The most recent big-time NFL trade went down on Tuesday morning, with the Miami Dolphins sending star WR Jaylen Waddle, along with a 4th-round pick, to the Denver Broncos for their 1st, 3rd, and 4th round selections. Another blockbuster, the deal gives Miami a second pick in the 1st round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and could have massive implications as to how Day 1 unfolds.
With the dust still settling and the draft continuing to inch closer, let's take a look at how the top of the draft board could unfold!
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza might not start right away, but Las Vegas' offseason moves have solidified that he's their pick, if it wasn't already obvious. Throwing out major contracts all over free agency, including a hefty price for All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum, the Raiders have taken care of some of the heavy lifting around the roster. The Heisman winner will enter an intriguing situation, and he has the tools to be their next franchise quarterback.
No. 2: New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
This pick has swayed back and forth between Arvell Reese and his Buckeye counterpart Sonny Styles, but the former seems like a better fit for New York. He's an elite defensive talent, with the all-around abilities to be a game wrecker from the moment he sets foot in the Jets' facility. Their front office could view his versatility and pass rush upside as too good to pass up, and, despite adding multiple edge rushers in free agency, take the Ohio State product at #2 to hopefully become the future of their defense.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals – Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
The popular pick for Arizona seems to be Hurricanes' offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, but there's definitely a chance that they invest their top pick on the defensive side of the ball. Rueben Bain Jr.'s prospect profile shows all of the potential to be a perennial 10+ sack defender, something that the Cardinals could absolutely use. He would provide an excellent pair with Josh Sweat and could immediately make their pass rush a formidable unit.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
This pick is just too fun not to put, especially after Tennessee's major offseason additions thus far. They got Cam Ward a reliable wideout in Wan'Dale Robinson, reworked the secondary, and brought some talent in the trenches. Jeremiyah Love would be a huge ceiling raiser in their backfield, and is arguably the top talent in the entire class. He could give the Titans a backfield duo for the foreseeable future and lay the foundation for a rebuilding offense.
No. 5: New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
New York added veteran Tremaine Edmunds through free agency, and Sonny Styles would form a linebacker room that could take their defense to the next level. The Ohio State product has a case for the best defensive prospect in the draft, and getting him at No. 5 would be fantastic value for the Giants. He's just so technically sound in all aspects of the game, and is as sure a defender as they come.
No. 6: Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Another pick that has seemingly been whittled down to a smaller group of choices, the Browns have almost exclusively been mocked as either a tackle or a receiver. Going with the latter here, Carnell Tate would give whatever quarterback they move forward with a consistent target on the outside. He could also help Jerry Jeudy reclaim some of his 2024 form by giving defenses another problem to deal with, helping to revamp their offensive identity.
No. 7: Washington Commanders – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
A run on receivers in the top half of the 1st round isn't seen as a highly probable outcome, but the increasing uncertainty surrounding Terry McLaurin's future with the team, as well as both Bain Jr. and Reese off the board, Makai Lemon could wind up heading to the nation's capital. In the short term, he could do some serious damage with Jayden Daniels, particularly in the red zone. Looking further down the line, if McLaurin does leave, he would create an in-house successor moving forward.
No. 8: New Orleans Saints – David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
If the Saints need one thing, it's a substantial insertion of talent into their pass rush. The departure of Cameron Jordan in free agency leaves their positional group thin and far from proven. David Bailey is one of the premier edge rushers available and would instantly become their top EDGE in the rotation. If he can come in and smoothly adapt to the NFL, they could have a longer-term piece to build around on their defensive front.
No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson put a sizeable dent into the Chiefs' secondary, and it is one that they need to quickly fill if they have any hope of contending in 2026. Jermod McCoy has one of, if not the most attractive skillsets of any cornerback entering the NFL this draft cycle. Not playing a single down in 2025 due to injury could do some damage to his stock, but the upside is real, and he's still worthy of being a premium addition and Top-10 selection.
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Another pick that has been highly popular among the draft community, Caleb Downs just makes too much sense for Cincinnati if he's there at 10. He can impact the game from multiple alignments as a scheme-fluid defender, his technique is very refined on all fronts, and he would plug a positional hole that the Bengals have tried (and failed) to get high-end production out of in recent years.
