NFL Teams Predicted to Make Draft Day Trades in 2026

Flat draft class and lack of franchise-altering prospects could lead to a trade-heavy first round.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:54pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the 2026 NFL Draft process, with overlapping planes and shapes representing the unpredictable trade landscape.The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to feature a high volume of trades as teams navigate a compressed class lacking elite, franchise-changing prospects.Today in Detroit

The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to feature a high volume of trades, particularly in the first round, due to a compressed class lacking elite, franchise-changing prospects. Chiefs GM Brett Veach has noted the lack of blue-chip players, leading to closely graded talent across premium positions like quarterback, offensive tackle, and edge rusher. This could prompt teams like the Raiders, Giants, and Chiefs to trade down to acquire additional draft capital, while late first-round contenders may move up to secure their top tackle or edge rusher before the tier dissipates.

Why it matters

The 2026 NFL Draft class is considered one of the weakest in recent memory, lacking the type of elite, can't-miss prospects that often anchor the top of the draft. This could lead to a more unpredictable and trade-heavy first round as teams look to maximize value and address needs.

The details

According to the report, the Raiders are expected to strongly consider trading down from the No. 1 overall pick, as they view quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the top QB but believe they can still land him at No. 2 or No. 3. The Giants, who only have a couple top-100 picks, are also seen as a prime trade-down candidate at No. 5 if the board doesn't fall their way. The Chiefs, picking in the top 10 for the first time in years, could also trade down from No. 9 if their top tackle or edge targets are off the board, though they may stand pat if a premium player slides to them. Additionally, a late first-round team is predicted to trade up to secure an offensive tackle or edge rusher before the tier is depleted.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has noted the lack of elite prospects in the 2026 draft class.

Fernando Mendoza

A quarterback prospect expected to be among the top selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Will Anderson Jr.

A highly touted edge rusher prospect who was a blue-chip outlier in a recent draft class, unlike the 2026 prospects.

Myles Garrett

Another elite edge rusher prospect who was a standout in a previous draft class, unlike the 2026 prospects.

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What they’re saying

“Grades are close across premium positions, and the draft lacks franchise guys or blue-chip outliers like Will Anderson Jr. or Myles Garrett.”

— Brett Veach, Chiefs GM

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft order and team needs will become clearer as the 2025 NFL season progresses, which could further shape the trade landscape leading up to draft day.

The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Draft class is considered one of the weakest in recent memory, lacking the type of elite, can't-miss prospects that often anchor the top of the draft. This could lead to a more unpredictable and trade-heavy first round as teams look to maximize value and address needs.