2026 NFL draft: Newest intel, questions for 32 groups’ picks

We’re formally two weeks away from the beginning of the 2026 NFL draft, which kicks off with the primary spherical on April 23 in Pittsburgh. Rounds 2 and three will happen April 24, with the ultimate 4 rounds on April 25.

To prepare for the frenzy, we’ve got the most recent scoop for each staff. We requested every of our 32 NFL Nation reporters to reply one massive query centered on the mindset of the staff they cowl, then requested analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid to share what they’re listening to about every staff and which prospects may very well be good matches.

This is every part our specialists know, beginning with the staff with the primary choose of the draft — the Las Vegas Raiders — and going so as of every staff’s first choice.

Soar to a staff:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Picks: Nos. 1, 36, 67, 102, 117, 134, 175, 185, 208, 219

We all know who the Raiders will draft at No. 1. What’s the most effective strategy with the remaining picks to assist Fernando Mendoza?

The very best technique with the remaining 9 picks could be bolstering Mendoza’s help system. Despite the fact that the Raiders took two large receivers in final 12 months’s draft (Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech), it would not be shocking for them to seize one other cross catcher, particularly if Denzel Boston (Washington) falls to select No. 36. Reuniting Mendoza with Elijah Sarratt (Indiana) would even be very best, and a operating again on Day 3 may very well be a risk.

Defensively, Las Vegas wants to enhance its security depth and will draft a number of gamers there. Taking a defensive deal with reminiscent of Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) or Christen Miller (Georgia) within the second spherical can be sensible. — Ryan McFadden

What we’re listening to in regards to the Raiders’ draft: Choose No. 1 will not be a shock, however the place the Raiders go at No. 36 is a query a variety of NFL decision-makers are pondering. Primarily based on the intel I’ve gathered, it’s going to be a choose to help Mendoza. That may be a large receiver or a proper deal with, relying on who’s obtainable. Like Ryan talked about, Boston is a receiver who has been related to the staff. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 2, 16, 33, 44, 103, 140, 179, 228, 242

Fill within the clean: The Jets will draft a quarterback within the __ spherical.

Fourth. Regulate Drew Allar (Penn State), who lately had a non-public exercise on the Jets’ facility. He is a developmental prospect with nice measurement (6-foot-5, 228 kilos) and arm energy. After all, this turns into moot in the event that they choose Ty Simpson (Alabama) at Nos. 16 or 33. — Wealthy Cimini

What we’re listening to in regards to the Jets’ draft: With three picks inside the highest 33, the Jets will take a real best-player-available strategy, however do not be shocked in the event that they finish Spherical 1 with three picks … utilizing none of them on a QB. The Jets are anticipated to be aggressive in boosting their large receivers room, and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) is one participant they’re reported to be extraordinarily excessive on. They view him as a perfect complementary WR2 to Garrett Wilson. — Reid

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Matt Miller analyzes what the Jets may do with second choose

Matt Miller joins “The Wealthy Eisen Present” and analyzes Arvell Reese’s draft inventory and if he’ll be the Jets’ choose at No. 2.

Picks: Nos. 3, 34, 65, 104, 143, 183, 217

Arizona buying and selling again into Spherical 1 for Ty Simpson has been kicked round. May the Cardinals go that route?

It isn’t out of the realm of risk, but it surely’ll rely upon how a lot it’s going to price Arizona to get again into the primary spherical. Though GM Monti Ossenfort may be on the new seat and may very well be keen to attempt to win in any respect prices, the choice will come right down to proprietor Michael Bidwill. Arizona has appreciated Simpson for some time, a supply instructed ESPN within the fall. Including to the intrigue might be whether or not the Cardinals imagine Simpson is price buying and selling away a excessive draft choose as an alternative of ready till the 2027 draft, when a greater crop of quarterbacks might be popping out. — Josh Weinfuss

What we’re listening to in regards to the Cardinals’ draft: The Isaac Seumalo and Elijah Wilkinson signings have been seen leaguewide as placing Band-Aids on wants heading right into a draft that lacks high-end offensive line expertise worthy of the No. 3 choose. One supply predicted the Cardinals would commerce out of their authentic choose with a staff making an attempt to maneuver up for a cross rusher. One other stated Arizona ought to keep and choose both David Bailey (Texas Tech) or Arvell Reese (Ohio State), relying on whom the Jets choose at No. 2. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 4, 35, 66, 101, 142, 144, 184, 194, 225

Will the Titans take the leap and draft Jeremiyah Love at No. 4? What are you listening to?