No. 11: Miami Dolphins – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The first of their now two selections on Day 1 of the draft, trading away Waddle and releasing Tyreek Hill, has left the Miami receiving room barren, and the extended draft capital they have acquired gives them the luxury to take Jordyn Tyson here. A big-bodied wideout with some big-time potential, the former Sun Devil would slot in as the top target for newly signed QB Malik Willis. A receiver with the chance to assume the production left behind by Hill and Waddle, he would more than warrant a pick this high.
No. 12: Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Dallas has a need in their secondary, and they could address it in a few different ways with their two 1st rounders. Mansoor Delane, with McCoy gone at this point, would be the best CB on the board at No.12, and has a proven pedigree to bring to the Cowboys' defense. A high-floor corner with some really impressive man coverage tools, he gives them a battle-tested defender who should be able to survive as a boundary corner from the jump.
No. 13: Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
A slide for Francis Mauigoa, who has been projected as high as No. 3 by major draft outlets, might not be the most likely result. With that being said, it's not out of the question. The Miami tackle could be a valuable rotational lineman for Los Angeles early in his career, or even force the issue and swiftly take over their starting right tackle job. For a team built to contend for a Super Bowl, adding some finishing touches to their offensive line would make them that much scarier.
No. 14: Baltimore Ravens – Spencer Fano, OT/OG, Utah
Spencer Fano played tackle at Utah, but his length deficiencies might cause a shift to guard in his future, a position Baltimore is lacking. His talent is undeniable, and the Ravens would be adding an impact lineman with the capability to start as a rookie. Having Linderbaum leave in free agency, the Utes' star could slide into pretty much any interior offensive line position; a luxury that could pay serious dividends.
No. 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Another Miami draftee, Ahkeem Mesidor has shown to be proficient as both a pass rusher and a run defender, making him a valuable defensive line prospect. Tampa Bay's defensive front was a point of emphasis going into the offseason, and they simply haven't done much to address the EDGE position. This pick gives them extra help in pass rush sets and continues their entire defensive overhaul.
No. 16: New York Jets (via IND) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Keep the wide receiver run coming! After investing in defense with their first pick, New York upgrades their WR corps with the ever-steady Omar Cooper Jr. Bringing in the national champion to work behind Garrett Wilson and form an improved supporting cast for Geno Smith's reunion would be a logical decision. He can line up as a Y or Z receiver and infuse their offensive scheme with more talent, which is never a bad move.
No. 17: Detroit Lions – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Monroe Freeling, like Mauigoa, could be picked much earlier than the late teens, but if he falls, this would be a slam-dunk pick for a Detroit team that just released longtime OT Taylor Decker. Freeling's athletic profile is highly impressive, and his developmental path could lead to the formation of a top tackle duo in football alongside Penei Sewell.
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman is a clean fit for a team facing a future without franchise legend Harrison Smith, and would bolster their secondary in a big way. He put up some stellar results at the NFL Combine, and the film matches the metrics. The Ducks' defender should be a player who can anchor the back end of a defense for years to come, and Minnesota would benefit heavily from adding him in the first round of the draft.
No. 19: Carolina Panthers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Let's have fun by giving Bryce Young one of the most eye-popping athletes in the draft with Kenyon Sadiq. His combine showing was historically impressive, and he has the upside to become one of the NFL's most dangerous receiving threats at tight end, and fast. Giving Young another target to work with, and one that can tear apart defenses at an elite level, could help unlock that next step in his development and take advantage of a weak NFC South.
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys (via GB) – Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
After trading away a pair of their interior defensive linemen in the last week, and with multiple 1st round picks to play with, the Cowboys restocking the position only makes sense. Caleb Banks is another athletic freak, possessing natural pass-rushing abilities to disrupt the pocket at a high rate. If he can avoid stacking up injuries, his skills would give Dallas an effective running mate next to Quinnen Williams and an overall force to their pass rush.
No. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
The Steelers' interior offensive line has been a constant stable of talent, and Olaivavega Ioane would help continue the trend of it being a strength. His pass blocking is an unquestionably elite trait, making him available as a plug-and-play starter on the line. He eats up defensive linemen with ease and makes for a steady prospect that might end up decently outperforming his eventual draft position.
