2026 NFL Draft: Thin Class, Big Trades

0:00On April 22nd, the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Round 1 on April 23rd in Pittsburgh, and trades are always part of the game, with team swapping picks like crazy. Recently, the Giants sent Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for a top 10 selection, and now six squads, the Browns, Chiefs. Cowboys, dolphins, and jets hold multiple first rounders. But this class feels thin overall, which might cool down the usual frenzy. Standout names include Ohio State's Arvel Reese, a fluid linebacker with star potential on the edge. Notre Dame's Jeremiah Love, a Heisman finalist. Running back with breakaway speed and crazy moves, and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who's drawn praise for his shotgun work but faces. Questions under center. Other Ohio State's does, like sunny styles and Caleb Downs, add defensive juice while edge rushers in corners round out the intrigue. Fans and analysts are buzzing about the Arizona Cardinals at pick three.

1:03They need a quarterback and have smoke around trading up or down, just. Like GM Monty, Austin Ford did three years back. Links to Love don't fit perfectly with their running back death, but it could bait someone to jump them. The actions highlight how teams weigh proven bets over draft risks in this weaker pool. Meanwhile, the jets with picks at second, 16th, 33rd, and 44th could move around freely. Giants hold two top tens for. Flexibility and Seahawks might deal from 32. Browns, Steelers, dolphins, Chiefs, Eagles, and Raiders are also wheeling, eyeing tackles, receivers, or secondary help without mortgaging the future. With 2027 looking stacked, think Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith, nobody's rushing big deals now, so expect steady action Thursday bud. Save the fireworks for later drafts as these teams build smart. Football news, powered by AI. This is NFL News Today. I'm Corey with The Story.