It is very doable. The concept of including a playmaker who can assist Cam Ward and the offense rating extra factors is intriguing, particularly with Love being a three-down again who the Titans really feel matches the mildew of Lions operating again Jahmyr Gibbs.

However though Titans coach Robert Saleh has preached the significance of a powerful operating recreation for a younger quarterback, he is a defensive-minded coach who likes to rotate the line of defense. Tennessee wants an impactful edge rusher in that rotation, which makes David Bailey (Texas Tech) a horny possibility. One wild card to look out for is linebacker Sonny Types (Ohio State) due to the size, pace and playmaking skill he brings to a protection. — Turron Davenport

What we’re listening to in regards to the Titans’ draft: Even after signing Wan’Dale Robinson in free company, the Titans probably aren’t performed including cross catchers, however extra additions in all probability will not come till Spherical 3 or 4. Ted Hurst (Georgia State) has been often talked about when discussing the Titans’ receiver choices with sources. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 5, 37, 105, 145, 186, 192, 193

For example the Giants are on the clock at No. 5 and their prime choices at WR, OL, LB, CB and S are all there. Which route do they go?

The Giants’ largest want is true guard, the place they’re and not using a starter until they’ve full confidence in Daniel Faalele and/or Evan Neal, which appears almost inconceivable proper now. However would they actually draft a proper guard at No. 5, even when that participant might later slide out to deal with? As an alternative, the Giants might go the best-player-available route … however who could be the most effective participant at that spot, Ohio State security Caleb Downs or Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Types? If these are the alternatives, linebacker it’s. — Jordan Raanan

What we’re listening to in regards to the Giants’ draft: Speaking to league sources, the Giants would not be shy about drafting an off-ball linebacker at No. 5, making Types an actual risk at that spot as Jordan alluded to above. New coach John Harbaugh has all the time thought of the center linebacker spot to be vital, and Types matches the mildew of what Harbaugh has liked in gamers reminiscent of Roquan Smith. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 6, 24, 39, 70, 107, 146, 149, 206, 248

If the Browns do go WR/OL with their two first-round picks, as many analysts are predicting, which place is more likely to be focused first?

GM Andrew Berry has preached a best-player-available philosophy, so Cleveland is open to a number of approaches relying on how its draft board evolves. One fascinating dynamic is the Browns particularly needing a left deal with in a draft the place a lot of the prime tackles play the appropriate aspect. Berry’s feedback on the annual league assembly indicated that he would not typecast a deal with prospect primarily based on what aspect he performed in school. That might put gamers reminiscent of Francis Mauigoa (Miami) and Spencer Fano (Utah), who each lined up primarily at proper deal with, in consideration at No. 6. — Daniel Oyefusi

What we’re listening to in regards to the Browns’ draft: It is troublesome to foretell what Cleveland will do — see final 12 months’s commerce again from the No. 2 choose — however chatter across the league is that large receiver is in play at No. 6. Carnell Tate (Ohio State) is the title most frequently related to the Browns. It must be famous that some leaguewide sources imagine the Browns would commerce out from No. 6 to a staff like Dallas, which is making an attempt to maneuver up for a cross rusher. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 7, 71, 110, 147, 187, 209

What is the best-case state of affairs for the Commanders at No. 7?