No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers – Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
This would be a clear case of reaching for a prospect based on positional need, but, in the Chargers' case, it's a needed tradeoff. Their offensive line was as bad as it gets, with the interior being the main cause for concern. Chase Bisontis is no slouch and is certainly capable of working his way into Day 1 of the draft. If Los Angeles decides they can't wait until later in the draft to improve the position, the Aggie lineman could be where their thought process takes them.
No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Perennial All-Pro Lane Johnson has made it clear that his future in the NFL isn't very long, and a plan for his absence will need to be put in place soon. General Manager Howie Roseman has always been one to jump on problems before they arise, and this may be no different. Kadyn Proctor needs some work to be fully ready to face NFL pass rushers in heavy doses, and this would be a landing spot where he can do exactly that.
No. 24: Cleveland Browns (via JAX) – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
After attacking receiver earlier in Round 1, the next rational step is to work on the trenches with their other top pick. Using the selection they received from Jacksonville as a part of the Travis Hunter trade in last year's draft, I have them taking Clemson's Blake Miller. An experienced outside blocker, he could play his way into earning a starting job as the team's right tackle entering 2026, giving him the opportunity to learn and grow with the rest of the young roster.
No. 25: Chicago Bears – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Bears will be without Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard moving into next season, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is more than a serviceable replacement. They can't afford to leave the safety room as is, and the Toledo product is one of the most productive safeties out there. He can be a dual-threat weapon as a coverage defender and run stopper, which would give Chicago a talented defensive back to join their quest for NFC North dominance.
No. 26: Buffalo Bills: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Drafting T.J. Parker, wherever he gets taken, is betting on his traits developing quickly. There are issues with his current state as a player, but the flashes of what he can be are just as plentiful. Stepping up their pass rush production might be near the top of Buffalo's offseason plans, which was evident when they gave Bradley Chubb a 3-year contract earlier in free agency. This move would add another body to their EDGE group, and one who could build off of a strong pre-draft process and become a dependable pass rusher.
No. 27: San Francisco 49ers – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
This could be a reactionary pick to the increase in rumors swirling about a possible Trent Williams divorce on the horizon, but finding someone to slide in after he leaves, whenever that is, is essential to their future success. Caleb Lomu can be a swing tackle for San Francisco, and, depending on how the Williams situation progresses, might end up seeing the field early and often.
No. 28: Houston Texans – Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
Houston is an interesting case; a team whose offensive line is virtually never the same from year-to-year, despite having some impressive talent from time to time. There are plenty of offensive linemen who could end up being picked anywhere from late Day 1 through the middle of Day 2, with Emmanuel Pregnon squarely in the mix. The Texans added Wyatt Teller as a free agent acquisition, but that's much more of a patchwork solution than a full-on fix. Pregnon is a caliber of player who can be useful for a handful of years, making the fit here obvious.
No. 29: Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy haven't quite worked out for Kansas City, for a few different reasons, and KC Concepcion could be their next attempt at taking a receiver highly. He offers some of the best pure YAC ability in the class and would make for an exciting weapon in the Chiefs' offense. Whenever Patrick Mahomes comes back from injury, he might be able to make Concepcion into a receiver capable of picking apart a defense.
No. 30: Miami Dolphins (via DEN) – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Back on the clock with the pick they received from Denver in the Waddle deal, I have them flipping to the defensive side and making a splash in the secondary. Another SEC cornerback taken in the 1st round, there just isn't a lot of pedigree among the current Miami cornerbacks. Colton Hood would possibly be their best CB as a rookie, and he can do a lot of things at a high level on the football field.
No. 31: New England Patriots – Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
The structure for Zion Young is there as a prospect, and the Patriots may look at him as someone they can mold into a valuable defensive asset. He has the skills to be a pass-rush weapon, which is exactly what New England needs on defense. His effort and violent play alone can result in a decent amount of sack production, and if he can tap into more of his impressive frame,
No. 32: Seattle Seahawks – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Cornerback is one position that the defending champs need to reload, and Avieon Terrell is simply the best one available at this point. Losing multiple starters leaves them in a position to address the need at the tail end of the 1st round, with Terrell being a scheme fit and generally solid coverage defender. He'd be able to work next to Josh Jobe on the outside and be the next young corner to thrive in Seattle.