After an absolutely wild trade deadline, four teams — the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Rams — now hold multiple first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. The implications of these trades will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the draft, scheduled for late April. While we still have a long wait until then, let’s take a closer look at how Round 1 might unfold.
If there’s a player in this draft reminiscent of Micah Parsons, it’s undoubtedly Arvell Reese, the dynamic junior from Ohio State. Showing remarkable versatility, Reese can play in the box, off the edge, or even in the slot in certain scenarios. His true do-it-all potential could make him a game-changer in the NFL. With five first-round picks over the next two years, the Jets have zero pressure to draft a quarterback here.
Rueben Bain Jr. has a strong case to be the top prospect in this draft class, although Reese’s performances have made him increasingly difficult to overlook. While Miami’s recent form hasn’t been ideal, Bain has accumulated impressive stats, including 23 tackles for loss and 13.0 sacks throughout his college career.
The Saints may consider a quarterback with their top pick, but focusing on the best player available could serve them better. Keldric Faulk, despite a somewhat average season (2.0 sacks, five tackles for loss), possesses immense potential. If he finishes the season strong, he could find himself in the No. 1 discussion, given his versatility and athleticism.
Spencer Fano has been my top-ranked offensive tackle throughout the season, and currently, he is the only offensive tackle I would confidently consider in the top five. His elite athleticism means he could excel at either tackle position, or even guard if necessary. With some exciting young talent already in place, the Giants are on the verge of making significant strides.
The Las Vegas Raiders are in an ideal position to draft their quarterback of the future while still having Geno Smith on the roster. This would allow them to transition their new passer into the NFL gradually. Fernando Mendoza has improved weekly, showcasing his athleticism as a more agile version of Jared Goff in Indiana’s offense.
The Bengals will likely have another chance to address their offensive line in this draft, and Francis Mauigoa, a starter since his true freshman year, could be a culture changer for this struggling unit. While they could also consider defensive backs or edge players, reinforcing the offensive line is crucial for Joe Burrow.
Among the quarterbacks in the 2026 draft class, Ty Simpson has demonstrated the most consistent processing ability, leading Alabama back into playoff contention after an early-season setback. Selecting Simpson at this point in the draft is justified, as he has the potential to emerge as QB1 by season’s end.
The Washington Commanders could opt for an edge player in Round 1, but Jayden Daniels requires a reliable No. 1 receiver to elevate the offense. Jordyn Tyson stands out as the most complete wide receiver in this draft, excelling in blocking and winning both aerial and underneath battles.
While Jeremiah Smith may be considered the top talent in college football, Carnell Tate has consistently reminded scouts of his capabilities. The big-bodied junior has displayed stretches of dominance this season, showcasing his star potential alongside former teammate Marvin Harrison Jr..
After their trade with the Jets, the Dallas Cowboys now boast an elite defensive interior featuring Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams. However, they still require more depth at the edge position. David Bailey, with 13 sacks and 55 pressures in just nine games, has been electrifying this season.
Jeremiyah Love has made history as the first running back in Notre Dame history to record two touchdown runs of over 90 yards. He possesses the versatility to be a true three-down weapon in the NFL, solidifying his position as the top running back in this class.
The Los Angeles Rams are positioned to make a significant impact in the 2026 draft, especially after a successful 2025 season. They can target a quarterback to eventually succeed Matthew Stafford, or opt for a tackle or a standout cornerback like Avieon Terrell, who has been a steady defender for Clemson.
On pure talent, Peter Woods is a top-10 prospect. However, his production hasn’t matched expectations from his earlier college years. If Woods can rebound and finish the season strong, he might flirt with the top five or become a steal for a team drafting in the teens.
Jermod McCoy is reminiscent of last year’s Will Johnson, who fell out of the first round due to injury but has since emerged as a first-round talent. If McCoy has a productive draft preparation, he is likely to secure a spot in Round 1.
The Chicago Bears under Ben Johnson have already made significant offensive strides, but they still need to bolster their offensive line. Adding an offensive tackle like Kadyn Proctor could provide a much-needed boost. A trade-up for a quarterback like Love is also a possibility if Chicago finds itself in this range.
Similar to Woods, T.J. Parker has the talent to be a top-10 prospect, but his performance this season has been inconsistent. The Baltimore Ravens need additional edge support, especially after trading Odafe Oweh, making Parker’s upside worth the investment.
Chris Bell has emerged as a legitimate star this season, showcasing explosive power at 6-2 and 220 pounds. His unique build and impressive speed make him a formidable weapon, as evidenced by his 30 contested catches throughout his college career.
The Pittsburgh Steelers might be in a situation where they draft a quarterback and provide him time to adjust, especially with Aaron Rodgers potentially having another season left. Dante Moore is young and inexperienced but possesses impressive poise and arm talent.
Having recently acquired edge rusher Keion White, the San Francisco 49ers should now focus on addressing their offensive tackle needs, particularly as Trent Williams approaches the end of his illustrious career.
Zion Young is a big-bodied edge defender with remarkable length and agility. At 6-5 and 260 pounds, he moves like a much lighter player. His unique traits make him a worthy investment early in the draft.
Another promising young defender from Oregon, A’Mauri Washington has been climbing the draft boards. At 6-3 and 330 pounds, his combination of quickness and strength allows him to fill multiple roles along the defensive front, and he has yet to reach his full potential.
The Detroit Lions may consider offensive line help in the first round, but finding a long-term solution to complement Aidan Hutchinson remains a priority. Matayo Uiagalelei possesses the ability to convert speed into power, making him an ideal fit for their defensive scheme.
This year's Georgia team embodies the relentless spirit that Kirby Smart instills in his players. Although this team may not have the most elite talent, CJ Allen stands out as a hyper-athletic and physical linebacker, serving as the heartbeat of their defense.
While wide receiver may not be a pressing need for the Seattle Seahawks, enhancing their edge rush is essential. Cashius Howell has demonstrated explosive potential with 10 sacks and 34 pressures in nine games, boasting a remarkable 24.7 percent win rate.
It may seem like a stretch to place Kenyon Sadiq as a top 15 prospect, but his exceptional athleticism makes him a fitting selection for the Kansas City Chiefs, especially with Travis Kelce nearing the end of his career.
It’s possible that Denzel Boston could be selected higher than this pick, given his impressive performances. As a big-bodied receiver who excels underneath, he has made significant contributions to Washington's offense, potentially becoming a key asset for Drake Maye.
The Dallas Cowboys may have lost Micah Parsons, but they remain well-positioned to enhance their defense through the draft. Mansoor Delane has been a standout performer for LSU this season, showcasing his potential as a cornerback.
While it’s challenging to determine LaNorris Sellers' exact draft position, another year of college could serve him well. However, he is undeniably the most physically gifted quarterback in this class, making him a draft-and-stash candidate for the Jets, who now have the flexibility to explore options.
Quincy Rhodes Jr. is a large edge defender with impressive length and explosive speed. Although he may still be developing, his high ceiling makes him an intriguing prospect after recording seven sacks and 24 run stops for Arkansas this season.
When KC Concepcion plays with consistency, he ranks among the most dangerous offensive weapons in college football. His explosive nature and ability to find open space would make him a valuable asset for the Buffalo Bills, enhancing their offensive capabilities, including special teams.
Thanks to a shrewd trade with the Falcons, the Los Angeles Rams are in a strong position for the 2026 draft. Isaiah World, at 6-8 and 309 pounds, is one of the most intriguing tackle prospects, having allowed only one sack and six pressures in his debut season at Oregon.