A staff that’s keen to commerce up calls them, permitting the Commanders to recoup a Day 2 draft choose. Washington enters the draft with six picks however has solely two within the first three rounds to replenish a roster that badly wants youth. It is uncertain the Commanders will need to transfer again various spots — there are gamers they like who might assist them and might be obtainable within the prime 12. However with just one QB anticipated to be drafted within the prime 10, GM Adam Peters stated on the mix that it will likely be troublesome to entice any staff to maneuver up. — John Keim

What we’re listening to in regards to the Commanders’ draft: The Commanders have to be exact. Huge receiver and cornerback are two positions the staff is anticipated to deal with with its top-100 picks. And like John stated, Washington would not thoughts buying and selling again to seize an additional choose or two. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 8, 42, 73, 132, 136, 150, 172, 190

Give a share likelihood the Saints go WR at No. 8, and are you listening to something on who their WR1 may be?

Round 40%. WR stays a giant want, however the Saints have positioned themselves to have a look at just a few positions. Do not rule out cross rusher or different defensive positions after New Orleans signed a number of offensive free brokers. Huge receivers Makai Lemon (USC) or Carnell Tate (Ohio State) would make sense in Spherical 1. But when the Saints select to take a WR later within the draft as an alternative, second-year QB Tyler Shough already has made his case for Chris Bell, Shough’s former Louisville teammate. — Katherine Terrell

What we’re listening to in regards to the Saints’ draft: The Saints are open to the most effective participant obtainable at No. 8. But it surely should not come as a shock that they’d shortly add Tate if he is nonetheless obtainable at No. 8 and have him be a part of fellow Ohio State alumnus Chris Olave. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 9, 29, 40, 74, 109, 148, 169, 176, 210

What’s the most certainly place focus for the Chiefs at No. 9?

Coach Andy Reid and basic supervisor Brett Veach ought to focus on including to the Chiefs’ cross rush. Proper now, the Chiefs haven’t got a starter on the sting reverse George Karlaftis. By focusing on one of many prime defensive linemen, the Chiefs might assist take the burden off defensive deal with Chris Jones, who typically has to beat two offensive linemen to stress the opposing quarterback. — Nate Taylor

What we’re listening to in regards to the Chiefs’ draft: In speaking to sources each in Kansas Metropolis and across the league, there appears to be no robust indicator of the place the Chiefs will go together with both of their first-round picks. The Chiefs will see how the board falls and have wants at core positions reminiscent of offensive deal with, large receiver, edge rusher, defensive deal with and cornerback. A sizzling title to observe at nook is Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) … if he makes it to No. 9. — Miller

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Peter Schrager breaks down why he has Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson going ninth total to the Chiefs in his NFL mock draft.

Picks: Nos. 10, 41, 72, 110, 189, 199, 221, 226

What could be the most effective strategy for the Bengals to spice up their protection on this draft?

The Bengals want a Week 1 difference-maker with their first choose, and Cincinnati is in a fantastic spot to take one at No. 10. There are many immediate-starter choices, particularly within the secondary. If the board falls within the Bengals’ favor, that rookie might be a part of the large free agent additions (edge rusher Boye Mafe, security Bryan Cook dinner, defensive deal with Jonathan Allen) and the ascending gamers on rookie offers (cornerback Dax Hill, cornerback DJ Turner II, edge Myles Murphy). — Ben Child

What we’re listening to in regards to the Bengals’ draft: The Bengals are in prime place to deal with their cornerback want at No. 10. Mansoor Delane (LSU) and Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) sit atop the CB board, and it is probably one might be there when Cincinnati picks. After signing Mafe, it sounds just like the secondary is the staff’s Spherical 1 precedence. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 11, 30, 43, 75, 87, 90, 94, 130, 151, 227, 238

The Dolphins have seven picks within the prime 100. Are they extra probably to make use of all seven or bundle just a few to maneuver?

New basic supervisor Jon-Eric Sullivan has emphasised setting the staff up with younger, reasonably priced expertise because the Dolphins reshape the roster. Do not rule out a commerce, however Miami’s precedence is including as a lot expertise as doable. Relying on how the board falls, buying and selling down within the first spherical feels extra probably, particularly if it leads to a first-round choose swap and a minimum of one further top-100 choice. However including gamers on rookie contracts is an interesting choice to bolster the Dolphins’ skinny roster. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

What we’re listening to in regards to the Dolphins’ draft: I count on the Dolphins to be very lively all through the draft after stripping their roster to the studs this offseason. Sullivan comes from the Packers’ tree, and Inexperienced Bay has traditionally valued premium positions in Spherical 1 and cross catchers on Days 2 and three. I believe that pattern will proceed, as including linemen is probably going early. However with 11 picks, the Dolphins might get aggressive and transfer up the board for a prospect they actually covet. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 12, 20, 92, 112, 152, 177, 180, 218

Are the Cowboys undoubtedly going to go protection with each of their first-round picks?

