback gets selected in the first or second round, marking the fewest QBs taken through the first two rounds since 2022. Teams simply don’t see another prospect worth forcing into that range.

The Chiefs take Makai Lemon with the ninth pick

This is the move Kansas City makes at No. 9. While there’s been steady buzz about the Chiefs targeting a defensive lineman or offensive tackle, they go in a different direction and take USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. He’s the clear top receiver on my board and a legitimate No. 1 option from day one. Kansas City needs a dependable go-to target for Patrick Mahomes, and Lemon brings exactly that with his route running, reliability, and playmaking ability. This pick immediately raises the ceiling of the Chiefs’ offense and gives Mahomes the true alpha receiver they’ve been missing.

We will not see a defensive tackle drafted in the top 20 picks

For the first time since 2017, no defensive tackle comes off the board in the top 20 picks. While this class has solid depth, it lacks a true elite prospect worthy of a top-half first-round selection. Players like Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald are more likely to come off the board late in round one, but neither carries the kind of grade that pushes them into the top 20. Teams simply won’t force the position early, and the board plays out accordingly.

Florida kicker Trey Smack will be the top kicker or punter drafted

Special teams gets overlooked every draft cycle, but it still swings games when it matters most. This year, Florida kicker Trey Smack comes off the board first among kickers and punters, likely in the sixth round. After a rough opening week, he settled in and was nearly automatic the rest of the season, finishing 16-for-17 on field goals, including a perfect 4-for-4 from 50-plus yards. That combination of leg strength and reliability is exactly what pushes him ahead of the rest of the specialist class. He’s the first kicker teams trust enough to spend real draft capital on.

The Panthers add an elite tight end for Bryce Young

One of the biggest priorities for the Panthers in the 2026 NFL Draft is adding more weapons for quarterback Bryce Young, and they get it done here. After taking last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, Tetairoa McMillan with their first round pick, they come back and select the top tight end in the draft in Kenyon Sadiq. Sadiq is a matchup nightmare and a true vertical threat, giving Young another dynamic weapon and adding a completely new element to this offense.

Jordyn Tyson falls in the NFL Draft

In my latest NFL Draft Buzz, I highlighted why it wouldn’t be a shock if Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson slid all the way to the Buffalo Bills at No. 26 overall, and that’s exactly what happens in this prediction. The main reason for the drop is his long injury history and lingering questions about durability and overall toughness. When you combine that with a deep wide receiver group where there are about five players with similar grades, Tyson becomes the odd man out and slides further than expected.

The Rams take Iowa center Logan Jones 

Look for the Rams to use their third-round pick on Iowa center Logan Jones. This is a natural fit for both sides, with Los Angeles needing a center who can come in and compete with Coleman Shelton right away. Jones also fits the Rams’ identity schematically after playing in a similar system at Iowa. He brings the type of movement skills and athletic profile the Rams want at the center position, and he steps into a situation where he can push for early snaps.

North Dakota State’s Bryce Lance will be the first FCS player drafted

This looks like a two-man race for the first FCS player off the board between North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance and Stephen F. Austin cornerback Charles Demmings, both carrying third-round grades on my board. But Lance wins that battle. His combination of elite measurables and production separates him from the pack. At 6-foot-3 with 4.34 speed, he brings rare size-speed upside, and his production backs it up after being named a First Team FCS All-American and leading the FCS with 17 touchdown receptions in 2024. He’s the first FCS name called in the draft.

Vinny Anthony II will be Mr. Irrelevant 

The final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft and the winner of Mr. Irrelevant goes to Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony II. Anthony brings quickness and sharp route running, showing the ability to get in and out of breaks with ease. He also has the agility and hand-eye coordination to finish tough catches, traits that make him a late-round target teams won’t want to let slip completely through the cracks

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