Undoubtedly? With Jerry Jones? Nothing is particular. The Cowboys know they need to tackle the protection, and the easiest way to do this is with their two first-round picks. They have to discover a linebacker, cornerback and cross rusher on this draft. However the Cowboys had comparable defensive wants in 2020 and ended up with receiver CeeDee Lamb in Spherical 1. He was a top-10-graded participant on their board and an excessive amount of of a “blinking gentle” to cross up at No. 17. That is the one state of affairs the place the Cowboys go together with an offensive participant at both No. 12 or 20. — Todd Archer

What we’re listening to in regards to the Cowboys’ draft: Buying and selling up continues to be a risk, particularly if there is a participant they’ve excessive on their board who backslides a tad. Security Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) are believed to be gamers whom the Cowboys would maneuver for, as Dallas reportedly sees each as instant-impact recreation changers on protection. — Reid

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Picks: Nos. 13, 61, 93, 207, 232, 251, 252

With the Rams aggressively shoring up their secondary, which route will they go within the draft?

Rams basic supervisor Les Snead has stated the staff’s philosophy is to maintain main roster holes throughout free company, so it does not have to be as determined come the draft. By retooling their cornerbacks room, the Rams not have a obtrusive positional want. However given the shortage of depth at receiver behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, it might make sense for Los Angeles so as to add a cross catcher early. The Rams aren’t certain how for much longer quarterback Matthew Stafford will play, so it might make sense to offer him as many scoring threats as doable to maximise his remaining taking part in window. — Sarah Barshop

What we’re listening to in regards to the Rams’ draft: The Rams do not do top-30 visits or exercises, which makes it more durable to discern a draft route, however sources across the league have pointed at linebacker as an early-round goal. With receiver seeming like an apparent choose at No. 13, linebacker is the most certainly route in Spherical 2, particularly if Josiah Trotter (Missouri) is out there. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 14, 45, 80, 115, 154, 162, 173, 174, 211, 250, 253

Now that the Ravens nonetheless have their first-rounder, which route might they go at No. 14?

Offense is the Ravens’ probably route to enhance quarterback Lamar Jackson’s supporting solid. Inside offensive line is the most important want, however the Ravens have by no means chosen a guard or heart within the prime half of the primary spherical. There’s a robust risk of including a large receiver to pair with Zay Flowers; previously seven drafts, the Ravens have chosen three large receivers within the first spherical. Essentially the most intriguing choose could be tight finish Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) as a result of Baltimore’s prime pass-catching possibility at tight finish is Mark Andrews, who turns 31 at first of the upcoming season. — Jamison Hensley

What we’re listening to in regards to the Ravens’ draft: The Ravens have been related to 2 cross catchers in Sadiq and large receiver Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State). There may be a 50-50 shot of Sadiq being on the board at No. 14, however the concept of Tyson or Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) at large receiver to spice up the offense is sensible. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 15, 46, 77, 116, 155, 195, 229

Name your shot: What number of defensive gamers will the Buccaneers draft in April?

Edge rusher, inside linebacker and cornerback are wanted, and I would not be shocked to see them doubling up at nook once more. However the Buccaneers are additionally doing a variety of work on this 12 months’s tight finish class, have checked out a variety of inside offensive linemen for depth and wouldn’t cross up a best-player-available state of affairs at a non-need place. So, I might say as many as 5 defensive gamers might be chosen. — Jenna Laine

What we’re listening to in regards to the Buccaneers’ draft: Defensive finish and tight finish are two positions that the Bucs have keyed in on as Spherical 1 choices, with tight finish Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) being an actual risk at No. 15. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 17, 50, 118, 128, 157, 181, 205, 213, 222

Which place group do you suppose the Lions will give attention to early — offensive line or line of defense?

Line of defense. When free company opened, the Lions have been aggressive in revamping the offensive line by including Panthers heart Cade Mays, ex-Dolphins lineman Larry Borom and veteran guard Ben Bartch. So, it would not be shocking for Detroit to attempt to strengthen its line of defense early within the draft, significantly with a younger, promising participant to pair with Professional Bowler Aidan Hutchinson. That could be a prime precedence after shedding Al-Quadin Muhammad to the Buccaneers following his breakout 2025 season. — Eric Woodyard

What we’re listening to in regards to the Lions’ draft: The discharge of Taylor Decker prompted many to imagine Detroit would go offensive deal with in Spherical 1, however like Eric, I’ve heard the Lions are equally excessive on filling their edge rusher want. With solely two picks within the prime 117, the Lions must be anticipated to go deal with and edge rusher with these choices. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 18, 49, 82, 97, 163, 196, 234, 235, 244

How will the GM-less draft work for the Vikings? Who’s making the calls?

Interim basic supervisor Rob Brzezinski, elevated by house owners Zygi and Mark Wilf after the firing of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, stated this spring that he has the authority to interrupt ties and/or make last draft choices. It’s a extremely uncommon association, however Brzezinski stated he hopes to engender “full and complete collaboration” between the teaching and scouting staffs. Coach Kevin O’Connell may have important affect, however the Vikings have been team-building from a coaching-centric perspective for a lot of Adofo-Mensah’s tenure. — Kevin Seifert

What we’re listening to in regards to the Vikings’ draft: Security Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) is essentially the most mocked participant to Minnesota, and for good motive. Phrase is the entrance workplace views him as a seamless alternative for veteran Harrison Smith. The Vikings should hit at a better price on Day 2 picks, and with that in thoughts I’ve heard the staff will goal gamers with greater school manufacturing over potential or traits. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 19, 51, 83, 119, 158, 159, 200

What is the Panthers’ greatest technique early: Fortify the protection or get QB Bryce Younger extra assist?

GM Dan Morgan spent free company fortifying the protection however nonetheless might use an improve at security. Though there must be loads of safeties obtainable at No. 19, there may be temptation to enhance the expertise round Younger. That may very well be the play if the most effective TE within the draft, Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon), falls to Carolina. He might bolster Younger like large receiver and reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the 12 months Tetairoa McMillan did final season. — David Newton

What we’re listening to in regards to the Panthers’ draft: Including one other playmaker for Younger is considered as important when talking to sources near the Panthers. It’s actually doable that they draft a receiver in Spherical 1 for a 3rd consecutive 12 months. One other place to observe is tight finish. The staff is reportedly excessive on Oscar Delp (Georgia), who may very well be an possibility as early because the second spherical. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 21, 53, 76, 85, 99, 121, 135, 161, 216, 224, 230, 237

What are you listening to on the Steelers focusing on a QB in Spherical 1? Spherical 2 or 3? In any respect?

It appears unlikely the Steelers will use their first-round choose on a quarterback, however do not rule out a variety on Day 2 or Day 3, even when Aaron Rodgers returns. New head coach Mike McCarthy and the scouting workers have been doing their homework on a number of prospects within the quarterback class, together with Carson Beck (Miami), Drew Allar (Penn State) and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU). Each McCarthy and GM Omar Khan have been clear about their signal-caller want checklist: lengthy arms, massive fingers and a knack for thriving within the chilly climate. — Brooke Pryor

What we’re listening to in regards to the Steelers’ draft: The Steelers won’t have a clear-cut quarterback of the long run on the roster, however one inside supply stated that they will not be pressured to draft one this 12 months. That supply famous Pittsburgh will play the board first and that Will Howard, final 12 months’s sixth-round choose, has followers within the entrance workplace. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 22, 55, 86, 123, 204

If Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane is there at No. 22, can we assume the Chargers will run the draft card in?

It relies on who else is out there. By means of two drafts, GM Jon Hortiz has just about caught to drafting the most effective participant obtainable, even when the Chargers had seemingly stuffed that want (see: Joe Alt over Malik Nabers; Omarion Hampton over any offensive lineman). If Ioane is the highest participant on their board and obtainable at 22, he’ll be a Charger. In any other case, it might make for an additional considerably shocking choose. — Kris Rhim

What we’re listening to in regards to the Chargers’ draft: Sources inside and outdoors the Chargers’ scouting workers point out guard is the staff’s prime want, however they count on the staff to additionally use an early choose on an edge rusher. With solely 5 complete picks, cross rusher Gabe Jacas (Illinois) has been recognized as an possibility at No. 55. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 23, 54, 68, 98, 114, 137, 153, 178, 197

Will the Eagles use an early choose at WR, bracing for a post-June 1 commerce of A.J. Brown?

The Eagles view DeVonta Smith as a WR1 able to thriving with a bigger workload and added a few complementary veterans in Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore. That stated, the receiving corps would take an apparent hit if Brown is traded. However as a lot as ability place gamers have helped, the Eagles’ future of success has been largely predicated on the energy of their offensive and defensive traces.

The expectation right here is for them to proceed investing within the trenches on this draft, significantly after an injury-plagued season that ended with each proper deal with Lane Johnson and guard Landon Dickerson pondering retirement. The group has been disciplined in taking the most effective obtainable participant, but when it is shut, the tiebreaker will probably go to the large males. — Tim McManus

What we’re listening to in regards to the Eagles’ draft: Circle the Eagles as a staff that might get aggressive in buying and selling up for a receiver. Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) is a participant to observe, as he might nonetheless be on the board within the Nos. 17-20 vary. GM Howie Roseman is infamous for drafting replacements for veterans a 12 months prematurely. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 25, 57, 60, 89, 129, 239, 241

The Bears have not used a first-round choose on protection since 2018. Is that this the 12 months they appear that approach?

It has been even longer since Chicago drafted a cross rusher in Spherical 1 (Leonard Floyd, 2016) or a pure defensive finish (Shea McClellin, 2012). Each are main wants for Dennis Allen’s protection after the Bears centered on defensive deal with throughout free company. Relying on what number of edge rushers are off the board by the point Chicago picks at No. 25, deciding on a D-end is logical, however do not rule out an offensive lineman within the first spherical.

Ben Johnson additionally spoke candidly in regards to the “uncertainty” at left deal with amid Ozzy Trapilo’s ruptured patellar tendon, and the Bears have been lately at Alabama’s professional day getting an up-close have a look at Kadyn Proctor, one of many prime offensive tackles within the draft. — Courtney Cronin

What we’re listening to in regards to the Bears’ draft: After appropriately predicting the Bears would draft Colston Loveland final 12 months, I really feel much less assured within the particular person participant this time round however would wager No. 25 is used on a defensive lineman. Zion Younger (Missouri) is a well-liked title in Chicago, from what I’ve heard. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 26, 91, 126, 165, 168, 182, 220

Does the DJ Moore commerce imply the Payments can cross on WRs early within the draft?

Not fairly. Buying and selling for Moore offers the Payments flexibility to not have to deal with large receiver within the first spherical and prioritize different wants, but it surely doesn’t imply the place will not and should not be thought of early. Assist remains to be wanted from each a depth and expertise perspective, and president of soccer operations and basic supervisor Brandon Beane stated Buffalo remains to be open to a receiver within the first spherical. The Payments have a wide range of positions to deal with within the draft, and buying and selling away their second-round choose limits some choices, however an early receiver choose should not be dominated out. — Alaina Getzenberg

What we’re listening to in regards to the Payments’ draft: Huge receiver and linebacker are the 2 positions which have been closely linked to the Payments. Even after the acquisition of Moore, they’re on the lookout for true separators who can play a mess of spots in formations. On the linebacker entrance, one title to observe is Josiah Trotter (Missouri). He is a high-upside possibility who is usually a long-term contributor within the center. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 27, 58, 127, 133, 138, 139

How a lot does the Trent Williams contract state of affairs affect the 49ers’ draft plans?

Not as a lot as Williams’ age does. Williams might be 38 in July, and the Niners haven’t got an apparent long-term alternative on the roster. Deciding on a deal with within the first few rounds is an actual risk if there’s one with starter potential obtainable. It is price noting the Niners have drafted just one offensive deal with within the first spherical since Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch took over in 2017. The perfect prospect to be the second could be a participant who might push to begin at left guard instantly and finally transfer exterior. — Nick Wagoner

What we’re listening to in regards to the 49ers’ draft: In studying the tea leaves and speaking to folks across the league, the 49ers do not essentially view offensive deal with as a Spherical 1 precedence. As an alternative, they’ve been closely related to large receivers by groups when operating via mock draft workout routines. KC Concepcion (Texas A&M) is a reputation to observe. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 28, 38, 59, 69, 106, 141, 167, 243

The Texans should go heavy on offensive line on this draft, proper? Proper?

Houston does not have a alternative as a result of it wants long-term solutions at guard and heart. The Texans plan to draft offensive linemen to have younger, cost-effective expertise that may develop over time. The Texans have veteran starters in proper guard Ed Ingram, proper deal with Braden Smith and guard Wyatt Teller, however none of their offers stop Houston from changing them as early as this season if the rookies present immense promise. — DJ Bien-Aime

What we’re listening to in regards to the Texans’ draft: Regardless of their offensive line overhaul this offseason, the Texans are anticipated to proceed their aggressiveness in constructing that place group within the draft. Sort out Max Iheanachor (Arizona State) and guard Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) are names to circle as prospects on Day 1 and Day 2. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 31, 63, 95, 125, 131, 171, 191, 198, 202, 212, 247

The Pats are tied for essentially the most Day 3 picks within the NFL with eight. True or false, they are going to use these to maneuver up on Day 1 or Day 2.

True. Or a minimum of they are going to attempt to make this assertion true. The Patriots have two fourth-rounders and 4 sixth-rounders and, in response to some scouts, this 12 months’s draft shouldn’t be thought of as robust on Day 3 because it was in 2025. So, the Patriots are anticipated to discover the potential for utilizing a few of these Day 3 picks as chips in trades to raised place themselves for gamers they’re focusing on earlier within the draft. — Mike Reiss

What we’re listening to in regards to the Patriots’ draft: It is important for the Patriots to assault the offensive and defensive traces on this draft. Do not rule out a defensive deal with for New England within the first two rounds, because it desires to proceed to strengthen its rotation at that spot. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) is somebody to observe early, and Nick Barrett (South Carolina) is an inside defender to keep watch over in later rounds. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 32, 64, 96, 188

With solely 4 picks, do you see the Seahawks actively making an attempt to commerce down and accumulate draft capital?

Sure, however current historical past exhibits that it is simpler stated than performed. GM John Schneider has a observe document of buying and selling again within the first spherical or solely out of it, however he hasn’t performed so since 2019 — and never for lack of making an attempt. Within the 5 drafts since wherein it has had a first-round choose, Seattle has had discussions about transferring again earlier than finally staying put. So, though the staff probably might be eager about making greater than 4 choices, the appropriate deal should be there. I additionally do not get the sense that the Seahawks love this draft, which might mood their need to considerably add to their choose complete. — Brady Henderson

What we’re listening to in regards to the Seahawks’ draft: It is no secret the Seahawks need to add a operating again on this class, and I’ve heard Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas) has met with them within the run-up to the draft. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 47, 78, 113, 156, 214, 249, 254

The Colts haven’t got a first-round choose this 12 months (or subsequent 12 months). The place ought to they focus to reduce the affect of these losses?

It isn’t very best, however the lack of a first-round alternative feels manageable as a result of the main target of this draft must be constructing depth. Accidents buried the Colts final season, and the draft offers a possibility to pick backstops at positions like edge rusher, cornerback and offensive line. The Colts nonetheless want affect gamers on protection, however constructing depth is a extra affordable objective in 2026. — Stephen Holder

What we’re listening to in regards to the Colts’ draft: “I might be surprised in the event that they did not have linebacker on the prime of their precedence checklist within the second spherical,” is what one league supply instructed me when discussing the Colts. Jake Golday (Cincinnati) was talked about as a Spherical 2 choose. He matches the prototype and qualities that the staff has focused on the place in previous drafts. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 48, 79, 122, 215, 231

What can the Falcons do to maximise their 5 picks?

Don’t be shocked if the Falcons discover a technique to commerce down and even commerce a participant for extra picks. New basic supervisor Ian Cunningham has been very clear about his affinity for extra choices, noting that the Bears went from 5 picks to 10 in his first 12 months working for Chicago. Atlanta’s offseason has not been meat and potatoes, because it has constructed depth and elevated the staff’s ground with a watch towards future flexibility. Count on extra of that technique within the draft. — Marc Raimondi

What we’re listening to in regards to the Falcons’ draft: In talking to league sources related to Atlanta, one place that has been closely linked to the Falcons is defensive deal with. They’ve performed an intensive quantity of labor there, however one other place that routinely popped into dialog was large receiver. Even after including Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus this offseason, the Falcons desire a discipline stretcher sooner or later on Day 2. Bryce Lance (North Dakota State) was a reputation that stored developing. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 52, 84, 120, 160, 201, 236, 255

With a variety of misplaced manufacturing and no first-round choose, which place teams will the Packers give attention to early?

New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon wants assist at a number of positions, however chief amongst them is cornerback. And do not be shocked if the Packers choose multiple. GM Brian Gutekunst has by no means been afraid to double and even triple up at a place in the identical draft. The Packers nonetheless like Keisean Nixon, however they want one other equally — if no more — efficient participant to pair with him. The Packers might additionally use a defensive lineman or two who can play instantly. — Rob Demovsky

What we’re listening to in regards to the Packers’ draft: I am going to echo the cornerback speak. The Packers have been extensively related to the second tier of corners on this class for the reason that Senior Bowl. Chris Johnson (San Diego State) has loads of followers within the staff’s scouting division, from what I’ve heard. — Miller

Picks: Nos. 56, 81, 88, 100, 124, 164, 166, 203, 233, 240, 245

With no picks within the prime 50 spots however 11 choices total, do you see the Jaguars trying to transfer up?

Not going. GM James Gladstone has talked brazenly about liking to have a barrel of picks as a result of it affords flexibility to make strikes — not simply within the draft however throughout coaching camp and the season. It could take a giant bundle, maybe together with subsequent 12 months’s first-round choose, to maneuver again into Spherical 1. It must be for a participant at an affect place like edge rusher (one in all their prime wants), however this class is deep at that place. So, they might get one with one in all their second- or third-round picks. — Michael DiRocco

What we’re listening to in regards to the Jaguars’ draft: Per what the Rams did when he was there, Gladstone has not used top-30 visits in Jacksonville. I count on him and the Jaguars to proceed their pattern of selecting gamers who can play instantly. Defensive deal with and tight finish are two place teams Jacksonville is anticipated to focus on instantly on Day 2. — Reid

Picks: Nos. 62, 108, 111, 170, 246, 256, 257

The Broncos have only one choose earlier than Day 3. They should discover a starter at ____.

Tight finish. Maybe not the starter, given coach Sean Payton’s feedback about liking the group with Evan Engram (50 catches final season) and Adam Trautman returning, however Denver actually wants extra affect. The Broncos’ tight ends mixed for 3 touchdowns final season, and none of them averaged greater than 9.8 yards per reception. With no first-round choose after the Jaylen Waddle commerce, the Broncos have spent loads of time with tight ends on the predraft circuit, together with top-30 visits with Max Klare (Ohio State) and Justin Joly (NC State). — Jeff Legwold

What we’re listening to in regards to the Broncos’ draft: With just one choose inside the highest 100, the Broncos should be strategic about how they will fill wants on this draft. One place I’ve heard may very well be in play at No. 62 is offensive deal with, the place Garett Bolles will flip 34 years outdated and Mike McGlinchey is 31. — Miller